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 By Farman Aydin The weeks-long protests under the leadership of cleric Bagrat Galstanyan have already gathered many supporters. For example, the meeting held today in Yerevan under the name of Ararat Union Forum, attended by political figures, representatives of the clergy, experts, heads of regional branches of the Union of Armenians of Russia from Kamchatka, Novosibirsk, Buryatia to Krasnodar, Stavropol, Udmurtia, Samara and dozens of other regions of Russia. Ara Abrahamyan, head of the Union of Armenians of Russia, was among them. Ara Abrahamyan has been in this position since 2000, and he is one of the persons closely involved in solving the problems of some persons being popular in the criminal world. He also closely supports the Armenian community in Russia to stand up against the current government. Today's meeting in Yerevan was like Nikol Pashinyan's trial. Only Pashinyan was missing from the dock. The opinions expressed at the meeting were completely aimed at Nikol Pashinyan. Thus, acting as a leading person, Abrahamyan brought the processes to the attention of the participants one by one, starting from the years when Pashinyan came to power. He accused the Prime Minister of turning his back on those who voted for Pashinyan in 2018 and 2021 and not fulfilling his promises. Ara Abrahamyan seemed to imitate the previous mistakes of some separatist elements, who are receiving education in Baku prison today. He often tried to make himself a hero by using the term "artsakh". "We lost not only Artsakh" but also the back of Armenia, says Abrahamyan, looking bitterly at former Armenian Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan who was also attending the event. Seyran, the Azerbaijani-born Armenian general, is the one who once separated the once-occupied Garabagh from Azerbaijan with a long barrier. Armenia did not imagine that Garabagh would one day return to Azerbaijan. They were so attached to the concept of Miatsum that they hypothetically imagined everything as their own. This stupid speech of Ara Abrahamyan reflects the point of view of the ignorant, radical Armenian society. They can't find a word to say in front of Azerbaijan and use only one chance to accuse - that is the current government. Pashinyan may not have fully understood the current realities until he came to power. He used to make ambitious speeches once braggingly saying that "artsakh is Armenia". 2020 was not only a year of hard lessons for Armenia, but also a turning point that determined the future of Armenia. Today, the opposition understands these realities very clearly, and they know very well that seizing power will not help them take back Garabagh. On the contrary, Ruben Vardanyan, who used to rely on his Russian citizenship, gave speeches in Garabagh feeling very self-satisfied. But where is he today? Ara Abrahamyan, hiding behind a Russian passport, freely accuses the country's prime minister and incites the people to adhere to the concept of Miatsum that was destroyed by Azerbaijan a long time ago. The exhausted Armenian society simply does not know what to do. But there is one thing they know - the peace treaty they will have to sign soon! Giorgia Meloni is planning to travel to China in coming weeks, following Italys decision to pull out of a controversial investment pact with Beijing, Azernews reports citing Bloomberg. We are working on a mission to China, the Italian prime minister said at her closing news conference at the Group of Seven summit in southern Italy. She added that while a date has not been set yet, the trip could be in coming weeks. Meloni pulled out of Chinese President Xi Jinpings Belt and Road Initiative at the end of last year, after becoming the only G-7 country to sign up to the global infrastructure pact aimed at expanding Chinas influence. She undid her predecessors move, which had drawn considerable ire from the US and its allies. Since exiting the accord, Melonis government has embarked on a charm offensive with China, a key destination of Italian exports. Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara plans to visit Great Britain in July 2024, Azernews reports that "Kyodo" agency reported on this. It was noted that discussions about the trip are currently underway. According to the publication, the visit should take place after the elections in Great Britain. It is likely that the Conservative Party will lose power in the country after the elections. As a result, the Japanese government expects to establish direct relations with the new British Cabinet, especially at the level of the heads of the defense ministries, as soon as possible. On May 22, Prime Minister of Great Britain Rishi Sunak announced that parliamentary elections will be held in the country on July 4. Polls currently show Labor as the favourite. Labor currently has an average lead of 25 percentage points over the Conservatives, who have been in power since 2010. By Nazrin Abdul For the first time in 32 years, residents of Shusha celebrated Eid al-Adha in their homeland, Azernews reports. The Food Security Agency, in collaboration with the special representative office of the President of Azerbaijan in Shusha and the Office of the State Reserve of the city of Shusha, organized a distribution of sacrificial animal meat in the courtyard of a new residential complex. The event was attended by Aydin Kerimov, the Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in Shusha, along with heads of various local bodies. The slaughter and sale of sacrificial animals were conducted under veterinary supervision in a modern mobile slaughter tent. Additionally, a mobile laboratory from the Azerbaijan Institute of Food Safety was operational in the area. The Food Security Agency, in partnership with relevant institutions, also organized the slaughter and sale of sacrificial animals for Eid al-Adha in the village of Agali in the Zangilan region and the village of Talish in the Agdara region, both recently liberated from occupation. For the first time, similar events were held in the Shusha, Fizuli, and Lachin regions. This year, the sale and slaughter of sacrificial animals were organized at 147 locations throughout the country. Turkey Attacked North Iraq Over 800 Times This Year Turkish warplanes bombarding Duhok province's mountainous areas on April 18, 2022. ( Rudaw) Turkish armed forces carried out over 800 attacks on the Kurdistan Region and Nineveh province so far in 2024, a conflict monitor told Rudaw on Sunday. Eight civilians were killed in the attacks. "Since the beginning of the year until June 2024, the Turkish army has carried out 833 attacks and bombardments on Kurdistan Region's territory, and eight civilians were killed in the attacks," Kamaran Osman, a member of Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT), a human rights organization that monitors Turkey's operations in the Kurdistan Region, told Rudaw. The Kurdistan Region's Duhok and Erbil provinces lead the charts in the number of attacks, with 365 and 356 areas respectively, followed by Sulaimani with 102 and the Yazidi heartland of Shingal in Nineveh province with 10 attacks, Osman said. Turkey frequently bombards the northern mountainous areas of the Kurdistan Region under the pretext of targeting Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) fighters nestled in the mountains. The PKK is a Kurdish group that has waged an armed insurgency against the Turkish state for decades in the struggle for greater Kurdish rights and is designated a terrorist organization by Ankara. Civilians are often caught in the crossfire of the conflict between Turkey and the PKK. Many families have been forced to flee their homes in the Kurdistan Region's villages because of clashes, especially those in northern Duhok province near the border with Turkey, leaving entire villages empty. A Kurdistan Region parliamentary report published in 2020 said that the Turkey-PKK conflict has left over 500 villages empty across the Region. A total of 1,586 attacks were carried out by Ankara on the Kurdistan Region and Nineveh province in 2023, according to CPT data. Amid the wave of Chinese TV dramas going abroad, a string of smash hits at home has also gained popularity overseas, exemplified by The Minning Town. [Photo provided to China Daily] Ian Stevenson, a 62-year-old native of Gisborne in northern New Zealand, has been an avid follower of Chinese dramas, or C-dramas, for five years. Currently managing his accounting firm in Tauranga, Stevenson says that his preferred series is Princess Agents, a saga depicting the legendary journey of a slave who rises to become a female general amid the chaos during the Southern and Northern Dynasties (420-581). He says that the allure of this costume drama, which stars Zhao Liying and Lin Gengxin, lies in its meticulously woven blend of martial arts combat, poignant plot twists and captivating historical narratives set against an ancient, mystical backdrop. "My favorite genre is dramas set in ancient China with historical backgrounds and vivid depictions of conflicts," he explains further. Misha Lee, a 65-year-old South Korean chef who immigrated to New Zealand almost 27 years ago, is also a seasoned fan of Chinese dramas. Recalling her habit of closely following new Chinese dramas for over 30 years, Lee lists some of her favorite series, which have also been phenomenal hits in China. These titles include the 2017 series Eternal Love, which tells of a romance between a fox family's princess and a crowned prince from the Heavenly Palace; the 2019 costume drama Joy of Life, centered around a young man with a mysterious origin; and the 2022 ancient China-set Love like the Galaxy, depicting the love story of a young general and the estranged daughter of a high-ranking official. As an increasing number of domestic television programs journey overseas, a burgeoning wave of Chinese dramas has unfurled. Statistics from the National Radio and Television Administration, the country's top sector regulator, show that TV dramas are the most imported category, accounting for 80 percent of all Chinese visual and audio content distributed overseas in 2023, reaching a global audience in more than 200 countries and regions. "China has risen as a significant provider and producer in the global television drama market," says Zhu Xinmei, director of the International Communication Research Institute of the Development Research Center at the National Radio and Television Administration. In recent years, a new trend has surfaced. Certain meticulously crafted dramas designed to highlight China's accomplishments or commemorate specific historical moments have garnered popularity in foreign markets, despite the conventional challenge of such genres in making an impact overseas. As one of the most prominent examples, Minning Town, a 23-episode TV series depicting the efforts of locals in Xihaigu, Ningxia Hui autonomous region, to overcome poverty, has garnered attention through streaming on YouTube and broadcasts in over 50 countries and regions across Asia, Europe, Oceania and Africa. The series has been translated into multiple languages, including English, Russian, Indonesian and Arabic. Zhu says that the series has gained popularity in African and Middle Eastern countries where audiences have shown a keen interest in China's advanced agricultural technologies and effective methods for combating poverty. Other influential TV series overseas in this category include With You, an anthology series showcasing various individuals' battles against the COVID-19 pandemic, and Faith Makes Great, a collection of 40 stories chronicling the 100-year history of the Communist Party of China. Additionally, some popular dramas highlighting China's decades-long friendship with foreign countries have also captivated audiences on both sides. For instance, Welcome to Milele Village, inspired by the real-life stories of more than 30 Chinese medical teams dispatched to African countries, has garnered over 2 million views overseas. The drama received an award highlighting the friendship between China and Tanzania from Samia Suluhu Hassan, the president of Tanzania, in late August last year. "These excellent TV dramas embody distinctive Chinese values, showcase the striving spirit of the Chinese people, offer a fresh array of options for international audiences, and open new doors for Chinese dramas to reach global viewers," says Zhu. However, costume dramas, as one of the earliest genres to attract overseas audiences, such as the 1986 TV series Journey to the West, continue to be the most popular type of Chinese television drama in the international market. A report from the giant streamer Youku reveals that Chinese costume dramas have been translated into a total of 16 foreign languages, including English, Spanish and Arabic, and distributed on multiple Youku overseas platforms, reaching over 200 countries and regions from April 2022 to July 2023. You are here: Business Guests attend the opening ceremony of the China Brand Fair 2024 in Budapest, Hungary, June 13, 2024. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua) China Brand Fair 2024 kicked off here on Thursday. The three-day event featured more than 270 companies from ten Chinese provinces and cities, showcasing a diverse range of products. Gergely Fabian, state secretary for industrial policy and technology at Hungary's Ministry for National Economy, spoke about the longstanding economic ties between Hungary and China. "China's investment in Hungary has propelled innovation and growth across various sectors," he said. Fabian also drew attention to the strategic importance of Hungary as a gateway to the European Union, providing access to 450 million consumers. People take photos of the products on display at the China Brand Fair 2024 in Budapest, Hungary on June 13, 2024. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua) Chen Yiwei, minister counselor from the Chinese Embassy to Hungary, said this year's China Brand Fair will inject new momentum into Sino-Hungarian economic and trade cooperation. Erno Peto, president of Hungarian-Chinese Chamber of Economy, highlighted the presence of EU-certified intelligent electric vehicle (EV) chargers and smaller electronic cars at the fair. "This is the seventh time the China Brand Fair has been organized," Peto said, noting the substantial development in Chinese products. "This has become the biggest exhibition in Central Europe with the most extensive selection of Chinese brands." A man tries an electric motorbike on display at the China Brand Fair 2024 in Budapest, Hungary on June 13, 2024. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua) Antal Musz, a 44-year-old Hungarian entrepreneur, attended the fair primarily to find business partners. He added that he is interested in finding opportunities in manufacturing within the automotive and electronics sectors. In May this year, Chinese automaker Chery launched a new energy vehicle (NEV) with a driving range exceeding 2,000 kilometers, featuring some tires supplied by German tire manufacturer Continental AG. Since 2019, the two companies have worked in cooperation to explore the NEV market. Their partnership exemplifies the growing integration between Chinese and foreign companies in the NEV industry, encompassing production cooperation, stake acquisitions, and market expansion both domestically and internationally. Staffers from German tire manufacturer Continental AG and Chinese automaker Chery discuss the cooperation of new energy vehicle (NEV) tires in Wuhu, east China's Anhui Province, May 15, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Haiyue) These closer partnerships come as an increasing number of foreign companies in the industry seek to capitalize on the booming market. SHARING OPPORTUNITIES China has been the world's top NEV producer and seller for nine consecutive years. Data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers shows that in 2023, China's production and sales of NEVs exceeded 9.587 million units and 9.495 million units, respectively, both accounting for over 60 percent of the global total. A huge market, a complete industrial chain, continuous innovation, and supportive policies have driven Chinese and international partners to strengthen cooperation and share opportunities in the NEV industry. "The development of the NEV industry features innovation across industries and fields, as well as more open and inclusive international cooperation," said Tao Min, head of operation at Continental Tires (China) Co., Ltd., the first wholly-owned tire production base of Continental AG in China. China remains the most promising market for the global automotive industry, especially in the NEV market, Tao said. Continental Tires' partnerships extend to more than 10 Chinese automakers, including BYD and NIO. Its NEV tire output for this year is projected to grow by over 30 percent compared to 2023. The NEVs of Chery, which has about 230 foreign suppliers, have gained popularity both at home and abroad. During the first five months of this year, its NEV sales hit 135,861 units, up 168.9 percent year on year. Acknowledging China's burgeoning innovation in NEVs, Volkswagen has established deep ties with Chinese companies including electric vehicle maker XPENG and Horizon Robotics, an intelligent driving technologies provider. A drone photo taken on June 7, 2024 shows an exterior view of Volkswagen (Anhui) Automotive Company Limited in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province. (Xinhua/Guo Chen) "Through the partnership with XPENG, we are not only accelerating development times, but also boosting efficiency and optimizing cost structures," said Ralf Brandstatter, chairman and CEO of Volkswagen Group China. He added that the two sides are working closely to combine their strengths to bring smart products onto the road. Foreign automakers need China's advanced electrification technology to achieve the "in China, for the world" strategy while Chinese automakers and suppliers need to promote internationalization with foreign companies as a platform, said Gao Debu, a professor at Renmin University of China. Such deep cooperation is increasingly common in China's NEV sector. BMW has established partnerships with Chinese battery producer CATL and automaker Great Wall Motor. NEW COOPERATION MODEL A new cooperation model emerged two years ago when Ralf Lorenz from Volkswagen became the chief purchasing officer of Chinese battery maker Gotion High-tech, taking responsibility for industrial chain management. "This kind of stationed working mode can be said to be a brand-new attempt of the cooperation mode between Volkswagen and suppliers," Ralf said. This photo taken on July 2, 2021 shows a signing ceremony of strategic cooperation between Chinese battery maker Gotion High-tech and Volkswagen Group, in Wolfsburg, Germany. (Gotion High-tech/Handout via Xinhua) In 2020, Volkswagen Group (China) announced to invest 1.1 billion euros in Gotion High-tech to become its largest shareholder. Over the years, Volkswagen has sent three senior executives to Gotion High-tech and the two parties have formed a joint project team with over 100 employees. From mere suppliers to R&D and joint venture partners, Chinese and international companies are becoming more intertwined in the industrial chain than ever before. Industry insiders believe that deep integration can help further optimize the allocation of various production factors and promote the development of the global NEV industry. The establishment of Anhui Cummins, a joint venture between Chinese carmaker JAC Group and American engine manufacturer Cummins Inc., is a testament to the closer partnerships. This undated file photo shows a workshop of Anhui Cummins, a joint venture between Chinese carmaker JAC Group and American engine manufacturer Cummins Inc., in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province. (Anhui Cummins/Handout via Xinhua) With support from JAC, Cummins has enhanced its research and development capabilities in medium and light-duty engines, while JAC has increased vehicle exports by leveraging Cummins' global network. The two have also been jointly developing NEV-related products. "The establishment of the joint venture is more about recognizing the core values of both sides, with the ultimate purpose of achieving successes in the respective fields," said Rick Bai, general manager of Anhui Cummins Power Co., Ltd. SHARED FUTURE According to the International Energy Agency, the global demand for NEVs is expected to triple to 45 million units by 2030, while the demand for power batteries will quadruple to 3,500 GWh. Capitalizing on its technological and industrial chain advantages, China is attracting global NEV enterprises to establish subsidiaries in the country, thereby contributing to the building of a stable and efficient global industrial chain. This photo taken on May 13, 2024 shows an exterior view of the Volkswagen College of Hefei University in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province. (Xinhua/Guo Chen) In March, a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz Group China Ltd. and BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. was established in Beijing, with plans to build at least 1,000 supercharging stations across China by 2026. In May, Tesla broke ground on a mega factory in Shanghai to manufacture its energy storage batteries. Volkswagen has announced plans to launch at least 30 purely electric models in China by 2030. "In the future, our batteries produced in Europe will mainly supply European car companies including Volkswagen," said Wang Qisui, president of the China Business Segment of Gotion High-tech. This undated file photo shows a workshop of Chinese battery maker Gotion High-tech in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province. (Gotion High-tech/Handout via Xinhua) Wang added that the company may expand its collaboration with Volkswagen in the field of energy storage in the future, rolling out more new energy applications to contribute to global efforts towards carbon neutrality. The Straits Forum, which advocates inclusive and grassroots cross-Strait exchanges, is entering its 16th year with strong vitality despite the ups and downs of relations between the Chinese mainland and the Taiwan region. This year, the main conference is scheduled to commence on Saturday at the forum's primary venue in the coastal city of Xiamen, east China's Fujian Province. Approximately 50 events will be held across various cities in the province, which is situated just across the Strait from Taiwan. About 7,000 people from diverse backgrounds in Taiwan are expected to participate in the forum, including representatives of political parties, event co-sponsors, professionals in various industries, leaders of social organizations and members of religious circles. The first Straits Forum was held in 2009, a year that witnessed a series of breakthroughs in cross-Strait relations. That year, the regular consultation mechanism between the mainland's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) and the Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) began to take shape, with six agreements signed. In the same year, mainland companies began formally investing in Taiwan, and regular air services between the two sides were launched. Thus direct cross-Strait mail, transport and trade links were established in full. With booming economic cooperation and frequent interactions between authorities on both sides, the need of a smooth channel for people-to-people exchanges gave birth to the Straits Forum. Nearly 10,000 people attended the inaugural event, over 8,000 of whom were from Taiwan. But the rosy days of cross-Strait exchanges drew to a close when the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) took office in Taiwan in 2016. The DPP authorities rejected the 1992 Consensus -- a common political foundation for cross-Strait dialogue, and the ARATS-SEF consultation mechanism was suspended. Tensions and confrontations have since risen due to the DPP's separatist attempts for "Taiwan independence." Despite this altered political backdrop, the Straits Forum has persisted. More than 330,000 people from the mainland and Taiwan attended the forum over the last 15 years. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands were able to take part in forum events online or in person. Past forums have seen young people seeking career opportunities, martial arts enthusiasts exchanging training tips, disabled people sharing their personal stories, community workers meeting with their counterparts across the Strait and followers of various religions holding discussions. At these forums, a total of 139 preferential policies to boost cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation were announced, covering areas from air services and travel permits to employment and investment. "The Straits Forum is like a carnival for people across the Strait. We sit down, chat and bring our hearts closer to each other," said Wu Chia-ying, vice president of the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland. "It is an annual rendezvous that we are very much looking for." Abuja, Nigeria (PANA) African governments should accelerate plans to guarantee free quality education from preschool through secondary education before 2030, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Sunday on the African Union's Day of the African Child News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism. 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(Xinhua/Shen Hong) Senior official Wang Huning on Saturday stressed that China has the resolve, confidence and ability to shatter separatist attempts for "Taiwan independence" in any form. Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the statement while addressing the main conference of the 16th Straits Forum in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province. The speech made by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, in April has pointed out the direction for the development of cross-Strait relations and peace and stability in the Strait, Wang said. He called on people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to shoulder their historical and national responsibilities, firmly oppose "Taiwan independence" separatism and foreign interference, steadfastly safeguard the common homeland of the Chinese nation, promote peace and tranquility across the Strait, and work together to push cross-Strait relations back onto the right path. Separatists seeking "Taiwan independence" undermine peace and stability between the two sides of the Strait, harm the interests and well-being of people in Taiwan, and jeopardize national sovereignty and territorial integrity, Wang said, adding that their actions will push Taiwan to the brink of war and bring disaster to people on the island. He pledged that the mainland will continue enhancing the interests and well-being of the people of Taiwan, and welcome more of them to participate in cross-Strait exchange, cooperation and integrated development. He also expressed the hope that young people on both sides of the Strait will engage in more exchanges and interactions, develop mutual understanding, and work together to realize the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Sean Lien, vice chair of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT), said the KMT has always promoted cross-Strait exchange and cooperation, based on the common political foundation of upholding the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence." People on both sides of the Strait, all of whom are Chinese, should face challenges together and strive for peace and prosperity for future generations of the Chinese nation. Ahead of the conference, Wang met with guests from Taiwan who are attending the forum. Israel announces 'tactical pause' in Gaza military offensive The Israeli military said that it will conduct a daily "tactical pause" in its activities in the south of the Gaza Strip to allow more aid deliveries. The pause "will take place from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. every day until further notice along the road that leads from the Kerem Shalom Crossing to the Salah al-Din Road and then further north," the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on X. The hiatus is intended to "increase the volume of humanitarian aid entering Gaza," the IDF added. The route runs south of the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where Israel's army is continuing its international operations. Israel deems Rafah the last stronghold of the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The Gaza war was triggered by the worst massacre in Israel's history, with more than 1,200 dead, carried out by terrorists from Hamas and other extremist groups in Israel on October 7 last year. According to the Hamas-controlled Health Authority, more than 37,000 people have been killed and more than 85,000 injured in the course of the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip. A pro-Palestinian student enters Stanford Stadium for the schools annual commencement Sunday. Thien-An Truong/Special to the Chronicle Graduating students enter Stanford Stadium in a Wacky Walk before commencement Sunday. Thien-An Truong/Special to the Chronicle Graduating student Evan hands out Palestinian flags before Stanford Universitys commencement ceremony. Thien-An Truong/Special to the Chronicle Graduating students Bryan Defjan, left, Mhar Tenorio and Jenny Shi line up for the Wacky Walk before Stanford Universitys commencement ceremony Sunday. Thien-An Truong/Special to the Chronicle A graduating student raises a handful of Palestinian flags outside Stanford Stadium before the universitys graduation ceremony. Thien-An Truong/Special to the Chronicle Graduating students Elsa Wilbur and Meghan Dontha line up for the Wacky Walk before the start of Stanford Universitys commencement ceremony. Thien-An Truong/Special to the Chronicle Graduating students go under a play parachute while entering Stanford Stadium in a Wacky Walk for commencement Sunday. Thien-An Truong/Special to the Chronicle Graduating students dressed up as cars enter Stanford Stadium in a Wacky Walk for commencement Sunday. Thien-An Truong/Special to the Chronicle Stanford University faculty walk in for the start of commencement Sunday. Thien-An Truong/Special to the Chronicle Stanford University closed a year marked by protests Sunday with a commencement ceremony for more than 5,400 graduates, but not without a final demonstration: About 500 students walked out in protest of the Israel-Hamas war, many of them waving small Palestinian flags in the air, and then held their own ceremony. The group left Stanford Stadium as President Richard Saller spoke of the schools challenging year. This morning we want to celebrate your achievements in spite of the troubled environment, Saller said during his address. He continued without a major pause as the students left the stadium, followed by deputies from the Santa Clara County Sheriffs Office. Some in the stands cheered the walkout the latest demonstration at a campus where a pro-Palestinian encampment was set up for more than 100 days and where 13 students were arrested after police said they entered Sallers office, extensively damaged an administration building and injured an officer. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The group Stanford Against Apartheid in Palestine encouraged students to walk out midway through the ceremony for what was called the Peoples Commencement, which was held near a field on campus. We invite graduates, friends, and family to walk out of the commencement into our alternative ceremony next to the stadium, to show support for divestment and honor Palestine this graduation weekend, the group posted on Instagram. The ceremony will include a poetic grounding, speeches from faculty and students, and a cap toss. Hundreds of Stanford University graduates walk out of their commencement ceremony in a pro-Palestinian demonstration Sunday. David Hernandez Stanfords commencement, which was livestreamed and open to graduates and invited guests, was part of a weekend-long celebration for graduates, family members, friends and members of the Stanford community. Tickets were required and security was beefed up for the event, and only eligible graduates could request them amid safety concerns after months of protests. Photo IDs were required of all adult attendees, and a clear bag policy was enforced. About 29,000 tickets were requested for Stanfords 133rd commencement, which awarded 1,838 bachelors, 2,575 masters and 1,003 doctoral degrees. International undergraduates from 80 countries received 176 degrees, while 1,301 advanced degrees were conferred to international students from 110 countries. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Like many campuses nationwide in recent months, Stanford has been the site of pro-Palestinian demonstrations and encampments protesting Israels war with Hamas. The protests have generated debates over free speech, with many students saying the heated atmosphere leaves them fearing for their safety. While the university supports and respects the peaceful expression of diverse viewpoints, we also have made clear throughout this winter and spring that there are time, place, and manner restrictions on speech, the university said in preparation for commencement. Graduating student Evan passes out Palestinian flags before Stanford Universitys commencement ceremony Sunday. Thien-An Truong/Special to the Chronicle Standing outside the stadium before the ceremony, a half-dozen students handed out small Palestinian flags to graduates as they walked by. Among the group passing out the flags was Evan, a 24-year-old graduate who declined to give his last name. He said he identifies as Jewish and received a masters degree in environmental engineering. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Were passing out flags because we want there to be a show of support inside for the Palestinian cause, he said. Wearing his cap and gown, he said he has felt mixed feelings about the graduation ceremony. On the one hand a lot of us put in the work to get this degree, to get here. Our families are very proud of us, he said. On the other hand it feels weird to be celebrating something thats heavy when theres a genocide happening. He then filed into the stadium for the ceremony. Pro-Palestinian graduating students enter Stanford Stadium for the schools annual commencement Sunday. Thien-An Truong/Special to the Chronicle In line with Stanford tradition, some undergraduate students filed into the stadium wearing wacky costumes hot dogs, dinosaurs, In-N-Out employees, cows, construction workers, Dalmatians, jack-o-lanterns. Others walked in waving small Palestinian flags. A few draped Palestinian flags over their backs. Advertisement Article continues below this ad One student walked in with a sign that read, Ceasefire now. Another sign read, Free Palestine. Stanford: Disclose & Divest!!! The students who left the commencement ceremony walked to a nearby field on campus. Free, free Palestine, they chanted. Joined by family and faculty members, the students held their own ceremony, with folding chairs and a podium set up near the field. Comparative literature professor David Palumbo-Liu and other speakers criticized the university for not disclosing or divesting its endowment funds from any companies that support the war. I applaud the fact that you walked out, he told the students. Palumbo-Liu acknowledged a group of 13 students who were arrested early this month after entering President Sallers office, who the professor said were unable to graduate as a result. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Peoples Commencement ended with several students moving their tassels to the left and throwing their caps in the air. Students wearing keffiyehs hand out Palestinian flags outside Stanford Stadium before the commencement ceremony. Thien-An Truong/Special to the Chronicle After the pop-up ceremony, Kyra Tigen, 23, who received a degree in the ethnic studies program, said she was surprised and inspired by the number of students who walked out of the official ceremony. It was really beautiful to get to leave the stadium on our own terms together, in community, with our convictions and our values at the forefront, Tigen said. She said she felt grateful for the alternative ceremony, which she said created a space to celebrate their graduation along with the complexity and grief many Palestinian students and supporters feel. I cant imagine having ended my time at Stanford any other way, Tigen said. For a lot of us it was hard to imagine graduating and celebrating in a time like this, but Im glad we found a way to be together that felt meaningful. Many universities nationwide have altered or curtailed commencement ceremonies this year in light of the demonstrations calling for a cease-fire in the war and divestment from Israel. UC Berkeleys commencement ceremony was disrupted last month by hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators who clustered in Memorial Stadium and chanted during speeches. Keynote speaker Melinda French Gates waves to the crowd ahead of Stanford Universitys commencement ceremony Sunday. Thien-An Truong/Special to the Chronicle Philanthropist and businesswoman Melinda French Gates, former co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, delivered Stanford commencements keynote address, encouraging graduates to build a web of deserved trust amid uncertainty in their lives and the world. Jennifer Gollan is an investigative reporter at the San Francisco Chronicle. She joined the Chronicle from the Center for Investigative Reporting, where she led national investigations that appeared in the Associated Press, the Guardian US and Politico Magazine. She also worked with PBS NewsHour and Al Jazeera Englishs Fault Lines on special television reports and documentaries. Her investigations have prompted sweeping changes in federal law that expanded the power of local and state police and prosecutors to crack down on abusers with illegal guns; congressional hearings and new legislation to thwart labor abuse in elder care homes; and a review by the Pentagon and federal legislation to protect workers building warships for the U.S. Navy. Projects she led have received various honors. In 2022, she received the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award and was nominated for an Emmy Award for When Abusers Keep Their Guns, an investigation that exposed how perpetrators often kill their partners with firearms they possess unlawfully. Her work has also earned a national Emmy Award, a Hillman Prize for web journalism, two Sigma Delta Chi Awards from the Society of Professional Journalists, a National Headliner Award, a Gracie Award and two Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing awards. David Hilliard, a founder of the Black Panthers Party, in 2016. Hilliard, who suffers from dementia, went viral for praising ex-President Donald Trump in an interview posted on TikTok. Hilliards grandson Eric Jones Jr., who believes his grandfather was unaware of what he was saying due to his cognitive issues, has been working to defend Hilliards civil rights legacy. Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle 2016 Former Black Panther Party Chief of Staff David Hilliard looks through memorabilia in 2014. Hilliard has experienced a cognitive decline over the last few years, according to his grandson Eric Jones Jr., who is trying to preserve his grandfathers legacy. Lacy Atkins/The Chronicle 2014 People often stop Eric Jones Jr. when hes walking around Oakland with his grandfather, David Hilliard, the former chief of staff of the Black Panther Party. Sometimes they approach with smiles and cameras in hand, eager to capture a moment with Hilliard. Other times, they simply want to engage him in conversation, unaware that Hilliards once sharp mind is clouded by the fog of dementia. Jones, who fills a caregiver role in the life of his grandfather, says hes more hesitant to allow strangers to do either now because of what happened earlier this month. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A now-deleted June 2 post on TikTok portrayed Hilliard as endorsing Donald Trump. Jones took swift action to clarify on social media and to news outlets that Hilliard has cognitive issues and would never support a divisive politician like Trump. But in the short-lived online drama lies a deeper, more poignant narrative worth unpacking. Its a story of love and guardianship, as Jones works to hold onto the pleasant memories of the grandfather who molded him, while shielding the vulnerable civil rights icon from the toxic climate of Americas political landscape. The relationship I have with my grandfather and his legacy with the Black Panther Party are two different discussions, Jones told me. What Ive been doing has been to protect my grandfather. Thats all this is about. The decadeslong systematic dismantling of the Black Panther Party by the U.S. government left the organization inactive by 1982, years before the 34-year-old Jones was born. So, his relationship with his maternal grandfather was more normal than most would realize, he told me. Advertisement Article continues below this ad He has clung to me ever since I was little, and a lot of things we did growing up, we did alone, Jones said. What we bonded over growing up were things like movies, great jazz, philosophy and books. Hilliards celebrity in the civil rights world wasnt something Jones said he thought about as a kid when his grandfather would take him to the movies or to eat. His grandfathers Black Panther past and the partys ideology of protesting against oppressors would only reveal itself when Jones would express an interest in philosophy. His grandfather would recommend reading authors like Friedrich Nietzsche, a German philosopher known for his strong criticism of European morality and religion. One of the books he suggested was Thus Spoke Zarathustra, which Jones said helped explain how to embrace knowledge and grow as a person. Hilliard would tell Jones to look into the critical sociology and philosophy research done by scholars at the Frankfurt School, also known as the Institute for Social Research, in Germany in the 1920s. His grandfather would also talk to him about Jean Genet, the French writer and activist who in the 1960s visited the U.S. to defend the civil rights movement and the Black Panther Party. When it comes to my grandfathers legacy, its one based on love: love of the people, love of the fight against oppression. He wants everyone to be able to realize and have their own power and be able to use that power for the betterment of society, Jones said. He has always been against bullies. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Theres no bigger bully in U.S. politics than Trump. The June 2 TikTok interview of his grandfather appeared on an account with pro-Trump content. The account belongs to Carol Mitchell, an author and former Bay Area journalist who lives in the same senior community as Hilliard. In the interview, Hilliard said Trump financially supported the Black Panther Party in the 1960s, which is something Trump did not do. Jones said his grandfathers cognitive decline really became pronounced around 2017. In a speech at West Valley College, a community college in Saratoga, posted on YouTube in 2015, Hilliard listed famous white financial backers of the Black Panther Party. The names included Hollywood elite like Jack Nicholson, Dennis Hopper, Jane Fonda, Shirley MacLaine and Warren Beatty. Trumps name was never mentioned. My grandfather doesnt do much these days besides watch TV. The media is constantly blasting Trumps name, and he started to add Trump to his script of those rich people helping, Jones said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Also in the interview on TikTok, Hilliard was asked why people might fear Trump being president again. Because Trump likes Africans in America. He likes Black folks. I think Trump is very qualified and decent, he responded. The interview quickly caught the attention of major conservative outlets like Newsweek and the Daily Caller. On X, formerly Twitter, the Leading Report account, which has 434,000 followers and a track record of spreading right-wing misinformation, shared the interview on June 4, with the misleading caption that Black Panthers founding member David Hilliard is backing Donald Trump for president. By the time Jones began scrambling to address the online drama, the post on X had racked up more than 2 million views. Over several restless days, Jones refuted the details of the interview on X in a video he made alongside his grandfather; he had Mitchell, who posted the interview, take it off TikTok; he successfully rallied people online to pressure X to post a community note (which adds important context to viral social media posts) to the Leading Reports post so people would know Hilliard did not endorse Trump, and Jones went on his own media blitz. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In outlets like Time and MSNBC, he kept his message consistent: His grandfather has cognitive issues and the Black Panther Party wouldnt have supported Trump, someone who proudly served as the countrys primary culture warrior during his presidency and allowed white supremacy culture to grow. Confronting someone over a viral post, contacting media outlets for interviews, trying to make his own response videos go viral none of these things were familiar to Jones. Yet, his swift actions turned the tide of coverage on his grandfathers comments. The headlines on Hilliards interview last week started playing a more factual tune saying Hilliard didnt actually endorse Trump. Leading Report on X made a follow-up post on June 5, that included Jones comment that his grandfather has cognitive issues. Since then, the original June 4 post had been viewed about 9 million more times as of Thursday, and the original post includes Xs community note linking to Jones response to the interview. Hilliards own public comments show he would never blindly throw his support behind a politician who isnt prioritizing the well-being of the marginalized. In a fiery interview on Face the Nation in 1969, Hilliard passionately defended the Black Panther Partys stance against those who posed a threat to the powerless and underserved, dubbing them as enemies of the people. Other Black Panther Party members reached out and let me know they appreciate how Ive protected and stood up for him and how Ive protected his legacy and made sure people cant tie any current political sphere into his legacy, Jones said. But what Jones said hes most proud of is how he has kept his grandfather from even realizing he did the interview or from hearing about the viral drama it stirred, which is something Jones said his grandfather would have done for him if the roles were reversed. Firefighters with Kenwood Fire Protection District hose a burning hillside while battling the Point Fire in Healdsburg, Calif., Sunday, June 16, 2024. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle A firefighting helicopter releases water while battling the Point Fire in Healdsburg. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle A firefighter with the Santa Rosa Fire Department douses water on a destroyed structure during the Point Fire in Healdsburg. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle A flareup along a ridge line during the Point Fire in Healdsburg. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle Inmate firefighters with Delta Conservation Camp construct a hand line during the Point Fire in Healdsburg. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle Motorists stop to watch a smoke column during the Point Fire in Healdsburg. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle A firefighter watches for advancing flames during the Post Fire in Gorman (Los Angeles County). Eric Thayer/Associated Press A helicopter drops water as fire crews mop up as the Post Fire sweeps through Lebec (Los Angeles County). Ryan Sun/Associated Press The Point Fire burns in Sonoma County, leading to evacuation orders. Cal Fire UPDATE: About 400 firefighters are fighting a fire in Sonoma County from the air and on ground. Go here for latest on the Point Fire, and updates on fires across California. Fast-moving wildfires in California swept across increasingly dry landscapes this weekend, prompting evacuation orders in Sonoma County and burning at least 15,000 acres statewide. Grasses that sprouted during spring rains are now drying out as summer heat descends, bringing heightened potential for fires and setting the stage for blazes to quickly spread. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The National Weather Service expanded red flag warnings throughout additional regions of California, with elevated fire weather conditions now expected to continue for the next several days. Here are all the fires burning in Northern California right now. Point Fire Fire crews in Sonoma County were battling the Point Fire, a vegetation fire near Lake Sonoma on Sunday that expanded to more than 1,000 acres within hours of erupting, according to the Cal Fire Sonoma-Lake-Napa unit. The fire began west of Geyserville at the southern tip of the lake, near Stewarts Point-Skaggs Springs Road, officials said. The fire was 15% contained as of 10 p.m., as crews from several jurisdictions attacked the blaze from the ground and from the air. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Sonoma County Sheriffs Office ordered several hundred people to evacuate Sunday, and several thousand more were warned that they may need to vacate their homes if the blaze continues to spread south. Some but not all of the 428 residents listed in population tallies as living closest to the fire were ordered to evacuate, said Cal Fire spokesperson Jason Clay. The evacuation orders were limited to residents living near Lake Sonoma at West Dry Creek, Fall Creek and Stewarts Point-Skaggs Springs roads. Another 4,400 people were under evacuation warnings as fire officials continued to evaluate the scope and scale of the blaze at nightfall, Clay said. The warning was issued for areas north of Mill Creek Road, south of Chemise Road, east of Wallace Creek Road and west of Dry Creek. Clay said fire crews were hopeful that the threat to surrounding buildings would diminish as night fell on the area and humidity levels rose. Firefighters on the ground were focusing on controlling the fires western perimeter, he said, while helicopter crews were expected to continue flying overnight. Some buildings were damaged, Clay said, but it was unclear how many or what types of structures they were. By 5:45 p.m., northwest winds were gusting up to 30 mph near the Point Fire but the relative humidity was slowly increasing to around 30%, giving fire crews hope that they could increase containment through the night. Numerous air quality sensors in Santa Rosa reached the unhealthy category Sunday evening. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its nerve-wracking the second you smell smoke, Healdsburg Mayor David Hagele said. The hair on your neck goes up. Given recent fires in the area, including 2017's Tubbs Fire and 2019's Kinkaid Fire, Hagele said many residents are accustomed to preparing for wildfire evacuations and staying updated on possible evacuations. But he still encouraged anyone living near the fire to sign up for Sonoma Countys emergency alerts and download the Watch Duty app to receive real-time updates. Be vigilant, be prepared, he said. The Healdsburg Unified School District canceled all summer school classes on Monday because of smoke from the blaze, power outages and evacuations. Excelsior Fire: A vegetation fire in Sacramento County exploded to 877 acres Sunday, threatening livestock and multiple buildings, according to the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District. Firefighters struggled to contain the blaze amid gusting winds that blew heavy smoke in the area, officials said. The fire, located about 12 miles east of downtown Sacramento, was 0% contained as of 3 p.m. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Sacramento County Sheriffs Office ordered evacuations for residents living within a one-mile radius of the intersection of Jackson Hwy. and Sunrise Blvd. Quartz Fire: The 16-acre El Dorado County blaze briefly forced the closure of Highway 49 south of Placerville on Sunday. Firefighters stopped the vegetation fires expansion around 2 p.m., officials with Cal Fires Amador-El Dorado unit said, and the highway reopened Sunday afternoon. Junes Fire: The 1,000-acre Butte County fire burning between Yuba City and Palermo erupted Saturday and was 70% contained as of Sunday afternoon, according to Cal Fires Butte unit. Evacuation orders and warnings were lifted Sunday for residents in the surrounding areas, where there were no reports of injuries or damages, officials said. The cause of the fire was under investigation, officials said. Rocky Fire: The 17-acre fire broke out Saturday on the eastern side of Lake Oroville, Butte County officials said. The flames continued to spread overnight, prompting evacuation orders that were reduced to warnings as firefighters contained the flames. Crews were expected to remain at the scene into Monday to control the small fire, which was 50% contained as of 3 p.m., Cal Fires Butte County unit said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Hernandez Fire: Firefighters with Cal Fires San Benito-Monterey unit battled the 600-acre fire that broke out Saturday afternoon near Pinnacles National Park in rural San Benito County. The fire was 25% contained as of Sunday afternoon. No buildings were threatened, fire officials said. The Lake County Sheriffs Office has arrested a 27-year-old man in the fentanyl death of a 17-year-old girl. Lake County Sheriffs Office A Lake County man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the overdose death of a teenage girl whom authorities said he provided fentanyl to. The Lake County Sheriffs Office spent months investigating the death of 17-year-old Illeanna Frease, who died Nov. 10 from an overdose related to fentanyl and alcohol, the agency said. Investigators eventually identified 27-year-old Lucerne resident Joe Boggs Jr. as the person suspected of providing fentanyl to Frease. The Lake County District Attorneys Office has decided to prosecute the case as a murder, the sheriffs office said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Authorities arrested Boggs on Thursday, and he was booked into Lake County Jail on bail of $1 million. With more than 10,000 people in California dying each year from drug overdoses, some law enforcement officials, including in San Francisco, have signaled a willingness to charge fentanyl dealers with murder if their sales can be traced to a fatal overdose. In 2022, Santa Clara Countys district attorney charged a 16-year-old with murder after the overdose death of a 12-year-old. And in April, a South Bay pair were charged with murder for allegedly providing drugs to the parents of a 18-month-old who died from a drug overdose. Boggs is the first person arrested in Lake County on suspicion of a fentanyl homicide, the sheriffs office said. Kehinde Wiley, shown in 2023 at the opening of his exhibition An Archaeology of Silence at the de Young Museum in San Francisco, faces sexual assault allegations that he has denied. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle 2023 At least two museums nationwide have declined to host an exhibition by Kehinde Wiley that originated at San Franciscos de Young Museum after the acclaimed artist faced sexual assault allegations. The Minneapolis Institute of Art considered hosting the traveling exhibition An Archaeology of Silence, which was at the de Young last year, but decided against it. The Perez Art Museum Miami also suspended its plans to open the exhibition, the New York Times reported. The Minneapolis institute said it had been considering taking the Kehinde Wiley exhibition, but as a result of these unfortunate allegations we will not be proceeding with this presentation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The exhibition shows Black subjects lying down in recumbent poses often associated with death and nobility in Western art. Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, which is composed of the de Young and Legion of Honor, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha this week postponed the September premiere of a different exhibition, called Kehinde Wiley: Omaha, according to the Flatwater Free Press. Wiley, a renowned artist most famous for his 2018 portrait of former President Barack Obama, has been accused by four men of sexual assault. He did not immediately respond to a request for comment via Instagram but has repeatedly denied the allegations. Wiley was first accused of sexual assault in a statement on Instagram by Ghanaian artist Joseph Awuah-Darko. In the May 19 post, he alleged Wiley assaulted him twice at an event in 2021. The first alleged incident involved groping, and the second alleged assault was more severe and violent, he said, but did not provide details. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Since then, three additional men have accused Wiley of sexual assault, including groping and rape, in social media statements this week. In a statement on Instagram, Terrell Armistead wrote that Wiley assaulted him in New York in 2010 and said he intended to take legal action in connection with other Wiley accusers. I categorically stand with Joseph Awuah-Darko, Nathaniel Lloyd Richards and Derrick Ingram, as well as all other survivors who have come forward to speak out against the pain cause(d) by Kehinde Wiley, Armistead wrote. In an Instagram post Tuesday, Wiley said he had a consensual encounter with Awuah-Darko and Ingram. He also shared screenshots that he said illustrated Awuah-Darko aggressively pursuing a relationship with me. What is clear is that my accusers wanted far more than I was willing to give them, Wiley wrote on Instagram. Does that give them the right to commit character assassination? No it does not. Wiley previously called the San Francisco Art Institute, where he obtained a bachelor of fine arts in 1999, and the city part of his artistic origins. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Gov. Gavin Newsom has removed one member and demoted the chairperson of a state workplace safety board who criticized his administrations handling of a proposed indoor heat protection rule this year. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle 2022 Gov. Gavin Newsom has removed one member and demoted the chairperson of a state workplace safety board who criticized his administrations handling of a proposed heat protection rule this year. The shake-up comes less than two weeks before the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board is expected to approve the rule, requiring businesses to shield their indoor workers from the risks of extreme heat. The state spent years developing the proposal, only for its approval to be further delayed in March when Newsoms administration withdrew its support the day before a scheduled vote over cost concerns. The two members who were recently reshuffled were among those most outspoken on the administrations last-minute move, which pushed back the rule so that it has not gone into effect in time for the first of this summers heat waves. Advertisement Article continues below this ad During the March meeting, board member Laura Stock called the action completely outrageous and said it undermines the board, while Chairperson Dave Thomas said the administration set us up. Thomas suggested taking a largely symbolic vote to pass the rule anyway, in a public rebuke of the administration. His motion passed, unanimously. Stock said she got a call last Friday from an appointments official in Newsoms office telling her she was off the board, effective immediately, with no explanation. It was very shocking. There was no indication that anything like this was planned, Stock told CalMatters of the call. I was simply told the governor decided to move in a different direction. Newsom also replaced Thomas as chairperson with board member Joseph Alioto, an antitrust attorney, the governors office confirmed. Thomas, president of a Northern California construction union, remains a board member. He did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Stock, a researcher and director of the Labor Occupational Health Program at UC Berkeley, held a seat reserved for workplace safety experts on the seven-member board since 2012. Her latest reappointment was in 2020, and expired last June. It is not uncommon for state board and commission members to serve for months on expired terms before the governors office reappoints or replaces them. Two other workplace safety board members a labor representative and an employers representative are also still serving on terms that expired last June. Alex Stack, a spokesperson for Newsom, wrote in an email that his office would not comment further on personnel matters. No replacement for Stock had been appointed as of Friday. Stock said she did not want to speculate on the reasons for her removal and said she was proud of her work on the board. The board passed what I consider groundbreaking, cutting-edge, essential regulations protecting workers from sometimes life-threatening hazards, she said. Gov. Gavin Newsom has removed one member and demoted the chairperson of a state workplace safety board who criticized his administrations handling of a proposed indoor heat protection rule this year. Michael Macor/The Chronicle 2017 But worker advocates said they are concerned about the removals. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Stephen Knight, executive director of the advocacy group Worksafe, praised Stock as one of the most experienced voices for worker health and safety and Thomas for leading the board through the COVID-19 pandemic. In those years, the board considered renewals of an emergency rule to reduce transmission of the virus in worksites, amid intense public backlash from proponents of reopening businesses. If the governor has a direction or vision for worker health and safety, its not one that hes articulated, and were all ears, Knight said. Were concerned about what these surprise removals may mean about the governors commitment to worker health and safety, and climate justice. Administration officials have said they pulled their support from the indoor heat rule in March after discovering the rule would cost state prisons billions more dollars than the workplace safety agency estimated. But it has so far refused to disclose its cost estimates and denied a CalMatters request for public records relating to the costs. The rule the board is scheduled to vote on Thursday is an amended version that exempts state prisons. San Francisco Mayor Dianne Feinstein walks through the encampment known as the Jungle near Seventh and Berry streets on Jan. 28, 1986. Feinstein ordered the shantytown, then the biggest homeless camp the city had seen, to be torn down and its residents moved to a hotel. Steve Ringman/The Chronicle Its an iconic moment captured in black and white: A smiling San Francisco Mayor Dianne Feinstein walking in heels and a suit through a sprawling homeless camp of hand-built shacks. One of her aides stares tight-lipped at the ground. The dozens of homeless people scattered behind her on the packed-dirt pathway look on curiously. There are no social workers in sight. No public works crews, no police officers. Feinsteins visit to the Jungle, as residents called the shantytown, took place on Jan. 28, 1986. The next day she ordered city crews to drive almost all of the two dozen-plus people at Seventh and Berry streets to free residential hotel rooms in the Tenderloin, where they were supported by counseling and health services. Within days, the first big modern-era homeless camp in San Francisco was bulldozed and trucked away. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It was one of the most successful relocations into supportive housing in the citys history, and it made solving homelessness seem simple. Nearly four decades later, as the U.S. Supreme Court readies a ruling on whether governments can remove homeless camps without notice or offer of aid, that 1986 event seems quaint. Huge shifts in economic and political conditions, housing scarcity and intensified drug addiction would make such a shantytown relocation nearly impossible today. And though sweeps were simpler to pull off then, encampments never got any easier to handle and have become a tough, hot-button problem. Today in San Francisco, when encampments are dismantled, fewer than half of those displaced take the offers of shelter or housing, city statistics show. There arent enough housing and shelter spots to take everyone off the streets even if they wanted to go. Advocates rail against sweeps, residents and businesses argue about fairness and quality of life, and government officials want the power to do whatever they believe serves the common good. In 1986, though, that maelstrom of argument and dug-in positioning wasnt a factor. The term homeless had only begun to seep into the national consciousness, and supportive housing as its known today was barely a concept. Advertisement Article continues below this ad During the Feinstein sweep, only two people refused offers of shelter. The rest of the shantytown population relocated to the seven-story Midori Hotel on Hyde Street. The camp, which had been on Seventh Street since 1981, consisted of dozens of hand-built shacks. It had an outdoor kitchen, shower and outhouse, and just like modern big encampments, it was crammed with shopping carts and boxes piled high with televisions, clothes, blankets, kitchen implements and everything else needed to run a small village. It even had a pet cemetery. The settlement kept growing as befuddled leaders and social-aid agencies tried desperately to get a grip on this new phenomenon of desperate people filling the streets across America. The federal governments decimation in that decade of housing and financial aid for the poor and working class, sparked with the 1980 election of President Ronald Reagan, had taken hold, and the initial technique of just offering a shelter cot and a sandwich wasnt working. What was needed was housing. Feinstein, who died last year, and the city brass had been setting up temporary shelters and two-week stays at hotel rooms while trying to find subsidized homes for people, but it wasnt getting them housed fast enough. The sweep worked. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Under Feinsteins edict, the dozens of people shepherded into the Midori Hotel bypassed the nascent shelter system in place at the time, got laser-like attention from social services as they moved in, and got to stay there for free for several years. And it all happened fast, officials from the time remember, because thats how Feinstein governed she often wielded power with iron, no argument. There were fewer people on the street back then, less bureaucracy, less political battling over homelessness and more easily available housing. Nobody expected the problem to metastasize as it has over the past 40 years. Dealing with that shantytown was a classic example of how Dianne worked, said Art Agnos, who was a social worker and in 1988 succeeded Feinstein as mayor. She got her hands right on the problem, and managed it until it was successful. Thats what we need to do today, but there are too many silos in all the departments now. And we dont have facilities for everyone who needs them. If Dianne tried to do today what she did with that shantytown back then, she wouldnt have places to put the mentally ill, drug addicts, alcoholics, the disabled. The system is clogged. Angela Arroyo, now living in New Mexico, is shown at 4 years old in 1986 when she was living with her parents at the San Francisco shantytown known as the Jungle. Mayor Dianne Feinstein ordered the encampment torn down in January of that year and the residents moved into the Midori Hotel. Arroyo says the move was a great improvement for her family. Provided by Angela Arroyo The Jungle may have been built out of scrap wood and cardboard, but to Angela Arroyo it was a bit of an oasis. She lived there with her parents when she was 4. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Wed lost our apartment when I was really small, then we stayed in our car, and then we moved to that shantytown around 1985 because it was a community, said Arroyo, who today lives in New Mexico, where she manages an animal hospital. My dad built us that shack. He couldnt hold a job because he had PTSD from being on the street, but hed done Sheetrock and carpentry work, so he knew what he was doing. Our house was the nicest one, Arroyo said. We had a bedroom king-size bed, and dad and mom and I all slept on it. We had a living room with a brown La-Z-Boy chair, other furniture and a TV wed power from a car battery. It was a big improvement from sleeping in the car. The outward calm that Feinstein and her aides saw that day was real, but behind the plywood doors things could get dicey. I dont remember a lot of drugs, but alcoholism was a major thing, Arroyo said. I remember the men sometimes abusing their women, slapping them around, getting drunk. But I was the only kid there, and they all treated me really well. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The worst thing I remember is the outhouse we all had. It smelled bad. And dumpster diving thats how we ate. But you dont know any better when youre that small and you run around with all this space. The Midori turned out to be a lifesaver, Arroyo said. I remember so well when they moved us to the hotel, she said. A truck took us to Glide church for a meal, then to the Midori, and my parents packed multicolored orange or red and blue duffel bags. We lived there for free for quite a while, and then the city gave us Section 8 (housing) vouchers and we moved into a condo. Angela Arroyo, now living in New Mexico, was a child living with her parents at the shantytown known as the Jungle in 1986 when San Francisco Mayor Dianne Feinstein ordered the encampment torn down and the residents moved into the Midori Hotel. Arroyo says the move was a great improvement for her family. Provided by Angela Arroyo My dad still couldnt work, but my mom worked as a home health aide. It was the first time I got my own room. There was a lot of misery back then in those days in the shantytown, but life got a lot better when we moved out of it. And the hotel was a lot better than living in a shack. The hard times became a cautionary example she never wanted to repeat, Arroyo said, and she and her family relished their stability after they were saved from the street. She grew up to become a veterinary technician and a successful manager, married with four children, and today lives in Pecos a tiny village where theres fresh mountain air and its safe. We got a new life because of that move the mayor had us all make, and I am still grateful for that, she said. Feinsteins simple solution worked because those were simpler days. There were only between 2,500 and 4,000 homeless people in the city every night in 1986 today, there are around 8,000, and as many as 20,000 over the course of a year. San Francisco spent about $30 million a year on homelessness, ran around 1,800 shelter beds and had few if any supportive housing complexes in 1986 today, the citys homelessness budget is over $650 million and it runs 17,000 beds of supportive housing and 3,800 shelter beds. And all of todays programs are parts of a huge ecosystem of bureaucracy, built up over the decades as San Francisco leaned into the problem from every front it could think of. There was no solid accounting of the influx of unhoused people in 1986 as the crisis grew, but today city officials estimate that for every homeless person who gets housed, four more hit the streets. With no specific city department owning the problem of homelessness in 1986, there was little red tape preventing Feinstein from forcefully saying do it, and little history of how to handle these things. So people were willing to just forge ahead. The drug epidemics that have hammered the street population, leading to todays fentanyl crisis, also hadnt set in. Until the mid-1980s, street indigents were often dismissed as winos on Skid Row before it became clear that many were simply priced out of housing or jobless. Randy Shaw has worked to alleviate homelessness in the city since 1980, and he distinctly remembers the shantytown relocation as a great boon for the campers but also as an anomaly. Snapped by one of the Chronicles legendary photographers, Steve Ringman, the picture of Feinstein walking through the huts, showing stark contrasts between power and poverty at a pivotal turning point in homelessness, is one of the greatest photos in the history of the San Francisco Chronicle, Shaw said. But why were these people rewarded with lifetime free rent when other people had to wait in shelters? It wasnt really fair. After he was elected, Agnos used the shantytowns clearance as part of his template for addressing homelessness, creating two big early versions of navigation center shelters aimed at routing people into housing and rehab. But over the years since he started his programs, the street population has continuously burgeoned beyond the capabilities of his or any other mayors system to eliminate. In 1986, though, the Feinstein approach was experimental. Which is another reason it worked. There was no precedent to criticize. The way the mayor handled the problem was, I thought, terrific, said Dr. David Werdegar. As head of the Department of Public Health under Feinstein, he was one of the key officials addressing the street crisis and helped clear the shantytown. It was early in the homeless saga. Increasingly, over time, it got more complicated, but we were able to do things back then, he said. If the mayor said so, it got done. And for this situation, this was a satisfactory resolution. His department supplied health care to the relocated residents, and the Department of Social Services connected people with job, substance-abuse and other counseling. The city was experimenting with placing homeless people into various hotel rooms at the time, but they could stay only a couple of weeks. By contrast, the shantytown crowd was granted an unlimited stay. The Tenderloin already had homeless people at that time, but this was the biggest camp like that wed ever seen in the city, he said. I remember that shantytown vividly, and we felt very bad about the fact that we were going to take it apart. It was fairly nice, actually a community. But there was probably no alternative. These shacks were put together out of discarded stuff. They needed a real place to live. Chronicle photos show Feinstein sitting down to visit with people in the shacks, and Werdegar remembered one in particular. There was one woman who stood outside her shanty and invited the mayor in, and bless her heart, the mayor went in and sat down on the bed there and listened to what this woman had to say, said Werdegar, now 93 years old and retired. That was pretty good of Feinstein to do that she showed very considerable compassion. The officials saw no open drug use, no alcohol, though substances were used there. Instead, they saw the trappings of a village. The woman thought the shantytown was paradise, he said. And I could see how she thought that. You get up in the morning, and the birds were singing. It was over by the railroad tracks but there was no traffic to deal with over there, nobody to bother them. I can imagine when you wake up it was nice and peaceful. The people who lived there had really turned it into a community. Dr. David Werdegar, director of public health, standing, and San Francisco Mayor Dianne Feinstein talk to Wendell Edwards in his shanty at the Jungle encampment on Jan. 28, 1986. Feinstein ordered the shantytown at Seventh and Berry streets to be torn down and its residents housed at a hotel. Steve Ringman/The Chronicle The shantytown sprouting where it did, in a mostly bare part of town, was no surprise. Where the Giants ballpark now sits, there were already a few people sleeping in abandoned, hollow industrial concrete blocks in the early 1980s. Others slept in stainless steel vats cut in half and left at a nearby closed-down brewery. In 2016, a shantytown of 20 people three blocks from that location, called Box City, was torn down by city officials. Going back even further to 1878, 150 men were rousted from the same area after building their Dumpville shantytown out of garbage. Shireen McSpadden, the executive director of the citys Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, will deal with whatever the U.S. Supreme Court decides while focused on shepherding people into housing and stability, she said. Looking back on the ease with which Feinsteins 1986 operation happened, she blames a lot of the difference between then and now on the growing chasm between the rich and the poor. People just cant afford rent thats the root of the problem, she said. That (the shantytown and Feinsteins time) was the beginning of the citys response, and weve continued to grow our ability since then, but weve also continued to see a growing influx. Back then there were more places you could rent, by yourself or with families together or roommates, but there are less of those and its less affordable now in cities like San Francisco. We dont really have those lower-rent properties we once had. Today the shantytowns spot on Seventh and Berry streets is fenced to keep people off the railroad tracks, and only the occasional tent is seen nearby. The Midori Hotel, however, looks just like it did then a tidy, 1928-vintage residential complex, housing formerly homeless people with on-site support services. Theres nobody left from the 1986 move-in, but a few are remembered. Oh, my, we had Ralph from that big move back then, and Karen, and a few others I think, but they all died or moved away a long time ago, said Deborah Smith, 68, whos lived there since 2001. They were nice people. They liked it here, and Id say its even better to live here today. They didnt really know what to do with us homeless people back then, she said. In 1983, 1985, I slept at a few shelters and there just werent that many of us. Then there were more, of course, later. A Southwest Airlines airplane flying within the Hawaiian islands suffered a dramatic plunge toward the sea in April, though it was ultimately able to pull back up. Kevin Carter/Getty Images A Southwest Airlines flight in April came within 400 feet of plunging into the ocean off the coast of Hawaii after a landing attempt that was aborted due to weather conditions, according to a Bloomberg news report. A company memo sent to Southwest pilots, obtained by Bloomberg, detailed the April 11 incident in which the Boeing 737 Max 8 dropped from almost 1,000 feet to 400 feet in a few seconds. The flight was from Honolulu to Lihue, Kauai; after the incident, the plane returned to Honolulu with no damage or any injuries to passengers. The less-experienced first officer inadvertently pushed forward on the control column while following movement of the thrust lever caused by the planes automatic throttle, Bloomberg reported. The pilot then cut the speed, causing the airplane to descend. After a warning sounded, the pilots were able to increase thrust and climb quickly. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The incident is being investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration, according to Bloomberg. Nothing is more important to Southwest than safety, the company said in a statement about the Hawaii flight. Through our robust Safety Management System, the event was addressed appropriately as we always strive for continuous improvement. The incident is reminiscent of a United Airlines flight from Maui to San Francisco in December 2022 that came within 775 feet from slamming into the ocean. The Boeing 777 experienced a sudden nosedive just 71 seconds after departing. It landed safely at San Francisco International Airport. Regulators found the incident stemmed from miscommunication between pilots. June 15, 2024: Ground forces have long been interested in obtaining more effective SHORAD (Short Range Air Defense) and, since the Ukraine War started, the targets now include small quadcopter and fixed wing UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles). These specialized SHORAD systems are called VSHORAD to indicate their effectiveness against low and slow targets like quadcopter and similar types of UAVs. An Israeli firm has come up with a VSHORAD system called Red Sky. Red Sky consists of several components and options. One key component is Redrone, a UAV detection system using radar, a SIGINT (Signals Intelligence) sensor to detect and identify signals guiding a UAV as well as an electro-optical sensor to visually identify a UAV target. If the identification is accurate, Redrone includes a signal jammer to disrupt the UAV control signal and cause the UAV to crash or land safely and be captured for reuse or examination. Red Skys weapons suite offers short-range anti-aircraft heat-seeking missiles like Stinger that can be used when conditions are appropriate. Red Sky also includes a vehicle-mounted 30mm autocannon turret that is only used when the Red Sky fire control system has identified a target that can be most efficiently destroyed using gunfire. The 30mm cannon fires 600 shells a minute. While the jammers provide 360 degree protection, the cannon has to swivel around to fire at and destroy a target. The fire control system is very effective at tracking the target accurately so the cannon can achieve kills using a minimum number of shells. Red Sky can also have a RWS (Remote Weapons Station) 7.62 or 12.7mm machine-gun to provide additional firepower against targets that have gotten very close, as in under 300 meters, to a Red Sky unit. Because of its extensive automation, Red Sky can be operated by a single user. For over a decade the U.S. Army has been looking for affordable ways to deal with the growing presence of enemy UAVs and armed helicopters on the battlefield. The solution turned out to be better, and more abundant, SHORAD. The army had developed a Stryker (8x8 wheeled IFV) variant called MSL (Maneuver SHORAD Launcher) that uses the proven Avenger missile sensor and missile launch system plus a 30mm air defense autocannon. MSL entered service in 2023. Before 2023 quicker but less effective solutions were considered. This included equipping 24 of the 90 M2 Bradley tracked IFVs (infantry fighting vehicles) in a mechanized brigade with Stinger anti-aircraft missiles that would replace the TOW missiles used by most M2s. The 90 M2s in a mechanized brigade are relatively easy to convert because most M2s come with a TOW capability (including a new fire control system that can more quickly and accurately spot distant targets). The M2 Stinger approach is quickly implemented, less expensive and serves to make opponents more wary of operating near American troops. Usually, the Stingers are fired (from the shoulder) by individual soldiers. Vehicle mounted Stingers provide improved effectiveness because the M2 has better sensors already. This is ITAS-FTL (Target Acquisition Systems and Far Target Location) which includes GPS, an optical sight with FLIR (forward-looking infrared) and a laser range finder. Thus the TOW or Stinger gunner always knows where he is and can use that information of he receives warning of hostile UAVs or helicopters in the area. This interest in SHORAD developed after 2008 when the U.S. military had to adapt to dealing with better equipped foes like Russia, China, Iran and even North Korea. All of these nations have UAVs while Russia and China have lots of armed helicopters. One of the more obvious changes was improving and using more SHORAD vehicles. SHORAD was a big deal during the Cold War but when the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991 SHORAD was no longer as essential and, for over a decade, not much SHORAD development took place and a lot of existing SHORAD systems were retired. The fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq involved fighting irregulars and the American military adapted. Yet even then the United States kept some SHORAD development going, mainly on the post-Cold War Avenger system. Avenger was basically a turret armed with 8 Stinger anti-aircraft missiles and an optical tracker together with an infra-red system. This turret was mounted on a Humvee but could just as easily be mounted on any light armored vehicle, or even the back of a truck. Avenger was later provided with the capability to get targeting data from nearby air defense radar systems. As a result of this effort, the American armed forces ended up with 700 M1097 Avenger vehicles. The U.S. Army had actually developed an M2 equipped with Avenger in the 1990s but never put it into service because, well, it would have nothing to do. Because of Avenger and variants like MSL and Stingers replacing TOW missiles on armored vehicles, the American military will have more SHORAD capability than anyone expected, especially the Russians. That was the case when some Avenger SHORAD systems began showing up in East Europe as American troops went there to train with new NATO members, some who share a border with Russia. During NATO exercises in Poland, American Avenger vehicles carried out live fire training. Avenger units were added to the American armored brigade sent to Poland for that purpose. There was a lot of enthusiasm for Avenger among NATO allies and that meant the U.S. Department of Defense could justify reviving work on the enhanced Avenger. This was based on the larger (three times heavier) and better protected Stryker 8x8 wheeled armored vehicle. This Avenger variant quickly evolved into MSL which was basically an upgraded Avenger air defense system put on the back of a Stryker. Compared to the old Avenger system mounted on a Humvee, the new one can use a multitude of different missiles like AIM 9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles and AGM-114 Hellfire II air-to-ground missiles adapted for use on ground vehicles. The Stinger has a max range of 8,000 meters while the AIM 9Xs is nearly twice that. Hellfire would be used against ground targets. Furthermore, it was now possible to mount a 30mm autocannon or even a laser to counter drones. Thanks to the Stryker 8x8 chassis the MSL systems had better off-road capability and protection than the smaller and older Humvee design. The Stinger armed M2s and Stryker MSL will serve not only as self-propelled air defense for moving army formations from enemy close air support aircraft or attack helicopters but also as an anti-tank system when using Hellfire missiles. The U.S. Army expects to have Stinger armed M2s in service as early as 2019 or 2020. Economics almost always determines the outcome 0f a war. This is the case in the Ukraine war where one of Russias vulnerabilities turns out to be its trading and banking relationships with China. The problem here is that Chinese trade with western nations, especially Europe and the United States, is far larger and more valuable than trade with Russia. China obtains 5.1 percent of its imports from Russia while Chinese sales to Russia account for only 3.3 percent of Chinese exports. Most Chinese exports and imports are with the United States and Europe. Western economic sanctions on Russia for the war hurt but its government and businesses had a lot of legal and illegal methods to keep the economy going despite the sanctions. Europeans and Americans noticed this and at the end of 2023 added financial institutions to the sanctions. This includes banks and the vital SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications) system that makes it possible for all member banks to transfer money across borders safely and efficiently. SWIFT is a vast messaging network used by financial institutions to quickly, accurately, and securely send and receive information, such as money transfer instructions. SWIFT doesnt hold assets or move money around, but instead provides a secure messaging system for 11,000 banks and other financial institutions worldwide so member banks can quickly settle payments made for buying or selling goods or services. Russia exports nearly 500 billion dollars worth of goods and services each year and imports about 200 billion of goods and services. With the sanctions on Russian use of SWIFT, their import/export activities began to collapse because there was no practical way to pay for imports or be paid for exports. SWIFT enables exporters and importers to quickly and easily make and receive payments. Without SWIFT you must deal with individual banks or find some other way to make and receive payments. The new sanctions prohibit SWIFT and banks, especially the ones that specialize in export/import transactions, from working with Russia. Few banks are willing to risk their access to the SWIFT system and normally import/report networks by violating the sanctions in continuing to work with Russia. Some Chinese banks tried to work out practical workarounds but gave up after a few months when they realized that they could be sanctioned and there were plenty of competing import/export banks willing and able to handle the business sanctioned banks could no longer service. Russia found ways to continue importing and exporting after the banking sanctions came into effect. Despite that, throughout the first half of 2024, Russia found itself encountering more and more obstacles in financing its foreign trade. Russia could always find independent banks and smuggling networks to handle some trade, but at greater expense, including the risk of trade goods or payments being seized. This has been the case since they invaded Ukraine in 2022, were promptly sanctioned and adapted as best they could. These new banking/SWIFT sanctions are the most damaging of all sanctions imposed on Russia, while over two years of the original sanctions have significantly damaged the Russian economy. Inside Russia poverty rates are up and families of men mobilized, often unwillingly, into the army and sent to Ukraine, are angry and more frequently protesting in public. This is illegal in Russia but the protestors are so numerous now that there is no practical way for the government to arrest and imprison all of them. The Russian government still sends more troops to Ukraine but is also looking for some sort of compromise to end the war, and all those ruinous sanctions. It has been interesting to note the enthusiasm displayed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in pursuing the truth regarding how Funduzi Forensic Services was engaged to investigate irregularities in the procurement of medical drugs. As things stand, the ACC is practically investigating the investigator. This is akin to what they say about the jungle; that even there, there are those who hunt the hunters. As we are all aware, the ACC recently wrote to Auditor General (AG) Timothy Matsebula, giving his office seven days to release all the documents that were used in awarding Funduzi Forensic Services the tender to investigate irregularities in the procurement of medical drugs and supplies.Lest we forget, the Funduzi report, which was tabled by Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg, when he presented his 2024/2025 Budget Speech, unearthed a lot of rot, giving us as a nation an idea of where the never-ending medical drugs shortage emanates from. This shortage of medicine and supplies has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of emaSwati whose lives would have otherwise been saved. Fingers were being pointed, with some leaders being accused of spending all the money meant to keep public hospitals and clinics fully stocked up. Now we know better. Unfortunately, the shortage continues to this day, as the relevant structures continue pointing fingers at one another and taking each other to court for one thing or another. Funduzi Director Zakhele Dlamini has lamented these events as unfortunate, stating categorically that his company had nothing to hide. Investigation He says in their investigation assignment, they worked without fear or favour. He has also noted that his company is being attacked for doing its job while the real culprits are walking scot free. According to him, the real culprits are those who illegally benefitted millions of Emalangeni to cripple the health sector.One is mindful of the fact that these matters are littered with legal implications and delving deep into them at this particular moment could be a bit tricky. So I shall not. However, one would be happy to see the ACCs zealousness in investigating this particular matter extending to the other cases before it. We know there are many corruption cases that have remained unsolved for years. One hopes the commission has simply woken up from its slumber and will now be pursuing all those who are corrupt, including those implicated in the very same Funduzi Forensic Services report. We now know who has been stealing drugs or taking money from public coffers but failing to deliver. These are the people we want to see being pursued diligently and placed behind bars. This would at least appease the spirits of all the emaSwati who have died as a result of the man-made shortage of drugs and medical supplies. The main goal of the ACC cannot and should not just be to investigate the consultant who unearthed all the rot. The ACC has not yet proven itself as efficient in dealing with corruption. That is why this is still a matter that even the head of State is worried about. His Majesty the King has always mentioned corruption in his speeches from the Throne when he officiates at the opening of sessions of Parliament.He has continuously charged Cabinet and other relevant structures with the responsibility of getting rid of this scourge. Again, much like his predecessors before him, Finance Minister Rijkenberg also addresses the question of corruption when delivering his annual budget speech. Questioned His most recent one in February this year was more poignant, in light of current events, because it mentioned the Office of the Auditor General (AG). This office is in the news every day these days, with Prime Minister Russell Dlamini having poked a hornets nest at the last breakfast meeting with editors, when he questioned the accuracy of its reports. The PM said the AGs reports on the financial records of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) left a lot to be desired. Dlamini is a former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the disaster management parastatal. In his recent budget speech, Rijkenberg said government was committed to dealing with corruption, money laundering and the financing of terrorist activities in Eswatini. He said the fight against corruption and the other crimes involved the active pursuit of effective prevention and investigative strategies, social re-engineering of attitudes to awaken everyones consciousness to the necessity of getting involved and invoke a stance of zero tolerance against corruption. The minister said the Office of the Auditor General was the supreme audit institution of the country, with its main mandate being to ensure effectiveness and integrity in the use of public resources. He reminded all and sundry that the AGs Office played an important role in preventing and detecting corruption. The Economic Review and Outlook Report released in April 2024 by the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development also decries corruption as a social that affects economic growth. Among many other important socio-economic issues, this report delves into employment and unemployment, the number of babies born and people who died. Achievements On corruption, which is what we are discussing today, the report says despite achievements made during the National Development Strategy (NDS) period, there are still economic and structural constraints. Some of the economic challenges include a sluggish 3.0 per cent growth rate (between 1997 and 2022), a dominant government presence in the economy and fiscal challenges, as public expenditure rose from 23 per cent in 1997 to 34 per cent of GDP in 2020/2021, as a result of the public service wage bill. Reads the report in part: Additionally, there are structural challenges such as rampant corruption (ranked 117 out of 180 in 2020), a decline in the ease of doing business, a deterioration in the quality of education as demonstrated by the Human Development Index (HDI) which has increased by 30 points from 108 in 1997 to 138 and the absence of a coherent land policy. Corruption was also among the main concerns at the October 2023 Peoples Parliament (Sibaya), which means the ACC has its work cut out for it. We will be closely watching how it enthusiastically pursues all those involved in corrupt activities, without fear or favour. MBABANE In terms of removal from office, it appears the auditor general (AG) enjoys privileges of a judge of a superior court. It is provided in the Constitution of the Kingdom of Swaziland (now Eswatini) that Section 158, which applies to judges, must be considered when handling the fate of the AG. Section 207 establishes the Office of the Auditor General and also refers to Section 158 of the Constitution, which provides for the privileges of the chief justice (CJ) and justices of the Supreme Court, which they share with the auditor general. The section reads: The auditor general may only be removed from office on the same grounds and in the like manner as a judge of the superior court in terms of Section 158 subject to the substitution of the chief justice and the Judicial Service Commission with the chairman and the Civil Service Commission respectively. Section 158 is titled Removal of justices of superior courts. It is a long process, which involve the King. Some emaSwati feared the job for the Auditor General, Timothy Matsebula, could be on the line after Prime Minister, Russell Mmiso Dlamini questioned the competency of his office during a breakfast meeting with editors held at Mountain View in Mbabane on June 6, 2024. Civil society felt the prime ministers statement would scare investor and donor confidence, but Sifiso Mashamphu Khumalo, the Attorney General, advised Parliament that the prime minister was expressing his personal opinion. In fact, some analysts told this publication that the auditor general enjoys more privileges than the prime minister and Cabinet. Dissolve Regarding the Cabinet, the Constitution states that the King shall dissolve it (Cabinet) where three-fifths of all members of the House pass a resolution of no confidence. This is in accordance with Section 68 (5) which reads: Where a resolution of no confidence is passed on the Cabinet by a three-fifths majority of all members of the House, the King shall dissolve the Cabinet. You can see clearly here. You do not need to go to a school of constitutional law to understand this provision, but it is a matter of understanding English. MPs can cause the dissolution of Cabinet, the political analyst said, electing to address this issue on condition of anonymity, as he is close to certain structures within the public service. The same thing applies to the prime minister whose removal from office can also be facilitated by Parliament. After a resolution of no confidence in the prime minister is passed by at least two-thirds majority of all members of the House, the King removes the prime minister, it is stated in Section 68 (1) (e). On the other hand, in the disciplinary case of the auditor general, the titles of chief justice and Judicial Service Commission (JSC) which are spelt out in Section 158 ought to be removed. They shall be substituted for chairman and the Civil Service Commission (CSC) respectively. It effectively means that the CJ and JSC cannot facilitate the adjudication of the AGs case, but those powers are vested in the chairman and CSC. It has been learnt that the section that applies to both judges and AG outlines constitutional procedures for determining their fate. In the same way CJ or JSC would do, the CSC shall enquire into the matter and recommend to the King whether the AG ought to be removed from office. His Majesty also reserves the right to suspend the auditor general in the same way he would have done to the CJ or judge of the Supreme Court. The inquiry into the conduct of the AG shall take not more than three months. Surcharge The Times SUNDAY can reveal that the auditor general has powers, not just to raise audit queries but also reserves the right to surcharge a person responsible for incurring or authorising expenditure or loss. Surcharge in the context of auditing means to charge someone an extra amount for irregularities. It is also stated that the AG shall, in the exercise of the powers of his or her office, be independent and not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority. A legal source said it is unconstitutional to subject the AG to any direction or control. The source who handles civil matters at the High Court said it is also unconstitutional for any authority to dictate terms on how the AG should perform the functions of his office. Reads Section 207 (8) reads: The auditor general shall, in the performance of the functions under this Constitution or any other law, have power to disallow any item of expenditure, which is contrary to law and to surcharge the person responsible for incurring or authorising that expenditure or loss. Corruption The auditor general may assist the Commission on Human Rights and Public Administration, which also serves as the Integrity Commission, during its investigation of instances of suspected or alleged corruption. Reads Section 164 (2) (e): The Commission may investigate any matter referred to in subsection (1) in any of the following circumstances - investigate instances of alleged or suspected corruption and the misappropriation of public moneys or property by officials and to take or recommend appropriate steps, including reports to the attorney general or the director of Public Prosecutions or the auditor general. AG can interrogate The Audit Act of 2005 (Act 4 of 2005), on the other hand, can also interrogate any person. Reads Section 10 (2): The auditor general may administer an oath or accept an affirmation from and interrogate under oath or upon affirmation any person whom he thinks fit to interrogate, in connection with the receipt, custody, payment or issue of property, money, stamps, securities, equipment, stores, trust money, trust property and other assets, to which the provision of this Act and the Constitution apply. The provisions of the law continues in the same paragraph as follows -and in connection with any other matter in so far as it may be necessary for the due performance and exercise of the powers and duties conferred or imposed upon the auditor general by this Act and the auditor general shall not be required to reveal the identity of the person referred to in this paragraph. A top Mbabane based attorney said: His removal (referring to AG) is similar to that of removal of Supreme Court Justices, save that in his case the mandate is with the chairman of the Civil Service Commission as opposed to the JSC. It was a challenge last night to get learned friends who can openly address the issue, and they all wanted to analyse it from an anonymity point of view. Sipho Gumedze, a Senior Human Rights and Constitutional Lawyer, said the process to remove the judges is almost the same with that of the auditor general in far as he understood the process. He said an impeachment may sometimes be necessary in the removal of judges from office. MBABANE The Ministry of Health has issued a warning to the public, stating that spreading fake information is illegal. The ministry emphasised that such misinformation could lead to confusion and panic among the public. This warning comes in response to a fake poster, featuring the ministrys logo, circulating on social media. The poster urges the public to get vaccinated for COVID-19 due to a possible flu outbreak of influenza A and B.In a statement posted on the ministrys social media page, the ministry cautioned against the unauthorised use of its logo and urged those responsible to stop such unlawful actions. Fake The Communications Officer of the Ministry of Health, Nsindiso Tsabedze, confirmed that the circulating poster is fake and not issued by the ministry. Tsabedze sternly warned the public against spreading false information and emphasised that permission from the ministry is required to share such information. He stressed that such actions are unlawful and cause confusion among the public. The ministry advised the public to disregard the poster and asserted that only the ministry and the minister are authorised to issue such information. The ministry had previously communicated its position on the influenza outbreak through a press statement earlier this month. Additionally, the Eswatini Government, through the Ministry of Health, announced being on high alert following reports of a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) outbreak. Reports The RSV is a common respiratory virus that affects the nose, throat, lungs and breathing passages. This alert follows reports of rising cases of the influenza virus in South Africa. Principal Secretary (PS) Khanya Mabuza of the Ministry of Health urged individuals experiencing symptoms to promptly visit the nearest health facilities, observe hand hygiene, and wear masks at all times, particularly at their workplaces. The PS emphasised the importance of exercising extra caution, especially for those using entry points and informal crossing points. He mentioned that the ministrys Surveillance Department would monitor health facilities and entry points to make informed decisions. Mabuza also indicated a possible return to protective measures applied during the COVID-19 pandemic and urged the public to be vigilant for symptoms, isolate themselves if diagnosed with the viruses, and assured that the ministry would monitor virus circulation. A statement from the Department of Health in South Africa advised the public to take extra precautions to protect against respiratory infections, which are expected to increase during the winter season. The statement highlighted that RSV is currently at peak circulation in South Africa, influenza virus infections are increasing, and COVID-19 continues to circulate at low levels. MBABANE Finally, government has saved the taxpayer from paying civil servants millions in salaries while they sit at home. The latest development is that most of the civil servants who were suspended, some over five years ago, have been recalled to work. Initially, there were about 53 civil servants who were suspended by government for both disciplinary and criminal cases. However, last month, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, Sipho Tsabedze, informed the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that about 17 cases had been concluded and that the same number of employees had returned to work. Tsabedze had explained that the reason why some of the cases could not be resolved was due to the fact that they had criminal elements, and therefore, it was crucial to allow the court processes to be completed. Early this year, this publication reported that about E6.1 million public funds were going down the drain annually as government continued to pay salaries for the suspended employees. The Times SUNDAY has gathered that some of the affected employees received letters informing them that they were to return to work. Confirming the latest developments was the Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Public Service Sipho Tsabedze. Majority The PS said, Yes, it is true and a majority of them are back at work. However, any other issues that are pending in relation to their cases will continue being worked on. When asked if it was all of them, the PS insisted that it was a majority of them. Their cases will continue while they are still at work. Government came to the conclusion that it did not benefit anything from paying civil servants who were lying idle at home, the PS said. Calculations based on the suspended employees positions and grades as per the Establishment Register supporting the estimates of public expenditure for the financial year 2023/24, revealed that government spent about E6 116 084 public funds on an annual basis paying salaries for suspended officials. On a monthly basis, government spent about E509 673.66 on salaries for suspended employees. The figures could be higher taking into consideration that government had paid over E4 million on salaries for the 24 junior police officers over the past two years who remain suspended after protesting the implementation of phase II of the salary restructuring exercise. Some of the government employees had been on suspension since 2010 and continued to receive full pay while at home, while others were suspended in the subsequent years before the report was finalised two years ago. The suspended employees hold various positions such as store man, cleaner, accountant, driver and fuel attendant to name a few. The offences committed by the civil servants, leading to their suspension included fraud, housebreaking and theft, stock theft, contravening the Prevention of Corruption Act (POCA), fuel theft, rape, malicious damage to property, murder and attempted murder, robbery kidnapping and assault common, contravening the provisions of the People Trafficking, People Smuggling Act of 2009, as well as theft by false pretenses. A majority of the suspended government employees were from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. Among the offences committed by the works employees was theft of fuel, fraud and contravening the prevention of Corruption Act of 2006. One of them held the position of a road overseer and had been suspended since 2015 for allegedly stealing 20 bags of cement amounting to about E1 500. Within the Ministry of Agriculture, there were seven civil servants who were on suspension with full pay for offences including fraud, stock theft and housebreaking and theft of government fertiliser to name a few. The ministry which had the third highest number of suspended employees is the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, where officials were suspended in connection to fraud (academic qualifications), theft, as well as POCA offences. During a strategic plan validation workshop held at the Royal Villas in March, Civil Service Commission Chairperson Simanga Mamba, assured that the commission was in the process of reviewing the cases of the suspended government employees. Mamba said the strategic plan was meant to ensure that the commission became the epitome of excellence while improving transparency in recruitment as well as excellent service delivery. While presenting an overview of the strategic plan, Mamba informed the present ministries principal secretaries that the commission would be issuing memos pertaining to the suspended civil servants in their respective ministries. He acknowledged that the Minister of Public Service, Mabulala Maseko, had tasked the commission with addressing the issue of suspended civil servants. Mamba said the commission was currently going through the report dated June 2022, to ascertain whether it was still viable and whether the suspensions were still serving the purpose or backfiring. He said should there be a need to review, it would be considered as part of the work mandated to the commission by the Constitution. He assured that the issue of suspended civil servants should be addressed in the next quarter. He mentioned that among the key focus areas was the effecting handling of disputes and grievances from civil servants. He said the CSCs mandate in terms of the constitution was to handle grievances from civil servants as well as outside civil service. In 2021, the CSC embarked on an exercise to review all civil servants cases that were filled with the Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration Commission (CMAC) so they could be adjudicated by the commission. This yielded positive results as some cases would have otherwise ended up in court and being a cost to government, were resolved by the commission. BOYANE The late Pastor Zakhele Malazas eldest son Thapelo, said he is ready to take the responsibility and be the man of the house following his fathers passing. Thapelo said he was grateful that his father had groomed him well to be the man of the house and look after his family, and that now it was his responsibility to put into practice the teachings he got from his father, whom he was close to. This, he spoke during a moving speech that he delivered during the funeral service for his late father held at Boyane yesterday. The late pastor, who was the founder of the Gospel Powerhouse International (GPI), succumbed to an illness while undergoing treatment in South Africa. Malaza was laid to rest at his parental home at Boyane. Thousands of mourners were gathered at the Malaza homestead to pay their last respects. Among those present was Jesus Calls Worship Centre (JCWS) Founder Bishop Robert Kasaro, International Tabernacle Church Founder Reverend Absalom Dlamini and High Praise Centre founder Benjamin Dube, Senator Princess Ncengencenge among many others. Support Thapelo thanked his family and everyone for the support they have given him during the difficult time. He said it was a difficult time for all of them, but he embraced that he needed to be strong for his mother and siblings. He said a family friend called him last Saturday and told him that he was now the man of the house and those words resonated deeply with him. I asked myself kutsi vele sengimi kanjalo nje the man of the house. Masiya eDvudvisini sengimi vele babe welikhaya, he jokingly said. He jokingly said his father used to attend meetings at the Dvudvusini Chiefdom and now that responsibility had been passed on to him. He said inasmuch as it was overwhelming, his father had groomed him well for the responsibility on his young shoulders. He recalled that when they were allocated the land at Dvudvusini, he was present and the elders told them that the place belonged to him, his father and mother and now that his father had passed on, the land belonged to him and his mother until his younger brothers came of age. Responsibility He said it was now his responsibility to do for his brothers what their father did for him. He said he was confident that he was ready for the task at hand because of the teachings his father instilled in him, as well as the grace he had laid upon his life. He promised that he would stay true to his fathers teachings and be the leader in his family. He further mentioned that his late father groomed a lot of pastors in his life including Senator Princess Ncengencenge, who is also a pastor. He shared that the princess had been in their lives for as long as he could remember and they had testimonies because of her. He said growing up, the senator would make sure that she checked on them time and again, and made them feel loved which they appreciated. Thapelo thanked the support and the way his late father was honoured. All I have to say is thank you for everything, the support and the way my father was honoured. We really appreciate everything you have done for us, he said. Speaking on something he felt he left out earlier, Thapelo said he noticed that it was easy to forget the praise team and the band. He said his father was close to everyone as well as the praise team and the band. He said while sitting and listening to the music, he could hear his late father in the music which meant a lot to him. As I was sitting listening to the music, I remembered that my father used to pick me up on Saturday nights and take me to the practice sessions, where he would sometimes ask me what I thought about the music and ask for my opinion and suggestions, he said. Sermon He appreciated the hard work put into the music by the praise team and the band and said they felt the presence of the Lord through the music. He revealed that he used to tell his father that he praised and worshipped the Lord through music and he heard the Word of God through the music and sometimes did not even need to hear the sermon. He prayed that the spirit that was in his father would be in the praise team and the band and said they should continue to grow and do better. Thapelo said the funeral service was an appreciation service and a celebration of his fathers life. He said they have cried a lot and mourned and it was time for them to appreciate his fathers life.I was telling my mother that I wished my fathers memorial service would be a musical event because that is what my father loved. I believe he was the angel of music, he said. He said the angel of music was taken from Heaven and replaced through his father. Worship He said he believed that in Heaven they were praising and rejoicing because the angel of music had been replaced. Thapelo said his father was not a man of pain and they should not remember him for the pain he suffered at the end of his life, but for his love for praise and worship, as he was a man who had a lot of praise in him. He said even though his father may not be with them physically, he would be there with them every Sunday in spirit. He said yesterday was not a day to be remembered for his fathers departure, but for his arrival stating that his father was not gone but had transitioned and changed state. This was a transition from the physical to the spiritual and him being here with us in spirit means we have access to more than we could have accessed if he was here physically because my father now has direct access to God and God is by his side, he said. Adding, he said as much as they were all in pain and mourning the death of his father, they should not forget who he was, what he stood for and the God he prayed to.He said his fathers passing was a wound that would heal in time and not an amputation. The scars will heal over time and we should know that this season of pain will pass, he said. Kavita Puri at the BBC: I feel enormous shame about what happened, Susannah Herbert tells me. Her grandfather was the governor of Bengal, in British India, during the run-up and height of the 1943 famine which killed at least three million people. She is only just learning about his significant role in the catastrophe, and confronting a complex family legacy. When I first meet her, she is clutching a photograph from 1940. Its Christmas Day at the governors residence in Bengal. Its formal, with people sitting in rows, in their finery, staring straight into camera. In the front are the dignitaries Viceroy Linlithgow, one of the most important colonial figures in India, and her grandfather Sir John Herbert, Bengals governor. At their feet is a little boy, in a white shirt and shorts, knee-high socks and shiny shoes. Its Susannahs father. More here. Gabina VOA is designed to be an infotainment youth radio show broadcasting to Ethiopia and Eritrea in the Amharic language. The show brings varied perspectives on issues concerning young people in the Horn of Africa region. Gabina in the Amharic language is a front-row taxi ride. "The 15 years of the FTA are highly positive due to several aspects. First of all, our trade volume with the United States has tripled, reaching approximately US$22 billion," Ferrero told RPP Noticias on June 6. "Exports in all areas have increased, especially the agribusiness sector, which used to export US$700 million; currently, it exports US$3.8 billion to the United States alone," he noted The ambassador went on to add that "Peru is nowadays the second-largest supplier of fruits to the United States, taking into account that we are the world's leading exporter of blueberries. As is known, the Peru-U.S. FTA was signed on April 12, 2006. It entered into force on February 1, 2009, as an agreement that includes aspects of the bilateral economic relationship, such as trade in goods, investment promotion, public procurements, cross-border services, and intellectual property protection. Ambassador Ferrero mentioned that "the FTA has been in force for 15 years, after a very arduous negotiation that lasted three and a half years. This treaty, which was the first (trade-related one) signed by Peru, is the great platform for all trade agreements that Peru signed later." The envoy indicated that the United States is a great trading partner for Peru. Thus, it is necessary to aim for increasing its investments in our country, considering that the U.S. already has an important presence in this nation through companies Freeport-McMoRan, at Cerro Verde mine in Arequipa region, and Newmont. "Peru could later become, if we have the right conditions, a technological hub; there is also a possibility, still incipient, of a space port because Peru has the conditions for that," Ferrero said. "These are topics that are (being) sown; they do not mature in two days, but they are placed on the agenda and worked on; so, there is interest in a technological hub, infrastructure, and, obviously, minerals and textiles," he added. U.S. official to visit Peru Tim Davison was rushed to hospital after blood works revealed something alarming. Now he's in a fight for life against T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Tim (pictured with his daughter Ava (left) and in hospital (right). Source: Supplied An Aussie dad has revealed the ordinary symptoms he ignored before eventually receiving a life-changing diagnosis. Tim Davison told Yahoo News Australia he had a "persistent cough" before "randomly" experiencing a "constant" nosebleed which in two short weeks led to the discovery of leukaemia. The 37-year-old, who lives in Perth but works away as a belt splicer in the mines, said he felt mostly fine and didn't suspect ill-health. Not until two weeks ago when things took a sudden turn. "I've got a couple of kids, and as parents do, you get a little drained sometimes," he told Yahoo this week from hospital. "I started to get a little cough (two weeks ago) but I went to work. "Randomly, my gums started bleeding and just wouldn't stop, which I thought was quite strange," he continued. "Overnight it stopped but the next day I got nosebleeds. I went to work but it was a big whirlwind from then". 'Constant' bleeding from gums and nose leads to cancer diagnosis Davison said the bleeding "wouldn't stop" and that it was "a consistent leak" so he went to the nurse at the mine site where he works. After some preliminary testing, he was rushed to the local hospital where doctors discovered his "levels weren't good". Next thing, he was on a medical flight to Royal Perth Hospital. The dad-of-two said his platelet levels tiny blood cells made up of bone marrow from larger cells were "near nonexistent". They're often low due to an underlying condition. It's common among people with leukaemia or other bone marrow cancer. At this point, the bleeding had stopped, but it started again swiftly after arriving at Perth Hospital. Doctors were "pretty quick" to diagnose him with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, which in adults has a survival rate of less than 50 per cent. Tim and his partner Kodie. Source: Supplied Dad's road to recovery: 'Staying positive' The news was hard to swallow as his mum died from cancer 16 years ago. "When you try and tell the family a big C word, it brings up a few thoughts. But I'm a fighter so we just get through it," he said. But breaking the news to his daughters, aged one and three, and his partner Kodie was tough. "At the very start, it was obviously a whirlwind," he said. Currently still in hospital, the 37-year-old is undergoing two rounds of chemotherapy a week. "They're just monitoring and obviously looking at all the side effects and all that," he said. "I did have a bit of mass in my chest (which had been causing the cough), which has subsided a lot. For now, I'm just staying positive," he added. Davison is now off work for a "long time" while his wife remains at home with the kids. Tim's brother Daniela has created a GoFundMe page to help support the family in the meantime. Meanwhile, Kodie's mother has flown from Mackay to Perth to be with the family. Tim's family are rallying around him and are raising funds to help out with ongoing costs. Source: Supplied T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia facts: It's a type of blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow and can spread to other organs. It progresses rapidly without treatment Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is the most common cancer among children. Its most often diagnosed between ages 2 and 10 There are three types of ALL. T-cell, Pre-B-cell and B-cell. T-cell makes up around 20-25 per cent of all cases More than 300 adults and children are diagnosed with ALL each year in Australia Symptoms can include anaemia, slow wound healing, increased or unexplained bleeding or bruising and bone/joint pain Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. The BYD vehicle was stuck on a Perth beach for hours, with bemused passers-by looking on. A group of men stood sheepishly next to the bogged car on Sunday morning. Source: Instagram/ fi.diddy An electric vehicle driver made an embarrassing mistake overnight, becoming bogged on one of Perth's most popular beaches. The BYD Seal EV became stuck on the sand at City Beach, with onlookers bemused by what had unfolded. Facebook page The Bell Tower Times shared a nighttime photo of two vehicles on the sand and it is understood the two EVs had driven onto the beach to watch the sunset, but one was unable to get off the sand. A Surf Live Saving vehicle tried to free the remaining BYD on Sunday morning but was unable to do so. One image posted by a passerby shows a group of men standing sheepishly next to the BYD during attempts to get it off the sand. Many online noted the extra weight an EV carries, making the rescue mission even more difficult. The BYD was eventually freed with the help of a Good Samaritan. Source: John Phillips Swimmer frees BYD from beach A 4WD owner later came to the rescue, managing to free the BYD and tow it to safety with the help of lifeguards and a council ranger. John Phillips was at the beach having a morning swim and observed the difficulties unfold. He told Yahoo News Australia the unfortunate situation was "quite strange". "I got out the water and had a shower and it was still there. I was about to get a coffee and the tow truck driver rolled up so I thought I'd wait and see what happened. It became apparent they didn't have the right equipment.. so I offered to help with my vehicle," he explained. John said the men who he helped thanked him and offered him a coffee. Police were not called to attend, WA Police told Yahoo. Peter Fullarton, of 4WD Recovery and Charters, recently said "inexperienced" drivers were increasingly finding themselves stuck on WA's beaches, mostly drivers who overestimated their vehicle's capability. BYD electric vehicles are surging in popularity in Australia, and recently overtook Tesla in global sales. The Chinese car manufacturer has big ambitions in Australia, vowing to become the biggest car seller by 2030, thanks to a lack of tariffs it faces in other markets like the US and Europe. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Special Buys are hugely popular with customers, but there's one particular nationality heading to the middle aisles this week. Aldi shoppers have been buying British items in bulk this week. Employee Jenny says they've struggled to keep up with demand. Source: Supplied / Facebook Aldi's Special Buys are hugely popular all year round, but for thousands of customers missing the taste of home, there's one time of the year when they head straight to the middle aisles. British Week at the supermarket has gone from strength to strength each year, giving expats the opportunity to purchase home comforts they so often crave. Aldi employee Jenny told Yahoo News Australia customers at her Perth store have been snapping up all their favourite treats this week. "It's been very busy with lots of English customers who have been stocking up on their much-loved English items," she said. "We sold out of some lines within a few hours." Dozens of items have been on offer this year, including HP and Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce, prawn cocktail chips, chocolates such as Galaxy Revels and Yorkie bars and lollies like fruit pastilles. Shoppers have been filling their trollies full of the limited British stock. Source: Facebook Aldi shoppers spending more than $100 on British hauls Impressed British expats have been taking to social media to show off their hauls, some going beyond $100 in cost. Photos shared online show trolleys and checkouts full with British items. "I squealed with excitement," one shopper revealed online about the array of chips on offer. While such treats can be found at Coles and Woolworths and other independent international stores, the opportunity to buy in bulk at an affordable price has been too big of an opportunity to pass up on. And of course, for many Brits, chocolate made in the UK is far superior with better melt-in-your-mouth appeal, or so they say. More than one million people who were born in Britain reside in Australia, and while the government is looking to reduce the number of migrants coming into Australia, the UK is among the countries with the highest number of visas received, including being the highest recipient of working holidaymaker visas, where holders are now no longer required to perform regional work thanks to a trade agreement with the UK. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Many Aussies are now forced to take drastic measures as the cost of living crisis continues to escalate, writes Adam Lucius. You might be wondering why the fruit in the office bowl is vanishing quicker than it ever did before. Or noticed the biscuits that once lasted a week now being replenished daily. Take a quick look around your workplace. You may be working alongside someone struggling on little or no food as cost-of-living pressures continue to bite hard on the average Australian. They may be surviving on what they can eat at work or resorting to putting some of it in a bag to take home. The sad reality is that no longer is the picture of hunger or poverty the domain of those who have fallen on tough times or are out of work or sleeping rough. Tragically, it's all around us. This week a shocking photo of people lining up for charity food in Footscray, an inner suburb of Melbourne, went viral on multiple online platforms, with many Aussies commenting that it reflected "the sad new reality of our country". Charity food services are regularly seeing long queues of people. Source: Reaching Out In The Inner West Of Melbourne New group seeking food assistance Foodbank Australia provides food and groceries for more than 600 charities and school programs to distribute to hungry Australians each day. It feeds around a million of us every month. And right now, their frontline workers are reporting that a new breed is seeking assistance. "There's been a real emergence of people with dual incomes or multiple incomes coming to us," Foodbank CEO Brianna Casey AM told Yahoo News Australia. "There will be two working adults during the day and quite often they'll be taking on part-time employment in the evening. The simple reality is the household expenses once covered by one or two incomes now need two and a half to three incomes." Alarmingly, 77 per cent of food-insecure households are experiencing these challenges for the first time. Many are limiting their meals to ensure their children dont go hungry. And, just as concerning, younger people on mid to high incomes are among the most vulnerable. Food insecurity only set to get worse in Australia It is so disappointing to see this in Australia, where we've always considered ourselves to be a lucky country bursting with opportunity and abundance. Now, people are being forced into resorting to drastic tactics, such as only eating food provided by their employer, just to make ends meet. "People are trying to take every advantage they can of food available in the workplace," Casey said. Foodbank Australia CEO Brianna Casey says there is a confronting reason why your office fruit bowl may be emptier than usual. Source: Supplied "We're increasingly hearing stories from tea rooms and coffee rooms across Australia where the complimentary fruit bowl is bare at the end of the day instead of the end of the week. People are choosing to have breakfast at work because they havent got enough food at home. "If we scratch under the surface, the faces of hunger, poverty and inequality are staring right at us. "The reality is hunger in Australia is being experienced by people living in our own streets." And the situation is predicted to get worse before it gets better. 'Huge concerns' as costs continue to soar Foodbank, which relies heavily on donations and a volunteer workforce, is bracing for a greater reliance on its services as everyday costs continue to soar. Casey said: "We are hugely concerned by the economic picture that is being painted. We know food and grocery costs, energy costs and housing costs are continuing to increase". "And we know that it is going to take years, not months, to recover from the economic shock that is facing many across our communities at the moment. The challenge for Foodbank is to ensure we have enough healthy, culturally appropriate, safe, nutritious food to be able to respond to this growing demand. "There is no shame in asking for food relief. It is to be commended if you put your hand up and ask for help." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Images show a flock of the birds scrounging for food in the middle of a street. Photos of sulphur-crested cockatoos standing in the middle of the rural road in Pine Ridge, NSW, on Wednesday have divided Aussies. Source: Jessy Cottee/Facebook/Native Birds in Australia Incredible photos showing peak hour traffic blocking a rural road have reignited a hot topic among Aussies highlighting their love-hate relationship with sulphur-crested cockatoos. The series of images show a flock of the birds scrounging for food in the middle of a street in Pine Ridge, NSW, on Wednesday, with a handful of Pink Galahs watching on from a nearby fence. Just your usual afternoon traffic local woman Jessy posted in a Facebook group dedicated to native birds. Best kind of traffic in my opinion. Others were quick to agree, describing the scenes as wonderful and a dream. However, not everyone appeared to be a fan of the cheeky cockatoos known for their distinct yellow crest, loud calls and bin antics. While some Aussies said the sight was 'a dream', others deemed it a 'farmer's worst nightmare'. Source: Jessy Cottee/Facebook/Native Birds in Australia Farmers' worst nightmare, one person commented. Destructive and noisy birds! another griped. Others pondered if the cockatoos were feasting on spilt grain or seeds. They kept doing this when they removed the bush to extend the freeway, another local claimed. Sadly lesser humans didnt slow down or stop so it's lovely to see you did. Sulphur-crested cockatoo 'a pest around urban areas' Sulphur-crested cockatoos, scientifically known as Cacatua galerita, are one of more than 60 bird species classified as a pest in Australia due to the damage they cause to ripening sunflower crops, fruit and nut crops, according to NSWs Department of Primary Industries. Primarily found along the northern and eastern areas of the country, sulphur-crested cockatoos which are a protected native species are also known to be destructive in urban areas. Sulphur-crested cockatoos are known to damage crops and cause disruptions in urban areas. Source: Jessy Cottee/Facebook/Native Birds in Australia The popularity of the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo as a caged bird has increased its range, as these birds either escape or are released deliberately in areas where they do not already occur, according to The Australian Museum. The species has become a pest around urban areas, where it uses its powerful bill to destroy timber decking and panelling on houses. Late last year, a photo of cockatoos raiding full bins over the Christmas holidays gained attention, with experts explaining the birds were trying to adapt to their changing landscape. Development is a major issue, WIRES rescuer and bird expert Inga Schwaiger told Yahoo News at the time. Theyre losing trees and the tree hollows which take a long time to form in them. Cockatoos nest in tree hollows. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Australia was treated to a spectacular Southern Lights show in May and the BOM says it could happen again on Tuesday. Spectacular images of Aurora Australis like this one captured in Tasmania filled our social media feeds in May. Source: Facebook/Luke Tscharke Photography Aussies could be in for another spectacular light show from Aurora Australis, also knows as the Southern Lights. Experts are keeping a close eye on increased activity on the sun, with the chance auroras could be visible from parts of Australia on Tuesday night. Auroras are usually seen from Tasmania. However, May brought in the biggest geomagnetic storm in nearly 20 years, giving stargazers in Victoria, South Australia, and across the globe prime views of the rare event. Thousands of magical images of the colourful Aurora lit up our social media feeds, as skywatchers from across Australia captured the dramatic solar storms which are usually only visible from Tasmania or southern parts of Victoria. Now, another geomagnetic storm is expected to hit, with it forecast to be strongest on Tuesday evening. Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury confirmed there was a chance of seeing the colourful spectacle but not as good a chance as there was back in May. People in southern Victoria and Tasmania will have the best chance at seeing auroras. At this point the southwest and central coast of Victoria are looking the most promising, she said. Scientists are predicting we could see another one before the end of winter based off the Sun's current solar activity. Source: Facebook/Patrick Wynne/Krissy Logan In May, the night sky was lit up by stunning red, pink, green and purple hues in outback WA, Tasmania, coastal Victoria and South Australia, parts of NSW and even as far north as Queensland. Dr Rebecca Allen, co-director of the Space Technology and Industry Institute at Swinburne University in Melbourne, told Yahoo News Australia, Auroras that come as high north were caused by extreme geomagnetic events. The Sun is currently in the most active phase of its solar cycle, meaning it is prone to have more flares and ejections that cause the dramatic Aurora, she said in June. How can Aussies next see Aurora Australis or the Southern Lights? In order to understand if another one of these will occur, scientist use current data on the number of sunspots visible as well as the Suns X-ray, UV and radio wavelength emissions, Allen told Yahoo News. They then model this with past data and events to create a forecast. But even if there is a high likelihood of activity, we still cant 100 per cent guarantee an event more than a few days out. Where the Aurora can be seen is directly dependent on the strength of the geomagnetic storm as well as when it reaches Earth. If a strong event is coincident with our night, then the Aurora will come much further north than if it were to happen in the middle of the day. Essentially it would have dissipated before our skies were dark enough to see it. Allen said the Sun had a 11-year cycle of activity with a maximum and minimum. Normally, when we are experiencing a solar maximum there are more sunspots and a higher chance of the flares and ejecta that cause Aurora, she said. The dramatic images taken in May shows the beauty of Mother Nature at her best. Source: Facebook/Meena Janthakun/Mary Naomi Mclaren But there is still much we do not understand about the Sun and how this activity correlates with the cycle. This is why there is so much dedicated research and spacecraft studying the Suns atmosphere and magnetic field. The solar storms may appear to us as beautiful Aurora, but they often damage satellites and can disrupt power supplies on Earth. Being able to better predict them give us a better chance to catch the magnificent show while safe-guarding our critical infrastructure. She said when the geomagnetic storms interact with Earths magnetic field, the energetic particles are funnelled along until they reach the poles. Here they literally slam into our atmosphere exciting the nitrogen and oxygen, Allen explained. This exchange is what produces the different colours and is why we get the ribbon structures. BOM will issue an Aurora Watch notice 48 hours before an event A spokesperson from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said in June that we are approaching a solar maximum which meant there was heightened frequency and intensity of solar activity, meaning another Aurora could be on its way. Solar activity is responsible for the geomagnetic storms around the Earth which enhance the Auroras, they told Yahoo News. As with any forecast, we cant say with any certainty when the next Aurora event will occur, but as we approach the solar maximum, we can certainly expect some activity. The BOM's latest Aurora Watch notice was issued on July 29. - With NCA NewsWire. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. Tara Omidi was enjoying her sun-filled holiday until her face began to swell. Source: Jam Press A woman was left horrified after her face began to swell up while she was enjoying her holiday in the sun. Excited for a trip away, Tara Omidi travelled to Lanzarote, a Spanish island off the coast of Africa, but just a few days into the holiday, the 30-year-old woke up to notice her skin puffing up. Hours later, things went from bad to worse. Tara was terrified that she might have to go to the hospital with her face now starting to swell considerably. She rushed to the local chemist for advice and was told to stay firmly out of the sun and to monitor her symptoms. I woke up with a swollen forehead and eye and it gradually got worse by the hour, the UK woman said. Luckily, there was no pain. The chemist provided me with strong antihistamines and they advised that I should keep my face covered for the rest of my holiday." Tara's eye became extremely swollen at the height of her symptoms. Source: Jam Press Tara was suffering from sun poisoning, an extreme version of sunburn which occurs during extended periods in direct sunlight without protection. She said windy conditions on the island meant the heat was less obvious and had fooled her about the UV danger present. Ive never in my life had an allergic reaction or had sun poisoning," she said. Thankfully, three days later, the swelling subsided slightly. But she faced further worry when she headed home and made her way to the airport. I was a little nervous about going through passport control as I didnt look like myself," she said. Common misconception behind sun poisoning cases Since arriving back home, shes taken to TikTok with a video to showcase the extreme swelling on the right side of her face with her eye nearly forced shut. She's also taken it as an opportunity to warn others about the dangers of sun poisoning. When I went onto TikTok and asked people what had happened, everyone was saying the Canary Islands are quite known for sun poisoning," she said. Because of the strong heat and with it being quite windy as well, you dont realise how hot it is." Symptoms from sun poisoning can include blisters, severe pain, swelling, and fever. Sun poisoning is prevalent in Australia due to the high UV levels and people who work outside are often vulnerable. Earlier this year one woman who attended Victoria's Beyond The Valley music festival revealed her sun poisoning symptoms, which included giant blisters on her legs. "The pain I experienced when I realised how bad it was, was insane," she told Yahoo News Australia. - Jam Press Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Elon Musk. Apu Gomes via Getty Images Tesla investors voted on Thursday to approve Elon Musk's multibillion-dollar pay package. However, some institutional shareholders told BI that Musk's award was a mistake. One investor questioned if Musk is the right person to continue leading Tesla. Some institutional Tesla shareholders told Business Insider that approving Elon Musk's record-shattering pay package was a mistake and that they have lingering concerns about Musk's ability to lead the company. Investors representing about 72% of the company's shares voted on Thursday to green-light Musk's $55 billion pay package, which was struck down by a Delaware court in January. The vote doesn't immediately reinstate Musk's award, but it does provide Tesla lawyers with some ammunition when they make their case again in Delaware. ADVERTISEMENT Reuters reported that Vanguard, the largest institutional shareholder with a 7% stake in Tesla, voted to approve the pay package. Yet despite the majority approval of Musk's pay package, institutional shareholders who spoke to Business Insider were skeptical that the $55 billion stock option is commensurate with his performance and remained concerned about the company's leaders, including Musk. "Once again it has been solidified that Tesla is a great company with not so great governance," Anders Schelde, chief information officer of AkademikerPension, a Danish pension fund that invests in Tesla, told BI in an email. "We remain invested, but governance is red flag, and I seriously wonder if Tesla would be a better company with or without Mr. Musk, and I think many investors have the same doubts." AkademikerPension is one of eight institutional Tesla shareholders that cosigned a letter in May advising other investors to vote against both Musk's pay package and the reelection of James Murdoch and Musk's brother, Kimbal Musk, to seats on Tesla's board. Investors voted to retain both men on the board. Story continues It's unclear how many Tesla shares AkademikerPension owned as of June 14. Shareholders call for board oversight During Thursday's shareholder meeting, Musk challenged concerns from institutional shareholders, though he did not name specific investors. "Talking to a lot of the sort of big institutional investors they're often in like New York, and they don't drive cars," Musk said at the meeting. "So I'll be like, 'Um, have you tried self-driving? You know, the version 12.3?' And they're like, 'Uh no.' OK, well, you should try it. That would be a good thing to do." New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, who also cosigned the May letter, told BI in an email that approving the pay package was a "mistake," but that the company should move forward with clear plans to steady growth and ensure Musk is focused on that goal. "We expect genuine board oversight and a CEO deeply committed to Tesla's growth rather than other ventures," Lander said in a statement. "The Board should ensure its approval is required for any attempts to leverage Tesla's resources for Musk's other ventures, aligning shareholder interests with company goals." Lander added that the the board should hire a "compensation consultation" to renegotiate an incentive plan for Musk that won't be dilutive to shareholders instead of defending the pay package in court. Lander's spokesperson told BI that as of April 30, the New York City Retirement System owned more than 3.4 million shares of Tesla stock. The California Public Employees' Retirement System, or CalPERs, which, according to the pension fund, owns about 9.2 million Tesla shares, has also been vocal about striking down Musk's pay package. A CalPERS spokesperson declined to comment but pointed to a statement released a day before the Thursday shareholder vote, which stated that Musk is "entitled to be well compensated for his work," but the current award package is excessive and "highly dilutive to shareholders." "This exorbitant compensation package is at odds with CalPERS' longstanding views on executive pay," CalPERS CEO Marcie Frost said in the statement. "The compensation is excessive when compared to executives at peer companies, highly dilutive to shareholders, and isn't tied to the long-term profitability of Tesla." Musk and a spokesperson for Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Read the original article on Business Insider 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 Theres a large cultural divide when it comes to dealing with predators in Tanzania versus the American West, Taylor Rabe said. Its a contrast the Yellowstone Wolf Project technician has experienced keenly after working in several African countries, then at Yellowstone National Park for the past five years, and over the last two weeks while spending time with Tanzanian conservationist Yamat Lengai. Often in interacting with the public Ive found a lot of people hate predators even without having negative interactions with them, Rabe said. Yamat was telling me the community, the ranchers, the farmers are losing livestock daily to these big carnivores in Africa, but they dont hate the predators. They dont go out of their way to kill them. Exchange program The two women from opposite sides of the world are learning from their different perspectives as part of a Conservation Nation exchange program. The goal, according to the groups website, is to explore what it means to coexist with wildlife in different ecological, social and cultural contexts. In addition to fostering understanding and building bridges across nations, the program emphasizes inclusion by involving people of diverse racial backgrounds. When I was growing up, I didnt really have anyone to look up to who looked like me in the conservation field, Rabe said in a video posted to Conservation Nations website. Now shes inspiring the next generation by visiting inner-city classrooms to talk about the sexy carnivore she loves to work with in her dream job. I get paid to show people wolves and spend my time in Yellowstone. Conservation fellows Rabe was the first Conservation Nation fellow, which paid for her to work as a biological science technician for the Wolf Project. In that role, the Ohio native has spent thousands of hours, including her days off, finding and watching the parks wolves. Probably the most important part of my day is education, and showing people wolves for the very first time, she said. A mother to two children, Lengai is from a traditional Maasai village bordering Tarangire National Park in Tanzania. Tarangire is the sixth largest national park in the country, and home to one of the largest elephant populations. Other wildlife in the park include wildebeests, gazelles, zebras and lions. African People & Wildlife has a regional headquarters near the park where it fosters land conservation, wildlife protection and human well-being, according to its website. African contrast In her role as a scientist for African People & Wildlife, Lengai conducts evaluations and interviews to assess the program's effectiveness. She also gathers information on human-wildlife conflicts, oversees community game patrols and honey harvests. She went from fearing lions to helping protect big cats, elephants, and other animals through our work with African People & Wildlife, said Katy Teson, the Bozeman-based communications and outreach manager for the group. In comparing predator attacks on Maasai livestock, Lengai used a bank-robbing analogy. Just imagine that a thief is coming to steal money from your bank, Lengai said. Yet as Rabe pointed out, theres not an organized effort to reduce lions and cheetahs across the Tanzanian landscape. There is no legal hunting season on predators where shes at, Rabe said. I think that shows more of an appreciation for wildlife. In October, Rabe will travel to Tanzania to spend two weeks in Lengais homeland. While there, she wants to learn more about how the locals interact with wildlife. This trip is a first-of-its-kind opportunity for two of the fellows to interact in such a meaningful way, Teson said. By connecting Lengai and Rabe, the two gain greater insight into the issue of human-wildlife conflict and coexistence within the context of different ecological, social and cultural situations, she added. Bear affiliation One of the highlights of Lengai's trip to Yellowstone has been an education on using telemetry to track and study animals, something she hopes to use in Tanzania. She also touched snow for the first time, saw elk, wolves and their puppies and bears. Of all these creatures, her favorite animal was the bears. Theyre so cute and big in size. So I think that they look like me, she said and laughed. Arising at 4 a.m. each day, then spending eight hours in the field, much of it hiking, has been a challenge for Lengai. The elevation is too high here, she said. Ive been like the last one in the pack. Its been fun to share that with Yamat, Rabe said. She got a taste of the wolf watchers and all of the visitors coming through and some of the craziness that the park has to offer. I think thats one of the most exciting aspects of the job is that every single day is different. Teson is hopeful the exchange program provides a successful model for similar trips in the future. For African People & Wildlife, this exchange aligns with our core values of empowerment, collaboration, and innovation, Teson said. Our coexistence programs focus on Tanzanias remarkable wildlife and rural communities, and we believe that local solutions can create global impacts. By sharing knowledge and tools, even from distant places, we move closer to achieving a world in balance. Why is Germany so Strong in Manufacturing? 07/25/2016 https://www.protech-international.com/news/why-germany-so-good-manufacturing/ A full 21% of Germanys economy is fueled by manufacturing. Exporting nearly $1.4 trillion dollars of German manufactured goods each year to the U.S., Asia, and beyond, Germany is inarguably the worlds manufacturing powerhouse. But what made Europes stalwart such a manufacturing success story? SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES Whereas more attention gets showered on multi-national juggernauts, Germanys actually powered by their small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). More than 1,000 SMEs in Germany actually lead or come second in the world in their niche industry, appealing to smaller but dedicated markets in their particular field. THE FRAUNHOFER SOCIETY Why are these SMEs so successful? Germany has something called the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (Fraunhofer Society), a non-governmental organization that essentially provides short-term research capabilities to small firms that couldnt afford it otherwise. The organizations research focuses on applicable, cost-efficient results and provides significant R&D innovation to German manufacturers seeking to compete on a global scale. Across the board, the 22,000 people who actually work for the Fraunhofer Society focus on accommodating older technology to todays market using new developments. Germany is particularly good at implementing new advancements across an industry in a short period of time, thanks in large part to the Fraunhofer Society. THE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM Vocational education is a huge priority in the German educational system. Beginning in the teenage years, German youths are allowed the opportunity to begin years-long apprenticeship programs in specific fields such as laminating, woodworking, metalworking, and machining. From there, the highly-skilled workforce of Germany is borne. Over 22% of Germans work in the manufacturing sector, and the government also has a very successful system in place that keeps wages high (to attract talented individuals) and steady (to keep them.) Germanys focus on testing, innovation, and quality gave rise to its world-renowned machining industry decades ago. Commitment from both the government and the public sector has allowed manufacturing to become a valued, respected profession as well as for the country itself to flourish in the global exports market. PROTECH IS AN OFFICIAL US DISTRIBUTOR FOR MANY GERMAN MANUFACTURERS Protech International works with an array of German manufacturers who focus on niche, quality-driven machines. German producers emphasis on excellence and constant revolution are a big reason our clients keep turning to German-made products. For more information on the lines we carry or the products we service, contact us. How Germany Wins At Manufacturing For Now The United States needs to create more manufacturing jobs: That has been a constant refrain of President Trump and was one of the goals of the corporate tax cut recently passed by Congress and signed into law. The loss of manufacturing jobs has been a problem for many countries, especially the U.S. It played a big role in Trump's election. Germany, however, continues to maintain manufacturing as a large share of its economy. It makes up nearly a quarter of the German economy, about twice the share that manufacturing has in the U.S. economy. How do the Germans do it? Are there any lessons for the U.S.? Mittelstand Enlarge this image Yvonne Schmittenberg holds a tray of weld nuts produced by Schmittenberg Metal Works. They're used in the automotive industry. John Ydstie/NPR After World War II, Germany put in place a financial and institutional structure that supported manufacturing, but the economy's emphasis on "making things" goes back much further to a tradition of very capable small and middle-size companies called the Mittelstand. In Germany, they are seen as the foundation of the country's manufacturing success. Schmittenberg Metal Works, an auto parts maker based in Wuppertal, is a prime example. Its factory there stamps out parts by the millions for the world's automotive industry. "My grandfather was an engineer and toolmaker and had the technologic know-how, and my grandmother supplied the money, so, I mean this was, yah, a dream team, yah," says Yvonne Schmittenberg. She's a petite woman with long blond hair; an unusual CEO in a male-dominated industry. Schmittenberg Metal Works in Wuppertal, Germany. John Ydstie/NPR Schmittenberg was working in France in the 1990s when her grandmother, who was running the family business then, called and said it would be sold if she didn't come back home and take over. "I was working as an investment banker, which I liked a lot," she says. "But blood is thicker than water, and after all, I was very much tempted by the entrepreneurial challenge, yes." Schmittenberg is proud of the company's history. It was founded in 1932. It survived the second World War and right afterward began supplying parts for Germany's recovering auto industry. Volkswagen was one of the company's first customers. "Starting with Volkswagen, the Beetle, the first Beetle was supplied by the Schmittenberg company with the first weld nuts," she says. Weld nuts are small but critically important parts. Most are about the size of a silver dollar with a small-threaded tube sticking up. They are welded to a car's body and used to bolt on things like seats and seat belts, so they must be able to hold up against the violent forces unleashed when cars collide or smash into something. They look pretty simple, like something that these days would be manufactured in a low-wage country; in fact, they are highly engineered parts. Christian Rieder heads up Schmittenberg's sales team. He says the weld nuts the company produces are incredibly strong. "On this threaded plate you can hang four Mercedes-Benz S-Classes on," he says. That's the equivalent of 8 tons you could weld this small threaded plate to a steel girder, then hang four large automobiles from it, and the threads would not strip, the part would not fail. That attention to engineering and quality is a hallmark of German manufacturing companies. Yvonne Schmittenberg says it's what makes Schmittenberg, and companies like it, competitive: "Obviously we are under pressure and we have to fight for market share every day, but still quality is our main issue, and we would never shift to anywhere when quality is in slightest question." This is one of the strengths of German Mittelstand companies: They're often family-owned and focus on long-term success, not on maximizing short-term profits. They pay attention to quality. Yvonne Schmittenberg has some advice: Pay attention to your workforce. Don't presume every kid should go to college. Get them interested in making things. "I think this so important to keep the youngsters interested in manufacturing," the CEO says. "And this starts at the schools ... to have the kids running around with open eyes being interested in technical issues, see how things get done and really get them motivated on how to do that." Lessons for the United States What's the takeaway for U.S. companies? Can the U.S. embrace these qualities and boost manufacturing? Martin Baily, an economist at the Brookings Institution and a former White House economic adviser, has studied the question. He says he thinks it would be a good thing if the U.S. had more manufacturing jobs and could provide work for people who aren't highly educated, but that such an expansion would be very difficult to achieve. "I would not advise U.S. companies or U.S. policymakers to try to replicate what's happened in Germany," he says. "In fact, I would look at Germany and say you're going to have a tough time going forward, in fact you're already having a tough time as some production shifts to eastern Europe." Baily says a big reason is that technology is advancing so fast that it will continue to displace even highly skilled manufacturing workers. Some Germans are also worried about this. Jeromin Zettelmeyer, a former economic official in the German government who is now at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, says Germany may soon find that it's too reliant on manufacturing. "There is a very serious worry that we might lose our manufacturing edge over the next 10-20 years and be in the same situation the U.S. is now except, without having grown a new growth engine like the IT sector in the meantime," Zettelmeyer says. As Germany and the U.S. face the future they are caught in a "grass is always greener" moment, where each sees in the other the thing it does not have. Even if Germany is really good at manufacturing, maybe it needs to try to emulate the U.S. and start looking beyond manufacturing to find postindustrial jobs to drive its economy. Meanwhile, the U.S. faces an equally difficult question: How to provide decent jobs for workers who once would have been employed in manufacturing? Why is German Manufacturing So Good? https://restoftheiceberg.org/posts/2019/6/4/why-is-german-manufacturing-so-good Alister Chapman Global Avastin Biosimilars Market research report published by roots analysis describes in detail the vital aspects of the Avastin Biosimilars market on a global and regional level. The report offers a comprehensive assessment of recent technological developments, product advancements, current and emerging trends, key statistical data, forecast estimation, and major companies operating in the market. The report covers the impact of the pandemic on the Avastin Biosimilars Industry with a special focus on the affected key segments of the industry. According to our analysts, the market is expected to regain momentum in a post-covid-19 scenario. The Avastin Biosimilars: Pipeline Review, Developer Landscape and Competitive Insights, 2021-2031 report features an extensive study on the marketed, clinical and preclinical molecules available / being developed for the treatment of Avastin Biosimilars. The report also analyses key elements such as growth trends, concentration area, business expansion strategies, market reach, and other key features that offer companies insightful data to fortify their position in the Avastin Biosimilars industry. The research study presents an industry-wide summary of the Avastin Biosimilars market including drivers, constraints, technological advancements, product developments, limitations, growth strategies, growth prospects, etc. Among others. Top companies operating in the Avastin Biosimilars Industry Abbott Laboratories (Bevacizab), Amgen (Mvasi) and Pfizer (Zirabev). Considering that several enemy products are already in the market, and several others are under development, the bevacizumab biosimilars market is anticipated to witness noteworthy growth in the foreseen future. The research report offers in-depth insights into company profiles along with their production values, production capacity, product portfolio, strategic plans such as mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, collaborations, product launches and brand promotions, government and corporate deals, among others. The report, additionally, offers a comprehensive swot analysis and porters five forces analysis to offer a better understanding of the competitive landscape of the industry. The report analyzes the market based on different categories such as product types, end-user applications, and leading geographical regions. It offers key insights into the factors that are expected to influence the growth of the segments and sub-segments. Major regions include north america, latin america, europe, asia-pacific, and the middle east & africa. The report studies the market in these regions on the basis of demand and trends, consumer behavior and preferences, government initiatives and regulatory framework, economic growth, technological developments, supply and demand, production and consumption patterns, import/export, and presence of key players in each region. Key regions analyzed in the report: North america Canada s. Mexico Europe Germany Italy k. France Rest of europe Asia pacific China India Japan South korea Australia Rest of apac Latin america Brazil Argentina Chile Peru Rest of latin america Middle east & africa Saudi arabia South africa a.e Rest of middle east & africa To know more about the report @ https://www.rootsanalysis.com/reports/avastin-biosimilars-pipeline-review-and-partnerships.html Key Questions Answered What are the prevalent R&D trends related to Avastin Biosimilars? What are the key challenges faced by stakeholders engaged in this domain? What are the principal therapies developed by the companies in this domain? Who are the leading industry and non-industry players in this market? What are the contributions of big pharma players in this field? What are the key geographies where research on Avastin Biosimilars is being conducted? Who are the key investors in this domain? Who are the key opinion leaders / experts in this field? What kind of partnership models are commonly adopted by industry stakeholders? What are the factors that are likely to influence the evolution of this upcoming market? How is the current and future market opportunity likely to be distributed across key market segments? Scope of the report Avastin (Bevacizumab) Biosimilars: Focus on Approved & Launched Biosimilars, Investigational & Research Use Biosimilars, Inactive / Terminated / Withdrawn Biosimilars, Industry / Non-Industry Partnerships Thank you for reading our report. For further information or query regarding the report or its customization, please connect with us. Our team will ensure you get a report well-suited to your needs. I read Dream Child , the last article of book East and West . An American soldier had sexual intercourse with a girl in South Korea and then returned to the United States. The girl wrote letter to him informing him that she had given birth to a son and attached photos. When he went to South Korea to pick up the child, he found that the girl had not given birth, and the child in the photo was someone else's child. After returning to the United States, he told his fiancee that, and the fiancee believed they should bring back this dream child. 1) (A) Faye asked Martin Baynes to watch an opera Madame Butterfly. Faye, twenty years old, she had lived in the shelter. Martin thirty years old, he had been found on the steps of a church not more than two weeks old. The minister had picked him up and had taken him to the orphanage. When he was sixteen , he left the orphanage. He worked with the ministers father, Roger Walters, hardware business in Philadelphia. He served two years in Korea . Four years ago, he returned Korea for a months vacation. He had met a girl only a week before he had been discharged from the service. However, he had found no trace of the girl he remembered. Instead there had been another girl , Minyi, with whom he spent six days .When he came home again he began to fall in love with Faye. In the brief days spent with Minyi, a child had been born, a son, whom he had never seen. But Minyi had sent photographs over the years. Now more than three years old .He had named the boy Marty. He was a solemn chap. The boy, his son, whom he had not been able to explain to Faye, he must explain before ask her to marry him. How could he explain to her that which he could scarcely understand in himself .He felt the old vague agony sweep over him . Martin and Faye arrived at the theater. Martin found himself drawn into the opera. He felt a return of the old agony. If Minyi had been like Madame Butterfly? Minyi was too untaught , too poor , but she had taken care of the boy, she had been a good mother.He owed her much. (B)Two weeks later Martin was in Korea. He recognized Minyis house.He stepped into the door. He asked Minyi : where is Marty? Minyi said: He died ten days. Martin shouted at her: I dont believe you,youve hidden him. where are his clothes? She said: I give away his friend - very nice boy- poor mother like me, American GI father go Stateside.-he no send money- Did no one see him dead? My girl friend. Where is his grave? No grave, just take away He went back to the hotel and sobbed. Then he sat down to think: Perhaps Minyi was still lying. Perhaps her girl friend would tell him the truth. He must talk to someone else who had seen Marty when he was a baby. Certain of death. In the morning, he took a cab, arrived in the lane he had visited yesterday. A few children played.They were all older than Marty would have been. There beside Minyis door a small boy in a red sweater he had sent Marty, playing in the mud. He walked toward him. He stopped and looked into the childs face. Of course he knew the face. It was the one he watched change from a baby to a boy. At that moment, a door opened, a young woman came out. Where is his mother? he demanded. The woman said: me his mother Minyi is not his mother? Minyi no gotta boy. You her husband? She take my boy for picture to you. She too poor, sick, no catch GI Marty was only a dream child. He would have to tell Faye about him. He turned away . He must go home. He heard the womans voice: You take this boy, fifty dollar. (C) He and Faye were sitting in their favorite restaurant. He had told her baldly, hiding nothing. She had listened in silence. Could she understand? He asked: Faye, do you will marry me? Faye said calmly: Of course. Because I understand how it happened. Do you think we should leave the little boy there with a woman who doesnt want him? On our honeymoon well go and bring him home. He gave a great sigh. The load slipped away. Marty, the child who never was, was lost forever in the shadows of non existence. 2) I think: Many US military personnel stationed abroad have had sexual intercourse with local women and have left behind illegitimate children. Many women sell themselves out because of poverty. Many illegitimate children are discriminated against. This is a sad and painful thing. This article is in sharp contrast to the previous one To Whom a Child Is Born. In January 2020, representatives of a property development company in Lancaster attempted to wire $10 million to a Rochester company to pay off a loan. The money vanished. The $10 million is believed to have been stolen by cybercriminals who hacked the computer system used by the Rochester companys attorneys and emailed the Lancaster company phony instructions on where to wire the money, according to documents filed in State Supreme Court. Instead of wiring the money as originally planned to a bank in Rochester, representatives of the Lancaster company followed the hackers instructions and wired the money to banks in California and Mexico. After that, the money disappeared. More than four years later, not one penny has been recovered. The crime is among the largest cyberthefts if not the largest ever to become public in Western New York, cybercrime experts told The Buffalo News. While experts say cyberthieves strike businesses all over the country on a daily basis, such crimes rarely meet the public eye. Investigators say many cybercrimes are never even reported to law enforcement. The $10 million cybertheft became public only because it is the subject of a hard-fought lawsuit that has the Lancaster company and the Rochester company blaming each other and other parties for the disappearance of the money. Ten million dollars is a very high number for a cybercrime in Western New York, but crimes like this happen all the time, said Holly Hubert, a retired FBI supervisor who now runs GlobalSecurityIQ, a cybersecurity firm in Amherst. The scenario you are talking about is called business email compromise. Its the second most common form of cybercrime in this country. It is not unusual for businesses to lose anywhere from $400,000 to a million dollars on a crime like this. Often, the various parties involved will blame each other for what happened. According to the FBI, cyberthefts involving compromised business emails cost American businesses $2.9 billion last year. On average, we learn about one of these crimes a week in Western New York. Its not unusual for a victim to lose $600,000 or more, said Special Agent Amanda Pike, an investigator in the Buffalo FBIs Cyber Task Force. When one of our local businesses loses $250,000 in one of these schemes, its usually part of a much bigger picture, she said. The same crime group is usually targeting dozens or even hundreds of businesses at one time, all over the country. Most of the criminals who engage in cybertheft work in overseas countries, making it difficult and time-consuming for law enforcement to track them down and bring them to America for prosecution, Pike added. Theft linked to fake emails How did the $10 million cyber heist happen? Documents filed in State Supreme Court in Rochester tell the story: The main parties in the legal dispute are the Lancaster-based Mystic Pointe FL Holdings and a Rochester lending company called U.S. Income Partners LLC. Mystic Pointe is a group of investors from Buffalo and Rochester who developed a 250-unit apartment complex in Lutz, Fla., near Tampa. Court papers say the investors included Amherst developer Anthony J. Cutaia; the Hanania Family Partnership of Buffalo; and Ronald and Margaret Toski of Clarence. Several investors from the Rochester area, including businessman Robert Morgan and members of his family, also were identified as investors. A prosecution that started with fanfare ends with $2,000 fine for Robert Morgan For Rochester real estate developer Robert C. Morgan, a four-year federal case over his business dealings ended Friday with a $2,000 fine. Morgan in 2022 pleaded guilty in an unrelated case to a conspiracy to commit wire fraud felony, surrendered $16.3 million to the government and was fined $2,000. U.S. Income Partners in 2018 gave Mystic Pointe a $10 million short-term loan to begin renovation of its Florida property. U.S. Income Partners worked closely with a company called Monroe Capital and the Silver & Feldman law firm, both of which shared an office with U.S. Income Partners. In late 2019, Mystic Pointe officials were ready to make full repayment of the $10 million loan. Mystic Pointe officials said U.S. Income Partners and its associates initially told them to wire the money to a branch of M&T Bank in Rochester. But just before the deal went down in January 2020, imposters who hacked into the Silver & Feldman computer system emailed Mystic Pointe new instructions on how to wire the money. They told Mystic Pointe representatives to divide the $10 million and wire the money to the ACME Account at a bank in California and to an offshore account of a Mexican bank. Mystic Pointe representatives followed those new instructions, wiring the money Jan. 16, 2020. U.S. Income Partners said it never got the $10 million and demanded full payment. Under the lending agreement, U.S. Income Partners says it was entitled to take control of the Florida property. Mystic Pointe irrevocably and unconditionally promised to make full payment of the loan, but the $10 million never got to U.S. Income Partners, said Jeremy W. Schulman, an attorney for U.S. Income, in court papers. Schulman accused Mystic Pointe of breach of contract, saying the Lancaster company sent the $10 million to the wrong accounts. Mystic Pointes attorneys with the Lipsitz Green Scime Cambria law firm of Buffalo said their client did wire the money, following the exact instructions that came from representatives of the lender. U.S. Income Partners shared computer servers with Monroe Capital and the Silver & Feldman law firm, and those companies failed to adequately monitor the safety of those computer services, Mystic Pointes attorneys claimed. According to attorneys for Mystic Pointe, the Rochester plaintiffs are now seeking $25 million in damages, including interest and other charges added to the $10 million. Mystic Pointe sued U.S. Income Partners, Monroe Capital and the Rochester law firm, accusing them of negligence for failing to take steps to prevent hackers from infiltrating their computer systems. Mystic Pointe has also sued the Philips Lytle law firm and Stewart Title Guarantee Company of Texas, accusing them of failing to properly protect their clients interest during the transaction. Attorneys for everyone involved in the litigation deny wrongdoing and blame others for what happened. Red flag was missed While not commenting on the Mystic Pointe case, FBI Agent Pike said last-minute changes in banking or wiring instructions should always be seen as a huge red flag for anyone in the business world. Cybercriminals who infiltrate the computer network of a legitimate business will often tell participants in a deal to wire or transfer money to accounts controlled by criminals, she said. Any time you have a last-minute change in banking or wiring instructions, you should pick up a phone and call the company you are dealing with to verify, Pike said. Make sure you are calling the right number and talking to the right person. It may slow things down a bit, but it is worth the effort. In Huberts view, companies that do business online should contact experts for a cybersecurity risk assessment. That assessment looks for weaknesses in the companys computer networks and provides advice on how to fix potential problems. A lot of these crimes can be prevented with better security, Hubert said. Both Pike and Hubert recommend that cybercrime victims report to crimes to the FBI as soon as possible. It is sometimes possible to stop a payment if the crime is reported within 72 hours of its occurrence, Pike said. She added that information on steps that can be taken to avoid becoming a cybercrime victim can be found on the FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center website at ic3.gov. No trial date yet Lawsuits were filed on both sides of the Mystic Pointe case. More than 1,400 court documents have been filed so far, and no trial date has been set. The cyberattack occurred on the network of another party and its attorneys, not Phillips Lytle. Phillips Lytle did not prepare the fraudulent payoff statement, was not responsible for disbursing the funds, and did not disburse the funds, said Terrence M. Connors, who represents the Buffalo law firm with co-counsel Christina M. Eaton. Connors added that Phillips Lytle has cooperated fully in the investigation into the cyberattack in hopes that the money will be recovered and the criminals responsible will be arrested. Meanwhile, Schulman, lead attorney for the Rochester group, faces other problems. Schulman pleaded not guilty to federal charges filed in late 2020 that he defrauded financial institutions out of $12.5 million that was controlled by the government of Somalia. He is charged with felony bank fraud, wire fraud and money laundering. Schulman told The Buffalo News he denies all the accusations. He added that the criminal charges have absolutely nothing to do with the civil case filed in Rochester. News / National by Staff reporter President Mnangagwa extended his congratulations to Chinese President Xi Jinping on his 71st birthday, highlighting Xi's significant role in strengthening the bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and China. President Xi, born on June 15, 1953, in Beijing, received well wishes from Mnangagwa, who expressed appreciation for the ongoing cooperation between the two nations.In his statement, President Mnangagwa conveyed the best wishes on behalf of his party ZANU-PF, the Zimbabwean government, and the people of Zimbabwe. He praised the robust bilateral relations and Xi's personal efforts in enhancing these ties. Mnangagwa expressed confidence that the relationship between Zimbabwe and China would continue to grow and explore new areas of cooperation for mutual benefit.This congratulatory message comes in the context of the comprehensive strategic partnership established between Zimbabwe and China in April 2018, aimed at deepening the cooperation between the two countries. News / National by Staff reporter The Mutapa Investment Fund (Mutapa) manages a diverse portfolio of 66 state-owned enterprises (SOEs), their subsidiaries, and state-invested enterprises (SIEs). This portfolio includes entities in various financial positions, from profitable to loss-making or breaking even.Mutapa aims to attract international investment to fund critical capital projects in Zimbabwe, focusing on sectors like natural resources, energy, infrastructure, industrials, financial services, and real estate.Ernest Denhere, Mutapa's deputy chief investment officer, outlined the fund's strategy during a CEO Africa Roundtable, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure, mining, and energy sectors in revitalizing SOEs to support Zimbabwe's Vision 2030 aspirations for economic growth. Key initiatives include addressing governance issues, enhancing board member skills, promoting autonomy in decision-making, and managing legacy debts.The fund's efforts align with the Office of the President and Cabinet's assessment, highlighting a need for US$30 billion to recapitalize state entities. Challenges such as governance lapses and political interference have hindered SOEs' performance, prompting calls for qualified leadership and reduced governmental influence in board decisions.Moving forward, Mutapa seeks to optimize SOE performance through strategic investments, regulatory improvements, and private sector partnerships, aiming to leverage commercial expertise to drive economic growth and reduce dependency on government support. News / National by Staff reporter ZANU-PF has instructed its members of Parliament (MPs) to refrain from participating in food aid distribution programs following reports of widespread corruption within the party. This decision comes amid allegations that some ZANU-PF officials have been diverting grain intended for distribution to needy communities, thereby leaving deserving beneficiaries hungry.The government initiated the food aid distribution program in response to the severe El Nino-induced drought, which has placed millions of Zimbabweans at risk of food insecurity. President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared the drought a national disaster and appealed for US$3 billion in food aid.According to a report by the Anti-Corruption Trust of Southern Africa, the food aid distribution process, particularly in Zhombe, Midlands, has been marred by corruption and theft. Allegations suggest that ZANU-PF officials have been unlawfully appropriating and misappropriating food supplies meant for drought-affected populations. This revelation has sparked public outrage, questioning the integrity and accountability of those entrusted with aid distribution.The report also highlighted concerns about the alleged use of intimidation tactics by ZANU-PF, where individuals who do not attend party meetings purportedly face denial or rationing of food aid. ACT SA strongly condemned the politicization of food aid, emphasizing the need for transparent and accountable distribution practices.In response to these developments, Pupurai Togarepi, ZANU-PF's chief whip in Parliament, issued a directive instructing party MPs to avoid involvement in food aid distribution activities. Togarepi emphasized that the distribution of food should be left to established government structures and that MPs should instead focus on facilitating access to aid distribution points for their constituents.Government estimates, supported by humanitarian agencies, suggest that approximately six million Zimbabweans may require food aid until the next harvest season. The United Nations has launched a flash appeal to raise US$429.3 million in humanitarian assistance aimed at feeding at least 3.1 million vulnerable Zimbabweans. News / National by Staff reporter The Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP) has been accused of launching violent attacks on ZANU-PF-affiliated apostolic sects in Bulawayo and other parts of Matabeleland, targeting sacred shrines under the guise of removing alleged dangerous weapons. These white garment churches are seen as traditional support bases for President Emmerson Mnangagwa's party, potentially making them targets for retribution by the MRP.The Mapositori for Economic Development (ED), representing Vapositori and MaZion churches supportive of ZANU-PF, condemned the MRP's actions as a violation of the right to free worship. They denounced the alleged targeting of apostolic shrines in Bulawayo's Cowdray Park, accusing the MRP of obstructing constitutional rights of religious freedom and worship.According to the MRP, their actions are aimed at uncovering weapons used in criminal activities at these worship sites. They claim to have made alarming discoveries of such weapons, attributing them to apostolic members involved in violent crimes.In response, Mapositori for ED criticized the MRP's tactics as discriminatory and tribalistic. They cautioned the MRP against taking law enforcement into their own hands, emphasizing that only the government and local authorities have the jurisdiction to regulate and manage religious practices in public spaces.Efforts to obtain comments from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and MRP president Mqondisi Moyo were unsuccessful. News / National by Staff reporter The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission says it is investigating possible money laundering in the ZEC US$40 million contract to supply election materials and will be interviewing businessmen Wicknell Chivayo, Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu as part of that probe.Chivayo, a controversial Zimbabwean businessman, is embroiled in a scandal involving claims that he has captured President Emmerson Mnangagwa.This controversy arose from an alleged audio recording in which Chivayo boasts about his influence over the President and mentions other lucrative government deals due to his proximity to powerful figures.The audio, which includes a US$40 million tender from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) for last year's elections, has led to a backlash from both government and Zanu PF officials.Chivayo's recent prominence at state functions and his donations to Mnangagwa's supporters have been under scrutiny, raising questions about his wealth sources. The ongoing scandal might signify the end of his favorable status and possible legal challenges ahead.Zanu PF warned Chivayo to stop using Mnangagwa's name in his dealings, and the party's youth league called for an investigation into his conduct.Chivayo issued a statement distancing himself from the audio and blaming his business partners, Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, for trying to extort him. He also apologized to Mnangagwa and other influential individuals mentioned in the recording. News / National by Staff reporter The newly-formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has turned to the Electoral Court seeking an order declaring the 2024 General Elections were not free and fair, and are therefore invalid.The party also seeks, among others, an order from the court directing the President to call for new elections to be held.The party, which was noticeably absent from the first sitting of the National Assembly, is now the third biggest political party in the country.In papers filed, the party contends that had the elections been conducted in a free and fair manner, the MK Party "in all likelihood had won". The affidavit by its National Organiser Nathi Nhleko, says prior to the declaration of the 2024 election results, the party had already registered grave objections to the lawfulness of the May polls based on what the party terms as "serious voting irregularities".To support its claim, the party attached an analysis in its papers alleging voter discrepancy of just over nine million votes that it says cannot be accounted for. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 16. The members of the Nizami Ganjavi International Center has met with the Secretary-General of the UN Trade and Development Rebeca Grynspan, Trend reports. The meeting was held with the Secretary-General of the UN Trade and Development Rebeca Grynspan. Upcoming "Pathway to COP29" event & other activities of the NGIC, potential partnership with UNCTAD have been discussed during the meeting," the NGIC said. In November this year, Azerbaijan will host the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29). This was decided at the plenary meeting of COP28 held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Within two weeks, Baku, having become the center of the world, will host about 70,00080,000 foreign guests. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference in the climate system. The acronym COP (Conference of Parties) stands for Conference of Parties, which is the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. A total of 198 countries are parties to the convention. Unless the parties decide otherwise, COP is held annually. The first COP event was held in March 1995 in Germany's Berlin, and its secretariat is based in Bonn. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 16. TheCOP29 International Advisory Committee had meeting with Special Adviser to the UN Secretary General Selwin Hart, the Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC) wrote on its X page, Trend reports. "Climate change is a global challenge requiring global efforts. Despite some progress since the Paris Agreement, the world is falling behind the 1.5 degree goal. Energy transition Loss & Damage Fund Climate Justice Gender equality Renewable investments Role of private sector Political will been discussed", the NGIC said. In November this year, Azerbaijan will host the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29). This was decided at the plenary meeting of COP28 held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Within two weeks, Baku, having become the center of the world, will host about 70,00080,000 foreign guests. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference in the climate system. The acronym COP (Conference of Parties) stands for Conference of Parties, which is the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. A total of 198 countries are parties to the convention. Unless the parties decide otherwise, COP is held annually. The first COP event was held in March 1995 in Germany's Berlin, and its secretariat is based in Bonn. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 16. For the first time in 32 years, residents of the city of Shusha celebrated the holiday of Eid al-Adha in their homeland, Trend reports. Under the leadership of the Food Security Agency, with the organization of a special representative office of the President of Azerbaijan in Shusha and the Office of the State Reserve of the city of Shusha, a distribution of sacrificial animal meat took place in the courtyard of a new residential complex. The event was attended by Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in Shusha Aydin Kerimov, heads of various bodies operating in Shusha. The slaughter and sale of sacrificial animals is carried out under veterinary supervision in a mobile slaughter tent that meets modern requirements. At the same time, a mobile laboratory of the Azerbaijan Institute of Food Safety also operates in this area. In addition, the Food Security Agency, together with relevant institutions, organized the slaughter and sale of sacrificial animals during the Gurban holiday in the village of Agali, Zangilan region, and the village of Talish, Agdara region, liberated from occupation. Also, for the first time, the slaughter and sale of sacrificial animals was organized in Shusha, Fizuli and Lachin regions This year, the sale and slaughter of sacrificial animals was organized at 147 addresses throughout the country. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 16. The United Nations Development Programme Administrator Achim Steiner has met with the Nizami Ganjavi International Center and COP29 Int'l Advisory Committee Members, Trend reports. "As COP29 nears, we're at a pivotal moment for Climate Action. My meeting with the Nizami Ganjavi International Center and COP29 Int'l Advisory Committee Members focused on key aspects of geo-political & economic contexts + how to ensure support for Paris Agreement towards a 1.5C pathway remains resilient," Steiner wrote on his X page. In November this year, Azerbaijan will host the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29). This was decided at the plenary meeting of COP28 held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Within two weeks, Baku, having become the center of the world, will host about 70,00080,000 foreign guests. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference in the climate system. The acronym COP (Conference of Parties) stands for Conference of Parties, which is the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. A total of 198 countries are parties to the convention. Unless the parties decide otherwise, COP is held annually. The first COP event was held in March 1995 in Germany's Berlin, and its secretariat is based in Bonn. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, June 16. Kazakhstan increased its rail exports of oil cargo by 9.5 percent year-on-year to 2.3 million tons from January through May 2024, Trend reports. Kazakhstan Railways National Company has reported that iron ore and manganese exports by railways grew by 8.4 percent to 4.7 million tons. Exports of black metals also rose by 5 percent, reaching 1.4 million tons. Processed foods' exports grew by 2.3 percent, up to 1 million tons. Additionally, exports of fertilizers reached 0.55 million tons, marking a 12 percent increase, while exports of construction goods increased to 0.14 million tons, up by 9 percent. During the first five months of 2024, Kazakhstan's railway transport handled a total of 102.4 million tons of goods. Of this, 34.2 million tons were for exports, while 68.2 million tons were transported within the country. Furthermore, the transportation of coal amounted to 40.6 million tons, with 30.3 million tons transported domestically. Additionally, over 3.7 million tons of grain were delivered by railways. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, June 16. Uzbekistans trade turnover volume with Tajikistan amounted to $756.8 million in 2023, Trend reports. As per data from Uzbekistans Statistics Agency, this figure has increased by 11.8 percent compared to the same period last year ($676.7 million in 2022). Trade turnover volume between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan totaled $605.6 million in 2021 and $493.1 million in 2020. This indicator amounted to $480.5 million in 2019. In total, Uzbekistans trade turnover with Tajikistan reached $3 billion from January 2019 through December 2023. The total volume of exports from Uzbekistan to Tajikistan amounted to $2.3 billion, while imports to Uzbekistan reached $650.8 million from January 2019 through December 2023. Meanwhile, Uzbekistans trade turnover volume with Tajikistan amounted to $198.1 million from January through April 2024. As per data from Uzbekistans Statistics Agency, this figure is 3.4 percent less compared to the same period last year ($205.1 million in JanuaryApril 2023). Uzbekistan's exports to Tajikistan totaled $145.8 million from January through April 2024, while imports from Tajikistan reached $52.3 million from January through April 2024. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, June 17. The volume of Uzbekistan's trade turnover with Italy amounted to $502.5 million in 2023, Trend reports. According to the Statistics Agency of Uzbekistan, this figure increased by 30.3 percent compared to the same period in 2022 ($385.4 million). The volume of trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Italy amounted to $430.3 million in 2021 and $348.4 million in 2020. This figure amounted to $408.8 million in 2019. However, Uzbekistan's total trade turnover with Italy reached $2 billion from January 2019 through December 2023. Total exports from Uzbekistan to Italy amounted to $218 million, while imports to Uzbekistan reached $1.8 billion from January 2019 through December 2023. To note, the volume of Uzbekistan's trade turnover with Italy from January through April 2024 amounted to $145.9 million. This is 8.2 percent less than in the same period last year ($159 million from January through April 2023). Uzbekistan's exports to Italy amounted to $16.7 million, and imports from Italy amounted to $129.2 million in the period from January through April 2024. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 16. Representatives of Moscow, Tehran and Baku agreed to create a working group on freight transport within the international North-South transport corridor and inspected border and customs terminals on the Russian-Azerbaijani and Azerbaijani-Iranian borders, the representative of the government of Dagestan at the trade mission of the Russian Federation in Iran, Andrei Tanayev said, Trend reports. We held a trilateral meeting at the expert level in Derbent between the Russian, Azerbaijani and Iranian delegations and inspected customs and border points," Tanayev said. According to Tanayev, a total of 27 people took part in the meeting at the expert level, 9 from each side. The Russian delegation was headed by the Director of the Department of State Policy in the Field of Automobile and Urban Passenger Transport of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation Sergei Semenov; the delegation also included representatives of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, the Federal Customs Service of the Russian Federation, and the Federal Service for Supervision of Transport. The Russian authorities expect that the North-South corridor can become an alternative to the Suez Canal, allowing for an end-to-end route for supplies both in transit to Europe and from Russia to the Persian Gulf. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 16. Former American leader Donald Trump, who has repeatedly promised to arrange the largest deportation of illegal migrants in US history, said that he has nothing against those who entered the country legally, Trend reports. "We want people to come here, but we want them to do it legally. They have to be vetted when they get here," he said in Detroit, Michigan. According to Trump, the high number of illegal migrants takes away jobs from US citizens and also poses a threat to their safety, since many illegal immigrants were previously held in prisons and mental hospitals. During Kate Middleton's first public appearance in 2024 at Trooping the Color in honor of King Charles III's birthday, her eldest son, Prince George, noticed an interesting detail that day. The audience gathered in central London was incredibly happy to finally see the princess after numerous pessimistic rumors and her absence from public for 6 months due to cancer treatment. ADVERTISIMENT On Saturday, June 15, Kate Middleton and her three children, Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte, rode in a carriage to Buckingham Palace for the Trooping the Color event and traditionally waved and smiled at fans. Then the eldest 10-year-old son George noted that people were happy to finally see the Princess of Wales alive, although not yet fully healthy, the Daily Mail reports. Kate Middleton is still undergoing preventive cancer treatment, so going out in public is difficult for her. This was noticeable at certain moments when the princess did not smile and often lost herself in her own thoughts. Then, to encourage her while they were riding in the carriage, Prince George said: "They [the fans] all look so happy," according to a lip-reading by Juliet Sullivan. ADVERTISIMENT Prince William was not in the carriage with his family at the time. He was an officer and took part in the parade on horseback. During Trooping the Color, Kate Middleton spent a lot of time with the children, staying by their side all the time and answering their questions. During the Horse Guards parade, 6-year-old Prince Louis couldn't watch the show calmly on the balcony, as he was most interested in the curtain cord. "Do you know how they are made, Mommy?" Louis asked, still looking at the curiosity. ADVERTISIMENT Kate Middleton disappeared from public space after Christmas. The palace reported that the princess had to undergo abdominal surgery and would therefore be suspended from work until Easter. Later, in March, she announced in a video that she was to undergo preventive cancer treatment, but did not name the specific type of treatment. Since then, the Princess of Wales has not appeared in public, which worried royal fans and provoked rumors about her health and well-being. However, the day before, she posted a message on social media saying that she was ready to appear in public, although it would require considerable effort. Moreover, during the summer, the princess hopes to partially return to her duties outside the house. For the first time, she disclosed that her treatment will last for several more months, not until the end of the year, as previously thought. ADVERTISIMENT According to OBOZ.UA, Middleton kept her word and appeared at the Trooping the Color military parade on Saturday, June 15. The Duchess was on the balcony during a traditional family appearance. She was surrounded by her children, husband, king and queen consort. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! On June 16, the city of Dobeln, Germany, held a funeral service for Valeria from Ukraine, who was found murdered in the woods three kilometers from her home. More than 2,500 people came to express their condolences, and the mayor of the city, Sven Liebhauser, addressed the audience. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by the administration of Dobeln. "The people are deeply sorry for the fate Valeria faced," the statement said. The mayor of the city thanked everyone involved in the search for Valeria, as well as the city's residents for their participation and willingness to help. The city's church community allowed those attending the farewell to launch balloons. Many laid flowers or lit candles near the city hall. ADVERTISIMENT According to the German newspaper Bild, at that time, Valeria's 32-year-old father, Ukrainian soldier Roman, was on his way from Dnipro to Germany. Immediately after the disappearance of his child, he was released from service so that he could collect all the documents for a trip to Germany. Roman hoped that he would be able to find his daughter on his own. Now he wants to take Valeria back to bury her in her homeland. The man said he also wants to talk to the police on the spot and hopes to get answers. ADVERTISIMENT "To be honest, I'm afraid to go there. I'm going to Dobeln, I have another 300 or 400 kilometers to go," Roman told the publication. As reported, since 2022, Valeria has been living in Germany with her mother and younger sister Victoria. Her parents were divorced. On June 3, the child disappeared on her way to school without a trace and was searched for more than a week with the participation of helicopters, drones, sniffer dogs, divers, and hundreds of police officers. According to Valeria's mother, 33-year-old Nadia, the last time she saw her daughter was when the girl left the house to board a bus and go to school. The child was not seen in school that day, but no one raised the alarm. ADVERTISIMENT Valeria's father had not seen her for two years and hoped that his ex-wife would bring her back to Ukraine for the summer vacation. He said that he was surprised by Nadia's behavior, who sent the girl to school alone and did not allow her to take two phones and a smartwatch with her. On June 11, police found Valeria dead in the woods three kilometers from her home. An autopsy confirmed her identity. According to law enforcement, the child was murdered, and there was no question of sexual violence. Since then, police have been on duty near the homes of Valeria's mother and grandmother around the clock. The investigation is focused on the family's immediate environment, and it is possible that the killer will seek contact with the girl's relatives. The girl's father did not have time to come to the memorial service but said that he would not allow Valeria to be buried outside of Ukraine. ADVERTISIMENT According to media reports, the police had two suspects in Valeria's murder: men from Ukraine and Moldova. Both had previously tried to build a relationship with the girl's mother. Soon it turned out that the Ukrainian had an alibi, which has also been confirmed by German police. On June 14, Czech police arrested a 36-year-old Moldovan in Prague. According to Bild, he was in Dobeln on the day of the murder. Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has decided to take a new step in the hope of appeasing Russian military personnel and supporters of the war against Ukraine inside Russia. He is preparing a group of trusted "veterans" with ties to the Kremlin who will be allowed to join the civil service. ADVERTISIMENT In this way, the Russian authorities are trying to encourage Russians to participate in the war, presenting it as a path to a career in the Russian government. The details were revealed in a new article by the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Analysts came to the conclusion that Putin was preparing a group of trusted "veterans" for the civil service after a staged meeting between the dictator and a so-called "volunteer" and former Krasnodar mayor Yevgeny Pervyshev on June 14. This meeting was part of Putin's "Time of Heroes" (Vremya Geroyev) initiative. Talking to the dictator, Pervyshev told him that he had gone to war voluntarily despite the fact that he had previously held a public office. He added that the occupiers participating in the Time of Heroes initiative would allegedly make excellent government officials. ADVERTISIMENT Answering Putin's question, Pervyshov said that he is a member of the State Duma of the Russian Federation and was previously the mayor of Krasnodar. "Putin expressed (presumably fake) surprise at Pervyshov's political career and ended the conversation by telling Pervyshov that he had an unspecified 'offer' for him," the ISW report said. At the front, according to one of the Kremlin-linked "military commanders," Pervyshov was part of the GROM Kaskad UAV brigade, formed in 2017 in the so-called "DPR." And some Russian political observers reminded that Pervyshov was involved in a corruption case, so he went to war most likely trying to avoid responsibility for his actions. "The Time of Heroes initiative reportedly started training veterans of the Russian war in Ukraine in April 2024 to take on roles in the Russian government, and Pervyshov's show is likely a part of the Kremlin's ongoing efforts to appease the ever-growing number of Russian veterans by appointing servicemen who fought in Ukraine to prominent positions in the civil service, presenting participation in the war as a path to a career in the Russian government," ISW said in its article. ADVERTISIMENT The analysts also noted that the aforementioned UAV unit (not a brigade at the time, but a GROM Kaskad battalion) was created in 2017, supervised by former United Russia party secretary Andrey Turchak and State Duma deputy Dmitry Sablin. In the fall of 2022, they also recruited Russian officials and United Russia party members to this unit, which operated in the Luhansk region. However, according to ISW, Turchak managed to recruit only seven Russian officials. "Russian insider sources have previously claimed that Putin entrusted Turchak with the task of inviting veterans to run for the Russian presidency and to take up positions in the Russian State Duma, but Turchak reportedly failed to achieve this goal because local figures allegedly did not give up their positions in local governments that Turchak was supposed to give to Russian veterans. Putin is likely to continue to pursue this goal through the Time of Heroes initiative even after Turchak's demotion," the analysts concluded. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, ISW said that Putin sees the victory in Ukraine as the beginning of a war with NATO . He is preparing for it by imitating his interest in peace talks with Ukraine while maintaining his desire for the complete destruction of Ukrainian statehood. It was also reported that the new Defense Minister, Andrey Belousov, held a closed meeting with the "military commissars." Analysts are convinced that the meeting was part of the Kremlin's efforts to revive the department's reputation. Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes! On June 16, the second day of the discussion of the Ukrainian Formula for Peace continues in Switzerland at the Global Peace Summit, which brought together representatives of more than 90 countries. On this day, the final declaration will be released, calling on Russia to respect the territorial integrity of the Ukrainian state, demanding the return of control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and the release of prisoners of war and deported children. ADVERTISIMENT There will also be a joint press conference between President Zelensky and his Swiss counterpart Viola Amgerd, and the two leaders will speak separately. An OBOZ.UA correspondent is at the main media center of the international meeting, and the publication is broadcasting it live. 15:30 - The leaders' press conference on the results of the Global Peace Summit has started. 15:00 - the second plenary session of the Peace Summit has ended. Later, a joint press conference with the participation of six world leaders is expected. 14:50 - According to Radio Liberty, the final communique of the Peace Summit was signed by 80 countries and 4 organizations. Armenia, Brazil, India, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, South Africa and the UAE refused to sign. ADVERTISIMENT 14:45 - Zelensky says at the Peace Summit that Ukraine did the right thing by putting two security (food and nuclear energy) and one humanitarian (release of prisoners and abducted children) items on the Peace Summit agenda. This will allow us to start moving towards the full restoration of security. According to him, the dialog has taken place and can have absolutely practical steps. Zelensky noted that food security threatens not only certain countries but the entire world, and the disruption of this system could lead to the chaos that Russia is so eager to create. Speaking about the release of prisoners, Zelensky noted that Ukraine is doing everything to return everyone: captured civilians, abducted children and our soldiers. ADVERTISIMENT "Every day in captivity is terrible, and we must release thousands of people who have had years of their lives taken away from them and who have been tortured, who are lied to that no one is waiting for them," the president said. 14:20 - US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said during the summit that the so-called peace initiatives of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin are contrary to common sense. He promised that the United States would continue to support Ukraine. According to him, the Peace Summit defined the core of what peace should look like - the principles of the UN Charter, the principles of international law, the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and the impossibility of conquest of one nation by another. Ukraine can build on this to later negotiate and secure the just peace that the people of Ukraine deserve. ADVERTISIMENT He also called for condemnation of Russia's horrific abduction of Ukrainian children and for their return to Ukraine. 14:10 - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasizes that the world will help Ukraine rebuild after the war. "The good thing about buildings is that they can be rebuilt. But the people who lost their lives, the families who were destroyed, they cannot be brought back," Trudeau said. 14:00 - President of Slovenia Natasha Pirc Musar sends "greetings" to the UN Security Council, which has not yet expelled Russia, which is in no way concerned about "peace and security on the entire planet." She emphasized that Ukraine is now fighting for the whole planet, and the only way to achieve peace is to make Russia stop, because if Ukraine stops, it will be the end of the world. ADVERTISIMENT 13:50 Prime Minister of the Netherlands Mark Rutte said that Russia was absolutely right not to be invited to the Peace Summit. He emphasized that all the participants of the Summit agree that "Russia should not be at this table now". "There will be peace when Russia respects international principles and the UN Charter," Rutte said. 13:35 - Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis recalled how he and Zelensky came under rocket fire in Odesa and called for not turning food into a weapon. He noted that this war has become a global problem and has once again proved that every country should have the right to determine its own destiny and future. ADVERTISIMENT "Food cannot be used as a weapon," said Mitsotakis. He called for support for Ukraine until it is able to achieve peace on its own terms. 13:15 - Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that the Western world must unite to defend Ukraine and force Russia to surrender. According to her, peace in Ukraine will not be achieved through the capitulation of Ukraine. 12:58 - Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said in his speech at the Summit that a process is being launched there that will lead to sustainable peace in Europe. He reminded that Russia's aggression began in 2014, and that sustainable peace can only be achieved when Russia fully liberates the occupied Ukrainian territories. ADVERTISIMENT Nauseda also called for the establishment of a tribunal to punish Russia for its crimes against Ukraine. 12:45 - Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba says that the work on the joint declaration at the Peace Summit is complete - all the principled positions insisted on by Kyiv are taken into account. Its approval will be announced at the end of the meeting. 12:25 - Zelensky has already met with European Council President Charles Michel and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on June 16. The latter received the Order of Freedom from the President for her support of Ukraine. Video by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland ADVERTISIMENT 12:00 - On the sidelines of the Peace Summit, President Volodymyr Zelensky held the first high-level meeting in the history of Ukraine with President of Palau Surangel Wippes Jr. The two leaders discussed environmental safety and the threats posed by Russia's occupation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Zelensky invites Palau to join the implementation of the Environmental Security clause of the Peace Formula. ADVERTISIMENT 11:00 - The Ukrainian leader showed the coalition of dozens of countries that support the Peace Formula at the Summit. Zelensky expressed gratitude to everyone who worked to make this event happen. 10:00 - The Institute for the Study of War said that Russian dictator Putin managed to confuse the purpose of the Summit in Switzerland with a misleading statement about "peaceful" negotiations. The analysts pointed out that the Kremlin's information operation was aimed at sabotaging the event and partially succeeded in this by refocusing the international conversation on the absence of Russia at the event. 09:00 - The final declaration will point to Russia's guilt in launching a full-scale war against Ukraine, which has caused large-scale human suffering and destruction. In the document, the participants emphasize the need to respect the territorial integrity of Ukraine, and call for Kyiv to return control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and access to seaports, etc. ADVERTISIMENT 08:00 - An important statement on ending the war in Ukraine was made by French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the Global Peace Summit. He emphasized that the participants are committed to building a sustainable peace, but that such a peace cannot be achieved through Ukraine's surrender in this war. 07:00 - US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan suggested that China's absence at the event in Switzerland was due to a request from the Kremlin. According to him, this is China's true position on the war. ADVERTISIMENT 06:00 - The day before, the leaders made important statements about Russia's war against Ukraine and the approaching peace. They noted that "Ukrainians impress" the international community and called it obvious that dictator "Putin is panicking." As OBOZ.UA previously reported, the President's Office said that there would be no bilateral talks between Ukraine and Russia. Instead, the main task of the Global Peace Summit is to deprive Russia of the tools of aggression in all spheres. Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! For the first time in Ukraine's history, President Volodymyr Zelensky met with the leader of the Republic of Palau, Surangel Whipps Jr. They held talks on the sidelines of the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland and signed a communique. ADVERTISIMENT This happened on the second day of the international event, June 16. The news was reported by the press service of the Office of the President. "The second day of the Peace Summit. We discussed environmental security issues with Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr.", the agency said. The Republic of Palau is located in Micronesia in the western part of the Caroline Islands. This meeting of the leaders was the first high-level contact between the two countries. ADVERTISIMENT During the meeting, Zelensky spoke about the environmental threats posed by the Russian occupation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and noted that the occupiers were storing weapons and explosives on the territory of the power plant and forcing Ukrainian personnel to work. He also emphasized the importance of uniting countries around the world around the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. He invited Palau to join the implementation of the Environmental Security clause of the Peace Formula. In the presence of the leaders, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba and Director of the Bureau of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Palau Eunice Akivo signed a Joint Communique on the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations. ADVERTISIMENT "It is very important that you found the opportunity to come to the Peace Summit. Thank you for your clear position. The issues discussed at the Summit are important not only for Europe but for the whole world," the Ukrainian leader said. As reported by OBOZ.UA, the day before, on the sidelines of the Peace Summit, the President of Ukraine met with Kenyan President William Ruto, Chilean President Gabriel Borich and Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili. Volodymyr Zelensky also spoke with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Switzerland. Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Finnish President Alexander Stubb said that China has the opportunity to play a key role in establishing peace in Ukraine. According to him, it is Beijing that can influence Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. ADVERTISIMENT At the same time, Stubb rejected the so-called "peace proposals" voiced by the Kremlin leader the day before. This was reported by Yle. The Finnish president called on China to influence Russian dictator Putin to end the war against Ukraine. He also directly addressed the Kremlin dictator and called on him to stop the armed aggression against Ukraine. He added that Putin's proposals, which were made on the eve of the Peace Summit in Switzerland, have nothing to do with ending the war. At the same time, Stubb emphasized the importance of the global South in achieving peace. "There are many representatives from Latin America, Africa, Asia, and especially the Middle East at the summit in Switzerland. This gives me hope that we will be able to get on the path to peace, and I think it is important that this happens on Ukraine's terms," the Finnish president said. ADVERTISIMENT As a reminder, it is reported that dictator Vladimir Putin imitates interest in peace talks with Ukraine but in reality seeks the complete destruction of Ukrainian statehood. At the same time, Russia is preparing for a possible war with NATO. Therefore, the Kremlin views the victory over Ukraine as the beginning of a war against the North Atlantic Alliance. Earlier, US Permanent Representative to NATO Kurt Volker said that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is not afraid of NATO. In fact, the Kremlin leader constantly uses the Alliance in his narratives to justify his aggression. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine would receive F-16 fighter jets in the near future. The Head of State noted that Denmark would provide the combat aircraft to our country. ADVERTISIMENT Zelensky also thanked Denmark for participating in the Peace Summit. The President wrote about this in his Telegram. According to the head of state, Denmark actively promoted the involvement of the countries of the Global South in the implementation of the Peace Formula. Zelensky noted that during a meeting with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, he discussed the preparation of F-16 fighters for transfer to Ukraine. "I am grateful to Mette Frederiksen for participating in the Peace Summit and Denmark's active assistance in engaging the countries of the Global South in the implementation of the Peace Formula. During the meeting, we had the opportunity to discuss the progress of preparations for the transfer of Danish F-16 aircraft, which will be delivered to Ukraine in the near future. We also talked about the approval of the negotiation framework and the start of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU in June," the President said. ADVERTISIMENT As a reminder, Dutch Defense Minister Keesa Ollongren announced that her country would deliver the first F-16s to Ukraine this summer. After that, the supply of these combat aircraft will be put on a "regular basis". Earlier it was reported that some of the F-16 fighters that Ukraine will receive from its Western partners will be deployed at air bases outside of Ukraine. This will be done to protect the valuable equipment from Russian attacks. As reported by OBOZ.UA, Ukraine may receive at least three to six F-16 aircraft this year. In the future, it is possible to supply a larger number than today, as the countries that have them in service are gradually rearming with fifth-generation F-35 fighters. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! ADVERTISIMENT President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the peace summit in Switzerland could have "absolutely practical steps" to liberate the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, food security and the release of Ukrainian prisoners from Russia. The head of state expressed hope that they would be implemented as soon as possible. ADVERTISIMENT According to an OBOZ.UA correspondent, Zelensky made the statement in his closing remarks at the Peace Summit. In particular, he thanked those present for participating in the event and said that the right choice had been made "of two security and one humanitarian point" to start moving towards restoring full security and a just peace. "A panel on radiation and nuclear safety, a panel on food security, and a humanitarian panel on the release of prisoners and deportees, including thousands of children abducted by Russia from the occupied territories of Ukraine. This dialog took place. And it is obvious that it can lead to absolutely practical steps," Zelensky said. ADVERTISIMENT He added that everyone in the world is "equally interested in ensuring that there is no danger" to nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities. As a reminder, the second plenary session of the Peace Summit took place on June 16. Next, a joint press conference of the heads of state, first of all of Ukraine and Switzerland, is planned. The joint communique of the Global Peace Summit, which is taking place in Switzerland on June 15-16, will emphasize Russia's guilt in unleashing a full-scale war against Ukraine. In particular, the actions of the aggressor country have caused large-scale human suffering and destruction. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by Reuters, the journalists of which have analyzed themselves with the document. They emphasized that the previous text used the word "aggression" instead of "war". In the final document of June 13, the participants of the Summit point out the need to respect the territorial integrity of Ukraine. It also calls for the return of Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and the country's seaports to Kyiv. At the same time, the previous reference to Russian "aggression" was removed from the draft declaration, and "war" is used instead. Here is the full text of the draft document published by Reuters: "Joint Communique on a Peace Framework Switzerland,15-16 June 2024 The ongoing war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine continues to cause large-scale human suffering and destruction, and to create risks and crises with global repercussions for the world. We gathered in Switzerland on 15-16 June 2024 to enhance a high-level dialogue on pathways towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace for Ukraine. We reiterated resolutions A/RES/ES-11/1 and A/RES/ES-11/6 adopted at the UN General Assembly and underscored our commitment to upholding International Law including the United Nations Charter. ADVERTISIMENT This Summit was built on the previous discussions that have taken place based on Ukraine's Peace Formula and other peace proposals which are in line with international law, including the United Nations Charter. We deeply appreciate Switzerland's hospitality and its initiative to host the High-Level Summit as expression of its firm commitment to promoting international peace and security. We had a fruitful, comprehensive and constructive exchange of various views on pathways towards a framework for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, based on international law, including the United Nations Charter. In particular, we reaffirm our commitment to refraining from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, the principles of sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of all states, including Ukraine, within their internationally recognized borders, including territorial waters, and the resolution of disputes through peaceful means as principles of international law. ADVERTISIMENT We, furthermore, have a common vision on the following crucial aspects: 1) Firstly, any use of nuclear energy and nuclear installations must be safe, secured, safe-guarded and environmentally sound. Ukrainian nuclear power plants and installations, including Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, must operate safely and securely under full sovereign control of Ukraine and in line with IAEA principles and under its supervision. Any threat or use of nuclear weapons in the context of the ongoing war against Ukraine is inadmissible. 2) Secondly, global food security depends on uninterrupted manufacturing and supply of food products. In this regard, free, full and safe commercial navigation, as well as access to sea ports in the Black and Azov Seas, are critical. Attacks on merchant ships in ports and along the entire route, as well as against civilian ports and civilian port infrastructure, are unacceptable. ADVERTISIMENT Food security must not be weaponized in any way. Ukrainian agricultural products should be securely and freely provided to interested third countries. 3) Thirdly, all prisoners of war must be released by complete exchange. All deported and unlawfully displaced Ukrainian children, and all other Ukrainian civilians who were unlawfully detained, must be returned to Ukraine. We believe that reaching peace requires the involvement of and dialogue between all parties. We, therefore, decided to undertake concrete steps in the future in the above-mentioned areas with further engagement of the representatives of all parties. The United Nations Charter, including the principles of respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states, can and will serve as a basis in achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine." ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Delegations from 80 countries and 4 organizations signed the joint communique on the results of the Peace Summit in Switzerland. In total, 101 delegations took part in the event. ADVERTISIMENT Countries such as Saudi Arabia, Thailand, India, Mexico, South Africa, Brazil, and the United Arab Emirates did not sign the document. This was reported by Radio Liberty. The organizers showed journalists following the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland a list of countries and organizations that have signed a joint communique following the two-day event. The list includes 80 countries and 4 organizations. Among those who did not sign the communique were delegations from Saudi Arabia, Thailand, India, Mexico, South Africa, Brazil, and the United Arab Emirates. Earlier, Reuters published a draft text of the communique, and the final document was published on the website of the President of Ukraine. ADVERTISIMENT The document states that Russia's war in Ukraine is causing enormous destruction and suffering to the Ukrainian people and poses risks to many regions of the world. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been repeatedly condemned by the UN General Assembly. The signatories to the communique reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of any state, including Ukraine, within its internationally recognized borders, and agreed on several issues. This includes the need to ensure safety in the use of nuclear energy, including at Zaporizhzhia NPP, which must operate in accordance with the IAEA requirements and under its supervision. In addition, the signatories of the document are convinced that in order to maintain global food security, it is necessary to guarantee the safety of merchant shipping in the Black and Azov Seas. Attacks on merchant ships and civilian commercial ports are unacceptable, and food security should not be used for military purposes. ADVERTISIMENT They also insist on the release of prisoners of war through an "all-for-all" exchange and the return home of all deported or illegally displaced children and adult citizens of Ukraine. The signatories of the document are ready to take further concrete steps to achieve these goals. As a reminder, on June 16, Switzerland hosted the second and final day of the Peace Summit, which was attended by more than 100 delegations from different countries and international organizations. It was also reported that analysts at the US Institute for the Study of War believe that Putin managed to "crash" the Summit in Switzerland with a misleading statement about "peaceful" negotiations. Putin voiced a number of ultimatum demands, including the disarmament of Ukraine, the lifting of sanctions against Russia and the consent of the Ukrainian authorities, and the demand to officially return not only Crimea but also the regions partially occupied by Russia within their administrative borders to Russia on June 14. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber . Do not fall for fakes! It makes perfect sense that this interview takes place here, in front of the sea, looking at Morocco, says Jacqueline Baylon, in a cafe in Tarifa, Spains southernmost port, which is just eight miles away from the North African country. This Mexican journalist, born in Chihuahua, Mexico in 1988, has just presented her first documentary. Until Hes Back premiered at the Festival of African Cinema (FCAT), held this past May in Tarifa, in Cadiz province. The short film describes a little-known aspect of migration: the repatriation of the bodies of those who die while trying to reach Europe. The protagonist of her film is Ahmed Tchiche. Hes a Moroccan citizen who, over the course of a year, fights against an endless bureaucracy to be able to recover the remains of his son, Yahya, whose body appeared on a beach in Murcia in 2022. Ahmed wants to bury his son near the family home, in the city of Oudja. Until he comes back, we wont be okay, the grieving father says, in the first minutes of the documentary. Baylon, who currently lives in Spain, has been researching and writing about migration for years. This drama touches her very closely. At the age of six, she and her mother crossed the Rio Grande and arrived clandestinely with her mother in El Paso, Texas, where she grew up. When you cross a river, the police chase you and they throw you out of a place, even if youre a little girl, it marks you forever, the director notes. Question. Where did the idea for this documentary come from? Answer. It all started when I was reading a profile about Martin Zamora, an embalmer who works in the Algeciras area (a city in the southern region of Andalucia). Hes taken care of dozens of corpses of Moroccan migrants, who couldnt fulfill their dream of arriving in Spain. That care and respect for those who have died caught my attention and I began to visualize the documentary. I got the support of Scripps News television, the media company I work for, and we started filming scenes with him, while keeping in mind that the central theme had to be a family that was looking for a son or a brother, because they want to say goodbye. Q. And how did you reach Yahyas family? A. We contacted NGOs that help families locate their missing loved ones. And we were filming in Morocco when three bodies washed up in Murcia. One of them was Yahyas. From that moment, we spent a year accompanying his father. It was a gamble, because we didnt know how things were going to end up and if he would manage to repatriate the body of his son. Because [the families] dont always succeed: many deceased migrants end up cremated or buried in Spain. The road for families is full of obstacles. Q. The tragedy faced by the Tchiche family serves to describe the magnitude of the migration crisis in this area. A. Yes, thats why the images that describe the path to repatriate Yahyas body alternate with the rescue of a boat with several dozen migrants, which we were able to record together with the NGO Open Arms. I thought that was important to show. Q. Is there any image from the filming that particularly impacted you? A. When the family is waiting for the car with the boys coffin to arrive at the house, so that the women can watch over it for a few hours. There were some young people who were there to say goodbye to the deceased and they talked among themselves about the possibility of hiding in the car, which was returning to Spain, and fleeing [Morocco]. Everyone wants to leave: they think about it all the time, even at a funeral. And, while filming, I was also surprised by the business of repatriating bodies, which costs about 3,500 ($3,800)... an enormous amount for these mostly poor families. With the aggravating factor that the boys who die have already paid between $3,000 and $5,000 to get on a boat. Q. Migration is an issue that youve experienced firsthand, because you also had to leave Mexico and start from scratch and undocumented in another country. A. All of this touches me very closely. When I was six years old, I clandestinely crossed the Rio Grande with my mother. We paid a coyote (a human-trafficker), because she wanted to give me a better life. We arrived in El Paso. Several times, we were caught by the immigration police and deported but all that happened before September 11, 2001. Back then, it was easier. You could pay someone $100 and cross again. Now, it costs $10,000 to cross that border, its crazy. Q. Since then, youve lived in the United States. A. Yes, by the time I was nine years old, we had already legalized my situation. But when you cross a river, the police chase you and they throw you out, even if youre a little girl, that marks you forever. I remember one time that the immigration agents were looking for us and several families. My mom and I hid in a parking lot. My mother started to check if there were any unlocked cars and she finally found one but inside, there was a woman, who panicked when she saw us. I also started crying out of fear and my mother tried to calm us both down, so they wouldnt discover us. Q. Have any of those personal experiences been captured in your film? A. Yes. There or here, in the Strait of Gibraltar, migrants dont always want to leave home. We dont want to leave friends, family, our customs, our food... but its done out of necessity. Many people forget that. Q. Your documentary premiered in the United States, where it won the award for Best Short Documentary at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, in Montana. How has the film been received in Europe? A. In the United States, it has been very well received, but Im surprised that, in Europe and more specifically, in Spain it hasnt aroused much interest so far. Its been rejected at several festivals and this surprised me, because its a story that, in my opinion, should be told. Q. Has the Tchiche family seen the film? A. Yes, theyve seen it and they felt very respected and represented. Its what the father wanted and it touched my heart that they allowed us to reach so deep, that they allowed us to record such tender family moments. Q. Do you already have another documentary in mind? A. I would like to tell the story of my Mexican family, who live in Ciudad Juarez. But I still dont know how. My mother has eight sisters and theyre all there. I have some cousins whove been coyotes and I wanted to tell their story: how someone decides to work in [that field] without necessarily being a bad person, just because they have to eat and its difficult to find a job there. Translated by Avik Jain Chatlani. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition KYODO NEWS - Jun 16, 2024 - 23:00 | All, World, Japan The following is the latest list of selected news summaries by Kyodo News. ---------- U.S. Marines' transfer to Guam from Okinawa to start in Dec. WASHINGTON - The transfer of U.S. Marine Corps troops stationed in Japan's Okinawa to Guam will start in December, a Marines official said Sunday, the latest development in a long-agreed Japan-U.S. forces realignment plan aimed at reducing the southern island prefecture's base-hosting burden. The plan to move 4,000 of the approximately 19,000 Marines currently in Okinawa, agreed upon in 2012, is set to be completed by around 2028, according the Congressional Research Service and other sources. ---------- Japan defense chief mulls Britain trip in July to keep ties on track TOKYO - Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara is considering visiting Britain in late July to reaffirm cooperation over the joint development of a next-generation fighter jet, which also involves Italy, sources familiar with the matter said Sunday. Arrangements for the potential visit come as Britain prepares for a July 4 general election, which opinion polls indicate could bring an end to 14 years of Conservative Party-led government. Kihara hopes to swiftly forge ties with any new British Cabinet. ---------- Dozens of leaders gather in Switzerland at critical time for Ukraine BARI, Italy - Dozens of leaders from Europe and other regions, representing developed and developing countries, convened Saturday at a secluded Swiss resort to explore potential avenues for bringing about an end to the war in Ukraine, though Russia and its key partner China did not join. The so-called peace summit, spearheaded by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, comes at a critical time for Ukraine as Russia, which started a full-scale invasion of its neighboring country in February 2022, is ramping up its offensive. ---------- Over 50% in Japan uneasy about seeking satisfaction in shortest time TOKYO - More than half of people in Japan are not comfortable with the recent trend of emphasizing "time performance" in leisure and other daily activities, such as watching movies at double speed, a recent survey by watchmaker Seiko Group Corp. showed. In the online survey of 1,200 people aged 15 to 69, conducted in April, 52.9 percent gave the thumbs down to the idea of seeking satisfaction in the shortest time possible, while 40 percent felt they were being forced to do so themselves, Seiko said. ---------- Japan PM calls for global efforts to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine BURGENSTOCK, Switzerland - Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Saturday called for global efforts to achieve a "just and lasting peace" in Ukraine as the world's major powers, the United States and China, are divided over how to deal with Russia's invasion of its neighbor. "Any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force or coercion must not be justified," Kishida said in his speech at an international gathering for peace in Ukraine, held in the central Swiss resort of Burgenstock. ---------- Zelenskyy says just-ended peace summit "big success" for Ukraine BURGENSTOCK, Switzerland - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Sunday that a just-ended peace summit at a Swiss mountain resort, joined by more than 90 countries, was a "big success for Ukraine and for all partners." Zelenskyy told a closing press conference that a communique adopted by almost all the participating countries supported efforts toward an early end of Russia's war in Ukraine based on the U.N. Charter. ---------- Athletics: Ambitious Sani Brown targets gold at Paris Olympics TOKYO - Japan's only sprinter to reach a 100-meter final at the world championships, Abdul Hakim Sani Brown, will gun for the top of the podium when he contests the distance for the first time in Olympic competition in Paris. Simply making another final this summer will not be enough for the ambitious 25-year-old, who finished seventh at the 2022 athletics worlds and sixth the following year. Video: Unknown photos of Japan's Koshien Stadium under GHQ occupation found By Keita Nakamura, KYODO NEWS - Jun 16, 2024 - 12:45 | All, Japan, World The Group of Seven nations are expressing heightened concern against the intensifying cooperation between Russia and North Korea, as Pyongyang has allegedly received military technologies from Moscow in exchange for transferring missiles. North Korea's strengthening missile capabilities with Russian support has raised concerns among foreign affairs experts, who are urging Japan -- the sole Asian member of the G7 -- to take a leading role in addressing the regional threat. In a bid to broaden multinational efforts beyond the G7 in monitoring such weapon trades, Japan needs to engage China, a country with friendly ties to both Russia and North Korea, to address the situation, the experts said. In the wake of a meeting between then Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in July 2023, military cooperation between the two nations is believed to be rapidly advancing amid Moscow's prolonged invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022. In a communique at this year's summit in Italy, the G7, comprising Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, plus the European Union, condemned "in the strongest possible terms" arms transfers from North Korea to Russia as violating U.N. Security Council resolutions. Kim also visited the Vostochny Cosmodrome space launch center in the Russian Far East in September 2023 under President Vladimir Putin's guidance, sparking speculation that Moscow gave aerospace technologies to Pyongyang. In fact, around two months after Kim returned to Pyongyang, North Korea announced it had successfully launched a reconnaissance satellite. The liftoff followed two unsuccessful attempts by Pyongyang earlier last year to place such an object into orbit. Recently, expectations are rife that Putin, who was sworn in for a new six-year term in May, will visit North Korea at an early date. If realized, his trip to North Korea would be his first since July 2000, when Kim's late father led the Asian country. Moscow and Pyongyang have been trying to develop closer "win-win" relations "based on their mutual interests," said Akiko Yoshioka, a specialist in Russian policies and a research fellow at the Canon Institute for Global Studies in Tokyo. "As the war in Ukraine drags on and Russia has faced shortages of ammunition and human resources," North Korea has provided a "well-timed opportunity" for Moscow, which has sought to garner support from other nations, Yoshioka added. For North Korea, stronger ties with Russia could help prevent the U.N. Security Council from imposing additional sanctions on its nuclear and missile programs, said Hiromi Kamoshita, an associate professor at Konan Women's University in western Japan. The move would allow Pyongyang to "further reinforce its national security," the expert on Korean studies said, adding relations between Russia and North Korea will "remain solid" as long as Moscow continues its aggression in Ukraine. North Korea was established on Sept. 9, 1948, backed by the Soviet Union, Russia's predecessor. Russia is one of the five veto-wielding permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, along with Britain, China, France and the United States. In the latest development, a long-standing U.N. panel of independent experts tasked with overseeing the enforcement of sanctions on North Korea ended its activities in late April, with a Russian veto blocking its reauthorization. As the United Nations may no longer function effectively, experts suggest that a surveillance network on North Korea should be built by the G7 and other like-minded countries, urging Japan, being directly under North Korea's military threat, to lead the initiative. Kamoshita also pointed out that North Korea might be obtaining data from missiles used in the actual battlegrounds of Ukraine, which could benefit Pyongyang's weapons business and improve arms performance down the road. "Such data could contribute to North Korea's future development of missiles with irregular trajectories capable of evading the defense systems of Japan and the United States," jeopardizing regional peace and stability, Kamoshita said. Under the challenging security circumstances, the experts underscore the importance of Beijing's involvement, noting that China, North Korea's closest and most influential ally, likely does not want to be seen as forming a bloc with Pyongyang and Moscow. China has apparently been "harboring ill feelings" against the deepening Russia-North Korea ties, given that Moscow's increasing engagement with Pyongyang would, in turn, undermine Beijing's clout over the North, Kamoshita said. "Japan and the G7 members have no choice but to consistently urge China to act as a regional power responsible for security" in the Asia-Pacific area, she added. The experts, meanwhile, said Russia and North Korea may be showing off their close relations to bolster their bargaining power with the United States, in case former President Donald Trump wins the upcoming presidential election in November. During his four-year term starting in 2017, Trump, a Republican businessman-turned-politician, aimed to build rapport with both Putin and Kim. In 2018, Trump and Kim held the first-ever U.S.-North Korea summit, although their talks eventually broke down. Related coverage: G7 ups pressure on China, condemns Russia-North Korea military ties North Korea airport shows signs of preparations for Putin visit: report North Korean missile facilities updated to raise morale: think tank KYODO NEWS - Jun 16, 2024 - 09:05 | All, World, Japan Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Saturday called for global efforts to achieve a "just and lasting peace" in Ukraine as the world's major powers, the United States and China, are divided over how to deal with Russia's invasion of its neighbor. "Any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force or coercion must not be justified," Kishida said in his speech at an international gathering for peace in Ukraine, held in the central Swiss resort of Burgenstock. Kishida's remarks came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said earlier this month that China, which has been bolstering military and economic cooperation with Russia, tried to undermine the "Summit on Peace in Ukraine" in Switzerland. Japan has been eager to support the war-torn country's reconstruction by improving electricity supply and clearing landmines while actively participating in discussions on Ukraine's nuclear power safety, Kishida said. Ukraine has the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the largest in Europe, but it was occupied by Russia shortly after President Vladimir Putin launched its full-fledged attack on the country in February 2022, despite criticism from Western democracies. The Soviet Union, of which Russia and Ukraine were both a part, suffered the world's worst nuclear accident in 1986 at Chernobyl. Japan experienced the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant crisis triggered by a devastating earthquake and tsunami in March 2011. The United States, Japan and other Group of Seven industrialized nations have been imposing severe economic sanctions on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine, but China has increased its imports of items such as crude oil and liquefied natural gas from Russia. Japan has offered support to Ukraine, but it has been limited to nonmilitary assistance due to restrictions on providing weapons under its war-renouncing Constitution, although the United States and Europe have supplied battle tanks and fighter jets. During the two-day meeting through Sunday, about 100 representatives of countries and international institutions, including some 60 leaders, will exchange views on peace proposals for Ukraine, according to the Swiss government. Related coverage: Dozens of leaders gather in Switzerland at critical time for Ukraine G7 needs to keep tackling Indo-Pacific issues as priority: Japan PM OPINION: Ukraine peace process must start with Swiss summit Israeli troops are seen near the border with Rafah of southern Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, June 16, 2024. The Israeli military announced on Sunday daily "tactical pauses" in its offensive in the southern Gaza Strip to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid. The military said in a statement that the pause will begin from 8:00 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) to 7:00 p.m. local time (1600 GMT) every day until further notice. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua) JERUSALEM, June 16 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli military announced on Sunday daily "tactical pauses" in its offensive in the southern Gaza Strip to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid. The military said in a statement that the pause will begin from 8:00 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) to 7:00 p.m. local time (1600 GMT) every day until further notice. The pause takes place in the Rafah area, from the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Gaza to Salah al-Din Road and the European Hospital in Khan Younis City, according to the statement. The army said the decision followed discussions with the United Nations and international aid organizations. More than eight months of Israeli onslaught in the Gaza Strip have caused a humanitarian crisis and resulted in "catastrophic" hunger throughout the enclave, said the United Nations. According to the Hamas-run media office in Gaza, about 98 percent of the children in Gaza don't have access to clean drinking water and can only rely on less than three liters of water per day. About 82,000 children show signs of malnutrition, with 35 percent of them experiencing "severe" symptoms. About 3,500 children are at risk of death due to malnutrition and lack of necessary medical care. Israeli troops are seen near the border with Rafah of southern Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, June 16, 2024. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua) Israeli troops are seen near the border with Rafah of southern Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, June 16, 2024. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua) Israeli troops are seen near the border with Rafah of southern Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, June 16, 2024. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua) Israeli troops are seen near the border with Rafah of southern Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, June 16, 2024. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua) Israeli troops are seen near the border with Rafah of southern Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, June 16, 2024. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua) Chinese Premier Li Qiang visits the Adelaide Zoo for China-Australia cooperation on panda protection and research in Adelaide, Australia on June 16, 2024. Li is on an official visit to Australia. (Xinhua/Li Tao) ADELAIDE, Australia, June 16 (Xinhua) -- The fluffy and cute koalas in Australia are adored by travelers worldwide. Additionally, visitors can greet giant pandas in Australia, as it hosts the only pair of these cuddly animals from China in the Southern Hemisphere. In 2009, Wang Wang and Fu Ni, a pair of giant pandas, traveled from southwest China's Sichuan Province to Adelaide Zoo, and have since resided in their "Australian Panda Home." The zoo, where the two countries have been closely collaborating on panda protection and research, was the first stop of Chinese Premier Li Qiang's official visit to Australia on Sunday. At the Panda Pavilion in Adelaide Zoo, Li heard reports from both Chinese and Australian experts on cooperative research on giant panda conservation between the two countries and the breeding and care of giant pandas in Australia. Although far away from their homeland, Wang Wang and Fu Ni have been well looked after and settled down to live a happy life in Australia, he said. For more than a decade, serving as envoys of the friendship between China and Australia, the panda pair have become a symbol of the profound friendship between the two peoples. So long as both sides cherish it, the cooperation between China and Australia can cross the vast Pacific Ocean, transcend differences, and achieve mutual achievements and win-win results, Li said. "We've been really fortunate to be home to Fu Ni and Wang Wang, the first giant pandas in the Southern Hemisphere outside of China," Phil Ainsley, director of Adelaide Zoo, told Xinhua. "They've been with us now for 15 years. During that time, more than 5.5 million people have come to Adelaide Zoo to experience the giant panda, and that's been absolutely remarkable," Ainsley said. Li also said that China will provide a new pair of giant pandas to Adelaide Zoo later this year and continue bilateral cooperation with Australia on panda protection. The announcement received a warm round of applause from accompanying officials, including Governor of South Australia Frances Adamson, Premier of South Australia Peter Malinauskas, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong and Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell. The new pair of giant pandas will be equally beautiful and lovely, and will surely be welcomed by Australian people as well, said Li. Expressing his hope that Australia will always be a friendly home for giant pandas, Li said that China is ready to continue cooperation with Australia on panda protection and research. "It's been a really important thing for our staff to be able to learn from the experts in China, and also an opportunity for some of the Chinese experts to come and learn about what we know from giant pandas here at Adelaide Zoo," Ainsley told Xinhua. With the help of Chinese experts, the zoo established its bamboo plantation. "We have 15 hectares where we grow more than 15 different types of bamboo, which is really important," Ainsley said. "From a tourism perspective, the giant pandas have been very popular, and we would see a lot of international tourists from the Southern Hemisphere coming to Adelaide Zoo to see giant pandas, definitely from New Zealand, and some of them from southern Asian countries," said Ainsley. During his tour at Adelaide Zoo, local primary school students sang a panda-themed song in Chinese for Li, who had a cordial chat with them. Li said that they are welcome to visit China, to see the birthplace and habitat of giant pandas, appreciate China's beautiful landscape and the Chinese culture, and turn themselves into little envoys of the friendship between China and Australia. Li is on a three-nation tour from June 13 to 20. Besides Australia, he has paid an official visit to New Zealand, and will also visit Malaysia. Chinese Premier Li Qiang communicates with local pupils while visiting the Adelaide Zoo for China-Australia cooperation on panda protection and research in Adelaide, Australia on June 16, 2024. Li is on an official visit to Australia. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) JINAN, June 16 (Xinhua) -- As the optimal wheat harvest period comes, veteran wheat grower Sun Dedong in east China's Shandong Province is not as worried as this time last year, when he first tried introducing agroecological approaches to his farming strategy. Sun was skeptical about the so-called "natural enemy factory" approaches pitched by a team of agronomists from the Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences in 2022, but a year later he decided to support this green initiative aimed at agricultural pest control. Ge Feng, head of the team of agronomists, explained to Sun that in their pest control research efforts, they ended up selecting wild fennel from more than 1,000 plants considered, as it releases volatiles which attract ladybugs and other natural enemies of wheat pests. During the harvesting season, the waves of yellow wheat in Sun's fields are interspersed with rows of fennel plants, featuring green leaves and small white flowers on which ladybugs are densely packed. "These plants are a 'natural enemy factory' in the wheat field, reducing the use of pesticide," said Sun, who manages 36,000 mu (2,400 hectares) of wheat fields in Changyi, Shandong, a major grain producer in China. Sun revealed that he added 15,000 mu of fields for the agroecologically-friendly farming this year, up from the 1,000 mu used for his initial effort in 2023. "Applying less pesticide helped me save 12 yuan (about 1.65 U.S. dollars) of cost per mu, and the crop can also sell at a slightly higher price," said the 61-year-old farmer. Agricultural scientist Ge pointed out that although chemical insecticides are effective in killing pests, they also kill the pests' natural enemies, damage farmland ecosystems and aggravate pest resistance to insecticides. He said through introducing the "natural enemy factory," the use of chemical insecticides has been reduced by 30 percent to 50 percent in pilot fields, compared with wheat fields managed in more traditional ways. Currently, fennel-based agroecological approaches have been promoted across more than 100 million mu of farming areas nationwide, Ge said. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, as of June 3, China had harvested 57 percent of its winter wheat, amounting to a total of 190 million mu. Sun was happy to find out that wild fennel also has some extra economic value, as the plant is considered a medicinal herb that relieves cold symptoms and pains. Harvested fennel from his wheat fields can sell for more than 100 yuan per mu. An aerial drone photo taken on June 13, 2024 shows a section of the Yellow River in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The Yellow River, China's second-largest river after the Yangtze, is dubbed the "mother river." In recent years, continued efforts have been made to protect its ecology, as vitality has returned to the Yellow River basin in Ningxia. (Xinhua/Wang Peng) An aerial drone photo taken on June 13, 2024 shows a section of the Yellow River in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The Yellow River, China's second-largest river after the Yangtze, is dubbed the "mother river." In recent years, continued efforts have been made to protect its ecology, as vitality has returned to the Yellow River basin in Ningxia. (Xinhua/Wang Peng) An aerial drone photo taken on June 13, 2024 shows a section of the Yellow River in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The Yellow River, China's second-largest river after the Yangtze, is dubbed the "mother river." In recent years, continued efforts have been made to protect its ecology, as vitality has returned to the Yellow River basin in Ningxia. (Xinhua/Wang Peng) An aerial drone photo taken on June 13, 2024 shows a section of the Yellow River in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The Yellow River, China's second-largest river after the Yangtze, is dubbed the "mother river." In recent years, continued efforts have been made to protect its ecology, as vitality has returned to the Yellow River basin in Ningxia. (Xinhua/Wang Peng) Yu Hui-fang (C), head of T-makers, poses for a group photo with part of her team members at T-makers in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, June 14, 2024. Based in Xiamen of southeast China's Fujian Province, T-makers is a platform dedicated to providing services of innovation and entrepreneurship for young people from both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Since its establishment in August 2016, T-makers has attracted more than 170 companies and applied for subsidies amounting to over ten million yuan for more than 100 youth businesses from Taiwan. At the same time, it provides convenience and preferential treatment in business registration, financial and tax services for young entrepreneurs and resident companies. Yu Hui-fang, head of T-makers, said that her team aims to provide more meticulous and professional services for young people from both sides of the Taiwan Strait, so that the platform serves young people in realizing their entrepreneurial dreams. "An increasing number of young people from Taiwan see the mainland as an ideal place for study, living and entrepreneurship," Yu said. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan) This photo taken on June 14, 2024 shows a shared platform for cultural and tourism designers at T-makers in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan) Yu Hui-fang (L), head of T-makers, talks with a team member at T-makers in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, June 14, 2024. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan) A Taiwanese student from Huaqiao University (2nd R) carries out internship at T-makers in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, June 14, 2024. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan) Yu Hui-fang (2nd L), head of T-makers, talks with her team members at a roadshow hall of T-makers in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, June 14, 2024. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan) This photo taken on June 14, 2024 shows a view of T-makers in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan) Lee Chia-hsun (L), a young Taiwanese who graduated from Jimei University, learns about e-commerce and livestreaming at T-makers in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, June 14, 2024. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan) LOS ANGELES, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Two people were killed on Saturday in a small plane crash in the U.S. state of California, authorities said. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board said in a statement on social media X that it is investigating the crash of a Lockheed L12 aircraft near Chino, a city in the western end of San Bernardino County, about 55 km east of Downtown Los Angeles. The small World War II-era twin-engine plane crashed around 12:35 p.m. (1935 GMT) near Chino Airport, reported local KABC television station, adding that the plane was found off the runway when emergency crews arrived. The two men who were killed were involved in a Father's Day event at the Yanks Air Museum, said the report. ADELAIDE, Australia, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here Sunday that so long as both sides cherish it, the cooperation between China and Australia can cross the vast Pacific Ocean, transcend differences, and achieve mutual achievements and win-win results. He made the remarks when visiting the Adelaide Zoo for China-Australia cooperation in panda protection and research. During the tour, Li noted that Adelaide Zoo hosts Wang Wang and Fu Ni, the Southern Hemisphere's only pair of giant pandas. Although they are far away from home, they have been taken good care of and have settled down and lived happily in Australia, he said. The pandas have become ambassadors of China-Australia relations and a symbol of the profound friendship between the two peoples, he added. * Through persistent efforts spanning several decades, Zhongwei in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, located at the southern edge of the Tengger Desert, has reclaimed 1.5 million mu (about 100,000 hectares) out of its total 1.68 million mu of desert through afforestation. * In addition to achieving remarkable progress in desert control, the city has leveraged its remaining 180,000 mu of desert to develop desert tourism, photovoltaic, farming and breeding industries, lifting many out of poverty and improving the livelihoods of locals. * The city, through its innovative desert control and harnessing practices, stands as a microcosm of the country's ambitious Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program (TSFP), initiated in 1978 to combat desertification. YINCHUAN, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Amid the vast expanse of desert in the Shapotou scenic spot, located in northwest China's Zhongwei City, a group of students watch carefully as their tutor demonstrates the technique of paving straw checkerboard, China's remarkable method for sand control. For these local teenagers, who were excited to receive hands-on experience in making the straw checkerboard, the desert no longer holds a monstrous image. However, for older generations, the desert once represented a life-or-death crisis, as they feared the city might be engulfed by sand. Students learn to pave straw checkerboards in the Tengger Desert in Zhongwei City, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, May 31, 2024. (Xinhua/Feng Kaihua) Through persistent efforts spanning several decades, Zhongwei in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, located at the southern edge of the Tengger Desert, has reclaimed 1.5 million mu (about 100,000 hectares) out of its total 1.68 million mu of desert through afforestation. This endeavor has expanded its vegetation coverage from less than 1 percent to 42 percent at present, effectively pushing back the Tengger Desert by 25 kilometers. In addition to achieving remarkable progress in desert control, the city has leveraged its remaining 180,000 mu of desert to develop desert tourism, photovoltaic, farming and breeding industries, lifting many out of poverty and improving the livelihoods of locals. As the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought approaches, it's worth taking a closer look at Zhongwei's journey from battling desertification to thriving amidst the sands. The city, through its innovative desert control and harnessing practices, stands as a microcosm of the country's ambitious Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program (TSFP), initiated in 1978 to combat desertification. Serving as a key focal point along the shelterbelt, Zhongwei plays a crucial role as an ecological barrier for north and northwest China, as well as the upper-middle reaches of the Yellow River. China is among the countries most severely affected by desertification, with desertified areas primarily concentrated in the northwest, north and northeast regions, collectively known as the "three-north." To combat this challenge, China has proposed transforming the TSFP into a robust and enduring "green Great Wall" and ecological security barrier across the country's north. An aerial drone photo taken on May 30, 2024 shows straw checkerboards paved in the Tengger Desert in Zhongwei City, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Feng Kaihua) BOLSTERING "GREEN GREAT WALL" "When I was a primary school student, a sandstorm struck one day on my way home from school. The powerful winds blew many of my classmates into a nearby ditch, and some even lost their lives," recounted Tang Ximing, 60, a senior engineer at a state-owned forestry farm in Zhongwei. While Ningxia is surrounded by desert on three sides, Zhongwei is the hardest-hit city, highly vulnerable to sandstorm catastrophes. In 1958, when a railway that runs through Zhongwei opened to traffic, foreign experts predicted it would be inundated by sand in less than 30 years. The railway was the country's first to run through a desert. To protect the railway route, the city embarked on a journey of desert mitigation. Scientists at the Shapotou Desert Research and Experiment Station, part of the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, along with local residents, developed straw checkerboards to stabilize the sand and prevent dunes from shifting. An aerial drone photo taken on May 30, 2024 shows workers paving an enhanced version of straw checkerboards in the Tengger Desert in Zhongwei City, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Feng Kaihua) By partially burying a layer of straw into the sand, the straw "stands up" as a barrier. When connected into square-shaped grids, these straws form a sprawling "checkerboard" that effectively locks up the sand like a giant mesh. Seedlings planted within these checkerboards have significantly higher chances of survival. Tang's life is intertwined with the desert. Once eager to escape his sand-ravaged hometown, he was assigned a job as a forestry engineer in Zhongwei after graduating from college. Embracing the challenge, he has dedicated himself to transforming his hometown. Planting a tree in the desert is extremely challenging, even with the support of straw checkerboards, due to the shallow reach of the root system. Drawing on his experiences, Tang has crafted a steel tool that differs from regular shovels by featuring two horizontal bars at the front tip. This innovative tool enables the planting of seedling roots 50 centimeters deep into the moist sand layer. Tang Ximing, a senior engineer at a state-owned forestry farm in Zhongwei, introduces his invention, a steel tool featuring two horizontal bars at the front tip that enables the planting of seedling roots 50 centimeters deep into the moist sand layer, in Zhongwei City, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, June 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Feng Kaihua) This simple tool increases the survival rate of afforestation by 25 percent to over 85 percent. It has been widely promoted and used in afforestation projects across other regions in northern China. Tang has also worked together with researchers to develop an enhanced version of straw checkerboards that can be mass-produced using machinery, thereby extending the service life of these sand barriers. A worker uses a machine to make brush-like straw cable, the material for an enhanced version of straw checkerboards, in Zhongwei City, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, May 29, 2024. (Xinhua/Feng Kaihua) Tang is one of many Chinese researchers and grassroots sand-control practitioners who have committed their professional expertise, practical wisdom and strenuous efforts to fortifying the "green Great Wall." DIGGING GOLD FROM SAND "I never expected there was such a nice-looking hotel in the middle of a desert," exclaimed Khalifa Mtumwa, a foreign student from Tanzania who visited Zhongwei, referring to a newly opened premium resort hotel in Shapotou scenic spot. Ranked as China's top desert destination, Zhongwei has made significant strides in enhancing its desert-themed tourism industry. In addition to sightseeing, visitors can enjoy a variety of leisure activities including sand surfing, sand sliding and stargazing, among others. In another part of the desert, a cattle ranch has been established. "It's dry and well-ventilated in the desert, therefore raising cows in the desert can reduce the incidence rate of some common diseases among cows," said Yang Fei, whose company runs the farm. He added that with a daily output of over 330 tonnes of fresh milk, the farm has become an important source of income for more than 20,000 rural households in 54 local villages. As industries thrive in Zhongwei by harnessing the resources of the desert, the aim of the TSFP extends beyond desert control to improving livelihoods. Preliminary statistics show that the TSFP has lifted approximately 15 million people out of poverty solely through forestry and fruit cultivation. Tang is on the brink of retirement, yet his journey is far from over. Having garnered recognition in the field of desert control, he is now sought after to assist in fighting desertification in various regions. With a packed agenda, Tang aims to combat desertification in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, address coastal sand erosion in South China, and even offer his help to Mongolia. (Reporting by Tian Ying, Liu Ziling, He Chenyang, Liu Hai, Ma Sijia, Xie Jianwen; video reporters Liu Hai, Ma Sijia, Feng Kaihua, Xie Jianwen; video editors: Wang Houyuan, Zheng Qingbin, Zhu Cong, Liu Ruoshi) BEIJING, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 1.89 million people have signed up for this year's social worker vocational qualification exam, held on Saturday and Sunday, according to official data. The number saw a 26 percent increase compared with 2023, hitting a new high, according to the social work department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. The professional qualifications of social workers are divided into three levels: assistant social worker, social worker and senior social worker. Currently, 1.16 million people in China have obtained professional qualifications in social work. They are engaged in areas such as child welfare, elderly care services and social assistance, among others, becoming an important force in grassroots governance. Besides, more than 50 visually impaired candidates across the country signed up for the exam this year. A signing ceremony of an intergovernmental agreement on the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project is held in Beijing, capital of China, June 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Xing Guangli) Once the railway is completed and operational, it will not only contribute to the development of Central Asia but also further promote connectivity among neighboring countries and regions. BEIJING, June 16 (Xinhua) -- The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway reflects the common aspirations of China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, and will inject strong momentum into the economic and social development of the three countries, Central Asia and beyond, experts have said. On June 6, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev congratulated via video link the signing of an intergovernmental agreement in Beijing on the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project. The railway will begin in Kashgar, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and enter the territory of Uzbekistan through Kyrgyzstan. In the future, it will reach West Asia and South Asia. This aerial photo taken on Nov. 8, 2023 shows the Torugart port of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) A RAILWAY TO THE SEA Located in the heartland of the Asian continent, the development of Central Asia has long been constrained by a lack of ports. The railway, once completed, will provide access to the sea and greatly promote connectivity among the three countries and the greater region, experts have said. Kyrgyzstan, with the help of the railway, will receive a large increase in the passage of goods. In addition, thanks to the railway, Kyrgyzstan, which is located at a geographical dead end, will have access to the sea, said Sergei Ponomarev, president of the Association of Markets of Kyrgyzstan. The implementation of the project will bring enormous benefits to all project participants and all of Central and South Asia, said Kubanychbek Taabaldiev, a Kyrgyz political scientist and professor of international relations at Ala-Too International University in Bishkek. A new transit route will be open from East to West, making possible a shorter transit of goods from China to the south and further to the west, said Taabaldiev, noting that "appropriate infrastructure will be created, new jobs are open, and new opportunities will appear for the development of the entire Central Asian region." The railway is strategically significant to Afghanistan, especially considering its landlocked geographical location, said Jalal Bazwan, a lecturer at Kabul-based Kardan University. The extension of the railway can connect to the northern port of Hairatan in Afghanistan, providing a direct and efficient route for cross-border trade, thereby attracting overseas investment, which is crucial for a landlocked country like Afghanistan, said Bazwan. The railway will shorten the time needed to transport Central Asian products to major global markets, facilitate the integration of Central Asia into the global industrial and supply chains, and accelerate the economic development of Central Asian countries, said Yang Bo, a professor of the School of Russian and Eurasian Studies at Shanghai International Studies University. This photo taken on Nov. 11, 2023 shows the unveiling ceremony of Kashgar Area of China (Xinjiang) Pilot Free Trade Zone in Kashgar, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) A REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION LIFELINE Once the railway is completed and operational, it will not only contribute to the development of Central Asia but also further promote connectivity among neighboring countries and regions. It could extend to as far as West Asia, the Middle East, and southern Europe, experts have said. The railway provides an alternative to one of Afghanistan's traditional trade routes through Pakistan, reducing the cost and time of transit for imports and exports, further integrating Afghanistan into regional economic activities, and promoting ties with neighboring countries, said Bazwan. It cannot only closely connect China with Central Asian countries but also can serve as an important transportation corridor, allowing goods to be further transported to the Middle East, said Abdullah Al-Dosari, the editor-in-chief of Kuwait's Al-Arab newspaper. Baris Doster, an academic at Istanbul-based Marmara University, said the new railway would enhance commercial, economic, social, cultural and diplomatic relations, strengthening ties among countries in the broader region, including Central Asian countries, China, the Caucasus and Turkiye. The railway is the realization of a dream of bringing China closer to Central Asia and Europe and will further strengthen and expand the railway network between Asia and Europe, said Mark Cigoj, a Croatian political analyst. "I am convinced that this is in the interests of both China and the countries of Asia and Europe," Cigoj said. Customers select commodities at the cross-border e-commerce import and export commodities exhibition and trading center in the comprehensive bonded zone in Kashgar Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Nov. 4, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lei) A SIGNATURE BRI PROJECT The railway will be a key component of the core transportation network of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and will inject strong impetus into the development of Central Asia and beyond, experts have said. The completion of the project will help countries along the route to better promote trade and people-to-people exchanges through the high-quality cooperation of the BRI, and to share opportunities brought by China's development, said Hadi Bassam, a researcher at the Iraq Institute for Strategic Studies. This is another fruitful outcome of South-South cooperation in today's complex international situation, reflecting the urgent need of developing countries to strengthen connectivity and seek coordinated development, said Bassam. The railway project will shorten freight transport between China, Central Asia and Europe and will be a faster and cheaper alternative to the current land routes, said Amer Tamam, vice editor-in-chief of Egypt's state-run Akhbar newspaper. Professor Yang Bo at Shanghai International Studies University said the railway will create a cross-border transportation corridor from East Asia and Southeast Asia to Central Asia, West Asia, North Africa, and southern Europe and facilitate the movement of people and goods between Asia and Europe, thus holding great significance in the construction of the international railway network. TEHRAN, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani slammed on Sunday the claims of the Group of Seven (G7) over the country's nuclear activities as anti-Tehran. Reacting to a G7 communique issued on Friday, Kanaani stressed in a statement that Iran's nuclear program is "exclusively peaceful." He said Iran would carry forward its "peaceful" nuclear projects and plans in line with the Non-Proliferation Treaty and safeguards agreement, regardless of political pressures and "propaganda campaigns." He said the communique's mention of an anti-Iran resolution of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was another proof of "the political approach pursued by those behind the resolution" and certain governments' "abuse" of international mechanisms against independent states. The communique called on Tehran to "cease and reverse nuclear escalations," stop the continuing "uranium enrichment activities," engage in serious dialogue, provide convincing assurances that its nuclear program is exclusively peaceful, fully cooperate with the IAEA, and comply with the agency's monitoring and verification mechanism, "including the Board of Governors' resolution of June 5." The IAEA Board of Governors' resolution urged Iran to "step up cooperation with the IAEA and reverse its recent barring of inspectors." Kanaani regretted that some countries with "political motivations" made baseless and unproven claims to continue the failed policy of sanctions on Iran, advising the G7 members to refrain from using outdated, "destructive" policies. He stressed that the United States and the E3 group of France, Britain and Germany should give proof of their goodwill and refrain from taking "futile politically-motivated" measures against Iran. Iran signed a nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), with world powers including the United States and the E3 group in July 2015, accepting restrictions on its nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of sanctions. However, the United States withdrew from the agreement in May 2018, reinstating sanctions and prompting Iran to scale back some of its nuclear commitments. Efforts to revive the JCPOA commenced in April 2021 in Vienna, Austria, but despite multiple rounds of negotiations, no substantial progress has been reported since the last talks in August 2022. ULAN BATOR, June 16 (Xinhua) -- A member of Mongolia's Democratic Party was killed amid the ongoing campaign for the country's regular parliamentary elections, the country's National Police Agency (NPA) announced on Sunday. A preliminary investigation indicated that the chairman of the Democratic Party's Committee of Sant Soum (administrative subdivision) in the central province of Uvurkhangai was beaten to death by a man on Saturday, the NPA said in a statement. The attacker is reportedly an election campaigner for another party, according to the police. Mongolia, with a population of 3.5 million, has set June 28 as the date for its next parliamentary elections for the State Great Khural, the country's unicameral parliament. The Asian country's General Election Commission has registered 1,294 candidates from 19 political parties and two coalitions, as well as 42 independents, for the parliamentary elections. According to the law on the elections of the State Great Khural, the election campaign, which started on June 10, is expected to halt 24 hours before polling. BEIJING, June 16 (Xinhua) -- China's meteorological and water resources authorities on Sunday evening issued alerts for rainstorms and mountain torrents in multiple regions of the country. From 8 p.m. Sunday to 8 p.m. Monday, heavy downpours or rainstorms are expected to hit parts of Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guizhou, Sichuan, Yunnan, Guangxi and Guangdong, according to an orange alert issued by the National Meteorological Center. Parts of these regions may experience intense showers with maximum hourly precipitation surpassing 70 millimeters, accompanied by thunderstorms or gales, the center said. The Ministry of Water Resources and the China Meteorological Administration issued an orange alert, saying mountain torrents are likely to hit parts of the aforementioned regions from 8 p.m. Sunday to 8 p.m. Monday. Mountain torrents are highly likely to occur in some areas of southwestern Zhejiang and northern Fujian during the same period, according to a red alert for mountain torrents also issued by these two departments. Local governments have been urged to implement precautionary measures and ensure the safety of people. China has a four-tier, color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue. KABUL, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Like their fellow Muslims around the globe, the people of Afghanistan are preparing to celebrate Eid al-Adha by sacrificing animals and distributing meat to needy families in the upcoming week. Eid al-Adha, the annual religious festival in the country, will to fall on June 17, authorities announced on Saturday night. However, the high rate of unemployment and poverty has drastically reduced the purchasing power of Afghan people, hindering their ability to shop as they desire for the festival. "I am wandering in the bazaar but could not buy a sheep because of the high price. With the prices going up, no one can buy," said Rahmatullah, a resident of Afghanistan's capital Kabul. At the animal market on the western edge of Kabul, Rahmatullah, 28, sought to buy a sheep to sacrifice on the first day of Eid al-Adha. "In the past, we bought a sheep at 16,000 or 17,000 afghanis (about 229 to 243 U.S. dollars) but this year it is 19,000 to 20,000 afghanis," he muttered. "The economic situation of Afghanistan is worse. I would otherwise have already bought a sheep," said Rahmatullah, the breadwinner of a nine-member family. "The people are facing worse economic hardship because of unemployment and the impoverished economy of Afghanistan," Rahmatullah complained. Livestock seller Khan Mohammad also expressed dissatisfaction over the low demand and his meager income, as the number of customers had not met his expectations. Mohammad bought 22 cows from the villages to sell in Kabul ahead of Eid al-Adha, but the cattle market, according to him, is a flop. "I paid 70,000 afghanis for each cow, but buyers demand to pay only 60,000 to 65,000 afghanis. I am at a loss," Mohammad, 35, told Xinhua. Lamenting on the poverty and economic hardship, the livestock supplier said he had sold only five cows over the past week, whereas last year ahead of the festival, he sold 10 to 12 cows every day. Afghans, according to aid agencies' reports, are facing acute food insecurity and urgently need humanitarian assistance. One-fourth of the people in Afghanistan go to sleep hungry every evening, the Afghanistan office of the World Food Program on Friday. Eisa Khan, a 48-year-old soft drink seller, is another victim suffering from poverty. He said he could not buy anything for the festival and cannot sacrifice an animal either. "We are suffering. Our children are suffering. They (our children) want us to sacrifice an animal but we can't," said Khan, the father of an eight-member family who earns about 200 afghanis daily. by Xinhua writer Zhu Shaobin BEIJING, June 16 (Xinhua) -- The European Union's plan to impose additional duties on imports of Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), widely criticized as protectionist in nature, will have major implications in multiple spheres. The move will damage China-EU trade ties, aggravate the consumer burden in Europe, and dampen the global transition to a greener future. Moreover, it may even put the bloc's reputation for fair competition in danger. Although Chinese-brand EVs account for just a small share of the EU's EV imports, the European Commission on June 12 unveiled provisional tariffs ranging from 17.4 percent to 38.1 percent for Chinese EV makers despite widespread market concerns and China's objections. In a brief statement, the European Commission accused China of "unfair subsidization" in its EV value chain, but did not provide further information to explain the factual or legal bases for its tariff plan. China expressed its disappointment and dissatisfaction, rebuking the action as "blatant protectionism" and asserting its right to file lawsuits with the World Trade Organization and take all necessary response measures. It urged the EU to stop moving in the wrong direction and resolve trade frictions through dialogue. Like a double-edged sword, tariffs cut both ways, with governments, market players and relevant stakeholders voicing concerns over the move's potential implications that should necessitate second thoughts from the EU. DAMAGE TO TRADE ENVIRONMENT The EU's tariff plan, aimed at depressing China's robust EV industry, will cause severe damage to trade ties between China and the EU, both each other's second-largest trading partners. It could also lead to unwelcome consequences, including countermeasures from China. China's Ministry of Commerce (MOC) has warned that the EU move will create and escalate trade frictions. Various EU member states and European carmakers have expressed their disapproval of trade barriers and the imposition of additional tariffs on Chinese EVs. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China's top economic planner, said the EU auto industry is highly dependent on the international market, creating a trade surplus of nearly 100 billion euros every year. China accounts for more than 30 percent of sales of European car brands such as Volkswagen, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and BMW, and more than 80 percent of China's fuel-powered cars with large-displacement engines are imported, with many coming from the EU. "If the EU insists on going its own way, abusing protectionist measures and creating and escalating trade frictions, China will not sit idly by but will take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests," the NDRC said in an article. In response to a media inquiry about whether Chinese industries are lobbying the government to launch an anti-subsidy investigation into EU dairy products or an anti-dumping investigation into pork imports from the EU, MOC spokesperson He Yadong said on Thursday, "If the conditions for filing a case are met, the investigation agency will start the filing procedure, and disclose and release announcements in accordance with the law." HIGHER COSTS FOR CONSUMERS Under a post from the European Commission on social media platform X about its planned tariff hike against Chinese EVs, commenters doubted the EU move. "This will hardly improve the unfavorable price/performance ratio of European legacy automakers EVs compared to the Chinese, Korean and American," commenter Armin Pfeiffer replied. For consumers, product quality and affordability are important for spending decisions, and Chinese EVs can offer both. But the planned increased duties will make it more difficult for European consumers to find good value for money. A recent Reuters report said that every additional 10 percent on top of the existing 10 percent levy would cost EU importers of Chinese EVs about 1 billion U.S. dollars, based on 2023 trade data. The key to the rapid development of China's auto industry is in its opening-up and fair competition, rather than in subsidies. According to the NDRC, as the world's largest and most open auto market, China ensures fully that Chinese and foreign auto companies compete fairly on the same stage. By 2018, China's average tariff on complete vehicle imports was reduced to 13.8 percent, and its average tariff on imports of parts and components was just 6 percent. Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao also pointed out that Chinese companies have made significant investments in research and development in the new energy and green transformation fields, and formed their cost advantages amid extremely fierce market competition relying on a fully-developed overall supply chain. A BLOW TO GREEN TRANSITION During the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in December last year, negotiators in Dubai came together in a decision on the world's first global stocktake to scale up climate action before the end of the decade. The stocktake calls on COP28 parties to take action to achieve a tripled renewable energy capacity and doubled energy efficiency improvements by 2030. As concerns over trade and industrial protectionism grow, an analysis from energy consultancy Wood Mackenzie earlier this year warned that if the world's markets are bent on rapidly ridding China-manufactured clean tech products from their market demand, it would result in a 20 percent increase in the costs in energy transition. The global clean-tech industry has achieved unimaginable scale and cost reduction in just over a decade, with China's clean-tech industrial capacity expansion at the heart of the story, says the analysis. "Without China at the table, aggressive cost reductions we have become accustomed to are over." FAIR COMPETITION REPUTATION AT STAKE Discrimination against Chinese EVs can be seen in the tariff plan statement, which singles out three major Chinese-brand EV makers -- BYD, Geely and SAIC -- for different levels of tariffs. Yet at least 50 percent of the EVs the Europe imports from China are from Western brands, according to the NDRC. By the end of 2022, China's subsidies for new energy vehicle purchases had expired. But the EU and the United States are still implementing large purchase subsidies, and their levels of subsidies are significantly higher than those in China. Based on these facts, the planned tariff hike is clearly discriminatory, the NDRC said. The West's unfair practices targeting Chinese EVs are an example of double standards, according to Ding Weishun, deputy director of the policy research department at the MOC. He said that while the developed world pressures China into sharing the great responsibility of coping with climate change, it is simultaneously obstructing the free trade of China's green products. "We believe these contradictory acts are a typical example of double standards, and will ultimately undermine global green and low-carbon development and the realization of the climate goals." Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Friday that China always views its relations with the EU from a strategic and long-term perspective, and regards Europe as an important priority for China's major-country diplomacy. China and the EU share extensive common interests and broad space for cooperation on green development, and have maintained good dialogue and cooperation in this regard, Lin said. "China-EU relations have an impact on global peace, stability, development and prosperity." Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, will hold the fifth China-EU High-Level Environment and Climate Dialogue at the EU Headquarters in Brussels later this month, Lin announced on Friday. Xinhua News Agency held a reception for dialogue and exchanges with U.S. media, strategic and academic communities, at the Chinese Embassy in the United States on Friday. WUHAN, June 16 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese research team has created a mini injectable ultrasonic sensor for wireless monitoring of intracranial signals, thereby providing an option which goes beyond the limitations of current clinical instruments. The study was recently published in the journal Nature. Physiological data are indicators used to determine the physiological state of the human body, which can help doctors diagnose, treat and detect diseases. Obtaining accurate physiological data concerning the human body in a safe and stable manner has long been a major focus in the medical monitoring field. The study noted that current wired clinical instruments that use percutaneous leads are susceptible to causing infection and potential surgical complications, while patient mobility is also affected. Wireless implantable devices offer greater operational freedom but were previously subject to problems such as limited detection range, poor degradation and difficulty in terms of size reduction in the human body. The research team, led by Prof. Zang Jianfeng from the Huazhong University of Science and Technology, developed an injectable, bioresorbable and wireless metastructured hydrogel sensor for ultrasonic monitoring of intracranial signals. According to the study, the sensors are cubes that are eight cubic millimeters in size, and they are made from biodegradable and stimulus-responsive hydrogels and periodically aligned air columns with a specific acoustic reflection spectrum. Implanted into intracranial space with a puncture needle, the devices can deform in response to physiological environmental changes, resulting in peak frequency shifts of reflected ultrasound waves that can be wirelessly measured by an external ultrasound probe. Various categories of physiological data such as intracranial pressure, temperature, pH levels and blood flow velocity can therefore be obtained. Notably, the invention is made of biodegradable polymer materials, which will degrade in the body after about one month, without having to be removed, reducing both pain and the risk of infection. In addition, the research team has put forward an innovative algorithm that can efficiently separate the coupling effects of pressure, temperature, pH levels and other factors by simultaneously analyzing the frequency change data of multiple sensors, so as to achieve comprehensive perception of complex physiological environments. The research team noted that these devices provide huge advantages in reducing energy consumption and having no thermal effect. In the future, they can also be applied to other parts of the human body, promising to deliver a new technology pattern for clinical intelligent diagnosis and treatment. You are here: China People use umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun in Beijing, capital of China, June 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao) Beijing on Saturday issued a yellow alert for high temperatures, urging preparations for a second heat wave following a brief respite from extreme conditions. Beijing's meteorological service has said the capital city will likely see afternoon temperatures rise above 35 degrees Celsius between June 16 and 18. Yellow is the lowest level in China's three-tier high temperature alert system. A yellow alert is issued when temperatures are forecast to exceed 35 degrees Celsius for three consecutive days. The Beijing Emergency Management Bureau has advised residents to reduce outdoor afternoon activities in the coming days. Precautions have been recommended for those required to work outdoors during the hot spell. China's National Meteorological Center on Saturday morning reissued a yellow alert for high temperatures as multiple regions across the country are experiencing sweltering heat, including Xinjiang, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Hebei, Shandong, Henan, Anhui, Jiangsu, Hubei, Hunan, Sichuan and Hainan. The center forecasts maximum temperatures of 37 to 40 degrees Celsius in parts of Xinjiang, Shaanxi, Henan, Anhui, Hubei, Chongqing and Hainan. Crew members of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy hospital ship "Peace Ark" wave good-bye at a port in Zhoushan, east China's Zhejiang Province, June 16, 2024. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy hospital ship "Peace Ark" set sail from a military port in Zhoushan in east China's Zhejiang Province on Sunday morning for Mission Harmony-2024. During the mission, the ship will visit 13 countries, namely, Seychelles, Tanzania, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa, Angola, the Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Cameroon, Benin, Mauritania, Djibouti and Sri Lanka, and provide medical service to local people. It will also make port calls to France and Greece. (Photo by Yang Jingcong/Xinhua) HANGZHOU, June 16 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy hospital ship "Peace Ark" set sail from a military port in Zhoushan in east China's Zhejiang Province on Sunday morning for Mission Harmony-2024. During the mission, the ship will visit 13 countries, namely, Seychelles, Tanzania, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa, Angola, the Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Cameroon, Benin, Mauritania, Djibouti and Sri Lanka, and provide medical service to local people. It will also make port calls to France and Greece. This is the 10th Mission Harmony for "Peace Ark" since its commissioning in 2008. The "Peace Ark" will offer free diagnosis and treatment for common and prevalent diseases to local residents, people in Chinese institutions, and overseas Chinese through onboard clinics and dispatched medical teams. There are over 100 personnel on board the maritime hospital, featuring 17 clinical departments and 5 auxiliary diagnostic departments. The "Peace Ark" is the first domestically designed and constructed standard ocean-going hospital ship in China. It has visited 45 countries and regions, providing medical services to over 290,000 people. Crew members of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy hospital ship "Peace Ark" wave good-bye at a port in Zhoushan, east China's Zhejiang Province, June 16, 2024. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy hospital ship "Peace Ark" set sail from a military port in Zhoushan in east China's Zhejiang Province on Sunday morning for Mission Harmony-2024. During the mission, the ship will visit 13 countries, namely, Seychelles, Tanzania, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa, Angola, the Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Cameroon, Benin, Mauritania, Djibouti and Sri Lanka, and provide medical service to local people. It will also make port calls to France and Greece. (Photo by Lou Sijia/Xinhua) Crew members of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy hospital ship "Peace Ark" wave good-bye at a port in Zhoushan, east China's Zhejiang Province, June 16, 2024. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy hospital ship "Peace Ark" set sail from a military port in Zhoushan in east China's Zhejiang Province on Sunday morning for Mission Harmony-2024. During the mission, the ship will visit 13 countries, namely, Seychelles, Tanzania, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa, Angola, the Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Cameroon, Benin, Mauritania, Djibouti and Sri Lanka, and provide medical service to local people. It will also make port calls to France and Greece. (Photo by Liu Zhilei/Xinhua) Crew members of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy hospital ship "Peace Ark" attend a rescue training session before setting sail for the Mission Harmony-2024, on June 1, 2024. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy hospital ship "Peace Ark" set sail from a military port in Zhoushan in east China's Zhejiang Province on Sunday morning for Mission Harmony-2024. During the mission, the ship will visit 13 countries, namely, Seychelles, Tanzania, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa, Angola, the Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Cameroon, Benin, Mauritania, Djibouti and Sri Lanka, and provide medical service to local people. It will also make port calls to France and Greece. (Photo by Liu Zhilei/Xinhua) Crew members of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy hospital ship "Peace Ark" wave good-bye at a port in Zhoushan, east China's Zhejiang Province, June 16, 2024. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy hospital ship "Peace Ark" set sail from a military port in Zhoushan in east China's Zhejiang Province on Sunday morning for Mission Harmony-2024. During the mission, the ship will visit 13 countries, namely, Seychelles, Tanzania, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa, Angola, the Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Cameroon, Benin, Mauritania, Djibouti and Sri Lanka, and provide medical service to local people. It will also make port calls to France and Greece. (Photo by Liu Zhilei/Xinhua) A helicopter is pictured during an anti-terrorism and anti-pirate training session of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy hospital ship "Peace Ark" before it sets sail for the Mission Harmony-2024, on June 2, 2024. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy hospital ship "Peace Ark" set sail from a military port in Zhoushan in east China's Zhejiang Province on Sunday morning for Mission Harmony-2024. During the mission, the ship will visit 13 countries, namely, Seychelles, Tanzania, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa, Angola, the Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Cameroon, Benin, Mauritania, Djibouti and Sri Lanka, and provide medical service to local people. It will also make port calls to France and Greece. (Photo by Liu Zhilei/Xinhua) A crew member of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy hospital ship "Peace Ark" is pictured during a tactics training session before setting sail for the Mission Harmony-2024, on June 1, 2024. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy hospital ship "Peace Ark" set sail from a military port in Zhoushan in east China's Zhejiang Province on Sunday morning for Mission Harmony-2024. During the mission, the ship will visit 13 countries, namely, Seychelles, Tanzania, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa, Angola, the Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Cameroon, Benin, Mauritania, Djibouti and Sri Lanka, and provide medical service to local people. It will also make port calls to France and Greece. (Photo by Liu Zhilei/Xinhua) Chinese and Pakistani engineers celebrate the starting of first unit wet testing of Suki Kinari Hydropower Project in Mansehra district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, June 16, 2024. The first unit of the China-built Suki Kinari Hydropower project in northwest Pakistan was started up and formally entered the wet testing phase on Sunday. It marks that the project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) stepped into the final sprint stage and one big step closer to operation and power generation. (China Energy Construction Overseas Investment Co., Ltd./Handout via Xinhua) ISLAMABAD, June 16 (Xinhua) -- The first unit of the China-built Suki Kinari Hydropower project in northwest Pakistan was started up and formally entered the wet testing phase on Sunday. It marks that the project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) stepped into the final sprint stage and one big step closer to operation and power generation. Cheng Dan, general manager of China Energy Construction Overseas Investment Company Ltd., which invests in and implements the project, told Xinhua that the first unit successfully passed a series of tests after starting up with a smoothly running state, and met the design requirements. He said that the unit will pass through dozens of tests later, including a temperature stability test, to ensure that all technical indicators meet the design standards. Located in the Mansehra district of the South Asian country's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the hydropower project started construction in January 2017. Once becoming functional this year, it will generate some 3.21 billion kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually, replacing 1.28 million tons of coal and reducing 2.52 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year, according to the Chinese manager. The project will effectively meet 20 percent of Pakistan's electricity deficit, he added. Chinese and Pakistani engineers celebrate the starting of first unit wet testing of Suki Kinari Hydropower Project in Mansehra district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, June 16, 2024. The first unit of the China-built Suki Kinari Hydropower project in northwest Pakistan was started up and formally entered the wet testing phase on Sunday. It marks that the project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) stepped into the final sprint stage and one big step closer to operation and power generation. (China Energy Construction Overseas Investment Co., Ltd./Handout via Xinhua) Engineers work at Suki Kinari Hydropower Project in Mansehra district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, June 16, 2024. The first unit of the China-built Suki Kinari Hydropower project in northwest Pakistan was started up and formally entered the wet testing phase on Sunday. It marks that the project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) stepped into the final sprint stage and one big step closer to operation and power generation. (China Energy Construction Overseas Investment Co., Ltd./Handout via Xinhua) ISLAMABAD, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Two people were killed and four others injured in an explosion of an improvised explosive device in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Sunday, official sources said. The incident happened in the Kurram district of the province where a vehicle carrying civilians was hit by a roadside planted device, the sources told Xinhua. The injured people were shifted to a nearby hospital where four of them were in critical condition. The vehicle was completely destroyed in the explosion, and the police cordoned off the area for investigation. No group or individual has claimed the attack yet. TEHRAN, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday highlighted the necessity of effective measures to stop the ongoing Israeli attacks against the Gaza Strip and ensure the entry of humanitarian aid into the enclave. In a phone call, Iranian Caretaker Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed the latest developments in Gaza and issues of common interest, according to a statement released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry. Bagheri Kani pointed to Israel's "brutal crimes" against Palestinians, stressing the need for Muslim states to "use all available tools" to stop the Israeli attacks in Gaza as soon as possible and deliver sufficient aid to its long-suffering people. The UAE foreign minister, for his part, underlined the urgency to send humanitarian aid to Gazans and implement effective measures to stop the Israeli offensive, adding that the UAE was making all-out efforts to those ends. The Israeli army has been conducting a large-scale offensive on Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, after Hamas carried out an unprecedented attack on the Israeli towns adjacent to the strip, killing approximately 1,200 people. The Palestinian death toll from the ongoing Israeli attacks in the enclave has surpassed 37,000, with more than 85,000 people injured, according to the health authorities in Gaza. The European Commission has announced provisional tariffs on China-made electric vehicles. Auto industry players and observers say the move is based on false pretenses, and will not only exact an economic toll on the bloc but also impede the achievement of climate goals. BEIJING, June 16 (Xinhua) -- China's National Meteorological Center on Sunday morning continued to issue a yellow alert for high temperatures as multiple regions are experiencing sweltering heat. The intensity of high temperatures is expected to decrease in north China and regions between the Yellow River and the Huaihe River, while the extent of the heat will also diminish in these regions, the center said. During the daytime on Sunday, some areas in Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Hebei, Beijing, Shandong, Henan, Anhui, Hubei and Hainan will see temperatures reaching 35 to 36 degrees Celsius, according to the center. The center forecasts maximum temperatures of 37 to 39 degrees Celsius in parts of Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia and Henan. Outdoor activities should be avoided during periods of high temperatures, and precautionary measures should be taken to protect vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, the center said. China has a three-tier warning system for high temperatures, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange and yellow. BEIRUT, June 16 (Xinhua) -- A woman was killed, and six other civilians, including children, were injured on Sunday in Israeli airstrikes on Lebanese villages in southern Lebanon, Lebanese medical and military sources told Xinhua. The sources, who spoke anonymously, said that the woman was killed in an airstrike in the village of Kafra in the Bint Jbeil district, while six other civilians were injured in the village of Chaqra in the Nabatieh Governorate. An official medical source in the city of Bint Jbeil told Xinhua that the Lebanese Red Cross and Civil Defense vehicles transported the body of a Lebanese woman and six injured people, including three children, to Bint Jbeil Governmental Hospital. Lebanese military sources said that Israeli drones and warplanes carried out eight raids on five border towns and villages in southern Lebanon on Sunday. They added that Israeli drones also dropped incendiary bombs on the vicinity of four towns and villages in the eastern and central sectors, which led to several fires that devoured large forest areas before the Civil Defense and the Lebanese Army were able to extinguish them. Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border escalated on Oct. 8, 2023, following a barrage of rockets launched by the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah toward Israel in solidarity with Hamas' attack on Israel the day before. Israel then retaliated by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon. TEHRAN, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Interim President Mohammad Mokhber made a phone call with Iraq's President Abdul Latif Rashid on Sunday, during which the two sides pledged to solidify economic cooperation, according to a statement from the Iranian presidency. Mokhber said that promoting economic cooperation would lead to the improvement of political ties, noting that the two sides can further strengthen their economic ties by removing obstacles that hinder the cooperation between the countries' private sectors. Mokhber also praised Iraq for its "effective, intelligent and honorable" actions in regional and international arenas, including with regard to the issue of Gaza. The Iraqi president, for his part, stressed that his government is making efforts to improve the level of cooperation with Iran in all areas. He described the further promotion of bilateral relations as a necessity for the two peoples, according to the Iranian statement. TEHRAN, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has agreed to pardon or commute the sentences of 2,654 inmates in the country, including 30 foreign nationals and 53 convicted on security charges, the official news agency IRNA reported. The leader granted the clemency on the occasions of Eid al-Adha, one of the most important holidays for Muslims across the world, and Eid al-Ghadir, a significant holiday celebrated by Shiite Muslims, IRNA quoted Iran's Deputy Judiciary Chief Sadeq Rahimi as saying. After being approved by Iran's Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, a list of inmates who were eligible for receiving clemency was submitted to the leader, added Rahimi. The inmates were convicted in the country's public and Islamic Revolution courts, the Judicial Organization of the Armed Forces, and the State Discretionary Punishment Organization. Rahimi said 29 of those whose sentences were commuted had been sentenced to death, adding their sentences had been reduced to jail terms. Iran's leader regularly grants clemency to prisoners on special occasions as per a right given to him by Article 110 of the country's constitution. WINDHOEK, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Namibian President Nangolo Mbumba called for a steadfast commitment to ensuring access to quality education in Africa, adding that the continent stands to gain immensely from investing in education and youth, as outlined in the aspirations of Agenda 2063. Mbumba joined Namibians and the entire African continent in celebrating the International Day of the African Child. In a statement released on Sunday, Mbumba underscored the significance of the day by recalling the courage of young South Africans who protested against a discriminatory education system. "On this day, more than four decades ago, young South Africans took to the streets of Soweto to protest the enforcement of a discriminatory education system which would have resulted in the displacement of cultural values and language," he said. Highlighting the theme of this year's commemoration, "Education for all children in Africa: the time is now," Mbumba emphasized the importance of ensuring access to quality education. Reflecting on Namibia's achievements, Mbumba pointed out that the country has made significant progress in providing free primary and secondary education. He highlighted that the education sector receives the largest portion of the national budget, demonstrating Namibia's prioritization of education as a cornerstone of sustainable development. Furthermore, the government continues to expand educational infrastructure to enhance the learning experience for all children. However, the president acknowledged the ongoing challenges in the country's education sector. He cited economic barriers, infrastructural deficits, gender disparities, quality issues, and cultural practices as obstacles that require a multi-stakeholder approach to overcome. "Despite the significant progress we have made, there are miles we are yet to walk," he stressed, calling for continued investment and policy enactment to support the education sector. The International Day of the African Child is commemorated annually on June 16, honoring the memory of the Soweto uprising and recognizing the ongoing struggles and achievements in advancing children's rights across the continent. DAR ES SALAAM, June 16 (Xinhua) -- At least four people were killed and four others injured on Saturday night after their minibus was hit by a truck in Muheza District of Tanga Region in northern Tanzania, police said on Sunday. Maketi Msangi, the acting Tanga regional police commander, said the accident occurred on Saturday at 9:00 p.m. local time when the truck knocked the minibus at the village of Tanganyika along the Dar es Salaam-Arusha highway. Msangi said the tragedy happened when the minibus was being repaired after experiencing some technical malfunctions. He added that the driver of the truck disappeared after the accident, and police were hunting for him. OUAGADOUGOU, June 16 (Xinhua) -- An al-Qaida affiliate claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on Tuesday that killed more than 100 Burkina Faso soldiers in Mansila, in the northeastern part of the country, the SITE Intelligence Group said on Sunday. According to the jihadist threat monitoring portal cited by local media, Jama'a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin, a militant jihadist group associated with al-Qaida, claimed responsibility for the assault in the Mansila area near the border with Niger. According to a statement published on Saturday by the Mansila Pupils' and Students' Association on its Facebook page, "ill-intentioned individuals" attacked the military detachment, houses, and shops on Tuesday. The government of Burkina Faso has not yet issued a statement on the attack. PHNOM PENH, June 16 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia's national flag carrier, Cambodia Angkor Air, on Sunday launched its first direct flight between the capital Phnom Penh and India's New Delhi, the airline operator said in a press release. "As the sole national flag carrier, Cambodia Angkor Air leads in promoting tourism and socio-economic development by launching this new route," the press release said. The connection will make the Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO-listed world heritage site, more accessible to Indian tourists, it said, adding that it will also provide Cambodian patients with better access to medical treatments in India. "With both nations' rich histories and mutual interests, Cambodia Angkor Air is optimistic about the potential and positive impact of this new service," the statement said. Cambodia Angkor Air is offering a four-times-a-week service between the two destinations, scheduled regularly on every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Tokyo: Japan faces a concerning surge in cases of Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), a rare and aggressive illness caused by a "flesh-eating bacteria," following the relaxation of Covid-era restrictions. STSS, known for its swift fatality within 48 hours of infection, poses a significant health threat as it spreads rapidly throughout the country. According to the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan has recorded a staggering 977 cases of STSS by June 2 this year, surpassing the previous record of 941 cases reported in 2023. This alarming trend has prompted heightened vigilance among health authorities who have been monitoring the disease since 1999. STSS, caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS), presents with symptoms such as limb pain and swelling, fever, low blood pressure, and necrosis, often culminating in organ failure and death. Professor Ken Kikuchi of Tokyo Womens Medical University warns of the disease's rapid progression, emphasizing that deaths can occur within a mere 48 hours of symptom onset, particularly among individuals over 50 years old. At the current infection rate, Kikuchi projects that Japan could see up to 2,500 cases of STSS this year, with a concerning mortality rate of 30%. He underscores the importance of hand hygiene and prompt treatment of open wounds, as well as the potential for GAS transmission through fecal contamination. The resurgence of STSS in Japan mirrors similar outbreaks observed in other countries following the easing of Covid restrictions. In late 2022, several European nations reported a surge in cases of invasive group A streptococcus (iGAS) disease, including STSS, prompting concerns raised by the World Health Organization. This global trend underscores the urgency of continued vigilance and preventive measures to mitigate the spread of this deadly disease. Amit Shah Chairs High-Level Meeting on Jammu and Kashmir Security Goat Featuring Ram's Name Sparks Furor: Mumbai Police Detains Shop Owner Nuh's Cyber Crime Woes: Khalid and Akil's Arrest Sheds Light on Persistent Fraud Issues TraceRouda / Getty Images/iStockphoto The price of buying a home in Florida has skyrocketed over the past five years, with the average home value sitting at almost $400,000 in June, according to Zillow. Be Aware: Barbara Corcoran 3 Cities To Invest In Real Estate Now Before Prices Skyrocket For You: How To Get Rich in Real Estate Starting with Just $1,000 Its $394,728, to be exact, up from $242,000 in June 2019, based on the Zillow figures. Floridians interested in buying their own places in the Sunshine State might feel squeezed out by the prices, but residents still can find homes and condominiums for less than $100,000. At that price, your new home wont be large, and it might need some updates. But its still yours, and improvements you make can help to build equity in your property should you want to move to a bigger or newer place down the road. But where can you find a dwelling to buy for less than $100,000? Try these locations. Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. You can start this week. Lauderhill Carved out of a community known for dairy farming in the 1950s, Lauderhill is about a 20-minute drive from Fort Lauderdale in the southern part of the state. It has a mixture of residential and commercial communities and is located in bustling Broward County. What kind of residence can you buy for $100,000? While Lauderhill has single-family, multifamily, condo and townhome communities, expect to buy a condo on that budget. A recent check of Zillow showed some good options: a one-bedroom, 1-bath condo with a remodeled kitchen, tile floors, two parking spaces and a storage unit for $85,000; or a one-bed, one bath, move-in ready unit consisting of 755 square feet priced at $78,000. The latter has quartz countertops and a balcony that can be converted to a Florida room for some extra space. Remember that when you buy a condominium or townhome, you undoubtedly will owe homeowners association dues, too. Dues for the $85,000 condo are $631 per month. The $78,000 condo has more reasonable fees of $292 per month. Check Out: 4 Reasons You Might Regret Buying a Home in Florida Delray Beach Delray Beach, situated on the Atlantic coast of Florida, is about 60 miles north of Miami and has its share of multimillion-dollar luxury properties. But living in the city isnt out of the question on a $100,000 budget or less. As in Lauderhill, dont expect a big piece of property for that price in Delray Beach. Instead, think condo or townhouse. But Zillow showed some interesting choices recently, including a one-bedroom, two-bathroom condominium. The ground floor, corner unit also has a Florida room to turn into a home office or sitting area and supplement the 760 square feet, plus a recently replaced air conditioner for those steamy summer days all for $97,500, plus a $579 monthly HOA fee. Story continues Jacksonville If you head north to Jacksonville, youll find a much greater selection of homes. Thats because the city is approaching 1 million residents and offers a much larger housing supply. When home shopping in Jacksonville, youll find some single-family homes in your $100,000 price range. For example, Zillow recently posted a listing for a two-bedroom, one-bathroom turnkey home. The newly renovated 780-square-foot home, located downtown, even has a dining room for entertaining space and is priced at $99,000. If you need something a little bigger, perhaps a two-bedroom, one-bathroom home with 1,079 square feet would better suit you. Its a brick home on a corner lot with a 2020 roof with an asking price of $90,000. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 3 Florida Cities Where You Can Buy Homes For $100,000 or Less The S&P 500 is up an incredible 25% over the past 12 months, but not every stock in the benchmark index has participated in the rally. A handful of terrific healthcare stocks have fallen more than 25% from the peaks they set less than a year ago. Shares of Pfizer (NYSE: PFE), Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY), and CVS Health (NYSE: CVS) are down, but their dividend programs are still going strong. Here's why investors can rely on these high-yield stocks to keep raising their payouts for at least another decade. 1. Pfizer Shares of Pfizer are down about 31% over the past 12 months. The pharmaceutical company's development pipeline is producing new drugs, but the stock market can't get over how quickly sales collapsed for Comirnaty and Paxlovid, a COVID vaccine and antiviral treatment, respectively. Despite sinking sales, Pfizer has steadily raised its dividend payout every year since 2009. At recent prices, it offers a huge 6.1% yield, and investors can reasonably look forward to at least another decade of consecutive annual raises. Combined first-quarter sales of Comirnaty and Paxlovid fell more than 60% year over year to $2.4 billion. Management is predicting further declines for these drugs, but the worst is over, and the dividend is well funded. It expects adjusted earnings per share to land in a range between $2.15 and $2.35, which is more than it needs to meet a dividend commitment currently set at an annualized $1.68 per share. Pfizer reported first-quarter sales that rose 11% year over year if we exclude Comirnaty and Paxlovid. With nine new drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2023 alone, investors can expect a return to growth that could last throughout the decade ahead. 2. Bristol Myers Squibb Shares of Bristol Myers Squibb are down about 35% from a high point they reached last summer. At its beaten-down price, the big pharma stock offers a nice 5.7% yield. The stock has been under pressure lately because management slashed its adjusted earnings outlook to a range between $0.40 and $0.70 from previous guidance of $7.10 to $7.40 per share. That devastating earnings adjustment is mostly the result of a $14 billion acquisition of Karuna Therapeutics that the company completed in March. The big pharma will record a one-time charge of about $12 billion, but the asset it acquired, KarXT, could be worth it. The FDA is reviewing an application now that could make KarXT the first new schizophrenia drug that doesn't directly block dopamine receptors. The agency is expected to announce an approval decision for KarXT on or before Sep. 26, 2024. Story continues Shares of Bristol Myers Squibb have been trading for a low valuation of around 7 times trailing free cash flow. Investors who scoop up the beaten-down pharma stock now and hold on have a great chance to see market-beating gains over the long run. 3. CVS Health We're all familiar with CVS Health's leading chain of retail pharmacies. What you might not realize is that it owns one of the three large pharmacy benefit manager businesses and Aetna, a leading health insurer. Shares of CVS Health have fallen about 27% from a high-water mark set in January. At recent prices, the healthcare conglomerate offers a 4.4% yield, which is unusually high for a stock famous for rapid dividend growth. Vertically integrating different healthcare businesses helped CVS Health raise its dividend payout by 142% over the past decade. The stock has been beaten down recently due to increasing use of services and lower-than-hoped-for reimbursement rates for its Medicare Advantage members. Medicare Advantage could become a little less lucrative for CVS Health, but a strong secular tailwind could help its bottom line return to growth. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services saw America's national healthcare expenditure grow 4.1% in 2022 to $4.5 trillion. During the decade that ends in 2032, the government agency expects total healthcare spending growth to accelerate to 5.6% annually. Increasing healthcare expenses seems like an unstoppable trend. With leading positions in vertically integrated healthcare industries, CVS Health can reasonably be expected to provide another decade of significant dividend raises. Should you invest $1,000 in Pfizer right now? Before you buy stock in Pfizer, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Pfizer wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $808,105!* Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than quadrupled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of June 10, 2024 Cory Renauer has positions in CVS Health. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer. The Motley Fool recommends CVS Health. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. 3 High-Yield S&P 500 Dividend Stocks Down More Than 25% to Buy Now and Hold for at Least a Decade was originally published by The Motley Fool Dutch Bros was a risky initial public offering (IPO) stock a few years ago, but it has emerged as a well-run company with tons of opportunity that's generating increasing profitability along with robust sales growth. If you're looking for a high-growth stock, it's a great candidate. Here are three reasons why. 1. Huge expansion plans Dutch Bros isn't significantly different than any other coffee chain. They all serve similar beverages and some food items. But it's distinguishing itself through its differentiated culture and focus on speed and service -- the opposite of which is causing competitor Starbucks some headaches these days. So far, customers love Dutch Bros, and it's been able to replicate its model in regions across the country. It was predominantly a West Coast operation when it went public, but it has developed a significant presence coast to coast in 17 states. That's likely because even though it's only been a public company since 2021, and it only has 876 stores, it's been around for 30 years. The company developed a distinct and customer-friendly culture over decades, and management has sensed that there's a large opportunity in bringing the concept to customers all over the country. The founder-CEO stepped down last year to make room for an experienced food executive to build a new team and take the concept further. It's already investing in a growth infrastructure, opening a new resource center to meet growing demand. Management sees the opportunity to reach 4,000 stores over the next 10 to 15 years, and so far, store openings are right on or surpassing the schedule. It opened 159 stores in 2023 and is planning to open up to 165 this year. This is moderate annual expansion that ensures steady, efficient growth and a long runway. 2. High growth Part of what's creating investor confidence is Dutch Bros' high sales growth. Revenue increased 39% year over year in the 2024 first quarter to $275 million. For several quarters, investors were concerned about the company's low -- and at times, even declining -- comparable sales growth. Comparable sales growth measures how sales are increasing from stores that have already been in operation, usually for a year or longer. Comparable sales growth is important because it illustrates how well a company can create loyalty and generate demand from repeat customers. That's what makes a concept viable over the long term. It also leads to increased profitability, since fixed costs are spread out over more sales and work more efficiently. Story continues Comparable sales growth is back in acceleration mode, and they were up 10% year over year in the first quarter. That includes the company's "fortressing" strategy, which involves opening up several new stores in a given area at once to establish a brand presence. This could create pressure in comps growth in the short term, but lead to growing overall sales in the long term. Sometimes the larger perpetual winners are the best bets on the stock market. But to achieve the highest gains on your investments, you often need to look for smaller companies that are demonstrating high sales growth. Dutch Bros fits the bill. 3. Improving profitability Many young and growing companies don't make any profits. That's the normal cycle of a company. It's often a risk versus reward proposition; the younger and higher-growth the company, the more risk attached, and the higher the potential for gains. Having no profits comes with risk, because if a company doesn't eventually become profitable, it won't last. Dutch Bros has been inconsistent with its net income, but it reported a profit for the full year in 2023 according to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). It also continues to show higher adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) year over year each quarter. Net income increased from a $9 million loss last year to positive $16 million in the first quarter, and adjusted EBITDA more than doubled to $53 million. As it scales, it's using its resources more efficiently, and profits should continue to grow. Dutch Bros stock is up 25% this year, and investors can catch it now as it keeps climbing. Should you invest $1,000 in Dutch Bros right now? Before you buy stock in Dutch Bros, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Dutch Bros wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $794,196!* Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than quadrupled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of June 10, 2024 Jennifer Saibil has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Starbucks. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. 3 Reasons to Buy Dutch Bros Stock Like There's No Tomorrow was originally published by The Motley Fool halbergman / Getty Images/iStockphoto Everythings bigger in Texas, right? Not necessarily when it comes to housing prices. The average home value in the state is $306,756, according to Zillows May 2024 numbers way below that national home value of $360,681. And there are pockets in the state where you still can buy a single-family home for less than $100,000. Check Out: Housing Market 2024: 50 Most Affordable Cities for Homebuyers Read Next: Become a Real Estate Investor for Just $1K Using This Bezos-Backed Startup If youre shopping for a new Texas abode at a price to fit a $100,000 budget, read on to learn about three of the locations that might suit your needs. Wealthy people know the best money secrets. Learn how to copy them. 1. Victoria Southeast of San Antonio and about 50 miles from the water of the Gulf of Mexico is Victoria, which is celebrating its bicentennial in 2024. A modern city with a small-town feel. Victoria has a deep history. Theres a lot to do locally if you live in Victoria and a variety of places to call home. How about this listing: a newly updated and turn-key two-bedroom, one-bathroom home that sits on 0.32 acres and recently was listed on Zillow for $94,900. Its a 796-square-foot charmer, and the large trees on the lot provide shade on the hot Texas days. 2. Amarillo Amarillo, in the Texas panhandle, sits about halfway between Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Oklahoma City a stop along historic Route 66. If your family needs a place to spread out, you could do it in a four-bedroom, two-bathroom, 1.950-square-foot house in Amarillo. It needs a little bit of TLC, but at $99,900, the home comes out to just $51 per square foot. The property includes a covered patio area for relaxing or entertaining, and its near parks and schools. 3. Wichita Falls About 150 miles northwest of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area is Wichita Falls, which has become known for its arts and food scene. The Castaway Cove Waterpark is a destination in the city, and you could find your next home near it a three-bedroom, one-bathroom home that includes a flex space for an office or extra bedroom. The list price is $100,000. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 3 Texas Cities Where You Can Buy Homes For $100,000 or Less Jack Frog / Shutterstock.com Rental companies sold off three-quarters of a million cars from their fleets in 2020 to pay the bills and save money when the pandemic canceled the worlds vacation plans and turned Americas highways into ghost roads. Three years later, they bought them back. Cox Automotive reports that in December, fleet sales outpaced retail auto sales. Fleet sales for Nissan and Hyundai were up by more than 100% compared to December 2022 and Toyota was up 80% but even that trio had less than half the fleet sales of the Detroit Three. Explore More: 9 Budget-Friendly Cars Wealthy Retirees Love To Drive Find Out: 6 Unusual Ways To Make Extra Money (That Actually Work) Americas rental companies added more than a quarter-million vehicles to their fleets in December 2023 alone. In short, anyone renting a car in 2024 has something drivers in 2021, 2022 and much of last year did not endless choices. But with so many options, which brand should you rent, especially if youre on a budget? Berki Alin / iStock.com Kia According to the rental company Sixt, Fuel efficient, fun-to-drive and full of style, when you rent a Kia you will be ready to enjoy the road. The experts agree. Kia is a budget-friendly car brand and one youll see a lot of on the rental lots, said Melanie Musson, an auto industry expert with AutoInsurance.org. Theyre not only affordable, but theyre also reliable. Rental agencies arent going to mess around with vehicles that have to be out of service for maintenance frequently. Kia models are workhorses and an excellent option for renters looking to save money. Check Out: 6 Hybrid Vehicles To Stay Away From Buying Read More: 4 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money Valerii Apetroaiei / Getty Images/iStockphoto Chevrolet One of Detroits Big Three, GM topped all commercial fleet sales in the U.S. in 2023, and there are good reasons why its Chevy brand has wheels on the ground in nearly every rental lot in America. Chevrolet manufactures a wide range of models that rental agencies favor, Musson said. If youre looking for an SUV, the Traverse is a popular model youll find at many agencies. The Spark is one of the most affordable vehicles available, and if you dont need much room and are looking for great fuel economy, its certainly worth consideration. Trending Now: 4 Affordable Car Brands You Wont Regret Buying in 2024 deimagine / iStock.com Toyota As the Cox report noted, rental fleets gobbled up Toyotas in near-record numbers last year because drivers know the brand represents dependability above all else. Toyota is another popular rental car manufacturer, Musson said. Most agencies have a wide range of models, from compact to full-size SUVs. Toyotas are designed to last and be very reliable, even with the abuse that many rental cars endure. Story continues Tramino / iStock.com Subaru If your summer trip is more of an adventure, Subaru is synonymous with dependability and rugged, all-terrain capability features like all-wheel drive, high ground clearance and stabilizing dynamic driving modes. But youll pay less than you would for a Jeep or a Bronco. For a reliable car brand to rent this summer that wont break the bank, go for a Subaru, said Ben Michael, director of auto at Michael & Associates law firm. Subarus are always at or near the top of the list in terms of safety, and they are great for driving on off-road areas, so they are great for summer adventures. And, they are typically priced pretty well, being more affordable than their quality indicates their price should be. Shutterstock.com Honda Theres nothing worse than being stuck on the side of the road with a broken-down car except for being stuck on the side of the road with someone elses broken-down car. Thats why Hondas legendary reliability is always a safe bet at the rental counter. Honda vehicles, such as the Civic and Accord, are celebrated for their longevity and low maintenance costs, said auto expert Rob Dillan, founder of EVhype. These models are ideal for renters seeking a worry-free driving experience. Hyundai If youre looking for sleeker bodies, sharper curves and a little more tech without sacrificing reliability, one Korean automaker delivers the whole package on a budget. Hyundai has improved significantly in recent years, Dillan said. It offers models like the Elantra and Sonata comes with modern features and strong reliability ratings, making them great rental choices. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Reliable Car Brands If Youre Renting a Car This Summer Launches daily direct flights connecting Riyadh with Mumbai In line with Saudi Arabias aim of tripling air passenger numbers by 2030 Riyadh is Akasa Airs second destination in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, June 16, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Akasa Air, Indias fastest-growing airline, commenced operations from Riyadh, connecting it to Mumbai with daily direct flights. The inaugural flight on 15th June 2024 departed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai at 2220hrs IST and arrived at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh at 0015hrs AST. Riyadh is the second destination in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to be included in Akasa Airs network and strengthens the airlines presence in the region, providing reliable, affordable, and enhanced options for air travel on the route. As a rapidly growing financial centre, Riyadh has been witnessing a consistent uptick in business and MICE travellers from around the globe. The dynamic city offers a blend of ultra-modern and medieval architecture and is also emerging as an attractive destination for leisure tourists and culture enthusiasts. The maiden flight received a warm welcome at King Khalid International Airport where its arrival was graced by in the presence of the leadership teams of Akasa Air and King Khalid International Airport to commemorate the occasion. Commenting on the destination launch, Neelu Khatri, Co-Founder and SVP International, Akasa Air, said: "We are pleased to commence operations from Riyadh, our third international destination on our rapidly growing international network. The citys flourishing trade prospects and dynamic tourist attractions have made it an increasingly popular destination for a variety of Indian travellers. "The Government of Saudi Arabias forward-looking strategy to enhance the nations global air connectivity will further bolster air travel demand to and from the region in the coming years. "We are thankful to King Khalid International Airport for their support in establishing this connection," she added. Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, further shared: "We are delighted to strengthen our presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the commencement of services to Riyadh. The city holds immense potential as a tourist destination, and the launch of daily direct flights, connecting the city with Mumbai will enhance passenger and cargo capacity on the route, catering to the growing demand for trade and tourism. "Akasa Air has emerged as Indias most reliable airline in a short time. As we rapidly grow our global presence, we remain committed to taking the dependable and affordable Akasa experience to the world." Story continues Belson Coutinho, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing and Experience Officer, Akasa Air, added: "We are excited to extend the signature Akasa experience to Riyadh, our third international destination. At Akasa Air, service excellence is in our DNA, and we have progressively introduced multiple customer-friendly offerings to ensure a warm and efficient flying experience. We are confident that travellers on the route will appreciate the distinguished and diverse culinary options with our onboard meal service Cafe Akasa, and the fresh in-cabin experience that offers enhanced comfort and ample legroom, backed by the signature service delivered by our crew on board and on the ground. "Offerings like Skyscore by Akasa and QuietFlights will further elevate the inflight experience of our passengers. Moreover, travellers who wish to explore Riyadh can choose to plan their travel with Akasa Holidays which offers customisable and all-inclusive holiday packages at affordable prices. Our category-redefining offerings have set new standards for air travel in India. As we expand our global footprint, we look forward to hosting an increasing number of travellers from across the world," he added. Akasa Air forayed into international skies with the launch of operations to Doha, the capital of Qatar, on 28th March 2024. In May 2024, the airline announced operations from Jeddah, and the launch of flights to Riyadh will provide further impetus to the Saudi Arabian governments aim of enhancing global connectivity, tripling air passenger footfall and handling 5 million tons of freight by 2030. Akasa Air has also been granted traffic rights for three other international destinations namely Kuwait, Abu Dhabi and Medina, and will continue to rapidly expand its global presence in the coming months. The airline has introduced multiple quality products and differentiated services to ensure an inclusive, warm, and comfortable flying experience. Its brand-new fleet provides ample legroom and enhanced comfort and comes with USB ports in a majority of aircraft, allowing passengers to charge their devices on the go. Cafe Akasa, the airlines onboard meal service, offers an assortment of healthy and delectable meals, including festive menus and industry-first options such as Kombucha, to offer customers an indulgent gourmet experience in the skies. Travelers who wish to explore Riyadh can choose to plan their travel with Akasa Holidays which offers customisable and all-inclusive holiday packages at affordable prices. Skyscore by Akasa provides live scores of all major sporting events onboard, and the airlines QuietFlights experience offers a restful inflight environment on early morning and late-night flights. In addition, in an endeavour to make travel inclusive, Akasa Air has introduced its safety instruction card and onboard menu card in Braille for persons with visual impairment. Akasa Airs consistent on-time leadership, operational efficiencies and extremely positive customer feedback have made it a preferred carrier in India, and the airline has served over 10 million passengers since its launch in August 2022. Akasa Air currently connects with 25 cities, namely Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Delhi, Guwahati, Agartala, Pune, Lucknow, Goa, Hyderabad, Varanasi, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Port Blair, Ayodhya, Gwalior, Srinagar, Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, Doha (Qatar), Jeddah and Riyadh (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). Flight schedule: Flt. Number From Departure Time To Arrival Time Operating Days Non-stop/ Through Commences 15 June 2024 QP 0567 Mumbai 2005hrs Riyadh 2155hrs Daily Non-stop QP 0568 Riyadh 2255hrs Mumbai 0535hrs Daily Non-stop *Schedule might differ on certain dates due to operational reasons About Akasa Air: Akasa Air is Indias most dependable airline, offering warm and efficient customer service, reliable operations, and affordable fares - all in the Akasa Way. Akasas youthful personality, employee-centric philosophy, tech-led approach, and culture of service make this commitment a reality for all Indians. The carrier launched its first commercial flight on 07 August 2022 to support the growing demand across India and commenced international operations on 28 March 2024, offering non-stop flights from Mumbai to Doha. This milestone makes it the first Indian airline to fly overseas within a record period of just 19 months. Internationally, Akasa Air operates flights to Doha and Riyadh and has opened for the sale of tickets to Jeddah (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). Additionally, Akasa Air has also been granted traffic rights for Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, and Medina (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). Since its inception, Akasa Air has served over 10 million passengers and connects 25 cities. With a clear focus on sustained, long-term growth, Akasa Air has placed a firm order of 226 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes, powered by CFM fuel-efficient, LEAP-1B engines. It currently operates 24 737 MAX aircraft which delivers superior efficiency in reducing fuel use and carbon emissions. The aircraft also powers a quieter cabin with 40 per cent less noise fulfilling the airline's promise of being an environmentally progressive company with the youngest and greenest fleet in the Indian skies. For more information visit www.akasaair.com or via X: @AkasaAir LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/akasaair/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240614109627/en/ Contacts media@akasaair.com For those desiring to sell their home quickly, whether due to downsizing, a job transfer, death of a loved one, illness, facing foreclosure, or they just dont want to go through a traditional selling process, there is a very easy way with Archway Homes. Archway Homes, owned by husband and wife team Jon and Stacy Bichelmeyer, buys houses As Is in any condition: houses needing little to no repair, houses needing everything repaired from leaking roofs to bad foundations, cluttered houses, or those in need of cosmetic updating. They do so by providing a no-obligation offer within 24 hours, can pay cash and close within three days or on a future date of the sellers choice, and there are no fees or commissions to pay. The ability to sell quickly, in lieu of the traditional, lengthy home selling process, to an established and reputable company has been the perfect solution for numerous homeowners all over the Kansas City area. For many homeowners, the Bichelmeyers close ties to the community stood out as being very important. A third-generation real estate investor with roots in the Kansas City community for over 40 years, his extensive experience really makes a difference. Ive been buying houses, fixing them up and selling to homeowners in the metro area for over 20 years. We even wrote the book on it. Literally! Home to Home Local Edition Kansas City Metro outlines the steps homeowners can take to sell their home and our experiences helping people do just that, Jon said. Jon said, Not all the other companies are as personally invested here as I am. My sellers know that Ive been investing in our community my entire adult life and I continue to do so. I stand by my word. No one deal is more important than my name and reputation. We work hard to make sure its a win-win for both parties. Dan P. recently worked with Jon to sell his mothers home in South Kansas City. The house was dated and needed some repairs in order to sell. Dan and his family contacted four direct-buy companies but decided to go with Archway. Some of the other companies sent a salesman to meet with me, but with Jon, I was meeting with the owner of the company. He was very hands-on. Jons offer was reasonable, and I felt comfortable that Archway had the assets to complete the deal, Dan said. The process was smooth and completed quickly. I would definitely recommend Archway to others who need to sell a house quickly. Jon has also had sellers contact him after they signed a contract with another company, but the other cash buyer has failed to close for whatever reason. He offered a few tips when considering selling your home to an investor: Story continues Be sure you know who you are working with Check out how long they have been in business Check them out with the Better Business Bureau Look for testimonials from past clients Archway has purchased homes in all sorts of situations. Sometimes the properties need extensive repairs. Archway Homes will buy the home and make the needed repairs, relieving the sellers of the hassle and expense. We are committed to working with sellers, even in difficult situations, to find a solution for all, Stacy said. Archway Homes features a no-obligation offer process. The first step is to call the office at 913-599-5000 to schedule an appointment. Jon will then walk through the home and can provide an offer price within 24 hours. Archway Homes can pay cash and close in as fast as three days. However, some sellers need the opposite approach, needing a delayed closing several months away. They may need time to find their next home, or they are building a home and need time for it to be completed. Coordinating closing schedules in a traditional sale can be challenging. Archway Homes sets a closing date that will meet the sellers needs. Jon wants sellers to know that there are three main advantages to working with Archway Homes: We purchase homes as-is, without formal inspections, appraisals or surveys. We buy houses for ourselves. We dont buy for other people, so we personally purchase every house. Our over 20 years of experience and relationships guarantee that the selling process is smooth and stress-free We love helping sellers, Stacy said. The ease of selling to us can make a difficult time of transition worry-free. Anyone who wants to sell a home quickly for cash should call Jon Bichelmeyer at 913-599-5000 or email him at jon@archwayhomesinc.com. Or they can visit Archway Homes website at archwaypropertieskc.com to fill out an online form or to get a free copy of our book Home to Home Local Edition Kansas City Metro, Kansas and Missouri, call our office. Archway Homes Location: 15301 W. 87th St. Parkway, Suite B35 in the UMB Bank building Contact: Jon Bichelmeyer at 913-599-5000 or jon@archwayhomesinc.com Website: archwaypropertieskc.com Bitcoin is a digital currency or cryptocurrency that is not backed by any government or central bank. The University of Austin, a new school opening later this year, has launched what it said is the first long-term endowment held in bitcoin, a unique involvement of cryptocurrency in higher education financing. The endowment is being held in partnership with Unchained, an Austin-based bitcoin financial service whose founder and CEO, Joseph Kelly, donated the first two bitcoins to launch the campaign, equivalent to $138,000. After securing its initial approval to launch from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in November, the university plans to open this fall in the Scarborough Building downtown with 100 students. The private institution first announced plans to open in November 2021, pitching itself as a school against cancel culture and censorship and an innovative alternative to a national higher education model it said is broken. The university seeks to challenge higher education norms, including by setting up the endowment in bitcoin, a form of digital currency that can be sold and exchanged without a bank. The decentralized model requires that the majority of the bitcoin network approve transactions, and the transactions are stored on a digital record called a blockchain. What's it worth? Bitcoin price today. How BTC is doing. Chad Thevenot, the senior vice president for advancement and communications at the University of Austin, said the new school is growing its endowment resources and that this endowment will be part of a diversified portfolio with other stocks and assets to support the university's future. The new endowment will go toward the university's general funding but will be kept in bitcoin for at least five years, he said. The idea came when he and Kelly, whose office is across the street from the university's headquarters, met for coffee chats and lunch. When Thevenot heard Kelly's pitch about the endowment, he thought it was a great way to engage the bitcoin community. "Bitcoin as an idea, as a phenomenon, captures the imagination of people at university; it captures the imagination of our students," he said. "In that sense, there's a natural lineup." The spirit of the University of Austin captivated Kelly, specifically how the university wants to help students become entrepreneurs. The partnership, he said, can "build a bridge between the communities." "The more I heard about what they're trying to do in terms of really holding up the light to areas of censorship or issues (in the) higher educational system, a lot of people in the bitcoin community that we serve would also really benefit from hearing that message or benefit from knowing that UATX exists," he said. "And then, like me, might get excited (and) contribute." Story continues Is cryptocurrency reliable? Universities have been accepting cryptocurrency for years but typically liquidate it to avoid volatility in its value. But by keeping the endowment in bitcoin, the university will demonstrate that it believes in its value as an asset, Thevenot said. "We're not worried," he said about potential fluctuation in market value. "Every bitcoin that we get is more than $0. Because the alternative is zero bitcoin." What to know: Top 10 cryptocurrencies of 2024 David DeMatthews, a University of Texas associate professor in the College of Education specializing in education policy, said the use of bitcoin as an endowment asset is new to him but isn't surprising, as endowment portfolios typically consist of a number of different kinds of assets. The $5 million is "not a substantial amount, considering what it might cost to open a university, but could be viewed as a way of marketing bitcoin and other types of cryptocurrencies," DeMatthews said. Cesare Fracassi, a UT associate professor of finance who researches and teaches about cryptocurrency, said the endowment held in bitcoin offers the benefit of attracting donors interested in cryptocurrency, but could face fluctuations in value over time similar to other tech stocks. "Investing in bitcoin is as volatile as investing in Tesla," Fracassi said. But he added that donating bitcoin has a tax advantage for donors over cash, similar to giving stocks and bonds to universities. Though bitcoin's value has dropped significantly in the past, it has also risen significantly, said Shimon Lazarov, the chief marketing officer at Unchained. "Bitcoin has volatility, but it also has tremendous upside," Lazarov said. "I think $5 million in five years can definitely easily 10x or 20x, if you look at the past of bitcoin." What's the future of bitcoin in Texas? Carla Reyes, a Southern Methodist University associate professor of law specializing in blockchain technology and the past chair of the Texas Work Group on Blockchain Matters, which sent an 84-page report of recommendations to the Legislature in 2022, said Texas is considered a top state in the industry largely due to tech hubs such as Austin. Reyes said the university's announcement is "very cool" and rare because the endowment will be held in bitcoin. "Universities are very risk averse and very wary of accepting donations or even grant money in cryptocurrencies very broadly, and so I think it is probably exceptional for them to accept it and make a commitment to hold it for five years," Reyes said, adding that Unchained's management of the endowment should keep the payments safe, which she thinks is often a concern among universities. Reyes expects that Texas will continue to innovate in technology and blockchain currencies because both the state and the industry share "an entrepreneurial, innovative spirit," and Texas lawmakers, industry professionals and researchers are interested in seeing it progress. She hopes the announcement encourages other universities to form similar partnerships. "Tokens and cryptocurrencies get a bad rap, one they don't deserve," Reyes said. "And I think if the universities don't look past that to the real value of the technology and do the diligence to figure out partnerships ... they'll (miss opportunities for) grant money." With bitcoin, Thevenot said, "we want to take this kind of risk and be integrated with those kinds of communities in Austin." "It's not just an asset," he added. "It's an ethos." This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Crypto to bolster university endowment? New private college experiment The board of BT Group plc (LON:BT.A) has announced that it will be increasing its dividend by 5.6% on the 11th of September to 0.0569, up from last year's comparable payment of 0.0539. This will take the annual payment to 5.7% of the stock price, which is above what most companies in the industry pay. While the dividend yield is important for income investors, it is also important to consider any large share price moves, as this will generally outweigh any gains from distributions. Investors will be pleased to see that BT Group's stock price has increased by 33% in the last 3 months, which is good for shareholders and can also explain a decrease in the dividend yield. View our latest analysis for BT Group BT Group's Earnings Easily Cover The Distributions While it is great to have a strong dividend yield, we should also consider whether the payment is sustainable. The last dividend made up a very large portion of earnings and also represented 80% of free cash flows. This indicates that the company is more focused on returning cash to shareholders than growing the business, but we don't think that there are necessarily signs that the dividend might be unsustainable. Looking forward, earnings per share is forecast to rise by 56.8% over the next year. If the dividend continues along recent trends, we estimate the payout ratio will be 56%, which would make us comfortable with the sustainability of the dividend, despite the levels currently being quite high. Dividend Volatility Although the company has a long dividend history, it has been cut at least once in the last 10 years. The dividend has gone from an annual total of 0.095 in 2014 to the most recent total annual payment of 0.08. The dividend has shrunk at around 1.7% a year during that period. A company that decreases its dividend over time generally isn't what we are looking for. The Dividend Has Limited Growth Potential Given that the dividend has been cut in the past, we need to check if earnings are growing and if that might lead to stronger dividends in the future. Earnings per share has been sinking by 17% over the last five years. Dividend payments are likely to come under some pressure unless EPS can pull out of the nosedive it is in. On the bright side, earnings are predicted to gain some ground over the next year, but until this turns into a pattern we wouldn't be feeling too comfortable. The Dividend Could Prove To Be Unreliable Overall, this is probably not a great income stock, even though the dividend is being raised at the moment. The track record isn't great, and the payments are a bit high to be considered sustainable. This company is not in the top tier of income providing stocks. Story continues Market movements attest to how highly valued a consistent dividend policy is compared to one which is more unpredictable. Still, investors need to consider a host of other factors, apart from dividend payments, when analysing a company. As an example, we've identified 4 warning signs for BT Group that you should be aware of before investing. Looking for more high-yielding dividend ideas? Try our collection of strong dividend payers. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com Donald Trump is narrowing his running mate choices, and the business world ties of some top candidates are helping them rise on his list. It also helps that they are aiding Trump's own search for new deep-pocketed donors. The two leading examples of this dynamic are Ohio Senator J.D. Vance and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. Both (like Trump) have spent more of their careers in the private sector than in politics. And both have seen their chances improve as they've provided a bridge between the Trump operation and, respectively, Silicon Valley and the energy industry. The private sector experience also appears to be an advantage on its own in the eyes of Trump, who has long gravitated to CEOs. "He probably knows more about energy than anybody I know," Trump said of Burgum during a recent rally in New Jersey, adding cryptically, "so get ready for something." Republican presidential candidate and former president Donald Trump speaks with North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum at a campaign rally in Laconia, NH in January. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images) (The Washington Post via Getty Images) Also notable: Both Vance and Burgum have been able to overcome past criticism of Trump to gain entry into his orbit this year. Various recent veepstakes tallies have consistently put the two men near the top of the list. Other oft-mentioned candidates include figures like Sens. Marco Rubio and Tim Scott, who have less direct business world experience and entered politics earlier in their careers. Of course, Trump being Trump, the list of contenders could change quickly, and the former president has a full month to make his pick after saying he wants to wait to announce until the Republican convention, which begins on July 15 in Milwaukee. In a Fox News interview Thursday, Trump continued to tease the process. He reiterated that he would probably announce during the convention and that, while he isn't saying, "I have sort of a pretty good idea" of who it will be. Back in February, Trump said of his VP search: "I want people with common sense because there are so many things happening in this country that dont make sense." Representatives Vance and Burgum didn't respond to requests for comment. How Vance and Burgum leveraged their business ties Vance is currently Ohio's junior senator and is most known for authoring the memoir "Hillbilly Elegy" before being elected to the Senate in 2022. What he talks much less about it's fully omitted from his official Senate biography is his time living in San Francisco and working as a venture capitalist for Peter Thiel at Mithril Capital. But that experience has proven to be a crucial leg up during the veepstakes. Vance recently leveraged his contacts especially one with billionaire investor David O. Sacks to help orchestrate a Silicon Valley fundraiser for Trump that made inroads in the deep blue area and raised a reported $12 million for Trump's campaign. Story continues Senator J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) steps on stage as he is introduced by Donald Trump during a rally in Ohio in March. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) (Scott Olson via Getty Images) "These are some of the leading innovators in AI who are in that room," Vance said during a follow-up appearance on Fox News after the fundraiser. Vance also confirmed during that conversation that he is being vetted by the Trump campaign, noting, "I'm very interested in helping [Trump] out whatever that looks like." The story is similar for Burgum, the little-known governor of the 47th most populous state in the country who has nevertheless emerged as a top contender. He grew close to Trump after his short-lived presidential campaign ended, with Burgum quickly endorsing and going all in for Trump. But the business connections he brought to the table appear equally important. Burgum is, according to Forbes, worth more than $100 million after he led a North Dakota software company in the 1980s and 1990s to an IPO and then an acquisition by Microsoft (MSFT) in 2001. He remained at Microsoft as a senior vice president through 2007 before a stint as a venture capitalist. Then he made the jump into politics and first won North Dakota's gubernatorial election in 2016. Governor Doug Burgum of North Dakota traveled to New York in May to support former president Donald Trump during his criminal trial for covering up hush money payments. (Justin Lane/Getty Images) (Pool via Getty Images) Burgum has forged close ties with the energy industry during his time atop North Dakota's government and helped deepen connections between Trump's campaign and figures like Continental Resources founder Harold Hamm, who has led a series of oil officials to give to Trump. Hamm himself has given a flurry of money to Trump-aligned organizations, including a $614,000 check in March to the former president's "Trump 47" joint fundraising committee, according to federal election records It was also Burgum who reportedly orchestrated a controversial recent fundraiser where Trump, according to the Washington Post, told oil executives they should raise $1 billion for his campaign because Trump would reverse dozens of Biden's environmental policies. In his own Fox News appearance in recent days, Burgum fielded questions on his VP chances and engaged in a little flattery by saying that Trump works harder than the former tech CEO he used to spend time with. Beyond Vance and Burgum, another business-aligned candidate has recently emerged as a somewhat surprise contender: Tennessee Senator Bill Hagerty. He had a long career in private equity before becoming Trump's ambassador to Japan and winning election to the Senate in 2020. Hagerty has populated his social media feed with campaign appearances, and a recent New York Times update on the running mate race listed him in the second tier of contenders (Burgum and Vance were in the top tier). Trump's team has long downplayed the veracity of the various public vice presidential lists. Trump campaign senior advisor Brian Hughes said in response to queries for this story, as he has often said through the process, that "anyone claiming to know who or when President Trump will pick a vice president is lying, unless that person is named Donald J. Trump." Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) speaks at the US Capitol in 2023. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) (Kevin Dietsch via Getty Images) Other candidates often mentioned in the vice presidential race are figures like Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson, and Reps. Byron Donalds and Elise Stefanik. One business world candidate, Vivek Ramaswamy, has fallen off the list in recent weeks. Trump is considering the Roivant Sciences founder and former Trump 2024 rival potentially for other roles if he wins. Ben Werschkul is Washington correspondent for Yahoo Finance. Click here for politics news related to business and money Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance We recently compiled a list of the 25 Cities with the Best Air Quality in Europe and in this article, we will look at the city with the best air quality in Europe. Air Pollution in Europe Over the past two decades, air pollution has declined significantly, resulting in improved air quality in Europe. However, it remains the biggest environmental health risk in the region. In 2021, the premature death count reached 253,000 and 52,000 due to increased exposure to fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide, according to the European Environment Agency. These pollutants can lead to health complications such as asthma, cardiac arrest, and other heart diseases. Every year, more than 1,200 deaths in people under the age of 18 are estimated to be caused by air pollution in EEA members and collaborating countries. Although air pollution remains one of the biggest issues in Europe, it still has the cleanest air quality in the world. In 2023, 135 cities in Europe achieved the WHO annual fine particulate matter standard of 5 g/m, including every city in Iceland. 30 cities in the UK met the air quality standards, followed by Finland, making them one of the top countries with the cleanest air in the world. Clean Energy Transition in Europe The European Union aims to shift towards renewable and low-carbon energy solutions to make the region climate-neutral by 2050 while also improving its economy and reducing pollution. Many companies in Europe are working toward a clean energy transition in the region. One of the major renewable energy companies emerging as a leader in the European energy market is Vestas Wind Systems A/S (OTC:VWDRY). The company has installed more than 177 gigawatts of wind turbines in 88 countries, with its sustainable energy solutions preventing 1.9 billion tonnes of CO emissions. The company has over 40 years of experience and was also the first company to achieve the 100 GW milestone for both the installation and service of wind turbines. As of March 2024, it has a wind turbine backlog of 26.6 billion euros and service agreements with a contractual projected revenue of 34.4 billion euros. This makes the total backlog of its wind turbine orders and service agreements 61 billion euros, up 20.3% from the same period in 2023. On May 29, Vestas Wind Systems A/S (OTC:VWDRY) announced that it is merging its technology, manufacturing, and procurement organization into a single entity, CTOO. The merged organization will utilize the building blocks from the company's global and regional operating model to help streamline its operations and safeguard project execution in 2024. The CTOO will be fully implemented in the third quarter of 2024. The company expects to accelerate the integration of new technologies and manufacturing ramp-up, aligning with its goals of fulfilling the increasing backlog of wind energy projects. The Group president and CEO, Henrik Andersen said that Vestas has built a strong onshore, offshore, and service backlog till the end of the decade. The merged CTOO organization will help the company deliver on its commitments. He further added: "The united CTOO-organization will help accelerate ramp-up and industrialization across Vestas and the industry by simplifying interfaces, collaboration and strengthening our end-to-end approach. " Moreover, the company is also deploying a pilot project to reduce its emissions due to the construction of its offshore wind farm. On May 23, the company announced the project that will utilize helicopters powered by a 40% blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to help transport its workers to and from the wind farm. This also aligns with Europe's vision to utilize SAF in aviation operations. The region introduced the SAF mandate to cater to the emissions from airports and the aviation sector, starting with at least 2% SAF blend in airports by 2025. The region aims to promote sustainable energy alternatives to achieve its 2030 carbon neutrality goals. Hence, utilizing a 40% blend of SAF can significantly minimize CO2 emissions and pave the way for a wider application and adoption of sustainable fuels in aviation and other industries contributing to GHG emissions. Vestas' (OTC:VWDRY) strong backlog and commitment to innovative sustainable energy alternatives positions it as a strong contender in Europe's clean energy market. The company also returned to profitability in 2023 after experiencing a challenging period due to volatility in the renewable energy market and struggles of wind turbine makers with the supply chain and high cost of raw materials. The move by the company to merge its departments will help streamline its operations and deliver projects effectively. In 2o23, its net income amounted to DKK 574 million, compared to a loss of DKK 11.7 billion in 2022. The President and CEO of Vestas Wind Systems A/S (OTC:VWDRY), Andersen said: "Following a very strong finish to 2023, we secured 2.3 GW of orders, while maintaining a strong commercial discipline. As we ramp up to deliver on our growing backlog and deliver across both onshore and offshore, we continue to lead the industry and focus on achieving our financial goals." Currently, the Danish wind turbine manufacturer is remaining cautious as it navigates challenges including slow permitting processes, inadequate grid infrastructure, and geopolitical tension in the region, leading to continued uncertainty in the market. Regardless, Vestas (OTC:VWDRY) expects to generate revenue of between EUR 16 billion to EUR 18 billion in 2024, and analysts' estimates sit at EUR 17 billion. While we acknowledge the potential of Vestas to navigate the challenges while maintaining profitability, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than NVIDIA but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock. Now, let's have a look at the 25 cities with the best air quality in Europe. You can also look at 16 Countries with the Cleanest Air in the World. The City with the Best Air Quality in Europe A wind turbine on a hilltop, surrounded by grass and blue sky. Methodology To compile our list of the 25 cities with the best air quality in Europe, we consulted IQ Air's Air Quality Index (AQI). We have ranked the cities in ascending order of their average PM2.5 concentration, as of 2023. Please note that we have also included towns, municipalities, and villages, in the AQI on our list. At Insider Monkey we are obsessed with the stocks that hedge funds pile into. The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletters strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here). The City with the Best Air Quality in Europe 1. Kuusamo, Finland Average PM2.5 Concentration (2023): 0.3 g/m Kuusamo is a town and municipality in Finland, located in the Northern Ostrobothnia region. It is home to some of the most popular tourist destinations in Finland. It is ranked 1st on our list of the cities with the best air quality in Europe. Its PM2.5 concentration is 0.3 g/m as of 2023, well below the WHO recommendation of 5 g/m. Other pollutants such as O3, PM10, NO2, and SO2 are also under the set limit in Kuusamo. To learn about other cities with the best air quality in Europe, check out our report on the 25 Cities with the Best Air Quality in Europe. At Insider Monkey, we delve into a variety of topics; however, our expertise lies in identifying the top-performing stocks. Currently, Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology stands out as one of the most promising fields. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than NVDA but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock. READ NEXT: Analyst Sees a New $25 Billion Opportunity for NVIDIA and Jim Cramer is Recommending These 10 Stocks in June. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published on Insider Monkey. Dutch Bros (NYSE: BROS) is serving up impressive growth with accelerating profitability. Shares of the drive-thru coffee shop operator and franchiser are up more than 20% so far in 2024. There's a lot to like about this innovative quick-service beverage concept still in the early stages of a national expansion strategy. At the same time, a pricey valuation warrants some caution and could be one reason for investors to avoid chasing this caffeine buzz. So is the stock a buy now? Here's what you need to know. A strong start to 2024 The adage "if you build it, they will come" is central to the Dutch Bros investment thesis. The business dates back to 1992 from a single pushcart selling coffee drinks in Grants Pass, Oregon, and now counts 876 shops across 17 states. Simply put, open up more stores and the sales should follow. That's exactly what Dutch Bros is managing, inaugurating 45 new locations already this year, marking 11 straight quarters with 30 or more openings. The dynamic has been a powerful financial driver that's helped Dutch Bros start to see the benefits of scale. In May, Dutch Bros reported first-quarter results (for the three months ended March 31) with revenue of $275 million, up 39% year over year. System same-shop sales climbed by 10% from the prior-year quarter, capturing both higher customer traffic as well as higher pricing. The trend helped company-operated stores' contribution margin reach 29.8%, expanding from 24.2% in Q1 2023. Earnings per share (EPS) of $0.09 came in ahead of the negative $0.01 average Wall Street estimate. Separately, adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) grew by 120% to a record $52.5 million. Recent developments include the beta launch of a mobile ordering app, while an advertising campaign is seen as a sales tailwind for the rest of the year. The better-than-expected start to 2024 was good enough for Dutch Bros to hike its full-year guidance. Management now sees 2024 revenue growth of around 25% compared to a midpoint range of 24% announced earlier in the year. Adjusted EBITDA for the year estimated between $195 million and $205 million is up from the prior $190 million midpoint target. Image source. Getty Images. Valuation looks expensive As great as the trends from Dutch Bros appear, the stock commands a hefty growth premium, implying investors are paying up for an outlook that is far from certain. Management has cited a plan to open more than 4,000 shops over the next 10 to 15 years. If that roadmap is already being priced in, the challenge for the company will be to surpass that high bar of expectations. Story continues Shares trade at an enterprise value (EV)-to-EBITDA multiple of 20 times the company's 2024 adjusted EBITDA guidance. The valuation is even more expensive in terms of the forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio at 104 times the consensus 2024 EPS of $0.38. On their own, these ratios don't necessarily mean the stock needs to sell off, but they add to the risk of increasing volatility should results begin to disappoint. BROS EV to EBITDA (Forward) Chart The drive-thru model that makes Dutch Bros unique could also be a long-term roadblock. On one hand, not featuring restaurant seating saves on operating expenses and supports margins, but may also limit expansion opportunities. In contrast to Starbucks, which has nearly 39,000 locations globally, Dutch Bros doesn't target high-foot-traffic commercial venues like airports or shopping malls where customers can't drive through. Unless the company plans to reinvent itself, prime locations will become harder to secure. There is also a thought that margins through pricing power on core coffee beverages are up against highly competitive local markets. Final thoughts As long as Dutch Bros keeps posting strong growth, shares should remain supported, but there are plenty of uncertainties when thinking about the stock as an investment. So to answer the original question, I don't believe Dutch Bros is a buy right now, with a hold rating more appropriate at the current level. Patient investors may be able to pick up shares at a more attractive price at a later date. Should you invest $1,000 in Dutch Bros right now? Before you buy stock in Dutch Bros, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Dutch Bros wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $808,105!* Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than quadrupled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of June 10, 2024 Dan Victor has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Is Dutch Bros Stock a Buy Near Its 52-Week High? was originally published by The Motley Fool The South Korean market has shown promising growth, rising 1.1% over the past week and achieving a 3.7% increase over the last year, with earnings expected to grow by 29% annually. In this buoyant environment, dividend stocks like Samyang Holdings offer potential for steady income, making them an attractive option for investors looking to capitalize on current market conditions. Top 10 Dividend Stocks In South Korea Name Dividend Yield Dividend Rating Kia (KOSE:A000270) 4.56% NH Investment & Securities (KOSE:A005940) 6.77% Shinhan Financial Group (KOSE:A055550) 4.47% Industrial Bank of Korea (KOSE:A024110) 7.36% KT (KOSE:A030200) 5.49% LOTTE Fine Chemical (KOSE:A004000) 4.31% KB Financial Group (KOSE:A105560) 3.78% Kyung Nong (KOSE:A002100) 4.89% Snt DynamicsLtd (KOSE:A003570) 3.66% Tong Yang Life Insurance (KOSE:A082640) 8.00% Click here to see the full list of 68 stocks from our Top KRX Dividend Stocks screener. Let's take a closer look at a couple of our picks from the screened companies. Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: Overview: Samyang Holdings Corporation operates in various sectors including chemicals, food, packaging, and pharmaceuticals across regions such as South Korea, China, Japan, other Asian countries, and Europe with a market capitalization of approximately 555.17 billion. Operations: Samyang Holdings Corporation generates revenue through its involvement in the chemical, food, packaging, and pharmaceutical sectors across multiple regions including South Korea, China, Japan, and Europe. Dividend Yield: 4.8% Samyang Holdings has demonstrated a robust financial performance with significant earnings growth, reporting a net income increase to 27.89 billion in Q1 2024 from 18.55 billion the previous year. Despite its relatively short dividend history of less than 10 years, the company maintains a low payout ratio of 15.5% and cash payout ratio of 24.4%, ensuring dividends are well-covered by both earnings and cash flows. However, investors should note the unstable track record in dividend payments alongside large one-off items impacting financial results, which may raise concerns about sustainability and reliability moving forward. KOSE:A000070 Dividend History as at Jun 2024 Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: Overview: NICE Information Service Co., Ltd., based in South Korea, offers services including credit evaluation, inquiries, investigations, and debt collection, with a market capitalization of approximately 644.64 billion. Story continues Operations: NICE Information Service Co., Ltd. generates its revenue from services such as credit evaluation, inquiries, investigations, and debt collection in South Korea. Dividend Yield: 3.8% NICE Information Service Co., Ltd. reported a 27.5% increase in Q1 2024 net income to KRW 17.63 billion, with earnings per share rising from KRW 233 to KRW 296. Despite a short dividend history of less than ten years, the company's dividend yield stands at a competitive 3.76%, above the market average of 3.45%. Dividends are well-supported with a payout ratio of 40.6% and cash payout ratio of 39%, indicating sustainability from both earnings and cash flow perspectives. However, its track record in consistent dividend growth is yet to be established firmly due to its recent initiation into dividend payments just five years ago. KOSE:A030190 Dividend History as at Jun 2024 Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: Overview: SNT Holdings Co., Ltd. operates in the auto parts and industrial facilities sectors, with a market capitalization of approximately 322.45 billion. Operations: SNT Holdings Co., Ltd. generates revenue from its operations in the auto parts sector and industrial facilities. Dividend Yield: 3.6% SNT Holdings, with a dividend yield of 3.59%, ranks in the top 25% of South Korean dividend payers. Despite its appealing price-to-earnings ratio of 3.7x, significantly below the market average, the company's dividend history is marred by volatility and unreliability over its short span of less than ten years. Its dividends are well-covered by both earnings and cash flows, with payout ratios at 13.4% and cash payout ratios at 5.7%, respectively; however, consistency in growth remains uncertain due to fluctuations in annual payments. KOSE:A036530 Dividend History as at Jun 2024 Taking Advantage Unlock more gems! Our Top KRX Dividend Stocks screener has unearthed 65 more companies for you to explore.Click here to unveil our expertly curated list of 68 Top KRX Dividend Stocks. Are you invested in these stocks already? Keep abreast of every twist and turn by setting up a portfolio with Simply Wall St, where we make it simple for investors like you to stay informed and proactive. Maximize your investment potential with Simply Wall St, the comprehensive app that offers global market insights for free. Contemplating Other Strategies? This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include KOSE:A000070 KOSE:A030190KOSE:A036530 Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com George Osborne's portfolio career since leaving politics has attracted attention - Euan Cherry/Getty Images Contributor An investment business chaired by George Osborne made a profit of more than 50m in its first year under the former Chancellors watch. Lingotto Investment Management, which was set up by Italys industrialist Agnelli family, reported a 53.5m profit for the year ending December 2023, according to recently filed accounts. That was up significantly from 16.3m in the prior year. The investment firm, which is based in London, was set up to manage the wealth of the Agnelli family, who trace their wealth back to the founding of Fiat. Lingotto began accepting outside money for investment for the first time last year and hired Mr Osborne as non-executive chairman in May 2023 as part of the shake-up. It is not clear from the filing how much Mr Osborne was paid. The 53.5m of profit was allocated to Lingottos UK holding company and Exor Investments, the corporate entity that manages the Agnelli familys business interests including Juventus FC, The Economist and a stake in Ferrari. Lingotto has $5bn (3.9bn) of assets and last year hired James Anderson to oversee its investment in stocks. He previously ran the well-known FTSE 100 trust Scottish Mortgage for Baillie Gifford. Investments so far include a stake in Ocado. The profit figure suggests a solid start under his watch. Fees for performance were 55.6m. Turnover, which also includes consultancy and management fees, rose from 31m to 89.5m. The chairmanship of Lingotto is one of a number of roles held by Mr Osborne, whose portfolio career since leaving politics has attracted attention. Aside from Lingotto, Mr Osborne is also a partner at Robey Warshaw, which specialises in advising on takeovers, chairman of the British Museum, managing partner of venture capital business 9Yards Capital and a director of his familys wallpaper business, Osborne & Little. He also hosts a weekly podcast with former shadow chancellor Ed Balls. At the time of his appointment, Mr Osborne said Lingotto offered something new and unique in the asset management sector. Lingotto is named after the first Fiat factory in Turin set-up in 1923 by the founder of Fiat, Giovanni Agnelli. Gianni Agnelli, Giovannis grandson, was one of the most well-known businessmen in post-war Europe and helped make the Italian marque one of the best known car brands in the world. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The "I'm Dope Expo" networking event to promote Black-owned businesses, especially those owned by Black women, was again held in Gainesville this weekend. Entrepreneurs had the opportunity to network and receive words of encouragement for their businesses at the kick-off of Im Dope Expo 2024. Held Friday at the Alchemy Work Club at 602 S. Main St., the first day of the event was billed as Im Dope Conversations, and drew about two dozen businesswomen who listened to speakers and participated in writing exercises aimed at taking their businesses to the next level. Im DOPE (Definitely on Personal Elevation) was created in 2018 as an empowerment and networking opportunity for business owners to speak amongst themselves in an intimate setting, and the annual expos are held for businesses in North Central Florida to showcase their products and services, said Katie McKnight, CEO and founder of Im Dope. This year's expo was held Saturday at the Fairfield Inn and Suites Marriott at 3877 SW 37th Blvd. "The whole purpose of this event was for business owners to relax, receive and rejuvenate," McKnight said. "They learned how to prioritize themselves and about the importance of self-care. Entrepreneurship can be hard and having self-care is important so people can be productive in their businesses." Business owners: EXPO FOCUSES ON BLACK WOMEN She continues to host speaking engagements and expos to help businesses network with their community, McKnight said. "The businesses at the expos are small entrepreneurs and it is important for them to be there to network and earn, money especially during this economy," McKnight said. A panel discussion on Friday was held featuring McKnight and business owners LeShonda Petersen, owner of Urban Grace Apparel and Edwennia Moore, owner of Trinity's Day Spa. I'm DOPE CEO and founder Katie McKnight, left, welcomed the audience to "I'm DOPE Conversations" held Friday at Alchemy Work Club at 602 S. Main St. to kickoff the two-day "I'm Dope Expo" that began in 2018 to promote women and other minority-owned businesses. (Credit: Photo provided by Voleer Thomas) "It's always amazing to gather with like-minded, beautiful Black women under one roof, growing together. It is wonderful," Petersen said. It is important to have people in your life who appreciate accountability in friendships and in business, Moore said. "This is huge, not only on the giving end but on the receiving end," Moore said. "We are not perfect and sometimes we do need people to hold us accountable." Two things that's needed in every friendship and relationship is for people to be effective communicators and active listeners, McKnight said. "What I expect out of you, I will do the same for you," McKnight said. The keynote speaker for the event was Shakeita K. Smith, an esthetician, realtor, and founder of Find My Tribe Women's Support Group. Story continues "Manifesting The Life of Your Dreams by Healing Your Childhood Traumas" was the title of Smiths speech. Healing from her abandonment wounds, molestation, beatings and starvation, were some of the issues Smith talked about. Her parents struggled with cocaine addiction, and after being arrested and jailed for writing bad checks to grocery stores, she decided to turn her life around and give her life to Christ, Smith said. Jasmine Tolbert, owner of Jazzy's Kitchen, said this year was her second time being a vendor the expo. She started her cooking business two years ago, but has been cooking for years, Tolbert said. She cooks a variety of meals such as soul food, Asian cuisine and Jamaican and Italian meals, Tolbert said. "I love to cook and feed people," Tolbert said. "Food is good for the soul. I also offer healthier options such as keto meals." She appreciates McKnight's support to help local business owners and encourage entrepreneurs to stay resilient on their journey, Tolbert said. "Don't give up when times get tough," Tolbert said. "Always follow your dreams." This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Networking event held in Gainesville to promote Black-owned businesses Key Insights The projected fair value for Gildan Activewear is CA$76.94 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity Gildan Activewear's CA$51.62 share price signals that it might be 33% undervalued The US$53.75 analyst price target for GIL is 30% less than our estimate of fair value In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of Gildan Activewear Inc. (TSE:GIL) by taking the forecast future cash flows of the company and discounting them back to today's value. We will take advantage of the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model for this purpose. Models like these may appear beyond the comprehension of a lay person, but they're fairly easy to follow. Companies can be valued in a lot of ways, so we would point out that a DCF is not perfect for every situation. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model. View our latest analysis for Gildan Activewear Crunching The Numbers We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. To begin with, we have to get estimates of the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value: 10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF ($, Millions) US$436.6m US$470.6m US$532.0m US$549.5m US$565.5m US$580.6m US$595.1m US$609.2m US$623.1m US$636.9m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x5 Analyst x5 Analyst x1 Est @ 3.28% Est @ 2.92% Est @ 2.67% Est @ 2.49% Est @ 2.37% Est @ 2.28% Est @ 2.22% Present Value ($, Millions) Discounted @ 7.6% US$406 US$407 US$427 US$410 US$393 US$375 US$357 US$340 US$323 US$307 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = US$3.7b The second stage is also known as Terminal Value, this is the business's cash flow after the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 2.1%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 7.6%. Story continues Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033 (1 + g) (r g) = US$637m (1 + 2.1%) (7.6% 2.1%) = US$12b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= US$12b ( 1 + 7.6%)10= US$5.7b The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is US$9.4b. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of CA$51.6, the company appears quite good value at a 33% discount to where the stock price trades currently. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent. dcf The Assumptions We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Gildan Activewear as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 7.6%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.195. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business. SWOT Analysis for Gildan Activewear Strength Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry. Debt is well covered by earnings and cashflows. Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows. Weakness Earnings growth over the past year is below its 5-year average. Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Luxury market. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow for the next 3 years. Good value based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value. Significant insider buying over the past 3 months. Threat Annual earnings are forecast to grow slower than the Canadian market. Looking Ahead: Whilst important, the DCF calculation shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. Can we work out why the company is trading at a discount to intrinsic value? For Gildan Activewear, we've compiled three further factors you should further research: Risks: For example, we've discovered 2 warning signs for Gildan Activewear that you should be aware of before investing here. Management:Have insiders been ramping up their shares to take advantage of the market's sentiment for GIL's future outlook? Check out our management and board analysis with insights on CEO compensation and governance factors. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Canadian stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com Key Insights KPJ Healthcare Berhad's estimated fair value is RM2.83 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity KPJ Healthcare Berhad's RM1.96 share price signals that it might be 31% undervalued Analyst price target for KPJ is RM1.93 which is 32% below our fair value estimate Today we will run through one way of estimating the intrinsic value of KPJ Healthcare Berhad (KLSE:KPJ) by estimating the company's future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. We will use the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model on this occasion. Before you think you won't be able to understand it, just read on! It's actually much less complex than you'd imagine. We would caution that there are many ways of valuing a company and, like the DCF, each technique has advantages and disadvantages in certain scenarios. For those who are keen learners of equity analysis, the Simply Wall St analysis model here may be something of interest to you. Check out our latest analysis for KPJ Healthcare Berhad The Calculation We are going to use a two-stage DCF model, which, as the name states, takes into account two stages of growth. The first stage is generally a higher growth period which levels off heading towards the terminal value, captured in the second 'steady growth' period. To begin with, we have to get estimates of the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars: 10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (MYR, Millions) RM431.1m RM471.9m RM599.3m RM735.0m RM773.0m RM806.3m RM839.1m RM872.0m RM905.2m RM939.0m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x6 Analyst x6 Analyst x3 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ 4.30% Est @ 4.08% Est @ 3.92% Est @ 3.81% Est @ 3.73% Present Value (MYR, Millions) Discounted @ 8.9% RM396 RM398 RM465 RM523 RM506 RM485 RM463 RM442 RM422 RM402 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = RM4.5b We now need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all the future cash flows after this ten year period. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 3.6%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 8.9%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033 (1 + g) (r g) = RM939m (1 + 3.6%) (8.9% 3.6%) = RM18b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= RM18b ( 1 + 8.9%)10= RM7.8b The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is RM12b. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of RM2.0, the company appears quite good value at a 31% discount to where the stock price trades currently. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent. dcf The Assumptions Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at KPJ Healthcare Berhad as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 8.9%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.836. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business. SWOT Analysis for KPJ Healthcare Berhad Strength Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry. Debt is well covered by earnings and cashflows. Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows. Weakness Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Healthcare market. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow for the next 3 years. Trading below our estimate of fair value by more than 20%. Threat Annual earnings are forecast to grow slower than the Malaysian market. Looking Ahead: Although the valuation of a company is important, it shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. Why is the intrinsic value higher than the current share price? For KPJ Healthcare Berhad, there are three fundamental items you should further research: Risks: For example, we've discovered 1 warning sign for KPJ Healthcare Berhad that you should be aware of before investing here. Future Earnings: How does KPJ's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Malaysian stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com Laurentian Bank of Canada (TSE:LB) has announced that it will pay a dividend of CA$0.47 per share on the 1st of August. The dividend yield will be 7.4% based on this payment which is still above the industry average. View our latest analysis for Laurentian Bank of Canada Laurentian Bank of Canada's Payment Expected To Have Solid Earnings Coverage We like to see robust dividend yields, but that doesn't matter if the payment isn't sustainable. Laurentian Bank of Canada has a long history of paying out dividends, with its current track record at a minimum of 10 years. Despite this history however, the company's latest earnings report actually shows that it didn't have enough earnings to cover its dividends. This is an alarming sign that could mean that Laurentian Bank of Canada's dividend at its current rate may no longer be sustainable for longer. Looking forward, earnings per share is forecast by analysts to rise exponentially over the next 3 years. In addtion, they also estimate the future payout ratio could reach 49% in the same time period, which we would be comfortable to see continuing. Dividend Volatility Although the company has a long dividend history, it has been cut at least once in the last 10 years. The annual payment during the last 10 years was CA$2.00 in 2014, and the most recent fiscal year payment was CA$1.88. The dividend has shrunk at a rate of less than 1% a year over this period. A company that decreases its dividend over time generally isn't what we are looking for. The Dividend's Growth Prospects Are Limited Given that the dividend has been cut in the past, we need to check if earnings are growing and if that might lead to stronger dividends in the future. Over the past five years, it looks as though Laurentian Bank of Canada's EPS has declined at around 3.2% a year. If earnings continue declining, the company may have to make the difficult choice of reducing the dividend or even stopping it completely - the opposite of dividend growth. It's not all bad news though, as the earnings are predicted to rise over the next 12 months - we would just be a bit cautious until this can turn into a longer term trend. Laurentian Bank of Canada's Dividend Doesn't Look Great Overall, this isn't a great candidate as an income investment, even though the dividend was stable this year. The company seems to be stretching itself a bit to make such big payments, but it doesn't appear they can be consistent over time. Considering all of these factors, we wouldn't rely on this dividend if we wanted to live on the income. Story continues It's important to note that companies having a consistent dividend policy will generate greater investor confidence than those having an erratic one. Meanwhile, despite the importance of dividend payments, they are not the only factors our readers should know when assessing a company. As an example, we've identified 1 warning sign for Laurentian Bank of Canada that you should be aware of before investing. Is Laurentian Bank of Canada not quite the opportunity you were looking for? Why not check out our selection of top dividend stocks. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com Education Cannot Wait Executive Director Yasmine Sherif Statement on the Day of the African Child NEW YORK, June 16, 2024 /CNW/ -- As we speak, millions of crisis-affected girls and boys across the African continent are being denied their human right to a quality education. In the absence of financial means to provide a quality education, or still suffering the brunt of protracted conflicts, Africa's children do not enjoy the same rights as the rest of us. As an immediate consequence, girls are forced into child marriage, boys are recruited into armed groups, millions of children are hungry, and millions more are illiterate. Few of them have any means to move beyond such an existence without receiving an inclusive and continuous quality education. As we commemorate the Day of the African Child under this years theme of Education for all children in Africa: The time is now, we need to follow the lead of the African Union and the African people in receiving their long-awaited right to a quality education across the continent. Long delayed and overdue, the time to empower an Africa fit for the 21st century is now. As we commemorate the Day of the African Child under this year's theme of "Education for all children in Africa: The time is now", we need to follow the lead of the African Union and the African people in receiving their long-awaited right to a quality education across the continent. Long delayed and overdue, the time to empower an Africa fit for the 21st century is now. A panoply of interconnected challenges undermines local and national initiatives to deliver on the collective goal of 'education for all' in Africa. Extreme poverty and conflicts over resources expose children and adolescents to armed conflict and violence on a daily basis. There are 35 recognized armed conflicts across the continent that continue to rage in countries such as Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan. Forced displacement is on the rise as a result of conflict, climate change, extreme poverty and instability. In all, 44 million people are displaced in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to UNHCR statistics from 2023, up from 38.3 million in 2021. In Africa, the climate crisis is also an education crisis. Over the past 10 years, an estimated 42 million crisis-affected children in Sub-Saharan Africa have faced climate shocks amplified by climate change. In 2023, Cyclone Freddy left a path of chaos and destruction. Approximately 1,500 classrooms were destroyed, disrupting learning for half a million students and forcing 1.4 million people on the move across six countries. Extreme poverty and economic losses add to the collected risks that are pushing children and the young generation out of school and derailing efforts to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Four out of 10 children in Sub-Saharan Africa live in extreme poverty. With high class fees and limited resources in the household, children are forced to join the workforce, get married, gather water, or simply stay home from school because their families can't afford a school fee. These collective challenges have resulted in the single largest education crisis in the world today. According to UNESCO, 98 million children are out of school in Sub-Saharan Africa. Even when they are in school, the quality of learning is often severely lacking, and Africa has the highest illiteracy rate in the world today. This education crisis is having vast impacts on Africa's social and economic development, and perpetuating further non-virtuous cycles of conflict, hunger and displacement. Sudan is on the brink of the worst education crisis in the world today. Since conflict began in April 2023, a staggering 18 million children have been pushed from their schools. Even before the conflict, there were 6.9 million out-of-school children. In Nigeria, 20 million girls and boys are out of school. In Ethiopia, conflict, drought, poverty and other factors have resulted in 13 million children out of the classroom. This adds up to 51 million children out-of-school in just these three countries alone. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, a resource-rich country, among many in Africa, economic interests force African children into child labour rather than into attending school. We Live in the 21st Century What's wrong with the world? All of us need a new vision that is based on human rights for all, and education is at the core of such a vision. Not just education for the few or the privileged, but education for all of Africa's children. To deliver on this, we need to embrace human rights in action, based on the promises outlined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. It starts with resources. In the face of such blatant inequity, we, as a global community, need to shoulder our responsibility by urgently and substantially increasing funding for education in Africa. Education Cannot Wait (ECW) is calling for US$600 million in additional resources to reach our US$1.5 billion resource mobilization target. This will allow us to reach 20 million crisis-impacted children worldwide, and to scale-up our investments in Africa. Addressing the injustice towards Africa, we also need to support African leadership. As outlined by the African Union, member states across Africa are expected to ensure free, inclusive primary education, reduced costs for secondary education, and substantial investment and support for early childhood education. Financial resources are key to providing action-oriented and results-driven support. Given its power to lift-up entire generations and transform minds, education is the single most powerful tool we have in delivering on each and every one of the SDGs in Africa. Some of our greatest role models for humanity were educated and thus able to help all of us to advance cooperation and human rights worldwide. National ownership and localization are imperative to our efforts. By connecting global donors, UN agencies, civil society and the private sector with national governments and local non-profits, we can scale-up the impact, for Africa and the world, of each and every dollar we invest in education in Africa. The Day of the African Child commemorates a student uprising in 1976 in Soweto, South Africa. At that time, students marched en-masse to protest the poor quality of education and apartheid. Hundreds of students and innocent bystanders were killed, many more were injured. While apartheid came to an end under the leadership of Nelson Mandela, nearly 50 years later, after the attacks on students in Soweto, children across Africa are still being denied their inherent right to a quality education and schools are being attacked. How many more children must die or must be pushed into the shadows, generation after generation? This is the 21st century and the long-awaited time for education for every child in Africa is NOW. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/long-delayed-education-for-every-child-in-africa-302173520.html SOURCE Education Cannot Wait Cision View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/June2024/16/c8592.html Im counting on this income: Single mom in NC faces squatter nightmare after Airbnb guests refuse to leave A single mom in Durham, N.C. is fighting for repossession of her Airbnb rental property after two guests decided to overstay their welcome and claim they are legal residents of the home. Farzana Rahman is the unlucky owner of the two-bed, two-bath property currently being held hostage by squatters who took possession of the home after completing and paying for a legitimate seven-month stay, booked via Airbnb. Don't miss Commercial real estate has beaten the stock market for 25 years but only the super rich could buy in. Here's how even ordinary investors can become the landlord of Walmart, Whole Foods or Kroger Cost-of-living in America is still out of control use these 3 'real assets' to protect your wealth today, no matter what the US Fed does or says These 5 magic money moves will boost you up America's net worth ladder in 2024 and you can complete each step within minutes. Here's how Theyre refusing to leave until we give an eviction notice, Rahman told ABC11/WTVD. I think theyre just trying to gain time to stay there for free. After several unsuccessful attempts to get her former guests, now squatters, to leave including a visit to the property with the police Rahman was left with no other option than to file a formal eviction notice in court. This is my place. Im counting on this income. My son is in college [and] Im a single parent, she said, adding that the eviction process is wasting my time, its wasting my energy [and] its stressing me out. Heres what happened and how you can reap the benefits of rental income without all the stress of being a landlord. We are legal residents Presumably seeking the benefits of steady cash flow, Rahman accepted a long-term booking for her Durham rental property from Oct. 25, 2023 through May 24, 2024. Her guests paid what they owed through the Airbnb platform, but when her cleaner went to the property after the checkout time, the couple had not moved out and they told the cleaner not to return. When Rahman visited the property the next day with the police, she found a hand-written note stuck to the front door. It read: No trespassing. We will vacate the property when you have filed the proper paperwork with the civil magistrate for an eviction for we are legal residents of this home. If you try to enter, we will press charges for violation of expectation of privacy. First, Rahman reached out to Airbnb for help. The platform advised her to prioritize her personal safety and work with local law enforcement to resolve the issue. When police could not remove the squatters, she initiated the judicial eviction process. Story continues Read more: Car insurance rates have spiked in the US to a stunning $2,150/year but you can be smarter than that. Here's how you can save yourself as much as $820 annually in minutes (it's 100% free) Guests who continue to live in a rental property after their lease agreement has expired are deemed holdover tenants. This poses significant risks for landlords, including loss of rental income, property damage and lengthy (and costly) legal disputes. The best course of action to get rid of an obstinate holdover tenant is to begin the eviction process as quickly as possible and with the help of a local attorney. In North Carolina law, a squatter must occupy a property for a continuous period of 20 years before they can legally create an adverse possession claim. In Rahmans case, theyve only overstayed their welcome by a number of weeks so their efforts to take over the property will likely fail in court but the longer they stay, the more rights they will slowly develop. An eviction hearing was scheduled for the week of June 13. Stress-free ways to invest in real estate If the idea of becoming a landlord and dealing with all the stresses related to that from managing bookings to fixing appliances and, in Rahmans case, dealing with unruly tenants does not appeal to you, there are other ways to invest in real estate and reap the benefits of passive income. For example, you can invest in a residential real estate investment trust (REIT), which are publicly-traded companies that collect rent from tenants and pass 90% of their income to shareholders in the form of regular dividend payments. You might also consider crowdfunding platforms, which allow everyday investors to pool their money and finance real estate projects and buy shares of properties or private REITs. All investors then stand to benefit from the rental income that the property produces and capital appreciation. This is thought to be a riskier way of investing in real estate since there's liquidity constraints, no guarantee of any income and not a lot of regulations. With both types of platforms, you can reinvest the dividend or rental income to increase your holdings and build your wealth, or you can use that income to support your lifestyle and financial goals. Rahman, for example, implied that she relies on her rental income to help fund her sons college education. The nice thing about these options is how passive they are for individual investors especially when compared to being an actual landlord and running a rental property. What to read next Rich young Americans have lost confidence in the stock market and are betting on these assets instead. Get in now for strong long-term tailwinds Car insurance premiums in America are through the roof and only getting worse. But 5 minutes could have you paying as little as $29/month Stop crushing your retirement dreams with wealth-killing costs and headaches here are 10 'must-haves' when choosing a trading platform (and 1 option that has them all) This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. ProfessionalStudioImages / iStock.com Looking to retire on a middle class income? To be exact, thats a number falling between $39,693 and $119,080. In April 2024, it was reported that home prices and general cost of living were up 6% since April 2023. That being said, there are still some cities where its possible to retire comfortably as a member of the middle class. Explore More: In 5 Years, These 2 Stocks Will Be More Valuable Than Apple Be Aware: 7 Common Debt Scenarios That Could Impact Your Retirement and How To Handle Them Here are the places real estate experts say you can enjoy your retirement without worrying about how youre paying your mortgage. Wealthy people know the best money secrets. Learn how to copy them. Las Vegas, Nev. Retired middle-class homebuyers have been flocking to Las Vegas for some time, Eric Preston, CEO and founder of Agent Launch, said. The weather and social life are key factors but its also very tax-friendly. This makes it appealing for retirees, even those on a fixed income, to buy a home. Preston is referring to how Nevada has no state income tax, so retirement account money isnt subject to taxes. Housing prices are up by 9.2% this year but are still relatively affordable, with a $435,000 median sale price. Pittsburgh, Pa. Preston recommended Pittsburgh because you also wont be taxed on retirement benefits, and its known for providing high-quality healthcare services. The citys median home price is $235,000, down 7.8% since last year. Ultimately, its an affordable housing market and city with many of the features that retirees look for, Preston said. Sioux Falls, S.D. An affordable housing market, low property taxes and no estate or inheritance tax help Sioux Falls attract many middle-class retirees looking to buy property, Preston said. The median home sale price in Sioux Falls is $310,500 a 5.9% drop last year. Toledo, Ohio You can enjoy all four seasons in a year, so your retirement doesnt have to be spent in a harsh wintry fog or a humid, abysmal scorching sun! Hannah Jones, a realtor and home improvement expert, boasted of Toledo. You get the best of all worlds, especially because the home prices are very affordable and wont cost you an arm and a leg! For Toledo, the median home sales price is a very affordable $125,000. Tallahassee, Fla. Like other picks on this list, Florida has no state income tax, so thats good news for retirees. Theres already a large number of residents over 65 years old and Tallahassee appeals to retired middle-class seniors, as its even more affordable than other parts of Florida, Preston said. Story continues The median home sale price in Tallahassee is $290,500. Trending Now: Heres How Much a $1,000 Investment in Ford Stock 10 Years Ago Would Be Worth Today Youngstown, Ohio You wont be too far from bigger cities like Pittsburgh or Cleveland, and youll get to keep your cost of living low. The median housing price in Youngstown is $137,546 and the median mortgage cost is $653, Preston said. The cost of living is 11% lower than the state average and 18% lower than the national average. The real draw to Youngstown for middle-class retirees is simple: Youngstowns median home sale price is 76% lower than the national average. Hickory, N.C. Jones said this is a place that retirees will absolutely love. Since it is close to the shoreline, there are plenty of opportunities for fishing and boating for retirees, Jones added that the home prices arent too bad either. The median home price in Hickory is $219,950, and the median mortgage is $756. Rochester, N.Y. Rochester, New York is an excellent choice, Martin Orefice, CEO of Rent To Own Labs, said. This is an area thats been shrinking for a while due to deindustrialization, but still has great infrastructure, meaning you get a low cost of living without having to sacrifice on social services. The median home sale price in Rochester is just $150,500. Punta Gorda, Fla. Like Tallahassee, Punta Gorda is already a popular retirement destination. Orefice said thats for good reason. Youll enjoy zero income taxes, below-average cost of living, and plenty of other retirees in addition to beautiful Florida weather and a coastal setting. Right now, the median sales price of a home in Punta Gorda is $469,000. Atlanta, Ga. Orefice said Atlanta would be a great choice for retirees looking for affordable homes. There are homes for every budget, Orefice said. Right now, the median sales price of a home in Atlanta is $429,990. Atlantas home prices have been going down. Thats 1.1% less than this time last year. Its expected that prices continue for the rest of the year. This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Im a Real Estate Agent: Here Are the Top 10 Cities for Middle-Class Retirees To Buy a Home BRENDAN MCDERMID / POOL / EPA-EFE / Shutterstock.com A face-off between former President Donald Trump and prospective Democratic nominee Kamala Harris is looming and Americans prepare to cast their votes for their preferred candidates in November. While their names are well-known, consumers, entrepreneurs and investors are still determining how their policies will affect the economy, inflation and capital markets, according to a U.S. Bank Wealth Management study. Check Out: Im an Investor: Im Making These Money Moves Immediately If Trump Wins Read Next: 6 Unusual Ways To Make Extra Money (That Actually Work) GOBanking Rates talked to retirement planners and other financial experts about four smart money moves you should make if you think Trump will win the 2024 election. Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. You can start this week. Save During Your Working Years Many Americans spend more than they earn. The national average savings rate is 3.6%, and by the age of 55, the average amount saved is about $77,000, said Chris Orestis, president at Retirement Genius. The company is an all-in-one source that helps seniors make the most of their golden years. Neither of these numbers is even close to achieving a middle-class retirement, Orestis said. By age 55, a person should have at least $500,000 growing in tax-advantaged retirement vehicles, and they should be adding to it every month at maximum allowable levels. Trending Now: Here Are All the Promises Trump Has Made About Social Security If Hes Reelected If saving $500,000 seems intimidating, think about how much you would need to replace your income if you stopped working. For example, do you have enough to replace 70% of your income in retirement? If you started saving in your twenties, you would need to put away about 20% of your income to hit this mark in your sixties or seventies, Orestis said. If you waited until your thirties you would need to double your savings rate to get there. Practice Smart Money Management Being smart about budgeting expenses, managing cash flow, and reducing debt is essential to managing what you have wisely, no matter who wins in November. Using the money you save to maximize every opportunity with tax-advantaged investment retirement vehicles such as 401(k)s, IRAs, and HSAs. Look to create passive income opportunities by investing in real estate, businesses, or stocks that pay dividends, Orestis said. Owning life insurance and annuities and being prepared for the long-term care costs are important ways to protect your financial security and that of your loved ones. Story continues Invest With a Plan According to a U.S. Bank Wealth Management study, policy differences between Trump and Biden arent as significant as people think from an investor perspective and dont always translate into investment outcomes. Overall, Orestis recommended maximizing every opportunity with tax-advantaged investment retirement vehicles such as 401(k)s, IRAs, and HSAs. In addition, clients should work with a credentialed financial advisor to create a comprehensive long-term financial plan, said Robert R. Johnson, Ph.D, CFA, CAIA, and a finance professor at the Heider College of Business at Creighton University. Investing without a plan is like driving without a roadmap or GPS, Johnson said. Investors should not concern themselves with broad market moves or the crisis de jour. Instead, Johnson recommends clients create an Investment Policy Statement (IPS) to guide them through changing market conditions. The plan should only be revised when individual circumstances change, such as death or divorce. Stay the Course An election outcome shouldnt impact your retirement portfolio if you stay the course because markets dont like uncertainty, said Paul Tyler, Chief Marketing Officer at Nassau Financial. Its hard to imagine any election outcome that will radically change the rules for successfully building and using a retirement nest egg, Tyler said. During your working years, spend less than you earn and invest the rest. As you near retirement, start taking some of the market risk off the table by shifting some investments to bonds and thinking seriously about buying annuities. Once the ballots are counted, continue to save, manage your money wisely, and invest with intention. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Im A Retirement Planner: 4 Moves You Should Make If You Think Trump Will Win the 2024 Election GaudiLab / Getty Images/iStockphoto When it comes to building wealth, certain sacrifices must be made along the way, especially if you want to be one of the 7 million female millionaires in America. The key is to decide which sacrifices youre willing to make and which ones are worth it. Check Out: Heres How Much the Definition of Rich Has Changed in Every State Learn More: 4 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money This is why GOBankingRates reached out to self-made female millionaires to learn what they had to give up as they focused on building wealth. Also check out the state of women and money in America in 2024. Wealthy people know the best money secrets. Learn how to copy them. Being a People Pleaser Youll undoubtedly have to make tough decisions when it comes to finances, so embrace it, dont worry about what people think, and keep it moving, said Saundra B. Curry, the co-founder and COO of BC Holdings of Tennessee, LLC. Believe me, it gets easier over time. If you want to build wealth, youll have to give up trying to please everyone. When you make certain sacrifices, you may upset those around you. However, the goal is to do whats best for your situation so you can focus on building wealth. Also Read: Im a Financial Advisor Heres Why My Rich Clients Identify With the Middle Class Workplace Complacency If you desire to become an entrepreneur or to move up in a company, be a sponge and learn as much as you can about the industry, Curry said. If you want to build wealth and become a self-made millionaire, you must give up workplace complacency. As tempting as it is at times to get caught up in workplace politics and issues, youll want to avoid these traps. Curry added, Also, learn the most effective way to manage a successful business by volunteering for projects internal and external that will allow you to expand your knowledge and skill set. By learning new skills on your own and avoiding workplace conflict, youll gain the wisdom needed to help you become wealthy on your own. Old Social Circle You may have heard the expression that you become the average of your five closest friends, and Curry believes the key to building wealth is to choose the rich people to be around. Surround yourself with individuals that are on the same path or those who have made it, Curry suggested. She stressed the importance of positive energy in staying on course with business and financial goals. Becoming a self-made millionaire may require you to give up your old social circle. Impulse Decisions Curry noted that she does her best to always sleep on big decisions because impulse decisions could hurt you financially. When you rush into an investment or a project, you can end up on the wrong path without even realizing it. Story continues Curry added, You might not get much sleep, but youll be surprised how things become very clear when you are alone in a quiet place with your own thoughts without distractions while lying down. Self-Limiting Money Beliefs The biggest thing I had to give up was my beliefs around money, noted Kirsti Jane, the founder and CEO of House Of Motorsport The Agency. Self-imposed or socially ingrained money beliefs could be holding you back without even noticing. Growing up in a small town, Jane said, her social circle felt that those with money were considered greedy. This self-limiting money belief followed her for many years. Most of the beliefs I had around having money were centered around the negative beliefs I had picked up from my environment and childhood, she said. I had to give up the beliefs Id spent my whole life growing up with and living with. I had to give up caring about what others would think and give up my pre-existing relationship with money. You may not realize it, but there could be self-limiting beliefs that are preventing you from reaching the next financial level. Its crucial that you do whatever possible to give these up if you want to build your wealth. Limiting Frivolous Purchases A big one that helped me save is not buying coffee out every day, said Leah Wise, an attorney and founder of Leah Wise Law Firm. Going to Starbucks every single day buying a $7 or $8 latte adds up to around $250 [per month], so making coffee at home and eating at home is a great way to save. Wise stressed the importance of giving up daily indulgences that could hold you back, because those small expenses could add up quickly. While buying the occasional latte or treat doesnt feel like much, you could be investing these funds into your future. How did Wise save money to build her wealth? Cooking, maybe buying meal preps instead of going to restaurants would also help me to save money because eating and drinking out too frequently adds up fast. Outsourcing Everything When You Can Do It Yourself Wise said she was able to save money by choosing to do certain tasks on her own instead of outsourcing. These tasks can range from filing your own taxes to cleaning your own home as youre trying to save money. Another way I saved money was by doing my own nails, she said. There [are] so many different at-home gel and dip kits now and thats an easy $100 that you save doing your own nails. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Im a Self-Made Millionaire: Heres What I Gave Up To Become a Woman With Wealth Oracle (NYSE: ORCL) isn't the biggest cloud services provider around, but it's one of the fastest-growing right now -- and the company, once most known for database management, is going all-in on developing its cloud presence and serving artificial intelligence (AI) customers. The efforts are working, with demand and cloud infrastructure revenue soaring in recent times. In fact, in Oracle's quarterly report this week, the company announced a 42% increase in cloud infrastructure revenue to $2 billion. And Oracle even forecast full-year revenue growth in the double digits based on current AI demand. The company is showing it is attracting customers -- it even signed its biggest contracts ever in the past two quarters -- and can compete with larger cloud services providers. On top of this, Oracle shared news that could be massive for the company and for shareholders. Let's check it out. Image source: Getty Images. Oracle's focus on cloud infrastructure As mentioned, Oracle is putting the focus on expanding and strengthening its cloud infrastructure offerings and serving AI customers. This helped the company sign its largest sales contracts ever in the most recent quarter from customers aiming to train large language models. In the quarter, Oracle signed about 30 AI contracts worth more than $12 billion. This demand is pushing Oracle's remaining performance obligation (RPO), or the revenue expected from contracted services, higher -- in the quarter, RPO advanced 44% to $98 billion. And the company says this momentum should continue, offering us reason to be optimistic about revenue in the upcoming quarters. Now, let's move along to the huge news that should reinforce our optimism. Oracle announced two significant AI deals, involving market giants, a sign Oracle has joined the ranks of today's leading AI companies. OpenAI, the developer of popular chatbot ChatGPT, will run deep learning and AI workloads on Oracle Cloud infrastructure. And Alphabet's Google signed a multi-cloud partnership with Oracle, making it easy for customers to deploy projects across both clouds. As part of the deal, Oracle will offer "Oracle Database at Google Cloud" as of September. These two agreements in particular should help Oracle stand out and carve out market share in the high-growth area of AI. The company's progress gaining contracts has been promising, and these deals could reinforce that momentum. A leader in "multi-cloud" partnerships Oracle may be a smaller cloud player than rivals, but the company offers advantages that are being recognized. The Google deal represents another multi-cloud partnership, following an earlier agreement with Microsoft, and these agreements offer customers flexibility -- a big plus. And the flexibility doesn't end here. Oracle also offers other solutions like sovereign cloud and even Oracle Alloy, which allows customers to run their own Oracle-based cloud. Oracle also is known for its competitive pricing, generally lower than rivals', another positive point for winning contracts. So, along with Oracle's advantages and the revenue gains its cloud business has made in recent times, these agreements with OpenAI and Alphabet represent more good news for the company and its investors. This translated into a more than 13% increase for the stock in one trading session after Oracle announced the agreements -- and the shares reached a record high. Of course, this is just a short-term stock move, but it isn't out of the blue -- Oracle stock already has picked up momentum, gaining 20% over the past year. And if Oracle continues to generate revenue growth, expand its capacity, and work with other major cloud providers, the stock could keep on winning. Is it too late to get in on the Oracle AI growth story? Not at all. The stock trades for only 22 times forward earnings estimates, an absolute steal considering all of the points I mentioned above. So, right now, you can buy this tech player for a song and cheer about the massive news Oracle recently delivered -- news that could equal long-term growth for earnings and the stock price. Should you invest $1,000 in Oracle right now? Before you buy stock in Oracle, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Oracle wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $808,105!* Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than quadrupled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of June 10, 2024 Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Adria Cimino has positions in Oracle. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Microsoft, and Oracle. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Massive News for Oracle Stock Investors was originally published by The Motley Fool HEBRON The village of Hebron and Microsoft have finalized an agreement for the technology giant to build up to six data center buildings on more than 200 acres west of Ohio 79, between North High Street and Canyon Road. The development, which will employ at least 30 people per building, will be constructed in phases of one or two buildings at a time, Mayor Valerie Mockus said. Each building is estimated to have an investment of $500 million, meaning if the project is fully built the village could see an investment of $3 billion, according to Mockus and Brittany Misner, the village economic and community development director. The first data centers likely won't begin operating until 2026 or 2027, the mayor said. I think theyre a great fit for Hebron," Mockus said. "They are going to be low impact. We wont have hundreds of employees. There won't be heavy truck traffic the residents near the site were very worried about. The deal comes as the central Ohio region has seen a boom in data center development, with Google, Amazon and Facebook also building the facilities in the area. Hebron Village Council approved the Microsoft agreement on Wednesday night, when it also approved other legislation related to the proposed development. Council accepted an annexation of 131 acres and rezoned properties at 323 and 129 N. High St. to manufacturing. The property at 323 N. High St. had been zoned for agriculture, while the land at 129 N. High St. was pewviously zoned for residential and manufacturing. Misner posted on Facebook after the meeting, Tonight was a big night! This is a fantastic opportunity for our village and a partnership that will bring investment, revenue, and opportunity to our municipality and residents. The future is bright! More: Google to announce new central Ohio investment June 18 About half of the land was annexed from Union Township into Hebron, while the rest was already in the village. The village of Hebron and Microsoft have finalized an agreement for the technology giant to build up to six data center buildings on more than 200 acres west of Ohio 79. The agreement commits Microsoft to paying for road improvements on High Street, Enterprise Drive and Canyon Road, which will be extended from the end at Refugee Road to U.S. 40, a distance of about one-half mile. The village will reserve peak water flow of 252 gallons per minute per building for up to 6 buildings, for a total peak day water demand of 630,000 gallons per day when the development is completed. Hebron will also reserve 210,000 gallons per day to discharge, treat and transport at peak wastewater flow. "They asked for a commitment for a lot of water in case they need it," Mockus said. "They asked for about 30% of our capacity. Thats in an emergency and on the hottest day. Story continues Mockus said her initial concerns about the company's water demand were alleviated when she realized it was only for peak demands and a worst-case scenario. The company will create at least two large retention ponds. Hebron and Heath benefit from an underground aquifer many other communities do not have, she said. The village and company will negotiate and identify the funding the company will pay the village for water and wastewater services. The village is in the process of acquiring right-of-way for road improvements. Microsoft will pay the costs for right-of-way acquisition. The development will have a western access to the property from Canyon Road and an eastern access from North High Street. A westbound right turn lane and an eastbound left turn lane will be added to U.S 40 at the new Refugee Road intersection. Mockus said the development will have minimal noise and air quality impact, and won't disrput the landscape. She said Microsoft will invest in considerable screening of the development. It sure makes life easier when you have an organization working to improve the lives of residents," Mockus said of the company. The agreement is contingent on Microsoft purchasing the land from the two property owners by Jan. 1, 2026. Microsoft has invested heavily in Licking County, also buying land in Heath, New Albany and Pataskala to build data centers. The agreement does not include a tax abatement, but that will likely be negotiated in the future, Mockus said. Microsoft did not immediately respond Friday for a comment. kmallett@newarkadvocate.com 740-973-4539 Twitter: @kmallett1958 This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Hebron approves Microsoft plan for data center development Oil-Dri Corporation of America (NYSE:ODC) has announced that it will be increasing its periodic dividend on the 23rd of August to $0.31, which will be 6.9% higher than last year's comparable payment amount of $0.29. Although the dividend is now higher, the yield is only 1.7%, which is below the industry average. View our latest analysis for Oil-Dri Corporation of America Oil-Dri Corporation of America's Earnings Easily Cover The Distributions Even a low dividend yield can be attractive if it is sustained for years on end. However, prior to this announcement, Oil-Dri Corporation of America's dividend was comfortably covered by both cash flow and earnings. This means that most of its earnings are being retained to grow the business. Over the next year, EPS could expand by 28.5% if recent trends continue. If the dividend continues on this path, the payout ratio could be 18% by next year, which we think can be pretty sustainable going forward. Oil-Dri Corporation of America Has A Solid Track Record Even over a long history of paying dividends, the company's distributions have been remarkably stable. The annual payment during the last 10 years was $0.76 in 2014, and the most recent fiscal year payment was $1.16. This works out to be a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 4.3% a year over that time. Although we can't deny that the dividend has been remarkably stable in the past, the growth has been pretty muted. The Dividend Looks Likely To Grow The company's investors will be pleased to have been receiving dividend income for some time. Oil-Dri Corporation of America has seen EPS rising for the last five years, at 28% per annum. Earnings have been growing rapidly, and with a low payout ratio we think that the company could turn out to be a great dividend stock. Oil-Dri Corporation of America Looks Like A Great Dividend Stock In summary, it is always positive to see the dividend being increased, and we are particularly pleased with its overall sustainability. Distributions are quite easily covered by earnings, which are also being converted to cash flows. All of these factors considered, we think this has solid potential as a dividend stock. It's important to note that companies having a consistent dividend policy will generate greater investor confidence than those having an erratic one. Meanwhile, despite the importance of dividend payments, they are not the only factors our readers should know when assessing a company. For example, we've picked out 1 warning sign for Oil-Dri Corporation of America that investors should know about before committing capital to this stock. Is Oil-Dri Corporation of America not quite the opportunity you were looking for? Why not check out our selection of top dividend stocks. Story continues Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com Viewing insider transactions for Mondee Holdings, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:MOND ) over the last year, we see that insiders were net buyers. This means that a larger number of shares were purchased by insiders in relation to shares sold. While we would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing, we do think it is perfectly logical to keep tabs on what insiders are doing. Check out our latest analysis for Mondee Holdings Mondee Holdings Insider Transactions Over The Last Year Over the last year, we can see that the biggest insider purchase was by Founder Prasad Gundumogula for US$223k worth of shares, at about US$6.04 per share. That means that an insider was happy to buy shares at above the current price of US$2.11. It's very possible they regret the purchase, but it's more likely they are bullish about the company. We always take careful note of the price insiders pay when purchasing shares. As a general rule, we feel more positive about a stock when an insider has bought shares at above current prices, because that suggests they viewed the stock as good value, even at a higher price. Prasad Gundumogula was the only individual insider to buy shares in the last twelve months. Prasad Gundumogula bought 83.00k shares over the last 12 months at an average price of US$6.30. The chart below shows insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year. If you want to know exactly who sold, for how much, and when, simply click on the graph below! Mondee Holdings is not the only stock that insiders are buying. For those who like to find small cap companies at attractive valuations, this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket. Does Mondee Holdings Boast High Insider Ownership? I like to look at how many shares insiders own in a company, to help inform my view of how aligned they are with insiders. We usually like to see fairly high levels of insider ownership. Mondee Holdings insiders own 55% of the company, currently worth about US$94m based on the recent share price. Most shareholders would be happy to see this sort of insider ownership, since it suggests that management incentives are well aligned with other shareholders. So What Do The Mondee Holdings Insider Transactions Indicate? There haven't been any insider transactions in the last three months -- that doesn't mean much. On a brighter note, the transactions over the last year are encouraging. Judging from their transactions, and high insider ownership, Mondee Holdings insiders feel good about the company's future. In addition to knowing about insider transactions going on, it's beneficial to identify the risks facing Mondee Holdings. Every company has risks, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for Mondee Holdings you should know about. If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt. For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions of direct interests only, but not derivative transactions or indirect interests. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com Did you know there are some financial metrics that can provide clues of a potential multi-bagger? Firstly, we'll want to see a proven return on capital employed (ROCE) that is increasing, and secondly, an expanding base of capital employed. Basically this means that a company has profitable initiatives that it can continue to reinvest in, which is a trait of a compounding machine. With that in mind, we've noticed some promising trends at Atlantic Navigation Holdings (Singapore) (Catalist:5UL) so let's look a bit deeper. Return On Capital Employed (ROCE): What Is It? Just to clarify if you're unsure, ROCE is a metric for evaluating how much pre-tax income (in percentage terms) a company earns on the capital invested in its business. Analysts use this formula to calculate it for Atlantic Navigation Holdings (Singapore): Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) (Total Assets - Current Liabilities) 0.17 = US$23m (US$170m - US$36m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to December 2023). Thus, Atlantic Navigation Holdings (Singapore) has an ROCE of 17%. On its own, that's a standard return, however it's much better than the 10% generated by the Energy Services industry. See our latest analysis for Atlantic Navigation Holdings (Singapore) roce Historical performance is a great place to start when researching a stock so above you can see the gauge for Atlantic Navigation Holdings (Singapore)'s ROCE against it's prior returns. If you'd like to look at how Atlantic Navigation Holdings (Singapore) has performed in the past in other metrics, you can view this free graph of Atlantic Navigation Holdings (Singapore)'s past earnings, revenue and cash flow. What Does the ROCE Trend For Atlantic Navigation Holdings (Singapore) Tell Us? Atlantic Navigation Holdings (Singapore) has not disappointed with their ROCE growth. More specifically, while the company has kept capital employed relatively flat over the last five years, the ROCE has climbed 260% in that same time. Basically the business is generating higher returns from the same amount of capital and that is proof that there are improvements in the company's efficiencies. The company is doing well in that sense, and it's worth investigating what the management team has planned for long term growth prospects. The Key Takeaway To sum it up, Atlantic Navigation Holdings (Singapore) is collecting higher returns from the same amount of capital, and that's impressive. And with the stock having performed exceptionally well over the last three years, these patterns are being accounted for by investors. Therefore, we think it would be worth your time to check if these trends are going to continue. Story continues If you'd like to know about the risks facing Atlantic Navigation Holdings (Singapore), we've discovered 1 warning sign that you should be aware of. For those who like to invest in solid companies, check out this free list of companies with solid balance sheets and high returns on equity. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) Santee Cooper is asking its governing board to approve a nearly 5% rate hike that the Moncks Corner-based utility says is necessary to keep pace with demand and invest in systemwide upgrades. The company also plans to roll out a new fee structure encouraging customers to use high-demand appliances during non-peak hours. We need to invest in our system to ensure we continue to power a reliable and sustainable future for all of our customers, CEO Jimmy Staton said in a statement. We also need to make investments to meet new environmental regulations at generating stations. The increase, if approved, would take affect starting in April 2025. Santee Cooper services more than 212,000 residential customers across Berkeley, Georgetown and Horry counties. If approved, the increase would be Santee Coopers first base rate adjustment since 2017. In 2023, the average residential customer paid $110 a month for power. Santee Cooper has been unable to change its rates since 2020 as part of a class action lawsuit settlement related to the cancelled V.C. Summer nuclear plant expansion. The rate lock expires on Dec. 21. The proposed rate increase includes a structural change giving customers more flexibility in controlling monthly bills. For instance, if a family waits to use an oven or dishwasher during non-peak hours, they could cut down on additional demand charges. If enough customers shift demand to off-peak periods, that lowers the peak and reduces how much generation Santee Cooper has to maintain to cover the peak, Staton said in a statement. Staton earns $1.4 million a year in base salary, with additional compensation for meeting performance goals. Santee Cooper is planning several public meetings between Aug. 26 and Oct. 8, with a board vote slated for Dec. 9. * * * Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here. Copyright 2024 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 WBTW. There are a few key trends to look for if we want to identify the next multi-bagger. One common approach is to try and find a company with returns on capital employed (ROCE) that are increasing, in conjunction with a growing amount of capital employed. If you see this, it typically means it's a company with a great business model and plenty of profitable reinvestment opportunities. With that in mind, we've noticed some promising trends at Scorpio Tankers (NYSE:STNG) so let's look a bit deeper. Understanding Return On Capital Employed (ROCE) For those that aren't sure what ROCE is, it measures the amount of pre-tax profits a company can generate from the capital employed in its business. The formula for this calculation on Scorpio Tankers is: Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT) (Total Assets - Current Liabilities) 0.19 = US$706m (US$4.2b - US$408m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to March 2024). So, Scorpio Tankers has an ROCE of 19%. On its own, that's a standard return, however it's much better than the 13% generated by the Oil and Gas industry. View our latest analysis for Scorpio Tankers roce Above you can see how the current ROCE for Scorpio Tankers compares to its prior returns on capital, but there's only so much you can tell from the past. If you'd like, you can check out the forecasts from the analysts covering Scorpio Tankers for free. So How Is Scorpio Tankers' ROCE Trending? Scorpio Tankers' ROCE growth is quite impressive. The figures show that over the last five years, ROCE has grown 1,174% whilst employing roughly the same amount of capital. So it's likely that the business is now reaping the full benefits of its past investments, since the capital employed hasn't changed considerably. On that front, things are looking good so it's worth exploring what management has said about growth plans going forward. The Bottom Line To sum it up, Scorpio Tankers is collecting higher returns from the same amount of capital, and that's impressive. Since the stock has returned a staggering 221% to shareholders over the last five years, it looks like investors are recognizing these changes. In light of that, we think it's worth looking further into this stock because if Scorpio Tankers can keep these trends up, it could have a bright future ahead. One more thing: We've identified 2 warning signs with Scorpio Tankers (at least 1 which shouldn't be ignored) , and understanding these would certainly be useful. While Scorpio Tankers may not currently earn the highest returns, we've compiled a list of companies that currently earn more than 25% return on equity. Check out this free list here. Story continues Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com While Marshalls plc (LON:MSLH) might not have the largest market cap around , it saw a decent share price growth of 16% on the LSE over the last few months. Shareholders may appreciate the recent price jump, but the company still has a way to go before reaching its yearly highs again. With many analysts covering the stock, we may expect any price-sensitive announcements have already been factored into the stocks share price. However, could the stock still be trading at a relatively cheap price? Lets examine Marshallss valuation and outlook in more detail to determine if theres still a bargain opportunity. Check out our latest analysis for Marshalls Is Marshalls Still Cheap? According to our valuation model, Marshalls seems to be fairly priced at around 15% below our intrinsic value, which means if you buy Marshalls today, youd be paying a reasonable price for it. And if you believe the companys true value is 3.47, then theres not much of an upside to gain from mispricing. So, is there another chance to buy low in the future? Given that Marshallss share is fairly volatile (i.e. its price movements are magnified relative to the rest of the market) this could mean the price can sink lower, giving us an opportunity to buy later on. This is based on its high beta, which is a good indicator for share price volatility. Can we expect growth from Marshalls? Future outlook is an important aspect when youre looking at buying a stock, especially if you are an investor looking for growth in your portfolio. Buying a great company with a robust outlook at a cheap price is always a good investment, so lets also take a look at the company's future expectations. Marshalls' earnings over the next few years are expected to double, indicating a very optimistic future ahead. This should lead to stronger cash flows, feeding into a higher share value. What This Means For You Are you a shareholder? It seems like the market has already priced in MSLHs positive outlook, with shares trading around its fair value. However, there are also other important factors which we havent considered today, such as the financial strength of the company. Have these factors changed since the last time you looked at the stock? Will you have enough conviction to buy should the price fluctuates below the true value? Are you a potential investor? If youve been keeping an eye on MSLH, now may not be the most optimal time to buy, given it is trading around its fair value. However, the optimistic prospect is encouraging for the company, which means its worth diving deeper into other factors such as the strength of its balance sheet, in order to take advantage of the next price drop. Story continues If you want to dive deeper into Marshalls, you'd also look into what risks it is currently facing. Every company has risks, and we've spotted 2 warning signs for Marshalls you should know about. If you are no longer interested in Marshalls, you can use our free platform to see our list of over 50 other stocks with a high growth potential. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com In addition to The Dispatch's 10 civic leaders, four younger Columbus-area executives are playing increasingly large roles in shaping central Ohio. Changing of the guard: Power dispersal: As Columbus' old guard fades, new leaders and fresh ideas emerge Brent Crawford, principal and founder of Crawford Hoying Brent Crawford Age: 51 Title: Founder and principal, Crawford Hoying Affiliations: Columbus Partnership, Center for Real Estate at Ohio State University, Children's Hospital Foundation Crawford's role in developing Bridge Park gives him a platform in development conversations locally and beyond. The development has reinvented one community while dramatically reshaping the discussion of what is possible in the suburbs. As Bridge Park approaches completion (with a possible expansion to the south), many eyes will be watching where Crawford turns next. And as an active speaker and teacher at his alma mater, Ohio State University, Crawford has helped spread the gospel of dense suburban mixed-use "new urbanism" to a younger generation. Ten leaders shaping Columbus: Columbus' new titans: The 10 people making a difference in central Ohio Brad DeHays, CEO of Connect Real Estate and Connect Housing Blocks Brad DeHays Age: 44 Title: CEO and President, Connect Realty, Connect Construction, Connect Housing Blocks Affiliations: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Upper Arlington Rotary Club, Columbus Apartment Association, Collaborative to End Homelessness, Alvis Inc., Young American Leaders Program DeHays has been instrumental in helping revive several old buildings and indirectly, neighborhoods in Columbus including the Power Plant in the Arena District and the Historic Trolley District near Franklin Park. DeHays most recently converted a former Schottenstein's warehouse on Westerville Road into a factory to make modular housing units called Connect Housing Blocks, reflecting his interest in seeking solutions to the region's affordable housing shortage and breaking down barriers to the workplace. Jonathan Moody, CEO of Moody Nolan Jonathan Moody Age: 40 Title: CEO, Moody Nolan Affiliations: Columbus State Community Foundation, Godman Guild, ULI Columbus Advisory Board, Fifth Third Bank advisory board, the American Institute of Architects As CEO of the nation's largest African American architecture firm, with more than 350 employees and offices in 12 locations, Moody is active on a national architectural stage, and saw his firm become the first African American-owned company to receive the American Institute of Architects' Architecture Firm Award. Locally, Moody Nolan has been instrumental in several projects including many at Ohio State University and the proposed new terminal at John Glenn Columbus International Airport. Outside of the office, Moody has become a quiet leader in minority and underserved efforts, including the Godman Guild, PACT and AEC Unites. Story continues Matt Scantland, CEO and founder of AndHealth Matt Scantland Age: 45 Title: Founder and CEO of AndHealth; former co-founder and CEO of CoverMyMeds Affiliations: Twofold Ventures (dedicated to building technology, health care, and media businesses); the Columbus Partnership; The Columbus Foundation; Columbus Downtown Development Corp.; Innovate Ohio After CoverMyMeds became the first Columbus startup to sell for at least $1 billion, Scantland founded AndHealth, designed to get patients to address root causes through behavioral changes to reverse chronic health problems. In addition to his involvement on several community boards, Scantland is active in environmental causes. In 2020, he organized The Cenotes of Mayakoba Project to document underwater caves on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico to raise awareness for environmental causes. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Next titans - four names to watch as Columbus grows Disney (NYSE: DIS) conjures up warm memories for many people. Upon hearing the name, you may think about its heart-warming movies or visits to theme parks. It's hard for some to imagine, but Disney has become a vast media empire. Its businesses span television networks, streaming services, production studios, theme parks, cruises, and retail operations, among others. But not everyone was happy with Disney's direction and financial results. Activist investor Trian Partners attempted to gain seats on the board of directors. Evidently, most investors like the way things are going since they rejected Trian's two nominees and kept the current board intact. With that issue seemingly behind it, management can fully concentrate on improving Disney's business. The stock has gained nearly 11% since the start of the year, trailing the S&P 500's 14%. Can investors expect the shares to beat the market over the long haul or does the share price reflect too much optimism? Image source: Getty Images. Some progress Bob Iger returned as Disney's CEO in late 2022, and shortly thereafter, he set out an ambitious agenda to improve the company's profitability. This includes cost cutting (including producing less content), achieving streaming profitability, and restoring the dividend. Management has made progress. The streaming business, including ESPN, lost $18 million in the latest fiscal quarter (ended on March 30), much narrower than the $659 million loss a year ago. Looking behind the numbers, there was mixed news, however. There were modest subscriber gains at various services. But average monthly revenue per paid subscriber, a key top-line measure that includes fees and advertising, fell at the domestic Disney+ business despite higher prices. Hence, it looks like management has more work to do to achieve long-term health in this competitive business that includes heavyweights like Netflix. Disney's entire business had a tepid 1.4% revenue increase. However, adjusted earnings per share, helped by cost-cutting, jumped more than 30% $1.21. Keeping an eye on succession Disney brought Iger back after he stepped aside in 2020. It came after his handpicked successor, Bob Chapek, lost investors' and the board's confidence. The shares lost nearly 30% during his tenure. After extending his planned time at the company, Iger's contract expires in 2026. He has stated that he plans to retire at that time. Investors have witnessed what can happen when a succession isn't handled properly. With discussions happening behind closed doors, it's impossible to know whether this process will work out better. However, not getting the right person is certainly a risk for investors. Story continues The decision The board of directors and management kept their promise and reinstated the dividend. It will pay $0.45 in July, up from December's 0.30 payout. Nonetheless, with a 0.9% dividend yield, income-oriented investors can find better alternatives. Does Disney offer investors appreciation potential? The stock may have gotten ahead of itself, especially given the lackluster revenue growth and risk that any future CEO will fail to create value for shareholders. The shares recently had a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 2.1, higher than the 1.9 multiple at the end of 2023, and sell at a higher multiple than the S&P 500's 1.7. Unless you see revenue growth accelerating, I'd say the ship has sailed right now for buying Disney shares. Should you invest $1,000 in Walt Disney right now? Before you buy stock in Walt Disney, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Walt Disney wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $808,105!* Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than quadrupled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of June 10, 2024 Lawrence Rothman, CFA has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Netflix and Walt Disney. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Is It Too Late to Buy Disney Stock? was originally published by The Motley Fool TOKYO (AP) Toyotas chairman Akio Toyoda will be facing some disgruntled shareholders this week, as two major proxy groups demand a vote against keeping the grandson of the founder on its board. The vote expected at the June 18 annual shareholders meeting comes after Toyota apologized recently over fraudulent certification tests for vehicles, a major embarrassment for a company that prides itself on a reputation for excellent quality. The raft of problems at Japanese automakers including Toyota are said not to involve any safety problems and no recalls were announced. But Toyota suspended production of three models produced by group companies in Japan. Toyotas stock prices had tripled over the last five years to nearly 3,800 yen ($24) before cascading downward amid its latest troubles. Its shares are now trading at above 3,000 yen ($20) a loss of about 3 trillion Japanese yen ($18 billion) in market value. Institutional Shareholder Services, majority owned by the German capital market company Deutsche Borse Group, which advises investors, said in its proxy report that Toyoda should be considered ultimately accountable. It noted his promises for change did not involve reshuffling of the board. While Toyota said it plans to communicate better with workers on the ground, that likely wasnt enough to prevent a recurrence of problems with cheating on testing, ISS said. The companys propensity to preserve its corporate culture is in fact suspected, and Toyoda should be held accountable for that, it said. ISS is not opposing appointments of other board members, including Toyota Chief Executive Koji Sato, who took up his post in 2023. The past year has brought a flurry of scandals involving improper checks on vehicles, including collision tests, at group companies Daihatsu Motor Co., which makes small models, truckmaker Hino Motors and Toyota Industries Corp., a manufacturer of forklifts and other machinery. Japanese officials say such violations were also found at Honda Motor Co., Mazda Motor Corp. and Suzuki Motor Corp. Another major shareholder, proxy advisory company Glass Lewis & Co. recommended voting against the reappointment of Toyoda and Shigeru Hayakawa, another top executive. More specifically, we believe that Mr. Toyoda holds responsibility for failing to ensure that the Group maintained appropriate internal controls and for the failure to ensure appropriate governance measures were implemented at Group companies, it said in its proxy report. Moreover, given the widespread occurrence of issues throughout the Toyota Group, this further raises questions concerning the corporate culture which has developed under the leadership of Mr. Toyoda. Story continues Hayakawa oversaw appointments of board members, and more independent board members should be added, according to Glass Lewis, which is based in San Francisco. It also recommended voting against a proposal on lobbying by Toyota on climate change, stressing a need for more disclosure. Under Toyoda, the automaker has pushed a multi-pathway approach to ecological vehicles, emphasizing hybrids, which have both a gasoline engine and electric motor, and using hydrogen for fuel instead of focusing on battery electric vehicles that some ecologists favor for cutting auto emissions. Toyoda is unlikely to be ousted at the general shareholders meeting, to be held at the company's headquarters in the central Japanese city named after the maker of the Prius hybrid, Lexus luxury models and Camry sedan. The biggest of Toyotas nearly 1 million shareholders are Japanese companies such as Japanese banks and financial institutions that are unlikely to challenge the automaker. Toyota Industries, a group company, is the No. 2 shareholder. Tightly held cross-shareholdings among affiliates, long the rule in Japan, are gradually unraveling but longstanding loyalties are likely strong enough to keep Toyoda in his post. Last year, he won re-election with nearly 85% of the vote, although that was down from 96% in 2022. In a recent report on Toyota, Kazunori Maki, an auto analyst at SMBC Nikko Securities, noted that the shipments Toyota suspended affected just 1% or 2% of its global sales. He also hinted that factory workers might have skirted rules seen as meticulous but not vital for safety. In the fiscal year ended in March, Toyota's profits doubled from the previous year, to 4.9 trillion yen ($31.9 billion), exceeding its own projections, as vehicle sales surged and a weak Japanese yen inflated overseas earnings. Even though Toyota has lagged in shifting to EVs, the company is the worlds leading automaker, with sales of 9.4 million vehicles in the fiscal year that ended in March. The company is doing well, said Aaron Ho, an equity analyst at CFRA Research. The recent scandal would make only a small dent, he said. So there are no fundamental issues. We merely think that since production is being halted for likely a few months, we estimate deliveries will be affected, he told The Associated Press. We really do not see any deterioration in the companys culture or how the company is being managed. In his apology over the latest problems, Toyoda referred to how he had faced a massive recall scandal in the U.S., shortly after becoming chief executive in 2009, over what was called unintended acceleration. Toyoda was questioned by Congress, and apologized. This time, he appeared to be reassuring himself as well as the public that Toyota had gone through worse, and survived. We are not a perfect company. But if we see anything wrong, we will take a step back and keep trying to correct it, he said. ___ Yuri Kageyama is on X: https://twitter.com/yurikageyama After a series of COVID-19 pandemic disruptions, ongoing geopolitical conflicts, and now a historic year in which more than 60 countries are holding elections, supply chain managers face a growing number of challenges. "I would actually say that we're in a new era," HSBC Americas head of global trade solutions Marissa Adams told Yahoo Finance in a video interview. "I don't think that there is a normalization anymore. I think that what companies are now facing is that supply chain disruption is the new norm." Supply chain disruptions have always been a part of global trade, even dating back to the Silk Road, which connected trade routes in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. However, companies in the current market are more exposed to unexpected global events, which impacts their ability to trade effectively. According to a new report from HSBC, there are several factors putting pressure on global supply chains this year. Products and global supply chains are more complex than ever before, and suppliers have to secure financing in an inflationary environment. There are also issues particular to certain geographic regions that are causing ships to change their routes, such as the attacks in the Red Sea and drought affecting the Panama Canal. And globally, more than a quarter of the world's population is going to the polls this year. "One of the things, for sure, is that trade continues to be a huge topic on the campaign trail," Adams said, adding, "Some of that is due to protectionism, nationalism, [and] other focuses." A cargo ship sails through the Panama Canal on June 13, 2024, as authorities increase vessel transits through the waterway following drought-related restrictions. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) A holistic view of supply chains According to Adams, the COVID-19 pandemic provided a wake-up call to companies exposed to geopolitical incidents and other vulnerabilities. Previously, companies set up their supply chains to mostly focus on reducing costs and improving the bottom line, Adams said. "We went from a world where goods were 'just in time,' and now were looking at people going, 'Just in case,'" Adams said, "and thats really changed a lot of companies' balance sheets." Supply chain strategies evolved to account for these new challenges as companies began moving their operations closer to home, adding security, and working to reduce supplies and shipping costs. Things that companies can look at is, firstly, ... taking a real, big deep dive into their supply chain, Adams said. Where do they see risk? Are there certain suppliers they have a concentration on, or are there countries where, potentially, theres more risk around it? Story continues Adams also offered guidance on managing relationships with Chinas business sector amid recently increased tariffs from the Biden administration, noting that companies should look at potential risks holistically instead of on a country-by-country basis. Supply chains are complex, and even when things are produced here in the United States, theres a number of different components that are produced in Asia, in Europe, in other markets around the world, Adams said. What were trying to talk to our customers about is taking a look at the risks holistically. Dont just look at one category of your products. Do you have a geopolitical risk in one country versus another? Is there a risk from a transport aspect in another country? President Joe Biden sits down to sign a document on May 14, 2024, imposing major new tariffs on certain products imported from China. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) When asked about how supply chain issues could impact investors portfolios, Adams pointed out three signs investors should look out for. First, she said, keep an eye on senior leadership strategy. Is the CFO talking about supply chain resilience regularly? Are they focused on both the risks and costs? Second, how concentrated is the company in key sectors and markets? For example, a lot of semiconductor production is based in Taiwan, but many companies are trying to bring those operations to the US, which would take time. Lastly, Adams noted investors should evaluate a company's infrastructure investment and whether the company is investing in its supply chains in a diversified manner to avoid unnecessary risk. Click here for the latest economic news and indicators to help inform your investing decisions. Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance It's been a sad week for Wise plc (LON:WISE), who've watched their investment drop 16% to UK7.14 in the week since the company reported its annual result. It looks like a credible result overall - although revenues of UK1.4b were in line with what the analysts predicted, Wise surprised by delivering a statutory profit of UK0.34 per share, a notable 14% above expectations. Earnings are an important time for investors, as they can track a company's performance, look at what the analysts are forecasting for next year, and see if there's been a change in sentiment towards the company. So we gathered the latest post-earnings forecasts to see what estimates suggest is in store for next year. View our latest analysis for Wise After the latest results, the 14 analysts covering Wise are now predicting revenues of UK1.59b in 2025. If met, this would reflect a meaningful 13% improvement in revenue compared to the last 12 months. Statutory earnings per share are expected to dip 8.4% to UK0.32 in the same period. Before this earnings report, the analysts had been forecasting revenues of UK1.63b and earnings per share (EPS) of UK0.32 in 2025. The consensus seems maybe a little more pessimistic, trimming their revenue forecasts after the latest results even though there was no change to its EPS estimates. The average price target was steady at UK9.80even though revenue estimates declined; likely suggesting the analysts place a higher value on earnings. That's not the only conclusion we can draw from this data however, as some investors also like to consider the spread in estimates when evaluating analyst price targets. The most optimistic Wise analyst has a price target of UK12.50 per share, while the most pessimistic values it at UK5.60. Note the wide gap in analyst price targets? This implies to us that there is a fairly broad range of possible scenarios for the underlying business. Another way we can view these estimates is in the context of the bigger picture, such as how the forecasts stack up against past performance, and whether forecasts are more or less bullish relative to other companies in the industry. It's pretty clear that there is an expectation that Wise's revenue growth will slow down substantially, with revenues to the end of 2025 expected to display 13% growth on an annualised basis. This is compared to a historical growth rate of 34% over the past five years. Compare this with other companies in the same industry, which are forecast to see a revenue decline of 13% annually. So it's clear that despite the slowdown in growth, Wise is still expected to grow meaningfully faster than the wider industry. Story continues The Bottom Line The most important thing to take away is that there's been no major change in sentiment, with the analysts reconfirming that the business is performing in line with their previous earnings per share estimates. Sadly they also cut their revenue estimates, although at least the company is expected to perform a bit better than the wider industry. Still, earnings per share are more important to value creation for shareholders. The consensus price target held steady at UK9.80, with the latest estimates not enough to have an impact on their price targets. With that in mind, we wouldn't be too quick to come to a conclusion on Wise. Long-term earnings power is much more important than next year's profits. We have forecasts for Wise going out to 2027, and you can see them free on our platform here. We also provide an overview of the Wise Board and CEO remuneration and length of tenure at the company, and whether insiders have been buying the stock, here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com Wynnstay Properties Plc (LON:WSP) stock is about to trade ex-dividend in three days. The ex-dividend date occurs one day before the record date which is the day on which shareholders need to be on the company's books in order to receive a dividend. The ex-dividend date is important because any transaction on a stock needs to have been settled before the record date in order to be eligible for a dividend. Meaning, you will need to purchase Wynnstay Properties' shares before the 20th of June to receive the dividend, which will be paid on the 26th of July. The company's next dividend payment will be UK0.16 per share, on the back of last year when the company paid a total of UK0.24 to shareholders. Based on the last year's worth of payments, Wynnstay Properties stock has a trailing yield of around 3.6% on the current share price of UK6.80. If you buy this business for its dividend, you should have an idea of whether Wynnstay Properties's dividend is reliable and sustainable. As a result, readers should always check whether Wynnstay Properties has been able to grow its dividends, or if the dividend might be cut. See our latest analysis for Wynnstay Properties Dividends are typically paid out of company income, so if a company pays out more than it earned, its dividend is usually at a higher risk of being cut. Wynnstay Properties paid out a comfortable 36% of its profit last year. Yet cash flows are even more important than profits for assessing a dividend, so we need to see if the company generated enough cash to pay its distribution. Fortunately, it paid out only 40% of its free cash flow in the past year. It's encouraging to see that the dividend is covered by both profit and cash flow. This generally suggests the dividend is sustainable, as long as earnings don't drop precipitously. Click here to see how much of its profit Wynnstay Properties paid out over the last 12 months. Have Earnings And Dividends Been Growing? Companies with falling earnings are riskier for dividend shareholders. If earnings fall far enough, the company could be forced to cut its dividend. With that in mind, we're discomforted by Wynnstay Properties's 6.7% per annum decline in earnings in the past five years. When earnings per share fall, the maximum amount of dividends that can be paid also falls. The main way most investors will assess a company's dividend prospects is by checking the historical rate of dividend growth. In the last 10 years, Wynnstay Properties has lifted its dividend by approximately 7.6% a year on average. Story continues To Sum It Up Is Wynnstay Properties an attractive dividend stock, or better left on the shelf? Wynnstay Properties has comfortably low cash and profit payout ratios, which may mean the dividend is sustainable even in the face of a sharp decline in earnings per share. Still, we consider declining earnings to be a warning sign. Overall we're not hugely bearish on the stock, but there are likely better dividend investments out there. In light of that, while Wynnstay Properties has an appealing dividend, it's worth knowing the risks involved with this stock. To help with this, we've discovered 4 warning signs for Wynnstay Properties that you should be aware of before investing in their shares. Generally, we wouldn't recommend just buying the first dividend stock you see. Here's a curated list of interesting stocks that are strong dividend payers. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com More than 2 1/2 weeks after at least 25 people got sick from visiting Lake Anna over the Memorial Day holiday, the Virginia Department of Health hasnt identified a single cause of the outbreak. It is possible we might not be able to identify the source, according to a news release. VDHs investigation is ongoing. The state agency announced on June 6 that it was looking into a cluster of gastrointestinal illnesses in people who were in the Lake Anna area over the holiday weekend. Three of every four people involved were children who developed E. coli infections. As the investigation progressed, the reports got grimmer, that those affected had whats called Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, or STEC. Severe cases of STEC can progress to hemolytic uremic syndrome and be particularly serious, the state said. To date, five such cases of the syndrome have been reported, all in children who required hospitalization. That included the daughter of Stafford County resident Aaliyah Johnson. Last week, she said Kylah, who turns 3 in August, had been on dialysis in a Richmond hospital after her symptoms of severe and bloody diarrhea and stomach pain worsened to the point her kidney functions failed. The father of a Warrenton teenager who got sick after visiting Lake Anna said his daughters illness took a similar turn. My daughter went down there 100% healthy, and she came out of there pretty much on life support, hoping that her kidneys will recover, John Inglett said in an interview posted on WTOP.com. Its just been a whole nightmare for us. Fridays update from VDH said it had partnered with several state agencies to conduct water testing, but the first sampling wasnt done until Tuesday, June 11, more than two weeks after people were exposed. Water samples were taken in six areas, including the popular Sandbar where Johnson and her daughter had been, and results indicate all fecal bacteria concentrations were well below a public health level of concern, the VDH stated. Other areas tested include the North Anna Branch, 0.3 mile above the Sandbar; North Pamunkey Branch, 0.3 mile below the Sandbar; Cocktail Cove North and Cocktail Cove South; and the beach at Lake Anna State Park. The state health department said theres no indication contaminated food caused the outbreak. It noted environmental pollution from heavy rains, livestock, failing septic systems, boating discharge and swimmers are potential sources of illness when swimming in natural waters. A photo of a dead cow, partially submerged in the water of Lake Anna, made the rounds on Facebook, but it wasnt clear when or where the picture was taken. It was forwarded to the state health department which cautioned: Avoid swimming where livestock are present. All but four of the 25 people identified with the Shiga-type toxin of E. coli live in Virginia. The state plans to conduct water sampling again on Monday. More information about the outbreak and investigation are online at vdh.virginia.gov/surveillance-and-investigation/escherichia-coli-stec-outbreak-in-virginia. The state agency also asks anyone who visited Lake Anna area over the Memorial Day weekend, then developed gastrointestinal issues including diarrhea, vomiting or stomach cramps, to contact their local health department. Tom Cronin and Bob Loevy are news columnists who write about Colorado and national politics. Jon Caldara is president of the Independence Institute in Denver and hosts The Devils Advocate with Jon Caldara on Colorado Public Television Channel 12. His column appears Sundays in Colorado Politics. Unlike some health care companies that are shutting down their virtual care services, the VA is expanding many of its virtual care and telehealth options. The body of a swimmer who went missing at Lake Pueblo Saturday night has been recovered, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. At 8:15 p.m., park rangers responded to reports of a missing swimmer in the Sailboard Beach area, and initiated "an immediate search using a sonar device and an underwater remotely operated vehicle, or ROV, equipped with lights and a camera," a news release said. Around 11 p.m., volunteer divers from the Pueblo County Sheriffs Office located the body about 75 feet from shore, in water about 6 feet deep. This is another sad example of the importance of wearing life jackets when you are in or even near the water, said Lake Pueblo State Park Manager Joe Stadterman, who offered condolences to the victims family and friends. The body was turned over to the Pueblo County coroner for identification, notification of relatives and for a determination of the official cause of death, the news release said. According to Parks and Wildlife, there have been approximately 17 water-related deaths in Colorado so far this year. There were 32 water-related recreation deaths last year and 42 in 2022. Following a rough farming season in Colorado over the summer of 2023 due to unprecedented rain and hailstorms, Michael Hirakata of Hirakata farms said he hopes his Rocky Ford cantaloupe and watermelon crop will have a better time of it this season. Were praying for a comeback," Hirakata said. "But we have a long way to go until harvest. Hirakata Farms located 100 miles southeast of Colorado Springs outside of Rocky Ford has been serving consumers for nearly 100 years, bringing the famous Rocky Ford cantaloupe, watermelon, and pumpkins to grocery stores throughout the state and beyond. Over the early summer of 2023, Colorado saw a big increase in rainfall and hail events weather that Hirakata said slashed his crop by 97% last season. Many shoppers saw no Rocky Ford melons, a summertime favorite, in their grocery stores. It was the hail. With the rainfall, you lose some to rot, but you can work through that. Those sets will be greened out and youll get to the next set of fruit which will be fine. The hail devastated the crop last year, there were no plants to come back, Hirakata said. According to Hirakata, while the farm typically packs around 180,000 cartons of cantaloupe, last year they only packed around 12,000 cartons. The decrease, Hirakata said, was extreme, but not unexpected. Its a life we chose, and you have to take the good with the bad, Hirakata said. Theres a lot of good weather and a lot of bad weather. We just pray for good weather all the time. It comes with the territory. Colorado Springs saw its second wettest year on record in 2023, with May and June seeing the most precipitation of the year. According to a previous report by The Gazette, June made the largest contribution to the total bringing 9.62 inches of precipitation. May came in second with 5.22 inches. As for the hail, meteorologist Cameron Simcoe with the National Weather Service said hail is the No. 1 severe weather event experienced in Colorado. The moisture generally present in the state last summer is what led to the extreme and more frequent hail events experienced in the early summer of 2023. "It was a rather busy year, moisture wise, in Colorado," Simcoe said. "More moisture in Colorado means more storms. More storms at our elevation, means hail." Meanwhile in Canon City, Ellen Kerchner of Ellens Flowers, approximately 45 miles southwest of Colorado Springs, said she also experienced loss in her crop due to last years extreme hail and rainfall. She speculates the increase in extreme weather events witnessed in Colorado could become more and more common as the effects of climate change becomes more evident. We had a pretty significant hail event in June of last year, we lost about an acre of flowers to that event, Kerchner said, estimating her business lost 50,000 of its flowers to the storm. It caused detrimental impacts, for sure. Running the business with her partner, Matt, Kerchner said she mainly sells her products at farmers markets throughout the state. She said hail in Canon City used to be a rarer occurrence. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information's Storm Events Database, Canon City experienced three hail events during June 2023. Featured Local Savings So I had been around hail in Colorado Springs, but down here in Canon City, we tend not to get that much," Kerchner said. "Obviously, nothing is normal right now. Maybe this is the new normal." Changing weather means changing tactics for growers like Kerchner. "Hail netting, other things like that to protect our crops. Thats something we might do in the future if we continue to experience it (hail), it would have to be a more normal event for us to invest. Kerchner said. As far as the rainfall, Kerchner said she did have to irrigate the flowers less. She says she tries not to speculate as to what other effects the farm might see from future climate shifts. As far as a lookout, I dont even dabble. I just try to think about the next couple of weeks and not look too far forward. My experience in farming is you can never predict what will happen and trying to do that can create too much emotional stress, Kerchner said. Summer weather Mark Wankowski, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Pueblo, said southern Colorados weather pattern is shifting. While the area experienced an El Nino weather pattern last summer, resulting in the increased amounts of precipitation through early summer and winter, this season the area is transitioning to a La Nina pattern. La Nina is a drier pattern that usually consists of warmer temps and less precipitation along southeast Colorado and that is what the current forecast is for the summer, Wankowski said. Right now, we're thinking the snowpack and snowfall definitely helped with soil moisture. Were currently sitting above normal in soil moisture in southeast Colorado, Wankowski said. With continued warm temps and lack of precipitation, we will see soil moisture decreasing and possible drought conditions developing in the near future. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 38% of the state is currently experiencing drought on some level. Comparatively, 16.6% of the state experienced drought on some level at the same time last year. Justin Louen, a hydrologist with the weather service, said the Upper Arkansas Basin received above-average levels of snowpack this past winter season. While these levels are contributing to rising river levels due to snowmelt, that water is not anticipated to last through the summer. "Generally speaking out on the plains, the overall water supply projections are slightly below normal due to lingering dry conditions," Loen said. "It's been relatively dry. With that overall dry pattern possibility transitioning to a la Nina setup, the overall projections are to be pretty dry, especially throughout the plains." As for when you may expect the delicious and juicy Rocky Ford melons to grace the shelves this summer, Hirakata said he expects the first crop will be ready by July 20, adding that the foreseen La Nina pattern Colorado is transitioning into is much preferred over last years El Nino pattern. Wed rather have some timely rains, and utilize ground water that we pump out and irrigate. I know its funny to hear a farmer say, but wed rather have it on the dry side than the wet side, Hirakata said. Anderson Aldrich, the convicted killer in the Club Q mass shooting, is set to enter a guilty plea and accept a prison sentence on Tuesday in federal court. On June 26, 2023, Aldrich pleaded guilty to 51 charges at the state level for killing five people and injuring nearly two dozen more at the Colorado Springs LGBTQ+ nightclub Club Q in November 2022. Aldrich was given five sentences of life in prison one for each count of first-degree murder and an additional 2,208 years in prison for each count of attempted first-degree murder. Earlier this year, 74 federal charges were filed against Aldrich by the United States Attorneys Office for the District of Colorado. The federal charges include 50 hate crime charges and 24 firearms charges. The criminal information sheet filed Jan. 5 detailed that Aldrichs attorney had already accepted a plea deal that will keep Aldrich from receiving the death penalty. Aldrich is set to officially enter the guilty pleas and accept multiple concurrent life sentences and an additional 190 years in prison at a 9 a.m. Tuesday hearing in federal court in Denver. Featured Local Savings Aldrich is currently residing in the Wyoming State Penitentiary, according to previous reporting from The Gazette. Daniel Aston, Kelly Loving, Ashley Paugh, Derrick Rump and Raymond Green Vance died in the shooting. A fight between two people escalated to gunfire outside a business in Old Colorado City on Sunday, leaving both hospitalized with gunshot wounds, according to the Colorado Springs Police Department. The original emergency call indicated there was an active shooter at the Walgreens at 3143 W. Colorado Ave., police spokesman Ira Cronin said. Multiple agencies rushed to the scene, including the Colorado Springs police and fire departments, Manitou Springs police, Colorado State Patrol and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. A tactical team was also called in case a shooter was barricaded inside the business, Cronin said. Officers found one person with a gunshot wound outside the store. When police entered the Walgreens, they found one person who had been sheltering inside. At this point, we are calling that individual a witness, Cronin said. Investigators learned that a second wounded person left the scene and arrived at a hospital in their personal vehicle, officials said. Featured Local Savings A preliminary investigation determined that two people got into an altercation outside the store, during which multiple shots were fired, with several rounds striking the building, Cronin said. Both people, whose wounds are believed to not be life threatening, are being questioned by police. But no arrests were announced, and their names were not released. On Tuesday, the City Council voted 5-4 against a proposal that would have established a fire department-based enterprise and allowed our nationally recognized fire department to manage emergency ambulance transport. This would have improved response times, lowered costs to users and enhanced innovative public safety programs and services. The proposed structure, which our fire department asked for and that was vetted by outside experts, billing consultants, local business leaders, skeptics, and more, required the support of the council to create an enterprise that would function without using tax dollars. By embracing this logical model, Colorado Springs would have joined best-in-class cities, including 36 of the 40 largest cities in America that have moved from unreliable private ambulance, thereby improving safety for their residents. Four members of the council gave their advocacy and support to improving your safety. They, like me, recognize that its time for Colorado Springs to adapt to changing public safety demands, embrace innovative efforts, and, most importantly, deliver on promises to our residents. Public safety belongs in the hands of our first responders, not in the hands of a for-profit company. The governments central role is to provide safety, and I am committed to working with all councilmembers to make Colorado Springs the safest city in America. We will do this proactively and transparently. We are a fiscally conservative city. The enterprise proposal took that into account, and this service would be funded by user fees and federal pass-through dollars related to Medicaid. General fund or new tax dollars would not be used. There is also extensive local philanthropic support for the proposal. Further, the enterprise proposal used conservative financial models, which were heavily vetted and peer reviewed. This extensive due diligence prepared the city to join the majority of other cities in our country and region that have successfully stood up fire department-based ambulance transport. Of those cities, zero have failed under the inhouse model, largely due to more efficiencies, the lack of shareholder profit margins and flexibility of financial models to adjust. Last weeks no-vote to this measure means residents will continue to wait longer for ambulances, while costs increase by up to 40%. Over the past three years, the current private ambulance service has arrived late for 33,000 calls. Sign up for free: Gazette Opinion Receive updates from our editorial staff, guest columnists, and letters from Gazette readers. Sent to your inbox 12:00 PM. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. Featured Local Savings Having a fire department-run ambulance service also would mean that the 911 system would be fully contained and served by the city. City ambulances would be dedicated to emergency response, thereby improving response times. The citys current private provider splits ambulances off to nonemergent private calls, amounting to about 30% of calls that deplete emergency response. Under the enterprise model, residents would be assured that the fire departments similar number of ambulances would be available to them, and not diverted to nonemergency calls. This has been problematic in the past, including numerous Level Zero situations when the current private provider had no ambulances available to respond to 911 calls. Few people realize this occurred on the night of the tragic Club Q shooting. With no ambulances from our current provider available, CSPD officers, firetrucks and ambulances from other jurisdictions were called in to transport patients. This cannot happen again. The in-house model would assure that. Furthermore, the enterprise model would bring in a conservative estimate of an additional $65 million in federal dollars over the next nine years. This would be invested in alternative care models like our Homeless Outreach Program and Community Response Teams that have trained behavioral health professionals who help divert homeless and mentally ill individuals from emergency rooms and navigates them to appropriate care. I hear constantly from residents and businesses who are negatively impacted by homelessness and behavioral health issues. We cannot ignore these very real issues by clinging to a status quo that isnt in the best interests of residents. This is an important issue. It could impact your spouse, your child, your parent or even you. Ambulance transport is a place where your government should deliver with excellence. While financials are very important, and we have spent a considerable amount of due diligence on the financials, what matters most is the fact that residents and visitors deserve nothing less than the best public safety service possible. Please know I am committed to moving the needle despite this setback. My team and I are actively strategizing next steps. I will continue to work tirelessly to improve our collective public safety through responsible, vetted, data-based, nonpolitical decisions. As your mayor, public safety is my responsibility, and I am committed to providing it with excellence. My desire is to be the No. 1 safest city in the nation to go along with our other best city accolades. I appreciate the incredible outpouring of support from the community and will continue to communicate with our constituents on our progress. Onward and upward! Yemi Mobolade is the mayor of Colorado Springs. Macon County Cooling Centers Below is the Macon County Emergency Management Agency's 2024 list of cooling centers, along with hours of operation and contact information. DECATUR Decatur Civic Center, 1 Gary K. Anderson Plaza. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 217-422-7300. Macon County Department of Human Service, 1027 N. Water St. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. 217-362-6500. Oasis Day Center, 243 W. Cerro Gordo St. 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. 217-422-3940. Salvation Army Community Center, 299 W. Main St., Decatur. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. OUTSIDE OF DECATUR Blue Mound Village Hall, 301 N. Railroad Ave., Blue Mound. 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. 217-692-2713 (Jenny). Forsyth Public Library, 268 S. Elwood St., Forsyth. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Friday; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. 217-877-8174 (David Strohl). Harristown Village Hall, 185 N. Kembark St., Decatur. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 217-963-2980. Macon City Hall, 10539 S. Woodcock Rd., Macon. 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. 217-764-3643 (Pam Windell). Maroa City Hall, 120 S. Locust St., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 217-794-2206. Mount Zion Convention Center, 1400 Mount Zion Parkway, Mount Zion. 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Mount Zion School District office, 1595 W. Main St., Mount Zion. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. 217-864-2366. Warrensburg Village Hall, 155 Main St., Warrensburg. 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. 217-672-3611 or 217-519-0844 (Chief Wheeler). Whitmore/Oreana Community Center, 407 S. View St., Oreana. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. 217-853-2339 (Annie Kirby). WASHINGTON When disinformation researcher Wen-Ping Liu looked into China's efforts to influence Taiwan's recent election using fake social media accounts, something unusual stood out about the most successful profiles. They were female, or at least that's what they appeared to be. Fake profiles that claimed to be women got more engagement, more eyeballs and more influence than supposedly male accounts. Pretending to be a female is the easiest way to get credibility, said Liu, an investigator with Taiwan's Ministry of Justice. Whether its Chinese or Russian propaganda agencies, online scammers or AI chatbots, it pays to be female proving that while technology may grow more and more sophisticated, the human brain remains surprisingly easy to hack thanks in part to age-old gender stereotypes that have migrated from the real world to the virtual. People have long assigned human characteristics like gender to inanimate objects ships are one example so it makes sense that humanlike traits would make fake social media profiles or chatbots more appealing. However, questions about how these technologies can reflect and reinforce gender stereotypes are getting attention as more voice assistants and AI-enabled chatbots enter the market, further blurring the lines between man (and woman) and machine. You want to inject some emotion and warmth and a very easy way to do that is to pick a womans face and voice, said Sylvie Borau, a marketing professor and online researcher in Toulouse, France, whose work has found that internet users prefer female bots and see them as more human than male versions. People tend to see women as warmer, less threatening and more agreeable than men, Borau said. Men, meanwhile, are often perceived to be more competent, though also more likely to be threatening or hostile. Because of this many people may be, consciously or unconsciously, more willing to engage with a fake account that poses as female. When OpenAI CEO Sam Altman was searching for a new voice for the ChatGPT AI program, he approached Scarlett Johansson, who said Altman told her that users would find her voice which served as the eponymous voice assistant in the movie Her comforting." Johansson declined Altmans request and threatened to sue when the company went with what she called an eerily similar voice. OpenAI put the new voice on hold. Feminine profile pictures, particularly ones showing women with flawless skin, lush lips and wide eyes in revealing outfits, can be another online lure for many men. Users also treat bots differently based on their perceived sex: Boraus research has found that female chatbots are far more likely to receive sexual harassment and threats than male bots. Female social media profiles receive on average more than three times the views compared to those of males, according to an analysis of more than 40,000 profiles conducted for the AP by Cyabra, an Israeli tech firm that specializes in bot detection. Female profiles that claim to be younger get the most views, Cyabra found. Creating a fake account and presenting it as a woman will help the account gain more reach compared to presenting it as a male, according to Cyabra's report. The online influence campaigns mounted by nations like China and Russia have long used faux females to spread propaganda and disinformation. These campaigns often exploit people's views of women. Some appear as wise, nurturing grandmothers dispensing homespun wisdom, while others mimic young, conventionally attractive women eager to talk politics with older men. Last month, researchers at the firm NewsGuard found hundreds of fake accounts some boasting AI-generated profile pictures were used to criticize President Joe Biden. It happened after some Trump supporters began posting a personal photo with the announcement that they will not be voting for Joe Biden. While many of the posts were authentic, more than 700 came from fake accounts. Most of the profiles claimed to be young women living in states like Illinois or Florida; one was named PatriotGal480. But many of the accounts used nearly identical language, and had profile photos that were AI-generated or stolen from other users. And while they couldnt say for sure who was operating the fake accounts, they found dozens with links to nations including Russia and China. X removed the accounts after NewsGuard contacted the platform. A report from the U.N. suggested there's an even more obvious reason why so many fake accounts and chatbots are female: they were created by men. The report, entitled Are Robots Sexist?, looked at gender disparities in tech industries and concluded that greater diversity in programming and AI development could lead to fewer sexist stereotypes embedded in their products. For programmers eager to make their chatbots as human as possible, this creates a dilemma, Borau said: if they select a female persona, are they encouraging sexist views about real-life women? Its a vicious cycle, Borau said. Humanizing AI might dehumanize women. How to spot a financial scam: 7 things your bank would never ask you How to spot a financial scam: 7 things your bank would never ask you ROCKFORD An Ogle County sheriff's deputy was released from a Rockford hospital Friday night only two days after he was shot in the line of duty during a standoff with a rural Dixon resident at Lost Lake. The injuries to Ogle County Sheriff's Lt. Jason Ketter were described as resulting from being "struck in the face," according to a news release from the Ogle County Sheriff's Office. He underwent surgery Wednesday evening at OSF Medical Center in Rockford. Ketter walked out of OSF's main entrance Friday night with his head held high as officers from multiple departments stood in salute. Ketter was escorted home about 7 p.m. by almost the entire Ogle County Sheriff's Office's fleet of vehicles. The Polo Police Department, Winnebago County Sheriff's Office, Rockford Police Department, Machesney Park officers, La Salle County Sheriff's Office, Boone County Sheriff's Office and DeKalb County Sheriff's Office were among the many departments that came out to show their support. Police were called Wednesday morning to the 400 block of Wild Rice Lane in Lost Lake, a rural subdivision east of Dixon, with a warning of a "suicide-by-cop" situation. After a three-hour standoff, three Ogle County deputies, including Ketter, as well as the home's resident, Jonathon G. Gounaris, were shot when exchanging gunfire. All three injured deputies are members of the Ogle County Sheriff's Office's Emergency Response Team. The ERT is made up of individuals from different agencies, including the sheriff's office, Oregon and Byron police departments, and SWAT medics from the Rochelle Fire Department. The other two ERT members who were shot were treated at KSB Hospital in Dixon and released later Wednesday evening, Ogle County Sheriff Brian VanVickle said in an interview with Shaw Local. "The risk is always the same, whether it's a traffic stop or a barricade," VanVickle said. One city's surprising tactic to reduce gun violence: Solving more nonfatal shootings One city's surprising tactic to reduce gun violence: Solving more nonfatal shootings Other cities have woken up to Denver's example One city's surprising tactic to reduce gun violence: Solving more nonfatal shootings Other cities have woken up to Denver's example The Ogle County Sheriff's Office on Saturday was working on a critical incident debriefing and completing an internal review of all its processes to ensure that the department continues to function moving forward, VanVickle said. "I would like to personally thank all law enforcement for their response to this incident and express my sincere gratitude to the multiple fire agencies, hospital staff, MD-1 physicians, flight crews and the general public for their overwhelming support during this very difficult time at the Ogle County Sheriff's Office," he said. Hitachi Vantara, the data infrastructure and cloud management subsidary of Japanese mega-company Hitachi, Ltd. has launched its new data strategy and product line around AI, including a collaboration with NVIDIA. Hitachi Vantara has continued to evolve since its inception, originally named Hitachi Data Systems (HDS), long seeing the strategic value of data. This was seen with the company's acquisition of the Pentaho business intelligence platform, and is seen again with its new AI strategy and its collaboration with NVIDIA. Key to the strategy is Hitachi Vantara Chief Technology Officer - AI Jason Hardy (pictured above), who has created and curated the organisation's AI strategy and portfolio which seeks to drive targeted AI outcomes by layering industry-specific capabilities on top of its existing AI solution stack. We live in a remarkable and pivotal time where any business can have access to vast compute capacity, and where the tools and capabilities now exist to unlock the huge hidden value of a company's data. Hitachi Vantara expects generative AI to unlock trillions of dollars in business impact, and some say AI is the most revolutionary technology seen in four decades. A company cannot scale based on the heroic efforts of individual human performers alone; it will be those companies that embrace and innovate with AI who lead. Yet, the path isn't always simple. It needs strong partners, a partner such as Hitachi Vantara who brings strong domain knowledge across many industries, along with an extensive background in data and storage. "The Pentaho acquisition, with our storage and solutions heritage, paved the way for us to have a very good understanding of data," Hardy said. "It put is in a good position to not only say we have hardware, but also we have a good understanding of how we can use your data to feed and power your AI journey." "We're taking our history of being data-focused to appropriately focus AI safely and securely and meeting regulatory compliance, allowing us to lead through Hitachi Vantara," he said. "We're pulling this all together to have a holistic offering along with our partnerships with global logistics organisations and business units with expertise and prowess across all industries." It's evident Hitachi Vantara brings extensive capability, both from its infrastructure and data background, but also the sheer scale of expertise it can call upon from inside the wider Hitachi enterprise. This places the business in a unique position; "customers ask us what are the use cases for AI and how to start," Hardy said. "We're focusing on how to help in a consultative way, to improve in-house operations with things like copilots, as well as embedding AI into our own products to make them more usable and serviceable, and to bring simplicity back with a simpler LLM-style chat model." "AI is solving problems we've lived with for a long time," he said. "We're building discovery services to help customers ideate and become mature, and build solutions to target into their own systems." "That discovery service is the starting position. What are the use cases, what are the solutions they're looking to identify? It gives a place to start, bringing the right people on the journey together, and bringing the compliance side and enterprise-readiness." Hitachi Vantara is engineering a high-performance platform named Hitachi iQ, bringing the fastest file storage it can, while remaining economical, and in collaboration with NVIDIA for the GPUs to drive it. If your business, like many, is trying to navigate how to embrace AI, Jason Hardy has advice for you. Firstly, "those who innovate today will be more comfortable tomorrow" - so don't wait, but at the same time, "don't try to transform the core of your business. Work on the peripheral," he said. "Maturity will come in, and over time generative AI has the potential to unlock a ton of knowledge on how we interact with customers and how we build things better. As we mature our potential is limitless." Of course, this journey must be performed responsibly, and with security. "It goes to the heritage of who we are," Hardy said. Hitachi Vantara ANZ VP and MD Nathan Knight (pictured below) explains the ANZ region is a well poised to benefit from Hitachi iQ. "We were one of the leaders in public cloud adoption," he said. "We understand the economics of public cloud and our customers have a better understanding of which workflows work better up there in the public cloud, and which are better in private cloud." "Hitachi Vantara is enterprise=ready and is a vendor customers have consistently relied upon for enterprise solutions," he said. "Our customers can work with a provider with a reputation and credibility." "The community we have and our really strong partnerships through the technology ecosystem - partnerships with NVIDIA and CommVault and others - puts us in a great place to support our customer's stories." "Everybody is looking at, and interpreting, AI from their own perspective. They're looking to apply AI to their own specific challenges," Knight said. "In this space organisations need to continue to work with credibile partners that can support them as an enterprise, that can deploy at scale, and has the building blocks in place to do that." SK Telecom (SKT) announced it has invested US$10 million in generative AI search engine startup Perplexity AI. The partnership would enable SKT's presence in the field of generative AI. The collaboration is expected to bolster SKT's AI personal assistant services, "A. (A dot). SKT will provide Korean data and cultural content information to Perplexity, facilitating joint development aimed at improving Korean search performance through LLM fine-tuning and search solution enhancement, reported BusinessKorea. The partnership, claims Perplexity, will allow it to counter "hallucinations" common in generative AI by providing news sources like articles, YouTube videos, and blog posts. The system will also suggest follow-up questions and quick translations and summaries for English articles. In addition to SKT's investment, Perplexity returned the favour and has agreed to invest in SKT's Global AI Platform, established in Silicon Valley last year to develop AI search services. According to Telecoms Tech News, Perplexity has processed over 230 million requests monthly worldwide. This feat has attracted investments from notable giants including Nvidia and Amazon. The Wall Street Journal recognised Perplexity as the leading chatbot in usability when the publication held its "The Great AI Chatbot Challenge." The partnership between the two companies was first hinted at during the MWC 2024 event in Barcelona where they signed an agreement. Through this investment cooperation with Perplexity, we have secured global competitiveness in the AI search engine market," said SKT vice president of AI growth strategy Lee Jae-shin. Based on the close cooperation between the two companies, we will strengthen A.s search capabilities and plan to launch the highest level AI personal assistant service at home and abroad. Both companies share a vision to provide the best AI services that enrich our lives. We are excited about this partnership and are pleased to have the opportunity to provide Perplexity Pro services to SKT customers," added Perplexity chief business officer Dmitry Shevelenko. SKT plans to offer Perplexity Pro, a premium subscription search service, free to its customers for one year, backed by A. and T Universe channels. COMPANY NEWS: Australias award-winning mobile provider, amaysim, is excited to announce the appointment of Vir Inder Nath as its new Vice President. This leadership appointment marks a significant milestone for amaysim as it prepares for expansion into the fixed home category with the launch of amaysim nbn Home Internet in the coming months. This transformative move will elevate amaysim from a mobile-only provider to a full-service telco as it continues to deliver the exceptional value and affordable freedom that millions of Aussies have come to love. In his new role, Vir will oversee amaysim, Coles Mobile, and Catch Connect under Optus Challenger Brands portfolio. With his unparalleled expertise and strategic vision, Vir will drive the growth of these brands to challenge the telco market, capture greater market share and deliver even more value to Australian consumers. amaysim has been in serious growth mode since joining the Optus business over three years ago. Its customer base has grown 25 per cent since the acquisition1, now sitting at over 1.5 million SIOs. amaysim also boasts the lowest Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) complaints score of 0.42 in the industry and has won numerous industry awards for customer satisfaction and value for money year after year. Vir brings close to two decades of high-impact leadership experience, largely from his long tenure at Airtel India. There he led telco transformation projects with turnovers of approximately $1 billion (AUD) and managed business units with thousands of employees. His remarkable cross-functional collaboration across R&D, networks, and engineering teams has set industry benchmarks, winning the prestigious Bharti Airtel Chairmans Award multiple times. Under Vir's leadership, amaysim will embark on an ambitious expansion plan, starting with the launch of amaysim nbn Home Internet. Vir spearheaded Airtels broadband business expansion from under 80 cities to over 1,000, leveraging innovative tech solutions and strategic partnerships. His leadership in launching Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) based home broadband and developing integrated service platforms further solidified his reputation as one of the most accomplished leaders in the Indian telco space. With his strong background, Vir is the perfect fit to lead amaysim and Challenger Brands into the next phase of growth and innovation. amaysim is committed to disrupting the market by providing fast and reliable internet at competitive prices, ensuring Australians have access to more affordable home internet options. Recognising the need for a new player that does things differently, amaysim is set to capture the home internet market with the same customer-first approach that has earned the loyalty of over 1.5 million happy mobile customers. The latest figures from the Australian Communications and Media Authoritys (ACMA) report series on Australias media and communications sectors reveal that 81% of Australian households have already adopted nbn connections3, clearly highlighting the demand for robust, high-quality internet services. The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures continue to reflect the ongoing cost-of-living pressures that Australians face. Education, health, housing, and food prices have all seen significant increases, with education fees rising 5.9 per cent and rental prices increasing at their fastest rate in 15 years4. As households across the nation navigate these financial challenges, more Australians are looking for great value in their essential services without sacrificing great customer experience. amaysim understands this need and is committed to delivering affordable, high-quality home internet plans that provide exceptional value for money and outstanding customer service. By staying true to its heritage and embodying the challenger mindset with which it first entered the market over a decade ago, amaysim nbn Home Internet will elevate the company to the next level as a full-service telco. With amaysim, Aussies will be free to experience fast and affordable home internet at great value prices on their own terms. amaysims new Home Internet services will offer: Seamless Connectivity: Fast and reliable internet for streaming, gaming, and working from home, tailored to meet the needs of amaysims valued customers. Affordable Plans: amaysims value-based pricing will increase internet accessibility for more Australians, reflecting its commitment to a customer-first approach. With amaysim nbn Home Internet, speed doesnt have to be expensive. Advanced Technology: Cutting-edge solutions to stay ahead of the competition and deliver a superior user experience. Customer-Centric Support: Enhanced customer support with AI-driven solutions for quick decision-making and efficient service, designed around customer insights and feedback Matt Williams, Managing Director of Customer Solutions at Optus, said, "We are thrilled to welcome Vir Inder Nath to the Optus business as the VP of amaysim and Challenger Brands. "Vir's relentless challenger spirit and extensive international experience in the telco industry will be a game-changer for our brands. We are excited to see the bold and disruptive changes he will bring to amaysim and Challenger Brands as he shakes up the MVNO market and challenges the status quo to deliver even more value to our customers, particularly as we gear up to launch amaysim nbn Home Internet." With this category expansion and Vir at the helm, amaysim is set to enter a new era of growth, delivering exceptional value and service to its customers. The launch of amaysim Home Internet is just the beginning of amaysims extensive growth plans, promising an exciting future for its existing suite of products, including long and short-expiry SIM plans, international roaming, and devices. In addition to amaysim, Vir will focus on expanding Coles Mobile and Catch Connect, boosting the brands reach and customer retention to ensure every Australian has access to affordable mobile options. [Provisional translation] On June 15, 2024 (local time), Prime Minister Kishida visited Burgenstock in the Swiss Confederation to attend the Summit on Peace in Ukraine. After attending the welcome ceremony of the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, the Prime Minister attended the opening plenary session and delivered a speech. INDIANAPOLIS Katie Ledecky is heading to her fourth Olympics, an accomplishment that seemed unimaginable when she was a 15-year-old kid in London. These days, it wouldn't seem like a Summer Games without her. As steady as ever, Ledecky cruised to victory in the 400-meter freestyle at the U.S. swimming trials on Saturday night. She makes qualifying for the Olympics look so much easier than it is. Ledecky became just the ninth U.S. swimmer to qualify at least four times for the sport's grandest stage. "I pride myself on that consistency," she said. "Sometimes it can be tough to feel you're not having a breakthrough. But being really consistent is something I'm really happy with. I've learned to really enjoy training and take advantage of the moment." Cheered on by a crowd of 20,689 at the home of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, Ledecky touched the wall in the temporary pool in 3 minutes, 58.35 seconds. She improved on her time of 3:59.99 in the morning preliminaries and set herself up to make a run at another gold against a loaded field at the Paris Games. The Australian "Terminator," Ariarne Titmus, is the defending Olympic champion and world-record holder in the 400 free. Canadian phenom Summer McIntosh is also expected to contend for the top spot on the podium. In Tokyo, Ledecky settled for the silver behind Titmus the first individual loss of the American's Olympic career. She'll have her work cut out for her in Paris, as well. Titmus is coming off an Australian trials where she broke the world record in the 200 free and barely missed knocking off her own mark in the 400 free, winning with a time of 3:55.44 nearly 3 seconds faster than Ledecky's pace in Indianapolis. "It's going to be a great field," Ledecky said. "I've always done a pretty solid job in the period between the trials and the games at being faster at the games. The goal is no different this time around. Hopefully, that will put me in a good position in the 400." The 27-year-old Ledecky is set to swim four events at her nation's trials, all of them freestyle events ranging from 200 to 1,500 meters. She already has six individual gold medals more than any female swimmer in Olympic history and an overall haul of 10 medals that includes seven golds. "I never thought I would make it there," Ledecky said, remembering her Olympic debut at the 2012 London Games. "I never dreamed of that as a young kid." After winning a surprising gold in her only event, the 800 free, Ledecky was determined to reach ever greater heights. "I wanted to get back to that level, prove that I wasn't just a one-hit wonder," she said. "But at the same time, I reminded myself that anything more than that is just like icing on the cake, the cherry on top." That makes her appreciate a fourth trip to the Olympics even more. Then there's Aaron Shackell, a local favorite from suburban Carmel, who will be heading to the Olympics for the first time after winning the men's 400 freestyle. Shackell touched in 3:45.46 to hold off Kieran Smith, the bronze medalist in this event at the Tokyo Olympics. Smith used a strong finishing kick to claim the runner-up spot in 3:45.76, which should be enough to get him back to the Summer Games. The top two in each individual event are expected to make the powerhouse American team, which also bodes well for Paige Madden, the runner-up behind Ledecky in 4:02.08. Ledecky and Shackell were both overshadowed on the opening night of the trials by Gretchen Walsh. The 21-year-old from the University of Virginia set a world record in a semifinal heat of the 100-meter butterfly with a time of 55.18. Walsh was more than a half-second under world-record pace at the turn and finished strong to eclipse the mark of 55.48 set by Sweden's Sarah Sjostrom at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. "There has been a little bit of a buzz out there," Walsh said. "I think going into tonight, you know, like I knew it would take a (55) point-4 or I guess point-5, but I didn't think I was going to do it tonight. I just knew I wanted to go a fast time and now here I am -- a world record holder." Walsh held her hand over her mouth as she looked at the scoreboard in disbelief, a "WR" beside her name. But she's still got some work to do to make her first Olympic team. The 100 fly final Sunday night also includes Torri Huske, Regan Smith and Claire Curzan all medalists at the Tokyo Games. Shackell's sister, Alex, also advanced to the final and will be looking to join her sibling on the Olympic team. Randy Farmer found one of the greatest thrills of his life driving on a mountain range in Mexico, flying around turn after turn at 160 mph on a specially built racing motorcycle. That exhilaration is hard to beat. But he found his lifes purpose inside a classroom at the Lancaster County Youth Services Center in Lincoln helping at-risk youths overcome their current circumstances. That's even harder to beat. Farmer works with at-risk youths because he loves it. In fact, hes really good at it, too. Hes been the supervisor for Lincoln Public Schools Pathfinder Education Program since 2006, and before that he was a teacher there. The Pathfinder is what Farmer calls the last stop for a lot of students. There, he works with teenagers lodged at the youth detention center for varying periods of time to provide them with accredited educational services, regardless of whether theyre LPS students or not. Farmer has dedicated countless hours to juvenile justice education at LPS, but on June 30, he will say goodbye to the Pathfinder program and retire from his role as supervisor after 18 years. Erik Witt, who currently serves as the supervisor of secondary personnel services and director of recruiting, will take over the role beginning in July. Juvenile justice education isnt easy, Farmer said, but the time and effort will always be worth it. It was an opportunity that I couldnt pass up, to stay and make such a difference for those kids that came through there, he said. It's not always easy, but that's part of the fun of it, the challenge of it all. More and more risks The 18-year-old version of Randy Farmer would likely be shocked beyond belief if he knew where his future self would be today. School was certainly never his jam, and he had practically zero interest in college. I couldn't wait to get out of high school. I didn't want to be in school. I didn't like school, Farmer said. In high school, I took all the shop classes, and I was going to be a mechanic. That was my plan. So the fact that hes actually spent the majority of his adult life not just working in schools, but thriving in them, isnt something his teenage self would have ever imagined. He was perfectly content working as a mechanic for a while out of high school, but then an ultimatum came and his plans changed. His parents told him he either needed to start paying rent or go get a degree, neither of which totally appealed to him. But, he had some inheritance money left to him by his grandmother, so he left his job and decided hed go to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for a year to check things out. But when the year was up, he didnt leave. Turns out, I loved college, and actually really enjoyed that freedom of learning that college provided, Farmer said. He graduated with a degree in anthropology and an emphasis in archeology. He took a job out of college at the National Parks Services Midwest Archaeological Center based in Lincoln, where he stayed for six years. Then he decided he wanted a change of pace, so he sought his teaching certificate and began student-teaching in Norris, where he got his first glimpse into what would later become his calling. I found that the kids that were getting in trouble, that were a little off the normal path, were the kids that gravitated towards me. I didn't really know why, but they did. And I took note of that, he said. From there, he continued to seek out ways to help troubled kids. Not long after graduation, he accepted a job as a teacher at Rivendell Adolescent Psychiatric Hospital in Seward before joining LPS Behavioral Skills Program. He soon met his wife, Sarah Staples-Farmer, who was preparing to move to Pennsylvania at the time. So Farmer moved across the country with her and the two got married six months later. He took a job teaching at the Milton Hershey School, a private school for low-income families in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Several years later, though, in 2002, Farmer and his wife made the move back to Lincoln the place they always planned to return to. My wife had a chance to come back, and I had a chance to come with her. But I didn't have a job, he said. Then the phone rang, and on the other end was the then-supervisor of LPS Pathfinder Program. He paved the way for me, Farmer said. He accepted a job as a teacher at Pathfinder, just one of the many leaps of faith he has taken throughout his life and career all beginning with his decision to leave behind his job as a mechanic to attend college. But without those leaps, he likely wouldnt be where he is today, he said. I just took more and more risks. The risk to go into anthropology; the risk to do archaeology; the risk to get a teaching certificate; the risk to take a job in a locked psychiatric hospital; the risk to leave it for LPS; the risk to go to Pennsylvania; the risk to go to a detention center; the risk of moving into administration, he said. Its all been incredible. And now, the huge risk of retiring. An adrenaline junkie with a death wish Farmer needed a hobby at least thats what his wife told him. His life had become centered around his work in juvenile justice education clocking in at three or four in the morning and not leaving until after 6 p.m. and he needed something more to focus on outside of work. Something had to change. I was obsessed with the job. I loved it. I just wanted to be there. I still want to be there. I don't care about the clock, he said. But my wife was like, You need a hobby. You're too obsessed. So, he found one. Staples-Farmer was imagining hed start going to the gym more or even pick up something like camping, but Farmer had a bigger dream to chase: motorcycles. His entire life, Farmer has loved motorcycles, so he finally purchased his own to ride around on. But, not long after, his joy rides werent as fulfilling anymore. There was an itch that needed to be scratched. Through a friend, he was introduced to track racing. At first, he just rode around the track on his own. Then, he was asked to step in for a race to help fill the roster. He could play it safe and just ride at his normal speed if he wanted, he was told. But he couldnt just race slowly behind the group he had an instinctive will to win from his time racing bicycles competitively for 25 years. So I got crazy. I mean, as soon as the flag dropped, I was into it, he said. He didnt stop there, though. He eventually took his hobby to Mexico. Farmer raced in the San Pedro Martir Hill Climb in Baja, Mexico, in 2019 and 2021, speeding across 19 miles of paved mountain road with over 156 turns and an incline gain of around 6,000 feet at over 160 mph. He won second in his class each year. Each turn brought more freedom than hes ever felt, he said. People always look at me like Im an adrenaline junkie with a death wish, but it's really none of that, Farmer said. It's all about precision. It's all very precise and controlled. Its really no different than speaking in front of hundreds of people at a national conference and espousing his passions, ideas and beliefs in juvenile justice. Its the same thing, he said, as staring face-to-face with a student who could, and likely wants to, punch him in the face at any moment. But with the precise care and compassion, by choosing the right words and movements, Farmer said hes able to conquer each scenario the same way he can conquer a racetrack. In my mind, those are all the same exact thing, he said. Except maybe 160 miles an hour on a Mexican mountain road. There's nothing like that. It wasnt the hobby Staples-Farmer had in mind, but it was the one her husband definitely needed, which became clear almost immediately. Any chance he had, Farmer would load up his motorcycle, go to the track, and spend all day racing and hanging out with people he could talk with about motorcycles, technology, engines and especially racing. He would come home so relaxed and so giddy. He was refreshed. It was such good therapy for him, his wife said. Even though I was scared to death that he was going to crash, and he did we had a concussion, broken finger, gouged knee, a couple of expensive motorcycle repairs it was something that he needed. However, after a somewhat bad crash, Farmer decided it was time to hang up his racing gear sort of. He retired from his motorcycle hobby but instead invested in a bright orange, tube chassis custom-built single-seat race car built to look like a 1937 Chevrolet. He drove the Legends car at the Lake Garnett Historic Grand Prix, a vintage race car festival in Kansas, last year, and he plans to return again this year. There, he was able to do high-speed exhibition laps, a car show and autocross. While it isnt quite the same as racing a motorcycle at top speed, the race car is an OK substitute, Farmer said. His legacy One size fits all doesnt exist in the realm of juvenile justice. Students are constantly coming and going. Some might stay for a few days, others are there for years. They could be there for a minor crime or they might be there for something more serious, like robbery. Their education levels are all different, too, and their backgrounds are often a mystery without extensive outreach to their past schools its the great puzzle, Farmer said. Because of this, each of the six teachers in the Pathfinder Program has to be a jack of all trades, Farmer said. If they arent, and if the program isnt flexible enough to meet the unique needs of each student, kids will fall between the cracks. If I had one program and one design, and this is how we work with every student, I'd have kids fall out the bottom that I'm not reaching. And I want to reach every kid, he said. I can't let kids fall out of the bottom of our program, because our program is the end of the line. There's nowhere else to go from us. Farmer has spent every day of his time at Pathfinder working to create a system with a net cast wide enough to catch every student who comes through there. His goal is not just to put them back on the right track academically, but to help them enjoy learning again, change their mindset and break the cycle of bad behavior. David Beatty, the social studies teacher at Pathfinder for 16 years, said Farmer found the perfect formula to lead at-risk youths to successful futures. In his 18 years as supervisor, Farmer integrated a high level of data tracking into the program, which is uncommon for many juvenile education centers across the country as most data is only anecdotal because students are often only there for a short amount of time. This data helps both internally and externally to share students records. He has also placed a large emphasis on student engagement and the importance of making these students curious again. Farmer is passionate about not just teaching students the basics, but making a difference in their lives by focusing on the social aspects they will need moving forward, Beatty said. Farmer even helped build a curriculum for a motorcycle restoration program at Pathfinder. Farmers other primary focus has been on credit recovery for students by formulating specific curriculum plans for students to help them meet the requirements needed to stay on the path to graduation. I hope this will be his legacy, and that it will be continued by the next administration, Beatty said. 'I'm not going away' Farmer may be leaving his post at Pathfinder, but he isnt leaving the work behind. Now, his work will just look a little different. Itll be all on his own time and mostly volunteer work through the National Partnership for Juvenile Services, which he has been a member of for around 20 years and now acts as the chairman of the board. I'm not going away, Farmer said. Michael Jones, the managing director of the national partnership, said Farmer's deep passion for his work has allowed him to guide not only those at Pathfinder to success, but people working in juvenile justice education across the nation. "It's the people like Randy who work in facilities, interacting with not just the staff at the facilities but with the youth in the facilities, that make the difference," he said. "I'm sure Randy's touched a lot of different lives of employees that he's worked with over the years, students, teachers and staff that he's come in contact with." While Farmer has accomplished a lot in his time there, he didnt do any of it alone, he said. He had the help of the teachers, the administration before him, the various departments at the district and his wife, who has supported him. Any recognition I have earned through my career was because of the team of people who have surrounded me. This work requires a network of people to work collaboratively, he said. It truly does take a village to raise a child. When Farmers time at Pathfinder comes to an official end this month, he wont be leaving with any fears or worries for the program. Its in good hands, he said. After this many years you would think I'd be worried about what's going to happen, but I'm not, Farmer said. I'm excited to see what Erik has in store for the program. I'm sure he'll do some cool things. Top Journal Star photos for June 2024 A group of Columbus area teenagers is hoping to leave its mark on the city and potentially give themselves a reason to one day return with the construction of an amenity they currently have to drive more than an hour to visit: a drive-in movie theater. The group, called Legacy, consists of students from Columbus, Lakeview and Scotus Central Catholic high schools. It was formed in 2023 after a statewide youth study conducted by the Nebraska Community Foundation found that about 60% of respondents are likely to want to return to their hometowns as adults. As it turns out, they just need good reasons. We want (Columbus) to be a place where people, like, our age can come back when older, raise a family, have something to do, like a drive-in movie for their kids or even us to, like, come back and enjoy, recent Columbus High graduate Kamryn Jaeger said at a Legacy meeting Monday evening at the Innovation Center. Jaeger and fellow Discoverer graduate Carly Gaedeke think they and their peers have laid a good foundation for next years Legacy members to follow up on. (The project) gets handed off, but not completely, Gaedeke said. Obviously, we'll still be coming back for breaks around Thanksgiving and Christmas and then if they need us or need us to, like, decide something, they can always send us a text or something. Yeah, we can help them with all the big decisions or if they have any questions about what we envisioned in the first place, well always be there to help with that, Jaeger said. Jaeger was accepted into Peru State Colleges Rural Health Opportunities Program for the fall, while Gaedeke was accepted into the University of Nebraska at Kearneys Law Opportunities Program. Both expect to return to Columbus after graduating college. The initial Legacy group had 12 members and next years group will have around 15, all of whom went through an application process to be accepted into Legacy. This group is student-led, so we wanted people that have experience in, like, going above and beyond in all the things that they do, Gaedeke said. Also, if they put, like, Im only doing this to put on scholarship applications, thats not what we want. We want somebody whos going to give their full effort and commitment into this group, and I think we found a pretty good group of new members. K.C. Belitz, now the director of the Department of Economic Development for the state, previously worked at the Nebraska Community Foundation, where he helped Legacy get off the ground. After the survey, NCF offers the community the opportunity to facilitate a conversation between young people and adults about these sorts of issues and so out of that conversation in Columbus there were about 40 or so (who said), Yeah, I might be interested in that, then about 20 came to an initial meeting and then theres 12 that have carried on, Belitz said. Belitz emphasized that he and fellow adult volunteer Lisa Kaslon have been very hands off when it comes to Legacy. I can't say that I've ever been part of something quite like this before, where the students have truly just taken ownership, Belitz said. Lisa and I come in the meeting and take some notes for them and that's the extent. These young people have done everything that theyve told you about. They have done it. We have not done it. It's really been extraordinary. Members of Legacy, which is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, contacted landowners about the possibility of donating land for the drive-in and researched the cost of equipment like screens and projectors, as well as the cost of concessions and wages for the students who will be working there. Theyve set a baseline cost estimate at $70,000, which they hope to raise through corporate and private donations, as well as ads that will play before the movies begin. And thanks to a grant from Cargill, Legacy is already $20,000 of the way there. We've been sitting in a meeting with (Legacy members) and someone else, and whoever the someone else is is just blown away by how prepared, knowledgeable, just ready for the meeting that they are, Belitz said. Gov. Jim Pillen, who is soon to control the states historical society, wants to pick his own director. Pillen last week called for applicants for the job of director of History Nebraska, setting a July 3 deadline for a position that paid its last top administrator $164,800 a year. In doing so, the governor abandoned a search process by the History Nebraska Board of Trustees, which had identified four finalists by January. The board was ready to begin interviewing finalists when a bill was introduced in the Nebraska Legislature to change History Nebraska from an independent state agency, managed by its director and board, to one overseen by the governor. Under the measure passed by the Legislature, LB1169, the governor appoints the director subject to the approval of state lawmakers. The director serves at the pleasure of the governor under the bill, which becomes law on July 18. In the past, they served at the pleasure of the History Nebraska Board of Trustees, a 14-member panel partly elected by History Nebraska members and partly appointed by the governor. That board now becomes an advisory committee to the director. Sean Flowerday of Lincoln, the current president of the Board of Trustees, said that the board had offered the governor to pick from among the four finalists already vetted. Pillen, though, opted to conduct his own selection process, which is his prerogative now under the new law. Flowerday said those four finalists have been forwarded to the governor to be considered in his selection process. At this point, were just trying to make it as smooth of a process as possible and make it as easy as we can on the staff while keeping the agency operating, he said. Were waiting to see what changes the administration wants to make, and well do our best to work with those. Interestingly, Pillens news release referred to History Nebraska under its old name, the Nebraska State Historical Society. A governors spokeswoman didnt immediately respond to a question about whether that signaled a possible return to the old name or if it was unintentional. Trevor Jones, the former director, implemented the name change in 2018 to reflect a more friendly name that showed what we do. The proposal to change governance grew out of recent turmoil at the historical agency. That included the resignation two years ago of Jones, an audit critical of a $270,000 diversion of funds orchestrated by Jones, and then the filing of a felony theft by deception charge against Jones by the Nebraska Attorney Generals Office. Jones, 52, awaits trial in Lancaster County District Court after his attempts to get the charges dismissed were rejected. He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Jones has pleaded not guilty. State Sen. Steve Erdman of Bayard, who introduced the bill shifting the governance of History Nebraska, had said the Jones affair and a past embezzlement case involving an assistant agency director called for more oversight of the historical society. Some members of the board of trustees disputed that there was a current lack of oversight, but the Erdman bill passed easily, on a 39-4 vote. The future of a fundraising foundation set up by Jones, the History Nebraska Foundation, remains unclear. That foundation currently lacks an executive director and Flowerday said there have been no discussions to hire a replacement. Jones had set up the new foundation amid a spat with the long-running and better-funded Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation over the use of donated funds. The History Nebraska Foundation was intended to replace the established foundation, however, the new entity never gained traction or donations the $270,000 diverted to it by Jones, allegedly illegally, was the largest. Jill Dolberg, who had headed History Nebraskas historic preservation office, has served as interim director since Jones resigned. At least four other states, including neighboring Iowa and Kansas, have historical societies in which the governor picks the director, according to the American Association for State and Local History. Nebraskas historical society had operated as an independent entity since its founding in 1878. Applications for director of History Nebraska can be submitted via the website: https://governor.nebraska.gov/board-comm-req or mailed to: Office of the Governor, P.O. Box 94848, Lincoln, NE 68509-4848. 25 of Lincoln's grandest old houses Beattie Miles house Fairview Hitchcock house Murphy Sheldon house Yates house Tyler house Calhoun house Whitehall Eddy-Taylor house Ferguson house Gillen house Guy A. Brown house Harris house Kennard house Kiesselbach house Lewis-Syford house Phillips house Royers-Williams house Ryons-Alexander house Spalding house Thayer house Watkins house Woods house Yost house Ziemer house YORKVILLE Village leaders have agreed to use eminent domain to acquire property for a new fire station, but the property owner says a court fight is not necessary. Eminent domain is the process of government taking private property for public purposes while a judge determines how much the property owner should be compensated. Yorkville Village Board members voted Monday to use eminent domain to acquire 10 acres of a privately owned farm along U.S. Highway 45 to build a new home for the Union Grove-Yorkville Fire Department, which serves both communities. Yorkville trustees passed a resolution calling the proposed firehouse a needed civic improvement, and describing acquisition of the farmland as a public purpose. It is also a determination of necessity for that project, the measure stated. Village Administrator Mike McKinney said the farmland owned by Orazio Pollina is the best option the village has identified for building the new fire station. McKinney also said eminent domain is the appropriate process, and that the decision does not involve the Village of Union Grove. Yorkville is pursuing eminent domain on its own, he said. The board vote authorizing eminent domain was 3-0, with Village President Doug Nelson absent and Trustee Robert Funk abstaining because he farms part of Pollinas property. Nelson and the other board members could not be reached for comment. Yorkville and Union Grove have been discussing the need for a new joint fire station for the past two years. Public discussions have focused largely on finding the right location and determining how to pay for the project. Union Grove Village President Steve Wicklund said he had no idea Yorkville had chosen a site, or that officials had decided to invoke eminent domain authority, sometimes known as condemnation. Wicklund also said he was not familiar with the Pollina farm site as a prospective location for the firehouse. And he was not ready to say whether he supports using eminent domain for the project. I dont know what theyve got going on, he said of his Yorkville counterparts. The Union Grove-Yorkville Fire Commission, which includes representatives of both communities, met Wednesday night. There was no discussion about Yorkvilles actions regarding the Pollina farm property, except that Village Trustee Steve Nelson mentioned pursuing real estate along Highway 45. The site is a 32-acre farm at 2705 S. Colony Ave., of which Yorkville is planning to acquire 10 acres, not including a farmhouse. Contacted at his home near Chicago, Pollina said he was surprised to hear Yorkville was considering using eminent domain. He offered to sell the property, he said, and Yorkville officials instead told him they decided to build the firehouse elsewhere. Pollina said he had a brief exchange with village officials about three weeks ago. I tried to negotiate, he said. They never came back and negotiated. Consultants in 2022 urged Union Grove and Yorkville to replace the existing firehouse at 700 Main St. in Union Grove with a larger and modernized facility projected to cost nearly $10 million. The cost would be divided between the two municipalities served by the fire department. The initial proposed site was behind St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 3320 S. Colony Ave., Union Grove. But officials decided to consider other sites. In addition to authorizing eminent domain on the Pollina farm, Yorkville trustees Monday agreed to hire Valbridge Property Advisors of Milwaukee to perform an appraisal. The village will pay $5,500 for an appraisal that should be completed within five weeks. Racine County real estate records show the farm is assessed for tax purposes at $322,100, with a yearly property tax bill of $4,786. Eminent domain proceedings take place before a judge in Racine County Circuit Court. Typically in such cases, the only issue to be decided is how much a property owner should be paid for land being taken by government for public use. Private land often is condemned to clear the way for highway construction, utility improvements or other government functions deemed to be of vital public interest. Pollina said he purchased the 32-acre farm two years ago for about $700,000. After Yorkville officials inquired about purchasing 10 acres, Pollina said, he offered to sell it for about $500,000. The last thing he heard from village officials, he said, was that they had decided to look elsewhere. If officials now are planning to take the property through eminent domain, Pollina said, he fears the village is trying to deny him a fair price. In addition, he said, both sides will have to spend money on attorneys fighting in court rather than simply negotiating. Its my land, he said. I dont know what theyre gaining in trying to take it from me. Intro By CHRIS CAROLA, Associated Press Machine guns. Tanks. Chemical weapons. Warplanes. Submarines. Trench coats. Wristwatches. Thursday marks the 100th anniversary of the U.S. entry into World War I, and some of the innovations that were developed or came into wide use during the conflict are still with us today. America entered nearly three years after the war began, joining Britain, France and Russia in the fight against Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. When it ended on Nov. 11, 1918, more than 4.7 million Americans had served and some 115,000 died. The world's first mechanized war introduced enhanced weaponry and equipment, most of it designed to take lives but some of it aimed at saving lives. Here's a look at some of the things that were new to soldiers that we take for granted today. Above: An Apple Watch on display in Chicago in September 2016. Flash Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrives in Adelaide, Australia, June 15, 2024, for an official visit to Australia. During his stay, Li and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will co-chair the ninth China-Australia Annual Leaders' Meeting and jointly attend a China-Australia CEO Roundtable Meeting. [Photo by Rao Aimin/Xinhua] Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Adelaide Saturday for an official visit to Australia. During his stay, Li and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will co-chair the ninth China-Australia Annual Leaders' Meeting and jointly attend a China-Australia CEO Roundtable Meeting. Li said the exchanges between China and Australia have a long history, and the friendship between the two peoples is ever stronger. In 2014, Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a historic visit to Australia and the two countries established a comprehensive strategic partnership, Li said. Since then, exchanges and cooperation in various fields have been accelerating and upgrading, while mutual benefit and win-win cooperation have remained the mainstream of bilateral ties. Last year, Albanese paid a successful visit to China, the Chinese premier said, when bilateral relations have returned to the right track after twists and turns. History has proven that respecting each other, seeking common ground while shelving differences, and carrying out mutually beneficial cooperation are valuable experience in the development of China-Australia relations, and need to be upheld and carried forward, he said. Noting that his visit came on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership, Li said he looks forward to having in-depth exchanges of views with Australian leaders and friends from all walks of life on China-Australia relations and issues of common concern, as well as jointly discussing cooperation, development and friendship. A more mature, stable and fruitful China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership will be a shared asset for both peoples, Li said, adding that China is willing to work with Australia to that end. This is the second leg of Li's three-nation tour following his official visit to New Zealand. 1. Yes. They look better and require less maintenance. Most high-end housing areas have them. 2. Yes. Wood fences can weather and look unsightly, plus masonry walls help to block sound. 3. No. Residents should have a choice of what kind of barriers are put up near their homes. 4. No. Allowing a variety of materials will be better for aesthetics, and costs may be lower. 5. Unsure. Its hard to say. Masonry walls may be sturdier, but mandating them is problematic. Vote View Results International Steinway piano artist James McDonough will present a solo concert Monday June 24, 7 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 700 N. Bloomfield Road in Lake Geneva. An 8 p.m. reception will be held after the concert and will include a meet-and-great with McDonough. The event is being sponsored by the Prime Timers of Immanuel. The concert will feature McDonoughs arrangements from the silver screen and Broadway, as well as inspirational, patriotic and classical music. Im so excited about the upcoming concert, and cant wait to share some of the worlds most beautiful and well-known songs from a variety of genres, McDonough said in a press release. Im thankful to Immanuel for hosting this event, and I know its going to be a truly special evening. Tickets for the event, which includes concert and reception, are $20. Students may attend for no cost. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.immanuellg.org/ministries/prime-timers. Three local siblings have proposed a new, thirst-quenching event for downtown Lake Geneva. Ryne Rohde, 11; Benjamin Rohde, 9; and Anna Rohde, 7, presented plans for a Lemonade Crawl event to be held this summer to Lake Geneva Business Improvement District Board members during their June 5 meeting. Lemonade Crawl would include participating businesses offering samples of their lemonade recipes to customers with the top three business owners receiving a prize. The event would be similar to the former Cocoa Crawl, which was held during Winterfest several years ago, in which participating businesses offered samples of their hot cocoa recipes, as well as other treats. Its really just a summer Cocoa Crawl, Benjamin Rohde told the board members. Several of the Business Improvement District Board members offered the children suggestions on how to make the event a reality. How can we help you make this be a successful event?, Beth Tumas, Business Improvement District Board member, asked the children. Benjamin Rohde responded, Maybe you can tell people about it and stuff. That will be something that will need to happen to get this working. Tumas said Business Improvement District officials could contact downtown business owners to inform them about the proposed event. She also advised the children to develop posters for the event, present them to the downtown business owners and encourage them to participate. When you make a poster its important that this gets out to the businesses, maybe two or three weeks prior to the event, Tumas told the children. Ryne Rohde said, Thats what I want to do. Valerie Rohde, the childrens mother, said they would have no issue talking with the business owners about the proposed event. She said her children developed the idea for the Lemonade Crawl to have another summertime event in downtown Lake Geneva. They are talkers and they love talking to local businesses. So it will be fun for us to go meet new business owners and some of the ones we already know, Valerie said. We were hoping it would not be too much of a burden on the businesses. We dont know why Cocoa Crawl ended, if it was just a lot for people. We thought this might be fun, and making lemonade might not be too cumbersome so the business owners might think thats a way to draw up some business and get some locals to visit. The children initially proposed to conduct the Lemonade Crawl on a Friday or Saturday in July, but Aletha Salgado, Business Improvement District Board member, proposed that the event be held during a weekday when business owners are not as busy. I would make a suggestion. I would say maybe do this on a Wednesday or a Thursday, Salgado said. Because I think that will get a lot more support from the businesses if you do it on a day thats not too busy with customers. Benjamin responded, Yes, thats a good idea. Anthony Silvestri, Business Improvement District Board member, proposed that the event be held Tuesday, Aug. 20 because that is set to be National Lemonade Day. Silvestri said that is also the Tuesday after the Lake Geneva Venetian Festival, and most downtown businesses do not experience a lot of foot traffic on Tuesdays. Tuesdays are usually the slower days for all the businesses in town, Silvestri said. So it kind of works out. Benjamin indicated that they might consider holding the event in August. I think maybe we should do it in August, he said. Salgado asked the children if they had considered prizes for the top-finishing businesses. Benjamin said, Maybe we can give them a gift card to somewhere. Thats a good idea, Salgado responded. Spyro Condos, Business Improvement District Board member, proposed that the participating business owners offer coupons or discounts at their establishments during the Lemonade Crawl. Which would bring more people to them, Condos said. People could go somewhere and get a deal on something. Business Improvement District Executive Director Alexandria Binanti told the children that they would have to obtain an event permit from the city in order to host the Lemonade Crawl. After some discussion, the Business Improvement District Board members unanimously approved to assist the children with promoting the event and obtaining a permit from the city. Binanti said she will contact downtown business owners to inform them about the proposed event in the near future. The sooner we get some of the businesses to sign up and do this, the better, Binanti said. Because then they can promote it. We can talk about that and help you with that and get the businesses to sign up. Valerie said her children have been thinking about conducting the Lemonade Crawl for about a year. They thought about it last year, but they never took action on it. Time went by and then when we met the mayor at the library last week, we decided to go up and say Hi and tell the idea to the mayor, Valerie said. They love lemonade. They loved the Cocoa Crawl back when the Cocoa Crawl was going on. So they thought this would be a way to have something fun during the summer, enjoying their favorite drink. Valerie feels the Lemonade Crawl would be an enjoyable event that would help attract people to the downtown businesses. What we liked about the Cocoa Crawl is that we got to meet a lot of business owners, and some of the businesses we wouldnt have gone into or hadnt gone to before, Valerie said. So we thought, What a nice way to get out and walk around. Fourth Annual Lake Geneva Bacon Fest features plenty of food and live entertainment Employees of Smokie Boyz BBQ prepare some food for hungry guests at the Lake Geneva Bacon Fest. Members of the Soul Chasers perform some bacon-inspired tunes during the Lake Geneva Bacon Fest Ashely Leakakos of Mid-City Grill prepares to serve food and drinks to Bacon Fest attendees A variety of food was available for purchase during Bacon Fest including an assortment of cheese spreads Bacon Fest attendees enjoy some live music as part of the festivities Joseph Bobeng puts the finishing touches on some loaded cheese fries Roland Wolff and Jasmine Roman of the Baker House prepare to inform potential customers about the Lake Geneva Steak House Attendees enjoy some food during Lake Geneva Bacon Fest Jeff Wasielewski salts some kettle corn during Bacon Fest A selection Bacon Fest merchandise was available for purchase during the event Remy Herrejon of the Peanut Butter Pig sells some bacon-inspired treats during Bacon Fest Engineers at the Chinese company Ex-Robots are developing human-like robots at a factory in Chinas northeastern coastal city of Dalian. Their goal is to increase the ability of the companys robots to show facial expressions and emotions. Robot body parts like arms, feet, and heads are spread out around the factory. The parts are made from a soft, moveable material called silicone. And human-like robots in different stages of construction can be found nearby. Drawings of robot designs are on a wall. Li Boyang is Ex-Robots chief executive. He said, We have our own software and algorithm teams. Algorithms are commands or rules that a computer program follows. Robots need them to operate. Li said, There are many basic models and algorithms that are commonly open source, which everyone uses. Open-source programming is usually freely available to software developers to use in their systems. But Li said that his company is centering its efforts on how to get the artificial intelligence (AI) to recognize and express expressions and emotions. In a demonstration, for example, an Ex-Robots worker moved her head, smiled, and stuck out her tongue. A human-like robot then copied her movement using small motors placed in several spaces in its head. Li said, We are also working on the foundation model. The model were making is multi-modal and capable of emotional expression. Multi-modal AI can process different kinds of signals and can react to them. For example, a multi-modal system could react to video, text, sound or touch. Li added that it can examine the surrounding environment and produce correct facial feedback. Ex-Robots said it takes from two weeks to a month to produce a humanoid robot. The robots cost from $207,000 to $276,000. So far, the robots main purpose is to be shown in museums. One of the museums is in the same building as the Ex-Robots factory. Looking ahead, Li believes human-like robots will have a bigger part to play in the healthcare and education industries. He said that mental health treatments like psychological counselling are ways these robots will be used in the future. He added that his company is currently researching treatments and information gathering for mental health disorders. Li said, "Moreover, I believe that emotional interaction has broader applications in service fields, such as those aimed at children." Im Jill Robbins. Gregory Stachel adapted this Reuters story for VOA Learning English. ___________________________________________________ Words in This Story stage n. a level of development in a process such as building something construction n. the act or process of building something (such as a house or road) artificial intelligence n. an area of computer science that deals with giving machines the ability to seem like they have human intelligence tongue n. the soft, movable part in the mouth that is used for tasting and eating food and in human beings for speaking foundation n. the earliest model from which other models can be designed and built museum n. the soft, movable part in the mouth that is used for tasting and eating food and in human beings for speaking interaction v. to talk or do things with other people broader adj. including or involving many things or people: wide in range or amount If you bring a gun to school, you get arrested and face expulsion. Its that simple. Or at least it should be. Madison police say staff at La Follette High School on at least two occasions objected to police arresting at least one student who brought a gun to school. Two staffers even lied about being two students legal guardians, according to police reports. Those allegations are still being sorted out, with the school principal insisting in an email to parents that his security staffs hearts were in the right place. Maybe. But where were their heads? School security personnel cant look the other way when weapons are suspected or found on campus. Swift, clear action is needed to disarm dangerous threats so young people and staff are protected. Americas decades-long scourge of school shootings is too heartbreaking and deadly to hedge on safety. Police found a handgun and two magazines with rounds in them May 7 in a students backpack at La Follette High School on the citys South East Side. An unnamed security assistant at the school became erratic and upset at police for making the arrest, according to a police report. Were supposed to protect kids here, the security assistant told principal Mat Thompson, according to police. This is the second time youve done this to the student. The principal was just doing his job in alerting police and enforcing zero tolerance for firearms. If security staff are suggesting that shouldnt happen, theyre in the wrong job. Thompson noted in his email that school safety officials mentored and supported the student. We have amazing employees of color who were watching a student of color going into the system, Thompson wrote. They were, and are, heartbroken, and raw emotions and feelings surfaced. Thats understandable, given the disproportionate number of young Black men in the criminal justice system. But security staff blaming or deterring the principal or the police for holding the student accountable is disturbing. The high school has 1,500 students, and all of them deserve a school environment free from firearms. In a previous incident from 2022, a student was arrested at La Follette for having a stolen Glock .45-caliber handgun, converted to shoot BBs. Its not clear from police records if that was the same student arrested in the first incident. Two staff members falsely claimed they were the legal guardians of two students being investigated in the case, according to police. They also yelled at police as they escorted the arrested student out of the building. Thompson said in his email that school officials enjoy a positive partnership with police and appreciate everything they do to keep our school and community safe. Thats good to hear, though the police arresting the student with the gun May 7 reported animosity from staff. Parents and students need reassurance from school leaders that firearms wont be tolerated in any way. A rash of gun violence last weekend in Madison only heightens public concern. Three incidents left one dead and at least 14 injured, including 12 hurt in a mass shooting on a Downtown rooftop during what may have been a graduation celebration. So far this year, gunfire has been reported during 18 of the first 23 weeks in Madison, according to Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway. Madison can only do so much to stop gun violence, given stubborn resistance to sensible gun restrictions from state and federal officials, most of them Republicans. But one thing Madison can and must do is forbid guns in schools. The graduation last week of the survivors of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre of 2012 reminded Madison and the nation of the horror far too many communities have suffered. Graduates from the Newtown, Connecticut, school district shared a moment of silence for the 20 classmates they lost. Madison must never let down its guard against such a tragedy here. Wisconsin State Journal editorial board The views expressed in the editorials are shaped by the board, independent of news coverage decisions elsewhere in the newspaper. STAFF MEMBERS KELLY LECKER, Executive editor SCOTT MILFRED, Editorial page editor PHIL HANDS, Editorial cartoonist COMMUNITY MEMBERS JAMES L. HOWARD JENNY PRICE The foreign debt of the Philippines climbed by nearly $10 billion, or 8.3 percent, to reach $128.7 billion as of end-March from a year ago, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said over the weekend. It said that on a quarter-on-quarter basis, the external debt rose 2.6 percent from $125.4 billion as of end-December 2023. - Advertisement - The BSP said despite the uptick in the debt stock, the external debt ratio (EDT expressed as a percentage of gross domestic product) remained at prudent levels, recording at 29 percent from 28.7 percent in the last quarter of 2023. It said that other key external debt indicators also remained at comfortable levels. The gross international reserves (GIR) reached $104.1 billion as of end-March 2024 and represented 3.8 times cover for short-term (ST) debt based on the remaining maturity concept. The debt service ratio (DSR), which relates principal and interest payments (debt service burden) to exports of goods and receipts from services and primary income, improved to 8.9 percent from 13 percent in the same period last year on lower scheduled debt service payments in the first quarter of 2024. The DSR and the GIR cover for ST debt are measures of the adequacy of the countrys foreign exchange [FX] resources to meet maturing obligations, the BSP said. BSP said the rise in the debt level was due to resident entities net availments of $2.5 billion, largely by private sector banks which raised $2.1 billion funds from offshore creditors for general corporate expenditures, refinancing of borrowings and liquidity purposes. Meanwhile, the $331 million net availments by public sector entities were mainly driven by the national government (NG) to fund its various projects/programs which include initiatives to enhance tax system efficiency and foster an enabling environment for digital technology adoption. Positive investor sentiment also contributed to the growth in the debt stock as investments in Philippine debt securities by non-residents rose by $1.2 billion, the BSP said. Prior periods adjustments also increased the countrys debt level by $551 million. The negative $927 million FX revaluation of borrowings denominated in other currencies amid US dollar appreciation partially tempered the rise in the debt stock. Data showed that as of end-March 2024, the maturity profile of the countrys external debt remained predominantly MLT in nature or those with original maturities longer than one year, with its share to total at 86.7 percent. Visiting a Central Asian country that was once part of the Soviet Union is a unique opportunity, so when my friends mentioned their trip to Uzbekistan, I made sure to tag along. Although Tashkent is the capital of the country, we chose to focus on Samarkand, a 2,750-year-old city known for its rich cultural heritage. Despite being the countrys third-largest city, it holds significant historical importance. Samarkand was conquered by Alexander the Great in 329 BC, destroyed by Genghis Khan in 1220 AD, and eventually rebuilt by Timur centuries later. One of the citys major attractions is the Gur-e-Amir, the towering tomb of Timur. Samarkand is renowned for its ornate and colorful mosques and mausoleums. - Advertisement - The Ulugh Beg is one of the three madrassahs at the Registan Square Samarkand is right along the historical Silk Road, a 6400-kilometer trade route in the 2nd Century BC, which facilitated economic, cultural, political, and religious interactions between the East and the West. Simply put, the Silk Road was the ancient trade route that linked China to the Mediterranean countries. We couldnt wait to learn more about this Uzbek city so, after checking into our hotel, we immediately engaged a tour operator to show us the citys interesting attractions. What immediately caught my attention was how clean and well-designed the citys roads are. I couldnt see a single piece of litter along the way, and colorful flowering plants were always on both sides of the road, even those in the downtown area. The breathtaking facade of the mausoleum of Imam al-Maturidi The citys old section has historical buildings and monuments, shops, and old private houses, while the new section holds administrative buildings, cultural centers, and educational institutions. The hotel were staying at is in the new section, part of a vast tourism complex that includes the citys 28000-square-meter Congress Center which is fronting our hotel and the Hilton Samarkand Regency. The Gur-e-Amir was our tours first stop. It is an octahedral mausoleum, crowned by a blue dome, with its exterior walls made up of blue, light blue, and white tiles set up into a geometrical pattern against a terracotta background. Inside the main chamber is the tomb of Timur, easily identified because a solid block of dark green jade is placed over it. This piece of gemstone has great historical value because it was used as part of worship in an emperors palace and on the throne of a descendant of Genghis Khan. Samarkand is Uzbekistans third largest city found right along the Silk Road The next stop was right at the center of the city, the most important attraction in Samarkand. Registan Square banners the very best of Oriental architecture. Three grand buildings face the center of the square, and each one of them has its unique decor. Taken from an Uzbek word, Registan means a sandy place, because in the olden days, this location was all covered with sand. The square started with no buildings around it and was the venue for gathering residents to announce the new rules of Genghis Khan, for celebrations, and executions. Many centuries later, two rulers at different times built the three madrassahs, Arabic for schools, that now dominate the area. The one at the center, Ulugh Beg, is named after a popular mathematician and astronomer. The city is renowned for its ornately designed, colorful mosques and mausoleums The madrassah on the right is named Sher-Dor, meaning with lions, and has on its summit two large mosaics of lions, which were made to represent students, ready to attack two deer, which represent knowledge. A student has to exert effort to gain knowledge. The building on the left is named Tilla-Kori, which means gilded, because the walls of this madrassah have an abundance of golden colors, beautifully framed by two strong minarets. There are many other interesting things about Samarkand, like being the city of Scheherazade, the very popular narrator of A Thousand and One Nights but, due to space constraints, those will have to wait for next week. For feedback, Im at bobzozobrado@gmail.com President Marcos on Friday said the government is taking all possible measures to ensure the safety and repatriation of Filipino seafarers aboard the MV Tutor. In a short video, President Marcos said the countrys officials are coordinating with the UK Maritime Trade Operations to secure the crews immediate transfer to Djibouti. - Advertisement - We are coordinating with the UK Maritime Trade Operations and looking for a way to bring you to Djibouti first. From there, arrangements are being made for the seafarers to return home to the Philippines, he said. Rest assured, we are doing everything in our power to bring them home safely, the President added. President Marcos vowed to provide aid and ensure their return is ongoing, with a focus on ensuring the crews well-being throughout the process. The MV Tutor was attacked by Houthi rebels on Friday morning. According to the Department of Migrant Workers, 22 Filipino seafarers were onboard and one was reportedly missing. North Koreas military has been building roads and walls inside the Demilitarized Zone that separates it from the South, the Yonhap news agency reported Saturday. The construction activities are taking place north of the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) that runs through the middle of the DMZ, the South Korean agency said, citing an unnamed military source. - Advertisement - The report follows an incident last week when South Korean forces fired warning shots after North Korean soldiers briefly crossed the MDL. South Korean authorities said it was likely accidental, and Yonhap quoted a military spokesman as saying some of the North Koreans were carrying work tools. Recently, the North Korean military has been erecting walls, digging the ground and constructing roads in some areas between the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) and the Northern Limit Line in the DMZ, the military source said, according to Yonhap on Saturday. It was not clear what they were building, the source told Yonhap. When asked about the report, the South Korean military said in a statement that it was closely tracking and monitoring the activities of the North Korean military, and that further analysis is required. It said it could not share the South Korean response to these actions to ensure the safety of the personnel proceeding with an operation, without offering further details. South Koreas spy agency told AFP this week that it had detected signs that North Korea was demolishing sections of a railway line connecting the two countries. That followed an escalation in the propaganda war between the two Koreas. North Korea sent more than a thousand balloons carrying trash into the South, describing them as retaliation for the propaganda balloons sent the other way by anti-Pyongyang activists. Then, South Korea resumed blasting K-pop songs and news broadcasts at the North, using loudspeakers installed at the border. The resumption of the loudspeaker campaign prompted Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, to threaten an unspecified new countermeasure. North Korea strictly controls the flow of information inside its borders, and is extremely sensitive about its people gaining access to South Korean content, especially pop culture. It has previously threatened artillery strikes against the South Korean loudspeakers a psychological warfare tactic that dates back to the 1950-53 Korean War. Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino strongly encouraged Filipino fishermen to take extra precautions when venturing into their traditional fishing grounds in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). This comes after China imposed a new policy to arrest and detain fishermen for up to 60 days without trial within its claimed territories, which include the disputed Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal). - Advertisement - Tolentino noted that Filipino law enforcers historically patrolled Bajo de Masinloc, ensuring the areas status as a traditional fishing ground of the Philippines. In the past, foreign fishermen, including Chinese and Vietnamese, were apprehended for illegal poaching in these waters. And now it is the other way around. We will be detained for 60 days without trial, said Tolentino, chair of the Senate Special Committee on Maritime and Admiralty Zones. Tolentino recently met with Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo to discuss the implications of Chinas new policy. They agreed that any detainment of Filipino fishermen by Chinese authorities would constitute a severe escalation in the ongoing maritime dispute. A major concern is the ambiguity surrounding the location where detained Filipino fishermen would be held. Despite this, Tolentino reiterated the stance of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG): Filipino fishermen should continue to fish and assert their rights in the WPS. The senator also addressed the enforcement of Chinas domestic laws in the WPS. He warned that recognizing these laws could lead to the de facto surrender of the Philippines traditional fishing grounds. This would be a significant blow to the sovereignty and fishing rights of the Filipino people. Masinloc, Zambales Mayor Arsenia Lim expressed her apprehension regarding the potential arrest of local fishermen. She raised concerns about the practicalities of consular visits under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, which applies to the detainment of citizens in foreign territories. Lim noted that recognizing consular visits to Bajo de Masinloc would imply acceptance of Chinese jurisdiction over the area. In light of these developments, the mayor advised fishermen from Masinloc to avoid high-risk areas. The local community has already suffered significantly, with more than half of their previous catch lost due to the ongoing threats from China. Lim also highlighted the financial strain on those who invested in payao (fish aggregating devices), which require substantial capital, often exceeding P100,000. Filipino Muslims gathered to celebrate the feast of Eid al-Adha on Sunday. In Manila, prayers were held at the Quirino grandstand and the Blue Mosque in Barangay Maharlika Village, Taguig City. Meals were then shared among families, friends, and the needy. President Marcos Jr. had declared today a regular holiday for the observance of Eidl Adha. - Advertisement - Jalal Jamil, grand imam of the Golden Mosque, offered a prayer for the Filipino people. We should respect each other regardless of whatever religion or faith one has. And respect each others traditions even if we are not one in our beliefs. let us unite as Filipinos, Jamil said.In Mina, Saudi Arabia, pilgrims performed Sunday the last major ritual of the hajj, the stoning of the devil, in western Saudi Arabia, as Muslims the world over celebrated the Eid al-Adha holiday. Beginning at dawn, the 1.8 million Muslims undertaking the pilgrimage this year threw seven stones at each of three concrete walls symbolizing the devil in the Mina valley, located outside Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. The ritual commemorates Abrahams stoning of the devil at the three spots where it is said Satan tried to dissuade him from obeying Gods order to sacrifice his son. The stoning ritual has been witness to multiple stampedes over the years, most recently in 2015 when up to 2,300 worshippers were killed in the worst hajj disaster. The site has been revamped since then to streamline the movement of the large crowds. Roads leading to the concrete walls were nevertheless packed early Sunday, with some pilgrims visibly struggling under the morning sun. Some sat on the side of the road to rest and drink water, while others stretched out on the ground, apparently exhausted. On Saturday, temperatures reached 46 degrees Celsius (114.8 degrees Fahrenheit) in Arafat, where pilgrims performed hours of outdoor prayers. One treatment center in the area recorded 225 cases of heat stress and fatigue, the official Saudi Press Agency reported. That figure was not comprehensive. Last year more than 10,000 cases of heat-related illnesses were documented during the hajj, 10 percent of which were heat stroke, a health ministry spokesman told Agence France Presse (AFP). It was very, very hot, Rohy Daiseca, a 60-year-old Gambian living in the United States, told AFP on Saturday night as pilgrims collected stones to throw. PRAYERS. Two Muslims pray on the rooftop of a house due to the large number of people attending the morning prayer or Fajr at the Golden Mosque in Globo De Oro in Manila on Sunday, during the celebration of Eidl Adha or Feast of Sacrifice. Danny Pata Alhamdulillah (praise be to God), I put a lot of water on my head and it was OK. Worshippers have tried to take the gruelling conditions in stride, seizing what for many is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to pray at Islams holiest shrines. I am so happy that I cant describe my feelings, said Amal Mahrouss, a 55-year-old woman from Egypt. This place shows us that we are all equal, that there are no differences between Muslims around the world. One of the five pillars of Islam, the hajj must be performed at least once by all Muslims with the means. This years figure of 1.8 million pilgrims is similar to last years, and Saudi authorities said on Saturday that 1.6 million of them came from abroad. Feast of the sacrifice The stoning ritual coincides with Eid al-Adha, or the feast of the sacrifice, which honors Abrahams willingness to sacrifice his son before God offered a sheep instead. Worshippers typically slaughter a sheep and offer part of the meat to the needy. This years hajj and Eid al-Adha holiday have been clouded by the war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip. We dont feel the Eid holiday because our brothers in Gaza are oppressed under the (Israeli) occupation, said Najem Nawwar, a 43-year-old Egyptian pilgrim. King Salman invited 2,000 Palestinians to the hajj at his own expense including relatives of Gazans who have sought refuge elsewhere. But Saudi authorities have warned no political slogans would be tolerated during the pilgrimage. That has not stopped many worshippers from voicing solidarity with Palestinians. We pray for them and for the liberation of Palestine, so that we have two holidays instead of one, said Wadih Ali Khalifah, a 32-year-old Saudi pilgrim. In a message to hajj pilgrims on Saturday, Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the ironclad resistance of Palestine and the patient, oppressed people of Gaza must be fully supported in every way. The world watches, with bated breath, as this epic contest unfolds In the tumultuous arena of global power, a high-stakes chess match unfolds in the Indo-Pacific. On one side stands China, advancing its formidable Blue Dragon strategy, a geopolitical gambit aimed at asserting dominance over crucial maritime routes and expanding its sphere of influence. - Advertisement - On the other side is the United States, with its Indo-Pacific Strategy designed to counter Beijings ambitions, ensuring freedom of navigation and regional stability. The outcome of this struggle could redefine the world order, influencing everything from global trade costs to military alliances. As we delve into this geopolitical drama, it becomes evident why Chinas strategy faces formidable hurdles, while the United States might find a more favorable path to success. Chinas Blue Dragon strategy is ambitious and multifaceted, seeking to establish control over the East China Sea, the South China Sea, and the Indian Ocean. This involves a combination of militarizing artificial islands, asserting extensive territorial claims, and strategically positioning itself to influence key maritime routes. The South China Sea, in particular, has become a flashpoint. With its man-made islands bristling with military hardware, China aims to project power and control vital shipping lanes. However, Chinas strategy is fraught with significant challenges. First and foremost, the international communitys reaction has been one of increasing resistance. The arbitrary nine-dash line claim, which covers almost 90 percent of the South China Sea, has been widely rejected. In 2016, an international tribunal in The Hague ruled against Chinas claims, although Beijing has dismissed the ruling. This defiance of international law has not only strained Chinas relations with its neighborssuch as Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysiabut has also galvanized a broader coalition of countries wary of Chinas intentions. Furthermore, Chinas aggressive posturing in the region has provoked a robust response from the United States and its allies. The US Navys freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) challenge Chinas territorial assertions by sailing through disputed waters, thereby underscoring the commitment to keep these critical waterways open. Additionally, the US is deepening its security partnerships with countries like Japan, Australia, and India, forming a quasi-alliance known as the Quad, which serves as a counterbalance to Chinas growing influence. Economically, Chinas approach also has its vulnerabilities. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which includes heavy investments in port infrastructure in countries like Sri Lanka, has led to accusations of debt-trap diplomacy. For instance, Sri Lankas Hambantota Port, leased to China for 99 years after the country struggled to repay Chinese loans, has become a symbol of potential overreach and backlash against Chinese economic policies. Such perceptions can undermine Chinas soft power and erode trust among potential partners. In contrast, the United States, with its Indo-Pacific Strategy, is better positioned to succeed for several reasons. Firstly, the strategy is rooted in a broad coalition of like-minded democracies that share common values of freedom, rule of law, and open markets. This coalition includes not only traditional allies like Japan and Australia but also increasingly important partners like India and Southeast Asian nations. The diplomatic and military cooperation among these countries creates a formidable counterweight to Chinas ambitions. Moreover, the US enjoys significant advantages in terms of military capabilities and technological superiority. The presence of the US Seventh Fleet, with its advanced aircraft carriers and submarines, ensures a powerful deterrent against any unilateral attempts by China to alter the status quo. American bases in Japan, South Korea, and Guam provide strategic depth and flexibility, allowing for rapid deployment and sustained operations in the region. Economically, the United States continues to be a dominant force, with deep trade ties and investment relationships throughout the Indo-Pacific. Initiatives such as the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) aim to strengthen economic collaboration and infrastructure development, offering an alternative to Chinas BRI. The emphasis on fair and reciprocal trade practices resonates with many regional countries that seek balanced economic growth without becoming overly dependent on Beijing. While the Indo-Pacific theater remains a landscape of uncertainty and competition, the structural advantages of the United States, coupled with its network of alliances and commitment to international norms, suggest a more resilient strategy. Chinas Blue Dragon strategy, despite its boldness, encounters significant geopolitical, legal, and economic barriers that undermine its long-term viability. In this suspenseful narrative of geopolitical maneuvering, the stakes could not be higher. The outcome will shape not only the future of the Indo-Pacific but also the broader global order. As the US fortifies its partnerships and upholds the principles of freedom and security, the chances of a successful containment of Chinas expansive ambitions seem increasingly plausible. The world watches, with bated breath, as this epic contest unfolds. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum began his aviation career in 1985, when he was appointed President of the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation. In the same year, he became Chairman of the newly founded Emirates, and helmed the launch of the airline with two leased aircraft to two destinations from Dubai. Today, he leads the Emirates Group, which includes dnata. Emirates is now an award-winning global airline with a network of more than 150 destinations spanning six continents. With more than 270 aircraft, the airline has the worlds largest fleet of Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s. Under his leadership, Emirates has been profitable for the last 30 years, a rarity in the airline industry. dnata is one of the worlds largest air services providers that operates in 127 airports. Offering ground handling, cargo, travel, and flight catering services in 85 countries across six continents, dnata is a trusted partner for over 300 airline customers worldwide. Sheikh Ahmed has contributed immensely to Dubais global stature as a leading business, tourism, trade and transport hub, with aviation now accounting for 28% of its GDP. With several leadership roles in government, his role in the formulation of policies and strategies has helped strengthen Dubais vision, economy, communities and culture. He is a patron of many charitable organisations, and has won prestigious national and international accolades. Interview with Dr. Divine Ndhlukula, Founder and Managing Director of SECURICO Security Services How do you evaluate the current landscape and emerging patterns within Zimbabwes security sector? What obstacles and vulnerabilities do you perceive? When considering challenges in any sector, particularly in security, we face issues that are manageable within our scope. One notable challenge, especially in Zimbabwe, is the currency dynamics. The security industry is a significant employer, but many employees expect to be paid in stable currencies, whereas most clients prefer paying in Zimbabwean Dollars (ZWL), given the prevalent multi-currency regime. This misalignment in currency preferences creates a significant hurdle, especially since larger corporate clients often transact in ZWL due to their stockpile of local currency for procurement purposes. So, the primary challenge lies in reconciling the expectations of employees with the currency preferences of clients. Could you offer a brief historical overview of SECURICO and outline the extent of its operations? SECURICO is a comprehensive security company, which I often refer to as operating on a 360-degree model, encompassing various security offerings. We began with guarding services and expanded into electronic security systems, including CCTV, alarms, and access control installations. Additionally, we provide rapid response services for alarms. Another significant aspect of our business is end-to-end cash management services, catering to banks and other companies, which includes ATM replenishment and cash movement services. These services form the core of our revenue generation. While there are additional offerings such as panic systems and applications, the primary focus remains on electronic security systems and cash management. As for our origins, SECURICO was established 25 years ago, with humble beginnings operating from my kitchen table with just a handful of employees. Today, we are proud to be among the top three security companies in Zimbabwe, achieving this through a strategic focus on serving the top end of the market, particularly blue-chip companies. We made a conscious decision to steer clear of government contracts due to payment delays and currency issues prevalent in that sector. Instead, our target market comprises private sector entities and development organizations like NGOs and embassies. We believe we have played a significant role in transforming the security industry in Zimbabwe. SECURICO has always prioritized quality management, becoming the first security company to obtain ISO 9001 certification back in 2005 or 2006. Subsequently, we expanded our certifications to include Quality Management Systems (QMS), Environmental Management Systems (EMS), and Occupational Health and Safety. These certifications are crucial considering our operations in sectors like mining. Financially, we are well-capitalized, with a widespread geographical presence, spanning across all cities in Zimbabwe. This comprehensive approach has been integral to our growth and success over the years. What are your key competitive advantages? Our key value proposition lies in our meticulous approach to operations. We have developed a system where every task, whether it is moving cash or serving a customer, is executed with precision. Our systems are highly process-driven, ensuring clarity and accountability at every stage. Through certifications and stringent auditing processes, we maintain transparency and prevent any discrepancies from going unnoticed. This level of vigilance not only safeguards against potential disasters but also ensures that our customers consistently receive the value they deserve. Furthermore, we have cultivated a seamless integration with our clients businesses. For instance, in mining environments, we provide extensive training to our personnel, tailored to the specific demands of the industry. This ensures that our staff are well-equipped to meet the unique challenges of each sector we operate in. Additionally, our rigorous follow-up and follow-through mechanisms guarantee that customer expectations are not just met but exceeded. Our commitment to excellence is further validated by our certifications in environmental and occupational health and safety standards. In sectors like mining, where these standards are paramount, our track record speaks for itself. Recognized by entities such as the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) for our exemplary occupational health and safety practices, we have consistently set the benchmark in this regard. Would you consider inviting investors into the company? What message would you like to convey to potential investors? Well, yes, absolutely. Any business, in fact, is open to investors. Our company is no exception. It is an option we have been considering. We run a well-oiled operation with all our processes streamlined and our employees highly trained. We have fostered a distinct culture, what we call the SECURICO way, which has been ingrained since day one. This culture permeates through every aspect of our business, whether it is in Harare or the most remote parts of Zimbabwe. We have a solid client base who respect and appreciate our capabilities. Our reputation in the marketplace, not just in terms of business but also in leadership, is one of the strongest. People want to do business with those they trust, and we are known for walking the straight and narrow path. This integrity has earned us respect. While your headquarters are in Zimbabwe, are there any plans to expand your operations within the region? Absolutely. One of our core visions, since I started this business 25 years ago, was to establish ourselves as a significant player not only in Zimbabwe but also in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. We had envisioned expanding into three other countries in the SADC region by now. However, as you may understand, the economic landscape has been turbulent over the past 15 to 20 years, with numerous cycles of instability. Just when we thought we were ready to venture into Zambia, for instance, currency fluctuations wreaked havoc. Similarly, when we were considering entering Malawi, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to put our plans on hold. And even when we contemplate returning, the depreciation of the Malawi currency poses a significant challenge to our investment. These uncertainties have made expansion a cautious endeavor. Nonetheless, we remain keenly interested in the regional market and view it as a crucial aspect of our future growth strategy. What projects are you currently working on? What is your main focus? One of our key areas of focus for business growth is cash management and electronics, as we believe that is where the future lies with advancing technology. Currently, we are directing our efforts towards expanding these areas. We are pleased with the progress of recent installation projects we have undertaken. As a strategic decision, we have prioritized expanding our revenue streams in electronics and cash management, given the reduced need for human intervention and the potential for increased profitability. Could you elaborate on the concept of cash management and electronics? When we talk about cash management, it involves handling cash on behalf of various companies, including banks. Given that we are still predominantly a cash-based economy, especially with the abundance of US dollars in circulation due to our multi-currency regime, many companies prefer to receive their revenue in hard currency. As a result, we assist in managing their cash flow, both by depositing funds into banks and by physically moving cash. We have been entrusted with outsourced cash management by several banks, where we handle everything from ATM replenishment to cash distribution. This includes managing cash for tobacco companies, handling cash transfers for NGOs like UNICEF or the World Food Programme in rural areas, and other similar tasks. In essence, our cash management services encompass the entire cash handling process, providing end-to-end solutions for our clients. We see potential for significant profitability in this area, as it requires fewer human resources while offering lucrative returns. Similarly, when we refer to electronics, we are talking about our focus on technology-driven solutions. This includes areas such as electronic security systems like CCTV, alarm systems, and access control. We aim to expand our presence and capabilities in this field as well. What projects are you currently undertaking in electronic security systems? Can you provide an overview of your activities? Currently, we are focusing on projects involving the protection of infrastructure for companies like telecommunication and power companies. This includes safeguarding base stations for telecom companies and transformers for power companies across the country. We install electronic security systems to monitor and manage these assets on their behalf throughout the country. Could you recount a notable success story from SECURICO, an accomplishment that you take pride in? One of our major success stories was obtaining ISO 9001 certification in 2005, becoming the first in our industry to do so. This was a significant milestone for us as it demonstrated our commitment to excellence and quality management. Despite being a relatively small to medium-sized company at the time, this achievement positioned us as a serious player in the market. It was a game-changer that solidified our reputation and credibility within the industry. Could you provide details about the awards that SECURICO has earned? For us, the awards were really the icing on the cake. Our primary focus has always been on delivering exceptional service to our customers, and the market recognition through awards has been a testament to that. It is reflected in our ability to secure and retain key accounts. However, if I were to highlight a particular award, the Africa Award for Entrepreneurship in 2011 stands out. We were up against stiff competition, initially from 3600 companies, which was eventually narrowed down to 10 finalists who convened in Nairobi for the announcement of the winner. Despite coming from Zimbabwe, where the economy is comparatively smaller and less stable than countries like Nigeria and Kenya, we emerged victorious. The recognition we received was not just for running a successful company but also for our impact on Zimbabwean society. One of the key successes I am particularly proud of is breaking gender barriers in the security sector. When I started SECURICO, I faced resistance to hiring women from both clients and my own predominantly male management team. However, I firmly believed that intelligence and quick thinking were more important than physical strength in security roles. I had to persuade clients to accept female employees, and once they did, it became a game-changer. This is one of the success stories I am passionate about discussing the acceptance and success of women in the security sector. Could you provide information about your social responsibility initiatives and your activities in that area? Social responsibility is a cornerstone of our values. We believe in giving back to the community. It is not just about running a successful business; it is about making a positive impact in the community. Even when we won the Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship, our efforts in social responsibility were recognized. We prioritize providing opportunities to single mothers and widows, enabling them to send their children to school and improve their livelihoods. Additionally, we are deeply committed to various education-focused projects. For instance, on the 23rd of March, we are launching a computer lab in my rural area. This project has been in the works for the past two and a half years. We have set up a laboratory three years ago, and now we have finally installed computers purchased with funds raised from book sales. It is incredibly fulfilling to see the impact these initiatives have on learners, many of whom have never even seen a computer mouse before. These are just some of the ways we are making a difference in the community. What motivates and drives your actions? Could you share your personal philosophy? My philosophy in life is multifaceted and deeply rooted in the belief that every good deed holds the potential to unlock new opportunities. While I am grateful for the success I have achieved in building a thriving business, my purpose transcends personal gain. What truly motivates me is the profound impact I can have on shaping the future of African business leadership. You see, I view success not just as a measure of financial wealth, but as a platform for meaningful change. This conviction is what propels me to engage in various initiatives aimed at knowledge sharing and supporting aspiring entrepreneurs. Whether it is through speaking engagements, mentorship programs, or organizational endeavors, I am driven by the belief that by sharing what I have learned, I can inspire and empower others to reach their full potential. Moreover, as someone who has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education and economic empowerment, I am committed to initiatives that uplift marginalized communities, particularly women. This is why I spearheaded the establishment of the Women-Owned Business Trust, an initiative aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and economic autonomy among women. By providing access to corporate supply chains and facilitating growth opportunities, we aim to create a more equitable society where women are empowered to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and break free from cycles of economic dependency. Furthermore, my commitment to social responsibility extends beyond business endeavors. I firmly believe that by investing in education and economic empowerment, we can address root causes of societal issues such as domestic violence. By providing individuals, regardless of their background, with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed, we can pave the way for transformative change and a brighter future for all. In essence, my philosophy is centered around the belief that success is not just about personal achievement, but about leveraging ones platform and resources to uplift others and create positive change in the world. FAIR USE POLICY This material (including media content) may not be published, broadcasted, rewritten, or redistributed. However, linking directly to the page (including the source, i.e. Marcopolis.net) is permitted and encouraged. Vimal Shah shares his assessment of the manufacturing sector in East Africa and discusses the recent changes and trends since COVID began. He also talks about his projects and vision for Bidco Africa, East Africas leading manufacturer of Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG). Started in 1985, Bidco has continuously grown over the years and his now present in many countries, including Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Interview with Dr Vimal Shah, Chairman of Bidco Africa What have been the recent changes and trends since the COVID pandemic began? What is your assessment of the manufacturing sector itself? When we look at Africa, specifically Eastern Africa and the continent of Africa, we have been affected by COVID in positive, neutral, and negative ways. If we look at the results of the COVID pandemic, it has not been that devastating for Africa in terms of people dying and too many cases, etc. We have somewhat been having good immunity in that sense and it has not been terrible, unlike the US, India, or China where things are really bad. We have had a few cases, the lack of medication, the lack of vaccines recently. But then at the same time, there was some sort of a herd immunity in Africa. Obviously, there were a lot of problems because governments did not know how to deal with the pandemic. They were trying to deal with it the way that the US and European countries were doing. We do not have those sorts of financial resources in Africa to be able to put forward trillions of dollars just as stimulus packages. There were hardly any stimulus packages available for people or companies operating. For those who worked from home or those who worked outside, there were a lot of furloughs and there were a lot of people laid off from various places. Travel tourism was affected in a big way because a lot of people were not able to visit Africa. Apart from that, essential services like ours and manufacturing continued in some of the countries and we were not that badly hit. Overall, it has not been that crazy. However, when you look at tourism and you look at exports and a few products that had logistical challenges across the globe, what we have been hit with now is huge amounts of freight costs. What was coming out from China is now coming out at four, five, or even six times more in freight costs. Commodity prices went up drastically. That commodity price surge helped in a way for countries that are commodity producers. But those who are not commodity producers, those that are actually users and consumers, were negatively affected and now, they are paying the price of the high costs of importation. In Africa, manufacturing value add is not as big as it should be. We have been exporting a lot of raw materials, whereas finished goods coming from overseas have been coming in at various stages. Overall, cost comparison hit us. At the same time, medical health services were not able to keep up with what they should have because we did not have enough hospitals or nursing homes. Generally, the governments were short of funding and looking for aid from people like COVAX where we are getting free vaccines. We are still struggling with that. Even now, we are getting some vaccines as aid or donor funded. A lot of people are double vaccinated, but we are not 2% or 3% more than the world. Overall, going forward, we see a lot more opportunity for people to look at business but what changed for us in Africa was the risk perception. The risk perception of the world looking at Africa before was that it is much riskier, it is more difficult, it is not easy terrain. That becomes a boon for us in Africa. If we are based in Africa, then we know Africa and it is a benefit for us. Glocalization was in before, but now it is more localization of countries. Everybody is trying to say, what can I do for myself? This is where we had the beginning of the AfCFTA or the African Continental Free Trade Area. We have a full free trade agreement onboard; however, we have not been able to take advantage of it because we still do not have our logistics and our whole supply chain organized well. So, that is a work in process. But overall, it is not devastating news. There is good news on the horizon. Bidco has been the predominant player in this field and in the region for quite a long time. What has been the impact on Bidco specifically of these aforementioned issues? We actually repurposed ourselves into a lot of different products which are more value adding. This includes essential services, soaps, sanitizers, etc. Everything in that range that we used to do before, now are selling much more of. For Bidco as a company, we are in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Madagascar we were present in, but we recently shut down. But Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania have been doing well. Uganda is particularly enjoying the fruits of local agriculture. We had good rains, we had good water, we had good weather which means we had better harvests. Obviously, our product that we produce locally has a much higher increase in value. The economic environment in Uganda and East Africa is generally good, so that has helped a lot. Our governments are proactive on getting things moving. We did not have the luxury of the trillions of dollars of stimulus packages. We have to do it on our own. Banks went crazy because banks do not lend too much because everything looks risky to them. What transpired for Bidco was that we actually repurposed ourselves into a lot of different products which are more value adding. This includes essential services, soaps, sanitizers, etc. Everything in that range that we used to do before, now are selling much more of. Our volumes have gone up across the region. We are producing locally. Importation became a big hassle. Importation of finished goods and ready-made products slowed down which meant that for us in manufacturing who had benefited to a large extent before, now, we have local demand for locally produced products. Supply chains were disrupted and a lot of imports were affected. Because importation became difficult, it was actually a boon for local manufacturers who add value to local products. Also, in terms of our agriculture, some places did well last year because people were still working on farms. They were not scared of COVID because rural areas did not experience that level of big impact. It is the urban areas that were mainly hit. Overall, for Bidco, repurposing ourselves, moving on, we saw a 10% increase in volumes. Have you expanded your international presence? Did you have some mergers or acquisitions or some joint ventures that happened recently? We have had some joint ventures and some expansions in the region. We have actually expanded our space in soft drinks and beverages. We joined with a Danish company and we expanded our plant last year. In the midst of COVID, we started exporting from Kenya to Denmark, Qatar, and many other countries. We repurposed ourselves completely and that was quite crucial for us. Now we are looking at supply chains and at local production in a bigger way. We are examining how we can take local fruits and process them into different products and send them to the world. Apart from that, of course, we as a group are looking at many other avenues now. Digitization was a big issue and with that digitization, we are now looking at fintech as well as many more areas because there is a lot more that we can do from Africa. This is where a lot more of repurposing, going to the consumer, B2B and B2C, both business to business and business to consumer, is going to become bigger. Logistics is a big issue. Our exports to the region expanded and that allowed us to look at a lot of the local supply chains, mainly Eastern Africa and up to DRC Congo, South Sudan, Ethiopia. Ethiopia does not have the foreign currency which is the biggest issue there. But the rest of the markets are able to work quite well. We continue up to Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique. We are looking at all those markets in a much bigger way. More local production in this region will become the main thing going forward. What exactly have you put into place to expand on this digitization aspect and what are you planning to implement in the future? A lot of the processes that were manual before are now digitized. Work from home helped and contactless selling helped. People now do not want to go to a supermarket and they do not want to go to a retail store to shop. They want to buy from the convenience of their device and from a device, you just press a button, and you start buying. That convenience became a big thing and acceptance of that became a big thing. We have fast forwarded digitalization by five or six years. What was going to happen in a few years now has already happened because people are acquainted to buying online. Payments are all done online nowadays so there is very little cash moving across the board. It is all digitized. Information flow became a big thing. We put in SAP HANA. We also put in our new systems whereby we are now looking at sales automation, distributor management systems, and retail stores online. We have a lot of our customers coming online. Basically, the speed of everything goes up: it gets faster, it gets easier, and data travels so much more robustly and you can respond to it very quickly. If an order is placed in 10 minutes, you have the order, you are already sorting it out, you are sending it across, we have to organize the logistics, we have to organize the payments. That is a huge benefit here because in Africa, the adoption of digitalization was easy, was faster, was smoother, and we did not have a big hurdle to cross because bandwidth is available, mobile phones are available, digital is available, so the reach became easier. What are some of your recent success stories in 2021 for Bidco that you are proud of? What happens with digitization and that the whole sales automation and distribution management systems is that it gives you data on where things are working well and where things are not working well. What we are interested in is seeing where we are not working well, which areas have gaps, and where we need to optimize and really push off. Productivity went up by 60% to 80% from what it was before and we could identify gaps in the market much faster. Therefore, our response times became faster. Secondly, our operating cycles from cash to order, from order to inventory, from inventory to cash became much faster. That also helped a lot. Additionally, we are giving people the ability to choose data. All our customers now have a robot in their WhatsApp where they can get all their payment details, all their order details online in real time where they are. They do not have to call up a factory and ask what happened to their order. There is no need for that. So, customer service levels went up by 100% and the satisfaction of customers was much easier. People can now place an order, they can trace and track where the order is, what region, when it is coming. In terms of logistics, our partners are going paperless now. We do not need to have paper going to them and stamping a document of delivery. It is all done digitized and online. Now, the use of digital signatures is coming in. Payment cards are coming in. We look at that in the fintech area and that will change the landscape. Now, we can do entire expense management all online. There will be a lot more of that coming through and in the next few months, we should start rolling that out. What projects are you working on currently? We are working on a major project of transformation where we are looking at becoming much bigger and pan African. This is where we see a lot more scope of coming together, consolidating a lot of industries in different adjacencies, but only in fast moving consumer goods. We are not moving out of fast moving consumer goods. We will stay there. That is an area that we know the best and the consumer at the end has demand that is inelastic. They still consume, but they may be consuming from elsewhere. Therefore, we are looking at bigger distribution. We are looking at coming together especially with family owned businesses who have parents who are not there anymore or patriarchs who are not there anymore and they do not know what to do. We could provide a solution whereby we can come together, start pulling together, and making them part of a big pan African movement. We are calling it Dance Africa and we think it is the big panacea to sorting out a lot of problems such as fragmented markets and small markets where people do not have access. People want to be multi country, they want to be corporatized, they want to get digitization organized. We will do a plug and play where they can come in and work together with us and make things happen on a bigger scale. We can help them to scale up fast and help with putting people together, inviting investors to come together, and really making it a much bigger ship. It is a big mothership that we are building. We believe that for Africa, this would be a big solution for us because we do not expect the west to come in and start sorting things out for us or a big brother coming from Asia. We have to do it ourselves and we really have the mechanics of it. We can operate much bigger, much faster, and much more agilely for Africa. Do you work on your own or do you work with strategy consultants that are into the joint ventures that are attracting the right partners for you? We work with many consultants and with many people who are in the business. For them, it has to be best fit for purpose in terms of what they do and then we fit them in and work together. Smart partnerships are in and we are still looking for more. Really, it is an amazing space where it has never been done before and we are looking at that from a different angle. Consultants and people who work on it are advised to come onboard and look at it. However, we are moving away from the idea of a merge and acquisition in the old school way where people are strategic buyers or strategic sellers. This is much more of smart partnering and really a different tool. So, there is definitely room for a lot of people to come together. What drives you to do what you do? What is your philosophy in life What drives me and what I push for is staying MAD or making a difference. That is what drives me to not leave things the way they are, the way they should be, or the way they were before. Make a change and really make a positive difference to society, to our ecosystem, to our customers, to our people. I am born and brought up in Africa. I am going to die in Africa. This is where Africa needs a lot more self realization, self esteem. I believe that we have to really improve ourselves. We have a lot of positives in Africa and this is something that we do not realize ourselves. First and foremost, with our family systems, we must never eradicate them. We must keep them stronger because those bonds are very strong. Personalization and individualization like in the West is not the culture for us. This is something that is crucial. There is enough love and unconditional love and fondness which we want to portray. Everybody has it in them. The people of Africa are amazing and this is something that people do not know everywhere else. This is something that I want to work on and really keep on doing. As I wake up every day, I ask myself what difference I am going to make today and to whom. Even if I make a difference to a few people, it is not that it is going to make a big difference to the whole world, but it will to anybody here and at the heart of Africa. Secondly, there is no right way or wrong way. We find new pathways and that is where we can actually be far more innovative and really open up mindsets because a lot of our mindsets have been colonized by people who say that is the only way you should think and that is the only way you should look at something. I think we need to be different. This is where I believe that Africa can stand up to become the premier in the next 10, 20, 30, 40 years. Of course, my vision and goal for the company is a 2030 vision. It is to grab, grow, and sustain number one market share in the African markets by 2030. With that, we are looking at expanding into many areas. There is a personal vision also. I am 60 today. By the time I am 70 in 2030, we should have a lot more going on and a lot more happening across the continent. Did you work on any projects concerning CSR during COVID? We do not call it CSR. We call it SRC. CSR to me is cosmetic social responsibility. What we do is SRC or socially responsible corporate. Immediately when COVID began, we started distributing sanitizers, soaps, as well as water bottles and water vessels for people to clean wherever they are. There was a lot of that not available in the public domain and we had to put those up in public places so that we actually had availability of that. Then the supply of water was done by the local people and we kept supplying them with soap for free. Food distribution was done in a big way. Of course, first and foremost was identifying where the needy are, what they need, and getting their needs met. That goes on, but we do not want to publicize it a lot because sometimes it creates very negative publicity when you keep giving and giving and people just do not want to work for anything. So, right now we do it quietly and that is working. But at the same time, wherever there are big needs for education, for school fees, etc. we actually do quite a bit there. ABOUT BIDCO: Bidco Africa is East Africas leading manufacturer of Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG). Started in 1985 as a soap manufacturing plant in Nairobi (Kenya), Bidco has continuously grown over the years to be the home of some of East Africas most loved brands across the edible oils and fats, hygiene and personal care and most recently food and beverages. For more information, please visit: www.bidcoafrica.com. FAIR USE POLICY This material (including media content) may not be published, broadcasted, rewritten, or redistributed. However, linking directly to the page (including the source, i.e. Marcopolis.net) is permitted and encouraged. Your browser does not support the video tag. Karim Dakmak, Business Development Manager at Meridian Group, discusses the strategic approach employed to uphold competitiveness and ensure enduring success in Ghanas real estate sector. In our sector, our primary focus and competitive edge lie in the quality of service we offer. It is crucial for us to actively engage with our stakeholders to understand the services they value and what aspects are significant during their stay with us. Whether it is providing accommodation, offering a particular lifestyle, or creating a comfortable environment, our goal is to ensure that tenants not only stay but also encourage friends and family to join our community, says Karim Dakmak. From my perspective, it is a collaborative partnership involving us, the tenants, and the various landlords we collaborate with. We aim to establish common ground through effective communication, identifying shared values between tenants and landlords. This involves understanding what tenants value (X, Y, and Z) and ensuring alignment with the values important to landlords as well. Our objective is to bridge any communication gaps, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship. Once this synergy is achieved, we believe we find the sweet spot that enables our sustained growth and success, he adds. FAIR USE POLICY This material (including media content) may not be published, broadcasted, rewritten, or redistributed. However, linking directly to the page (including the source, i.e. Marcopolis.net) is permitted and encouraged. Johann Rupert is a prominent South African business magnate. He holds the position of Chairman at both Richemont, a Swiss-based luxury-goods company, and Remgro, headquartered in South Africa. Rupert oversees a prestigious portfolio of luxury brands, which includes renowned fashion labels such as Azzedine Alaia, Chloe, and Dunhill, as well as esteemed jewelry and watch brands like Van Cleef & Arpels, Vacheron Constantin, and Cartier. In a significant move in 2010, his group acquired full ownership of the luxury e-commerce platform Net-a-Porter in a deal exceeding $500 million. Since his arrival at Richemont in 1984, Rupert has been credited with enhancing the companys status in the luxury sector. He holds the majority of shares in the parent company, Compagnie Financiere Richemont, and oversees the investment activities of Remgro. Richemont was founded by Rupert in 1988 as a spin-off of Rembrandt Group Limited, established by his father. In 1993, he divided the groups tobacco and luxury goods divisions into separate subsidiaries, with Vendome Luxury Group managing the latters interests. Subsequently, in 1998, Rupert merged Vendome into Richemont, launching a growth strategy that involved acquiring brands like Azzedine Alaia, Roger Dubuis, and Van Cleef & Arpels. Furthermore, in 2007, he formed a joint venture with Polo Ralph Lauren to establish the Ralph Lauren Watch and Jewelry Company. B5 Plus proudly garnered the prestigious Exporter of the Year award for both 2021 and 2022 at the 31st and 32nd Presidents National Awards for Export Achievement 2023, graced by the esteemed presence of H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana. B5 Plus proudly garnered the prestigious Exporter of the Year award for both 2021 and 2022 at the 31st and 32nd Presidents National Awards for Export Achievement 2023, graced by the esteemed presence of H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana. In marking this significant milestone, B5 Plus reaffirms its commitment not only to pushing boundaries and fostering Ghanas economic dynamism but also to making a substantial contribution to the countrys foreign exchange reserves through exceptional export activities. Established in 2002 under the visionary leadership of Chairman Mr. Mukesh Thakwani (Mr. Mike), B5 Plus Steel Industry embarked on a mission to emerge as a premier global steel entity. Guided by an exceptional workforce, pioneering methodologies, and an unwavering commitment to ethical practices, our journey has consistently pursued excellence. Our expansive state-of-the-art steel manufacturing facility, situated in Larkpleku Village, Prampram, established under the 1D1F (One District One Factory) program, stands as one of Africas largest. Featuring units like the Rolling Mill, Steel Melting Shop (SMS), PEB Manufacturing, Batching Plant, Oxygen Plant, Tube Mill Factory, Block Factory, Aluminium and Trailer Manufacturing Units, Crane Girders, and Weighing Scales, the recent acquisition of United Steel Companys Assets has substantially fortified our capabilities. B5 Plus has emerged as a pivotal player in the regional steel industry, boasting an extensive network of wholesalers, dealers, and distributors spanning Ghana and West Africa. Our influence extends across multiple West African countries, facilitated by strategically located manufacturing facilities, significantly contributing to Ghanas export prowess. These prestigious accolades not only highlight our exceptional performance but also reaffirm our pivotal role in propelling Ghanas global economic advancement and consistently augmenting the countrys foreign exchange reserves. B5 Plus stands as an inspiring figure within the business community, embodying resilience, innovation, and global competitiveness, solidifying our stature as a key player in Ghanas economic landscape, particularly within the manufacturing sector. In celebrating this monumental achievement, B5 Plus remains steadfast in pushing boundaries, contributing to Ghanas economic vitality, and leaving an enduring impact on the global stage, continuously bolstering the countrys foreign exchange reserves. B5 Plus Steel Industry is steadfast in leading the global steel industry through the excellence of our workforce, innovative methodologies, and ethical practices. Our state-of-the-art steel manufacturing facility in Larkpleku Village, Prampram, stands as one of Africas largest and, with the recent acquisition of United Steel Companys Assets, has further fortified our capabilities. Chairman Mr. Mukesh Thakwani dedicates this prestigious award to our invaluable employees, emphasizing our commitment to delivering top-notch quality products at competitive rates across Ghana, West Africa, and beyond, guided by the motto B5 Plus Be Strong. This sentiment resonates throughout B5 Plus, reaffirming our unwavering dedication to excellence. Mr. Thakwani assures that the company remains resolute in delivering the best, consistently surpassing expectations, and setting new benchmarks in quality and affordability while actively contributing to Ghanas foreign exchange earnings. FAIR USE POLICY This material (including media content) may not be published, broadcasted, rewritten, or redistributed. However, linking directly to the page (including the source, i.e. Marcopolis.net) is permitted and encouraged. Mike Adenuga is a Nigerian businessman who has founded and successfully nurtured many businesses to fruition in various sectors, such as: telecommunications, oil and gas, energy, banking, and real estate, among others. Mike Adenuga is a Nigerian businessman who has founded and successfully nurtured many businesses to fruition in various sectors, such as: telecommunications, oil and gas, energy, banking, and real estate, among others. His company, Globacom Limited, commonly referred to as glo, is a Nigerian multinational telecommunications company headquartered in Lagos and the second largest telecom operator in the country. Globacom also has a presence in other West African countries, including Republic of Benin, Ghana and Cote dIvoire. The company revolutionized the telecoms industry by being the first to introduce the per second billing option and 4G service and is considered a major competitor to the giant MTN Group. Adenuga also owns stakes in the and the oil exploration firm Conoil (formerly Consolidated Oil Company), which operates 6 oil blocks in the Niger Delta. Conoil Producing Ltd (Upstream) is the first indigenous company in Nigeria to explore, discover and produce oil in large commercial quantities, with the fastest on-stream production activity from licence award to first production in only 9 months. Conoil PLC (Downstream) is a major petroleum products marketing company, with over 1,200 retail outlets all over the country. It is the acknowledged leader of development in modern retail outlets such as mega stations and non space pumps in the new look retail outlets. It is also the market leader in aviation fuels. He also founded and developed Devcom Bank and Equitorial Trust Bank into highly profitable companies that played active pioneering roles in developing the public, commercial and retail sectors of the economy. These two companies were consolidated into one, Equitorial Trust Bank, which recently merged with Sterling Bank Plc, with Adenuga as the largest shareholder of the latter bank. Mike Adenuga carries out his philanthropic activities through the Mike Adenuga Foundation, helping people in Nigeria and other African countries. He has received several recognitions including the African Entrepreneur of The Year at ATA in August 2007, Grand Commander Of The Order of Niger (GCON) in 2012, Companion of the Star of Ghana (CSG) in 2018, and was listed among the 100 distinguished and Eminent Nigerians Centenary Awards in 2018, amongst others. In 2018, he was decorated with the insignia of a Commander of the Legion of Honor by President Emmanuel Macron of France. He also holds a Yoruba Chieftaincy as the Otunba Apesin of the Ijebu clan. Adenuga got an MBA at Pace University in New York, supporting himself as a student by working as a taxi driver. He made his first million at age 26 selling lace and distributing soft drinks. Nicky Oppenheimer is a South African billionaire businessman. He was formerly the Chairman of De Beers diamond mining company and its subsidiary, the Diamond Trading Company, and former Deputy Chairman of Anglo American. He is the third richest man in Africa. Oppenheimer joined Anglo American in 1968, was appointed a Director in 1974, then became Deputy Chairman in 1983. He resigned in 2001, remaining a non-executive Director until 2011. He was appointed Deputy Chairman of the then Central Selling Organisation (now Diamond Trading Company) in 1984, and Deputy Chairman of De Beers Consolidated Mines in 1985. He was also appointed Chairman of the Diamond Trading Company in 1985. Chairman of the De Beers Group from 1998 to 2012, he retired when the family stake was sold to Anglo American. Mukesh Thakwani, Founder and CEO of B5 Plus, provides perspectives on Ghanas construction sector growth, as the country notices unprecedented demand for housing and industrial development. Your browser does not support the video tag. Mukesh Thakwani, Founder and CEO of B5 Plus, provides perspectives on Ghanas construction sector growth, as the country notices unprecedented demand for housing and industrial development. The construction sector is thriving, with a substantial demand for housing and industrial development, especially with the implementation of the 1D1F (One District One Factory) program. This initiative by His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has significantly boosted warehousing and various expansion projects. Ghanas strategic location, coupled with favorable geopolitical conditions, further enhances the advantages for Ghanaians. We believe it is crucial for other investors to join in and contribute to creating a robust market here. This not only benefits the local market but also opens up immense potential. With Ghanas favorable geographical location, we can not only cater to the West African market but also explore opportunities in the entire African market, says Mukesh Thakwani. We anticipate that 2024 will be a positive year. Our personal belief stems from the numerous new projects the government is initiating, along with a significant influx of private investments. We hold an optimistic outlook for 2024, anticipating significant growth not only for our industry but also expecting a substantial boost for steel, cement, and other sectors due to anticipated government expenditures, he adds. FAIR USE POLICY This material (including media content) may not be published, broadcasted, rewritten, or redistributed. However, linking directly to the page (including the source, i.e. Marcopolis.net) is permitted and encouraged. Richard Matengambiri, Managing Director at Rawson Properties, provides insights into the origins of the property sales and marketing franchise in Zimbabwe. Your browser does not support the video tag. Richard Matengambiri, Managing Director at Rawson Properties, provides insights into the origins of the property sales and marketing franchise in Zimbabwe. I bring over 20 years of experience in the property market, having entered the field after completing my first degree. In 2007, I founded my own entity, RM Africa Property Consultants, focusing on property sales, valuation, and management. The vision behind the company, as implied by its name, was to establish a presence in Africa. Additionally, I aspired to engage in international business. In 2010, I strategically partnered with an international company by acquiring the Rawson Properties franchise based in South Africa. This franchise purchase was made through my company, RM Africa Property Consultants. Rawson Properties officially entered Zimbabwe in 2010, and to date, we continue to operate under the Rawson Properties franchise arrangement, says Richard Matengambiri. FAIR USE POLICY This material (including media content) may not be published, broadcasted, rewritten, or redistributed. However, linking directly to the page (including the source, i.e. Marcopolis.net) is permitted and encouraged. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi is the current Minister of Energy in Qatar, and the President and CEO of QatarEnergy, the state owned corporation which operates all oil and gas activities in the State of Qatar. He joined QatarEnergy in 1986 as a student studying Petroleum & Natural Gas Engineering at Pennsylvania State University in the USA. He graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum & Natural Gas Engineering, and joined QatarEnergys Reservoir & Field Development Department, where he progressed through various petroleum engineering, technical, commercial and supervisory positions. In September 2014, Mr. Al-Kaabi was appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer of QatarEnergy, where he oversees QatarEnergys gas, oil and petrochemical developments in Qatar and internationally. In 2022, QatarEnergy earned $52 billion in revenue, with a yearly profit of $42.5 billion. In October 2023, the company inked a long-term agreement with Eni, committing to supply Italy with up to one million tonnes of LNG per year from Qatar. Elias Abou Samra, CEO of RAFAL Real Estate Development Co., gives an overview of Riyadhs urban transformation over the last few years. Your browser does not support the video tag. Elias Abou Samra, CEO of RAFAL Real Estate Development Co., gives an overview of Riyadhs urban transformation over the last few years. Over the past two years, significant changes have unfolded in Riyadhs real estate landscape, particularly marked by a shift in product offerings and the emergence of mixed-use developments. With the completion and operation of the Riyadh metro, developers are increasingly prioritizing transit-oriented projects, evidenced by a surge in construction activity around metro stations in the last six months. Collaborative efforts between regulators and private developers aim to densify the city, potentially alleviating traffic congestion. Additionally, mega projects announced several years ago have progressed significantly, with infrastructure and anchor projects such as King Salman Park and the Royal Arts Complex nearing completion. These developments, including the new airport, are reshaping Riyadhs urban fabric and fostering a transition from a traditional local lifestyle to an international standard of living. As evidenced by the Royal Commission for Riyadh Citys Headquarters Program, which has attracted over 400 subscribing companies, there is a growing demand for high-quality amenities and infrastructure to accommodate the influx of employees and residents associated with these enterprises, says Elias Abou Samra. ABOUT RAFAL: RAFAL Real Estate Development Co. is a Riyadh-based real estate developer established in 2007. The Company has delivered several landmark projects marking the skyline of Riyadh including the renowned Burj RAFAL, and a number of award-winning hotels, gated communities and mixed-use developments. The Gross Development Value of delivered projects by RAFAL in Riyadh exceeds SAR 12 billion today, including more than 3,500 homes, 2 million SQM of developed land, and other commercial mixed-use spaces. FAIR USE POLICY This material (including media content) may not be published, broadcasted, rewritten, or redistributed. However, linking directly to the page (including the source, i.e. Marcopolis.net) is permitted and encouraged. Discover the top 10 list of the largest companies in Kenya, compiled and published by the MarcoPolis research team. The list includes companies such as Safaricom, East African Breweries, Equity Bank, Kenya Commercial Bank, British American Tobacco, etc. List of the Leading Companies in Kenya With a growing economy, one of the most innovative banking systems in the world, oil and gas, as well as all around technology, Kenya, which is described as the cradle of humanity, is one of the countries putting East Africa on the global stage. From 2004 until 2016, annual GDP averaged 5.43 percent in Kenya. Economic progress was halted between 2007 and 2008 due to violence related to the elections and global financial crisis. Despite all the challenges, Kenya is the fourth largest economy in sub-Saharan Africa (after Nigeria, South Africa and Angola). As of Q1 2016, significant growth in the tourism sector is happening, showing strong signs of recovery after a long period of struggle. The top 10 list of the largest companies in Kenya is created by taking into account each companys latest annual report. When a 2015 report wasnt available, the most recent report conducted by each company was included. The list includes companies such as Safaricom, East African Breweries, Equity Bank, Kenya Commercial Bank, British American Tobacco, etc. Top 10 Companies in Kenya Marcopolis.net presents the top 10 companies in Kenya. The largest companies in Kenya rankings are based on the findings of the Marcopolis.net research team. The List 1 Saudi Aramco Saudi Arabia Oil & Gas $2.3 trillion $576.7 billion Saudi Aramco, officially the Saudi Arabian Oil Company, is a Saudi Arabian public petroleum and natural gas company based in Dhahran. It is the worlds largest oil company and most valuable worldwide as of 2022. Saudi Aramco is headquartered in Dhahran, but its operations span the globe and include exploration, production, refining, chemicals, distribution and marketing. All these activities of the company are monitored by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources together with the Supreme Council for Petroleum and Minerals. 2 SABIC Saudi Arabia Industry $100.5 billion $84.9 billion Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, known as SABIC, is a Saudi chemical manufacturing company. It is 70% owned by Aramco and 30% owned by the private sector. SABIC is active in petrochemicals, chemicals, industrial polymers, fertilizers, and metals. It is the second largest public company in the Middle East and Saudi Arabia. The company has operations in over 50 countries and a global workforce of over 31,000 people. It has been recognized as the worlds second most valuable brand in the chemicals industry. 3 Saudi National Bank Saudi Arabia Banking & Finance $87.3 billion $243.8 billion The Saudi National Bank (SNB) is the largest financial institution in Saudi Arabia and one of the largest powerhouses in the region. SNB plays a vital role in supporting economic transformation in Saudi Arabia by transforming the local banking sector and catalyzing the delivery of Saudi Arabias Vision 2030. Its strategy is closely aligned with the Visions programs. SNB also leverages its position as the largest institutional and specialized financier in the Kingdom to support the Kingdoms landmark deals and mega projects. 4 Al Rajhi Bank Saudi Arabia Banking & Finance $119.9 billion $166.3 billion Established as an exchange house in 1957 and converted to a bank in 1988, Al Rajhi Bank is a Saudi Arabian bank and the worlds largest Islamic bank by capital. The bank has a network of over 521 branches and 212 remittance centers across the Kingdom, as well as over 12 million customers. Rooted in Islamic banking principles, the Sharia compliant banking group is instrumental in bridging the gap between modern financial demands and Sharia intrinsic values, whilst spearheading numerous industry standards and development. 5 Saudi Electricity Saudi Arabia Utilities $29.8 billion $126.6 billion Saudi Electricity Company is the Saudi electric energy company. It enjoys a monopoly on the generation, transmission and distribution of electric power in Saudi Arabia through 45 power generation plants in the country. It is the regions biggest utility company. Its objective is to generate, transmit and distribute electric power in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia either by itself or through its wholly or partially owned subsidiaries. Saudi Electricity is majority-owned by Saudis Public Investment Fund (PIF), which has a 74.3% stake, while Saudi Aramco owns 6.9%. 6 Saudi Telecom Company Saudi Arabia Telecoms $60.8 billion $34.1 billion STC is a leading telecom and technology services provider for individuals and businesses. The company offers a variety of ICT solutions and digital services in several categories including telecommunications, IT, financial technology, digital media, cybersecurity, and other advanced digital solutions. In March 2022, STC signed an agreement with the Public Investment Fund to establish a jointly-owned company specializing in services related to the Internet of Things. STC also plans to create a new data center company with an initial capital of $26.7 million. 7 Riyad Bank Saudi Arabia Banking & Finance $31.8 billion $86.9 billion Riyad Bank is one of the largest financial institutions in Saudi Arabia. It was established in 1957. The bank employs over 6,620 people and has 340 branches in Saudi Arabia, one in the UK, an agency in the US, and a representative office in Singapore. Riyad Bank provides a comprehensive range of products and services fully compliant with the Islamic Sharia to meet the needs of both retail and corporate customers, including SMEs. It plays a leading role in various areas of finance and investment around Saudi Arabia, and is distinguished as a leading financier and arranger of syndicated loans in the oil, petrochemicals and most of the Kingdoms notable infrastructure projects. 8 Maaden Saudi Arabia Mining $45 billion $27.6 billion Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden) is a Saudi state-owned mining company headquartered in Riyadh. It is among the fastest-growing mining companies in the world and the largest multi-commodity mining and metals company in the Middle East. It was formed as a Saudi joint stock company in 1997 for the purpose of facilitating the development of Saudi Arabias mineral resources. The Saudi government still owns 50% of its shares while the remaining 50% are listed in Tadawul (Stock Market). It is the largest mining company in Saudi Arabia. 9 Saudi British Bank Saudi Arabia Banking & Finance $24.3 billion $72.6 billion The Saudi British Bank is a Riyadh-based Saudi joint stock company established in 1978. It provides commercial, private, and Islamic banking services to individuals and companies through 108 branches in Saudi Arabia. The bank completed a merger with Alawwal Bank in June 2019. The HSBC Group owns 31% of SABBs shares. It offers a wide range of personal banking products including loans, mortgages and credit cards. SABB Islamic Financial Solutions, which are part of SABB services, are regulated by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency and a Sharia Supervisory Committee. Nestled in the heart of Southern Africa, Zimbabwe is a land of breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and diverse wildlife. While the country has faced its share of challenges in recent decades, it has emerged as an increasingly popular tourist destination. From the iconic Victoria Falls to the ancient city of Great Zimbabwe and the untamed wilderness of national parks, Zimbabwe offers an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking adventure, history and natural wonders. Nestled in the heart of Southern Africa, Zimbabwe is a land of breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and diverse wildlife. While the country has faced its share of challenges in recent decades, it has emerged as an increasingly popular tourist destination. From the iconic Victoria Falls to the ancient city of Great Zimbabwe and the untamed wilderness of national parks, Zimbabwe offers an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking adventure, history and natural wonders. One of Zimbabwes most famous and awe-inspiring attractions is undoubtedly Victoria Falls. Located on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, this magnificent waterfall is often referred to as the Smoke that Thunders. It is the largest curtain of falling water in the world, creating a mist that can be seen from miles away. Visitors can witness the falls from various viewpoints, take a guided tour to explore the surrounding rainforest, or even partake in thrilling activities like white-water rafting or bungee jumping. For history enthusiasts, the ancient city of Great Zimbabwe is a must-visit. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a testament to the advanced civilization that once thrived in this region. The Great Zimbabwe Ruins, built entirely of stone without the use of mortar, are an architectural marvel that provides insight into the culture and sophistication of the Shona people who constructed them. Exploring the ruins and learning about the history of this ancient city is a captivating journey through time. Zimbabwe is also home to some of Africas most diverse and abundant wildlife, making it a dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Hwange National Park is the countrys largest game reserve and offers a chance to witness the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros) along with a wide array of other animals and bird species. Visitors can embark on thrilling game drives, guided walking safaris, and even night game drives for a chance to spot elusive nocturnal creatures. Matobo National Park, located in the southern part of Zimbabwe, is a place of extraordinary natural beauty and historical significance. The park is known for its unique balancing rock formations, ancient rock art, and diverse flora and fauna. Matobo is also the final resting place of Cecil John Rhodes, the founder of former British colony Rhodesia, and his grave is located atop a granite hill with panoramic views of the park. The spiritual and cultural significance of the area adds depth to the visitor experience. For adventure seekers, Zimbabwe offers a range of heart-pounding activities. Beyond white-water rafting at Victoria Falls, visitors can enjoy zip-lining, gorge swinging, and even helicopter tours to witness the falls from the sky. The Zambezi River provides opportunities for canoeing and fishing, and the diverse landscapes invite hikers and mountain climbers to explore its trails and peaks. Zimbabweans are known for their warmth and hospitality, making travelers feel welcome and at home. Traditional music and dance performances provide insight into the local culture, and you can enjoy Zimbabwean cuisine featuring dishes like sadza (a maize porridge), meat stews, and fresh fruits. Dont forget to try the famous biltong (dried and seasoned meat), a popular snack in the country. Even though Zimbabwe is often overshadowed by its neighbors, the country has emerged as a destination that offers something for every type of traveler. From the natural wonder of Victoria Falls to the historical intrigue of Great Zimbabwe and the breathtaking wildlife in its national parks, Zimbabwe invites visitors to explore its hidden treasures. With its warm hospitality, and a growing focus on sustainable tourism, this Southern African gem is ready to welcome travelers seeking a unique and unforgettable adventure. FAIR USE POLICY This material (including media content) may not be published, broadcasted, rewritten, or redistributed. However, linking directly to the page (including the source, i.e. Marcopolis.net) is permitted and encouraged. 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 data-driven intervention that engaged communities to rapidly deploy evidence-based practices to reduce opioid-related overdose deathssuch as increasing naloxone distribution and enhancing access to medication for opioid use disorderdid not result in a statistically significant reduction in opioid-related overdose death rates during the evaluation period, according to results from the National Institutes of Health's HEALing (Helping to End Addiction Long-Term) Communities Study. Researchers identified the COVID-19 pandemic and increased prevalence of fentanyl in the illicit drug marketincluding in mixtures with cocaine and methamphetamineas factors that likely weakened the impact of the intervention on reducing opioid-related overdose deaths. The findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine and presented at the College on Problems of Drug Dependence (CPDD) meeting on Sunday, June 16, 2024. Launched in 2019, the HEALing Communities Study is the largest addiction prevention and treatment implementation study ever conducted and took place in 67 communities in Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York, and Ohiofour states that have been hard hit by the opioid crisis. Despite facing unforeseen challenges, the HEALing Communities Study successfully engaged communities to select and implement hundreds of evidence-based strategies over the course of the intervention, demonstrating how leveraging community partnerships and using data to inform public health decisions can effectively support the uptake of evidence-based strategies at the local level. "This study brought researchers, providers, and communities together to break down barriers and promote the use of evidence-based strategies that we know are effective, including medications for opioid use disorder and naloxone," said NIDA director, Nora D. Volkow, M.D. "Yet, particularly in the era of fentanyl and its increased mixture with psychostimulant drugs, it's clear we need to continue developing new tools and approaches for addressing the overdose crisis. Ongoing analyses of the rich data from this study will be critical to guiding our efforts in the future." NIH launched the HEALing Communities Study, a four-year, multisite research study to test a set of evidence-based interventions for reducing overdose deaths across health care, justice, and behavioral health settings. Over 100,000 people are now dying annually of a drug overdose, with over 75% of those deaths involving an opioid. Numerous evidence-based practices have been proven to prevent or reverse opioid overdose, but these strategies are gravely underused due to a number of barriers. As part of the intervention, researchers collaborated with community coalitions to implement evidence-based practices for reducing opioid overdose deaths from the Opioid-Overdose Reduction Continuum of Care Approach. These evidence-based practices focus on increasing opioid education and naloxone distribution, enhancing access to medication for opioid use disorder, and safer opioid prescribing and dispensing. The intervention also included a series of communication campaigns to help reduce stigma and increase the demand for evidence-based practices. Communities were randomly assigned to either receive the intervention (between January 2020 and June 2022) or to the control group (which received the intervention between July 2022 and December 2023). To test the effectiveness of the intervention on reducing opioid-related overdose deaths, researchers compared the rate of overdose deaths between the communities that received the intervention immediately with those that did not during the period of July 2021 and June 2022. Between January 2020 and June 2022, intervention communities successfully implemented 615 evidence-based practice strategies (254 related to overdose education and naloxone distribution, 256 related to medications for opioid use disorder, and 105 related to prescription opioid safety). Despite the success in deploying evidence-based interventions in participating communities, between July 2021 and June 2022, there was not a statistically significant difference in the overall rate of opioid-involved overdose deaths between the communities receiving the intervention and those that did not, (47.2 opioid-related overdose deaths per 100,000 people in the intervention group, versus 51.7 in the control). The study team is also examining data on the impact of the intervention on total overdose deaths and examining specific drug combinations, such as stimulants and opioids, and on non-fatal opioid overdoses, among other study outcomes. "The implementation of evidence-based interventions is critical to addressing the evolving overdose crisis," said Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D., HHS Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use and the leader of SAMHSA. "This study recognizes there is no quick fix to reduce opioid overdose deaths. Saving lives requires ongoing commitment to evidence-based strategies. The HEALing Communities Study facilitated the implementation of 615 evidence-based practice strategies, with the potential to yield lifesaving results in coming years." The authors highlight three specific factors that likely weakened the impact of the intervention on reducing opioid-related overdose deaths. First, the intervention launched two months before the COVID-19 shutdown which severely disrupted the ability to work with health care, behavioral health, and criminal legal systems in implementing evidence-based practices. Indeed, due in large part to the emergence of the COVID-19, only 235 of the 615 strategies (38%) were implemented before the comparison period began in July 2021. Second, after communities selected which evidence-based practices they wanted to implement, they only had 10 months to implement them before the comparison period began. The authors note that this was not enough time to robustly recruit necessary staff, change clinical practice workflows, or develop new collaborations across agencies and organizations. They note more time to implement these strategies, and more time between implementation and measuring results, may be needed to observe the full impact of the intervention. Lastly, significant changes in the illicit drug market could have impacted the effectiveness of the intervention. Fentanyl increasingly permeated the illicit drug supply, and was increasingly mixed or used in combination with stimulant drugs like methamphetamine and cocaine, or in counterfeit pills made to look like prescription medications. The increasing use of fentanyl, as well as xylazine, over the study period posed new challenges for treatment of opioid use disorder and opioid-related overdose. "Even in the face of a global pandemic and worsening overdose crisis, the HEALing Communities Study was able to support the implementation of hundreds of strategies that we know save lives," said Redonna Chandler, Ph.D., director of the HEALing Communities Study at NIDA. "This is an incredible feat for implementation science, and shows that when we provide communities with an infrastructure to make data-driven decisions, they are able to effectively implement evidence-based practices based on their unique needs." Farm work is challenging, but Ken Robertson Jr. and Ken Robertson III say they relish the father-son bonds formed while clearing pastureland for cattle and sheep at Rannoch Farms in Statesville. Rannoch Farms, named after the ancestral home of the Robertsons in Scotland, was bought in 2005. It was hardly a finished product, they said. Trees had to be felled, fences erected, and land cleared. Trey, as the younger Robertson is sometimes called, said the work did not call to a teenager. He added that he can look back now and realize the work helped make him who he is today. So, when you wake up in the morning, youre just mad. Youre mad at the world, youre mad at everything. Youre mad at your situation. But at the end of the day, theres a different feeling, Trey said as he talked about weekends helping his dad. Its a feeling of accomplishment when you can look out over something that youve tangibly done, because as a kid, your friends would go and then maybe spend the day on the boat or go hang out at the mall or watch a movie, and at the end of it, you had recreation and maybe you had a good time, but you havent achieved anything. Youve not built anything. Youve not accomplished anything. That was not the situation at Rannoch Farms. If youre doing farm work like this, you can look back over a fence line and go, I built that, Trey said. You can look at a pasture that had been a blackberry bramble, and you went, I set the conditions for animals and managed to turn that into productive ground. Ken said the pair have butted heads a few times both then and now when debating the best way to care for the land and the livestock, but those are just part of the memories of turning the wooded areas near Interstate 40 into a workable pasture. There is a lot of pride when we put it through. It looked like a fence through Vietnam. Now there are cattle grazing or sheep grazing in a lush green pasture, and its beautiful, Ken said. Ken said that he also took pride in the fact his son could look back and instead of hardly remembering what he did during those summers, he had something to show for it. I always knew what we were doing would be more beneficial, whether for the work ethic or just learning how to do things with tools in their hands, Ken said as he explained how those lessons dont always get passed from father to son. They know how to use a joystick and a mouse, but they dont know how to use tools. Ken spent 23 years in the U.S. Army before he retired as a lieutenant colonel. Trey graduated from West Point before serving in the Army for just over a decade. Trey returned to Iredell in 2022. The Robertson military tradition extends to Treys brother Allen, who is currently in the Army. The hard work that Trey put in on the farm also gave him a different perspective when he arrived at West Point. Everybody else showed up and said this place is really hard, we have to get up early and work outside all day. I went, This is easy, I get to sleep in, and Im used to wearing long pants and boots outside all summer long. At least this is New York and not North Carolina. While Treys time in the military took him away from Rannoch, the connection with his father and the land brought him back. Robertson Jr. said that Trey picked up other lessons watching him as a county commissioner. He said that whether its Treys Rannoch Pasture Poultry business or the recently opened Bee & Barrel with Chris Overcash in Statesville, he takes pride that he could influence his son. Ken did note that Trey has his own unique style. While they still work the farm together, it isnt as often as he wishes, Robertson Jr. said. I do miss working together with him, Robertson Jr. said as he recalled the radio playing music or sporting events as they worked the farm. It was fun to work and talk and have that time together. I do miss that, but I also got to have it. A lot of parents dont get to spend that much time with their kids. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said India has produced over 40 quantum technology startups in 2 years, a few of them with global potential. Chairing a review meeting of the Department of Science and Technology in New Delhi on Saturday, he directed the officials to focus on the flagship National Quantum Mission and work on the development of quantum technologies and quantum communication. "India is currently on an equal pedestal with other nations in terms of quantum technologies," the minister said during the meeting, adding that our mission should be to establish India as a global leader in quantum technologies. Quantum technology harnesses the principles of quantum mechanics to perform complex calculations. It plays a vital role in the fields of cryptography, chemistry, healthcare, medicine, and logistics among others. Highlighting the role of startups and the private sector in the development of Science and Technology, the minister shared the success story of 'QuNu Labs', a Bangalore-based startup incubated by 'IIT Madras' which has signed an MoU with the Technology Development Board TDB for development of security products based on Quantum Technologies. Women's Participation in extramural research and development (R&D) doubled in the last 10 years" on the increased participation of women after the special efforts by the government in the last decade and promote women scientists and researchers through fellowship STEM programme, he said. He also recalled the 'ease of applying' by referring to 'Common Fellowship Portal' recently inaugurated by him. Going further he shared that around 300 women scientists are going to receive research grants for 3 years from government under ASPIRE scheme. The Science and Technology Minister expressed his satisfaction that India is becoming the 'Startup capital of the world' from a few hundred before 2014 to more than 1.25 lakh in 2024 and more than 110 unicorns with startups doing excellent work even in critical areas such as Space sector. He also highlighted the massive jump in India's ranking in the Global Innovation Index from 81st in the year 2015 to 40th in 2023. He emphasized the fact that India ranks 3rd in terms of the number of Publications and number of PhDs awarded in Science and Engineering. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resolve to empower and provide ease of living to the last man standing should be the aim of our innovation" said Dr. Jitendra Singh while motivating the team DST on their future course of action. He categorically mentioned that it is the best time for the development of science and technology in India due to the conducive environment under the leadership of PM Modi. He shared that the Indian government has invested around 900 crores from 2016- 2023 in the National Initiative for developing and Harnessing Innovations(NIDHI) which is supporting budding entrepreneurs in the field of S&T. The Union Minister also enquired about the progress of the existing National geospatial mission, the Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Mission. He also highlighted the government's efforts in bringing legislation on Anusandhan NRF. (ANI) Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) returned to the Indian equity markets, with a net investment of Rs 2,743 crore on Friday. Despite this positive development, the overall net investment by FPIs remains negative. According to the latest data from the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL), net investments for June are still in the red, standing at Rs 3,064 crore. This negative trend follows a period of significant sell-off by foreign investors, which occurred in the wake of the announcement of election results. However, confidence seems to be returning to the Indian market with the Modi 3.0 government now in charge. The first week of June was marked by extreme volatility in FPI flows, largely influenced by the exit polls and the actual election results. On June 3rd, buoyed by the optimistic exit poll results, FPIs made substantial equity purchases of Rs 6,521 crore. However, the actual election results did not meet the expectations set by the exit polls, leading to a sharp market downturn on June 4th. In response, FPIs reacted by offloading stocks worth Rs 12,259 crore. "After the roller coaster ride in the market in the first week of June, stability has returned to the market as indicated by the sharp fall in India VIX from 27 on June 4th to 12.82 on 14th June. This fall in India VIX indicates the return of stability and a likely consolidation phase in the market" said V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Financial Services. He added, "If the market continues to rally from here, FPIs may again turn sellers in India and buyers in other markets like Hong Kong which are very cheap compared to India." The resilience of the Indian market and the enthusiasm of retail investors to capitalize on market dips have put pressure on FPIs to slow down their selling, which was prevalent throughout May. Indian markets are showing signs of recovery and stability, supported by retail investor activity and a favourable political climate under the new government. In May, FPIs sold equities worth Rs 25,586 crore as per NSDL data, indicating a pattern of sustained and excessive selling in the cash market. For the year 2024 so far, FPIs have divested equity worth Rs 26,428 crore. A notable trend in FPI activity is the considerable selling through exchanges while simultaneously buying through the primary market route. However, the behaviour of FPIs will be a critical factor to watch in the coming weeks, as their investment strategies will significantly impact market dynamics. (ANI) Amy Jackson took to her Instagram account on Saturday to drop a series of pictures. In the first photo, Amy looks confident as she boards a private jet. The next photos show her in a chic white suit, sun hat, netted white gloves, and large pearl earrings. She is also wearing a 'bride-to-be' sash and holding a drink. Amy also took pictures with her friends on the private jet, all of them smiling and having fun. In the last photo, her friends are seen wearing masks with Amy's face on them, posing near the jet. https://www.instagram.com/p/C8O6uC2qLPO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link The 'Ekk Deewana Tha' actress recently announced her engagement to actor Ed Westwick, popular for his roles in shows like 'Gossip Girl' and 'White Gold.' Back in 2022, Amy made her relationship with Ed Westwick Instagram official. Ed is also an actor. He is best known for his role in 'Gossip Girl'. Amy earlier dated George Panayiotou for quite some time. The two got engaged in 2019 and welcomed their son in September of the same year. Reportedly, the couple parted ways in 2021, after which Amy removed all their pictures together from her Instagram account. (ANI) "Happy Father's Day Dad, you're the one who shaped my dreams and made me the person I am today... Always miss you and the beautiful memories we have made. I am grateful for everything that you have taught me and I try to pass on the same to my kids... Happy Father's Day Dad," he wrote. Sanjay also shared a black and white image that features him with his dad and his two daughters Namrata and Priya Dutt. Sanjay did not forget to share a picture with his kids -- son Shahraan and daughter Iqra. Take a look Sunil Dutt, known for his stellar performances in classics like 'Mother India,' 'Waqt,' 'Padosan,' and 'Sadhna,' left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. His romance with actress Nargis, which began dramatically on the sets of 'Mother India' when he rescued her from a fire, became one of Bollywood's most cherished love stories. The couple married on March 11, 1958, and together they had three children Sanjay, Priya, and Namrata Dutt. The Dutt family faced significant challenges, especially with Nargis's battle with pancreatic cancer, which claimed her life on May 3, 1981. Despite these hardships, Sunil Dutt remained a pillar of strength, both for his family and his fans. In addition to his cinematic achievements, Sunil Dutt made significant contributions to Indian politics. He joined the Congress party in 1984 and served as a Member of Parliament for five consecutive terms, representing the Mumbai North West constituency until his death. Sunil Dutt's final film appearance was in 'Munna Bhai M.B.B.S,' where he shared the screen with Sanjay, creating memorable moments that fans still cherish.On May 25, 2005, Sunil Dutt breathed his last. (ANI) During the event, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, Witherspoon took the stage to celebrate Kidman's illustrious career in film and television, according to Deadline. She began by praising Kidman's proactive approach to her craft, highlighting her talent for selecting directors from the earliest stages of her career. "Most actors wait by a phone to be chosen by a director," Witherspoon quipped in her speech. "But as an actor, Nicole has always been proactive. Even in her earliest work, she picks her directors," Witherspoon said, as per Deadline. Drawing laughs from the audience, Witherspoon then switched gears, recounting a humorous anecdote of watching a foreign film with Kidman, seamlessly transitioning into an Australian accent to mimic her friend. "And she's like, 'But do you see that director?'" Witherspoon joked, capturing Kidman's enthusiasm and dedication to filmmaking. According to Deadline, the AFI Life Achievement Award tribute to Kidman, originally postponed in 2023 due to the WGA strike, marks a historic moment as the first time an Australian actress has received this prestigious honour. Kidman joins a select group of non-American actresses including Elizabeth Taylor and Julie Andrews who have been recognized for their contributions to American culture through film and television. Kidman and Witherspoon forged a strong friendship after starring together in the acclaimed HBO series adaptation of Liane Moriarty's novel, 'Big Little Lies,' in 2017, where they also served as executive producers. The duo recently discussed their enduring friendship and professional collaboration, teasing the highly anticipated third season of the series. In a previous interview, Kidman expressed excitement about the upcoming season, revealing that Moriarty is currently crafting the next instalment, as per Deadline. Reflecting on their bond, Kidman and Witherspoon shared lighthearted moments about their future plans, envisioning themselves as old friends enjoying life's simple pleasures. (ANI) Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will arrive in the state capital Bhopal on Sunday on his first visit after becoming the Union Agriculture Minister. Chouhan had assumed charge of Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's new Cabinet on June 11. He has also been given the charge of the Ministry of Rural Development. The senior BJP leader became the Union cabinet minister for the first time in his more than three-decade-long political career. Bharatiya Janata Party along with several social and employee organisations has made preparations for his grand welcome at more than 65 places in Bhopal. Chauhan will leave Delhi in the morning and reach Bhopal station by Shatabdi Express at 2:15 pm today, where he will be welcomed by BJP workers and supporters. During the journey by Shatabdi Express, local BJP workers will give a grand welcome to Chouhan at Morena, Gwalior and Bina stations of the state, the party said in a release. Chauhan will be welcomed by Bhopal BJP workers on platform number 1 of Bhopal railway station. Minister Vishwas Sarang on the 80 feet road from Bajaria, Vidisha MLA Mukesh Tandon on the overbridge, BJP Minority Morcha between Musafir Khana and Masjid, and the Sikh community in the vegetable market. Kurwai MLA Harisingh Sapre, Minister Karan Singh Verma, and Durgesh Soni of Swarn Samaj will also welcome Chouhan. Chouhan will also receive a welcome from Sironj MLA Umakant Sharma, Jagdis Yadav of the State Teachers Association, former minister of PWD and Law Rampal Singh and the Gurjar community of Madhya Pradesh. Bhojpur MLA Surendra Patwa, State Ministers Krishna Gaur, and Dharmendra Lodhi, Gaya Prasad Keer of Keer Samaj and Rajaram Shivhare of Kalar Samaj will also welcome former Madhya Pradesh CM. Notably, Chouhan had emerged victorious from Madhya Pradesh's Vidisha Lok Sabha seat and had defeated Congress' Pratapbhanu Sharma with a margin of 8,21,408 votes. A six-time MP, Chouhan has vast administrative experience and was Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh from 2005 until the 2023 state assembly elections, except for 15 months when the Congress came to power after the 2018 assembly polls. A day before, Chouhan reviewed the preparation of the Kharif crop season and stressed the need to ensure the timely availability of fertilisers, seeds, and pesticides for the ensuing Kharif season in a review meeting. After reviewing the preparedness for the Kharif season 2024 with officials of various departments, Chouhan directed them to ensure the timely distribution and quality supply of input materials for the crops. He said any bottleneck in the supply chain delays the sowing, hence affecting production, and should be avoided at all costs. The minister instructed the concerned department to constantly monitor and review the situation to avoid any hardships for the farmers. Chouhan expressed happiness that the prediction for the Southwest monsoon is above normal for this year. Officials from the Department of Fertilisers, the Central Water Commission, and the India Meteorological Department made presentations on the occasion. Secretary, Department for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Manoj Ahuja and senior officials of the Ministry briefed the Minister on the preparedness for the Kharif season. (ANI) The fire officials have managed to douse the fire that broke out at a packaging factory in the Tronica City industrial area in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad on Saturday morning, a fire official said. There was no loss of life in the fire incident. "At the time of the fire, three employees were present in the factory, who were evacuated safely," Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Rahul Kumar told ANI. Twenty-four fire tenders were present on the spot to control the fire. The blaze had rapidly spread to the upper floors of the three-story building. While speaking with ANI, he briefed about the incident and said, "On June 15, at about 9:25 am, the fire station at Tronica City received the information that a fire broke out in a packaging factory in the Tronica City industrial area. On reaching there, we found out that the fire had spread on the upper floors as well. On the upper floors, the work of dyeing used to take place..." He added further, "The fire, due to winds, had also spread to the nearby factories, after which fire vehicles were called from nearby districts. Water tankers were also taken from the municipal corporation to douse the fire." (ANI) Tripura Food and Civil Supplies Minister Sushanta Chowdhury has said that more than two lakh metric tons of paddy had been procured so far directly from the farmers at Minimum Support Price (MSP) with an estimated spending of Rs 382 crore since 2018 when the BJP government was formed in the state. Sushanta Chowdhury made the remarks during the launch of the paddy procurement drive at Jolaibari in South Tripura district on Saturday and said that this year's target stands at 15,000 metric tons. Chowdhury during his address also urged the farmers to wait for the government's procurement drive to receive good prices. He said, "Last year, our target was 50,000 metric tons but we couldn't achieve our target even though the total production of the paddy was more than what we procured from the farmers. When we inquired about it, we came to know that some middle-man actors buy paddy from the farmers at lesser rates before the government can reach the farmers. As a department, we have certain regulations to follow but I want to urge the farmers to wait for the state government's annual drive to procure the paddy so that they can fetch good prices." Slamming the previous Left government for exploiting the farmers, Chowdhury said, "The party that ruled the state for 25 long years only exploited the farmers by instructing them to participate in party events. They raised the slogan of paddy procurement in MSP but did nothing to help the farmers." He added further, "The central government had asked the state government to procure paddy directly from farmers, which will later be reimbursed but the previous government made no efforts. When the first BJP government was formed in 2018, the proposal of paddy procurement was cleared in the first cabinet." Tripura Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath, who was also present at the procurement drive spoke on different schemes and policies launched by the Tripura government to increase the income of farmers. "Our vision is not limited to paddy alone. Different crops which help farmers receive more profit, are being cultivated in various parts of the state. Not only that, market linkages are also being established with national and international markets," Nath said. Giving details about the cultivation of different crops, Nath said, "We have expanded pineapple cultivation to more than 5,000 hectares. We are also raising new plantations of jackfruit on 450 hectares of land, lemon on 6,200 hectares, betel nuts on 4,222 hectares, etc. We have exported more than 12,000 metric tons of pineapple outside the state, out of which 33 metric tons went to foreign countries." (ANI) Alerted personnel of the Delhi police on patrol duty rescued a youth who was being attacked by assailants in B Block of Dakshin Puri under the Ambedkar Nagar police station, officials said on Saturday. The victim was identified as Lucky, 18, who was being thrashed by three individuals. He was rescued and rushed to the hospital following injuries he received. According to the Delhi Police, a team from the Ambedkar Nagar police station was patrolling in B Block, Dakshin Puri when they heard the sounds of a quarrel near the Mohalla Clinic in B Block. They immediately rushed to the spot and found that three individuals were beating a boy named Lucky, 18. The assailants were also carrying a knife. The police acted promptly, apprehending one assailant and, with the help of the public, rushed the injured Lucky to the hospital. In his statement, Lucky said that three individuals attacked him with a knife and one of them had a country-made gun. During the investigation, all the assailants were identified. It came to light that Lucky had beaten one of the assailants a couple of months ago, and to take revenge, that individual, along with others, attacked Lucky, the police said. A case under the relevant sections of the IPC has been registered and further action is ongoing, the police added. (ANI) The first Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP in Kerala, Suresh Gopi, has called former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi the "Mother of India" and the late Congress leader and former Kerala Chief Minister K Karunakaran a "courageous administrator." Gopi, who was inducted as the Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas as well as the Ministry of Tourism, made the remarks after visiting Karunakaran's memorial, 'Murali Mandiram,' in Thrissur recently. He also referred to veteran leaders of the Communist Party of India-Marxist, EK Nayanar and K Karunakaran, as his "political gurus." Notably, Suresh Gopi defeated K Karunakaran's son, K Muraleedharan, in the Thrissur constituency in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections. Speaking to reporters, Suresh Gopi said, "Leader Karunakaran and his wife, whom I fondly call 'Amma', I couldn't come to send them off...just as we see Indira Gandhi as the mother of India." "Not to insult anyone who preceded him but in my generation, Leader Karunakaran was a courageous leader whom I respect a lot. So obviously, I will have a liking for the party to which he belongs," Gopi added. He also clarified that his admiration for other party leaders cannot be considered his "political views," and they remain "unchanged and loyal" to his existing party. "As an Indian, a person who stands up for the country, a Bharatiya, I have very evident politics. That shouldn't be broken. But the respect I have for people comes from my heart. You don't have to give it any political taste," the BJP MP said. He said that K Karunakaran, as the Union Minister under the Indira Gandhi government, got the best administrative benefits for Kerala, adding that only BJP's O Rajagopal could come closer to him. The actor-turned-politician has become the first Lok Sabha MP from Kerala after winning the Thrissur constituency. He defeated the ruling Left Democratic Front candidate, V.S. Sunilkumar, by a margin of 74,686 votes. Gopi was sworn in as Minister of State in the Modi 3.0 cabinet. He assumed charge as Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas as well as the Ministry of Tourism on Tuesday morning, earlier this week. (ANI) First time since assuming charge as Union Minister, former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan left for Bhopal along with his wife on Sunday morning. Chauhan who had left Delhi in the morning is likely to reach Bhopal station by Shatabdi Express at 2:15 pm today, where the BJP workers and supporters will be welcoming him. BJP along with several social and employee organisations has made preparations for his grand welcome at more than 65 places in Bhopal. The four-time CM was seen interacting with passengers and clicking photographs with children. As the Bhopal bound train reached Morena Railway Station, hundreds of his supporters who were present there, greeted him with garlands and flowers. The Union Minister took to social media platform X to inform about his visit to Bhopal. He appreciated the progress of Indian Railways under the Modi government. "Today I am travelling in 'Shatabdi Express' train from New Delhi. The experience of travelling during this time is extremely enjoyable. Under the guidance of the Honorable Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji and the vision of Railway Minister Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw ji, Indian Railways is witnessing revolutionary changes in all areas of management and operations. Indian Railways is continuously working to meet the fast paced needs of New India and to make the journey of passengers economical, safe and comfortable," Chouhan stated. https://x.com/ChouhanShivraj/status/1802168894141899070 During the journey, the local BJP workers are also expected to give him a grand welcome at Morena, Gwalior and Bina stations, the party said in a release. The four-time Madhya Pradesh CM, who assumed charge as the Union Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, said that farmers' welfare is going on continuously under the Modi government. He added that agriculture and rural development are "interconnected." Speaking to ANI, Chouhan said, "Farmer welfare schemes have been continuously going on for 10 years under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi. We have to take those works forward... Rural development and agriculture are both interconnected...Farmers are the priority of the NDA government and PM Narendra Modi...PM Narendra Modi has vowed to make Lakhpati Didis. My life aims to empower women." Chouhan will be welcomed by Bhopal BJP workers on platform number 1 of Bhopal railway station. Minister Vishwas Sarang on the 80 feet road from Bajaria, Vidisha MLA Mukesh Tandon on the overbridge, BJP Minority Morcha between Musafir Khana and Masjid, and the Sikh community in the vegetable market, the release stated. Kurwai MLA Harisingh Sapre, Minister Karan Singh Verma, and Durgesh Soni of Swarn Samaj will also welcome Chouhan. The former CM will also receive a welcome from Sironj MLA Umakant Sharma, Jagdis Yadav of the State Teachers Association, former minister of PWD and Law Rampal Singh and the Gurjar community of Madhya Pradesh. Chouhan had assumed charge of Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's new Cabinet on June 11. He has also been given the charge of the Ministry of Rural Development. The senior BJP leader became the Union cabinet minister for the first time in his more than three-decade-long political career. Notably, Chouhan had emerged victorious from Madhya Pradesh's Vidisha Lok Sabha seat and had defeated Congress' Pratapbhanu Sharma with a margin of 8,21,408 votes. A six-time MP, Chouhan has vast administrative experience and was Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh from 2005 until the 2023 state assembly elections, except for 15 months when the Congress came to power after the 2018 assembly polls. (ANI) The ongoing water crisis in the national capital seems to be taking centre stage as the BJP protests across Delhi over the issue on Sunday. Following the same, BJP MP from West Delhi, Kamaljeet Sehrawat and other party workers held a 'Matka Phod' (break earthen pots) protest in Delhi's Najafgarh. Sehrawat also inspected a water pipeline in Dwarka and said the pipes that she inspected are broken and a lot of water is getting wasted while the AAP government is busy blaming other state governments. "We have been receiving calls from Dwarka RWAs and they have been coming to meet us with complaints of water shortage. Private water tankers are costing them a lot of money and they are unable to avail government tankers...," said Kamaljeet Sehrawat while speaking to ANI. "The pipes that I inspected today are broken and a lot of water is being wasted... Delhi government is blaming other state governments for the water shortage whereas the problem lies within their department... I request Atishi not on humanitarian grounds, but as a Minister in the Delhi government, she needs to take care of her department..," she added. Meanwhile, Bansuri Swaraj, BJP MP from New Delhi held a protest against the Delhi Government at the Delhi Jal Board office, at sector 7 in RK Puram. "It's not a natural crisis but a fabricated one by the AAP party. Delhi has an ample amount of water, and Haryana is discharging more water than the agreement," said Swaraj. "However, the AAP government in its one-decade-long governance brought Delhi Jal Board into 7,300 crore of loss which was under 600 crore profit in 2013. They made no repairs in Delhi Jal Board's infrastructure and 40 per cent of water gets wasted or stolen by illegal tanker mafias, backed by the AAP government," she added. Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva who was also participating in the protest said, "If there is anyone responsible for the water shortage in Delhi, it is CM Arvind Kejriwal and the AAP government... The water shortage in Delhi is not natural. Delhi has requisite water reserves and Haryana is giving water in quantities more than it is bound to... Water theft and wastage is the basic reason why Delhi is short of water..." Amid all this, Delhi Minister Atishi on Sunday wrote a letter to Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora, urging the deployment of police personnel to protect major pipelines in the national capital. (ANI) Amid the water crisis in Delhi, Minister Atishi on Sunday said that if the Centre does not intervene in the situation, it will not improve and the BJP should talk to its government in Haryana and get more water for Delhi. Atishi today wrote a letter to Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora urging the deployment of police personnel to protect major pipelines in the national capital. Speaking to ANI, Atishi said, "Yesterday, the main water pipeline of South Delhi, which comes from Sonia Vihar, provides water to the entire South Delhi, there was a leakage in that water pipeline. It seems that some conspiracy is going on and I have also written a letter to the Police Commissioner today in this regard." "I have also spoken to the Police Commissioner that the main water distribution lines should be provided security by the police. But this is not the time for allegations and counter-allegations, this is not the time for dirty politics. There is a whole life for allegations and counter-allegations. I would request the BJP to talk to its government in Haryana and get more water for Delhi. If the central government does not intervene in this situation, it will not improve," Atishi added. Atishi, in her letter to the Commissioner, mentioned that the maintenance team worked for six hours to repair the leakage problem, exacerbating the water crisis in South Delhi. "Our maintenance team worked for six hours continuously and repaired the leakage, but this meant that we had to stop pumping water for 6 hours and 20 MGD of water was not pumped during this time. As a consequence, a further 25 per cent of water shortage will be experienced in South Delhi," the letter to the Delhi Police Commissioner read. Meanwhile, the BJP held a protest against water crisis in the National Capital. Following the same, BJP MP from West Delhi, Kamaljeet Sehrawat and other party workers held a 'Matka Phod' (break earthen pots) protest in Delhi's Najafgarh. Sehrawat also inspected a water pipeline in Dwarka and said the pipes that she inspected are broken and a lot of water is getting wasted while the AAP government is busy blaming other state governments. (ANI) Expressing his views on the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) undergraduate exam issue, Union Minister Giriraj Singh said that the decision on 1,563 candidates who got "grace marks" has been taken as per the students' conformity. Union Minister Giriraj Singh said, "Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan held cordial talks with representatives of students and parents. The decision on almost 1,563 candidates has been taken as per the students' conformity, I hope that Dharmendra Pradhan will work very seriously on this matter." Earlier, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan assured students that a transparent process will be followed and they should not worry. "The government assures the students that full transparency will be adopted in the probe into alleged irregularities and re-conducting the NEET exams. The students do not need to worry," Pradhan said while speaking to ANI. "Students who wanted to meet us, I called them, their parents also came, I met them. I heard their side and I made them feel better. The government is committed, and all students should have this assurance that a transparent process will be followed. 24 lakh students were the applicants, and 23.30 lakh students have taken the exam, this is natural, whatever doubts come to their minds, some issues came to mind that some irregularities in the centre were noticed, due to lack of time for grace marks, some objections were raised in the formula used for giving grace marks, that was also rectified", he added. Pradhan further stated, "The Supreme Court permitted them to take the exam again, they have been informed. Those who want to take the exam can take the exam there as well". However, the education minister ruled out the possibility of any irregularities in the NEET-UG examination, stating that there has been "no paper leak" in the NEET-UG paper and the government is ready to give answers to the Supreme Court which is hearing the petitions related to the exam. "I want to assure the students and their parents that the Government of India and NTA are committed to providing justice to them. Twenty-four lakh students have successfully taken the NEET examination. There is no paper leak, no proof has been found yet. A court-recommended model was adopted for around 1560 students and a panel of academicians has been formed for the same...We will accept the verdict of the Court," he said. Meanwhile, the National Testing Agency (NTA) told the Supreme Court that the scorecards of 1563 candidates who got "grace marks" in the 2024 National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (undergraduate) exam will be cancelled and the candidates will have a chance to reappear for the exam. (ANI) As per the official, the fire broke out in the store room. After receiving information about the incident, two fire tenders reached the spot and doused the fire, an official said. "We reached the spot with 2 fire tenders after we received the information. A fire broke out in the storeroom upstairs, we controlled the fire and doused it," fire officer Bijender Dagar told ANI. No casuality or injury were reported in the incident. Further details are awaited. (ANI) During an event in Beawar on Thursday, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiatives aimed at the upliftment of women and youth. Sharma announced the establishment of a new centre dedicated to empowering women and providing them with training and skill development opportunities in the Beawar region. "PM Modi is working for the upliftment of women and youth. Today I announce the opening of a centre to empower women and train them. It will also help in the skill development of women in the Beawar area," Sharma said. Addressing the gathering, Sharma highlighted the transformative changes India has witnessed since 2014. "You all have witnessed the significant change in the country after 2014. After 2104, the way development plans and welfare schemes for the poor have been implemented in the country, the way the security of our nation's borders has been maintained, and the growing pride of India in the world, you must have witnessed all this. He emphasized the importance of collective effort for the nation's development and the upliftment of the underprivileged, including farmers and women. "For the honour, development of the country, upliftment of poor, farmers and women we all have to work together and take benefits of the schemes. As a citizen of the country, we must ensure that the benefit of these schemes reaches every section of society," Sharma said. Sharma attended a mass marriage function at Ashapura Mata Dham, Beawar where he congratulated all the couples tying the knot. Earlier on June 13, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Rajasthan Government on Wednesday constituted a cabinet sub-committee to review the current situations of 17 districts and three new divisions, formed during the tenure of the Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government. The order was issued by the Revenue and Colonization Department of the state government late Wednesday night. The sub-committee constituted by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma consists of five members -- Deputy CM Prem Chand Bairwa and ministers Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Kanhaiyalal Meena, Suresh Rawat, and Hemant Meena. Deputy CM Prem Chand Bairwa was the convenor of the five-member sub-committee. Earlier in August 2023, the Rajasthan cabinet led by then CM Ashok Gehlot had approved the proposal of a high-level committee to form 19 new districts and three new divisions in the state. Additionally, in October, the Congress government announced the formation of three new districts in the state, i.e., the formation of Malpura, Sujangarh, and Kuchaman City, due to which the number of districts in the state rose to 53. Former CM Gehlot had then said that the decision had been taken "in consonance with a high-level panel". "According to public demand and the recommendation of a high-level committee, three new districts will be created in Rajasthan- Malpura, Sujangarh and Kuchaman City. Now Rajasthan will have 53 districts," Gehlot had said in a post on X in Hindi. The Gehlot government had also said that the Rajasthan government would keep addressing delimitation issues "as per the panel's recommendation in the future too." BJP came to power in Rajasthan in December 2023 after winning the assembly elections, following which the government was formed with Bhajan Lal Sharma as the Chief Minister. BJP had won 115 seats out of 199 in Rajasthan Legislative Assembly. Congress won 69 seats. (ANI) Noting that the "fight against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir is in its decisive phase," Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday directed all security agencies to "work in a mission mode and ensure quick response in a coordinated manner." The Union Home Minister said this while chairing a review meeting on the security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir. The Home Minister also asked the agencies to "replicate the successes achieved in Kashmir Valley through area domination and zero terror plan in Jammu division" in the meeting conducted here in the national capital. In the five-hour-long meeting, which was separated into two rounds, including a short break, Shah also emphasised that the Modi administration is dedicated to setting a precedent by tackling terrorists with innovative strategies. Highlighting recent terror incidences in Jammu and Kashmir, the Home Minister added that these incidents show that terrorism has been forced to shrink from highly organised acts of terrorist violence to a mere proxy war. He stressed that "we are determined to root it out as well." Shah emphasised seamless coordination amongst the security agencies, identifying vulnerable areas and addressing the security concerns of such areas. Reiterating the zero-tolerance policy against terrorism under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Home Minister said that the government will leave no stone unturned in rooting out terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Shah said that the efforts of the central government have yielded great positive results in Kashmir Valley with a significant reduction in terror-related incidents. He noted that the improvement in the law-and-order situation is reflected in the record flow of tourists in Kashmir Valley. Of the five-hour-long meeting, the first round focused on the review of the security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir, while the second round was dedicated to the preparedness for the Amarnath Yatra, which shall commence on June 29 and conclude on August 19. The meeting started at 11 am in the presence of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha, Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla and Director Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka. Senior Army officers, including Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande and Chief of Army Staff (Designate) Lt General Upendra Dwivedi, Director General of Central Armed Police Forces, Chief Secretary and DGP of Jammu and Kashmir and other senior officers, also attended the meeting. Shah conducted the meeting in the wake of recent terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, which have raised concerns about the security arrangements in the region. In the meeting, the Home Minister took stock of preparations for the upcoming annual Amarnath Yatra. The meeting was held two days after the Home Minister held a similar meeting with Home Ministry officials, who informed him about the current security situation and preparedness to handle such terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. The heightened vigilance is aimed at ensuring the safety of Jammu and Kashmir residents as well as the Amarnath Yatra pilgrims and maintaining law and order in the state. Since June 9, there have been terror strikes at four places in Reasi, Kathua and Doda, where nine pilgrims were killed, a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan was killed, a civilian was injured and at least seven security personnel were injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also chaired a high-level meeting on Thursday to discuss the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir following the series of terror-related incidents. The meeting, attended by NSA Ajit Doval and other senior officials, aimed to assess the current security landscape in the region. In the meeting, the Prime Minister received a comprehensive overview of the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the region. He was briefed on the strategies and operations being implemented to tackle terrorist activities and ensure the safety of the region. PM Modi had also spoken with Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the deployment of security forces and ongoing counter-terror operations. Additionally, he spoke to J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to review the situation and was briefed on the efforts being undertaken by the local administration. (ANI) Holding the Aam Aadmi Party responsible for the water crisis in Delhi, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari on Sunday lashed out at Delhi water minister Atishi and accused her and the AAP of cheating people of the national capital. BJP MP Manoj Tiwari while speaking to ANI said, "Every year water crisis happens. Who is Atishi cheating? Atishi should bring a white paper on which pipes were changed in the past ten years. These are lazy people, they neither have any work policy nor any intention, they just want to loot the treasury". "There is so much heat still people are coming out to protest. They are saying that the government which can't provide water to its people is a useless government. I want to tell Atishi that there is a limit to lying. This liar government is just sitting and their leader is inside the jail and denying to give resignation. The people of Delhi will punish them, Delhi does not want people who make excuses, Delhi wants people who solve the problem," he added. Echoing voices of other BJP leaders, Tiwari also blamed the tanker mafias, accusing them of working in cahoots with the Aam Aadmi party leaders. "The biggest problem is the tanker mafias. Atleast 40 percent of the water is waste, atleast 40 percent is being wasted and Delhi is just getting 10-20 percent of water," Tiwari added. Meanwhile, MLAs of the Aam Aadmi Party on Sunday reached the residence of Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil at BD Marg seeking his intervention in the issue of water shortage. However, the MLAs were not able to meet CR Patil as he was 'not available' at his residence. Delhi Minister Atishi wrote a letter to Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora, urging the deployment of police personnel to protect major pipelines in the national capital. The letter read, "I am writing to request deployment of police personnel to patrol and protect our major pipelines for the next 15 days to stop miscreants or people with ulterior motives from tampering with water pipelines which have now become Delhi's lifelines. At this juncture, any foul play and sabotage will worsen the already difficult water shortage being faced by the people of Delhi."The letter further added, "Delhi Jal Board has patrolling teams for our main water distribution network that carries raw water to the Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) and then from our WTPs to our main underground reservoirs in different parts of the city. In addition, we have deployed teams under the supervision of ADMs to support in this work." (ANI) The Delhi Police special cell arrested an inter-state firearms trafficker and recovered 10 pistols concealed within the front doors of his high-end car, police officials said. He has been found involved in supplying drugs and illicit arms/ammunition to criminals in Delhi and Punjab, police officials said. The accused who was identified as Tarun Mehra (42), a resident of East Uttam Nagar, Delhi, was apprehended on June 6 near the Main Gate of IP Park on Ring Road. According to DCP Special Cell Pratiksha Godara, the arrest was made following a tip-off indicating that an individual would arrive near IP Park between 8:30 PM and 9:30 PM in a white car, carrying illegal arms and ammunition. Acting on this intelligence, a raiding party was formed. The suspect, driving a white car, was identified as Tarun Mehra and was promptly detained. A search of the vehicle revealed 10 illegal pistols hidden in the cavities of both front doors, the DCP added. Investigations revealed that Mehra had procured the weapons from an arms dealer in Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh, intending to deliver them to criminals in Punjab., he added. Mehra, who studied up to the 12th class, initially joined his family's gold export business in UK. However, after incurring significant losses following his father's death, he turned to drug trafficking under the influence of Vishal, a contact from Bhatinda, who asked him to supply narcotic drugs to earn quick money. Living in Uttam Nagar since 2014-15, Mehra began buying drugs from a Nigerian national known as Lucky and supplied them to Punjab-based associates. Despite being arrested multiple times, in 2017 and 2018 under the NDPS Act by Punjab Police, he continued his illegal activities after being released on bail. During his imprisonment in Amritsar Jail, Mehra befriended Sahil alias Kalu, a local criminal involved in drug and arms trafficking. Upon his release in 2022, Mehra established contact with J.D., an arms supplier in Burhanpur, and began transporting illegal weapons using his luxury vehicle, to deliver them to associates in Delhi and Punjab. In addition to his firearms trafficking, Mehra had previously been arrested by Chandigarh Police for defrauding job seekers and by Delhi Police for bootlegging illicit liquor in his other car. His criminal record includes involvement in five prior cases. (ANI) Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday criticized the Karnataka High Court's decision to stay the arrest of BJP leader B S Yediyurappa in a POCSO case and said that it exposed "how justice is being delivered selectively." In contrast, she cited the examples of the arrest of former chief ministers of Jharkhand and Delhi, who, she said, were jailed on "far lesser charges." Hemant Soren was arrested by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in the land scam case in January. He also faces allegations of money laundering while Kejriwal was arrested by ED on March 21 in connection with a money laundering probe relating to alleged irregularities in the now-cancelled Delhi excise policy 2021-22. https://x.com/MehboobaMufti/status/1802297476097155414 "Karnataka High Court's stay on BJPs BS Yediyurappa's arrest in POSCO case stating that the accused being a former CM is not going to go anywhere stands in contrast to the treatment meted out to another ex CM Hemant soren & sitting Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal both behind bars since months on far lesser charges. It exposes how justice is being delivered selectively," Mufti said in a post on X. On Friday, the Karnataka High Court issued an order stating that coercive proceedings of arrest and detention against Yediyurappa will be kept on hold until the next date of hearing. The order of the High Court followed a letter from the petitioner (Yediyurappa) volunteering to appear before police on June 17. A Bengaluru court had on Thursday issued a non-bailable warrant against Yediyurappa directing his immediate arrest in connection with sexual assault against a minor girl under the Protection of the Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) which deals with sexual assault cases against minors. Earlier in March, the mother of the victim filed a complaint against the former Chief Minister at the Sadashivanagar police station in Bengaluru, alleging that Yediyiurappa had sexually assaulted her daughter. In this regard, the brother of the victim filed a petition in court against the BJP leader. The fast-track court hearing the petition issued a non-bailable warrant against the former CM of Karnataka, directing his immediate arrest. (ANI) The meeting, held at the Ministry of Home Affairs, comes as fresh violence were reported in the northeastern state. Meanwhile, in a separate meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday directed agencies to "replicate the successes achieved in Kashmir Valley through area domination and zero terror plan in Jammu division" while chairing a high-level review meeting on the security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir here in the national capital. In the five-hour-long meeting, which was separated into two rounds, including a short break, Shah also emphasised that the Modi administration is dedicated to setting a precedent by tackling terrorists with innovative strategies. The first round of the meeting focused on review of security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir, while the second round was dedicated to the preparedness for the Amarnath Yatra, which shall commence on June 29 and conclude on August 19. The meeting started at 11 am in the presence of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha, Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla and Director Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka. According to Manipur Police, several houses belonging to both Meitei and Kuki communities were burnt by unknown miscreants in Kotlen following the murder of a person. Around 600 people from Manipur's Jiribam area are now taking shelter in Assam's Cachar district following fresh violence reported in Manipur's Jiribam area. The Cachar district police have heightened security along the bordering areas. The northeastern state has been witnessing ethnic violence since May 3 last year following clashes during a rally organised by the All Tribals Students Union (ATSU) to protest against the demand for the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe category. (ANI) The Tripura unit of the Congress Party has placed a slew of demands before the state election commission to ensure that the ensuing polls could be conducted fairly. A delegation of Congress leaders under the leadership of Congress Vice President Madan Saha met the State Election Commissioner Saradindu Chowdhury and handed over the charter of demands. Speaking exclusively to ANI on the demands, Tripura PCC Chief Asish Kumar Saha said, "Our party leaders have placed some demands urging the state election commission for fair play in the polls. We have said that recently some delimitation exercises were carried out statewide and Panchayats were reshaped. The voters are also shifted from one ward to another. Our workers at the Panchayat level noticed some discrepancies in the exercise and raised the issue before the Block Development Officer and local SDM. When they didn't get any response the matter was taken up with the state election commission." The Congress party also demanded the deployment of Central Armed Paramilitary Forces and arrangements for online submission of nomination forms for these polls. "After the BJP came to power in 2018, not a single election was conducted fairly. In the last Panchayat elections, BJP swept 96 per cent of the seats uncontested. Because of threats and intimidation, people didn't even turn up to file nomination papers. In West Bengal, as per the direction of the High Court, this process was introduced in the last Panchayat polls. A similar arrangement should be done here to prepare a level playing field for the opposition and the ruling party. The Congress has asked the state poll conducting body to hold the elections under the tight security of Central Armed Paramilitary Forces," he told ANI. On being asked whether the Congress will fight the elections alone or the Congress and CPIM will contest the polls together, he said, "We have convened a meeting on June 18 to strategize for the Panchayat elections. The issue will come up for discussion in the meeting and after that, we can make an official comment on the issue." (ANI) After a massive setback in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, former AIADMK leader VK Sasikala, close aide of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, said that in 2026, Amma (Jayalalithaa) government will come to power in Tamil Nadu with a huge majority. She also said that she has planned to meet people across the state in the runup to the 2026 assembly polls. While addressing supporters at her residence, Sasikala said, "In 2026, Amma (Jayalalithaa) government will come to power in Tamil Nadu with a huge majority. I have even planned to hold a campaign and meet people across the state...my political journey has begun" She also alleged that "AIADMK is continuously facing a downfall because of a few selfish individuals. I have been observing everything patiently." She said that, unlike DMK, AIADMK recognises everyone who works hard for the party and doesn't have dynasty politics. However, She emphasized that caste politics are being played in the AIADMK party for the first time and stated that she and the cadres won't accept it. "AIADMK doesn't have dynasty politics like DMK. Unlike DMK, we recognise everyone who works hard for the party. But what has happened now is, for the first time, I am hearing that specific caste politics are being played in our AIADMK. We have many caste-based organisations, so if they wish, they can start separately; we won't interfere with that. But myself and the cadres won't accept caste politics in AIADMK," she said. Meanwhile, Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Sunday slammed All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) for boycotting the Vikravandi assembly by-elections, alleging that the party decided on the instructions from the "top" to "facilitate" NDA's electoral chances. In a post on X, the former Union Minister emphasised that the INDIA bloc must ensure the victory of the DMK candidate for the seat. "AIADMK's decision to boycott the Vikravandi by-election is clear evidence that it has received instructions from the 'top' to facilitate the electoral chances of the NDA candidate (PMK). Both the BJP and AIADMK are fighting the battle through a proxy (PMK). The INDIA bloc must ensure the resounding victory of the DMK candidate," he said. AIADMK has announced to boycott Vikravandi Assembly constituency by-polls that are scheduled for July 10. The by-poll was necessitated by the demise of DMK MLA Pugazhenthi (71) in April this year. Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) has announced that it will field C Anbumani as the NDA candidate for the by-polls from Vikravandi constituency. (ANI) Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Sunday that the first trial run of the Sangaldan-Reasi train was completed, a significant milestone of crossing the world''s tallest railway bridge, Chenab. Vaishnaw said, "1st trial train has successfully run from Sangaldan to Reasi, including crossing the Chenab Bridge." He also said, "All construction works for the USBRL are nearly finished, with tunnel No.1 remaining partially incomplete." Notably, the Chenab Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir is taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. As the Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project is almost completed, Indian Railways is edging closer to connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of the railway network. Chenab Bridge is a structural marvel built across a gorge of Chenab Bridge in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir under the USBRL Project. This bridge was constructed 359 metres (around 109 feet) above the Chenab River in the Jammu and Kashmir region, and is around 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower. Earlier, the Ministry of Railways made it to the "Limca Book of Records" for "most people at a public-service event - multiple venues. "The Railways Ministry organised an event on February 26, 2024, which was attended by 40,19,516 people at 2,140 venues. The event was organised for the inauguration of road over/road under railway bridges and for laying the foundation stones of railway stations by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The mammoth effort and mobilisation of Indian Railways have been recognised, and the same has entered the prestigious Limca Book of World Records. Meanwhile, Ashwini Vaishnaw assumed charge as Minister of Railways for the second time under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday morning in Delhi. Vaishnaw has been assigned portfolios as Minister of Information and Broadcasting, and Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, apart from the Railways Ministry. Earlier on Friday, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday said that India''s first Vande Bharat sleeper trains will be on track within two months. Vaishnaw said, "The completion work of the trainset of the Vande Bharat sleeper train is in full swing and the first train will be on track within two months. All technical works are in the last phase. The trainset is manufactured by BEML Ltd at its rail unit in Bangalore. The much-awaited Vande Bharat Sleeper version will provide easy mobility to commuters and offer various comforts in the near future with global standards." The Minister said that the Vande Bharat sleeper train body is made of high-grade austenitic stainless steel and includes crash-worthy elements integrated into the crash buffers and couplers. "The car body structure is crafted with high-grade Austenitic stainless steel, featuring crashworthy elements integrated into the crash buffers and couplers. Complying with stringent safety standards, all materials and aggregates in the trainset adhere to the Fire standard requirements as per EN45545 HL3 grade," Vaishnaw said. Vaishnaw further added that the Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains designed by BEML prioritize both aesthetic appeal and functionality in their design. "The Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains designed by BEML prioritize both aesthetic appeal and functionality in their interiors, sleeper berths, and exteriors. From the front nose cone to interior panels, seats and berths, interior lights, couplers, gangways and beyond, every element is meticulously designed to meet the exacting standards of the sleeper trainset," he said. Notably, India''s first semi-high speeds indigenously built Vande Bharat trains have completely transformed the passenger experience. After the success of this modern train, Indian Railways is now set to launch its indigenous high-speed trains, Vande Sleeper. Designed for travel at speeds of up to 200 km/h, the Vande Bharat sleeper train is envisioned to provide an alternative to the present Rajdhani Express for premium long-distance travel. (ANI) Retired Japanese Lieutenant General Hirotaka Yamashita, speculated that ahead of a potential Chinese military invasion of Taiwan, terrorist activities including attempts to assassinate Taiwan's president could occur, Focus Taiwan reported citing CNA. Speaking at a press event in Taipei on Saturday for the launch of the Chinese-language version of his book on potential Chinese invasion strategies. Yamashita outlined that such terrorist activities might involve planting bombs on presidential vehicles and at major metro stations in Taipei. Yamashita, who previously served as the vice chief of staff of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, based his predictions on various tabletop wargames detailed in his book, as per Focus Taiwan. Drawing on Japan-North Korea relations, Yamashita said three types of people could carry out attacks in Taiwan: people politically aligned with China, mercenaries, and Chinese who seem to have assimilated with Taiwanese but who secretly engage in spying. Although precautions should be taken to prepare for these potential scenarios, neither Taiwan, Japan nor the United States would be able to entirely eliminate the possibility, Yamashita said. According to Focus Taiwan, Yamashita stated that these terrorist activities would aim to undermine the Taiwanese public's faith in their government and influence public opinion. He advised the government to provide factual and up-to-date information and urged the public to trust the government during such crises, despite political differences. In his book, Yamashita projected that a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan could occur between 2035 and 2050. By then, Yamashita argued, China's nuclear arsenal would likely rival that of the US, and the gap in nuclear deterrence between the two countries would likely have been eliminated. Until then, China is resigned to adopting a "peaceful reunification" stance on Taiwan, he believed. Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, has long been a contentious issue in China's foreign policy. China continues to assert its sovereignty over Taiwan and considers it a part of its territory and insists on eventual reunification, by force if necessary. (ANI) Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed claimed there is no doubt that Pakistan's former Army Chief General (retd) Qamar Bajwa was 'behind' the toppling of the Imran Khan-led government, Pakistan-based ARY News reported. In an exclusive interview with ARY News, Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed said that he was aware that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led government was bound to be toppled. He further said, "The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan had informed (to vote against Imran Khan in the no-confidence motion) me." Awami Muslim League chief said, "I told Imran Khan that the MQM-P made it clear that the government is bound to be toppled as signalled by the real forces," as reported by ARY News. Asked whether General Bajwa was involved in toppling the PTI government, he responded, "There is no doubt about it." Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed said, "No one has entered in politics of Pakistan, including me, without (backing) of the Gate No. 4." He stated that he does not see talks between the PTI and the Pakistan government. He said, "I am not seeing successful dialogue and neither hopeful for it." Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed said, "Initially they were not holding talks, now they will not accept the conditions set for dialogue." Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed said Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif has been better than Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He called the PML-N government a "show off" and stressed that two months after Eid are crucial, ARY News reported. He said, "Two months after Eid are crucial, seeing decisive development by August." He added, "There might be some new to come on surface," he added. Earlier in May, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, who has been incarcerated in Adiala Jail, expressed his deepest regret over trusting former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa while in power, Dawn reported. Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan blamed Bajwa for allegedly orchestrating his imprisonment and criticised Pakistan's political and military leadership. "My only regret is trusting General Bajwa," Imran lamented, accusing him of "creating lies and false narratives" to secure a second extension as the military head. PTI founder's allegations against Bajwa were detailed, suggesting a meticulous plan by the former army chief, Dawn reported. Imran Khan said, "I am certain that this ordeal was orchestrated by General Bajwa. I hold no one else responsible. He meticulously planned and executed this scheme, presenting himself as a deceitful figure, creating lies and false narratives to cause national and international chaos - all to secure his extension." (ANI) Moving beyond traditional security concerns, the Quad has transformed from a budding security dialogue into a multifaceted partnership with far-reaching goals through the creation of six leader-level working groups, a report by Observer Research Foundation, (ORF) and East-West Center, Washington DC stated. The new report titled 'Quad: Diplomacy and Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific' assesses the Quad's achievements and potential amidst the ongoing geopolitical churn, increasing bilateral and multilateral cooperation among member countries, and the need for diversifying channels of collaboration, given the growing regional and global responsibilities. Quad is a diplomatic partnership between Australia, India, Japan, and the United States committed to supporting an open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific that is inclusive and resilient, according to Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Since regrouping in 2017, the Quad has announced the creation of six working groups that focus on a variety of policies and initiatives. During the inaugural Leaders' Summit held virtually in March 2021, the group announced a Quad Vaccine Partnership--later renamed the Quad Health Security Partnership--alongside the establishment of a Critical and Emerging Technologies Working Group and a Climate Working Group. A Space Working Group was established later that year during the first in-person Leaders' Summit held in Washington, DC. Satu Limaye, Vice President of East-West Center and the Director of East-West Center Washington, who is also one of the report's authors, pointed out some key issues for the Quad to address going forward. "To what extent should the Quad be securitised? Next is the institutionalisation of Quad - how formal should it be and how does that affect its functioning? Third is operationalising, i.e. delivering. We have a great agenda, but the question is sustainability and delivery of public goods," he said. Limaye also noted, "(It is important to consider)...integrating the Quad with other institutions that are rising - Partners in the Blue Pacific, Indian Ocean organisations and other kinds of proliferating multilateralism in the region in this very contested and fragmented international system. Finally, how can we coordinate with regional countries and institutions on public goods delivery?" Reflecting on the future potential of the Quad, the report forecasts that the partnership's six working groups will address a diverse array of challenges and opportunities in the Indo-Pacific. These range from preparing the region for challenges posed by China to ensuring that intra-regional processes adhere to principles of free, open, inclusive, and responsible conduct. As the Quad continues to expand and institutionalise its cooperation, its primary imperative is to promote strategic balance while sustainably responding to demand signals from the region. The Quad Counterterrorism Working Group's focus on an adaptive approach, encompassing technological cooperation and regional partnerships, highlights the commitment of the Quad countries to address the multifaceted nature of the terrorism challenge in the Indo-Pacific region. Committed to dialogue, cooperation, and collaboration, the Quad aims to tackle shared security challenges, foster economic prosperity, and uphold the principles of a free and open Indo-Pacific, the report added. As the Quad progresses and broadens its agenda, the report says, it will continue to be a crucial pillar of regional security and stability. A foundational initiative of the Quad, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) remains a core element of Quad cooperation. With the Quad's renewed focus on providing public goods in the Indo-Pacific, HADR has become a key mechanism given the Indo-Pacific is the most disaster-prone region in the world. Harsh V Pant, Vice President, Studies and Foreign Policy at ORF and one of the report's authors said, "The Quad has emerged as a crucial platform for fostering regional stability and economic growth. Its current role involves addressing pressing challenges such as maritime security, cyber threats, and climate change while promoting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific." He added, "Looking ahead, the Quad's roadmap focuses on enhancing cooperation through its six working groups, which tackle issues ranging from countering China's influence to ensuring adherence to international norms and principles. This strategic collaboration aims to strengthen regional resilience and uphold a rules-based order." The report concludes that while the Quad is neither a military alliance nor a mutual defence agreement, maritime security cooperation is central to the partnership's mission of supporting free and open Indo-Pacific region. (ANI) Taiwan Ministry of National Defence (MND) said on Sunday that six Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels were tracked operating around Taiwan between 6 am (local time) on Saturday and the same time on Sunday. According to Taiwan's MND, four of the PLA aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern and southwest Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). After China's action, the Taiwanese armed forces monitored the situation and responded accordingly. In a post on X, Taiwan's MND stated, "6 #PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels operating around #Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 4 of the aircraft crossed the median line of #Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern and SW ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." Since September 2020, China has intensified its use of gray zone tactics by increasing the number of military aircraft and naval ships that operate near Taiwan's territory. Gray zone tactics are called "an effort or series of efforts beyond steady-state deterrence and assurance that attempts to achieve one's security objectives without resort to direct and sizable use of force," Taiwan News reported. This latest incident adds to a series of similar provocations by China in recent months. China has increased its military activities around Taiwan, including regular air and naval incursions into Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). Taiwan, officially known as the Republic of China, has long been a contentious issue in China's foreign policy. China continues to assert its sovereignty over Taiwan and considers it a part of its territory and insists on eventual reunification, by force if necessary. On Saturday, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) said that it detected 12 Chinese military aircraft and eight naval vessels between 6 am (local time) on Friday (June 14) and the same time on Saturday. Of the 12 Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, seven entered the southwest corner of Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), according to the statement shared by Taiwan's MND on X. In response to China's action, Taiwan sent aircraft and naval ships and deployed coastal-based missile systems to monitor the PLA activity. Taking to X, Taiwan's MND stated, "12 PLA aircraft and 8 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 7 of the aircraft entered our southwestern ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." (ANI) Amnesty International has urged the Taliban to reopen secondary schools for girls. It said that Afghan girls have lost their right to education due to the Taliban's "discriminatory and unjust policies," Afghanistan-based Khaama Press reported. Amnesty International stressed that the Taliban's policies violate international laws. A month after the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan, the group reopened schools that were shut due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, they banned the girls from pursuing studies in schools above sixth class. In a post on X, Amnesty International on June 14 stated, "For 1000 days, Afghan girls have been deprived of their right to education, locked out of their schools due to the discriminatory and unjust Taliban policies violating international law. The Taliban must immediately re-open all secondary schools to girls." More than two and a half years have passed, however, the Taliban has yet to make any new statements regarding the reopening of schools for girls above sixth grade. Amnesty International's statement comes amid a dire humanitarian crisis and severe human rights issues in Afghanistan. Taliban's policies have suppressed women's rights, including education and employment. In 2022, the Taliban issued a decree banning women from working in aid agencies and domestic organizations. In addition, the Taliban has also imposed restrictions on their free movement, further limiting their opportunities. Media restrictions have deteriorated the situation, making it difficult for people to stay informed regarding the developments and for the international community to understand the full extent of the crisis, as reported by Khaama Press. Earlier in May, United Nations officials have once again raised concerns about the situation of women in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. During a meeting titled "Women, Youth Must Have Greater Participation in Peacebuilding Efforts" that took place in New York, the UN officials the rights of Afghan women, especially the prohibition of girls from attending universities and secondary schools, TOLO News reported. UN's Undersecretary-general for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo characterised the state of women in Afghanistan as a lost cause. "Ultimately, it comes down to a simple vision -- of overcoming obstacles that deny the full contribution of women," DiCarlo said at the meeting, TOLO News reported. Moreover, Sima Bahous, Executive Director of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women), while stating the figures said, "1.1 million girls are without schooling since the 2021 ban in Afghanistan." (ANI) The Jamiat Ulema-Islam-F on Saturday accused the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) of spreading false propaganda against its ideology and central leadership, Pakistan-based Dawn reported. Speaking to reporters, JUI-F leader Mufti Kifayatullah said, "The electoral defeat of PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and the victory of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf nominee Shahzada Gustasab Khan in the NA-15 constituency is the result of our political strategy." Kifayatullah said he had contested against PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif in the February 8 elections held in the National Assembly-15 on the orders issued by JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. He said, "Maulana Fazlur Rehman fielded me in the election to defeat Nawaz Sharif and I followed his orders in letter and spirit." Kifayatullah said that JUI-F's ideology was completely different from the PML-N, Dawn reported. JUI-F leader said, "We are committed to the cause of sharia in the country through a peaceful political struggle." He said that PML-N was using Nawaz Sharif's son-in-law retired Captain Mohammad Safdar to challenge the JUI-F party's ideology and mission to avenge PML-N's supremo's loss in NA-15 polls. Kifayatullah stated, "The PML-N has never remained popular in the NA-15 constituency stretched over to the rural parts of Mansehra and neighbouring Torghar district and it was me who secured over 53,000 votes in the general elections held in 2018," according to Dawn report. He said that Safdar could not suffer his father-in-law's defeat in the polls and instead was searching for reasons behind Sharif's failure. JUI-F accused Captain Mohammad Safdar of being involved in the character assassination of him and his party party. He said, "Our party has been waging a political war against the largest poll rigging in the country's history, which paved the way for the installation of the PML-N government in the centre," as per the Dawn report. Earlier on June 13, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif invited Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, a former ally, to again join the ruling coalition, Dawn reported. He also proposed the formation of a committee to address the prevailing political issues and asked the Maulana to join it. Shehbaz Sharif is leading a coalition government in Pakistan led by his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Pakistan People's Party has given support to Sharif's party from outside but is not part of the government. The JUI-F leader was asked to join the ruling alliance and also play his part by joining a proposed committee to resolve political tensions in the country, Dawn reported, citing a source in Pakistan PM's office. However, a JUI-F spokesperson has said the Maulana refused to join the government at the request of Shehbaz Sharif. "I don't think it's true (that the JUI-F will join the government). Seeking power is not a part of our politics. We already had a better offer before the formation of the present government," he claimed. Notably, Maulana Fazl led an opposition alliance, namely the Pakistan Democratic Movement, during the PTI government. The PDM later formed a government in the Centre, led by PM Shehbaz Sharif, after the ouster of Imran Khan in April 2022. (ANI) Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said it is important to engage with partners across the world, even as Ottawa continues to highlight "challenges" for the rule of law. He was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the summit on Saturday (local time), where he was asked about PM Modi being received with 'open arms' and being at the centre stage in the family photo, according to the Canada-based media channel, Cable Public Affairs Channel (CPAC). Responding to this, Trudeau said, "I think there is a clear understanding that we need to continue to engage across and around the world with various partners even as we highlight challenges as we stand up for the rule of law and the principles that drive the G7." "We need to engage with a broad range of partners and that's exactly what we did during the Outreach session yesterday," he added. The Canadian PM further said there are some "important but sensitive" issues that the two countries need to work on together. He, however, refused to share many details of what the two leaders discussed. "I think you can understand I'm not going to get into the details of this issue. There's important but sensitive issues that we need to follow up on. But, this was a commitment to work together in the coming times to deal with some very important issues," he said. Being asked whether he received any assurance from PM Modi on the issue, the Canadian PM said, "Like I said I'm not going to get into it further but there are important issues that we need to work on and we will." The G7 summit was held in Italy's Apulia region from June 13-15, where India was invited as an 'Outreach Country' to the summit and had participation from the seven member countries, the US, UK, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, and France, as well as the European Union. PM Modi met his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the G7 Summit here on Friday (local time). After the meeting, PM Modi in a post on X wrote, "Met Canadian PM @JustinTrudeau at the G7 Summit." The meeting came amid strained diplomatic relations between India and Canada. Ties between New Delhi and Ottawa had soured due to a row over Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's allegation that India was involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia, Columbia in June last year. However, India has dismissed the accusations as "absurd" and "motivated." New Delhi has also said that Canada has not provided any "specific" evidence or relevant information in the Hardeep Singh Nijjar killing case. Nijjar, who was designated a terrorist by India's National Investigation Agency in 2020, was shot and killed outside a Gurdwara in Surrey in June last year. (ANI) Following the allegations, an FIR now has been filed against PTI-P's MPA Wazir. The case was registered at the Sharqi police station. Wazir and his accomplices had hit Alif Khan's vehicle injuring him and two passersby, according to the FIR, reported ARY News. The FIR was registered after ANP leader Alif Khan was attacked, res An Awami National Party (ANP) leader, Alif Khan, was attacked and injured near the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly in Peshawar on Saturday night. The assailants included Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-Parliamentarians (PTI-P) MPA Iqbal Wazir and his accomplices, as per ARY News. Following the incident, Peshawar Police registered a case against Iqbal Wazir. Alif Khan sustained minor injuries in the incident and was provided immediate medical attention. (ANI) The Peshawar High Court (PHC) granted bail to two individuals accused of sexually assaulting minor boys, citing compromises reached between the involved parties, Dawn reported. Justice Shahid Khan, presiding over a single-member bench, accepted the bail petitions of both petitioners under the condition that they furnish two surety bonds each worth PKR 1,00,000. In one case, a 17-year-old accused faced charges under section 376 (rape) of the Pakistan Penal Code and section 53 (sexual abuse) of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection and Welfare Act. The FIR was lodged at Chakdara police station in Dir Lower on November 8, 2023. The complainant, the father of a five-year-old child, brought his injured son to the police station, alleging that the child had been playing outside when he was taken to an under-construction building by a young labourer and sexually assaulted. Initially, the accused's bail petitions were denied by an additional sessions judge in Chakdara on January 25, 2024, and subsequently by the high court on February 22, 2024, according to Dawn. However, the accused approached the court again, citing a compromise between the parties. Despite the trial court rejecting his plea on April 8, 2024, noting the gravity of the offence, the complainant later endorsed the compromise and expressed no objection to the accused's release. "The trial court had the discretion to reject bail in non-compoundable offences based on the nature and gravity of the offence," the ruling stated. Despite section 376 PPC being non-compoundable, the high court bench noted that when the complainant no longer pursued the case against the accused, a compromise could be a valid consideration for granting bail. "Even today, the complainant, despite service, is not before the court, which prima facie means that he is not interested in further prosecution of the petitioner/accused," the bench observed. In the second case, registered at Matta police station in Swat on April 26, 2024, under section 376 PPC and section 53 of the KP Child Protection and Welfare Act, the accused, approximately 22 years old, faced allegations of sexually assaulting a minor boy. The complainant, the boy's grandmother, reported that her grandson was assaulted by the accused in a deserted shop while visiting his paternal aunt's residence. Earlier, the accused's bail petition had been rejected by a child protection court in Swat on May 20, 2024, citing his involvement in an offence of moral turpitude. However, Advocate Saeed Ahmad, representing the petitioner before the high court, informed the court of a resolution between the parties. Accompanied by an affidavit from the complainant and the victim's mother expressing no objection to the petitioner's bail, the high court bench deliberated on the grounds presented. It reiterated that while section 376 PPC is non-compoundable, other factors prima facie warranted further inquiry into the case, justifying the consideration of a compromise for granting bail. "The record indicates that despite the non-compoundable nature of section 376 PPC, grounds exist that justify a closer examination of the case," the bench concluded. It emphasized that the complainant's withdrawal of objection to the accused's liberty on the basis of the compromise was a significant factor in the decision-making process, Dawn reported. (ANI) Iran's Ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi on Sunday extended wishes to the Indian government, and the people of India, on the occasion of Eid-al Adha on Sunday. The Iranian Ambassador wished the Indian government and people of India, of all ethnicities and religions, especially "Muslim brothers and sisters." "On behalf of the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, my heartfelt congratulations to the esteemed Indian government and people of India, of all ethnicities and religions, particularly my dear Muslim brothers and sisters. On the occasion of Eid-al Adha, may you all be blessed with health, success and happiness," Elahi said in a video posted on X. https://x.com/Iran_in_India/status/1802214794671341891 Eidul Adha, slated for June 17 following the sighting of the Zil Hajj moon on June 7, is a significant religious festival where Muslims commemorate Prophet Ibrahim's obedience to God by sacrificing animals. The meat from these sacrifices is traditionally shared with family and the less fortunate. The tradition, rooted in the story of Prophet Ibrahim, involves the sacrifice of animals over three days during Eid celebrations. The Iranian Ambassador, in his video message, also extended congratulations on the successful conduct of the Lok Sabha Elections, and the formation of the new government of India. "I congratulate the Indian government and its people for the successful conduct of the Lok Sabha elections and the formation of the new government of India. I am hopeful that under the continued leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the relations between our two nations will continue to strengthen during his third term," he said. PM Modi took oath as Prime Minister of India for his third successive term on June 9 at an impressive ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan which was attended by leaders from India's neighbourhood and Indian Ocean region. BJP-led NDA won a majority for the third time in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, winning 293 seats. BJP won 240 seats on its own, in the 543-member lower house, where the majority mark stands at 272. Notably, PM Modi is only the third leader after Jawaharlal Nehru to take oath as PM for a third consecutive time. Lauding India-Iran ties, Iraj Elahi said that both the countries have shared profound bonds, and have stood by each other at all times. "Throughout history, Iran and India have been together, have shared profound bonds standing by each other, in times of both joy and sorrow. The unwavering support, and sympathy of the Indian government and the people of India following the martyrdom of our esteemed President and Minister of Foreign Affairs will forever be etched in the memory of the Iranian people," he said. Iran is set to hold snap presidential elections in the country on June 28. Notably, the presidential elections in Iran were scheduled for 2025, however, due to Raisi's death on May 19 in a helicopter crash in north-western Iran, the election was moved up. Iran's Foreign Minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, was also killed, along with other Iranian officials, in the tragic crash. The 63-year-old Raisi was a prominent figure in the succession planning for Iran's 85-year-old supreme leader and was predicted to win another term in office. (ANI) The Baloch National Movement (BNM), a Baloch rights organisation, held a series of conferences in Awaran, Kech, and Gwadar districts of Balochistan to address the ongoing issue of radiation exposure faced by the Baloch community since Pakistan conducted nuclear tests on May 28, 1998. In a statement released on Saturday, the BNM reported that these conferences were attended by local residents and BNM members. The BNM statement claims that Pakistan did not take adequate measures during the 1998 nuclear tests in Chaghi mountain of Balochistan to prevent radiation exposure to nearby areas. Consequently, locals have been suffering from skin and blood cancers for years. The statement emphasised Pakistan's responsibility as an occupying power for these health repercussions. "After 26 years, people in Raskoh and surrounding areas continue to suffer. Skin and blood cancers have become common; diseases that were once rare are now claiming dozens of lives annually," the BNM statement asserted. During the conferences, speakers lamented what they described as Pakistan's inhumane treatment of the Baloch community, which includes allegations of promoting drug use, fostering illiteracy, and displacing people from their lands. They also accused Pakistan of exploiting Baloch resources in Dera Bugti, Reko Dik, and Gwadar in collaboration with China, while the living conditions of Baloch people deteriorate. "The struggle for our rights against Pakistan's oppressive regime is essential," speakers affirmed, emphasising the need to strengthen national institutions for the prosperity of current and future Baloch generations. The BNM had previously organised protests in Germany and the Netherlands, highlighting similar concerns. Lateef, a Baloch resident in the Netherlands, condemned the nuclear tests as part of Pakistan's genocidal policies. He pointed out ongoing environmental and health impacts, stating, "The radiation effects persist, causing diseases like lung, liver, and blood cancers, as well as severe skin and nervous system disorders. Even newborns suffer from congenital diseases." Another protestor, Basit Zaheer, underscored the long-term environmental consequences, noting, "Two hydrogen bombs were detonated in Balochistan, affecting the land's fertility and wildlife. Despite our pleas, affected areas lack hospitals capable of detecting high levels of radioactivity." The protests and conferences reflect the Baloch community's ongoing struggle against the aftermath of Pakistan's nuclear tests and its broader grievances regarding exploitation and marginalisation. (ANI) The Jordanian foreign ministry confirmed Saturday that all six deceased were Jordanians and that the country was coordinating with Saudi officials in Jeddah on burial procedures and the probable return of their bodies to Jordan. The news of the fatalities comes as pilgrims gathered atop Mount Arafat on Saturday, commemorating the pilgrimage's main event. The Saudi General Authority for Statistics reported that over 1.8 million pilgrims will perform Haj this year. The Haj is one of the world's largest religious gatherings and the major annual event in Saudi Arabia. It is considered one of the five pillars of Islam. This year, Saudi Arabia is experiencing excessive heat throughout the five-day pilgrimage, with temperatures hitting 48 degrees Celsius in Mecca. According to the state news agency SPA, Haj officials are advising pilgrims to bring umbrellas and stay hydrated under extreme weather conditions. The Saudi army has also dispatched over 1,600 soldiers, including medical units specialised for heatstroke and 30 rapid response teams, according to CNN. Another 5,000 health and first aid volunteers are taking part. Jordan had said that its official delegation this year consisted of over 4,000 pilgrims. However, the foreign ministry confirmed that the six who died were not members of the "official delegation," which meant they lacked proper Hajj licences to conduct the journey, according to CNN. The pilgrimage consists of various elaborate rites, such as wearing unique clothing that represents human equality and unity before God, a round, counter-clockwise march around the Kaaba, and the symbolic stoning of wickedness. People who have completed the pilgrimage might add the words al-Haj or hajji (pilgrim) to their names. Saudi Arabia has committed billions of dollars over the last decade to improve transportation, technology, and accommodations for Haj pilgrims, which are a major source of revenue for the world's largest oil producer. (ANI) John Robert Johnny Boone, who once ran a multi-state marijuana-growing operation known as the Cornbread Mafia, has died at age 80. Boone died Friday night, Joe Keith Bickett wrote in a Facebook post Saturday. Boone, known to some as the Godfather of Grass and the King of Pot, was something of a legend. A native of Washington County, Boone was raised by his grandfather and as a young man won 4-H competitions showing sheep and growing tobacco, according to a 2017 Courier-Journal profile. As an adult, he became adept at a different kind of farming. He grew pot in Belize for a time and served a stint in federal prison after a bust related to that, the Courier-Journal profile stated. In 1987, he was caught growing pot in Minnesota and spent a decade in prison. That bust of the self-named Cornbread Mafia involved 29 farms in nine states, including Kentucky, according to media reports. Scores of people were prosecuted. An assistant U.S. attorney described the operation in a 1989 Herald-Leader article as the largest domestic marijuana producing organization in the history of the United States. At the time, federal authorities were referring to the Cornbread Mafia as the Marion County Marijuana Cooperative and had formed a special task force to combat it. Between 1985 and 1989, they said theyd seized 182 tons of marijuana with a wholesale value of $364 million. In the 1989 article, authorities described farms bought specifically for growing marijuana that were outfitted with alarm systems and booby-trapped fields protected by dogs. And Boone, who by then had been sentenced to prison, was named as one of the co-ops leaders. In 2008, Kentucky State Police used aerial surveillance to discover 2,400 marijuana plants on the farm where Boone was living in Washington County. Boone fled and spent nearly eight years on the run before he was found and arrested in Canada in 2016. He pleaded guilty to a federal charge that he conspired to possess more than 1,000 marijuana plants with the intent to grow and distribute the weed, and in March 2018, he was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison. Bickett, who served time after being convicted as part of the Cornbread Mafia and later wrote a series of books about it, went on to work with Boone to form a company that sells CBD, according to the News-Enterprise in Elizabethtown. Boone was much-loved in his stomping grounds around Marion and Washington counties, and many took to social media to share remembrances of him on the Bickett and Boone Facebook page. He was a great friend to many of us, Bickett wrote. Always willing to help his friends and neighbors. Prayers and thoughts for all the Boone family. He will be greatly missed. James Higdon, who wrote The Cornbread Mafia: A Homegrown Syndicates Code Of Silence And The Biggest Marijuana Bust In American History, said in a post on the social media platform X that Boone was one of the greatest outlaw cannabis growers of all time. A true Kentucky legend. Arrangements for Boone were incomplete Saturday afternoon. A very good man and benefactor to many in his community. RIP, Johnny Boone https://t.co/dMqbNh0n3F m hatmaker (@69barnabus69) June 15, 2024 At one point in late April, during her guest sermon at Manchaca United Methodist Church, the Rev. Tracey Beadle, current pastor at Westlake United Methodist Church, announced some tentative vote tallies. To Beadle, the results were more than promising. That same weekend, United Methodists were wrapping up their General Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. Representatives from Zimbabwe to the Philippines voted on three related historic issues that had torn the Methodist communion apart for decades. The delegates removed a ban on same-sex weddings. From the official report: "United Methodist pastors no longer face potential penalties for being in a same-sex relationship, or officiating at same-sex weddings, nor can they be compelled to officiate one." They approved a change to the requirement that clergy practice celibacy in singleness an addition made in 1984 that targeted gay candidates for ministry. Instead, in addition to integrity in all personal relationships, they added a requirement for social responsibility and faithful sexual intimacy expressed through fidelity, monogamy, commitment, mutual affection and respect, careful and honest communication, mutual consent, and growth in grace and in the knowledge and love of God. "The harmful sexuality clause was removed from the United Methodist Book of Discipline by a 93% vote today!" Beadle said on May 1. "Hallelujah!" Pastor Tracy Beadle speaks to the congregation during a Sunday service at Westlake United Methodist Church on Sunday, May 5, 2024, just days after the United Methodists voted at their General Conference to adopt inclusive rules on sexuality. The victory for Beadle's contingent of Methodists was not without a bittersweet note: Since the last General Conference, in 2019, right before the pandemic, some 22 percent of the United Methodist congregations in the U.S. anticipating changes likely to pass in 2024 "disaffiliated." Some formed the Global Methodist Church, others the Methodist Collegiate Church, and others became independent congregations. Four churches in the Austin area are in the process of following suit. Beadle, married with two children, took the international vote personally. One of her congregants, Louise Morse, 98, who helped found Westlake Methodist in 1973, came out to the church in 2019. That year, Beadle showed churchgoers an emotionally charged 8-minute video about Morse's faith journey. Beadle, who spent much of her life asking questions about traditional religious views, visited Morse and shared the news not long after the conference votes were announced in late April and early May. Morse: "I can't believe I get to live the rest of my life in a church that thinks I'm OK!" 'I'd gather all the kids around and preach to them.' Pastor Tracey Beadle was born in Charlotte on Oct. 23, 1969. Her father, Bob Bowles, an electronics technician, and her mother, Wanda Carpenter, a real estate agent, were unchurched. Her parents separated when Beadle was 2, and she lived with her single mom until her mother remarried when she turned 14. Creative, playful, and empathetic, she explored the outdoors and tended to stray animals. "One time, a friend and I decided we were going to take care of all the strays," Beadle said. "We checked their ears and wrote up reports. We also went door to door offering our services as 'pet detectives.' We'd find lost pets for $2 a day plus expenses." As a divorced woman, her mother felt unwelcome in most churches, but that did not dampen Beadle's curiosity about the world of faith. "As a child, I'd gather all the kids around and preach to them from the flat roof of a dog house," she said. "Both sets of grandparents were Methodists. I didn't understand the differences between the denominations, but I'd go to church with them. I was very curious and asked a lot of questions." One repeated inconsistency haunted Beadle: "God is love. Jesus loves you. At the same time, you heard: 'God is kind of tricky. If you weren't careful, you would burn in hell.'" Pastor Tracy Beadle reads to the congregation during a Sunday service at Westlake United Methodist Church on Sunday, May 5, 2024. Why were women expected to remain subservient? Beadle made good grades. She was interested in acting. She majored in theater at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After playing some theatrical roles, she experimented with less conventional performance art. "I had the most fun I ever had in plays directed by performance artists," Beadle recalled. "It was detached from reality; you could abandon yourself." She still interacted with theology while struggling with the notion "that someone could be condemned to hell by a loving God, just because, for instance, they were raised a happy, faithful Jewish person. This seemed absurd to me." One thing always stuck in her craw: Why couldn't women preach to men? Why were women expected to remain subservient? She tried a Unitarian-Universalist church and explored New Age spiritualities. Pastor Tracy Beadle fist-bumps a congregation member during a Sunday service at Westlake United Methodist Church on May 5, 2024, just days after United Methodists voted at a General Conference to approve inclusive rules about sexuality. Beadle: "I was trying to find a relationship with God that didn't feel limiting." After some time as a starving actor in New York, she returned to North Carolina, where she could pursue acting on the side. Then she met James Beadle, who worked in the transportation industry. The couple moved to Texas. "After our second daughter was born, I started looking again for a church," Beadle said. "I very much wanted to be part of a faith community. I wanted my children to grow up with the stories of Jesus and the Bible in their bones." She discovered that nondenominational churches were not the answer for her. "I was attracted to the praise music," Beadle said. "The people would be nice. Then I'd learn that they had the same understanding of the roles of women and of hell. So I got out the Yellow Pages and just started calling churches. One of the first things I'd ask: 'Can women preach in your church?'" The person who answered the phone at Bracken Methodist Church in suburban San Antonio, replied: "I don't see why not." How the United Methodists got united Bracken Methodist Church, located on a country road and led by Pastor Mickey McCandless, was historically part of the United Brethren in Christ. The Brethren were founded in America in 1767 during a spiritual renewal movement known as the Great Awakening. The church appealed especially to German American colonists. The Brethren began to splinter in the late 19th century, and during the 1960s, one evangelical wing joined the Methodists, known after the merger as United Methodists. At the same time, in 1968, some of the traditionally Black Methodist congregations joined with the white United Methodists. One of the leading churches of East Austin, for instance, is Wesleyan United Methodist Church on San Bernard Street. Other Black groups, such as the African Methodist Episcopal Church (A.M.E.), went their own way. Beadle found her faith community with the United Methodists long after these external and internal unions had settled into place. "They had a blended service with hymns and praise music," Beadle said. "The people were really friendly. They laughed out loud in the middle of that first worship service! Oh my gosh, this was not what I was looking for, but I thought, this is going to be my church." Pastor Tracy Beadle speaks to the congregation during a Sunday service at Westlake United Methodist Church on Sunday, May 5, 2024. Pastor McCandless encouraged Beadle, who never stopped asking questions, to explore the ministry. She met with clergy and lay people to find out whether she had a calling. "I wasn't sure at first if I was called to serve in the local church," she remembered. "But I was called to the seminary to study theology as I continued to have questions about the Bible and my understanding of God." In 2008, the Beadles move to Austin, where she attended the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, north of the University of Texas campus. It attracts Methodists and Baptists as well as Presbyterians. "Overall, it was wonderful," said Beadle, who never let up on her faith inquiries. "But there were challenges. Some seminarians came from a more conservative theological place, and the experience was shattering for some of them. "For me, it was a deep drink of cold water. I thought, thank God there are ways to interpret and understand scripture that are more consistent with how I understand God to be." A spiritual leader at a time of wider cultural conflict After Beadle's training at the seminary, she underwent two additional years of theological learning through interviews, writing and retreats. After becoming a minister, she was appointed to be an associate pastor at First United Methodist Church in Austin, and then an associate pastor at Manchaca, before she was appointed at Westlake as their senior pastor in 2017. Pastor Tracy Beadle talks to a congregation member during a Sunday service at Westlake United Methodist Church on Sunday, May 5, 2024. Methodists are organized somewhat like Episcopaliansboth denominations are led by bishops. Beadle's churches have been part of the Capital District, a part of the San Antonio Episcopal Area, which meets annually as the Rio Texas Annual Conference, headed by Bishop Robert Schnase. For decades, mainstream American Protestant churches have been wrestling with issues attached to sexuality. Some, like the Methodists, began to vote in local churches to affiliate with Reconciling Ministries Network, or to become "reconciling," in other words, they welcomed LGBTQ congregants. Still, the official rules did not change. The Methodist General Conference usually meets every four years. Yet a special conference was called in 2019 to find a way forward for the UMC as it relates to LGBTQ inclusion. The "One Church Plan" proposed the removal of certain language related to sexualities while allowing annual conferences and local churches to administer the results. To the surprise of many, a proposal to double down on the discriminatory, disciplinary language passed narrowly. "It was very upsetting," Beadle said. "It ended up creating a lot more disruption." The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the regularly scheduled 2020 General Conference. During the intervening years, those churches that supported the traditional, more conservative language used a "gracious exit" clause that allowed them to keep their property if they disaffiliated. Beadle, who celebrated the historic votes with her congregation on May 5, has urged local Methodists to become peacekeepers rather than just witnesses during America's culture wars. She wanted those who disagree with one another to speak learn and practice strategies for engaging in respectful conversation. She and a team of church members put together small groups to encourage honest engagement on an ongoing basis. "We don't know how to have civilized conversations about things that matter that we disagree on," she told American-Statesman columnist Bridget Grumet in 2022. "If the church is going to remain relevant, we need to be able to have those conversations, so that we can determine as a congregation what a faithful response might be to many of the things that challenge us today." This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin pastor Tracey Beadle heartened by United Methodist inclusivity A distorted narrative painting Israel as a country of colonisers has become an accepted truth, particularly among a generation whose concept of global politics has been formed by social media sized snippets. It is a tawdry falsehood. Given that many Israelis were driven out of surrounding Middle Eastern countries and many others were survivors of the Holocaust, branding them colonial is laughable but also deeply dangerous. My own grandfather was nine when, in 1935, his parents managed to get him out of Mashhad in north-east Persia (now Iran) a city where being Jewish was punishable by death to the safety of Jerusalem, where his grandparents lived. Following pogroms in Mashhad a century earlier, those who werent murdered or didnt manage to escape were forced to convert. But while outwardly those converts kept Islam, even taking Arabic names (my Jewish grandfather took the name Abdul Rachman), at home they preserved their identity and traditions. My grandfather, who moved to London in his 20s, would tell me about their underground synagogues, clandestine matzah baking on Passover and secret Shabbat observance. He also remembered being told to play on the streets and make as much noise as possible. It was only when he was a little older he realised the din was to disguise the sound of the shofar being blown on Jewish New Year and the tragic price they would have paid if they had been discovered. In Baghdad my husbands grandfather wasnt having a great time either. The Jews of Iraq had lived happily under British rule but, after Iraqi independence, anti-Semitism increased. Jews were no longer allowed to hold public office, their houses were regularly looted. Riots saw them murdered and abducted. Most of the Jews fled, leaving everything they possessed behind. If you can spot a colonialist in this story so far, please do stop me. These are just two of the forgotten pieces of Middle Eastern history that feed into the story of Israel. An estimated 850,000 Jews were driven out of their homes in countries including Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Tunisia, Iran and Libya, many joining the Jewish communities that had been in Israel for millennia. The Holocaust survivors, who arrived after liberation in 1945 and more in 1948, also dont fit the colonial bill. For the Jews who came before the Holocaust, anti-Semitism was still the motivation. They may have been white but they dont fit the white oppressor narrative theyve been branded with. Those people, so many desperate and destitute, turned swamps into farmland and literally made the desert bloom. If anything, the story of Israel is the very inverse of colonialism. When Israel gained independence in 1948 the indigenous population, whether Jewish, Muslim, Christian or Druze, were given the vote. And it became a beacon for womens suffrage in the Middle East, particularly for Muslim women. Israeli-Arabs are now part of the fabric of society they are judges, broadcasters, soldiers, sportspeople and politicians. The Muslim party United Arab List was part of the 2021 coalition. Thats the inconvenient truth that doesnt fit the social media narrative. There were of course other Muslims who fled Israel in 1948, or were forcibly evicted. Some went to the West Bank and others to the Gaza Strip, where many of their descendants still live. But its important not to give that story the social media treatment too, and erase its historical context. It happened during a war, after Israel was attacked by Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. So many of these details have been erased, distorting Israels history and its very story of existence. This casting Israel as a colonial force and branding the concept of Zionism as malevolent is crushing real debate rather than encouraging it and stoking hatred with it. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. In 2015 alone, 1,146 people died during or after interactions with law enforcement officials in the US. In 2016, the death toll was 1,093, per The Counted, a special report and database from The Guardian. (In both years, the vast majority of deaths were classified as due to gunshot wounds, with a small number of fatalities after individuals were tased, struck by police vehicles or reported as a death in custody.) For the photographer Diana Matar, seeking to memorialize these deaths and the liminal spaces they represent proved overwhelming to consider as a project, even at a smaller scale. She narrowed her focus down to four states; California and Texas, because they had the highest number of such incidents across the country, and Oklahoma and New Mexico because they consistently had some of the highest rates per capita. I thought I could photograph (where) every encounter happened in two years in these four states, and it just became impossible, Matar told CNN. Timewise, financially, in every possible way. Still, over some three years of photography trips, Matar drove hundreds of miles across the four states, visiting more than 300 locations where people had died during (or following) an encounter with law enforcement officers in 2015 and 2016. 110 of these images are published now in the monograph My America; quiet, monochromatic images of everyday sites like parking lots, rural roads and suburban sidewalks. Mharloun Saycon, 39, was shot and killed by police officers at an arcade in Long Beach, California, on December 14, 2015, after allegedly threatening patrons with a knife. Saycon's family, who claimed officers knew of his mental health condition, later settled with the city for $2 million. - Diana Matar Charles Pettit Jr., 18, was shot by a police officer in Midwest City, Oklahoma on October 15, 2015, and died days later in the hospital. - Diana Matar Monique Deckard, 43, was shot and killed by police officers outside her apartment in Anaheim, California, on March 8, 2015. - Diana Matar Patches of grass at an empty roadside mark the place where 40-year-old Terence Crutcher was killed by a police officer in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 2016. In Addison, Texas, birds perching on telephone wires overlook the site where 16-year-old Jose Cruz was murdered by an off duty police officer that same year. (In 2018, the officer was sentenced to 10 years in prison, having been found guilty of murder and aggravated assault.) Two chairs on a sunny sidewalk in Los Angeles, California, indicate where 37-year-old Norma Guzman, 37, was shot and killed by police officers in 2015. Beside each image in the book are three brief lines of biographical information: the name of the deceased, their birth and death years, and the sites location. I was really adamant about how the photographs would be presented. I just wanted it to be a name, said Matar, who consulted family and victims support groups. I didnt want the last thing to be thought of about these people was the way they died. These were people, with lives. There are so many images, and so many images of violence that we kind of turn off, Matar added continued of todays era of social media and smartphones. I think we need space to digest, and I wanted to approach this in a way that was quite quiet. I wanted images that did not reinforce the violence. I wanted images that you can look at, and imagine this very banal place as the last place someone has been. Norma Guzman, 37, was shot and killed by police officers in Los Angeles, California, on September 27, 2015. "According to authorities, officers shot Guzman after she was being "unruly" while armed with a knife," Matar wrote in "My America," also noting that "Guzmans family subsequently released security footage which shows Guzman was shot only ten seconds after police arrived at the scene." (The family later received a $1.95 million settlement from the Los Angeles City Council.) - Diana Matar Rodney Turner, 22, was shot and killed by a police officer responding to reports of a home invasion at an apartment complex in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on January 3, 2016. - Diana Matar Ian King, 31, died after being shot by officers called to the scene of an alleged assault on a delivery driver in Ponca City, Oklahoma, on December 21, 2016. - Diana Matar An internationally acclaimed photographer and distinguished artist at Columbia Universitys Barnard College in New York City, Matars relationship with documenting landscapes and violence is rooted in her own personal experiences. In 1990, her father-in-law was forcibly disappeared by the Gadhafi regime in Libya, and was never seen by his family again. I was familiar with this idea of the legacy of state-sponsored violence and what it does intimately to a family but also really looking at it through photography and what these landscapes hold, Matar said. Matar was born in California but has lived abroad for nearly two decades. Her photographic practice has taken her to locations across Libya, North Africa, Italy and Ukraine looking at the intersections of landscape and memory, in particular examining spaces where people had been killed or forcibly interned. But before beginning her work on My America, she had never turned her lens on the US. In 2014 and 2015, the police killings of Black men and boys including Eric Garner in New York City, 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, 12-year-old Tamir Rice in Cleveland, Ohio and Walter Scott in Charleston, South Carolina, captured on camera and shared on social media, sparked national protests and a racial reckoning. Matar felt compelled to return to America. I had worked on issues around landscapes of violence and state violence for many years outside of my home country, and I wanted to start researching what was happening from that point of view (in the US). Using a range of sources including victim databases, media coverage, district attorney documents and police reports Matar made her work during six lengthy road trips. She would watch videos or local news coverage of what happened at the location right before photographing the site in question. That really was very emotionally affecting, she said. Terence Crutcher, 40, was shot and killed by a police officer in Tulsa, Oklahoma on September 16, 2016. Though the officer was later charged with first degree manslaughter, she was found not guilty by a jury at trial. - Diana Matar Clemente Najera, 38, was shot and killed by a sheriff's officer in Elsinore, California, on April 15, 2016. - Diana Matar Jose Rodriguez, 19, died during a confrontation with police in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on December 22, 2015. - Diana Matar Every time I got out of the car, I was very aware I was not just taking a photograph of a landscape or of a building. I was photographing something that held the last moments of someones life unless they had been taken to hospital, it was the place where these deaths happened. It made me think about my country, and made me question so many things. Of all the sites Matar visited, she said only seven had a memorial of some kind, whether that was a mural, flowers, memorabilia or photos. In a way, though, the photographs and the information placed alongside them in My America have a memorial-like quality of their own; Matar emphasizes this was a conscious decision in the books design. I wanted a lot of white space in there, because I wanted the viewer to sit and think, and not just move on quickly, she said. While the biographical information next to each photograph is sparse, Matar researched and wrote a longer passage of text dedicated to each persons life, and death, which is included in the books final pages. She describes her research of the wider issues relating to law-enforcement related deaths as even more affecting than the process of making the photographs. This is exemplified in a series of pages in the middle of the book which outline key statistics related to such deaths, those impacted and factors involved like that the number of people who die in encounters with police each year (around 1,000) has not changed in the nine years since Matar started researching the project in 2015. 16-year-old Jose Cruz was fatally shot by an off-duty police officer in Addison, Texas, on March 13, 2016. The officer was later convicted of murder and aggravated assault. - Diana Matar When you see all the things that go into why this is occurring the lack of mental health beds, the lack of arms training, the racial injustice theres so many things that come together in this particular challenge, Matar reflected. This book is placing this type of violence in a continuum of a lot of violence in the history of the country. I dont have an illusion that this work is going to change anything, she continued. What I do think, though, is that point a camera at something, researching something, writing about something all these things require great attention. And that attention is saying that this matters, this really matters. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Local residents walk near residential buildings heavily damaged during a Russian military attack in the frontline town of Torets - UKRAINIAN ARMED FORCES Sweden scrambled a pair of fighter jets to intercept a Russian Su-24 aircraft that crossed into Nato airspace on Friday. Swedens Air Force first verbally warned the Russian pilot, which did not deviate from its course, and then sent two JAS-39 Gripen fighters to force it to turn around, the Swedish Armed Forces said in a statement. This Russian behaviour is not acceptable and shows a lack of respect for our territorial integrity, said Jonas Wikman, head of the Air Force. Fridays incident came days after a similar border intrusion by Russian aircraft in Finland. Sweden became a full member of Nato earlier this year, dropping two centuries of military non-alignment. 05:28 PM BST Thats all for today Thank you for following our live coverage. President Volodymyr Zelensky said he hoped to find paths to a just peace as soon as possible, as a first international summit on pathways to end Russias war in Ukraine opened Saturday. Meanwhile, Kamala Harris, the US vice-president, announced more than $1.5 billion in aid in part for Ukraines energy sector and its humanitarian situation. Other key developments from the day were: Ukraine launched a major drone attack on the Morosovsk Airfield in Russia, about 150 miles from the front lines, according to an assessment of satellite imagery. Sweden scrambled a pair of fighter jets to intercept a Russian Su-24 aircraft that crossed into Nato airspace on Friday. Denmarks government is asking citizens to prepare for an attack or other potential crisis by stockpiling supplies of water, food and medicine, and keeping iodine tablets at home. German chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Saturday Russian leader Vladimir Putin was trying to dictate the conditions for peace in Ukraine by offering to halt Moscows offensive if Kyiv effectively surrenders. Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister, also weighed in, and slammed as propaganda Vladimir Putins demand that Ukraine effectively surrender before any peace talks. Peter Pellegrini, an ally of Ukraine-sceptic prime minister Robert Fico, was sworn in as Slovakias new president on Saturday, pledging to unite the politically polarised central European country. 05:19 PM BST ICYMI: Putin promises immediate ceasefire if Ukraine drops Nato bid 05:06 PM BST Danes asked to stockpile supplies in case of attack Denmarks government is asking citizens to prepare for an attack or other potential crisis by stockpiling supplies of water, food and medicine, and keeping iodine tablets at home. A rising threat from Russia has prompted Danish authorities to increase their preparedness and issue recommendations to Danes to do the same, Bloomberg has reported. The reality is that Denmark and our allies are threatened by hybrid war, said Troels Lund Poulsen, the defence minister. Each of us should prepare for the fact that, for a short period, we may be without access to electricity or water, or be unable to buy basic necessities. The recommendations suggest citizens stock up on non-perishable food that does not require a stove or oven to be prepared, and at least 9 liters (2.4 gallons) of bottled water per person, enough for three days. Danes should also prepare for power failures by keeping batteries, flashlights and candles at hand, and be able to stay warm without heating. Authorities also advise that citizens under 40 keep iodine tablets at home in the event of a nuclear accident, though its very unlikely that these will be needed, Laila Reenberg, chief of Denmarks emergency management agency said. 04:27 PM BST Saudi Arabias foreign minister arrives in Switzerland to attend Ukraine summit Saudi Arabias foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah has arrived in the Swiss city of Lucerne to attend a summit on Ukraine, the Saudi state news agency said. 04:10 PM BST Im not willing to be occupied: How a Ukrainian priest led a resistance behind enemy lines Ben Farmer reports From the very beginning, Father Andriys faith has included a large streak of resistance. As a young man in the last days of the Soviet Union, he started going to church as a way of opposing the system and later went to a seminary and became a priest after its collapse. His second chance at resistance came 30 years later when Russian soldiers menaced his village in Ukraine. By then he had his flock and responsibilities, but he was determined not to let Putins invasion stand. I love my country and Im not willing to be occupied, he explained. After Russian troops invaded and took control of his region in the first dark days of the February 2022 invasion, he and others began small acts of resistance. They left graffiti messages against the occupation. Leaflets were printed assuring residents that the Ukrainian army was approaching. Some kept an eye on Russian troop movements and reported back to the Ukrainian authorities until the internet gave out and they had no means of communication. I got over my fear, I was only afraid at the beginning, recalls Father Andriy. Read the full story 03:44 PM BST Ukraine-sceptic Pellegrini sworn in as Slovak president Peter Pellegrini, an ally of Ukraine-sceptic prime minister Robert Fico, was sworn in as Slovakias new president on Saturday, pledging to unite the politically polarised central European country. Analysts have predicted Slovakias international isolation will increase with Mr Pellegrini as president and expect the government to crank up its pro-Russian rhetoric now that its ally is head of state. Mr Fico, a populist who is recovering from being shot at close range on May 15, has governed a country that has been deeply split for years between pro-European and nationalist-leaning camps. Slovakia's newly elected president Peter Pellegrini reviews the Honour Guard - REUTERS/Radovan Stoklasa Politics should not divide, Mr Pellegrini said in his inauguration speech. It shouldnt become a driver of negative and destructive emotions. The new president, himself a former prime minister, was elected in April with 53 per cent of the vote. He defeated pro-West diplomat Ivan Korcok in a ballot dominated by divisions over the war in neighbouring Ukraine. Although the office is largely ceremonial, Slovakias president is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, ratifies international treaties and appoints top judges. 03:02 PM BST Italy PM slams Putins propaganda on Ukraine peace talks Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister, has slammed as propaganda Vladimir Putins demand that Ukraine effectively surrender before any peace talks. It doesnt seem particularly effective to me as a negotiation proposal to tell Ukraine that it must withdraw from Ukraine, she said at the end of a G7 summit in Italy, adding that it seems more like a propaganda initiative. 02:47 PM BST In pictures Ukrainian serviceman of the 28th Knights of the Winter Campaign Separate Mechanised Brigade Oleksii pets his unit's cat - REUTERS/Alina Smutko Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine's president, and Viola Amherd, Swiss federal president - MICHAEL BUHOLZER/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock A Ukrainian serviceman of the Sky Hunters unit of the 65-th brigade operates a drone on the front line in Zaporizhzhia - AP Photo/Andriy Andriyenko 02:14 PM BST Italy PM says EU states wont be directly involved in G7 Ukraine loan European Union states will not be directly involved for now in a $50 billion loan that the Group of Seven nations plan to raise for Ukraine based on income from frozen Russian assets, Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister, said on Saturday. Europe was already contributing by providing guarantee mechanisms for the loan, Ms Meloni said, adding that the United States, Canada, Britain and probably Japan would contribute. 02:02 PM BST Ukraine seeks path to just peace at Swiss summit President Volodymyr Zelensky said he hoped to find paths to a just peace as soon as possible, as a first international summit on pathways to end Russias war in Ukraine opened Saturday. More than 50 world leaders were joining Zelensky at the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland for a two-day peace summit - though with Moscow rejecting the event, it only has the modest ambitions of laying the groundwork for ending the conflict, now in its third year. I believe that we will witness history being made here at the summit. May a just peace be established as soon as possible, Mr Zelensky said as the event began. Everything that will be agreed upon at the summit today will be part of the peacemaking process, he said. We have succeeded in bringing back to the world the idea that joint efforts can stop war and establish a just peace. 01:35 PM BST Ukraine LGBTQ military union concerned about attacks on Pride march Ukrainian LGBTQ activists have warned of potential violence against this weekends Kyiv Pride parade amid pressures from far-right groups and the Russian war. Sundays event is the first parade in the capital since the beginning of the Russian invasion, which Kyiv often portrays as an existential fight to be part of the West and its liberal values. We are seriously concerned about possible attacks on march participants, the LGBTIQ+ military union that defends the rights of veterans and soldiers said on Instagram. The march will be held in a closed format, with 500 people attending, while its location and time have been kept confidential, AFP has reported. The LGBTQ military group said it will regard any physical assaults as acts of Russian agent networks aimed at undermining Ukraines image. 01:13 PM BST Kremlin says Western reaction to Putin proposal on Ukraine unconstructive The Kremlin has said that the West has reacted unconstructively to Russian president Vladimir Putins proposals for a new security architecture and peace talks with Ukraine. There is a lot of it, a huge amount of it official reaction, official statements. Of an unconstructive nature, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, said in response to a question about whether there had been an official reaction to the proposals. Mr Putin set out on Friday what he said were Russias preconditions for starting peace talks with Ukraine, saying Russia would end the war only if Kyiv agreed to drop its Nato ambitions and hand over four provinces claimed by Moscow demands Kyiv swiftly rejected as tantamount to surrender. 12:50 PM BST Ukrainian drones strike airfield hosting Russian fighter-bombers Ukraine has launched a major drone attack on the Morosovsk Airfield in Russia, about 150 miles from the front lines, according to an assessment of satellite imagery. The airfield is located in the Rostov region, and has been the staging post for Russian bombings on the front line since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022. It houses dozens of Su-27 and Su-34 fighter-bombers, key weapons in the war. Satellite images obtained by The War Zone show that the Morosovsk Airfield in Russia, about 150 miles from the front lines, was hit by a Ukrainian attack - Planet Labs The operation involved at least 70 drones striking the base on Thursday, Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraines military intelligence, told The War Zone, though it was unclear if any aircraft had been destoyed. The attack is the second at Morosovsk in recent months. An attack on April 5 reportedly destroyed six Russian warplanes. 12:43 PM BST Zelensky: The Global Peace Summit begins World leaders are joining Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian President, in Switzerland for a summit on peace in his country. Writing on social media, Mr Zelensky said representatives from Latin America, the Middle East and Asia, Africa, Europe, the Pacific, Australia, North America are present. Together, we are making the first step toward just peace based on the UN Charter and fundamental principles of international law, Mr Zelensky said. Today, the Global Peace Summit begins with the registered 100 states and international organizations coming from all continents and all parts of the world, representing different perspectives but united by respect to international law and one another. Latin America, the Middle Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) June 15, 2024 11:32 AM BST US announces $1.5 billion aid for Ukraine Kamala Harris, the US vice-president, has announced more than $1.5 billion in aid in part for Ukraines energy sector and its humanitarian situation as a result of Russias invasion of Ukraine. The announcement was made as Ms Harris attended a Ukraine peace summit in Lucerne, Switzerland, where she was to meet Volodymyr Zelensky and address the summits plenary session. The $1.5 billion includes $500 million in new funding for energy assistance and the redirecting of $324 million in previously announced funds toward emergency energy infrastructure repair and other needs in Ukraine, the vice-presidents office said. Kamala Harris arrives at Zurich airport - Ennio Leanza/Keystone via AP These efforts will help Ukraine respond to Russias latest attacks on Ukraine energy infrastructure by supporting repair and recovery, improving Ukraines resilience to energy supply disruptions, and laying the groundwork to repair and expand Ukraines energy system, Ms Harriss office said. She also announced more than $379 million in humanitarian assistance to help refugees and other people affected by the war. The money is to cover food assistance, health services, shelter, and water, sanitation and hygiene services for millions of Ukrainians. 11:29 AM BST Three killed in Russian attack in Ukraines Donetsk region Three people were killed and five wounded by Russian shelling in Ulakly village in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk, local governor Vadym Filashkin said on Saturday. The village was hit by cluster munitions, he said on the Telegram messaging app. Filashkin said administrative buildings, a private house, a shop and eight cars were damaged. 11:08 AM BST Sweden says Russian bomber violated its airspace A Russian military aircraft violated Swedens airspace east of the Baltic island of Gotland on Friday, the Nordic countrys armed forces said. Two Gripen jets were sent up to meet the Russian plane, an SU-24, after it failed to respond to a radio warning by Swedens military air traffic control, the Swedish armed forces said in a statement. The Russian actions are not acceptable and show a lack of respect for our territorial integrity, Swedish air force chief Jonas Wikman said. We followed the entire chain of events and were in place to intervene. Fridays incident took place as Sweden Natos newest member and several of its new allies take part in naval exercises in the Baltic Sea. The Swedish military said similar airspace violations by Russian aircraft last occurred in 2022 when two SU-27 and two SU-24 planes also made incursions near Gotland. Swedens neighbour Finland said separately on Friday it suspected that four Russian military planes had violated its airspace on June 10. 11:05 AM BST In pictures Ukrainian soldiers fire 120 mm mortar towards Russian position on the front line at Chasiv Yar - Oleg Petrasiuk/Ukrainian 24 Mechanised brigade via AP A Ukrainian soldier attaches a shell to a first person view (FPV) drone at his front line position - REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi 10:47 AM BST Scholz says Putin trying to dictate peace German chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Saturday Russian leader Vladimir Putin was trying to dictate the conditions for peace in Ukraine by offering to halt Moscows offensive if Kyiv effectively surrenders. What we need is not a dictated peace but a just and equitable peace which takes into account Ukraines (territorial) integrity and sovereignty, he told the public broadcaster ARD on the sidelines of a G7 summut in Italy. 10:23 AM BST Situation on Pokrovsk front remains tense Fighting on the Pokrovsk front remains tense, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Three combat clashes are currently taking place in the areas of Novooleksandrivka, Yevhenivka and Novoselivka Persha. The most tense situation remains in the Pokrovsky direction, wrote the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook. So many attacks have already been fought. Defence forces continue to make efforts to stabilize the situation, creating a complex fire effect. 09:56 AM BST Harris to address Ukraine summit Kamala Harris, the US vice-president, will attend the international Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland this weekend, where she will meet with Volodymyr Zelensky and address world leaders. She will stress that the outcome of the war in Ukraine affects the entire world, a US official said, and push for a maximum number of countries to back the notion that Russias invasion violates the UN Charters founding principles and that Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected. Ms Harris, who will spend less than 24 hours at the gathering in Lucerne, will be standing in for president Joe Biden at the event. The president will be just ending his participation at the G7 summit in Italy and returning to the United States to attend a fundraiser for his re-election campaign in Los Angeles. 09:48 AM BST Watch: Russian soldiers surrender after failed raid 09:37 AM BST World leaders join Ukraine summit in test of Kyivs diplomatic clout World leaders will gather in Switzerland today for a summit aimed at pressuring Russia to end its war in Ukraine, but the absence of powerful allies of Moscow such as China will blunt its potential impact. Dozens of allies of Ukraine will take part in the summit, but China is staying away after Russia was frozen out of proceedings. Without China, hopes of isolating Moscow have faded, while recent military reverses have put Kyiv on the back foot. The war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas has also diverted attention from Ukraine. The talks are expected to focus on broader concerns triggered by the war, such as food and nuclear security and freedom of navigation, and a draft of the final declaration identifies Russia as the aggressor in the conflict, sources said. The summit risks showing the limits of Ukrainian diplomacy, said Richard Gowan, UN director at the international crisis group. Nonetheless, it is also a chance for Ukraine to remind the world that it is defending the principles of the UN Charter. 09:24 AM BST Scholz: Putins peace proposals arent serious G7 leaders did not discuss Vladimir Putins proposals for peace in Ukraine since everyone knew they were not serious, German chancellor Olaf Scholz said. Speaking from Italy shortly before leaving for Switzerland, where a Ukraine conference opens on Saturday, Mr Scholz said Putins proposals for Ukraine to abandon four provinces Russia claims, stop fighting and drop its ambition of Nato membership were aimed only at distracting from the conference. Everyone knows that this was proposal wasnt meant seriously, but had something to do with the peace conference in Switzerland, he told ZDF television in an interview. 09:18 AM BST Ukrainian shelling kills five in Russian border town Ukrainian shelling on the Russian border town of Shebekino killed five people and wounded several, the governor of the region of Belgorod said on Saturday. Since Russia launched its military offensive on Ukraine in 2022, Belgorod has faced waves of attacks, which Kyiv say are retaliation for Moscows large-scale assault. Four bodies were recovered from the rubble of a partially collapsed house in Shebekino, said governor Vyacheslav Gladkov, who added that another woman had died in hospital. Russias emergency services published footage of a crane and rescuers sifting through the rubble of a destroyed five-storey building in the night. Six civilians were wounded in the late evening shelling, the governor said. Shebekino is a town of 40,000 people close to the border with Ukraines northeast Kharkiv region. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. President of Moldova Maia Sandu is seeking re-election in October. On Thursday, the United States, Canada and Britain accused Russia of attempting to influence the outcome of the upcoming contest. File Photo by Dumitru Doru/EPA-EFE June 14 (UPI) -- The United States, Canada and Britain are raising the alarm over the Kremlin's ongoing campaign to influence Moldova's upcoming election in an effort to replace its pro-European Union government with one more friendly to Russia. The coalition of democratic nations issued the warning in a statement Thursday on the first day of the Group of Seven summit in Italy where Russia and its war in Ukraine have taken center stage. The countries accused Russian actors of supporting presidential candidates and distributing disinformation and propaganda "online, on the air and on the streets" to further their objectives. They said Russia is seeking to foment negative public perceptions of Western government and of Moldova's incumbent pro-EU president Maia Sandu, who is running for re-election in October "Part of these operations would include spreading lies about the incumbent president's character and intentions and about supposed electoral irregularities," the three allies said. "If Russia's election meddling proves unsuccessful in Moldova, there is reason to believe Moscow will work to incite protests." They continued that Russia has been meddling in Moldova's politics for years to influence October's election, stating employees of state-funded RT have been "providing direct support" to Ilan Shor, a pro-Russian politician who was convicted in a 2014 billion-dollar bank fraud scandal. Shor, the leader of the Shor political party, has been sanctioned by all three of the governments, with the United States on Wednesday designating a member of his criminal network in an effort to counter Russia's malign influence in Moldova. The trio of democratic nations also accused Russia of attempting to degrade public confidence in the nation's ability to secure itself and maintain rule of law while exacerbating societal tensions. "By revealing the Kremlin's plot, we are making it clear to Moscow that we stand for free and fair elections and will not tolerate its attempts to meddle and undermine democratic processes," the nations said. "We urge the Kremlin to abandon these efforts to subvert Moldova's democracy and to respect its sovereignty and the outcomes of free, fair and independent elections." Russia has been conducting the influence campaign for years, but has seemingly increased its efforts as Moldova is working toward becoming a member of the EU. Moldova applied for EU membership a week after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, which Chisinau has condemned. The invasion raised concerns in Moldova that Russia may seek to retake the former Soviet nation, using its Kremlin-backed breakaway Transnistria region where it has a military presence to do so, according to the U.S. Congressional Research Service. Christina Harward, a Russia researcher at the Institute for the Study of War, said in April that they had recently seen several indicators suggesting the Kremlin was establishing conditions for "hybrid operations with the aim of destabilizing Moldova from within and preventing Moldova from joining the West." She said Russia is seeking "long-term control" over the European nation. The three democratic nations on Thursday said hat they have "full confidence" in Moldova's ability to manage Russia's threats and that they were taking measures to support it, including sharing information it has on the Kremlin's campaign. Prime Minister Mihai Popsoi of Moldova thanked the three nations for the "show of solidarity." "Russia's subversive activity & electoral interference in Moldova will not deter us from our path," he said in a statement. The announcement comes after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Moldova late last month when he announced $50 million to aid Moldova's efforts in resisting Russian interference in its election. Last week, the European Commission said both Moldova and Ukraine have met conditions to start talks about joining the EU. HOKKAIDO, Jun 17 (News On Japan) - In Asahikawa, Hokkaido, a high school girl was killed after being thrown from a bridge, and it has been revealed that the arrested 21-year-old woman and others had confined the girl for approximately four hours before the murder. Riko Uchida, 21, and a 19-year-old woman are suspected of killing 17-year-old Tsuki Murayama by throwing her into a river from a bridge on the outskirts of Asahikawa on April 19. According to investigators, Uchida stated during questioning, I knew the site had no security cameras and was out of sight. Uchida allegedly called Murayama out on the night before the murder due to an online dispute. Along with the 19-year-old woman, Uchida confined Murayama in a car for about four hours and assaulted her on the way to the crime scene. After the incident, Uchida reportedly sent messages to several friends stating, I made the high school girl apologize. She then went home. The police are investigating the possibility that Uchida attempted to cover up the crime. Source: TBS CHIBA, Jun 17 (News On Japan) - An attempt to break a Guinness World Record for the longest hand-holding line fell short by just three seconds on the 15th in Chiba's Kujukuri Beach. The event, part of the 150th anniversary celebration of Chiba Prefecture, aimed to surpass the record set in Malaysia in 2017. Participants gathered on the Kujukuri toll road, joining hands to form the longest line of people holding wrists. The record to beat was 4,222 participants, and on the 15th, 4,554 people joined the attempt, raising high hopes for a new record. However, the participants managed to hold hands for only 57 seconds, falling three seconds short of the one-minute requirement, thus failing to set a new Guinness World Record. Source: TBS Genoa National Fish Hatchery stocked 40,000 walleye fingerlings in DeSoto Lake last week. The walleye fingerlings, which are roughly 2 to 3 inches, were hatched this spring and raised at Genoa National Fish Hatchery located in Genoa, Wisconsin, along the Mississippi River close to the Minnesota-Iowa border, according to a news release. The hatchery transported the walleye fingerlings in a tanker truck that keeps the water cool and oxygenated for the trip across Iowa. Before releasing the fish on Wednesday, June 12, water from DeSoto Lake was pumped into the tanks to allow the water to slowly acclimate to the lake temperature at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge near Missouri Valley. Once the water temperature equalized, the 40,000 walleye fingerlings were netted and released. With lake levels high this year, there is lots of flooded vegetation that will provide good cover for these walleye fingerlings to grow. Walleyes can grow fast within their first four years and can begin reaching the minimum keeper length limit for DeSoto Lake of 15 inches at four years of growth. This recent stocking is part of ongoing efforts to improve the fisheries on DeSoto Lake. Earlier in the spring, 400,000 walleye fry from Genoa National Fish Hatchery were released into the lake. In terms of fisheries, a fry is the early stages of fish after they recently hatched from their eggs and their yolk sac has been almost entirely absorbed. This stocking is in addition to last years effort where over one million walleye fry were stocked in DeSoto Lake. The refuge will continue working with Genoa National Fish Hatchery and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Nebraska Game & Parks fisheries biologists to improve the recreational fishing opportunities at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge. Nigers top court has lifted the immunity of the countrys democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, thus opening door for the countrys junta-ruled government to prosecute him for alleged high treason. Abdou Dan Galadima, president of the State Court, Nigers highest legal authority that had been created by the military government, announced the decision on Friday (14 June), nearly a year after Bazoum was overthrown by mutinous soldiers. The junta-led government had initiated the legal proceedings earlier this year, declaring their intention to eventually prosecute the ex-president for high treason and for undermining national security. Human Rights Watch had denounced the proceedings, saying the State Court has been marred by serious irregularities, prompting Bazoums lawyer, Reed Brody, to criticize the ruling as a mockery of the rule of law in Niger. This is a travesty of justice. Bazoum and his family have been under house arrest since a military coup that overthrew his rule last July. While under house arrest, Bazoum is accused of having spoken by telephone with French President Emmanuel Macron and United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a bid to secure Western support during the July 2023 coup. In December last year, the ECOWAS highest court ruled that Bazoum and his family were arbitrarily detained and called for him to be reinstated to office. Nigers junta subsequently pulled the country out of the West African grouping, booted out Frances military and ordered the US troops to leave as well. Nigeria said it will deploy 197 peacekeepers to Gambia to back the ECOWASs peace and stability mandate. Troops from ECOWAS entered The Gambia in January 2017 following long-time Gambian President Yahya Jammehs refusal to step down after losing the 2016 presidential election to Adama Barrow. This intervention ultimately resolved the 2016-17 Gambian constitutional crisis, and ECOWAS forces remain in the country to maintain order and assist domestic security forces. The name of the mission was changed from Operation Restore Democracy to ECOWAS Mission in the Gambia (ECOMIG). The US is withdrawing its troops from Niger ahead of schedule with only 300 soldiers left in the uranium and oil rich Sahel country. Niger authorities have given mid-September as a deadline for the troop withdrawal, which comes against the backdrop of an increasing anti-western sentiment in the military-ruled Sahel states. Niger is also shifting its alliances moving closer to Russia and has reportedly sold uranium to Iran despite sanctions. We are on track to be done before the 15th of September, a senior US defense official told reporters. American troops have been deployed in Niger for more than a decade to help the country fight terrorist groups. The US had two military bases in the country: an air base in Niamey and an air base in Agadez. The Agadez base, worth 110 million dollars, was the most important where most US soldiers were stationed operating drones to monitor terrorist activity. According to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI), the Sahel region in sub-Saharan Africa now accounts for 43% of global terrorism deathsmore than South Asia and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region combined. Moroccos tangible efforts to put an end to the artificial conflict over the Sahara were hailed by participants in a round table held on Friday in London by the British think tank The Royal United Service Institute (RUSI). The event, held under the theme Resolving the conflict over the Moroccan Sahara: a Moroccan-British perspective, was attended by a range of experts and eminent figures, who emphasized Moroccos fundamental role in the stability and security of the Sahel region in accordance with the vision of King Mohammed VI. The round table was moderated by Professor Marc Weller, Chair of International Law and Constitutional Studies at Cambridge University, Sir Mark Lyall Grant, former UK National Security Adviser and former UK representative to the UN, Mbarka Bouaida, President of the Guelmim Oued-Noun region, and diplomat and writer Hassan Hami. The speakers exchanged views on the artificial conflict over the Sahara, including legal, geopolitical, economic and human development points of view, while highlighting the British governments position and the timeliness of its evolution in a changing national and international context. In the light of the elements presented, the speakers highlighted the opportunity for the United Kingdom to align itself with the current momentum of the international community, which broadly supports the Moroccan autonomy plan as the only credible solution for resolving this regional dispute. The participants also expressed deep concern about the alarming humanitarian situation in the Tindouf camps in Algeria and warned against exploiting the status quo to spread extremism and terrorism in the region. Discussions on the development of the Southern Provinces and the implementation of advanced regionalization enabled participants to learn about concrete progress on the ground. Around twenty high-level participants took part in the round table, including officials from the British Foreign Office and Ministry of Defense, former British ministers and diplomats, as well as experts and researchers in geopolitics and defense. Michael Cohen wants to get elected. Photo: Andrea Renault/Star Max/GC Images It took 15 days for Michael Cohen to outlive his usefulness to the Democratic Party. In an interview with New York published Saturday, Cohen said that he plans to challenge Jerry Nadler in the 2026 Democratic primary for New Yorks 12th congressional seat. Hes been in office 30 years, Cohen said. We thank him for his service, but its enough already. Cohen would have run in the 2024 election, he said, but he had been too preoccupied with Donald Trumps criminal trial, where he served as star witness for the prosecution, and he missed the cutoff to enter. Instead, he plans to formally declare his candidacy the day after Election Day, November 6, two years before the contest. I have it all figured out, he said. He was working on potential slogans, he added, and claimed to have already bought the web domain cohenforcongress.com (which seems unlikely, since it is the active website for congressman Steve Cohen of Tennessee). The ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, Nadler had, like many Democratic officials, celebrated the New York jurys decision to find former President Trump guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a $130,000 hush money payment to Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election. Upon the verdict, Nadler said Trump had been justly convicted of election interference, a characterization of the case borrowed from Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg that has become the Democratic Partys house style. He can no longer escape the consequences of his actions, Nadler said, Our nation will not tolerate his attempts to hide his crimes from voters and subvert our elections. During a hearing on rules for debate on a resolution to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt for refusing to turn over audio of President Bidens interview with Special Counsel Robert Hur about his handling of classified documents, Nadler brought his glee over Trumps guilt to the House floor. This resolution may boost Donald Trumps spirits before his sentencing for his conviction of 34 felonies, he said, but it will certainly not convince the Department of Justice to produce the one remaining file in question. When Ralph Norman, a Republican from South Carolina and member of the Freedom Caucus, used the hearing to complain that Trump had been convicted by a judge that is a known anti-Trumper, Nadler shot back to correct him. By a jury, he said. The outcome of the trial that so pleased Nadler had depended on Cohen. The prosecution needed the jury to believe that while their witness had not behaved in a credible manner in the past, he was credible now. The defense needed the jury to believe that Cohen couldnt be trusted because he was a con man who stole from his boss and lied his way into his own felony convictions and people like that dont change. Trumps lead counsel, Todd Blanche, called him the GLOAT, the Greatest Liar of All Time. Trumps conviction, then, was also an official ruling on Cohens character. He had been redeemed, and through his redemption, five months before Election Day, he had handed the Democratic Party a gift: the leader of the Republican Party was now a felon. A small number of Trump voters had told pollsters that a criminal conviction might change their minds about their support. If you hated Trump, you had to love Cohen. When Nadler responded to the news that Cohen planned to challenge him for the Democratic nomination, he sided with Trumps defense. What a great country America is. Anyone can run for Congress even con men, Nadler said in a statement. I put my record of accomplishments against anyone, including Donald Trumps disgraced former fixer Michael Cohen. Inimicus meus, inimicus inimici mei, in this case. Sign Up for the Intelligencer Newsletter Daily news about the politics, business, and technology shaping our world. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Vox Media, LLC Terms and Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us. Flash Palestinian people receive food relief in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on June 15, 2024. [Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua] About 625,000 children have been denied an education in the Gaza Strip as schools have been forced to remain closed due to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, a UN body said on Saturday. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East said in a statement on social media platform X that its crews continue to support Palestinian children through activities that help them return to learning, but this is not enough, stressing the necessity of a ceasefire now. The war robbed the children in Gaza of their childhood, and the survivors are suffering from deep trauma, as their schools were destroyed and they lost an entire academic year without education or play, it added. Children are the first to suffer the most in conflicts and wars, pointing out that a very large number of them have been killed and others injured, and many of them will have scars for life, the statement said. As of Friday, the Palestinian death toll from the ongoing conflict has risen to 37,296, with 85,197 others wounded, Hamas-run health authorities said in a press statement. Also on Saturday, Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee said in a statement that eight Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers were killed in fighting in the southern Gaza Strip. In a separate statement, Adraee said the IDF forces are moving forward with defeating the military wing of Hamas and stripping its Rafah Brigade of its capabilities. "The forces in the field daily kill many terrorists and destroy weapons, platforms, and rockets, thus preventing Hamas from returning to action against Israel as it was on Oct. 7," Adraee added. Since last Oct. 7, Israel has been waging a large-scale war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which has led to massive casualties and destruction of homes and infrastructure after Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel, which claimed the lives of about 1,200 Israelis. Electric cars are one of the pillars of the energy transition. Mass adoption is regularly included in forecasts as a necessary condition for the success of that transition. Yet, despite efforts and investments, this mass adoption remains as elusive as nuclear fusion. The decline in EV demand growth is a fact. And it is accelerating. Earlier this week, a battery material maker from Belgium became the latest to sound the alarm on EVs. Against the backdrop of a sharp slowdown in the growth of demand for EVs impacting the entire supply chain, customers demand projections for Umicores battery materials have steeply declined in recent weeks, the company said in an update. Consequently 2024 volumes for its battery materials could be equal or slightly lower than last year. Were it anyone else saying this, the warning might well have been dismissed as speculation or climate denialism. But Umicore is one of the biggest makers of battery materials used in electric cars. It should know what it is talking about and it clearly has an interest in strong EV demand. So its warning should carry more weight than, say, OPECs projections of strong oil demand, which is where OPECs interest lies. And yet this warning, although reported by major media outlets, didnt draw as much attention as the latest International Energy Agency market report, which yet again cited EV adoption as one of the drivers of the transition that will see oil demand growth peak before 2030, with supply swinging into a massive overhang of 8 million bpd. Related: U.S. Crude Production Growth Challenges OPEC+ Control Over Prices The IEA takes the continuedlinear, one might saygrowth in EV adoption as a fact. It is, however, very much not a fact. And the European Union just added an obstacle to EVs course with its new tariffs on China-made vehicles. Earlier this week, the blocs executive body, the European Commission, will impose additional import tariffs on China-manufactured electric cars of up to 38%. The levy follows a so-called anti-subsidy investigation by the EU after it alleged that China essentially over-subsidizes its EV makers to make their cars cheap, undercutting otherEuropeanauto manufacturers. But here is the thing. The European Commission will also punish those same European automakers with the new tariffsfor daring to outsource their manufacturing to China. So, Mercedes, Renault, and any other European carmakers with factories in China will, starting next month, pay an additional 21% import tariff, while Chinese carmakers will pay individually set tariffs of between 17% for BYD and 38%, the top rate, for SAIC, which the European Commission claimed had not cooperated with its investigation. These tariffs will be added to an already existing import levy of 10% for EV importers, pushing their prices higher. According to reports following the announcement, most Chinese carmakers would not feel much pain from these additional tariffs, but one thing is certain: it will affect the end price of those electric cars that both European and Chinese carmakers want to sell on the European market. And it wont be in a positive way. While the European Commission tries to hamper its own plans for mass EV adoption, the new European Parliament might kill the main tool for enabling that mass adoption that the Commission had at its disposal: the internal combustion engine car ban. With Greens losing seats in the EP and more right-wing EMPs about to take their places for the new five-year term of the parliament, chances are the upcoming 2026 review of the ban could produce very different results from the original vote. None of this should be any surprise, really, except perhaps the European Commissions actions, which would clearly be detrimental to EV adoption in Europe. Yet for months now, carmakers have signaled they were starting to have misgivings about their full-EV plans, with Mercedes saying in February that it no longer plans to be selling EVs only from 2030 and Renaults EV sales, while rising, were rising a lot more slowly than that of rivals including Mercedes. There are warning signs all over the world, not only in Europe. What these signs are saying is that EVs cannot make it on their own in a free market. In New Zealand, EV sales had been going strong for years thanks to generous government subsidiesuntil 2023. At the end of last year, the New Zealand government ended the subsidies, and sales immediately plummeted. The same happened in Germany, where the government was forced by financial circumstances to phase out EV subsidies. EV sales growth is slowing to a crawl in favor of hybrid vehicles all over the world except China, although there have been reports that the Chinese EV market may have reached the saturation point, too. If this is indeed the case, no amount of subsidies will helpunless there is a government willing to make EVs free for everyone to stimulate uptake. And since there is hardly such a wealthy government anywhere, the mass EV adoption predicted repeatedly by every transition forecaster is about to get delayed once again, just like that fusion breakthrough that could change the transition game. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The rise of the far-right populist parties in the EU elections was partly the result of the cost-of-living crisis and high energy bills, which most EU voters have had to go through over the past two years. Fears have emerged that the gains of the far right in the EU Parliament elections last weekend and the loss of seats for the Greens are dooming the EUs climate action and efforts. This is not necessarily the case. The center and center-right parties of the Group of the European Peoples Party will continue to be the largest group in the 720-seat EU Parliament. The left-leaning groups have also retained most seats. The Greens were the big losers in the elections, also because of the greenlash from voters who punished environmentalists for the high costs of going green. Moreover, the 2024 election campaign was very different from 2019. This year, energy security and the cost of energy for households clearly trumped any debate about urgent climate action to stop the climate crisis, in the wake of the 2022 energy crisis in Europe, which is still being felt in many EU member states. Passed EU legislation that has moved to the implementation phases will be very difficult to undo, analysts say. The parties that have backed the European Green Deal and other EU legislative efforts toward net zero will continue to hold a majority in the new EU Parliament. The populist and far-right parties will have more seats, but they will not be able to overturn major policy directions, experts argue. Related: U.S. Crude Production Growth Challenges OPEC+ Control Over Prices Still, some new measures could be stalled and debated for longer, and new legislation could be more difficult to pass, according to politicians and analysts. All new policies will be harder to pass. But backsliding is very unlikely, Krzysztof Bolesta, Polands secretary of state for climate, told Reuters early this week. Most passed legislation is likely to stay. But the far-right parties are expected to attack the EUs ban on the sale of new gasoline and diesel cars from 2035. As part of the efforts to slash emissions from the transportation sector, the EU approved in 2023 legislation saying that from 2035, all new cars that come on the market cannot emit any carbon dioxide (CO2), effectively banning the sale of new cars with internal combustion engines. This measure is set for review in 2026. Some expression of continuity with past policies will remain, both because the historical EPP-S&D balance remains relatively strong, and also because [current European Commission president Ursula] Von Der Leyen will probably continue heading the commission, Federica Genovese, Professor of political science and international relations at the University of Oxford, told Carbon Brief. However, we should expect a rhetorical downscaling of the relevance of climate action, Genovese added. Whether this also means a substantive downscaling of the Green Deal depends on whether the EU will be looking at climate as a social redistributive agenda or a geopolitical security one. According to Simone Tagliapietra, senior fellow at the Brussels-based economic think tank Bruegel, Europe avoided a scenario in which the far right would have gained so many seats to be in a position to negotiate a dismantling of the European Green Deal. There were fears it could be dismantled in a scenario of surging far-right parties. But the surge didnt happen: the pro-European centre has retained the majority of seats in the European Parliament, indicating that Europe is not going to reverse course on the green transition, Tagliapietra wrote in an analysis after the elections. The EU must now look to avoid procrastination at the EU Parliament and inaction by national governments, he added. As the Green Deal moves into its implementation phase after five years of policy design and law-making, getting things done at national level is what will really make or break Europes green ambitions. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: A shake-up of natural gas supply arrangements is gaining momentum across Eurasia. Russia, which has seen gas exports to Europe plummet since the start of the Russian-Ukraine war, is now intent on expanding supplies to Central Asia. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan is making progress on replacing Russian gas to meet the European Unions needs. Russias unprovoked attack on Ukraine prompted EU states to reduce their dependency on Russian gas. Moscows exports to Europe fell from 155 billion cubic meters (bcm) in 2021, the year before the invasion, to just 43 bcm last year. EU members so far have made up for the Russian decrease through a combination of importing increased volumes of LNG by ship and boosting power generation from other energy sources. Brussels additionally secured an agreement with Azerbaijan to double exports of Azerbaijani gas to Europe to at least 20 bcm per year by 2027. Azerbaijans export-expansion plans appear to be finally coming to fruition, as Baku recently has signed agreements to transit gas from Turkmenistan to Europe, and concluded new agreements to expand connections to states in Central and Southeastern Europe. Arguably, the most significant development is the decision by a Hungarian state-owned entity, MVM, to buy a 5 percent stake in Azerbaijans giant Shah Deniz gas field, a move announced during Bakus energy week in early June. MVM already has two agreements in place to import Azeri gas. Now with a stake in Shah Deniz, MVM becomes the only shareholder that also buys gas from the field, creating an important tie between the producer and consumers. By increasing its reliance on Azerbaijani gas imports, Hungary is also signaling a distancing from Russia. Budapest has long depended on Russia as its main source of gas, as Viktor Orbans government has resisted imposing EU sanctions on the Kremlin. Also significant is news that Azerbaijan reached an agreement with Albania to supply 200 million cubic meters (mcm) a year of gas from 2026. The gas will arrive via the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), which currently has a capacity of around 10 bcm/year but which is in need of a major expansion to meet Bakus growing export commitments to European states. To date the pipelines owners, which include Azerbaijan, have only committed to add an extra 1.2 bcm of annual capacity, complaining that they cant invest the huge sums required without getting upfront commitments from European gas buyers to purchase additional volumes. The amount to be supplied to Albania may be comparatively small but it marks a step towards full implementation of the TAP expansion plan. Another initiative to facilitate deliveries of Azerbaijani gas, dubbed the Vertical Corridor, is moving forward at a faster than expected pace. The corridor entails the expansion of a network of pipelines in Southeastern Europe, with Bulgaria serving as a hub connecting Greece, Moldova, Romania, Turkey and Ukraine. On June 6, Bulgaria signed the first two construction contracts to expand its section of the planned corridor. Moves to expand other sections are expected later this year and early next. Russia, meanwhile, is trying to make up for its lost market share in Europe by plying Central Asia with gas. On June 7, at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Russias state-controlled energy giant, Gazprom, signed new supply agreements with Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, and held talks with Uzbekistan over future gas supply plans. The Kyrgyz deal sees Gazprom subsidiary, Gazprom Kyrgyzstan, being supplied with Russian gas for 15 years, beginning in 2025. Gazprom Kyrgyzstan, in turn, has signed agreements to supply gas to Electric Stations JSC, Kyrgyzstans largest power and heat supplier, and with Bishkekteploenergo, the Kyrgyz capitals municipal heating company. Details of the contracts, including volumes and purchase prices, were not immediately disclosed. To facilitate deliveries to Kyrgyzstan, Gazprom signed an agreement with its Kazakh subsidiary, NC Qazaqgaz, under which Gazprom will expand its existing pipeline network in Kazakhstan. The expansion would also accommodate increased gas exports to Uzbekistan, which was once a gas exporter, but has now become a net importer. In 2023, Tashkent sign a two-year agreement to import Russian gas with supplies starting last October. Russias existing and future gas exports to Uzbekistan were the subject of discussions June 7 involving Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller and Uzbekistans deputy prime minister, Jamshid Khodjaev, along with Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov. With Uzbek gas demand increasing, the Russia supply deal is widely expected to be extended. By David OByrne via Eurasianet.org More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Debate has raged for decades over whether Beijing is actively exporting its authoritarian system abroad, but a new report based on a trove of previously unexamined government documents shows how China is experimenting with spreading its model to other countries. The new report released on June 13 by the Atlantic Council, a Washington think tank, is based on 1,691 files from China's Commerce Ministry that were logged online in 2021 and 2022. The dataset describes 795 governmental programs made up of trainings and exchanges with foreign officials that the documents state are designed to promote ideas and practices from China's economic and political model among countries in Eastern Europe and the Latin American, African, and Asian countries that make up the so-called Global South. "This is real evidence to support what has been becoming a growing belief among the expert community," Niva Yau, the report's author and fellow at the Atlantic Council's Global China Hub, told RFE/RL. "We can now demonstrate in China's own words from its internal planning documents what it is trying to do." Chinese officials have repeatedly said Beijing isn't exporting its authoritarian system for governing, but the collection of government files add to an emerging body of evidence showing that China is trying to sell the merits of its model to officials across the Global South while also developing new initiatives and practical programs to speed up their adoption. The China Model The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has held an exclusive grip on power for more than 70 years and seen its economy boom in recent decades using a model based on single-party authoritarian political rule married with a state capitalist economic system. Promoting this system to other countries around the world is seen by analysts as a way to cultivate an authoritarian-friendly political bloc that could help Beijing reshape global institutions and counterbalance Western attempts to isolate China with economic sanctions or criticism of its commercial practices, territorial claims, or human rights record. Many of the documents in the report describe training programs on trade-related areas like port management guidelines, adopting BeiDou -- China's answer to the U.S.-created GPS -- and sectors like blockchain and other new technologies. The files, however, also delve into other areas traditionally outside of the Commerce Ministry's purview. Some promote exchanges centered on how local think tanks can help implement the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) -- China's multibillion-dollar infrastructure project -- and also push Chinese government policies through programs focused on issues like integrating ethnic minorities, managing new forms of media, and training in Chinese governance practices tailored for presidential advisers from foreign governments. The programs themselves are set up through bilateral agreements or through Chinese-led multilateral regional organizations where they focus on specific geographic regions and groups of countries that share a similar language. For example, multiple documents describe training courses for local government leaders, university presidents, and political advisers "from Russian-speaking countries," while other programs are specifically designed for officials from member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which includes China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. An excerpt from a 2021 Chinese Ministry of Commerce document outlining an exchange and training program for government leaders from "Russian-speaking countries." Yau says these programs are designed to sell a narrative to the Global South that the swift economic advancement experienced by China over the last three decades is the direct result of the country's authoritarian approach to governing. "These files show that China is exporting not only the hands-on knowhow for its economic success but is also spreading the idea that this success directly stems from the governing methods of the [Chinese Communist] Party," she said. 'An Intelligence-Collection' Dimension And Beyond While many governments around the world promote practical exchanges and trainings with officials from foreign countries, the tranche of files documented by Yau stand out in that many use dry government language to explicitly endorse a nondemocratic approach to issues like regulating national media, managing legal affairs, and controlling the flow of information online. Another dimension documented by Yau's report is that many of the programs, especially those geared toward government officials, appear to "serve intelligence-collection purposes" because they require "each participant to submit reports detailing their prior exchanges and engagements between them and other foreign countries in the specific area of cooperation related to the subject of training." Yau says this requirement from the programs serves multiple ends by first providing an important stream of data collection on foreign government officials. But she says it can also serve as a way to assess the openness of each individual official to the views and policies being advocated during the exchange. "It can allow [the Chinese side] to decide if this person can be developed as a kind of middleman to facilitate further cooperation with China and their country," she said. China's outreach and training programs with foreign governments have existed for decades under the purview of the International Liaison Department (ILD), an agency under the CCP's Central Committee, whose core function is party-to-party diplomacy. But while the ILD was traditionally tasked to engage with countries with one-party rule or similar communist structures, it has expanded in recent years to run programs and exchanges regardless of the orientation of a political party, and has recently held meetings with top-level officials from countries like Kazakhstan and Serbia. The report highlights how other sections of the Chinese government have also begun to hold similar types of exchanges. In addition to the Commerce Ministry, at least 10 Chinese ministries and departments have held training programs for foreign government officials in the past three years, according to Yau's research. Given the newly examined files and other evidence, Yau says it's becoming clear that Beijing is trying to export aspects of its political model abroad. Less clear, she says, is the impact that such efforts are having across the world. "In these files, we can see the intent of what Beijing wants to achieve," Yau said. "Maybe it's too soon to feel the effects yet, but these programs have substantially increased since the late 2010s and they are involving thousands of officials from across the Global South." By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Welcome to mid-June in Omaha when outdoor temperatures are known to soar and thunderstorms so often roar. Its going to be warm with several chances for storms this week, Michaela Wood, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Valley, said Sunday. This time of year, we see daily storm chances in our area. The forecast calls for temperatures to again rise in to the mid-90s on Monday as the College World Series enters its fourth day. The heat index, or feels-like temperature, will be 98 to 100 degrees, Wood said. Her advice to CWS fans is to stay hydrated, find shade when possible and listen to the weather reports. According to the National Weather Service, the heat index is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature. This has important considerations for the human bodys comfort. When the body gets too hot, it begins to perspire or sweat to cool itself off. When perspiration evaporates off the body, it effectively reduces the bodys temperature. But if the perspiration is not able to evaporate because of high humidity, the cooling process isnt as effective and the body cannot regulate its temperature. The feels-like temperature could be mitigated by strong southerly winds over the next two days, Wood said. The winds are expected to gust up to 30 mph Monday and Tuesday. Strong and possibly severe thunderstorms are expected Tuesday into Wednesday, along with locally heavy and possible flooding rains. Rain chances continue every day from Thursday through Saturday. If the storms develop in northeast Nebraska, then they could continue through the day with a continued marginal risk for severe storms. Tuesday will be another active weather day as a strong front moves into the region. The high Tuesday in Omaha is going to be around 90 (degrees) with rain chances, Wood said. There could be a line of thunderstorms moving through (eastern Nebraska) later in the day. Wednesday is looking as if it will be the coolest day of the week with a high temperature down near 80 degrees, she said. The heat is predicted to return Thursday with a highs in the upper 80s across eastern Nebraska. A stalled frontal boundary then could lift northward as a warm front arrives Wednesday night into Thursday. That front is expected to bring additional thunderstorms, and possibly severe weather with the potential for heavy rains. Given the recent heavy rains in northeast Nebraska, there will likely be a few counties that could be especially susceptible to flooding. Rain chances remain in the forecast for Friday and Saturday, but that far out its difficult to determine the probabilities. Currently, the forecast calls for a 20-30% chance of storms both days. Were predicting highs in the 90s both Friday and Saturday, Wood said. Its going to be warm with storm chances. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of June 2024 The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch until 10 p.m. that includes the Omaha area. Omaha police asked attendees at the College World Series in downtown Omaha to seek shelter. Saturday's Game 4 of College World Series to begin at 10:15 p.m. after long weather delay The start of the College World Series game between Texas A&M and Florida will not start on time due to impending weather, game officials announced Saturday evening at 5:30. In addition to the possibility for tornadoes, the storms could bring large hail, damaging winds and heavy rainfall, according to the weather service. 9:03 p.m.: Much of southeast Nebraska and southwest Iowa remained in hazardous weather outlook Saturday night. Northeast Nebraska areas around Norfolk remained in a tornado watch until 10 p.m. and a flash flood warning until 11:45 p.m. The OPPD outage map reported 227 customers in Sarpy County were without power. Four customers in Douglas County at that time were without power. 7:50 p.m.: The Omaha Public Power District's power outage map showed 2,160 customers in Sarpy County without power, while Douglas County had 16 customers without power. 6:47 p.m.: In Madison County, a severe thunderstorm warning and flash flood warning was issued along with a tornado watch, the weather service said. Game 4 of the College World Series was delayed because of the inclement weather. 6:33 p.m.: Flash flood warnings for Wayne, Winside and Hoskins were issued until 11:45 p.m. Photo and video: Severe storms hit the Omaha metro area on Wednesday A beloved mother, a bossy sister, two brothers and a three-legged cat are each honored on wine bottles at James Arthur Vineyards, a winery near Raymond, Nebraska. Winemaker Jim Ballard, co-owner of the vineyard with his wife, Barb, said the business grew from a hobby. He heard a professor talk of growing grapes and began to grow his own. His father-in-law, James Arthur Jeffers, had the land. Ballard had the vines. And now the people of Nebraska get a taste of wine grown in their home state. I know that if its a good product, Nebraskans are going to support it, Ballard said. The winery was the second to open in the state and is currently the oldest still operating and largest in Nebraska. In its 27th year, the winery is now part of the Nebraska Passport tourism program, which encourages Nebraskans and people from other states to discover the states hidden treasures, like bakeries, boutiques, breweries and more. With 70 stops and 15 bonus attractions this year the program offers visitors stamps at each stop to fill up their Nebraska Passport. People can earn prizes based on how many stamps they gather. Ballard is currently training his son-in-law to be the next winemaker, and his son works on the business side of things. The family also runs a tasting room in their From Nebraska gift shop in downtown Lincoln, where his wife works most days. Its like a farming operation, so hopefully we can hand it down to the next generation and it can continue down for years and years and continue that vision that we had created to begin with and make it even bigger and better, Ballard said. Jeff Korbelik, who knew Ballard from their college days at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, worked part time at the winery for seven years and is now the manager. Korbelik said there are three reasons to visit the winery: the wine, the experience and the cats. Vincent, a tuxedo cat, and Harley, a tortoiseshell cat, are often the main attractions to visitors. The winery hosts a variety of events such as murder mystery parties, a summer music series, outdoor movie nights, and even a class teaching pairings of different junk foods with wine. If you go Address: 2001 W. Raymond Road, Raymond. Summer hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday; noon-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; noon-6 p.m. Sunday. Tastings and cheese and bread baskets available daily. Grilled food available on Saturday music nights, each Saturday through August. Were trying to create that fun environment and experience thats not just about the wine, he said. My hope is that people enjoy it and they take a few bottles home with them, but its about that experience that theyre having. Trails are open for visitors to explore the vineyard and theres also a park area where visitors can sit at picnic tables. When a customer walks through that front door, theyre walking into my home, and I want them to be treated as such, Ballard said. Ballard also said that since grapes grown in the Midwest are usually unfamiliar to people, he tries to explain the process in a way thats not intimidating. In moderation, wine should be part of a fun, everyday, healthy lifestyle and it shouldnt be intimidating, Ballard said. The best part of wine tasting is that visitors can try wines theyve never had the chance to taste before, but dont have to commit to a bottle or even a full glass. Everyone has individual tastes, and there are no wrong answers, Ballard said. When it comes to food and wine pairing, if you like a food and you like a wine, try them together, Ballard said. See what happens. He said the family is always trying to create new wines and come up with new ideas in order to improve. One of their wines, 3 Legs White, is named after the vineyards late three-legged cat, who spent 18 years on the property. Another, 2 Brothers, is named after the Ballards two sons. Sweet Charlotte is named after Ballards mother, and since his sister felt left out, he named a wine Bossy Sister. The baskets of sausage, cheese, bread and chocolate sold at the winery are all Nebraska-made products, and most of the wines are made from the 20 acres of grapes grown on site or shipped in from other Nebraska vineyards. Occasionally, the winery buys and sells products from other states. Ballard said people should visit not only the winery, but Nebraska in general, since it has so much to offer. I think we get a bad rap, Ballard said of the state. But youve got to get off the beaten path, and I think were part of that. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of June 2024 File photo NAN reports that the Chairman, Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State, Mr Abdulfatai Oyesanya, is dead Mr Oluwaseyi Odufowokan, Chief Press Secretary to the late council chairman, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday that Oyesanya died after a brief illness. According to him, the council chairman died on Tuesday morning at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH). Some will never return. Embrace these, Father, receive them, thy heroic servants, into Thy Kingdom. This is part of a prayer by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as our troops (and, let us not forget, also those of our Allies) landed in Normandy now 80 years back. This prayer was reprinted in The Wall Street Journal 10 years ago. Having visited often with our Illinois State University students, Normandy and especially that bluff of what will forever be Omaha Beach, I remember especially about those who will never return. As readers know, I am supposed to be writing about business, so what has that got to do with these emotion-laden events? It is well known what will happen to those who forget their history, but good business comes not only with strong knowledge of ourselves, but also the history and feelings of those we deal with. Let me start with a professors very long view, and then move on to personal and sometimes quite emotional experiences in Normandy. Whence the name "Normandy"? Normandy is in the far north of France along the English Channel, or what the French call La Manche, or "the sleeve," with the cuff being the narrows between Dover and Calais. The sleeve has a lot of material along the upper arm. Check it out. The region is named after Norsemen or Vikings who settled there over 1,000 years ago. I have noticed men in those small villages, and if you took off their French beret and replaced it with a horned helmet, you would sure have a Viking. That body of water, as narrow as 20 miles in some spots, has been quite a protector over the millennia. While the Romans occupied much of Britain (check out the fancy Roman baths in the city of that name), since then, although the Spanish tried and two little dictators at least thought about it, Britain has not been taken by foreign invaders in almost 1,000 years. That episode is closely related to D-Day. As the story goes, King Edward the Confessor, on an adventure, washed up on the shores of Normandy. Duke William of Normandy was good to him, and so Edward said that William should succeed him as king of England. When the time came, the English instead put King Harold II on the throne. William, asserting what he thought were his rights, put an armada together and, leaving from Bayeux (which would later become the first city liberated after D-Day), defeated Harold at the Battle of Hastings very near the coast. Harold got it when an arrow went through the eye hole of his helmet and killed him. William's wife, Matilda of Flanders, put together an awesome tapestry of these events which is now on display in Bayeux and a must-see on any visit to Normandy. Famous are depictions of Halley's Comet, which came that year of 1066, and of Harold's death. One more thing before we spring 900 years ahead: After winning the Battle of Hastings, William still had to deal with London, to which he set siege. Time went by and the Londoners agreed that William would be recognized as king, but that he could not enter their city without their permission. To keep an eye on them, William built what is called the Tower of London, which was at the time just outside the borders of the city. The next few words are being written on D-Day plus 80 years exactly. I have been to Normandy a number of times with ISU students as part of our summer study abroad in France. I showed them the 1964 film "The Longest Day" so they all had a good preparation for what they would see. Nevertheless, there is no real preparation for the emotion we all felt walking in and seeing those white crosses and the occasional Star of David. The crosses have the name of the soldier, rank, date of death, and home state. When it is Illinois, there is an even deeper sense of pain. One student had an uncle buried there. When a cemetery supervisor showed us his cross, tears came when we were told he was a member of the Hell on Wheels 2nd Division. Then, by an amazing chance, an older man came up and talked to some of the students and they seemed to know him. He then came up to me and said, "Dr. Varner, sir, it is good to see you here. I was embarrassed a bit at his formality as he introduced himself. His name was Charlie and he worked as a clerk in Hovey Hall at ISU. My embarrassment would soon get worse. I assumed he was there just as an ordinary tourist and asked him if he had been to Normandy before. He said he had and pointed to some rocky cliffs a few miles to the west. Sure enough, he had been a member of the 2nd Ranger Battalion who were the first on the beach that morning. Their assignment had been to scale up those rocks and take out the bunkers that could shoot right down the beaches. I later asked about this with his boss, who told me he, too, had served in the war. His assignment had been working in a lab cleaning test tubes. And then there was Charlie. Those bunkers are still there, so when you go, don't miss them. We also stopped, and you should, too, at the nearby German cemetery. It was somber and my students were moved, but for my German wife it was an emotional wipeout. On their headstones, in addition to date of death, it also lists date of birth. Those 1926s are hard to look at, but then I remember having seen an 1879. How could he have been there? Then there was another year and another ISU group. We were in a cafe by the town square in a small French town. A student of mine noticed that a woman working there was wearing what looked like a college class ring. Sure enough, it was. She said it was from her godfather. From where did he come? She told us he had come down to her from the sky. We were in the town of Sainte-Mere-Eglise, where the 82nd Airborne had parachuted down from the sky that night right into the town square. She said she was a young girl and he landed just feet from where we were standing. He survived the war and returned several times to be with her. Sainte-Mere-Eglise has a famous memorial at its church of a parachute caught on the point of the steeple with a mannequin of a paratrooper hanging from it. It is to commemorate one Private John Steele (born in Metropolis, Illinois), whose parachute caught on the edge of the roof and left him hanging just above enemy soldiers. He played dead and survived. What a story! It has now been 80 years since D-Day, so we need to tell and retell the stories. We fought not for conquest, but to make people free and, in that, help to assure our continued freedom. After D-Day, for 45 more years we hunkered down in our sectors of Berlin 100 miles behind Russian lines. ISU students arrived with me in West Berlin on the very day President Ronald Reagan gave his famous "Tear down this wall" speech. We were able to stand on that same platform by the Brandenburg Gate the next day. Today, as you know, there are new challenges, and history teaches us that being strong is the best bet to not having ever to use that strength. I will continue with these thoughts later, but these are my words written on this June 6. Which common college majors have the highest earning potential? Which common college majors have the highest earning potential? What are the most common degrees? Who earns the most? Which common college majors have the highest earning potential? MISYL Energy Company Limited, a privately owned Ghanaian company, formed to provide support to the downstream petroleum sector, has celebrated a decade of its existence in the energy sector. MISYL in 2014, received its license from the National Petroleum Authority, as a Bulk Import, Distribution, and Export Company. (BIDEC). The company has builtfor itself a solid reputation for helping out clients in the areas of procurement, and distribution of petroleum products. Products including Gasoil, Gasoline, Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG), Kerosene, and Aviation Turbine Kerosene (ATK) are distributed by the company. MISYL unveiled its decade anniversary on June, 14, 2024, to signal series of activities to commemorate a year long program. As an actor in the business of the importation of petroleum products, it promised to raise its business relations with customers and partners to another level. MISYL , a member of the Ghana Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors appealed to government to as a matter of urgency, institute pragmatic measures to offer members of the chamber flat forex rate. According to them, the recent cedi-dollar fluctuations is affecting its operations and causing many of its allies to fold up. Mr Frederick Lovewings Ametepey, General Manager of MYSYL Energy Company Limited indicated that the only way government can keep the Bulk Oil Distributors ( BDCs) in business is to give all crude oil and other importers of similar products to Ghana a flate dollar rate to do business and to maximise some level of profit. Also at the anniversary launch was the Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association, Mr Sampson Asaki Awingobit, who also appealed to the government to fix the Cedi-dollar fluctuations, which is currently having a huge toll businesses in the country. The Corporate and External Affairs Director of Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors- Ghana, (CBOG) Evelyn Asare, however appreciated the contributions of the members of the chamber, especially MISYL energy Company Limited, for its active participation in the recent Green Ghana Day for planting 1,000 trees in Chipa Forest Reserve. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video On Thursday, 13th June, 2024, the minister of Roads and Highways Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye took his tour to the Northern Region and was warmly welcomed in Yendi by the Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom, Yaa Naa Abubakari Mahama II, at the historic Gbewa Palace. The Minister was accompanied by the MP for Yendi, Hon. Farouk Aliu Mahama. During my visit, he also inspected the Daka bridge, part of the ongoing World Bank-funded Tamale-Yendi-Zabzugu-Tatale Road (172km) project under the Transport Sector Improvement Project (TSIP), with sections due for completion this year. Prior to that, the Minister was led by the Regional Minister, Alhaji Shani Alhassan Shaibu, to inspect the state of the road network in parts of the region. Our first stop was the Savelugu By-pass Road (13.0km), a project aimed at reducing congestion and improving mobility for haulage trucks and goods-carrying vehicles traveling the N10 route from Accra, Kumasi, Techiman, and Tamale to Burkina Faso. Additionally, he inspected the rehabilitation of the Pong Tamale Kpalung Larigu Road (5.0km) in Savelugu, which is progressing smoothly. In Karaga, the Minister was joined by the Finance Minister and MP for Karaga, Hon. Mohammed Amin Adams, to pay homage to the Paramount Chief of the Karaga Traditional Area, Naa Bakpem KarNaa Abdulai Natogmah. They also assessed the ongoing construction of town roads in Karaga, and the Minister was pleased to learn that areas previously known as "overseas" due to their inaccessibility are now seeing significant road construction thanks to the efforts of this government. At Gushegu, the Minister was joined by Hon. Alhassan Tampuli Sulemana, the MP for the area and deputy Minister for Transport where the Minister addressed a durbar of chiefs and elders, assuring residents that government is committed to completing the ongoing road projects in the area. In total, 140km of roads are being constructed in Gushegu to promote farming and trade activities. "The government of President Akufo-Addo and Alhaji Dr. Bawumia has been instrumental in advancing road construction in the Northern Region. However, we remain fully committed to doing even more to promote the general economic well-being and development of our people." The Minister stated. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video As Muslims across the country mark the auspicious occasion of EID UL-ADHA, the former National Vice Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Said Sinare has lamented the egregious mismanagement of Ghana's economy under the leadership of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. In a statement released on the eve of Eid Ul-Adha on his official Twitter and Facebook pages, Alhaji Sinare extended his warmest felicitations to his Muslim brothers and sisters nationwide on behalf of the Flagbearer of his National Democratic Congress, wishing them a joyous and blessed celebration. However, he sternly expressed dismay over the economic hardship faced by many Muslims, particularly the exorbitant Hajj fares that have strained the financial burden on pilgrims. The newly appointed National Chairman of the NDC's Zongo working committee attributed the economic woes to the mismanagement of national resources under Dr Bawumia's economic management team, citing the need for a new leadership that prioritizes inclusivity, equity, and sustainable progress. He praised the transformative developments achieved by former President John Dramani Mahama in Zongo communities and charged Zongos Across the country to endorse him for a resurgent Ghana. The former Saudi Arabia and Egypt High Commissioner's comments come as many Ghanaians struggle to make ends meet amidst harsh economic conditions, with many blaming the government's economic policies for the hardship. As Muslims celebrate Eid ul-Adha, Alhaji Sinare's message resonates with those seeking a better future for Ghana in the upcoming election. Alhaji Said Sinare criticized the current vice president, who is a Muslim, and the government for bringing about a period of economic decline, poverty, insecurity, job losses, disunity, and injustice. He also expressed concern over the deliberate rise in Hajj fares for Muslims, which has made it difficult for many Ghanaian Muslims, especially first-timers, to participate in the religious exercise. The New Patriotic Party's (NPP) decision to field the current Vice President, a Muslim, as their presidential candidate for the 2024 election is regrettable, given his complicity in the prevailing climate of unmitigated suffering, economic stagnation, rampant poverty, heightened insecurity, staggering job losses, and injustice, Zero Works at the Zongos, unpleasant Hajj fare for already burdened Muslims that has characterized his tenure in office will be the point of contact for the 2024 Elections, he said while speaking to the media. READ HIS FULL TWEET BELOW. H.E ALHAJI SAID SINARE WRITES As we commemorate this auspicious occasion of EID UL-ADHA, I extend my warmest felicitations to all my Muslim brothers and Sisters across the country! May this sacred day be filled with joy, blessings, and unwavering hope for a prosperous future. It is indeed lamentable that the egregious mismanagement of our national resources under the stewardship of Dr. Bawumia's economic management team has eclipsed our celebrations, exemplified by the exorbitant Hajj fares that have strained the financial burden on our pilgrims. Nevertheless, let us reflect on the transformative developments and milestones achieved by H.E John Dramani Mahama in our Zongo communities, and unanimously endorse his visionary leadership for a resurgent Ghana, predicated on the principles of inclusivity, equity, and sustainable progress. #EidulAdha #NDCcares #JohnandJane2024 H.E ALHAJI SAID SINARE. NATIONAL CHAIRMAN OF ZONGO WORKING COMMITTEE, NDC Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman/peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu has commended the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, for his positive impact through his generosity and magnanimity towards people. In his 2024 National Eid ul Adha prayers speech in Accra with Dr. Bawumia in attendance, Sheikh Sharubutu said God has blessed Dr. Bawumia with leadership qualities and the Vice President has in turn used the position to bless others. "God honoured him with leadership and he has used the honour into serving people well. Not everyone does that...What excites me about Dr. Bawumia is that Muslims and non Muslims are beneficiaries of his leadership and kindness." "I want to express gratitude to the Almighty Allah, for giving us a generous and a kind person like Dr. Bawumia, who supports not only Muslims but all people from diverse backgrounds", Sheikh Sharubutu said. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu has paid glowing tribute to Vice President and flagbearer of the NPP, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for his selflessness and leadership qualities. Dr. Bawumia was among thousands of Ghanaians who trooped to the Independence Square in Accra for the national Eid ul Fitr prayers. In his Eid address, Sheikh Sharubutu said Dr. Bawumia has used the leadership role Allah has bestowed on him to make significant impact, supporting people of diverse background through his leadership and generosity . "I want to express gratitude to the Almighty Allah, for giving us a generous and a kind person like Dr. Bawumia, who supports not only Muslims but all people from diverse backgrounds", Sheikh Sharubutu said. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video 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: Wang Wang will soon be returning to China along with Fu Ni but two new pandas will be loaned to Australia, Premier Li Qiang says. China will loan Australia new "adorable" giant pandas to replace a popular pair that failed to produce offspring in more than a decade together, visiting Premier Li Qiang announced Sunday. Adelaide Zoo has been home to Wang Wang and Fu Ni since 2009 when they were loaned by China as part of a global preservation scheme that also serves as a tool of "panda diplomacy". Breeding panda cubs is a notoriously difficult task for the low-sexed creatures and hopes of a pregnancy in Adelaide, including through the use of artificial insemination, have been repeatedly dashed. As one of the furry giants played with a strip of tree in the background, Li delivered the news that they will be going home. "Wang Wang and Fu Ni have been away from home for 15 yearsI guess they must have missed their home a lotso they will return to China before the end of the year," the premier said. "But what I can tell you is that we will provide a new pair of equally beautiful, lovely and adorable pandas as soon as possible." China would provide Australia with candidates to choose from, said Li, who landed in Adelaide on Saturday on a four-day fence-mending trip after Beijing withdrew a string of trade sanctions on major Australian exports. The announcement is a nod to Foreign Minister Penny Wong's efforts to stabilize Australia's relationship with China, following a diplomatic rift with the former conservative government. Li said he remembered the Australian foreign minister had twice reminded him during a visit to Beijing last November that the panda loan agreement would expire later this year. "We have made this announcement to fulfill the wishes of the minister," he said. Adelaide is Wong's hometown, and she said her own children would be "very happy" at the news. "It's good for the economy, it's good for South Australian jobs, it's good for tourism and it's a symbol of goodwill, and we thank you," she said. There are an estimated 1,860 giant pandas left in the wild, according to environmental group WWF. But the animals, which were removed from the International Union for Conservation of Nature's endangered species list in 2016, still face serious threats from loss of habitat and fragmentation. 2024 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Mayumi Barrack sees a pair of mating periodical cicadas getting together, whips out her phone, says, "Hi guys!" and takes their picture. "I'm not really a bug person, but as I look more and more I feel they are adorable," Barrack explained, noting that many other creaturesbirds, squirrels, raccoons and moreare just as eager to get close to the bugs, if only to turn them into food. "I just want to document they existed." And boy has she. Barrack has posted more than 4,600 photos of the bugs on the Cicada Safari app for cicada enthusiasts. That's 2,000 more than her nearest competitor. She's the queen of cicada chasers, though she doesn't really chasemost of the pictures are from her backyardand she sees herself more as a mother to the bugs than as a queen. "I'm caring for them," said Barrack, standing in her tree-and-flower filled suburban Chicago backyard. Periodical cicadas are strange, with eccentricities that include super-strong urine flow and a zombie fungus infection. But their superfans are unusual, too, or at least highly passionate. Gene Kritsky, a professor of biology at Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati, has been working toward this year's massive cicada emergence for decades. He first heard about cicadas in 1972 and has been studying and chasing them since 1974. He wrote the book on the current emergence, "A Tale of Two Broods." He also created the cicada tracking app that enthusiasts like Barrack use to post pictures and find where the bugs are in large numbers. This is the third time Kritsky has mapped Brood XIII of the cicadas. That's quite an accomplishment since they only come out every 17 years. Often wearing a safari hat that makes him look like the Indiana Jones of cicadas, which he has been called, Kritsky and his artist wife Jessee Smith have driven back and forth from Ohio to Illinois several times this spring to revel in the bugs. Over several long nights at a forest north of Chicago, he's seen massive numbers including his first one-in-a-million blue-eyed cicada. He cited the May 24 emergence as "incredible" with thousands coming out that night at his location. "Periodical cicadas are the gateway drug to natural history," Kritsky said. For New York City chef Joseph Yoon, cicadas aren't just amazing, they're dinner. His Brooklyn Bugs company is on a mission to spread the word about the taste and sustainability of edible insects, though he knows many people are grossed out by the thought. Yoon spent nine days in Illinois collecting, freezing and then bagging tens of thousands of cicadas. After getting back home, he served up tempura cicada to 400 people at a Syracuse University event. Yoon said collecting and cooking cicadas "is quite painful for me because I love the cicada so much." But he added, "At the same I also can acknowledge and appreciate that each one of these cicadas' lives represents a potential to transform somebody's perception or opinion about eating insects." Yoon's friend, Wisconsin artist and professor Jennifer Angus, also sees the beauty in cicadas and other insectsso much so that she incorporates the actual bugs into her art. Sometimes she put them in outfits and posed them as dolls. "I love them because they just have great faces and bulging eyes and they're very hardy," Angus said. "They stand up to the wear and tear at my exhibitions." "I find their faces humorous," Angus said. Renee Martin is an architecture professor at the University of Kentucky who also dabbles in puppetry. For a Cincinnati puppet festival three years agowhen Brood X was making big news on the East Coastsomeone suggested she come up with a cicada costume or puppet. "What would I do? A cicada strip-tease?" she asked her friends, who gave a resounding yes. She worked up "something between a puppet and a costume" for that festival, then hauled it out again for this year's big emergence, putting on a show in a Cincinnati alley for friends, neighbors and visiting journalists. Martin, wearing faux fishnet stockings and moving comically to stripper music, starts out as a cardboard pale nymph and then bursts through as a red-eyed adult nymph. The audience added to the effect with noisemakers and cries of "ooh la la" and "sexy cicada." Meanwhile, photos of cicadas are swarming in to Kritsky's app, with nearly 5,000 people posting. About 150 people have posted at least 100 cicada pictures, but none are close to Barrackwho said she's surprised to be leading. "I have so many pictures I haven't sent yet," she said. 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Smoke from a wildfire drifts over Troodos mountain between villages Farmakas and Fikardou in Nicosia district in the eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus, Saturday, June 15, 2024. Credit: AP Photo/Petros Karadjias A Cyprus health official said a second elderly person has died from heatstroke after a weeklong heat wave that baked the east Mediterranean island nation with reportedly record temperatures for the month of June. An 84 year-old woman died a day after her admission to a hospital on Friday, said State Health Services Organization spokesman Charalambos Charilaou. He said another three elderly patients were in serious condition. Temperatures on the island have soared all week, exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). The high temperatures and strong winds also have hampered firefighting efforts, including in a mountainous area southwest of the capital Nicosia, where over 3.2 square kilometers (1.2 square miles) of forest were scorched, threatening a village. Last week, 49 residents in two communities in the island's western Paphos district were evacuated to hotels as a wildfire threatened their homes, while aircraft from Greece and Jordan joined in firefighting efforts. 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Australia contains some of the world's most biologically diverse and carbon-dense native forests. Eucalypts in wet temperate forests are the tallest flowering plants in the world and home to an array of unique tree-dwelling marsupials, rare birds, insects, mosses, fungi and lichen, many of which have not even been catalogued by scientists. Yet our country remains in the top ten list globally for tree cover loss, with almost half of the original forested areas in eastern Australia cleared. This loss has been devastating for Australia's native plants and animals and contributes to global warming through vast amounts of carbon emissions. The global biodiversity and climate change crises are inextricably linkedwe cannot solve one without the other. Earth's ecosystems, such as forests, coastal wetlands and tundra, contain enormous amounts of carbon. But deforestation and degradation by humans is likely to send global warming past 1.5C, even if we achieve net-zero fossil fuel emissions. Protecting native forests is a critical way to prevent emissions, which must be achieved in parallel with a rapid transition to clean energy. What is being overlooked in current international climate policy under the Paris Agreement is the crucial role of biodiversity in maintaining healthy ecosystems and their integrity, which keeps carbon stored in forests, not the atmosphere. Healthy ecosystems are more stable and resilient, with a lower risk of trees dying and lower rates of carbon emissions. The way we currently count carbon stores risks creating incentives to plant new trees rather than protect existing forests. Yet old-growth forests store vastly more carbon than young saplings, which will take decades or even centuries to reach the same size. On January 1 this year, both Victoria and Western Australia ended native forest logging in state forests. This is a good start. But the rest of Australia is still logging native forests. Extensive land clearing continues for agriculture and urban development, as well as native forest harvesting on private land. Two states down, more to go The end of native timber logging in two states is a chance for new approaches to our forests, which recognizes the contribution of biodiversity to healthy forest ecosystems, as well as endangered species protection and clean water supplies. Ending native forest logging isn't entirely simple. In Victoria, consultation on the future of state forests is ongoing. The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council is due to release its final recommendations in July. The Victorian government has also put in place a Forestry Transition Program to help forest contractors find alternative work in forest and land management. Some of these transition programs are proving controversial. In Western Australia, around 2.5 million hectares of the state's south-west forests will be protected under a new Forest Management Plan. Protection of these landscapes is critical, as they have been hit by another die-back event due to drought and record heat. These forests hold significant cultural and ecological value. Known in Noongar as "djarilmari," they are vital habitats for diverse plants and animals, including endemic species such as the ngwayir (western ringtail possum) and the giant jarrah trees. What about other states and territories? In New South Wales, the government is looking into proposals for a Great Koala National Park, that would bring together state forests from the Clarence Valley to south of Coffs Harbour. But with no decision yet made, logging continues along both the north and south coasts, which were also hard hit by the Black Summer bushfires of 2019-20. In Tasmania, native forest logging fell sharply between 2012 and 2019. This cut emissions by around 22 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year, equivalent to almost a quarter of Australia's transport emissions. Recent policy changes protecting giant trees will help protect some patches of forests. But native forest logging is set to expand in other areas, including clear felling of old-growth rainforest and tall wet eucalypt forest. Native forest logging is slated to end in 70,000 hectares of southeast Queensland state forests at the end of this year, under a longstanding Native Timber Action Plan. But logging and widespread land clearing continues elsewhere in the state, ensuring Australia's place in the top 10 deforestation hotspots. Can ending native forest logging help the climate? We'll need to go further and ban logging in all native forests in Australia to help meet our net-zero emissions target, while meeting timber demand from better-managed and increased plantations. Stopping native forest logging avoids the emissions released when forests are cut and burned. It would also allow continued forest growth and regrowth of previously logged areas, which draws down carbon from the atmosphere and increases the amount held in the forest ecosystem. The natural biodiversity of our native forests makes them more resilient to external disturbances such as climate change. These forests have larger and more stable carbon stocks than logged areas, newly planted forests and plantations. If we compare forests protected for conservation with those harvested for commodity production in the Victorian Central Highlands, research shows conservation delivers the greatest climate benefits through continued forest growth and accumulating carbon stocks. There are growing calls to create the Great Forests National Park to the north and east of Melbourne, which would protect a further 355,000 hectares and more than double protected forests in the Central Highlands. Net zero: Deep, rapid, sustained cuts needed The world's nations are aiming to reach "net zero" by mid-century. Meeting this target will require deep and rapid cuts in carbon dioxide emissions as well as pulling carbon out of the atmosphere into land sinks, especially forests. The land sector is unique in that it can be both a source (logging, agriculture) and a sink (forest regrowth, for instance) for carbon. The natural way forests take up carbon can be increased through natural regrowth or plantations. Unfortunately, the current approach, based on IPCC guidelines, to counting this type of natural carbon storage can lead to perverse outcomes. The carbon sink from forest regrowth only counts towards the "removals" part of net zero when it results from changes we make, such as ending native forest logging. It doesn't count if it's regrowth after a natural event such as a bushfire. It's important to count only human-induced changes in our climate targets. Tree planting, on the other hand, can be counted towards net-zero targets, despite the fact that newly planted trees will take centuries to sequester as much carbon as found in an old-growth forest. This type of accountingknown as flow-based accountingcan mean a premium is placed on planting and maintaining young forests with high carbon uptake rates, overlooking the substantial benefits of protecting larger trees in native forests. That is, this approach favors carbon sequestration (the process of taking carbon out of the atmosphere and storing it in wood) over carbon storage (the total carbon stocks already contained in a forest). A comprehensive approach to forest carbon accounting would recognize both flows of carbon (as sequestration) and carbon stocks (as storage) that contribute to the benefits that native forests offer for reducing emissions. Carbon accounting needs more clarity This becomes a problem when forests and fossil fuels are included in a net accounting framework, such as the one used in Australia's national greenhouse gas inventory. In net accounts, emissions (from fossil fuel and land sectors) within a year are added to removals, which includes the sequestration of carbon into forests and other ecosystems. Because this type of accounting only counts the flows of carbonnot existing stocksit omits the climate benefits of protecting existing forests, whose stored carbon dwarfs the amount Australia emits from fossil fuels each year. But if we separated out targets for the fossil fuel and land sectors, we could properly treat forest carbon stocks as an asset, giving us incentives to protect them. Another problem with net accounting is it treats all carbon as equivalent, meaning a ton of carbon sequestered in trees compensates for a ton of carbon from burned fossil fuels. This has no scientific basis. Carbon dioxide emissions are effectively permanent, as the buried carbon we dig up and burn stays in the atmosphere for millennia, while carbon in trees is temporary in comparison. As trees grow, their carbon storage compensates for earlier logging and clearing emissions, which is an important climate benefit. But we're not comparing apples and applesforest carbon doesn't compensate for fossil fuel emissions. Logging bans are important, but no substitute for ending oil and gas While ending the clearing and logging of native vegetation is vital for both climate and biodiversity, it's no substitute for preventing emissions from fossil fuels. To make this clearer, we must urgently set separate targets for emissions cuts for fossil fuels and increased carbon removal in the land sector. This will ensure phasing out fossil fuel use is not delayed by planting trees, and that the carbon stocks of biodiverse and carbon-dense native forests are protected. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. 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) Location of the Maya region in the Americas. (b) Geographical locations of Chichen Itza and Tixcacaltuyub in the Yucatan Peninsula. (c) Stratigraphy for the chultun and the adjacent cave in which the burial was found. d) Location of the chultun within the archaeological site of Chichen Itza and its relation to El Castillo. Credit: Rodrigo Barquera After analyzing the remains of 64 ancient sacrificed individuals, most of whom were children, researchers have revealed new details about human sacrifice at the ancient Maya site of Chichen Itza. Published in Nature, these results show that contrary to popular belief, every one of the ritually sacrificed individuals was male. Additionally, many of them were closely related, including two pairs of identical twins, evoking important themes of Mayan mythology. These ancient genomes also show that despite European colonialism, the genetic legacy of the ancient Maya continues in today's Indigenous people from the region. Discovery of the ancient chultun at Chichen Itza The Maya civilization was a Mesoamerican culture on the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico. The city of Chichen Itza emerged around 250 CE and ended in 1697 CE with the Spanish conquest of the region. It was one of the largest and most influential Mayan cities, and a political center of the civilization. Today, Chichen Itza is one of the most intensively studied archaeological sites in all of Mesoamerica. It contains two ceremonially important features. Most well-known is Chichen Itza's largest structure, El Castillo (also known as the Temple of Kukulkan). Important, too, was the Sacred Cenote (also known as the Well of Sacrifice), a natural sinkhole leading to an underground water source. Dredging excavations since the early 1900s have recovered, among other things, golden artifacts and human skeletons from the bottom of the cenote. During the 1967 construction of an airport runway 300 meters northeast of the Sacred Cenote, a chultun (a human-made cistern typically built for storing drinkable water) was discovered. The chamber and an adjacent cave contained many skeletal remains covered by mostly undisturbed bark and limestone powder, as well as animal bones and ceramic objects. Radiocarbon dating placed these ritual sacrifices over a 500-year period, from approximately 600 CE until 1100 CE, around the time of Chichen Itza's decline. It is thought that the sacrifices were associated with the agricultural cycles of corn, an important staple crop for the Maya. Or they may have been given as offerings to the Maya rain deity Chaac. However, despite years of study, many questions about the use of Chichen Itza and whether the Mayan people had left a genetic legacy remained unanswered. Who was sacrificed and placed in the chultun? Supernatural beings: the Hero Twins, depicted by Mexican muralist Diego Rivera in 1957. Public domain Due to Spanish accounts from the 16th century, and skeletal remains dredged from the Sacred Cenote, it was believed that mostly young women and girls were sacrificed at the site. However, our new genetic results of remains found in the chultun showed each of the individuals was male. Previous analyses showed that about half of the sacrificed individuals were between the ages of 3 to 6 years, and none had reached adulthood. By studying DNA collected from the petrous bones (the site in which the inner ear sits, and one of the densest bones in the human organism) of the skeletons, we learned that one-quarter of the individuals were closely related. This is much higher than we normally observe in other studies, even for ancient cemeteries. Twins in Mayan mythology Even more intriguing was the discovery of two pairs of identical twins in the Chultun. Identical twins occur in only around 0.4% of pregnancies, and so observing two pairs of twins out of 64 individuals is unlikely to happen by chance. Hence, we think they may have been specially selecting twins for these sacrifices. This discovery did not come as a surprise to us, given the importance of twins in Mayan mythology and Classic Maya art. For example, twins and sacrifice are central themes in the sacred Mayan Book known as the Popol Vuh, where the Hero Twins Hunahpu and Xbalanque outwit the gods of the underworld and avenge their murdered father and his brother (who were also twins). The discovery of identical twins and other close relatives in a ritual mass burial of male children suggests young boys may have been selected for sacrifice because of their biological kinship, and the importance of twins in Maya mythology. Genetic continuity into today We also sampled DNA from 68 present-day Maya people from the nearby town of Tixcacaltuyub. By comparing the modern and ancient genomes, the study revealed long-term genetic continuity. However, when comparing the genes associated with immunity, clear differences could be observed between the pre- and post-colonial era Maya individuals. Namely, present-day individuals carry genes that increased resistance to many of the diseases introduced in the 1500s by Europeans during the colonial period, especially for typhoid fever caused by Salmonella. This shows that not only the present-day Maya of southeastern Mexico carry the genetic legacy of its past inhabitants, but they carry the signatures of overcoming past diseases through centuries. Overall, this study shows an intimate portrait of ritual life at Chichen Itza. These fascinating results suggest the genetic legacy of the ancient Maya inhabitants is still present in the peoples and communities that live in the region surrounding the ancient city of Chichen Itza today. More information: Rodrigo Barquera et al, Ancient genomes reveal insights into ritual life at Chichen Itza, Nature (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07509-7 Journal information: Nature This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. With music, dance, plenty of food, games and many different types of vendors, hundreds of people gathered in Davenports LeClaire Park on Saturday to celebrate Juneteenth, considered the oldest celebration of the end of slavery in the United States. Sponsored by the Friends of MLK, the event headed back to Davenports riverfront for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. Juneteenth is a significant federal holiday, highlighting the historical importance of African American emancipation, said Ryan Saddler, CEO of Friends of MLK. The theme of this years celebration was Still Breaking Chains. Saddler explained that on June 19, 1865, federal soldiers under the command of Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger landed at Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War was over and that all slaves were free. This was more than two years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863. That two years passed before slaves in Texas were told they were free is not lost on today's generations. Laws protecting civil rights, civil liberties, voting rights and Americans with disabilities tend to be brought about slowly, Saddler said. He noted Juneteenth did not become a federal holiday until 2021. Were still breaking chains, and the chains arent physical bondage, but theyre chains in our mind, Saddler said. When it comes to our ethnic and cultural history in America, whether its with Native Americans, African Americans, Mexican Americans, whatever it is, weve been slow with being inclusive in our education, our language, our everyday conversations with people who are ethnically different than us." The "chains" today are ingrained by lack of knowledge and education, he said. Theres one race, and thats the human race, but it has many different ethnicities, and thats what people dont get," Saddler said. While recognizing the importance of Juneteenth, Joseph Obleton of Davenport said that when the slaves were freed, all they had was their freedom. Nobody taught them anything. They had to make their way in the world as best they could, using the skills they had as laborers," he said. Although the physical chains of slavery were broken, he said, the former slaves still had to fight the chains of bigotry, and laws, written and unwritten, that hindered their prosperity. Longtime Quad-City educator Jim Andrews said he was concerned about the turn politics was taking today. My personal view is theyre trying to take away what my ancestors, my grandparents and me, what we have all done, to get to this point," Andrews said. Its happening right in front of us, and were turning our heads. I think it's more important than ever for people to come back together and make the point that were not going back. Aaron Shivers of East Moline said there was concern that there were those who wanted to walk back in time, negativity has always been around. I think theres been a lot of improvement going on, and sometimes all youve got to do is look around and appreciate whats working, and then understand whats not working, he said. Virginians will not lack choices when they go to the polls on Tuesday to vote in Republican and Democratic primaries for U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. But in many races, they may end up with party nominees who win without a majority of votes cast or even much of a plurality. In the 10th Congressional District, 12 Democrats and four Republicans are running for their partys nomination to compete for the seat that Rep. Jennifer Wexton, D-10th, will vacate next year because of a serious health condition. In the 7th Congressional District, seven Democrats and five Republicans are in the race to run for the seat that Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7th, will leave open to run for governor next year. U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., has a big campaign war chest and no Democratic opponent in his reelection bid, but five Republicans are running for the nomination to challenge him. So is it time for Virginia to broaden use of ranked choice voting to ensure that winners receive at least 50% of the vote? The 2024 primaries are about the best case youll ever see for ranked choice voting, said Stephen Farnsworth, director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, in the heart of the 7th District. When you have more than a half-dozen candidates in the field, you may end up seeing winners with 20 to 22% of the vote. That means a lot of people are not seeing their first choice, Farnsworth said. Ranked choice voting isnt entirely new to Virginia. Republicans used it to choose Rich Anderson as state party chairman in a three-way race in 2020. Gov. Glenn Youngkin won the Republican nomination in a field of seven candidates in 2021 to propel him ultimately to the governors office. Hung Cao, who is running for the Republican Senate nomination this year, won a firehouse primary to challenge Wexton in 2022 as a political unknown in a field of 11 candidates. But those were all elections run by the party in unassembled conventions. Parties are not likely to choose their nominees by conventions anymore because of a 2021 law that took effect on Jan. 1 that requires parties to conduct nominating processes that do not exclude participation by military and other overseas voters. Del. Dan Helmer, D-Fairfax, a U.S. Army veteran who is a leading candidate in the crowded 10th District Democratic race, sponsored the legislation. Arlington County is the only locality in Virginia that has taken advantage of a state law that allows ranked choice voting for elections to county governing boards and city councils. Susan Cunningham and Maureen Coffey won the Democratic nomination for two board seats in a party primary last year that used ranked choice voting for the seven-candidate field, but the county did not use the system in the general election last fall when both won seats on the board. Arlington voters will rank their choices among five Democratic candidates for one seat in a party primary on Tuesday, and the county will also use the system in the general election in November if enough candidates are on the ballot. Im anticipating four candidates qualifying, said Arlington Registrar Gretchen Reinemeyer in an interview. Chris Saxman, a former Republican delegate who is now director of Virginia FREE, thinks the nomination of Youngkin in 2021 as well as Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears and Attorney General Jason Miyares demonstrated its value in building party unity behind a nominee. My take from the experience in 2021 is that it really creates healthier parties, Saxman said. Still, leaders of both parties are hesitant to embrace the idea for use in state-run primaries and general elections. Anderson, who calls his election as Republican party chairman a good dry run for the idea, said, The party rank-and-file dont want it for a primary election. One reason is a political climate in which many Republicans, in particular, are wary of government-run elections. We are at a point right now where people just distrust election systems, Anderson said. Democratic State Party Chair Susan Swecker, like Anderson, is okay with allowing political parties to decide how they want to nominate candidates, but she said ranked choice voting would be harder to implement in state-run elections across Virginia. If you look at places that have done it, it is incredibly complicated, Swecker said. She has not taken a position on the idea, but she said, I am not sold. I am not convinced that its the way to go. We need to be very careful about how we move forward. Kaine, who has raised nearly $15 million for his reelection, said last week that he has followed the debate over ranked choice voting with some interest, but has not taken a position on what he considers largely a state policy decision. Ive heard good arguments made for ranked choice voting, especially when there are multiple candidates, he said in a news briefing, but Ive also heard from traditionally under-represented groups in Congress or other legislative bodies who think it might harm their ability to be successful. 5th District So with ranked choice voting not an option, whats going to happen in party primaries on Tuesday? The biggest political question is the influence of an endorsement by former President Donald Trump, who is the presumptive Republican nominee for president in November. Trump has waded into Virginia politics in a big way by endorsing state Sen. John McGuire, R-Goochland, in his well-financed bid to unseat Rep. Bob Good in the 5th District Republican primary after the two-term congressman initially endorsed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for the GOP presidential nomination. The former president has released an video touting his endorsement of McGuire, and just announced that he now plans a tele-rally with him on Monday evening to get out the vote. Its a bitter, high-dollar primary race, with many members of the House Freedom Caucus, which Good chairs, endorsing him, but Farnsworth said the former presidents endorsement will be hard to overcome. The Trump endorsement is so valuable that Good is pretending to have it, he said, referring to campaign signs that the Trump campaign has said wrongly imply that he is endorsing the congressman. Trump has also endorsed Cao in the Senate race, in which Club for Growth executive Scott Parkinson, Fairfax County attorney Jonathan Emord, former Virginia Beach GOP Chairman Chuck Smith and U.S. Army veteran Eddie Smith are trailing Cao, a retired U.S. Navy captain, in fundraising and name recognition. His good prospects got better with Trumps endorsement, Farnsworth said of Cao. There are not a lot of House and Senate districts where the Republican candidate endorsed by Trump fails to be the nominee. 7th District Two of the most consequential primaries will take place in the 7th, a political swing district that could help determine which party controls the House in January. If the Democrats cant win the 7th, theyre not likely to be in the majority in the House next year, Farnsworth said. Eugene Vindman has built a commanding fundraising lead in the Democratic primary, raising more than $5 million through May 29. He has broad name recognition because of the roles that he and his twin brother, Alexander, played in the first impeachment of Trump as officers of the National Security Council in the White House. But Vindman is a first-time candidate in a seven-way race that includes four women of color who have won elections in Prince William County, which holds one-third of the registered voters in the new district: former Del. Elizabeth Guzman, D-Prince William; Prince William Supervisors Andrea Bailey and Margaret Franklin; and Del. Briana Sewell, D-Prince William. On the Republican side, the five-way primary race has become a nasty brawl between Derrick Anderson, a former U.S. Army Green Beret who finished second in the GOP primary in the 7th in 2022, and Cameron Hamilton, a former U.S. Navy SEAL and homeland security official. Anderson has the backing of House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and other members of the House Republican leadership. Hamilton is supported by Good and other members of the Freedom Caucus, as well as by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., whose Protect Freedom super PAC has poured more than $1 million in independent expenditures into the race. 10th District In the 10th, Helmer has the money advantage, with more than $1.5 million raised, but state Sen. Suhas Subramanyam, D-Loudoun, has Wextons endorsement, raised more than $1 million and lives in Loudoun County, along with more than half of the registered voters in the district. The other candidates who have raised the most money include political newcomer Krystle Kaul; former House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn, D-Fairfax; state Sen. Jennifer Boysko, D-Fairfax; former Virginia Secretary of Education Atif Qarni of Manassas; and Del. David Reid, D-Loudoun. The Republican primary in the 10th features two Loudoun-based candidates who have run for the seat before: businessman Mike Clancy, who finished fourth in the firehouse primary in 2022, and Aliscia Andrews, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who lost to Wexton in 2020 and served both in the Youngkin administration and in his Spirit of Virginia political operation. Alex Isaac, a retired U.S. Army intelligence officer and infantryman, offers a moderate brand of conservatism that he contends Republicans need to compete in the Democratic-leaning district in the fall. 1st District Closer to Richmond, former New Kent County Treasurer Herb Jones is seeking a rematch against Rep. Rob Wittman, R-1st, in the heavily Republican 1st District, which includes parts of Chesterfield, Henrico and Hanover counties. But first, Jones faces a strong challenge from Leslie Mehta, a Chesterfield County attorney who works as chief of staff at the Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Given the many choices that voters will face on Tuesday, Farnsworth said, Anything can happen in these jump-ball primaries. PHOTOS: Primary voting Cancun suspect to stand trial for May murder Cancun, Q.R. The suspect in a Cancun murder from May of this year will stand trial. The State Attorney General (FGE) says Salvador N will be tried for the murder of a Cancun man. According to the first acts of investigation, on May 22 of this year, the victim was walking down a street in the Paraiso Maya subdivision when Salvador N got out of a vehicle and from among his clothes, took out a firearm that he allegedly used against the injured party, the FGE reported. Salvador N was arrested in the streets of Cancun by Investigative Police along with two other people for his alleged relationship in drug dealing. During the arrests, police seized all of them with various doses of herb similar to marijuana and a substance similar to the drug known as crystal and a firearm, the agency said in a statement. A Cancun judge has ordered Salvador N to remain in jail for the two years leading up to his trial on charges of qualified homicide. Mass cleanup of flooded Chetumal streets underway ahead of more torrential rain Chetumal, Q.R. Crews began the massive task of a city wide cleanup Saturday after the states capital city was left severely flooded. More than 80 mms of rain hit the city of Chetumal within a few hours, leaving 120 of its 147 neighborhoods under water. Nearly 80 percent of the city of Chetumal was affected by the torrential rain. Photo: June 15, 2024. Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa arranged for immediate help to begin sorting out the wet city mess. Chetumal workers hit the streets to clear clogged drainage wells while others were sent with industrial pumps to begin moving standing water. City crews are seen cutting a large tree that fell and blocked a city street Saturday. Photo: June 15, 2024. Military personnel were also sent to help stranded residents. At least one elderly person required a medical transfer from their flooded home after becoming stuck inside. A senior is removed from their home after becoming stranded due to flooding. Photo: June 15, 2024. Boxes and bags of basic food items were delivered to families in areas in need of assistance. Meals were delivered by hand to volunteers who were helping in the mass clean up. Military personnel hand out basic boxes of food. We are directly delivering food rations to families in the Parque de las Casitas in Chetumal who were affected by the floods. We continue working at ground level to help those who need us most! Governor Lezama posted on social media. Trucks began arriving with bags of basic food items to help those in need. Photo: June 15, 2024. Emergency shelters earmarked early this year for tropical storm purposes came in handy for emergency shelter use after the torrential rains. Temporary beds were set up to house those who were left with meter-deep water inside their homes. Buildings earmarked for hurricane use were used as emergency shelters for families of flooded homes. Photo: June 15, 2024. State Secretary Cristina Torres held a press conference Saturday afternoon at which time she reported a total of 135 mms of rain had fallen on the city. She said within the first four hours, 63 mms was recorded, which is what collapsed the city drainage system. City crews continued to work late into the night Saturday to drain city streets. Photo: June 15, 2024. Civil Protection and the Ministry of Public Works are continuing with the desilting of the citys drainage system. The Governor has arranged free towing services to rescue stranded vehicles. The Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSC) helicopter is being used to fly over the area. On Sunday morning, Quintana Roo State Civil Protection (Coordinacion Estatal de Proteccion Civil) reported forecast more thunderstorms for the region. The Conagua National Water Commission-SMNm reports that for the next few hours, heavy occasional rains and electric shocks are forecast in the states municipalities. A trough (low pressure channel) continues to be located over the southeast of the Gulf of Mexico and the entry of tropical maritime air from the Caribbean Sea towards the peninsular region and the state of Quintana Roo, will maintain cloudy skies most of the day, they said. Torrential rains of between 150 and 250mms of rain is forecast for Quintana Roo today. Image: SMN June 16, 2024. According to the Servicio Meteorologico Nacional (SMN), the forecast for the torrential rains are located in the states south coastal region. An SMN map, which outlines the torrential rain region in purple, specifies the region from Riviera Maya south. Today, the rainy season will continue in the Yucatan Peninsula, the southeast and the east of Mexico due to the entry of humidity caused by the monsoon trough, which will extend very close to the coasts of the Mexican South Pacific, and two low pressure zones with probability of cyclonic development, one south of the coasts of Chiapas and another over the south of the Yucatan Peninsula. In interaction with an extensive low pressure channel in the southwest of the Gulf of Mexico, they will cause torrential rains (150 to 250 millimeters [mm]) in Campeche, Chiapas, the coast of Oaxaca, Quintana Roo, Tabasco and Yucatan, the SMN has forecast for Sunday. We celebrate the fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and fatherly figures who embody the values of love, protection, and respect. As we honor you on Fathers Day, we also recognize the crucial role you play in advocating for a world free from sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence. By fostering open communication, teaching respect, and leading by example, you are helping to create a safer and more compassionate society. Your strength and commitment to nurturing safe and supportive environments make a profound difference in the lives of your children and families. As June is Mens Mental Health Awareness Month, it is equally important to recognize the role that mental health plays in a males life, in this case a father figure. A 2021 study conducted by Ontarios Institute for Studies in Education suggests that a male fathers emotional regulation and co-parenting difficulties correlate with his perpetration of domestic violence. Children who have secure, supportive, sensitive and reciprocal relationships with their caregivers do better in every measure. That said, a fatherly figures individual characteristics are not as important as the quality of the relationships they establish. Father figures provide as role models for their sons and invaluable models to daughters in their relationships with men. Caregivers directly affect the development and adjustment in their childrens lives based on their success in their roles. Before a caregiver can care for a family, its important that they care for themselves. Caring for themselves includes recognizing any violent behaviors that they possess that could potentially assist in their likelihood to engage in family violence. The Pee Dee Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Assaults Alternatives to Violence program (ATV) is beneficial to anyone who has been abusive to a partner and teaches alternative ways of dealing with emotions without the use of violence. Within the Alternative to Violence program is the Caring Dads group program. Caring Dads believes that fathers can and want to be a positive influence in the lives of their children. Caring Dads is an evidence based 17-week that focuses on fathers to promote healthy relationships with their children and the childrens mothers. Once a week for 17 weeks, men have a unique opportunity with Caring Dads to connect as fathers through a combination of exercises and homework. To learn more about Caring Dads, visit our website at www.peedeecoalition.org or call the Alternatives to Violence Program Director at 843-673-2008. While understanding that parenting may be hard, asking for help doesnt have to be. If you need help, call the Pee Dee Parent Helpline at 843-618-2420 or text, 843-305-6755. The Pee Dee Coalition against Domestic & Sexual Assault is a member of the United Way. The Food Bank of Siouxland hosted its second-annual Siouxland Food Festival at the Seaboard Triumph Foods Expo Center in Sioux City on Saturday, June 15, 2024. The event, which raised money for the organization's community work, featured nine different are food vendors: Big Papa's Grub on the Run, Crumb., Hawk's Coffee Shop, Hy-Vee, Kahill's Chophouse, Karla's Catering, Malli's on Wheels, Mateo Kitchen & Catering and Pub 52. The hundreds of attendees sampled fare such as: salted caramel chai with brown sugar cold foam, jalapeno cornbread, birria tacos, pulled pork mac & cheese, stir fried rice, gyros, poke bowls, Swedish meatballs and sea salt chocolate chip cookies. Admission was $10 for those above the age of 12 and every menu item cost one "bite ticket or $4. Kids who weren't so interested in the various gourmet options had the opportunity to go and play picnic games, bounce on inflatables or enter into a bocce ball tournament. The food festival also included a scavenger hunt which had information about the work the food bank does. Thats you. My wife was smiling and whispering to me at the halfway point of a three-hour birthing class last week. A new slide had just come up on the PowerPoint titled Signs That Your Baby Is Arriving Soon. There were five or six bullet points featuring signals like Braxton Hicks contractions, nausea, or lightening, when the baby drops farther down into the pelvis. The last item on the list was nesting. The amiable class facilitator was explaining, mostly to the men in the room, that as delivery approaches, our birth partners would begin frantically preparing the house for the babys arrival, pasting wallpaper, installing curtains, cleaning baseboards, doing laundry, and preparing mountains of food. And theres not much you can do about it, she said, shaking her head with mock sympathy. My wife was nudging me, however, because Ive been doing a lot of that kind of stuff too. As our due date nears, Ive been clearing out old furniture and buying new stuff, power-washing and building, planting and weeding, ticking items off our domestic to-do list with uncharacteristic energy. Of course she is, too, but I think were doing it for the same reason: a desire to have our house in order before our son arrives. Advertisement And yet, heres the thing: According to our instructor, popular wisdom, and the internet, Im not supposed to be nesting. Because its a womans impulse. If you check out the massively popular pregnancy website the Bump, youll learn that nesting is when moms-to-be feel the overwhelming desire to redesign, reorganize and obsessively clean their living space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The good people over at Whattoexpect.com add that the desire is not merely overwhelming; its natural. Nesting, they say, is a biological instinct (shared with various other members of the animal kingdom) that is natures way of getting you ready to nurture a child. Parents.com joins the chorus, calling nesting a natural phenomenon that many pregnant mammals experience in preparation for welcoming a baby. Advertisement Which probably explains why my humble web search Do fathers have a nesting instinct? turned up so few results. I was surprised, but what I learned next surprised me more. Because it turns out that the more relevant question is, Do humans have a nesting instinct? And the answer might well be no. British philosopher Arianne Shahvisi published a groundbreaking paper on the question in 2020. Her main findings are threefold. First, online discussion of nesting as a gendered, natural impulse is extensive. The vast majority of the most popular parenting and pregnancy websites feature posts testifying to the power and prevalence of what they essentially characterize as an evolutionary adaptation. But the hard science that might be expected to scaffold such an expansive discourse is exceedingly thin, and whats there is inconclusive at best. There is a field of research on nesting in the animal kingdom, but there the term refers quite literally to the building of nests or other analogous structures. And birds dont build nests to prepare to nurture a child; they build nests because they need actual nests. Advertisement Advertisement In a 2021 paper, Lisa Malich, a professor who specializes in the history of psychology, concurs with Shahvisi. She calls nestings position in the field of science marginal and goes on to note that in the 19th century, scientists more often wrote about male animals exhibiting behavioral patterns consistent with the practice. Malich posits that the popularity of this idea may have something to do with the fact that in 19th-century Europe, property law decisively favored men; accordingly, the dwellingor nestwas perceived as a male domain. The loosening of such legal norms is one (but by no means the only) force that made way for the feminization of nesting in the 20th century. Advertisement And yet to argue that there may be no such biological impulse in women is not to suggest that expectant mothers dont cook and clean and organize and prepare in the third trimester. Surveys suggest that three-quarters of pregnant people feel that particular need. But they dont do so for evolutionary reasons; they do so for social ones. As Shahvisi argues, there persist quite substantial social pressures for women to carry out domestic tasks, and those pressures are magnified during pregnancy. In other words, biology doesnt make women nest; the patriarchy does. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview, USC psychology professor Darby Saxbe, author of the forthcoming book Dad Brain, hedges a bit and allows for the possibility that some nesting behaviors might have a biological root. But others, she says, like an emphasis on cleaning in a particular way and acquiring specific brand-name goods through baby showersare definitely mediated through culture and are laden with gendered expectations about care work. Ive certainly see that trend firsthand, as some (though by no means all) fathers-to-be in my ultraprogressive metro-Boston milieu hang back and watch as their wives break their backs building cribs, cooking and freezing casseroles, and scrubbing floors as the due date approaches, all in the name of nesting. So perhaps its time to discard this pseudoscientific myth and embrace nesting as a family project. My wife is currently doing the very hard work of growing a human inside her body. While she does that, reorganizing the refrigerator is the least I can do to help. Goodbye Zuzana Caputova, hello Peter Pellegrini. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Welcome to your weekly commentary and overview of news from Slovakia. Zuzana Caputovas presidency ends, and Peter Pellegrinis begins. The governments answer to the attempt on Ficos life: tighter security around politicians and lifetime pensions for prime ministers but curiously, only Fico qualifies. If you have a suggestion on how to make this overview better, let me know at michaela.terenzani@spectator.sk. A changing of the guard Slovakia exchanged presidents on Saturday at high noon, in line with constitutional requirements and unwritten tradition. In a way, this changing of the guard is more significant than the one five years ago. Zuzana Caputova, a human rights lawyer with a career in the non-governmental sector was briefly a member of Progressive Slovakia (PS) then an extra-parliamentary party, now the largest opposition party before being elected president in a campaign propelled by calls for change after three consecutive Smer-led administrations. She has now vacated the Presidential Palace in Bratislava in favour of Peter Pellegrini, a professional politician who, by coincidence, was prime minister at the time Caputova won the presidency in 2019. After serving at Ficos right hand for almost two decades in the Smer party, Pellegrini broke away to form his own party, Hlas, in 2020 only to join forces with Smer again to form the coalition that has ruled the country since last October. As of Saturday, he is the first person in Slovakias post-1993 history to have held all three top constitutional posts. Caputovas departure also marks the end of Slovakias first female presidency. She will be replaced by someone who seems rather more at home with the pomp and ceremony of the office, a man who will not need to put up with comments about his outfit or hairstyle. He will also be spared the misogynistic attacks by politicians from the ruling coalition that Caputova admits were among the reasons she did not seek re-election. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240616/british-army-delays-provision-of-new-badges-due-to-paranoia-over-chinese-spying-1118979716.html British Army Delays Provision of New Badges Due to Paranoia Over Chinese Spying British Army Delays Provision of New Badges Due to Paranoia Over Chinese Spying Sputnik International Sinophobia reached new heights in the former colonial superpower over fears of royal trinkets manufactured by Beijing. 2024-06-16T05:26+0000 2024-06-16T05:26+0000 2024-06-16T05:26+0000 analysis queen elizabeth ii united kingdom (uk) china cia vietnam war king charles iii queen elizabeth queen elizabeth ii british army https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/06/10/1118979273_0:1593:2047:2744_1920x0_80_0_0_e7f0d5e4179f102c7cf968da60d94e18.jpg The British military has delayed the provision of new decorative badges to servicemembers over concerns Chinese manufacturers could have implanted them with spying devices.British army regiments that sport a royal crest on their berets are switching cap badges from a design featuring the St Edwards crown favoured by the late Queen Elizabeth to the Tudor crown chosen by the King. But the process has been complicated because the Yorkshire-based company contracted to make the badges, Wyedean Weaving, sources some of its manufacturing capacity from factories in China.The newspaper cited an unnamed senior UK defense official who warned the badges could be embedded with GPS transmitters. The British armed forces have opted to delay the rollout while they consider how to respond to the concerns since the UK does not possess similar manufacturing capability to produce the cloth and metal insignias.The country has worked to replace everything from stamps to coins bearing the initials of the former British Queen Elizabeth II after her passing in 2022 at the age of 96. The death of the sovereign caused an outpouring of grief and tightly choreographed mourning ceremonies in the eccentric kingdom, with dozens of dissidents protesting the events being arrested.The modern United Kingdom purports to be a constitutional monarchy although the British crown technically enjoys certain legal rights to intervene in the politics of the country and the nations of the British Commonwealth, with Queen Elizabeth II playing a role in the US-backed coup against progressive Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam in 1975.The British government has never apologized for its role in the undemocratic ouster, fomented by the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in retribution for the Australian leaders stance against the Vietnam War.China has never invaded British territory. Meanwhile, the UK invaded and colonized the Chinese city of Hong Kong in 1841, only finally relinquishing its colonial grip in 1997. The UK periodically continues to attempt to interfere in Chinese politics, backing Western sanctions against the country over concocted security and human rights fears.In 1951 the UK voted in favor of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 500 to sanction Beijing in response to Chinas assistance to Pyongyang during the Korean War, a conflict in which 20% of North Koreas population was killed by Western-backed forces. The United States had imposed a strict embargo against China two years prior after the countrys popular Communist revolution, contributing to the deaths of tens of millions of Chinese people as the country suffered intense famine.Although the British crown is deified as a national symbol of the United Kingdom, the royal family is, in fact, German in ancestry. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240613/russia-condemns-us-uk-pointless-strikes-in-red-sea-1118936436.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231207/mums-the-word-uk-refuses-to-answer-queries-about-us-use-of-base-to-support-israel-1115464482.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20221207/british-man-arrested-after-second-king-charles-egg-throwing-incident-1105135891.html united kingdom (uk) china Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg british army cap badges, chinese spying, uk paranoia, fear of china, sinophobia, anti-china sentiment, anti-chinese sentiment, anti-chinese bias, british army, british military, british military capabilities, military production, british economy https://sputnikglobe.com/20240616/chinas-no-show-at-zelenskys-peace-conference-dampens-bid-to-win-over-global-south-1118987796.html China's No-Show at Zelenskys Peace Conference Dampens Bid to Win Over Global South China's No-Show at Zelenskys Peace Conference Dampens Bid to Win Over Global South Sputnik International Chinas no-show at Volodymyr Zelenskys two-day so-called peace conference in Switzerland cast a shadow over efforts to win over the Global South, acknowledged Bloomberg. 2024-06-16T15:15+0000 2024-06-16T15:15+0000 2024-06-16T15:15+0000 world ukraine china switzerland volodymyr zelensky brics https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/06/10/1118984778_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_dbc1c577ee3f9f09283b3339bdd2199b.jpg Chinas absence from Volodymyr Zelenskys so-called peace conference in Switzerland cast a shadow over efforts to win over the Global South.The noticeable absence of delegations from other BRICS states helped dash Zelenskys ambitions for the gathering from which Russia was excluded.The attempt to broaden the ranks of Ukraines allies risks sapping Zelenskys war effort as the momentum in fighting has swung to Russia, lamented US news site Bloomberg.After angling for more aid at the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Italy, Zelensky had been hoping to woo potential allies outside the West, New York businessman Michael Bloomberg's site said. But the list of attendees spoke volumes.US Vice President Kamala Harris arrived in place of President Joe Biden, who chose to attend a glitzy Hollywood celebrity fundraiser over a handshake with the now-illegitimate Ukrainian leader.Russia has stated that Zelensky can no longer be considered the legitimate president of Ukraine since his term of office ended last month without a new presidential election in line with the country's constitution.China insisted from the outset that the peace summit was pointless without Russia."China advocates the timely convening of a real peace conference, which both Russia and Ukraine recognize, with equal participation of all sides and honest discussion of all peace plans," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told a meeting of BRICS foreign ministers in Russia.Commenting on Chinas absence, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan accused Beijing of bowing to Russian pressure.Besides the keenly-felt absence of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also refused to attend the event. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed his countrys participation, but not his own presence at the summit. Colombian President Gustavo Petro pulled out at the last minute as the summit was not a "free forum" for peace between Moscow and Kiev.The BRICS countries and several other states at the summit refused to sign the joint final declaration on Sunday. The document was signed by only 80 out of the 92 delegations, with the names of Armenia, Bahrain, Brazil, the Holy See, India, Indonesia, Libya, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates absent.Russia dismissed the conference, to which it was not invited, as meaningless. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the summit was not result-oriented, as it was impossible to hold peace talks on Ukraine without Russia's participation.The goal of the conference is to deliver an ultimatum to Russia in the form of Zelensky's "peace plan," Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia told Sputnik. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240610/china-supports-holding-peace-conference-recognized-by-russia-and-ukraine---foreign-minister-1118894261.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240614/swiss-hosted-summit-aims-to-give-russia-ultimatum-in-form-of-zelenskys-plan---envoy-to-un-1118945794.html ukraine china switzerland Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Svetlana Ekimenko china a no-show at zelensky's peace conference in switzerland, ukraine peace plan, zelensky peace formula, zelensky formula, switzerland zelensky, which leaders refused to attend zelensky's peace conference on ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20240616/colombian-president-says-decided-not-to-attend-conference-on-ukraine-in-switzerland-1118978141.html Colombian President Refuses to Attend Conference on Ukraine in Switzerland Colombian President Refuses to Attend Conference on Ukraine in Switzerland Sputnik International Colombian President Gustavo Petro said that he had changed his mind about participating in a Swiss-hosted summit on Ukraine because it is not a "free forum" for seeking peace between Moscow and Kiev. 2024-06-16T00:08+0000 2024-06-16T00:08+0000 2024-06-16T01:43+0000 world gustavo petro ukraine crisis ukraine russia switzerland peace talks peace negotiations ukrainian conflict ukrainian crisis https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/04/1108003886_0:160:3073:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_bfa0987b377f79ff6717fe44be4cd20b.jpg "The scenario of the forum in Switzerland is not a scenario of a free forum for discussing ways to find peace between Russia and Ukraine. Its conclusions are already predetermined I am stopping my trip to the meeting in Switzerland and asking Europe to discuss ways to end the war, not prolong it," Petro said on X on Saturday. He also stressed that dialogue between Russia and Ukraine is the basis for achieving peace in the region. The Colombian president added that most Latin American countries are against prolonging the conflict. Russia was not invited to the conference and dismissed it as meaningless. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the summit is clearly not result-oriented, as it is impossible to have effective talks on Ukraine without Russia's participation. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240615/russia-needed-for-talks-on-ukraine-peace-saudi-fm-tells-swiss-summit-1118977000.html ukraine russia switzerland Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International colombian president, peace summit, ukraine conference, swiss conference, conference in switzerland, gustavo petro, western aggression, russian invasion, peace talks, russia-ukraine negotiations, russia-ukraine talks, russian aggression, russia's aggression, unprovoked war, unprovoked intervention, unprovoked invasion https://sputnikglobe.com/20240616/hungarian-foreign-minister-proposes-mediation-role-between-russia-eu-on-ukraine-1118986948.html Hungarian Foreign Minister Proposes Mediation Role Between Russia, EU on Ukraine Hungarian Foreign Minister Proposes Mediation Role Between Russia, EU on Ukraine Sputnik International Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto on Sunday proposed his country's role as a mediator between Russia and the European Union. 2024-06-16T12:17+0000 2024-06-16T12:17+0000 2024-06-16T12:17+0000 world peter szijjarto russia ukraine hungary european union (eu) european council peace https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/0e/1117933407_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_30f7c6e6d3f5bd59f8743c8834077e53.jpg Speaking at a Ukraine conference in Switzerland, Szijjarto said that as probably the last EU country with open channels of communication with Russia, Hungary was well placed to facilitate dialogue. What is needed is to prevent family separations and protect young people, given the large Hungarian population of at least 150,000 in western Ukraine. Budapest is ready to convey messages to Moscow to ease tensions, the top Hungarian diplomat added. Switzerland is hosting a high-level conference on Ukraine at the Buergenstock resort outside of Lucerne from June 15-16. Some 92 countries and 55 heads of state have confirmed their participation, as well as eight organizations, including the European Union, the European Council and the United Nations. Russia has not received an invitation, but even if it had, it would not attend the conference, Vladimir Khokhlov, the spokesman for the Russian Embassy in Bern, told Sputnik in April. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240616/ukraines-zelensky-rejected-russias-peace-offer-out-of-fear-of-losing-power---analyst-1118984605.html russia ukraine hungary Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International hungarian foreign minister peter szijjarto, mediation role between russia, eu on ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20240616/overcapacity-is-latest-western-cope-for-failure-to-compete-with-china--report-1118977939.html 'Overcapacity' Is Latest Western Cope for Failure to Compete With China Report 'Overcapacity' Is Latest Western Cope for Failure to Compete With China Report Sputnik International Western countries are facing stiff competition from Beijing, with shrewd state planning transforming China into a world leader in green tech. 2024-06-16T05:39+0000 2024-06-16T05:39+0000 2024-06-16T06:09+0000 economy elon musk joe biden donald trump china russia g7 global times brics multipolar https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/02/1a/1116982610_0:320:3072:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_e4f27a4a43c3a20f638f5d0de075855e.jpg The term overcapacity is on the lips of nearly every prominent US lawmaker opining on relations with China, with officials accusing Beijing of a nefarious effort to bend the rules of the global economy to its benefit. But the accusation is nothing more than a smokescreen for Western countries weakness as they manufacture consent for punitive protectionist measures, argues the Global Times Chinese media outlet.Group of Seven (G7) leaders held a final day of talks at their annual summit on Friday in the southern Italian region of Puglia, with discussion of China's 'overcapacity' reportedly topping the agenda, the outnet noted. Chinese experts said this reflected G7 countries' anxiety and fear over their weakness in the international competition across new industries, and they are attempting to label China's advantageous industries as having overcapacity to curb the country's development.A previously obscure term usually applied at the sub-macroeconomic level, overcapacity claims have been used by Western commentators to accuse China of unfair trade practices as the country solidifies its dominance in the manufacturing of electric vehicles. With shrewd state planning and fully domestic industrial and supply chains, Beijing has become the world leader in a number of green technologies, increasingly seeking to export its products abroad.The development has caused consternation for Western governments, whose domestic industries are unable to compete with superior Chinese products.In response, US and European lawmakers have turned to steep tariffs in an effort to attempt to slow Beijings rise. Tech magnate Elon Musk warned earlier this year that Chinese automakers would demolish Tesla and other Western automakers without trade barriers in a striking divergence from the free trade rhetoric traditionally favored by US business leaders.The allegation has more broadly served as a useful Sinophobic talking point as the Western countries seek to stem the growth of the counter-hegemonic BRICS economic bloc, with Russia and China posing a major threat to global US dominance. The punitive measures against Chinas green technology demonstrate that waging a Cold War against Moscow and Beijing is a higher priority than effectively addressing climate change, the Global Times argued.The insider said that such a move would be not only in line with WTO rules, but also in line with China's broader efforts to promote the green transition in the auto industry and pursue the goal of reducing carbon emissions.The US' vehement call for [the] G7 to act in coordination against China's trade policies shows that Washington's foreign policy of decoupling from and cracking down on China is fundamentally unchanged, said another expert.US President Joe Biden has kept in place former President Trumps tariffs against Beijing, doubling down on the policy of his nationalist predecessor in keeping with former President Obamas pivot to Asia policy of seeking to contain China.But G7 leaders are increasingly weak and divided, the outlet noted, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron recently facing electoral setbacks. Leaders throughout the Western world are facing historically low approval ratings, with the public turning against governments obsessive focus on backing Ukraines proxy war against Russia. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240406/us-slammed-for-fearmongering-by-talking-up-chinese-overcapacity-claims-1117780698.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240514/chinas-new-energy-sector-strength-defies-us-overcapacity-claims-insiders-say-1118425908.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240615/rejection-of-putins-peace-offer-exposes-true-motivations-of-natos-proxy-war-in-ukraine-1118967820.html china russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg chinese overcapacity, overcapacity smear, global times overcapacity, chinese exports overcapacity, chinese electriv vechicles, chinese green tech, china technological dominance https://sputnikglobe.com/20240616/russia-urges-international-organizations-to-condemn-murder-of-media-worker-in-dpr--moscow-1118990748.html Russia Urges International Organizations to Condemn Murder of Media Worker in DPR Moscow Russia Urges International Organizations to Condemn Murder of Media Worker in DPR Moscow Sputnik International Russia is demanding that the relevant international organizations condemn the murder of Nikita Tsitsagi, a military correspondent for the News.ru portal, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said. 2024-06-16T19:39+0000 2024-06-16T19:39+0000 2024-06-16T19:39+0000 russia maria zakharova vladimir kozhin ivan prikhodko russia unesco ukraine dpr https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/05/1116006840_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_cad094bf4a82cddbb18b380960ce4cab.jpg News.ru said earlier in the day that its military photo correspondent Tsitsagi had been killed in an Ukrainian armed forces attack near the town of Ugledar in the DPR. The journalist was targeted by the Ukrainian military, the spokeswoman said. This is the second attack on media workers by Ukraine in a week, the spokeswoman said, adding that the attacks had a similar pattern.On Thursday, Russian broadcaster NTV's correspondent Alexey Ivliyev and cameraman Valery Kozhin, as well as an accompanying officer were wounded in the DPR and taken to hospital. Kozhin later died as a result of his injuries, according to the mayor of the DPR city of Gorlovka, Ivan Prikhodko. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240603/ukraine-prepares-provocation-in-kherson-with-staging-death-of-civilians---underground-1118751252.html russia ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International journalists murdered in ukraine, nikita tsitsagi died, nikita tsitsagi died where, what happened in ugledar, who is nikita tsitsagi https://sputnikglobe.com/20240616/russian-military-doctors-extract-unexploded-munition-from-soldier-1118983612.html Russian Military Doctors Extract Unexploded Munition From Soldier Russian Military Doctors Extract Unexploded Munition From Soldier Sputnik International Military doctors of the Russian Zapad Battlegroup extracted an unexploded munition from the body of a serviceman, the lead surgeon of the group's field hospital told Sputnik. 2024-06-16T10:00+0000 2024-06-16T10:00+0000 2024-06-16T10:00+0000 russia surgery ukrainian crisis soldier serviceman medics doctors surgeons https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/06/10/1118983839_0:0:3027:1703_1920x0_80_0_0_db76d9cd0912d43f4aeef1038378c997.jpg Army medics have saved the life of a Russian soldier who had a live high-explosive round lodged in his leg.The operation was delicate not only due to the risk of the round exploding, but for where it was embedded in the patient's body."The shell was located right in the projection of the femoral artery," the surgeon said. "Together with vascular surgeons, we controlled the situation, isolated the femoral artery to prevent massive bleeding, and slowly removed the shell. Thankfully, everything went well, everything is fine."The doctor said his team had a high workload, but were dealing with it successfully.Russia celebrates Medical Workers' Day on June 16. Held on the third Sunday of June every year, the holiday was established by the decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on October 1, 1980, "On Holidays and Memorial Days."The work of medical professionals, carrying enormous responsibility, is duely respected and honored. According to a survey conducted in 2023 by the employment site Rabota.ru, the most respected profession in Russia is that of a doctor, with 57 percent of respondents agreeing.Much has changed in the Russian medical field in recent years. Science and innovative technologies in the field of healthcare have developed, new high-tech centers have been built, the equipment of hospitals and clinics has been updated and the availability of high-tech medical care has increased. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231120/saving-lives-russian-nurse-follows-her-calling-as-medic-in-special-op-zone-1115076580.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240321/russian-doctors-remove-170-lung-cancer-tumors-breaking-world-record-1117464368.html Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International russian medics save russian soldier, russian special military operaion, russian doctors, russian surgeons https://sputnikglobe.com/20240616/ukraine-conference-draft-communique-mentions-control-over-zaporozhye-nuclear-power-plant-1118979125.html Ukraine Conference Draft Communique Mentions Control Over Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant Ukraine Conference Draft Communique Mentions Control Over Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant Sputnik International The draft communique on the Ukraine summit in Switzerland contains theses on Kiev's control over the Zaporozhye nuclear power plant, the critical importance of free commercial shipping in the Azov and Black Seas, as well as a call for the release of prisoners of war, Reuters reported on Sunday, citing the document. 2024-06-16T04:16+0000 2024-06-16T04:16+0000 2024-06-16T04:16+0000 world international atomic energy agency (iaea) switzerland ukraine zaporozhye npp https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/04/0a/1117843913_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_2531a57af5a3bd86a0bf74a403a5f066.jpg "Firstly, any use of nuclear energy and nuclear installations must be safe, secured, safe-guarded and environmentally sound. Ukrainian nuclear power plants and installations, including Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant, must operate safely and securely under full sovereign control of Ukraine and in line with IAEA principles and under its supervision," the communique, seen by Reuters, read. The document also stressed the critical importance of "free, full and safe" commercial shipping and access to seaports in the Black and Azov Seas. In addition, the countries participating in the summit believe that achieving peace in Ukraine requires the involvement and dialogue between all parties to the conflict. The final version of the communique will be published on Sunday. Switzerland is hosting a high-level conference on Ukraine at the Buergenstock resort outside of Lucerne from June 15-16. Around 90 countries and organizations have confirmed their participation, according to the Swiss hosts. Russia has not received an invitation, but even if it had, it would not attend the conference, Vladimir Khokhlov, the spokesman for the Russian Embassy in Bern, told Sputnik in April. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240607/relaunch-of-zaporozhye-npp-possible-only-after-ukraine-conflict-settlement---governor-1118831848.html switzerland ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International draft communique on the ukraine summit, zaporozhye nuclear power plant https://sputnikglobe.com/20240616/ukraine-summit-in-switzerland-a-waste-of-time-and-dollars-1118989731.html Ukraine Summit in Switzerland a 'Waste of Time and Dollars' Ukraine Summit in Switzerland a 'Waste of Time and Dollars' Sputnik International The overhyped gathering at the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland, ostensibly meant to bring about peaceful end to the Ukrainian conflict, has been heavy on blowing hot air but light on achieving meaningful results. 2024-06-16T18:32+0000 2024-06-16T18:32+0000 2024-06-16T18:32+0000 analysis ukraine switzerland summit https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/06/10/1118990085_0:155:3071:1882_1920x0_80_0_0_9e7c05cb1e2094c4cb2dfa9489c496b6.jpg Volodymyr Zelensky's 'peace' summit in Switzerland was a waste of time and money, a former US army officer says.The attendance by just 92 out of 160 countries invited, with some led by low-level people, shows just how little importance the world out on the event, said Earl Rasmussen, retired Lieutenant Colonel of the US Army and veteran international consultant.Some of the global powers that did attend the summit refrained from signing the final joint communique that, as the pundit pointed out, was based on Volodymyr Zelenskys unrealistic ten-point plan calling for Russia to surrender parts of its own territory.That plan itself is unrealistic. It's not part of reality. It's some parallel universe or illusion that he has on it, Rasmussen said.According to the retired officer, the countries of the Global South have mostly sought to remain neutral on the Ukrainian conflict, which the BRICS countries refusal either to attend the summit or to support the closing statement highlights.I think they had some issues with some of the statements made in communique as well, Rasmussen said. And even that was a limited communique and they just don't have that support within the Global South for the direction that this peace summit is attempting to take.Rasmussen pointed out that the ongoing bloodshed in the Ukrainian conflict zone was a product of Western geopolitical aspirations, and that every time there were potential breakthroughs and peace settlements, they were interfered with by Western powers.He mocked the use of the term international rules in the communique, noting how the text mentions international law but ignores the right self-determination, with Western powers refusing to acknowledge the decision of former Ukrainian regions to join Russia.The whole thing was not a peace summit," he argued. "It was a rallying point in attempt to gather more support, to shift support against Russia, I think, and more towards Ukraine and perhaps to gather additional funds or commitments, funds and weapons as well for Ukraine.Rasmussen also suggested that Zelenskys immediate call for another so-called peace summit were another waste of time unless his Western sponsors come to reality.You need to discuss true peace settlements and options, and discussion and to accept and discuss security guarantees for all parties involved," Rasmussen concluded. "And until that's done, that's a waste of time and money and I think just dilutes the whole intent and the tragedy of this whole situation. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240616/mexicos-fm-urges-inclusion-of-russia-in-talks-on-ukraine--1118978459.html ukraine switzerland Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International ukraine switzerland summit, ukraine peace process, ukrainian conflict, global south ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20240616/ukraines-zelensky-rejected-russias-peace-offer-out-of-fear-of-losing-power---analyst-1118984605.html Ukraines Zelensky Rejected Russia's Peace Offer Out of Fear of Losing Power - Analyst Ukraines Zelensky Rejected Russia's Peace Offer Out of Fear of Losing Power - Analyst Sputnik International Ukraines Zelensky rejected the new peace initiatives proposed by Russia because he is afraid his political career will end once the conflict is resolved, British expert Alexander Mercouris said on his YouTube channel. 2024-06-16T11:34+0000 2024-06-16T11:34+0000 2024-06-16T11:34+0000 world russia vladimir putin peace deal volodymyr zelensky alexander mercouris ukraine nato https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/06/10/1118985014_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_7d0943444f96a25120d6a6f51ffb0558.jpg Ukraines Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the new peace initiatives proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin because he is afraid his political career will end once the conflict is resolved, British expert Alexander Mercouris said on his YouTube channel.Russias President Vladimir Putin has been calling time on him, saying that Zelensky is no longer the legitimate president of Ukraine, the expert noted.The stark reality of the situation, according to Alexander Mercouris, is such that this is the last chance the Ukrainians and their Western sponsors have to come to some sort of terms. If the conditions laid out by Russia are not accepted, the bloodshed will continue, Russia will win, as all trends on the battlefield prove, he noted.According to the pundit, this is the last proposal of this kind that Russia is prepared to make, and its rejection will mean that Russia will eventually demand nothing but unconditional surrender from Kiev.Furthermore, in speech on June 14, Putin gave a very clear warning that the West is acting very dangerously," Mercouris pointed out. The analyst slammed the utterly irresponsible, senseless talk from individuals like former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen's suggestions to call Putins bluff.The Russian diplomatic objective from now on, Alexander Mercouris believes, is to work towards achieving a restructuring of the security situation "not just in Europe, but in Eurasia as a whole."Commenting on the Ukrainian authorities' reaction to Vladimir Putin's peace proposal, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Sunday that Volodymyr Zelensky is" not the person with whom you can fix agreements in writing, because de jure the agreement would be illegitimate." https://sputnikglobe.com/20240614/putin-sets-condition-for-ukraine-peace-talks-full-ukrainian-withdrawal-from-new-russian-regions-1118950944.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240615/putins-peace-proposals-on-ukraine-are-golden-opportunity--lifeline-1118974919.html russia ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Svetlana Ekimenko why did ukraines zelensky rejected russia's peace proposal, what did putin offer ukraine, what peace proposal did russia offer on ukraine, nato forces, nato-russia war, nato russia war, nuclear weapons, red line, russia fights against nato, nato provokes russia, nato's aggression, russian aggression, russia's aggression, unprovoked war, unprovoked intervention, unprovoked invasion, russia-china cooperation, russia vs nato, ww3, wwiii, war in ukraine, ukraine war, stop the war https://sputnikglobe.com/20240616/us-tried-to-provoke-china-into-attacking-taiwan-xi-told-von-der-leyen---report-1118980551.html US Tried to Provoke China Into Attacking Taiwan, Xi Told von der Leyen - Report US Tried to Provoke China Into Attacking Taiwan, Xi Told von der Leyen - Report Sputnik International Xi Jinping warned Ursula von der Leyen about Washingtons attempts to provoke Beijing into attacking Taiwan, Financial Times reported. 2024-06-16T05:39+0000 2024-06-16T05:39+0000 2024-06-16T05:50+0000 world china us taiwan xi jinping ursula von der leyen european commission chinese foreign ministry joe biden https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/06/10/1118980371_0:192:2959:1856_1920x0_80_0_0_a14134da625d85cf32b119db7ad755d9.jpg Xi Jinping warned Ursula von der Leyen about Washingtons attempts to provoke Beijing into attacking Taiwan, the Financial Times reported.Chinas president delivered the cautionary message in April 2023 both to the European Commission president and officials in his own country, according to insiders.The gist of Xis warning was reportedly that the Biden administration was trying to goad the People's Republic of China (PRC) into invading Taiwan, but the Chinese leader would not be taken in that easily.When delivering the warning last year, Xi purportedly added that a conflict with the US would dismantle many of his countrys impressive achievements and undercut the stated goal of achieving a "great rejuvenation by 2049.The report laid emphasis on the fact that if true, this would have been the first known case of Xi Jinping making such a claim to a foreign leader.There has been no comment specifically on the report from either the Chinese Embassy in Washington or von der Leyens spokesperson.The FT report comes amid heightened US-China tensions. Beijing has referred to the Taiwan issue as a "red line" that must not be crossed in its relations with Washington."We will not turn a blind eye to the separatist activities of forces advocating 'Taiwan's independence' and the connivance and support [of these forces] by outside forces," Xi Jinping was quoted by the Xinhua news agency as telling US President Joe Biden during a phone conversation in April. Biden, in turn, reportedly said that the US does not support Taiwans independence and is not planning to enter into a conflict with China. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken echoed these statements, telling Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that the United States "continues to pursue the one-China policy and does not support Taiwan's independence." However, despite Washington officially claiming to support the one China policy, the US military has been holding extensive drills in the region. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian slammed the military exercises as stoking confrontation in the region that "will only intensify tensions and undermine regional stability." The show of strength came as the US-backed new regional leader of Taiwan William Lai Ching-te took his oath of office. Shortly after Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) pro-independence candidate won the election, he vowed to protect Taiwan from China's continued threats and intimidation."This prompted China's Taiwan Affairs Office chief Chen Binhua to declare that Beijing will adhere to the 1992 consensus, which embodies the One China principle, and firmly oppose separatist actions aimed at achieving Taiwan's independence, as well as interference by external forces."Furthermore, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Washington has supplied Taiwan with $70 billion worth of arms and ammunition in recent years. Under the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), Washington is committed to providing Taiwan with "arms of a defensive character." In a recently adopted draft bill, the US greenlit a major military aid package that includes funds for the Indo-Pacific. The legislation provides for $2 billion in foreign military financing for Taiwan and other partners in the region to counter China. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240605/beijing-on-us-help-to-taiwan-china-urges-us-not-to-send-wrong-signals-to-separatists-1118776257.html china taiwan Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Svetlana Ekimenko Svetlana Ekimenko News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Svetlana Ekimenko xi jinping warned ursula von der leyen about us attempts to provoke beijing into attacking taiwan, taiwan, taiwanese separatism, biden taiwan, strategic ambiguity taiwan, strategic clarity taiwan, china taiwan dispute https://sputnikglobe.com/20240616/us-vice-president-leaves-ukraine-conference-in-switzerland-before-its-conclusion---reports-1118982769.html US Vice President Leaves Ukraine Conference in Switzerland Before Its Conclusion - Reports US Vice President Leaves Ukraine Conference in Switzerland Before Its Conclusion - Reports Sputnik International US Vice President Kamala Harris has left Switzerland before the end of the conference on Ukraine, while US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will continue participating in the summit, The New York Times reported. 2024-06-16T09:12+0000 2024-06-16T09:12+0000 2024-06-16T09:12+0000 world kamala harris jake sullivan ukraine switzerland washington european union (eu) https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/03/18/1108750546_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_df4a4119489b960e928bec16a6a10fa7.jpg Harris returned to Washington late on Saturday, the outlet said. Sullivan reportedly stayed behind to work on developing strategies for practical solutions to support Ukraine's nuclear, energy and food security. Switzerland is hosting a high-level conference on Ukraine at the Buergenstock resort outside of Lucerne from June 15-16. Some 92 countries and 55 heads of state have confirmed their participation, as well as eight organizations, including the European Union, the European Council and the United Nations. Russia has not received an invitation, but even if it had, it would not attend the conference, Vladimir Khokhlov, the spokesman for the Russian Embassy in Bern, told Sputnik in April. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240615/who-in-ukraine-can-negotiate-with-russia-1118977428.html ukraine switzerland washington Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International us vice president kamala harris, us national security advisor jake sullivan, ukraine conference in switzerland https://sputnikglobe.com/20240616/war-games-1118977728.html War Games War Games Sputnik International Paris is making preparations to respond to security threats at this years Olympic Games with the threat of neo-Nazi terrorism emanating from Ukraine on the rise. 2024-06-16T05:51+0000 2024-06-16T05:51+0000 2024-06-16T06:00+0000 europe antony blinken ukraine france paris azov battalion neo-nazism neo-nazis nazi ukrainian ultra-nationalists https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/06/0f/1118977563_0:80:2000:1205_1920x0_80_0_0_320695fc91487426b5eca7fc4554503f.jpg France is racing to build temporary barracks to host a substantial military presence planned for this years Olympic Games in Paris.The army camp, reportedly the largest on French soil since World War II, will host 4,500 troops of the 18,000 tapped to help provide security for the massive sporting event. The military personnel will be working alongside 45,000 members of the countrys domestic security forces and up to 22,000 private guards slated to be on hand.Although the installation is comparable in size to those built during wartime, it will be stocked with amenities far beyond what French soldiers enjoyed during the 1940s.In 1945 we were building camps of tents, said Commissar General Philippe Pourque to French media. In 2024 it's a permanent structure with facilities that were unimaginable 50 years ago: WiFi, air conditioning.The last French camp of such size was established in the former French colony of Mali, where the country unsuccessfully battled jihadist militants.Malis government forced French and US troops out of the African nation earlier this year, instead turning to Russian security forces with experience countering extremists in Central Asia and Syria. Recent polling shows Russia enjoys a median approval rating of over 75% in the Sahel region.France is focused on responding to the threat of terrorism at this years Olympic Games with the danger posed by radical Ukrainian neo-Nazis on the rise after a plot linked to the countrys Azov Battalion was foiled in Italy. Last month it emerged that Ukrainian fighters flaunting neo-Nazi symbols had undergone military training in France.Germany quietly deported neo-Nazi Ukrainians earlier this year after their presence in the country created a scandal. Evidence suggests that fascist extremism is alive and well in Ukraine, however, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken dining in a Kiev pizza parlor last month thats notorious for displaying Third Reich iconography. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240428/ioc-allows-palestinians-to-compete-in-olympics-after-criticism-of-double-standards-1118149972.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240524/ukrainian-soldiers-flaunting-neo-nazi-symbols-welcomed-for-training-in-france---report-1118613937.html ukraine france paris Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg war games, france olympics, french troops, france olympics security, france military base, france military barracks, ukrainian neo-nazis, ukraine terrorism, ukraine terrorist threat, political cartoons, ukrainian terrorists, french olympics, defend olympics, protest alimpi https://sputnikglobe.com/20240616/why-new-stealthy-russian-nuclear-submarine-scares-west-so-much-1118989065.html Why New Stealthy Russian Nuclear Submarine Scares West So Much Why New Stealthy Russian Nuclear Submarine Scares West So Much Sputnik International A British newspaper made a startling discovery this week: it turns out that Russia has weapons capable of wreaking untold devastation upon its enemies. 2024-06-16T16:17+0000 2024-06-16T16:17+0000 2024-06-16T16:17+0000 military military & intelligence russia yasen-class submarine nuclear submarine https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/107862/50/1078625082_0:150:3109:1898_1920x0_80_0_0_cadb6fcfa8bddd17943379d8b3673d44.jpg What got The Express knickers in a twist this time was the K-564 Arkhangelsk, a Yasen-M class nuclear-powered cruise missile submarine that recently underwent sea trials and is expected to enter service in December. While the newspaper fears that this submarine could be undetectable by Western adversaries and could pose a serious threat to NATO military bases, naval convoys, and onshore critical infrastructure during a crisis, it remains to be seen what Arkhangelsk is truly capable of. Here is what is currently known about the sub: - It can dive up to 600 meters deep and has a maximum speed of 16 knots on the surface and 31 knots underwater - The submarine has a crew complement of 64 and an endurance of about 100 days, limited by food and maintenance requirements. - The vessels armament includes 533mm torpedo tubes and vertical launch silos for Oniks anti-ship cruise missiles, Kalibr cruise missiles and Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles. Both Kalibr and Zircon missiles are nuclear-capable. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231221/get-the-lowdown-on-russias-new-nuclear-submarines-emperor-alexander-iii--krasnoyarsk-1115706555.html russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International yasen class submarine, russian nuclear submarine, zircon missile, hypersonic missiles https://sputnikglobe.com/20240616/work-on-kharkov-buffer-zone-to-continue-until-russian-regions-safe-from-shelling-1118986444.html Work on Kharkov Buffer Zone to Continue Until Russian Regions Safe From Shelling Work on Kharkov Buffer Zone to Continue Until Russian Regions Safe From Shelling Sputnik International Work on establishing a buffer zone in the Kharkov region will continue until Russia ensures the safety of its regions from shelling by Ukraine, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Sunday. 2024-06-16T12:01+0000 2024-06-16T12:01+0000 2024-06-16T12:01+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine dmitry peskov vladimir putin volodymyr zelensky kharkov russia ukraine https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/05/0c/1118398049_0:0:3078:1731_1920x0_80_0_0_77aaae120b38885a3a1f052927a9e4fd.jpg "Work is underway to establish a buffer zone, a sanitary zone in the Kharkov region. This work will continue until we secure [the town of] Shebekino, the Belgorod Region, and our other areas from such barbaric shelling. Of course, this work will not stop," Peskov told Rossiya 1 reporter Pavel Zarubin. Peskov added that Russian President Vladimir Putin's peace initiative would be given due consideration. Despite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's dismissal of the initiative, there are likely to be "more sober heads who will think twice if it is worth waiting for conditions to deteriorate even further," the Kremlin spokesman said. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240611/one-killed-3-injured-in-kievs-shelling-of-shebekino-from-mlrs---belgorod-region-governor-1118909876.html kharkov russia ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International kremlin spokesman dmitry peskov, russia ensures the safety, russian regions safe from shelling https://sputnikglobe.com/20240616/zelensky-says-action-plan-following-swiss-hosted-summit-to-be-handed-over-to-russia-1118981783.html Zelensky Says 'Action Plan' Following Swiss-Hosted Summit to Be Handed Over to Russia Zelensky Says 'Action Plan' Following Swiss-Hosted Summit to Be Handed Over to Russia Sputnik International Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that the "action plan" adopted at the Swiss-hosted conference on Ukraine will be handed over to Russia before the second summit. 2024-06-16T06:30+0000 2024-06-16T06:30+0000 2024-06-16T06:30+0000 world russia ukraine volodymyr zelensky vladimir putin switzerland european union (eu) https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/06/05/1118796584_0:25:3072:1752_1920x0_80_0_0_1d8dcf1614e31392cf4f64325b6b9609.jpg Switzerland is hosting a high-level conference on Ukraine at the Buergenstock resort outside of Lucerne from June 15-16. Some 92 countries and 55 heads of state have confirmed their participation, as well as eight organizations, including the European Union, the European Council and the United Nations. Russia has not received an invitation, but even if it had, it would not attend the conference, Vladimir Khokhlov, the spokesman for the Russian Embassy in Bern, told Sputnik in April. "There is no Russia here today ... We must decide together what a just peace means for the world and how it can be achieved in a truly lasting way. The UN Charter is the basis for us. And then, when the action plan is on the table, agreed upon by all and transparent to the nations, then it will be communicated to the representatives of Russia, so that we can put a real end to the war at the second peace summit," Zelensky was quoted by the Ukrainska Pravda news portal as saying on Saturday at the plenary session at the conference. On Friday, Putin said that Russia would immediately cease fire and begin negotiations with Ukraine after Kiev withdraws troops from the territory of Russia's new regions and officially abandons plans to join NATO. Zelensky has called Moscow's proposal an ultimatum, while his adviser Mikhail Podolyak said that the new Russian initiatives allegedly did not contain a "real peace proposal." https://sputnikglobe.com/20240615/putins-peace-proposals-on-ukraine-are-golden-opportunity--lifeline-1118974919.html russia ukraine switzerland Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International swiss-hosted summit, ukrainian president volodymyr zelensky, conference on ukraine Driver Tim Tetrick wrangled Call Me Goo to sit off the speed and caught a covered ride to vault effortlessly by 1-5 favourite M Ms Dream in the stretch and win the $233,000 Armbro Flight for older trotting mares, kicking off the Grand Circuit stakes action on North America Cup night, Saturday, June 15 at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Trainer Jason Skinner envisioned a perfect trip for Call Me Goo following fellow elimination winner M Ms Dream, and Tetrick worked out the winning trip to perfection. Leaving from post five, Tetrick floated Call Me Goo off the wings and landed in fifth just behind M Ms Dream to a :26.4 first quarter clicked by post 10 starter Tipsy Moni (Yannick Gingras). Tipsy Moni, clearing Tactical Mounds (Scott Zeron) for the point, then managed to slow the tempo up the backside to a :56 half as M Ms Dream (David Miller) waited until the final turn to make a move. Once M Ms Dream pulled off the pegs, Call Me Goo had cover to the final turn but found herself third-over when Chake (Todd McCarthy) swiftly angled outside to make a charge after Tipsy Moni. Chake drew alongside her tempo-setting stablemate by three-quarters in 1:23.3 and slid to the lead while M Ms Dream and Call Me Goo fanned wider for open racetrack. M Ms Dream gathered momentum and began inching forward, though Call Me Goo furiously hit the center of the track with a menacing challenge to the favourite. Tetrick simply worked to keep Call Me Goo straight as she barrelled forward in the late stages and edged away to a half length win in a career-best 1:51.2. M Ms Dream settled for second, Chake took third and Tactical Mounds wove around horses for fourth ahead of Tipsy Moni. When shes on a helmet, shes perfect. But when you give her half a cue, she wants to take all of it, Tetrick said after the race. Shes really nice to drive until she gets free lane [because] she wants to go real fast. I wanted to be able to trip her out, put her on a helmet, because I think shes really good off a helmet, Tetrick also said of his strategy going into the race. Just the last couple of weeks we havent been able to do it because of circumstances. She still got the job done both times, [she] was first and second. Then today, she just proved that she is a good horse. Call Me Goo, a four-year-old daughter of Googoo Gaagaa, collected her fourth win from five starts this season and her 20th win from 28 starts in her career, good for $619,959 in earnings. Skinner trains the hallmark mare of his barn for owner Graham Grace Stables LLC of Clifton, Virginia. Shes by far the best Ive ever trained, Skinner said after the race. Shes put me on the Grand Circuit. Ive been here a couple of times, but never with a dominant horse like her. Shes definitely the best one. Sent off as the second choice in the betting, Call Me Goo paid $8.70 to win. To view Saturday's harness racing results, click the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park. (With files from Woodbine) Announcer Ken Middleton said it best: "North America, meet Highland Kismet!" Highland Kismet ($2.90), with Bob McClure in the race bike, stamped himself as a superstar-in-the-making courtesy of a stupendous score in the $225,000 Goodtimes Stakes on Saturday evening at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Sent on his way as the 2-5 choice in the Goodtimes, Highland Kismet arrived at his latest test off a polished 1-3/4 length winning performance in his elimination last week at the Milton oval. On this night, he took things to a whole new level. It was an early scramble as Top Mast (Sylvain Filion), Private Access (Louis-Philippe Roy), and Shermont (Trevor Henry) battled into the first turn, while Highland Kismet was fanned nearly four wide. Top Mast led the pack through an opening panel in :27.2, but Highland Kismet, in fourth, was given his cue by McClure and the son of Father Patrick responded by seizing command shortly before the half in :55.3. Private Access, the second choice on the board at 6-1, came calling on the leader soon after and then turned up the pressure into the turn for home. Highland Kismet, a neck on top after three quarters in 1:24.4, fended off his foe and then strolled away from his pursuers with ease down the lane. McClure sat chilly in the sulky as the bay colt stormed home in :26.4 to post a 3-1/4 length win over Private Access. Top Mast was third. The final time was a stakes-equalling and personal-best mark of 1:51.3. "He's two fingers to drive, said McClure. You can start him up, shut him down. I didn't mind. I was fully intending to half-miss the gate because I knew all the outside speed was going to be pushing so I wasn't worried about them dropping in front of me. This colt, super, super stepped up, and I couldn't believe how big a kick he had coming home, and how easy he did it, and how great he's been. Unraced at two, the Mark Etsell trainee was a two-length winner in 1:54.4 in his May 2 debut. Scratched out of his next start, Highland Kismet returned on May 23, just missing top spot by a head. One week later, he was back on the winning track courtesy of a 1:53.1 victory, winning by more than five lengths "Hes come a long way quick, said Etsell. He's been a bit of a surprise, actually. Added McClure, He was a real troubled two-year-old. He had a lot of trouble with his gait, and you wouldn't know it now with the job that Mark has done with him. He's perfect. Bred and owned by Highland Thoroughbred Farm of Inglewood, Ont., Highland Kismet (Father Patrick - Highland Top Hill) is eligible for the 2024 Hambletonian. Mark Etsell, the 2023 O'Brien Award of Horsemanship winner, handles the training on Highland Kismet, whose summary reads 4-1-0 in five outings with $149,500 in earnings. The stakes record was set in 2014 by Trixton that year's Hambletonian winner. The race presentation was made by John Bax, who campaigned world champion and Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame inductee Goodtimes to a 50-win career and over $2.2 million in lifetime earnings. To view Saturday's harness racing results, click the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park. (with files from Woodbine) Both Hot Flash Kimmy and Hand Dover Dan toured the Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania oval in 1:54.1 on Saturday afternoon to win their respective $23,288 divisions of the featured conditioned trot. Hot Flash Kimmy as the first to visit the winner's circle. She charged to the lead down the backstretch and then held off a late inside move from Partner Dolan. Hot Flash Kimmy won by a half-length while taking a new mark. Matt Kakaley guided the successful daughter of Lookslikeachpndale for trainer Ron Burke and the ownership of Burke Racing Stable LLC and Weaver Bruscemi LLC. The Dover Dan gelding Hand Dover Dan, now a winner in three of his last five starts, had a protracted duel from first-over with pacesetter Seven Sins. Ultimately, he edged in front to win by a head. Anthony Napolitano handled the sulky duties for Hand Dover Dan for conditioner Lance Hudson and owner William Hartt. The two-year-olds were gathered for their first pari-mutuel event at Pocono in 2024, with colt pacers going after $19,178. In an exciting race that had five of the six entrants finish within three-quarters of a length of each other, Alabama Lucky made his purse bow a successful one in 1:57.3. Mark MacDonald kept the Huntsville-B So Lucky colt on the inside, found stretch clearance and held off a determined finish from Sweet Parlay to win by a head. Trainer Ray Schnittker trains the precocious baby, and he also co-owns him with Ma3 Racing Stable. The fastest mile of the day was the 1:50 recorded by Stone Hanover in the last race on the card. Simon Allard sent the son of Art Major to the early lead and kept him there to the wire. He held off three separate outside challengers along the way for trainer Joe Pavia Jr. and the partnership of Steven Held, John Whitig, Joe Pavia Jr. Stable Inc., and Bridgette Jablonsky. Tyler Buter topped the days drivers with four victories. Pocono's 6 p.m. card o Sunday, June 16 is headed by two divisions of the $143,200 USD Pennsylvania Sire Stakes three-year-old trotting fillies in their third preliminary round. The current queen of the division is Elista Hanover, who has won her last six races, including the last four in stakes. That total includes two wins against the Sire Stakes horses. There are also four $20,000 USD divisions of PA Stallion Series action for this group. (With files from PHHA/Pocono) Write About Now completed a sweep of the Mark Austin Memorial Pacing Series for colts and geldings while Into Go scored a breakthrough victory in the filly final during the Sunday, June 16 afternoon card of harness racing at Dresden Raceway. Named for the late horseman, Mark Austin, who got his start at Dresden Raceway in the early 1980s, the series was for pacers that were non-winners of one pari-mutual race or $5,000 lifetime, as of midnight March 31, 2024. Trainer Bill Hamm's homebred Write About Now delivered on his 1-5 pari-mutuel promise in the $15,000 final for male pacers with a wire-to-wire victory in 1:59.4 for driver Don Rankin Jr. Leaving from post two, Rankin put the popular Sportswriter-Cant Stop gelding on the point and cruised through panels of :29.3, 1:00.4 and 1:31 while Ashers Basher (Nick Steward) advanced into the pocket leaving Officer Cheese (Alfie Carroll) first-up down the backside the final time. Officer Cheese got within a half length of the leader with early trailer Thejackofdiamonds (Garrett Rooney) rallying three-wide into contention as they turned for home, but Write About Now responded by opening up 3-1/2 lengths through the stretch. Thejackofdiamonds edged out Officer Cheese for the runner-up honours. Opting to take the shortest route around the half-mile track to victory, Rankin commented, "I was quite confident the whole mile, really. He's a talented colt in this group." Having made just two starts as a freshman, Write About Now has won four of his five sophomore starts since partnering with Rankin. "He needed to be educated a little," noted Rankin. "He's a very green horse, but he's got talent. You can work with that if you got the talent... At this point, he's done everything he's been asked and he's done it easily." Bill and Thomas Hamm share ownership of the gelding, who increased his bankroll to $17,186 with his successful stint in the Austin Series. "It was an honour to win this race, the Mark Austin Memorial. A great horseman and great friend," added Rankin of the race's namesake. Write About Now paid $2.40 to win. Despite going winless through a pair of preliminary legs in the series, trainer John Marshall's homebred Into Go was in it to win it, leading the filly division from start to finish for a 2:00.2 maiden-breaking victory and the lion's share of the $14,100 purse. Driven by a confident Andy Moore, Into Go carved out fractions of :29.3, 1:01 and 1:31 before drawing away from her foes by 4-1/2 lengths. Crytel Shadow (Garrett Rooney) won the race for place off a second-over trip as she edged out Czech With Vivian (Peter Core), who had matched strides with Into Go turning for home before the winner gave her the slip. Sent postward as the 2-1 second choice following top three finishes in the opening legs of the series, Into Go returned $6.30 to win and $36.10 to place. There was no show wagering. The favoured two-leg winner, Premier Elsa (Nick Steward), secured a pocket trip early on behind Into Go but faded to fifth. Marshall shares ownership of the three-year-old Sportswriter-Milliondollarspree filly, who made her 14th career start a winning one, with Robin Cassidy. Sunday's racing action included a $5,000 Preferred 3 Handicap Trot, which was won in a photo finish by Hot Fudge Sundae for the Carroll family -- driver Alfie, trainer Angie and co-owner Mary. Hot Fudge Sundae pocketed Shouldaknownbetter (Anthony Hamlin) early on and proceeded to call the shots through panels of :29, :59.1 and 1:28.4 before holding off the favourite, Lass Shot (Garrett Rooney), who took her shot late in the mile but came up a neck short. Shouldaknownbetter finished a half-dozen lengths back in third, with Heavy Dude E (Mark Williams) completing the field, which was scratched down to just four starters. A seven-year-old Kadabra-A Sundae On Sunday gelding, Hot Fudge Sundae picked up his 20th career victory and returned $5.10 as the 3-2 second choice. To view Sunday's harness racing results, click the following link: Sunday Results - Dresden Raceway. (Standardbred Canada; Photo of Write About Now from a previous win) 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: Tesla CEO Elon Musk waves as he leaves the Tesla Gigafactory for electric cars in Gruenheide near Berlin, Germany on March 13, 2024. Tesla shareholders are charting the future of the electric vehicle company Thursday, June 13, 2024, as they wrap up voting whether or not to restore Musk's massive pay package that was thrown out by a Delaware judge. Credit: AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi, File Even though the median U.S. CEO pay package last year was nearly 200 times more than a worker in the middle of their company pay scales, Elon Musk's record-setting Tesla compensation dwarfs them by comparison. Tesla shareholders on Thursday voted overwhelmingly in favor of restoring Musk's 10-year pay plan, valued by the company in April at $44.9 billion. It was worth more early in the year, but Tesla's stock value has fallen about 25% since then. The all-stock package, approved by the board and shareholders in 2018, rewards Musk for hitting milestones that include raising Tesla's market value, pretax income and revenue. It had been tossed out by a Delaware judge in January who said the process for approving it was "deeply flawed." The court ruled that Musk controlled the company's board, and shareholders weren't fully informed. But the company said Musk deserves the pay because he turned Tesla into the top-selling electric vehicle maker in the world, increasing its market value by billions. Even with the reapproval vote, Musk won't get access to the stock options just yet. Tesla is expected to ask the judge to revisit her decision in light of the vote, and if she doesn't, the company probably will appeal the ruling to Delaware's Supreme Court. The whole process could take months. No matter the outcome, Musk's packagethe largest award to a CEO of a U.S. public companyis far above what's been granted to other chief executives. Here's how the package compares: Elon Musk arrives at the 10th Breakthrough Prize Ceremony on April 13, 2024, at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. Tesla shareholders are charting the future of the electric vehicle company Thursday, June 13, 2024, as they wrap up voting whether or not to restore Tesla CEO Musk's massive pay package that was thrown out by a Delaware judge. Credit: Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File WITH THE MEDIAN CEO PAY The median pay package for an S&P 500 U.S. CEO last year was $16.3 million, according to data analyzed for The Associated Press by Equilar. If you multiply that by 10 to get $163 million for a decade of work, Musk's earnings still would be 275 times greater. In her January ruling that struck down the package, Delaware Chancellor Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick wrote that Musk's package, then worth about $56 billion, was 250 times larger than the median peer CEO's pay plan. WITH INDIVIDUAL CEOS The top earner in the AP's survey was Hock Tan, CEO of artificial intelligence company Broadcom Inc. His package, mostly consisting of stock awards, was valued at about $162 million, when given to Tan at the start of fiscal 2023. Thanks to a surging stock price, Broadcom in March valued Tan's pay package, plus older options he hadn't yet cashed in, at $767.7 million. That's an amount easily eclipsed by Musk's potential haul of 304 million shares worth almost $45 billion. Other CEOs at the top of AP's survey are William Lansing of Fair Isaac Corp, ($66.3 million); Tim Cook of Apple Inc. ($63.2 million); Hamid Moghadam of Prologis Inc. ($50.9 million); and Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix ($49.8 million). Technically, Musk got no compensation last year because he didn't get any stock options. But he stands to get even richer if his pay package goes through. WITH TESLA WORKERS It's difficult to calculate what Musk's annual pay would have been last year. The company says he got nothing. But if his compensation package makes it through the courts, his pay will be in the billions. According to the company's proxy filing this year, the median annual pay of a non-CEO Tesla employee last year was $45,811. 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Flash Over 100 government officials, experts, scholars, and organization representatives from home and abroad have discussed global geopark and biosphere reserve sustainable development while gathering at the Changbai Mountain reserve in northeast China's Jilin Province on Saturday. At the two-day Changbaishan Global Geopark and Biosphere Reserve Sustainable Development Conference, which kicked off on Saturday, participants exchanged views on ecological protection and harmonious development between humans and nature, and shared the latest achievements and ideas on geopark management, ecological protection, scientific research, and tourism development. "Our world faces unprecedented challenges, from climate change and biodiversity loss to the pressures of rapid urbanization and unsustainable resource use," said Shahbaz Khan, director and representative to UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia. "In this context, geoparks and biosphere reserves play a crucial role as models for sustainable living, where conservation and development are balanced to benefit both nature and people," he said. "One issue that concerns us at this conference is that when a certain area has two or more listed land identities awarded by UNESCO, how we should carry out scientific and orderly management, achieve synergies between the listed places, and enable the local community to get rich and reasonable returns," said Wang Ding, secretary general of Chinese National Committee for Man and the Biosphere Programme, UNESCO. "It is urgent that we select and cultivate a group of such areas with quality management as the goal and make them play a leading role," Wang added. Gao Haizhu, head of the Jilin provincial forestry and grassland bureau, said that it is a common responsibility to promote the sustainable development of nature reserves, which requires the international community, organizations at all levels, and research institutions to strengthen cooperation. According to Gao, Jilin now has 167 nature reserves covering 3.19 million hectares, accounting for about 16.7 percent of its total area. This makes it one of the provinces with the largest number and richest types of nature reserves in China. On Friday, the Changbaishan Global Geopark was officially inaugurated at the first Jilin Tourism Development Conference held at the Changbai Mountain reserve after it was added to the UNESCO Global Geoparks network in March. The inauguration of the Changbaishan Global Geopark will not only bring more development opportunities for the Changbai Mountain area but also inject new vitality into the global geopark network, said He Qingcheng, executive deputy director of China National Geoparks Network Office. Since 2000, UNESCO has designated 213 global geoparks in 48 countries. China has 47 such geoparks, topping the global number. "It's one of the hot spots for biodiversity in northeast China and even the temperate region of the world," said Jacob Wickham, a senior scientific researcher at A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences. Wickham has visited the Changbai Mountain reserve twice. "Since Changbai Mountain reserve was founded in the 1960s, it has really become a good model of conservation in the temperate areas of China," he said. (TBTCO) - Gia xang dau trong nuoc hom nay (10/10) uoc du bao co the uoc ieu chinh tang manh. Theo o, gia xang trong nuoc co the tang tu 950 - 1.250 ong/lit; gia dau diesel co kha nang tang khoang 820 - 1.050 ong/lit. Tren thi truong the gioi, gia dau giam sau khi du lieu cua Hoa Ky cho thay luong dau tho du tru tang, nhung muc giam bi han che boi rui ro gian oan nguon cung cua Iran do xung ot Trung ong va con bao Milton o Hoa Ky. Schneider Electric, a leader in digital transformation of energy management and automation, has announced that Bader Al Mulla & Bros Co (Al Mulla Engineering), a member of Al Mulla Group and the largest mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) construction services contractor, is a winner of the Schneider Electric Sustainability Impact Award in Kuwait. Al Mulla Engineering received the Schneider Electric Sustainability Impact Award for commendable efforts made to support its customers to achieve their decarbonisation goals. This includes implementing energy efficient designs to improve HVAC system efficiency without compromising building operations. During this cycle, the Al Mulla Engineering team aligned with the goals and vision of the customer in relation to sustainability and delivered customised solutions to optimise the operations of the building. The deployed solutions have resulted in reducing cooling water consumption by 7% in 2022 compared to the baseline in 2019 as well as a reduction in energy consumption by 9% in 2022 compared to the baseline in 2019. This award recognition is part of Schneider Electrics efforts to support partners, customers and suppliers who are committed to reaching their sustainability goals. It is also a testament to the solid commitment by Al Mulla Engineering to uphold its part in ensuring that its and strategic growth initiatives conform to the highest global standards to maintain sustainability practices across its diverse range of engineering operations. Amel Chadli, Gulf Countries President, commented: I congratulate Al Mulla Engineering for its outstanding efforts to empower its customers to reach their sustainability goals. Businesses need to look beyond their own operations and consider who they are indirectly responsible for across their value chain and, crucially, who they can assist along the way. Reaching net zero is a collective goal, and we need to work together to share the best sustainable practices and support customers to decarbonise. Eng Anfal N Al Mulla, Managing Director of Al Mulla Engineering, added: We are delighted to have been recognised for the work we have done to minimise the environmental impact on the planet and supporting to improve the performance of the building by providing the technologies to address the environmental social goals of our customers. We are acutely aware that expectations on businesses like ours to demonstrate how we are decarbonizing our own operations and those of our customers, are only going to intensify as we draw closer to 2050. We wanted to get ahead and play our part in the journey to net zero and are proud to be recognized for this by receiving this award. Schneider Electric facilitates sustainable practices with solutions that are simplified, open and utilise digital transformation as a key driver for positive change. One way the company achieves this is by enabling partners to assess their own carbon footprint and build a trackable and traceable plan of action, as well as certifying partners ability to assess the sustainability of their supplier and customer ecosystems. Schneider Electric Sustainability Impact Awards were launched in 2022 to celebrate and recognise the pivotal role that Schneiders extensive network of partners play in delivering a more resilient and sustainable electric world. Participants continue to be carefully assessed on how they are leveraging energy and digital and automation solutions in operations, reducing energy usage, increasing operational efficiency, and embracing circularity across the value chain, the company said. - TradeArabia News Service Global technology and investment group, e&, has attained the highest position in Brand Finances inaugural Employer Brand Report 2024 with its UAE entity ranking as the 'Top Global Telecoms Employer, a report said. The Abu Dhabi-based group also secured the 16th spot among the Top 20 Employer Brands across measured employer brands across financial services, telco, media, and tech (TMT), oil, gas, and energy, professional services, retail, automotive, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the United States, Emirates News Agency, WAM, said. Ali Al Mansoori, Group Chief People Officer, e&, said: This recognition as an employer of choice reflects the incredible dedication and passion of our people, who are our greatest assets. It also reaffirms our commitment to cultivating a unified company culture where every employee is empowered to think differently, experiment fearlessly, and innovate continuously. In todays rapidly evolving landscape, having a talented workforce is more critical than ever. David Haigh, CEO of Brand Finance, said: Middle Eastern telecom brands are increasingly overtaking their European and American counterparts as desirable places to work. This reflects the career opportunities and exciting technological developments created by consistent, high-quality investment in the Middle East. Leading the way in employer branding and talent development in UAE, the group scored highly across several considerations, including as a 'prestigious brand, an inspiring vision,' enjoyable and rewarding work,' and a well-managed and governed company. e&s achievement reflects the broader reputation of the UAE as a global talent hub and the preferred destination for people seeking to shape a prosperous future. At e&, we are committed to equipping our team with the skills necessary to navigate and thrive in the digital age, said Al Mansoori. Our vision is not just to keep pace with change, but to lead it. We are building a resilient, forward-thinking workforce capable of driving our company and our community towards greater heights. Our strategy includes comprehensive training programmes, partnerships with educational institutions, and an environment that rewards creativity and bold thinking. We are dedicated to creating opportunities for professional growth and supporting our team as they develop the technological skills and mindset essential for the future. The inaugural Employer Brand Index report showcases the worlds top brands with global and regional league tables. The research-driven study is the first of its kind, measuring internal and external perceptions of employer brands from 16 countries. The Index is derived from responses from an anonymous survey of the public across various industries conducted via independent online panels. The Brand Finance 2024 Employer Brand Index follows the release in January of the global brand rankings in which e& UAE was rated the strongest telecom brand globally (AAA rating) and the strongest brand in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) across all categories. Brand Finance is the worlds leading brand valuation consultancy. It conducts more than 5,000 brand valuations, supported by original market research, and publishes over 100 reports that rank brands across all sectors and countries. The heads of the Group of Seven (G7) major powers said in a joint statement Friday that they will launch an action plan to deal with the positive and negative impacts of artificial intelligence on employment,according to Jiji Press. In the statement, adopted at their meeting in Puglia, southern Italy, the leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States plus the European Union welcomed the support from countries outside the G-7 forum for the Hiroshima AI Process, an international rulemaking framework for generative AI led by Tokyo, saying that they recognize the importance of advancing the framework's outcomes. The Hiroshima AI Process was established at last year's G-7 summit, which was chaired by Japan. Over 50 countries and regions have signed onto the framework. The G7 ministers reached a landmark consensus in Verona, Italy on the critical global debate of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Under the scope Digital Development Growing Together, G7 countries acknowledged the need to work in partnership with developing countries to strengthen local AI digital ecosystems, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It says that by collaborating with the UNDP, the Italian G7 Presidency championed the need for new multi-stakeholder partnerships to foster local impact in developing countries. Key areas include democratising computing power, developing open and secure data models, and strengthening capacities to advance AI for sustainable development. These seek to ensure that access to AI is equitable, inclusive and responsible, thereby supporting safe, secure and trustworthy development and deployment. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said in the G-7 leaders' discussions Friday that he hopes to continue cooperation on the subject. Under this year's G-7 chair, Italy, discussions have centered on the potential benefits of AI to labor and the risk of the technology depriving people of work. The G-7 leaders said in the statement that they will "work to ensure that AI enables increased productivity, quality jobs and decent work," and that they will strengthen labor market policies, including in light of tackling AI's negative effects. India-based Haldia Petrochemicals Limited has announced the signing of a strategic long-term naphtha supply agreement with QatarEnergy. Under this deal, QatarEnergy will supply a total of up to two million tons of naphtha to HPL (through its 100% subsidiary, HPL Global Private Limited, Singapore) over the next 10 years, starting from the second quarter of 2024. The long-term agreement was executed by HPL Global and QatarEnergy, for Qatar Petroleum for the Sale of Petroleum Products Company (QPSPP) representing the largest commitment undertaken between the two companies. On the strategic pact, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, the President, and CEO of QatarEnergy, said: "We are pleased to sign this agreement, which reaffirms our continued commitment to be part of Indias economic growth trajectory. We take great pride in the longstanding exemplary relationship between our respective entities and between Qatar and India." Al Kaabi, emphasising the role of Qatar as a reliable energy supplier to India, highlighted the collaborative efforts with strategic end-user petrochemical players such as Haldia Petrochemicals to meet the evolving energy demands of the region. On the agreement, HPL Chairman Dr Purnendu Chatterjee said: "We are pleased to announce this landmark strategic agreement with QatarEnergy. This will further strengthen HPLs long-standing partnership with Qatar Energy, one of our key partners in this journey of growth." "This landmark agreement resonates with HPL's continuous efforts towards business development and strategic investment to fulfil the demands of our customers worldwide, maintaining the quality of the products HPL has always been known for," he added.-TradeArabia News Service India's Haldia Petrochemicals Limited (HPL) has announced a strategic agreement with QatarEnergy, securing long-term naphtha supply. Under this agreement, QatarEnergy will supply a total of up to two million tons of naphtha to HPL (through its 100% subsidiary, HPL Global Pte Limited, Singapore) over the next 10 years, starting from the second quarter of 2024. The long-term agreement was executed by HPL Global Pte Ltd. and QatarEnergy, for and on behalf of Qatar Petroleum for the Sale of Petroleum Products Company (QPSPP) representing the largest commitment undertaken between the two companies, said a statement. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, the President, and CEO of QatarEnergy, said: "We are pleased to sign this agreement, which reaffirms our continued commitment to be part of Indias economic growth trajectory. We take great pride in the longstanding exemplary relationship between our respective entities and between the State of Qatar and the Republic of India." Minister Al-Kaabi further emphasised the role Qatar plays as a reliable and trustworthy energy supplier to India, highlighting the collaborative efforts with strategic end-user petrochemical players such as Haldia Petrochemicals to meet the evolving energy demands of the region. Dr Purnendu Chatterjee, Chairman, HPL, said: We are pleased to announce this landmark strategic agreement with QatarEnergy. This will further strengthen HPLs long-standing partnership with Qatar Energy, one of our key partners in this journey of growth. This landmark agreement resonates with HPL's continuous efforts towards business development and strategic investment to fulfil the demands of our customers worldwide, maintaining the quality of the products HPL has always been known for." - TradeArabia News Service Oman Air has been has won the 2024 Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) Award for Best Seat Comfort in the Middle East. The award was accepted by the airlines UK Country Manager, Kelpesh Patel, at a ceremony held during the Future Travel Experience EMEA, Ancillary & Retailing event 2024 in Dublin, Ireland on June 12. We are deeply honoured to receive this prestigious recognition, which reflects our relentless pursuit of passenger satisfaction. Oman Airs on-board experience has delighted travellers for many years and is why we continue to be the airline of choice for our valued guests. We remain committed to providing not only a world-class product but unparalleled service excellence, ensuring our passengers enjoy the best possible journey with us every time they fly, said Con Korfiatis, Chief Executive Officer. Seamlessly blending contemporary luxury with authentic Omani heritage, Oman Air provides comfort in every class. With spacious cabin layouts boasting generous legroom, modern, plush upholstery, and innovative design elements, guests can enjoy a range of world-class amenities and dining options, enhanced by the airlines award-winning service ethos, it said. Oman Air last won the Best Seat Comfort award in 2022. In 2023, the airline also earned APEXs 2024 Five-Star Major Airline rating for the fourth consecutive year, as well as winning Best Airline Staff at the Skytrax 2023 World Airline Awards. Most recently, Oman Air was ranked the regions most punctual airline in Ciriums 2023 annual On-Time Performance review. TradeArabia News Service Finance Minister Colm Imbert says AR-15 semi-automatic rifles are murderous weapons and legislation is needed to ban them. At the Parliament sitting yesterday, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley spoke to the need to make legislative intervention to ban assault weapons. In response, Opposition MP Ravi Ratiram said assault weapons were already banned in T&T, and he quoted a firearms expert. Related content Walmart offers new perks for workers, from a new bonus plan to opportunities in skilled trade jobs Correction: This story originally misreported Traci Clark's age when she began her career with Walmart in the mid-2000s. The story has been corrected. When Traci Clark was age 22 in the mid-2000s, she got an hourly job working as a pharmacy technician at the Walmart store in Owasso. Walmart was my job to get me through college, she said. I was going to school to be a pharmacist. And then when I applied to pharmacy school twice and didnt get in, I decided I needed to get out of my moms house and get a career. So thats what happened. Today, she is the manager of store No. 894 at 6625 S. Memorial Drive, just north of Woodland Hills Mall. Its one of 13 Walmart Supercenters in the Tulsa metro area. In a world of workforce challenges, Walmart the largest private employer in America, as well as in Oklahoma is providing its 4,700 U.S. store managers higher pay, bonuses and stock options in efforts to keep them and bring more on to the payroll. Leaders like Clark are harder to find in todays job market with so many other retailers competing for talented managers. Recently, Walmart provided the Tulsa World unlimited access to the store with Clark, shadowing her as she did her daily morning inspection of the store, spoke with associates and customers on the floor, and met with members of her leadership team. 7,000 transactions a day Over 18 years, the 39-year-old Clark moved up from entry-level associate to assistant store manager to manager. She supervises about 380 employees and leads a team of 11 assistant managers and a store lead, someone who assists her in nearly every aspect in operating the 200,000-square-foot store. The store has about 7,000 transactions a day, meaning at least that many customers shop there on a daily basis. That number increases by about 5,000 additional transactions during the Christmas holiday shopping season, beginning with Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. The hours of the store Clark manages in Tulsa are 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. She typically arrives around 6:30 a.m. or earlier after her 30-minute commute from her home in Owasso. She is on salary and typically works five to six days a week, including Saturdays, and typically leaves work about 5 p.m. After checking in with her overnight assistant who is in charge of stocking shelves and making sure the store is presentable in the mornings her normal routine is to walk a familiar pattern throughout the massive store. It takes 30 minutes to an hour, at least, and on many days, before the sun is fully shining. She checks everything from which shelves are not stocked or are not full to the plastic strips, or fast tracks, with price tags marked underneath them at the bottom of store shelves. Clark walks the store and communicates via a microphone with a wire attached to the collar of her shirt and a walkie-talkie attached to her jeans to her assistants and overnight manager. We need more fast tracks over here, she said, regarding one aisle, where the plastic covers over the price tags are falling off the shelves. She also notes areas like the toy and bicycle section on this day that are too messy and not organized as she would like. Walmart, she explained, has a computer system in which items that are sold or food items that have expired and need to be replaced with fresh offerings are entered. That information is then passed on to distribution centers, where needed items are loaded onto trucks. For Tulsa-area stores, those trucks usually arrive from the nearest distribution center, near Ochelata in Washington County, about 35 miles north of downtown Tulsa. Two trucks arrive at the store daily a truck carrying food for the grocery wing of the Supercenter, usually very early every morning and a second semi, carrying GM or general merchandise, that can arrive any time of the day. Pallets carrying items are left in the rear stocking area of the store not open to the public before the trucks move on to the next store, she said. I dont know how we could function without the technology and the system we have, Clark said. You cant hide around here She is on her feet virtually all of the time she is managing the Memorial Drive store, with about a 15-minute break after a daily 9 a.m. meeting with her assistant managers for the day. She has a small, modest office space with a computer. For about 10, 15, 20 minutes, after I dismiss the management team, they all go their way and I try to address emails for them or anyone else, she said. You cant hide around here, not with 380 people. They track you down. She does this with her door open. I like for people to be able to come in, and if they have questions I want them to be able to stop me right then and there and say, Heres what I need. Can you help me do this? she said. I want to be available to answer any questions all the time. Walmart is based in Bentonville, Arkansas, about about 114 miles east of Tulsa. The company has about 1.6 million employees in the U.S. and about 38,000 in Oklahoma. The first Walmart store was opened in Rogers, Arkansas, in 1962. Its first store in Oklahoma was established in Tahlequah in 1968. The first Tulsa-area store opened in Wagoner in 1973. Clark said the average Walmart manager makes $110,000 to $170,000 per year. The Wall Street Journal reported recently that some managers can make up to $400,000 thanks to six-figure bonuses and stock options. Earnings like that dont stop Clark, a mom of a 7-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son, from shopping in her own store. Walmarts fashion is amazing, she said. I online shop because Walmart doesnt offer the same fashion in every store, and theres a specific brand that Walmart carries that I shop for, so I go to walmart.com as much as Im in the store. And people say that all the time. Theyre like, Oh, you dress so cute. Its almost every day. Its why I shop at Walmart and my kids, too. I dress my kids head to toe in Walmart. Like any job, Clark said there are good and bad days. Some days are little more challenging. A couple of days ago we just had a scuffle, with customers arguing ... (about) other things, nothing to do with here ... they came in arguing that way, she said. We see an increasing number of shoplifting and stuff like that around here. But there are also what she calls praises. There are customers who shop the store weekly, some who even shop daily, she said. We have a gentlemen whos in here every day, and every day he speaks to me, and says hello. They come in here for exercise or whatever they need early in the morning. But he almost compliments us every week on something. Hes here as much as we are, and a lot of the customers are. Were a big family. We know who are customers are and I think that every store is that way. They see some of the same faces and that feels good to have people to keep coming back and coming back. The Tulsa World is where your story lives Felix Clary Tulsa World Indigenous Affairs Reporter Follow Felix Clary 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. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Correction: This story originally misstated the number of eligible voters among Cherokee Nation citizens in Oklahoma. The story has been corrected. This year is the 100th anniversary of the Indian Citizenship Act, yet tribal leaders and advocates say too many Natives are still hesitant to vote in local, state and federal elections. For the past two decades, Oklahomas voter turnout rate has been around 55%. Fourteen percent of Oklahomas population identifies as Native American, with two of the largest tribes being Muscogee and Cherokee. Less than 20% of Muscogee Nation citizens were registered to vote this year as of June 1. In 2021, the Cherokee Nation estimated that 45,000 Cherokee citizens were registered to vote, a significant increase over previous years but still amounting to around 150,000 Cherokee citizens not registered to vote in the state. In Oklahoma, Natives are still living with historic trauma. There is still a lot of mistrust with federal processes. The tribes here lived through boarding schools, removal from our homelands, and so many things, said Ginny Underwood, a Comanche with Rock the Native Vote. Rock the Native Vote is one of many Native voting campaigns in Oklahoma. Underwood said that in the years she has campaigned for Native adults to register to vote in local, state and federal elections, she has seen voter anxiety in Native people centered around mistrust for state and federal governments. Maybe were jaded, and rightfully so, but we need to help people understand that if we show up in numbers, it can have positive impacts, like getting elected officials that support tribal sovereignty, Underwood said. What is at stake when we vote? Voting is still 60 years young for Native American citizens, says Randy Knight, a Cherokee law student at the University of Tulsa College of Law. The Indian Citizenship Act gave Native people the right to U.S. citizenship, but it wasnt until 1965, with passage of the Voting Rights Act, that all Native adults and other racial minorities were ensured of the right to vote. Knight noted that it wasnt until 2019 that the Native American Voting Rights Act was passed by Congress, giving tribes the ability to increase polling sites and expand the types of facilities they use for voter registration. The act states that there is a wide gap between the voter registration and turnout rates of eligible Native citizens and non-Native citizens. It says Native voter access is obstructed by nontraditional addresses for residents on reservations, as well as a lack of accessible registration and polling sites, either due to conditions such as geography, lack of paved roads, the absence of reliable and affordable broadband connectivity, and restrictions on the time and place that people can register and vote. The act posed the solution of annual consultations between tribal leaders and the Department of Justice to resolve voting-related issues. I think there are some tools weve been given in the last four years that can help with Native voter turnout, and I think well start to see the fruits of that in this 2024 election, said Knight. He said that engaging in voting is a form of assimilation, but one that is necessary at this point in history. Since passage of the Native American Voting Rights Act and the recognition of tribal sovereignty through the McGirt decision, he said that were seeing right now how important it is for people to engage in the system, whether they like it or not, because one of the ways to change the system is to engage with it. Shawnee Chief Ben Barnes said the Warrior Up and Vote campaign expresses an even stricter message than Rock the Native Vote. We need to look at it like, What is at stake when we vote? What bills do we want passed? We need to make sure people we elect on state and national levels truly understand what sovereignty means, he said in a Tulsa World interview. According to the Native American Rights Fund, 66% of the known eligible Native American voting population is registered to vote. More than 1 million Native American residents are eligible to vote in the United States. Engagement on issues doesnt always turn into voter turnout Oklahoma tribes have also made efforts in the past four years to increase Native voter registration. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. is hopeful that the next generation of Cherokee citizens will be more engaged in voting. We have to identify the issues in terms of public policy and connect them to politics, he said. From here forward, Cherokees are particularly motivated to have a governor of Oklahoma who is respectful to tribes and wont be hostile. A recent issue that Hoskin has discussed is Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitts attempts to dismantle tribal tag agencies. For Hoskin, this is a threat to tribal sovereignty, fueled by Stitts concern for state toll road profit loss. Knight warned that while young people, Native or non-Native, may be passionate about political issues, that doesnt mean they will vote. You see the young generations get all riled up for an election, and they seem really engaged, but that doesnt always turn into voter turnout, he said. The Muscogee Nation has worked to diagnose voter apathy in the tribe for the past four years, looking for a remedy. Spokesman Jason Salsman said the most common symptom of voter apathy is a feeling of invisibility. You see a lot of politicians being critical of the McGirt decision. They dont really see things from a Native perspective. That can make you feel like you are not being heard and sometimes make you feel like youre invisible in your own state, Salsman said. Well, this is subscribing to a false mentality. We have to get people to understand that if they go to the polls, you can let your voice be heard. He said Native people in Oklahoma have learned a lot about resilience and enduring spirit in the past 100 years. He thinks one of the biggest lessons they have learned is what it means to be a citizen of a sovereign Native nation while also being a U.S. citizen. When people say we have to walk in two worlds, that is what they mean. Its not easy. Its not a simple reckoning inside your soul. Were still fighting for people to understand and respect us in 2024, he said. The Thua Thien-Hue branch of the Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV) has disclosed its intention to auction a four-star hotel located in the namesake province of central Vietnam. This hotel, used as collateral for loans, will be auctioned off on July 12 with an initial bidding price set at VND100 billion (US$3.9 million). MidTown Hotel Hue, located at 29 Doi Cung Street in Phu Hoi Ward, Hue City, was invested in by Thanh Trang Company Limited. According to the banks description, the hotel has 13 floors and a semi-basement, and covers a total floor area of 5,850 square meters. The starting price includes income tax related to the transfer of land use rights. However, it excludes value-added tax and stamp duties for transferring both land use and asset ownership rights. In March last year, the bank conducted an auction for the debt of Thanh Trang Company. The debt comprised the principal of VND85 billion ($3.3 million) and the interest of nearly VND41 billion ($1.6 million). A few days ago, BIDV announced that the lender would hold an auction for a combined debt of four customers, namely Kim Vinh Company Limited, Nguyen Kim Vinh, Le Kim Cam Lynh, and Le Duc Quang Huy. As of June 5, the debt had reached over VND128 billion ($5 million). One of the assets pledged as collateral for the loans was the ownership rights of Le Belahamy Tourist Area located in Dien Ban Town, Quang Nam Province. Le Belahamy is a four-star tourist site situated along Ha My Beach in Hoi An, covering more than 10 hectares of land. Several other properties in Quang Nam Province were also utilized as collateral for these loans. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has asked state-run enterprises to map out a plan to pilot the hiring of foreign chief executive officers, the Vietnam Government Portal reported. The prime minister issued the directive at a working session with state-owned firms in Hanoi on Saturday afternoon. PM Chinh urged these companies to reform and leverage their production, cooperation, workforce, governance, and technology application. The government leader also underlined the importance of reforms in the workforce. As such, it is vital to hire high-quality employees and pilot the recruitment of foreign CEOs and executives who are non-Party members for state-run enterprises, he said. Besides, PM Chinh told the state-owned firms to offer appropriate salaries and better employee benefits to attract workers. The cabinet leader stated that the current employee benefits and regulations on handling responsibilities at state-owned firms have yet to create motivation commensurate with accountability according to market mechanisms. The prime minister assigned the Ministry of Home Affairs and other relevant bodies to put forward schemes on executive recruitment and employment management that must be in harmony with Vietnam's political situation. In 2023, state-run enterprises total revenue topped VND1,165 trillion (US$64.8 billion), meeting 104 percent of the target. They made over VND125 trillion ($4.9 billion) in profits last year. Of the total, 19 groups and corporations under the management of the Commission for the Management of State Capital at Enterprises, and military-run telecom group Viettel posted a combined revenue of over VND1,300 trillion ($51 billion). These state-run enterprises contributed more than VND166 trillion ($6.5 billion) to the national coffers in 2023. Between January and May this year, the enterprises reported a total turnover of VND823 trillion ($32.3 billion), and a combined before-tax profit of VND28 trillion (over $1 billion), up 12 percent and 33 percent year on year, respectively. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The Malaysian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City received 740 visa applications from Vietnamese students who sought to study in Malaysia in 2023, surging over 300 percent against the previous year, the diplomatic agency announced on Saturday. Firdauz Othman, Malaysian Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, said Malaysia recorded considerable registrations by Vietnamese students, evidence that it is an emerging overseas study destination among the Vietnamese. In the first five months of this year, the Malaysian Consulate General logged 225 visa applications from Vietnamese students. Vietnam-Malaysia trade reached US$17.38 billion in 2023. Their economic ties will deepen with the cooperation in culture and education, Othman said. Azriey Mazlan, an education consul at the Malaysian Consulate General, said Malaysia has universities in international university rankings with competitive studying and living costs compared with many other overseas study destinations. The average tuition fee for an international university student in Malaysia is about $8,000 per year while the living cost totals some $5,000. The respective figures are $17,000 and $8,000 in Singapore, and $26,000 and $17,000 in Australia. According to Huynh Kim Toan, director of the Vietnam Sales & Engineering Institute, a Vietnamese educational organization, many international students have chosen Malaysia as a transit destination to enter other countries, such as the UK and Australia. Monash University, Curtin University, and Newcastle University in Australia as well as the UKs University of Southampton, University of Nottingham, and University of Reading have campuses in Malaysia. Many overseas students choose to study at these campuses in Malaysia in one to two years before moving to the headquarters of these universities in Australia and the UK to save 30-50 percent of the costs, Toan added. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A working team from the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security stationed at the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) donated nearly 2,000 school supplies to teachers and students at two schools in the East African country on Sunday. To celebrate the Day of the African Child (June 16), the Vietnamese police team joined hands with other units under the UNMISS and local police officers to visit African students and make donations. UNMISS officers and experts had talks with over 1,700 students at two schools in Juba Internally Displaced Person (IDP) Camp I to raise awareness of the significance of education. Apart from providing them with knowledge, the UNMISS officers gave presents to the schoolgirls. Moreover, the Vietnamese officers awarded some 2,000 school supplies, including notebooks, pens, pencils, and chalks, mainly sourced from the Womens Union of the Ministry of Public Security, to teachers and students at the two schools to ease their straits. The students were also presented with toys, brushes, art paper, and balls by the UNMISS. School supplies, mainly sourced from the Womens Union of the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security, were handed over to teachers and students at two schools in South Sudan. Photo: Huyen Cham / Tuoi Tre This was the third time the Vietnamese working team had represented the Womens Union of the ministry to do charity. The donation was expected to bring happiness and hope to the African students who are hurt by the internal displacement crisis. The Day of the African Child has been celebrated on June 16 each year since 1991, honoring students who participated in the Soweto Uprising in 1976 on that day and raising awareness of the continuing need for improvement of education to African children. Some tens of thousands of African students joined the uprising, protesting the poor quality of education and demanding their right to be taught in their own language. Over 100 students were killed and more than 1,000 others were injured in the protests of the following two weeks. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Read what is in the news in Vietnam today: Society -- Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh requested that state-run enterprises play a pioneering role in innovation, application of science and technology, international integration, and foreign investment during a working session with some of such enterprises on Saturday afternoon. -- A whirlwind swept through Ia Grai District in Vietnams Central Highlands province of Gia Lai on Friday night, tearing the roofs of 22 houses and damaging crops, the district administration reported on Saturday. -- The administration in Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province, a neighbor of Ho Chi Minh City, has required the investor of My Xuan A2 Industrial Park to pay its water bills totaling over VND23 billion (US$903,555) to the water supplier. -- Residents in Phu Hoa District, Phu Yen Province, south-central Vietnam on Saturday discovered three teenagers drowning in a local river, a local official said the same day. -- A resident in Ho Chi Minh City handed over a 1.2-meter-long clouded monitor weighing some seven kilograms to forest protection officers on Saturday. The resident found the lizard in his house on Friday. Education -- The Malaysian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City received 740 visa applications from Vietnamese students who sought to study in Malaysia in 2023, surging over 300 percent against the previous year, the diplomatic agency announced on Saturday. Lifestyle -- The second display of the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival 2024 lit up the sky of the namesake Vietnamese city and repeatedly wowed the audience on Saturday with performances from U.S. and Italian pyrotechnic teams. Sports -- Italy recovered from conceding the fastest goal in the competition's history to get their defence of the European Championship title off to a winning start on Saturday as they came back to beat Albania 2-1 in front of a partisan crowd, according to AFP. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Authorities in Hoi An City, home to UNESCO-recognized Hoi An Ancient Town in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam, on Friday said that they were still in the process of verifying and investigating an altercation between a local restaurant owner and a diner, which has garnered immense attention on social media. Footage from a security camera at An Hien chicken rice restaurant on Ly Thuong Kiet Street in Hoi An Citys Son Phong Ward reveals that both the owner and the customer displayed unrestrained behaviors. The restaurateur, Truong Thi Thu Hien, explained that the customer in question had previously placed an order for their group via phone call. However, her husband answered the call and forgot to brief her on it later, leading to a misunderstanding. When the guests arrived to eat, a quarrel ensued between the two parties. To shed further light on the situation, Son Phong Wards administration requested Hien to provide security camera footage. In the footage, lasting over two minutes and lacking sound, a female tourist entered the chicken rice restaurant and waited at a table. Hien and a waiter then engaged in a discussion with the tourist but did not receive her consent on a certain matter. This led to further disagreement. The customer then stood up, threw a plate onto the ground, and pointed her finger toward Hien, who was chopping chicken. The altercation persisted. Later, a video posted online captured Hien raising her chin and uttering curses while pointing her finger directly at the female tourists face. Subsequently, the customer left the eatery. As of Thursday morning, this clip had garnered over 500 comments and thousands of interactions, with the majority expressing discontentment regarding the demeanor and offensive language used by the chicken rice vendor. During discussions with local authorities, Hien attributed the incident to a misunderstanding. She acknowledged her mistake and expressed a commitment to learning from it to prevent any recurrence. However, to ensure clarity, Hoi An City leaders instructed Son Phong Ward to meticulously verify this incident with all parties involved, analyze the camera footage, interview witnesses, and attempt to contact the female tourist who was subject to Hiens verbal outburst for confirmation. A reporter from Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reached out to the individual who shared the video clip on social media but has yet to receive a response. Meanwhile, numerous Hoi An residents and tourists informed the reporter that the conduct of the owner of the chicken rice restaurant is not spontaneous, but rather a pattern observed when customers give her feedback. On multiple platforms, reviews for An Hien chicken rice restaurant are notably negative and its ratings are low. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A resident in Ho Chi Minh City handed over a 1.2-meter-long clouded monitor weighing some seven kilograms to forest protection officers on Saturday. The municipal Forest Protection Department confirmed on Saturday that it had received the clouded monitor from Truong Van Thuong, a dweller in Binh Chanh District. Thuong told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that he found the lizard in his house on Friday while he was sweeping the floor. He and his family members caught the reptile and put it in a cage. The clouded monitor that Truong Van Thuong handed over to the Ho Chi Minh City Forest Protection Department on June 15, 2024. Photo: Ngoc Khai / Tuoi Tre He knew that it is an endangered animal, so he handed it over to the Ho Chi Minh City Forest Protection Department,Thuong added. He did not know where the clouded monitor came from and expected local rangers to take care of the animal and release it back to nature, the man said. Rangers said the lizard is a female clouded monitor, whose scientific name is Varanus nebulosus. The reptile belongs to Group IB of rare and endangered species that need to be preserved. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Many young people have recently been lining up as early as 4:00 am, some even preparing their outfits and makeup since midnight, to enjoy coffee and milk tea at a coffee shop located in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. The coffee shop, renowned for its oolong milk tea, situated on Tong Dan Street in Hoan Kiem District, has adjusted its operating hours to between 4:00 am and 11:00 pm in response to increasing customer demand. This change has unexpectedly captured the interest of many young people. As observed by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters, at 3:40 am on Friday, 20 minutes before the shop opened, many young people had already gathered and queued up in front of the store. A smartphone shows the time is 3:54 am when a coffee shop was filled with customers on Tong Dan Street in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, June 14, 2024. Photo: Pham Tuan / Tuoi Tre Tran Thi Nguyet, a 20-year-old living in Hanoi, had arrived at the shop by 3:30 am. Nguyet mentioned that upon learning from social media about the coffee and milk tea shop opening at 4:00 am, she invited her friends to join her in this experience. We saw a captivating video online showcasing this cafes stunning ambiance, prompting us to visit, said Nguyet. As young individuals, we enjoy exploring various coffee shops for photo opportunities. A coffee shop is filled with customers before dawn on Tong Dan Street in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, June 14, 2024. Photo: Pham Tuan / Tuoi Tre Whether its afternoon or late at night, we are flexible with our outings as long as we find them appealing. To ensure we arrive on time, we began preparing at midnight, doing our makeup and changing clothes, all for the sake of enjoying coffee, chilling out, and savoring soothing milk tea at this place. Customers line up at the order counter of a coffee shop on Tong Dan Street in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, before dawn on June 14, 2024. Photo: Pham Tuan / Tuoi Tre Accompanying Nguyet, Kim Nguyen Viet Hang, another 20-year-old residing in Hanoi, said that this was not her first visit to the coffee shop at 4:00 am. However, during her previous attempt, she had to leave due to overcrowding at the venue. Today, midweek, I decided to revisit the haunt, Hang said. Two customers take wefies at a coffee shop on Tong Dan Street in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, before dawn on June 14, 2024. Photo: Pham Tuan / Tuoi Tre Im a regular customer of this brands beverages, but due to my late part-time work hours and returning home late, its often challenging to find time to visit this shop. The shop opening at 4:00 am is highly convenient, offering a novel experience to me. Hang and Nguyet are university students in the Vietnamese capital. Many others of their age are also drawn to this trend. Hoang Yen Nhu takes selfies at a coffee shop on Tong Dan Street in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, before dawn on June 14, 2024. Photo: Pham Tuan / Tuoi Tre Hoang Yen Nhu, a 22-year-old student at the National Economics University, mentioned that she woke up at 2:00 am to prepare herself with makeup and attire before coming to the coffee shop. Nhu saw the cafes online advertisement promoting its unconventional operating hours and wanted to experience it first-hand. I found it intriguing and wanted to try it out, although just once, as going out like this every day would be exhausting, Nhu said. Customers line up at the order counter at a coffee shop on Tong Dan Street in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, before dawn on June 14, 2024. Photo: Pham Tuan / Tuoi Tre My plan was to experience the morning coffee atmosphere here and capture photos to share my feelings with everyone. Actually, I couldnt sleep tonight, so I invited my friends to come here, said Nguyen The Hien, a student at the University of Transport and Communications. Its been a new and interesting experience, quite surprising to see so many people up so early for coffee. Nguyen The Hien receives his beverages at a coffee shop on Tong Dan Street in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, before dawn on June 14, 2024. Photo: Pham Tuan / Tuoi Tre A customer takes a photo of his beverage at a coffee shop on Tong Dan Street in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, before dawn on June 14, 2024. Photo: Pham Tuan / Tuoi Tre Customers line up at the order counter at a coffee shop on Tong Dan Street in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, before dawn on June 14, 2024. Photo: Pham Tuan / Tuoi Tre Customers line up at the order counter at a coffee shop on Tong Dan Street in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, before dawn on June 14, 2024. Photo: Pham Tuan / Tuoi Tre Customers line up at the order counter at a coffee shop on Tong Dan Street in Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, before dawn on June 14, 2024. Photo: Pham Tuan / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Two private museums were inaugurated in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City on Saturday, providing visitors and local residents with spaces to admire antiques from Vietnam's Nguyen Dynasty royal palace and jewelry collections from 54 Vietnamese ethnic groups. Vietnam's 54 Ethnic Groups Jewelry Museum is located on the ground floor of the building at 68 Nguyen Hue Street in District 1, while Nguyen Dynasty Artifacts Museum covers the eighth and ninth floors of the same edifice. The museums, which belong to the Do Hung Museum system, showcase thousands of items collected over the past 30 years by Vietnamese antique collector Do Hung in the hope of preserving and promoting antiques by introducing them to the public. Vietnamese antique collector Do Hung briefs visitors on artifacts from Vietnam's Nguyen Dynasty at his museum in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, June 15, 2024. Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News According to Hung, Vietnam's 54 Ethnic Groups Jewelry Museum features items dating back more than 2,500 years to the 20th century of the 54 Vietnamese ethnic groups. The venue aims to introduce the intertwined, vibrant, beautiful, and diverse cultural nuances of the Vietnamese peoples to international friends, Hung said. Clothes and jewelry from ethnic groups are displayed at Vietnam's 54 Ethnic Groups Jewelry Museum in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News Jewelry pieces from the Thai ethnic group are displayed at Vietnam's 54 Ethnic Groups Jewelry Museum in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News Meanwhile, Nguyen Dynasty Artifacts Museum showcases a range of artifacts from the Nguyen royal family, including clothing, jewelry, and daily items used by princes and princesses, as well as pieces related to the operation of the dynasty (1802-1945). A hammock for a prince from the Nguyen Dynasty is displayed at Nguyen Dynasty Artifacts Museum in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News A dining utensil set from the Nguyen Dynasty is displayed at Nguyen Dynasty Artifacts Museum in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News Ivory products from the Nguyen Dynasty are displayed at Nguyen Dynasty Artifacts Museum in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News Since a lot of precious artifacts are owned by foreigners, many of the items displayed were acquired by Hung from auctions abroad, including antiques from the reign of Emperor Kien Phuc, who ruled for approximately eight months from 1883 to 1884. Besides putting effort in collecting antiques, Hung had also spent around ten years visiting museums around the world to learn about their techniques before launching his own museums. Hung's passion for collecting antiques was ignited in his youth when he discovered some ancient coins. Since then, the young man developed his interest further and delved deeper into the field, embarking on a journey of extensive collecting and research into Vietnam's history, culture, and art, despite facing challenges in accessing historical documents. He now owns a huge collection of antiques stored at a site of more than 2,000 square meters in area in Hoc Mon District, Ho Chi Minh City. Hung revealed that the number of items displayed at the two newly-opened museums is only 20-25 percent of his collection. Jewelry pieces from the Kinh ethnic group are displayed at Vietnam's 54 Ethnic Groups Jewelry Museum in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Supplied Jewelry pieces from ethnic minorities are displayed at Vietnam's 54 Ethnic Groups Jewelry Museum in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Supplied Hung's museums are open from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm every day, with tickets fetching VND250,000 (US$9.82). At the Nguyen Dynasty Artifacts Museum, visitors can dress in Nguyen Dynasty costumes for photos on replicas of the king's throne, the queen's palanquin, and the queen's carriage. Visitors are permitted to take photos throughout the museum, as long as they do not disturb the displayed artifacts. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! First floor: Ladies Wear, Hats, Shoes, Gossip, Scandal, Petty Theft, Racism, Affairs and Wigs with More Bounce than Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. Ladies in Black is the latest in a long congaline of period dramas which highlight womens rights, societal change and multiculturalism encroaching on a White Australia Policy in post WWII. That it does so with broad appeal, a loving visual eye, and a charming cast is but one of the reasons this will prove popular with ABC audiences. Its 1961 in Goodes Department Store, which prides itself on dressing Sydneys finest ladies. ABCs 6 part drama picks up 6 months after the film of the same name, and the novel by Madeleine St John which itself is loosely based on David Jones store. Between the gloves and the cocktail dresses we find a microcosm of society through characters defined by class, background and race. Polish-born Magda (Debi Mazar) is about to step aside from her shop floor position in Model Gowns to begin her own boutique store, with ex-Harrods doyenne Mrs. Ambrose (Miranda Otto) ready to usurp the role with all her conservative fashion advice. But Magdas dreams are thwarted when husband Stefan (Russell Dykstra) has foolishly offered a bridging loan to Rudi (Thom Green) to start his own trucking business, without consulting her. That also puts Magda at odds with Rudis new wife Fay (Jessica de Gouw) who also works at Goodes, but who wants to go on the pill rather than start a family in her first year of marriage. Also working on the floor is Lisa (Clare Hughes) a budding journalist whose family circumstance means she must return to retail work. She juggles her university studies while railing against the expectation that males write the articles for the student newspaper, edited by handsome lothario Richard (Tom Wilson). Theres also a rat in the store ranks in the form of Angela (Azizi Donnelly) who steals the Goodes look book to copy designs for her Lebanese family store, headed by Dawud Mansour (Hazem Shammas). A number of other key characters weave in and out of the series including Huw Hugginson, who has the perfect period face for Goodes CEO Mr. Ryder, Todd McKenney as store manager Mr. MacKenzie, Julian Maroun as Visual Merchandiser Ellias, plus Sacha Horler, Carlos Sanson Jr. Ngali Shaw, Kate Box, Hamish Michael -its quite a shopping list of fine Australian actors. Visually this is a series that pops and swings, with sumptuous colours and elegant designs in the frocks and furnishings, store fixtures and accessories galore. The replicated womens department is so large it can look a little thin of customers, but other location shots really bring a sense of history. The drama hangs elgantly off the coathangers of staff private lives and workplace discontent. There is family pressure, personal dreams, power games, gossip, love and secrets. Interspersed throughout are songnotes of racism, repression and a time of change, seen largely through the eyes of its female principals. This makes the series not dissimilar to a range of others in the genre, from Brides of Christ to Love Child, or Paper Giants to 10 Pound Poms. Yet it succeeds by packaging everything up so handsomely and without preaching its social commentary. Amongst the cast, Clare Hughes is a stand-out as Lisa, embarking on independence, sex and her own career, while Debi Mazar delivers as Magda, the woman trying to realise her dream but held back by a husbands power. Miranda Otto relishes the role of the store snob and its great to see Heartbreak Highs Tom Wilson and The Twelves Ngali Shaw bring their charisma back to screen. The real star of the series is the production design by Michael Rumpf. I fully expect ABC viewers are going to sink back into this romantic era of elegant shopping and glamorous clothes. The music swirls while the colours burst. None of it looks like it has taken shortcuts and I had no problem with injecting No Doubts Im Just a Girl alongside Brenda Lee (others may get picky). The test for the series, aside from defining its purpose beyond the book / film, is in new observations around the experiences of its suppressed characters rather than the lightweight soap of stolen design books and locker room gossip. Ladies in Black easily entertains with its window dressing, and is smartly, quietly, drawing back the curtain to reveal more raw workplace battles. Ladies in Black screens 8:30pm Sundays on ABC (all episodes on iview). Neighbours fans felt that losing the long-running soap was like saying goodbye to a long-term friend or breaking up a relationship, a new study has found. A new peer-reviewed study published in the journal PLOS ONE found Neighbours fans felt a high level of grief emotions associated with the end of the series, and they had difficulty accepting that it had ended. The survey of 1,300 fans, mostly from Australia and the UK, measured grief emotions and cognitions, acceptance after the series ended in 2022. They liked their favourite characters, they thought of them almost as if they were friends, if they were part of their extended social circle, Dr Adam Gerace from the College of Psychology at CQ University, Adelaide, told ABC. And they engaged with the experiences and emotions that these characters felt on-screen. Despite this, fans did indicate that they were grateful that the series had been in their lives. This may reflect that, while the end of the series was shocking to fans they did have time between the announcement in March and the screening of the final episode in July 2022 to reflect on the series, celebrate and commemorate it, and take stock of what the series had given them. The study, conducted right after the show ended in 2022, found the most popular characters were Susan Kennedy, Toadie Rebecchi, Paul Robinson, Chloe Brennan, Terese Willis and Karl Kennedy. I think we should see these parasocial relationships as important and be understanding when people feel that loss and or even just that upset when a series is cancelled or even when a favourite character dies. He said particularly in Australian TV there was a history of shows killing off fan favourites, and Neighbours was no exception. What happens is these relationships we form with fictional characters allow us to experience different feelings, to self-reflect, to consider our values if we are comparing and contrasting them with our favourite characters, and in some ways to grow, he said. The study also added a postscript: The series relaunched in September 2023. While fans were very satisfied with this outcome and fan reactions to the end of the series (and finale ratings) likely played a part, there was no indication at the time of the screening of the finale and data collection that this would occur. Therefore, the reactions collected in this study of a once-in-a-generation end to a series were unique and not likely to be repeated in the literature for some time. You can read more here. In news that should surprise nobody Sam Pang is officially announced to return as host of the Logie Awards. Seven will screen the event from The Star Sydney on Sunday 18th August. Hosting the Logies last year was an amazing experience and Im thrilled to return in 2024. Adding to the excitement Seven have also given me the greenlight to try new things this year so Im really looking forward to displaying my underappreciated and severely undeveloped song and dance skills. Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Seven West Media, Jeff Howard, said: Sam Pang brought unabashed showbiz back to the Logies last year. He played a big part in the show drawing its biggest audience since 2017 and reaching more than 3.6 million on Channel 7 and 7plus. We are delighted Sam is returning in August to host this years celebration of everything television. Nominations for the 64th TV Week Logie Awards will be announced on Sunday June 23rd. This years event has seen key changes to award categories and the judging process. Three awards will be presented as Most Popular, with nominees decided by a panel of independent industry experts, before being voted on by the Australian public: Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television, the Bert Newton Award for Most Popular Presenter and the Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent. The remaining 20 awards will be named Best to combine the previous Most Popular and Most Outstanding categories, determined by a combined score from a judging panel, viewing data and Australian public votes. TCN News New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at a campaign rally in Rajasthans Tonk-Sawai Madhopur Lok Sabha constituency on April 23, had accused the Congress party of reallocating reservation benefits meant for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Class (OBCs) to Muslims through covert means. He had linked the allegation to his broader claim that the Congress was redistributing wealth to Muslims, citing instances in Karnataka where he claimed such actions had already occurred, which he asserted went against the constitutional principles that prohibit reservations based on religion. Support TwoCircles Modi reiterated the accusation at subsequent campaign rallies, including one in Hyderabad where he vowed to prevent any religious-based reservations for Muslims as long as he was alive. On the same day, the prime minister first made these allegations, Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, chairman of the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), a BJP leader and former Minister of State in the Narendra Modi Cabinet, issued a press release announcing his intention to seek clarification from the chief secretary of Karnataka regarding the 4% reservation reportedly allocated to Muslims in the state. In his press statement, he referenced the inclusion of 17 and 19 Muslim castes in categories 1 and 2A respectively of the backward classes reservation matrix in Karnataka as various castes within the Muslim community that have historically faced disadvantage and discrimination. Regarding the 4% reservation allotted to Muslims under Category 2B of the OBC reservation matrix in the state, he argued that reservation based on religion contradicts and undermines the principles of social justice. He asserted that socially and educationally backward castes/communities should not be equated with an entire religion, emphasizing that this approach risks eroding the rights of genuine OBCs. Is Muslim Reservation new in Karnataka? Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah dismissed Modis allegations as outright falsehoods and described the NCBCs press release as politically motivated misinformation. He clarified that his government had not introduced any new reservation specifically for Muslims, explaining that Backward Classes (BC) reservation for Muslims has been in place since 1977 (04.03.1977) and has been upheld through legal scrutiny. He further stated, Successive Backward Class Commissions, such as Havanur, Venkataswamy, Chinnappa Reddy and Professor Ravi Verma Kumar Commissions, have recognized Muslims, subject to income limits, as belonging to the Backward Class category. According to The Hindu, Muslim reservation in Karnataka has its roots dating back to 1874 when the princely state of Mysore pioneered affirmative action for achieving equitable representation and social justice. The first-ever order introducing reservation was issued in response to the 1872 census, which revealed a predominance of Brahmins in public services. This initial measure, implemented in the Police Department, reserved two out of every 10 posts for Brahmins, while the remaining eight were allocated to Muhammadens and other Hindus, marking Indias first reservation policy that included Muslims to address their representation needs. As demands for broader representation grew, the King of Mysore established the Millers Commission in 1918, which subsequently reported its findings in 1921. The Millers Commission classified Muhammadens as a Backward Class, thereby extending reservation benefits to the Muslim community in Mysore. Reservation for Muslims remained a contentious issue even after independence in Karnataka. They were included in the reservation matrix as a backward class, a classification that has faced repeated legal challenges asserting that Muslims are ineligible for reservation under the Constitution, which limits reservation to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (both Hindus). Despite these challenges, courts have consistently upheld the provision of reservation for Muslims under the Backward Classes quota, not only in Karnataka but also in several other states. One of the early commissions to advocate quota for Muslims post-independence was the R. Nagana Gowda Commission, which presented its recommendations in 1961. This commission categorized Muslims as backward and included more than 10 of their castes in the most backward category. The recommendations were implemented in 1962 but faced legal challenges in court. After a decade-long hiatus, the issue resurfaced when the LG Havanur Commission, appointed by the Congress government led by D. Devaraj Urs, recommended the inclusion of Muslims in the OBC list. This recommendation was enacted through a government order in 1977 but was promptly challenged in the High Court. Despite initial legal opposition, a division bench upheld the governments order, leading to further challenges in the Supreme Court. In 1983, the Supreme Court mandated the establishment of a new Backward Classes Commission to reassess the situation, leading to the formation of the Venkataswamy Commission in 1984. Its report recommended the inclusion of Muslims in the OBC list, but this was rejected by the Janata Party government led by Ramakrishna Hegde. The rejection stemmed from the commissions proposal to exclude Vokkaligas and certain sects of Lingayats, making it a contentious political issue. To resolve the deadlock, another commission was convened under O. Chinnappa Reddy, which also recommended the inclusion of Muslims in the OBC reservation framework. Acting on these recommendations, the Congress government led by M. Veerappa Moily implemented 6% reservation for Muslims, Buddhists and Dalit converted Christians in Category 2 in 1994. However, a subsequent Supreme Court ruling in the Mandal Commission case capped reservation at 50%. In response, the state government under H. D. Devegowda of the Janata Dal created Category 2B exclusively for Muslims and fixed the reservation quota at 4%, a policy that remains unchanged today. Categorization of Muslims in OBC Reservation Matrix The OBC reservation matrix in Karnataka is structured into five categories: Category I (Most Backward), Category II (A) (Relatively More Backward), Category II (B) (More Backward), Category III (A) (Backward) and Category III (B) (Relatively Backward). The categorization is based on socio-economic surveys and studies conducted by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, assessing the representation and socio-economic parameters of various communities. Presently, 17 Muslim castes in the state, such as Kasai, Kasab, Nadaf and Pinjaras are classified as Most Backward and are included in Category I, which encompasses 95 castes with 4% reservation in the state. In addition, 19 other Muslim castes, including Ataris and Luhars, are categorized as Relatively More Backward and placed in Category II (A), which consists of 102 castes with 15% reservation. The remainder of the Muslim community is classified as More Backward and placed in Category II (B), which is exclusively for Muslims and has a reservation quota of 4% in the state. Muslims across all three categories have been identified as backward to varying extents through surveys and studies conducted by various backward classes commissions, leading to their inclusion in the reservation list. The existence of Category II (B) for Muslims in Karnataka is not rooted in religious criteria, contrary to claims by Hansraj Gangaram Ahir and Prime Minister Modi. Past Congress administrations in the state and multiple former heads of backward classes commissions have argued this point, asserting that Karnatakas reservation framework, renowned for its proactive stance on affirmative action, encompasses all communities of the state except for five: Brahmins, Arya Vaishyas, a segment of Jains, Nagarthas and Modaliars. They contend that besides Muslims, other religious minorities such as Christians, Buddhists, Digambara Jains and Sikhs also benefit from reservation under the OBC category. BJPs Failed Attempt to Eliminate Category II (B) for Muslims In March 2023, just over a month before the state assembly elections, the Basavaraj Bommai government vigorously pursued the reservation-related demands of the Panchamasali sub-sect among Lingayats. The government announced the abolition of Category II (B), which provided 4% reservation to Muslims, reallocating these quotas to the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) quota of 10% intended for economically disadvantaged groups in forward communities ineligible for reservation benefits. Additionally, 2% each of the 4% reservation from Category II (B) was allocated to Vokkaligas and Veerashaiva Lingayats, increasing their quotas. However, this decision was contested in the Supreme Court on the grounds that Muslims, who have been categorized as backward since the Millers Commission Report in 1921, were unjustifiably grouped with forward castes. On April 26, 2023, the BJP-led state government provided an assurance to the apex court that the order altering the OBC reservation matrix would be suspended. This followed earlier observations by the Supreme Court questioning the validity of the decision, noting its shaky foundation and flaws. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah responded to Prime Minister Modis allegations that the Congress government had introduced reservation for Muslims based on religion upon assuming power, asserting that the status quo remains unchanged according to the affidavit submitted by the BJP government to the Supreme Court in April 2023. He clarified that no subsequent alterations had been made to this arrangement. By Sabine Siebold BUERGENSTOCK (Reuters) - A leading Swiss right-wing nationalist panned a summit his country was hosting in a bid to pressure Russia to end its war on Ukraine as an "embarrassment", reflecting the view that the talks are damaging for Switzerland's traditional neutrality. The right-wing Swiss Peoples' Party (SVP), the biggest group in the lower house of parliament, says neutrality is an integral part of Switzerland's prosperity, and it has initiated a referendum to embed the principle in the constitution. Leading figures in the party have argued Switzerland should not have hosted this weekend's summit without Russia, and Nils Fiechter, chief of the SVP's youth wing, delivered a damning verdict on the talks to Russian broadcaster RT. "The conference will achieve nothing," Fiechter told RT on the eve of the talks, in comments picked up by Swiss media on Sunday. "The whole thing is an absolute farce and an embarrassment for our country." The summit being held at the Buergenstock luxury resort has sparked heated debate over whether Switzerland should abandon its neutrality, a position deeply rooted in the Swiss psyche. Western powers and other nations at the conference were on Sunday seeking consensus on condemning Russia's invasion and underscoring the war's human cost. Fiechter said the Swiss government had "blindly" bowed to international pressure by not inviting Russia. "Switzerland is ... allowing Ukraine to dictate who may or may not be invited to this conference and it is allowing it to turn into a Zelenskiy show," he told RT. "Now we are in danger, and it's a great danger, of Switzerland allowing itself to be drawn into a world war." Switzerland agreed to host the conference at the behest of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Bern says Russia must be involved in the process but justified not inviting it on the grounds that Moscow had repeatedly said it had no interest in taking part. The Kremlin has described Switzerland as "openly hostile" and unfit to mediate in peace-building efforts, in particular because of its adoption of EU sanctions against Moscow. Since Russia invaded Ukraine, two of Europe's other historically neutral states, Sweden and Finland, have both joined NATO. (Reporting by Sabine Siebold; Editing by Dave Graham and Hugh Lawson) (Bloomberg) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy failed to win over a number of key nations from the Global South at a two-day summit in Switzerland, casting a shadow over his bid to broaden support in the war against Russias invasion. Most Read from Bloomberg India, Indonesia, South Africa and Saudi Arabia were among nations that didnt sign on to a final statement drawn up at the June 15-16 meeting. Of more than 100 countries and organizations that participated, only 83 signed the final communique, according to the Swiss hosts. A previous list contained 84 signatories. China avoided the meeting and Brazil, which sent only an observer, also didnt sign, rounding out the so-called BRICS nations that Ukrainian officials had identified as essential to recruit as allies in their bid to isolate Russia, which was excluded from the gathering. The holdouts among global leaders laid bare Ukraines challenge in securing support from nations outside the Western fold, who either want to maintain ties to Moscow or view the war differently. The conference showed that as Kyiv struggles to hold back Russias advance on the battlefield, its diplomatic push is also faltering in efforts gain traction on the global stage. Zelenskiy said he expected some non-signatories to sign after consultations with governments and portrayed the number of delegates who signed immediately as a breakthrough. That is a very serious result I believe that is a great success, Zelenskiy told reporters after the meeting. Summit No-Shows, Latecomers But the summit showed that progress, if there is any, will be a slow crawl. The communique had already been narrowed to focus on three issues: commitments on nuclear and food safety and the return of abducted children and prisoners. But it omitted language, which had been widely expected, on holding a follow-up meeting. And while there was consensus among delegates that Russia must eventually be brought to the negotiating table, a direct reference to moving forward with confidence-building steps to engage with Moscow was also removed. Zelenskiy had made a particular push last week to engage Saudi Arabia, culminating in the attendance of Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. But the official warned Saturday that Kyiv must be prepared for difficult compromise to put an end to the conflict, a view held broadly among potential allies being courted. Only options that are acceptable to both parties can lead to peace, Indias Shin Pavan Kapoor, a state secretary in the foreign ministry, said to explain his countrys decision to not sign the final declaration. Still, it was one of the largest gathering of world leaders 57 heads of state and government to discuss resolving the war directly. President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, a signatory, said that Russias war had debilitating effects in Africa, including triggering inflation and skyrocketing food prices. We have a vested interested in participating in efforts to find the means for the resolution of this conflict, he told reporters after the summit. But even Western leaders raised questions about the urgency of the Swiss initiative. President Joe Biden skipped it, sending instead Vice President Kamala Harris, who left after the first day. French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, both confronting political upheaval at home, also left early. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was absent for the first plenary session, only arriving early Sunday. Zelenskiy was careful not to criticize the nations to which hes making overtures, but he did signal that he felt Beijing and Brasilia werent conforming with the majority of international partners. As soon as Brazil and China join the principles which have united all of us civilized countries today, we will be happy to hear their thoughts even if they sometimes dont match the majority of the world, Zelenskiy said. --With assistance from Arne Delfs and Zoe Schneeweiss. (Updates with Indias reaction in tenth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. By Dave Graham and Sabine Siebold BUERGENSTOCK, Switzerland (Reuters) - Western powers and their allies at a summit in Switzerland denounced Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Sunday, but they failed to persuade major non-aligned states to join their final statement, and no country came forward to host a sequel. Over 90 countries attended the two-day talks at a Swiss Alpine resort at the behest of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, billed as a "peace summit" even though Moscow was not invited. Russia ridiculed the event from afar. A decision by China to stay away all but assured that the summit would fail to achieve Ukraine's goal of persuading major countries from the "global South" to join in isolating Russia. Brazil attended only as an "observer". And in the end, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and South Africa all withheld their signatures from the summit communique, even though some contentious issues were omitted in the hope of drawing wider support. Still, the conference provided Kyiv with a chance to showcase the support from Western allies that it says it needs to keep fighting against a far bigger enemy. "We are responding to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine not only with a full-scale defense of human life, but also with full-scale diplomacy," Zelenskiy said. Leaders including U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron gathered at the mountaintop resort of Buergenstock. U.S. President Joe Biden, in Europe for other events last week, did not attend despite public invitations from Zelenskiy. The frontlines in Ukraine have barely moved since the end of 2022, despite tens of thousands of dead on both sides in relentless trench warfare, the bloodiest fighting in Europe since World War Two. In her closing remarks, Swiss President Viola Amherd warned that the "road ahead is long and challenging". Russia, as it has for weeks, mocked the gathering. "None of the participants in the 'peace forum' knows what he is doing there and what his role is," said Dmitry Medvedev, Russia's former president and now deputy chairman of the country's Security Council. 'THINGS CAN'T GO ON LIKE THIS' After initial Ukrainian successes that saw Kyiv repel an assault on the capital and recapture territory in the war's first year, a major Ukrainian counter-offensive using donated Western tanks fizzled last year. Russian forces still hold a fifth of Ukraine and are again advancing, albeit slowly. No peace talks have been held for more than two years. "We know that peace in Ukraine will not be achieved in one step, it will be a journey," European Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen said, calling for "patience and determination". "It was not a peace negotiation because (Russia's President Vladimir) Putin is not serious about ending the war, he's insisting on capitulation, he's insisting on ceding Ukrainian territory - even territory that today is not occupied." In the absence of a clear path to ending the war, Zelenskiy emphasised practical issues, such as nuclear safety and securing food supplies from Ukraine, one of the world's biggest grain exporters. The summit's final declaration called for Ukraine's control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and its Azov Sea ports to be restored. But in line with the conference's more modest stated aims, it omitted tougher issues of what a post-war settlement for Ukraine might look like, whether Ukraine could join the NATO alliance or how troop withdrawals from both sides might work. "The more allies that can be found to say 'Things can't go on like this', 'This is too much', 'That's overstepping the mark', that also increases the moral pressure on the Russian Federation," said Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer. As Sunday's talks turned towards issues of food security and nuclear power, some leaders left early. No country came forward to host another such meeting, with notable silence from Saudi Arabia, mooted as a possible future venue. Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said the kingdom was ready to assist the peace process but a viable settlement would hinge on "difficult compromise." Since initial peace talks in the first months after the Feb. 2022 invasion, Ukraine has consistently demanded Russia withdraw from all its land, while Moscow has demanded recognition of its rule over territory its forces captured. Last week, in remarks clearly aimed at the conference, Putin said Russia would not halt the war until Kyiv withdraws its forces fully from four provinces that Moscow only partially controls and claims to have annexed. Kyiv swiftly denounced that as a demand for surrender. "Of course we...understand perfectly that a time will come when it will be necessary to talk to Russia," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said. "But our position is very clear: We will not allow Russia to speak in the language of ultimatums like it is speaking now." Western leaders at the summit endorsed Kyiv's refusal to negotiate under such terms. "Confusing peace with subjugation would set a dangerous precedent for everyone," said Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. (Reporting by Steve Holland, Thomas Escritt, Sabine Siebold, Dave Graham, Dan Peleschuk, Alvise Armellini; Writing by Dave Graham and Matthias Williams; Editing by Mark Potter and Hugh Lawson) Sony Delivers 'Legends of the Fall' and 'Talk of the Town' on 4K UHD December 3rd Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Hospital treating Medak Madrasa patients attacked by Hindutva mob A hospital in Medak treating the patients from Madrasa Minhaj ul Uloom, who were injured in the attack by the Hindutva mob, was Saturday June 15, 2024 allegedly targeted by 150-200 BJP and BJYM workers Sunday June 16, 2024 9:08 PM , ummid.com News Network [Dr. Naveen of Orthopaedic Hospital Medak sharing his anguish with media persons.] Medak (Telangana): A hospital in Medak treating the patients from Madrasa Minhaj ul Uloom, who were injured in the attack by the Hindutva mob, was Saturday June 15, 2024 allegedly targeted by 150-200 BJP and BJYM workers. Is treating a patient a sin? Dr. Naveen of Orthopaedic Hospital Medak asks in a video shared on social media. The doctor breaks down in tears as he spoke after his hospital was attacked by the Hindutva goons. Next time whenever any patient comes to my hospital, I will first consult other doctors before treating him, he is heard saying sarcastically. The mob also smashed the cars of the hospital staff parked outside. According to reports, the management of Madarsa Minhaj ul Uloom had purchased cattle to sacrifice for Bakra Eid. Some members of the right-wing Hindutva organizations created ruckus near the Madrasa after the sacrificial animals were brought in. Police reached the spot and dispersed the mob. The mob also attacked nearby shops owned by Muslims. An hour later, the members of the right-wing Hindutva groups again reached the madrasa and launched a renewed attack. Several people, who were inside the madrasa, received injuries and were shifted to a local hospital for treatment. We were treating the wounded patients when a mob of some 100 to 150 people stormed the hospital and pelted stones damaging the window panes. Furniture was damaged and a staff suffered a fracture on her leg, Dr Naveen, of MOGH speaking to media persons said. Tell us what wrong we have done. Is treating a patient a sin? Dr. Naveen asked. Watch Video Doctors are the protectors of humanity. The terror of Hindutva elements forced a doctor to tears. His only fault was admitting an injured Muslim patient to his hospital in Medak Town, Telangana. A mob of 150 to 200 people attacked his hospital and damaged a doctor's car parked pic.twitter.com/J20gKMIGuS Naseer Giyas (@NaseerGiyas) June 16, 2024 Meanwhile, a day after the attack on the Madrasa and shops owned by Muslims, Medak remains tense even the state has deployed additional police force in the disturbed area. In a related incident, a mob allegedly comprising of Bajrang Dal members created ruckus at a housing society in Mira Road in Mumbai Suburbs when some Muslim flat owners brought lambs to sacrifice on Eid al Aldha. Muslims in Telangana and other parts of India will celebrate Eid al Adha on Monday June 17, 2024 . Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. HA NOI The Party Central Committees Inspection Commission held its 42nd meeting from June 12-14, during which it proposed disciplinary measures against a number of Party organisations and members for violating Party regulations. The commission looked into the case of the Party delegation to the Finance Ministry, saying it has violated the principle of democratic centralism and working regulations, and showed a lack of responsibility and relaxed leadership and instruction, letting the ministry and several organisations and individuals violate the Partys regulations and the States laws in State management and in giving consultations and promulgating mechanisms and policies on issuing and trading corporate bonds, including businesses under Van Thinh Phat Group and An ong Group; as well as in State budget management related to the AIC company and businesses in the AIC ecosystem. Such violations have caused serious consequences along with risks of huge losses to State assets and damage to bond investors, adversely affecting the investment and business environment and social order and safety, triggering public concern, and negatively affecting the reputation of the Party organisation and State management agency, to the extent that they must be reviewed and handled. The commission said the Party delegation to the Finance Ministry for the 2016-21 term; and inh Tien Dung, Politburo member, Secretary of Ha Noi's Party Committee, former Secretary of the ministrys Party delegation and former Finance Minister; Vo Thanh Hung, member of the ministrys Party delegation and Deputy Minister; and former members of the ministrys Party delegation and Deputy Ministers Huynh Quang Hai, o Hoang Anh Tuan and Vu Thi Mai; and some other Party organisations and members must bear the main responsibility for the above-said violations and wrongdoings. The Inspection Commission decided to issue warnings against the Standing Board of the Party Committee of the General Department of Customs for the 2015-20 term; the Party Committee of the Department of Planning and Finance for the 2015-20 term; the Party cells of the Department of Public and Administrative Finance and the State Budget Department for the 2015-17, 2017-20, 2020-22 tenures; and Huynh Quang Hai; Pham Van Truong, Secretary of the Party cell, Director of the State Budget Department; Nguyen Truong Giang, Secretary of the Party cell, Director of the Department of Public and Administrative Finance; Nguyen Duong Thai, former Deputy Director General of the General Department of Customs; and Pham Van Viet, former Secretary of the Party cell, Director of the Department of Finance and Administration under the General Department of Customs. It reprimanded the Party cell of the Finance Department of Banks and Financial Institutions for the 2017-20 and 2020-22 terms; and o Hoang Anh Tuan, Vu Thi Mai, Vo Thanh Hung; and Phan Thi Thu Hien, Secretary of the Party cell, Director of the Finance Department of Banks and Financial Institutions; and Le Ngoc Khoa, former Secretary of the Party Committee, Director of the Department of Planning and Finance. The committee asked competent authorities to consider disciplinary actions against the Party delegation to the Ministry of Finance and inh Tien Dung. The committee requested the Party delegation to the Ministry of Finance to direct the timely correction of the violations and shortcomings; and coordinate in handling the organisations and individuals that committed violations. At the meeting, the commission also examined the violations of and decided disciplinary measures against the Party delegation to the Peoples Committee of the central province of Ninh Thuan. The Inspection Commission decided to issue warnings against the Party delegation to the provincial People's Committee for the 2016-21 tenure, and Luu Xuan Vinh, former Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee, former Secretary of the Party delegation and former Chairman of the provincial People's Committee; while reprimanding the Departments of Planning and Investment, Finance, Construction, and Environment and National Resources for the 2015-20 tenure; and a number of individuals. The inspection commission also proposed competent authorities to consider disciplinary measures against Nguyen Van Yen, deputy head of the Party Central Committees Commission for Internal Affairs, member of the Standing Board of the Party Committee and Chairman of its Inspection Commission; and issued disciplinary measures against some former officials of Binh inh, Binh Duong, Long An and Ba Ria-Vung Tau provinces. VNS HA NOI On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the signing of the 'Treaty on Principles of Friendly Relations between the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the Russian Federation' (June 16, 1994 - 2024), General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and Vietnamese President To Lam on Sunday exchanged congratulatory letters with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The same day, Viet Nam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also exchanged congratulatory letters with his Russian counterpart Mikhail Mishustin. In the letter, the leaders affirmed that the treaty is a historical document, bearing great significance and serves as a symbol that marks a new phase in the development of multifaceted cooperation between Viet Nam and the Russian Federation, creating a premise for raising the two countries' relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Over the past 30 years, generations of leaders and people of the two countries have made continuous efforts to cultivate a strong friendship, consolidate and promote comprehensive bilateral cooperation in all fields, for the benefit of the peoples of of the two countries, contributing to peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world. The two countries' leaders expressed their belief that the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty will open a new stage of development, with increasing levels of trust, substance and effectiveness between Viet Nam and the Russian Federation. On this occasion, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son also exchanged congratulatory letters with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov. The 1994 treaty is a legal document, succeeding the treaty on Viet Nam-Russia friendly relations, which the two countries signed on November 3, 1978. It presented a more comprehensive, clearer and in more detail, areas of bilateral cooperation in the international arena, helping to improve and promote a more pragmatic stage in Viet Nam-Russia relations. Less than seven years after signing the 1994 Treaty, Viet Nam and Russia adopted a joint statement establishing a strategic partnership and in 2012, the two officially established a comprehensive strategic partnership. In 2023, Viet Nam-Russia trade turnover hit US$3.6 billion, up 2.3 per cent compared to 2022. In the first quarter of this year, trade between the two countries reached $1.1 billion, a 52 per cent rise compared to the same period in 2023. VNS HA NOI The National Steering Committee for Voluntary Blood Donation held a ceremony in Ha Noi on Saturday to honour 100 outstanding blood donors in 2024. This is the 16th year this event has been held since the Prime Minister decided to establish the committee in 2008. To date, 1,600 donors have been honoured at the national level. The 100 delegates honoured this year have donated a total of 4,470 units of blood. Prominent among them, two have donated blood more than 100 times. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Health ao Hong Lan, head of the steering committee, said that the 30-year journey of the blood donation movement is full of love among the people, with many lives saved thanks to the donation. She expressed her hope that the honourees will continue to inspire and spread the spirit of sharing and love among the community to have more and more voluntary blood donors and to save more lives. Last year, over 1.55 million blood units were collected, 99 per cent of which came from volunteer donors, who accounted for more than 1.5 per cent of the population. Since the beginning of this year, the country has received nearly 800,000 units through various campaigns and events, helping basically ensure blood needs for emergency work and patient treatment. VNS The 2024 Hue Festival brings together culture, heritage and the arts, and has amazed local residents and tourists with a week of stunning events. This year, the festival features activities that take place throughout the year. The highlight was the Hue International Arts Festival organised from June 7 to 12 with the participation of 30 art troupes. Guest troupes were from France, Belgium, Spain, Canada, Japan, China, and South Korea. The event also included a vegetarian food festival and shows of the UNESCO-recognised heritage of Hue royal court music and songs. Spectacular art performances were staged on opening night on June 7 at Kien Trung Palace an amazing architectural wonder to present the heritage values of a cultural region with a history of more than 700 years. The festival line-up also included leading artists from the Hue Traditional Theatre, the Hue Conservatory of Music and Hue's Royal Arts Theatre, who joined artists from Bac Ninh, Bac Lieu, Kon Tum, and Viet Nam's Circus League. A special one-night show was dedicated to songwriter Trinh Cong Son, a native of Hue accompanied by an ao dai show designed by his younger sister Trinh Hoang Dieu. Alongside cultural activities, there were also economic and commercial programmes organised such as an international trade fair, a culinary festival featuring the cuisine of Viet Nam's three regions, and a boat race held on Tam Giang Lagoon. The 2024 Hue Festival is a national event of international stature that helps promote the culture of the traditional Hue lifestyle and the country, channelling the charm, nature and people of the former royal capital city. VNS Ecotourism has been flourishing markedly in the south-central province of Quang Nam. During the five-day holiday last month, the majority of the 233,000 visitors to the province chose eco-tourism packages. Ecotourism typically focuses both on protecting the natural environment and preserving and supporting local culture. It brings people to immerse themselves in nature while minimizing the ecological impact of the visit. Education about local plant and animal life is often a draw of the trip. Travellers can experience national parks, mountains, and marine areas, and their tourism dollars often directly fund the areas conservation. Many ecotourism models also promote cultural immersion, offering income opportunities to families and small local businesses. In recent years, Quang Nam has embraced the ecotourism model. The region is adapting rapidly to welcome global travellers to small family-run homestays, ethnic minority villages, and national parks. The chairwoman of the People's Committee of Tien Phuoc District, Tram Que Huong, said that in order to form eco-tourism products, in recent years, along with upgrading infrastructure, the district authority supported capital for hundreds of families to restore and develop craft villages that grow native fruit trees, restored ancient architecture, ancient private houses, unique ancient stone walls, and protect the environment. During the recent long holiday, every day, Loc Yen ancient village in Tien Phuoc welcomed over 500 visitors, the chairwoman said. Not far from Tien Phuoc eco-tourism villages, Lake Phu Ninh eco-tourism area in Phu Ninh District, which is known as the "Blue Pearl" in the Central region of Viet Nam, has an area of more than 23,000 hectares and more than 30 islands surrounded by blue sea water and is an attractive destination for tourists in the summer. The executive director of Lake Phu Ninh Ecotourism, Huynh Tan Quoc, said that since the beginning of the year, the ecotourism site had welcomed around 300 visitors every day. Especially on weekends, this tourist area welcomed 500-700 visitors. As for accommodation services, Lake Phu Ninh Ecotourism Area had 45 rooms that were fully booked during holidays and weekends. According to Phan Xuan Thanh, chairman of Quang Nam Tourism Association, the province has great potential for both island and inland tourism, and eco-tourism with tangible and intangible cultural values. The province also has a diverse ecosystem and valuable resources, so it needs to sustainably exploit green tourism products. Tran Thai Do, director of Silk Sense Hoi An River Resort, said that with its pristine beauty, eco-tourism and resorts linked to local culture, the eco-tourism areas in Quang Nam had great potential to open up many unique and attractive tourism products, and serve as a lever for community tourism to develop. According to Ho Quang Buu, deputy chairman of the Provincial People's Committee [provincial government], the locality identifies tourism as a key economic sector, with the goal of attracting more than 7.6 million visitors this year. Last month, the province launched the tourism stimulus programme 2024 themed Quang Nam Green Heritage Region. Taking place from May to November, the programme aims to lure domestic and international visitors to Quang Nam, while promoting the image of the province's green tourism. The programme will be divided into two phases, with the first taking place from May to August, offering various unique tourism products, high quality services and attractive promotions. In the second phase from September to November, the province will highlight the beauty of the rice ripening season and related festivals, as well as Hoi An in flood season, while offering sharp service discounts for tourists. Quang Nam is famous in Viet Nam travel map for its cultural and historical values, especially the UNESCO heritages such as Hoi An ancient town and My Son Sanctuary, Bai Choi performance art, and Cu Lao Cham Hoi An Biosphere Reserve. Besides, the province owns several beautiful beaches, river networks, natural and cultural landscapes, hundreds of traditional craft villages, characteristic festivals and local typical cuisine. VNS The new facility spans 14,000 square metres, dedicating 12,900sq.m to manufacturing and 1,100sq.m to administrative offices.This expansion is set to boost employment and elevate the standard of living for local workers, contributing positively to the regions socioeconomic progress. Alexander Reich, general director of Ziehl-Abegg Vietnam, said, Our facility will reach its full production capacity in early 2025. This will allow us to be even closer to our customers and meet their needs more efficiently. "We highly appreciate Ziehl-Abegg's efforts to deploy and put the project into operation. It will contribute to creating jobs and increasing incomes for workers, and contribute to the socioeconomic development of the province, said Nguyen Tri Phuong, head of Dong Nai Industrial Zones Management Authority. We hope Ziehl-Abegg Vietnam will do business effectively and continue to develop new projects in the future." As a leading provider of high-quality ventilation and drive solutions, Ziehl-Abegg remains steadfast in its mission to create a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come. With the establishment of Ziehl-Abegg Vietnam, the company looks forward to forging lasting partnerships, driving innovation, and delivering exceptional value to customers throughout the region. Ziehl-Abegg boasts a remarkable history of innovation, with 2,800 talented individuals employed at its southern German plants and a total of 5,100 employees across 15 production sites, 30 subsidiaries, and 117 sales offices globally. The companys extensive range of over 30,000 products reaches customers in over 100 countries, generating an impressive annual revenue of $981.5 million. German investors eager for Binh Duong Binh Duong Peoples Committee held a meeting on March 19 with the German Business Association (GBA) in Vietnam, along with 40 German firms wishing to explore investment opportunities in the region. Soaring German investments are testament to trust in Vietnam Amid the prevailing winds of trade protectionism and escalating international sanctions, German investment in Vietnam is a testament to investors' trust in the potential of the Southeast Asian country. Visa is sponsoring the sixth Cashless Day celebrations, organised by the State Bank of Vietnam and Tuoi Tre newspaper. This year's campaign seeks to engage consumers and businesses with exciting activities and special offers, designed to promote digital payments and expedite Vietnam's transition to a cashless society. Dung Dang, Visa country manager for Vietnam and Laos, said, "Digital payments are shaping the future of the modern economy in Vietnam, with positive benefits for consumers and businesses. Visa is excited about our ongoing partnership with Cashless Day 2024, helping to enhance cashless transactions throughout the country. This initiative underscores our collective commitment to ensure digital payments benefit all stakeholders in Vietnams payment ecosystem, including consumers, merchants, and payment service providers." Visas Consumer Payment Attitudes Study 2023 highlights a significant rise in cashless payments, especially mobile wallet transactions, among Vietnam's merchants. A remarkable 79 per cent of food and dining establishments and 74 per cent of retailers and convenience stores now accept cashless payments. Meanwhile, Visas Asia Pacific Small and Medium-sized Business (SMB) Research 2023 further indicates that over 40 per cent of SMBs in Vietnam now accept card payments, acknowledging their critical role in business operations. Two-thirds of these SMBs credit digital payments for positively impacting their revenue, with 80 per cent associating increased turnover with card transactions. This growing acceptance of digital payments has streamlined and secured consumer transactions. To drive digital payment acceptance in Vietnam, Visa has partnered with Vietnam's leading e-wallet apps - MoMo, VNPAY, and ZaloPay - enabling Visa cardholders to make effortless QR payments. Visa has also introduced Apple Pay in Vietnam by partnering with major issuers in the country, offering a smooth and secure payment option. In the past 10 months, Visa has expanded point-of-sale marketing at SMB merchants and chain retailers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, boosting the visibility and acceptance of Visa on Apple Pay. With the rapid rise of digital payments in Vietnam, there's been growing fraud and cybercrime. In 2023, Vietnamese businesses had the highest number of cyberthreat incidents in Southeast Asia, with 17.1 million cases. Hence, this year's Cashless Day theme is "Promoting safe and secure non-cash payments", aimed at raising awareness and fostering secure digital payment practices. As part of its efforts to promote safety and security in digital payments, Visa has implemented a tokenisation strategy that replaces sensitive account information with a unique digital identifier. This security measure enhances security and allows consumers to manage their data-sharing preferences via their bank's apps. To date, Visa has issued over 1 billion tokens in the Asia-Pacific region. In an additional effort to enhance digital security, Visa participated in the Vietnam Security Summit 2024, where Abhijit Bandyopadhyay, director of risk advisory practice for Visa Consulting & Analytics, shared insights on the use of AI in payment security technologies. "In our digitally interconnected world, payment security is crucial. AI and tokenisation offer benefits beyond traditional methods, reducing cyber threats and enhancing protection. Visa continues to leverage these solutions to build a secure payment environment that customers and businesses can trust," Dang added. Continuing its active engagement in Cashless Day, Visa is enhancing its support for consumers and businesses this year with a variety of exciting promotions encouraging cashless transactions on Gojek, Klook, Lazada, and UrBox. A key highlight is the Visa-Starbucks strategic, long-term partnership aimed at encouraging cashless payments at Starbucks stores and supporting their transition to cashless transactions, and increasing the number of such stores by nearly 15 per cent this year. This initiative is also part of Starbucks' plan to pilot the cashless payment experience in 2024. Starbucks is one of Visas top performers in contactless transactions, with rates reaching up to 93 per cent. Until the end of June 2024, customers can enjoy a "Free Upsize" on their favourite Starbucks drinks when paying contactless with Visa. Additionally, Starbucks will participate in Visas activation by supporting the Cashless Day campaign on June 29-30 at Lotte Mart, 54 Lieu Giai street, Ba Dinh district, Hanoi. Other offers include up to 50 per cent off at premium restaurants, complimentary set menus at MICHELIN-starred restaurants, and half-price weekend stays at 5-star hotels. Notably, on June 27, to celebrate the achievements of the culinary community, Visa will partner with MICHELIN for the MICHELIN Guide Ceremony Hanoi | Ho Chi Minh City | Da Nang 2024. The event will be held at the InterContinental Saigon Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, promising exciting experiences for attendees. As part of the Cashless Day festivities, Visa Commercial cardholders can earn triple bonus rewards when using their Visa Commercial cards to buy Vietnam Airlines flights online, and receive a 20 per cent discount on MISA AMIS software, a 40 per cent discount on the Xanh SM app, and discounts of up to 50 per cent on Be, Grab and via the Visa Dining platform. At Visas Experience Booth on Nguyen Hue walking street (June 14-16), customers can participate in activities, including discounted Bliss ice cream for VND16,600 ($0.63) when using cashless payments and a photo booth for Instagrammable moments. Visa joins Vietnams 5th Cashless Day celebration Visa has announced its support for Vietnams annual Cashless Day with a slew of exciting promotions. The initiative strengthens Visas commitment to promoting digital payment adoption and encouraging the digital transformation of Vietnam towards a cashless society. Cashless payments soaring in first half of 2024 The total value of cashless payments through Payoo experienced a sharp rise in the first half of 2024, up by 58 per cent over the same period last year. Wacos Juneteenth parade drew a large crowd Saturday as festivities flowed seamlessly through the Elm Avenue corridor, newly transformed by a $12 million, four-year reconstruction project. The revitalized avenue not only enhanced the parades vibrancy but also symbolized a renewed spirit of community and progress in Waco, said Jennifer Turner-Bryant, a parade spectator who grew up in East Waco and traces her familys history to emancipation times. I would say this year is bringing it all back, Turner-Bryant said. The hourlong parade route started at 10 a.m. at Heritage Square, moving down Washington and Elm avenues to its finish point, the historic Paul Quinn Campus. Turner-Bryant said the annual Juneteenth celebration is vital for her and other folks in the community. She said its a way to represent and honor past slaves, like her late grandmother, Florence Scott Turner. Our grandmother lived to be 100, Turner-Bryant said. So, its important for us to come out here and just celebrate. The parade was once again organized by the Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce. Chamber CEO and President John Bible told the Tribune-Herald earlier this week that he expected the biggest crowd the city had ever seen, which was previously seen last year. Crowd numbers for Saturdays parade have yet to be released, but several locals believed it was the largest to date. This weekend marked the fourth Juneteenth celebration parade since the holiday was recognized at the federal level. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. The Emancipation Proclamation, issued on Jan. 1, 1863, declared freedom for all enslaved people, but it wasnt until the Civil War ended two years that many African Americans in the South experienced freedom. In Texas, emancipation took place when Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay on June 19, 1865, to announce and enforce the order. The ensuing celebrations were named Juneteenth, honoring the 19th of June. Peaches Henry, the president of the Waco-McLennan County NAACP chapter, said Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom and that it serves as an important history lesson for younger generations. It is about letting our children and our grandchildren know about our history, because guess what? It is not going to be taught in the schools, Henry said. We are indeed rolling back to a time when Black people have to tell their own history. Henry helped spearhead the Waco NAACPs annual Juneteenth Community Celebration, which took place at a new location Bridge Street Plaza. Dozens of locals flocked near Elm Avenue and Myrtle Street to celebrate with Henry and the Waco NAACP by dancing or eating barbecue sandwiches. The Juneteenth Community Celebration was one of several public events following the parade. Waco radio stations Magic 94.5 and The Beat 107.3 also hosted their annual Juneteenth Family Fun Day: R&B in the Park on Saturday afternoon at Brazos Park East. In terms of the parade itself, cars and floats weaved their way down the Washington Avenue bridge, which turns into Elm Avenue. Participants danced to blaring music and children lined the sidewalks to grab candy and other goodies that were hurled their direction. Darrell Walker, another East Waco native, said the parades growth of participants and spectators over the years tells him that my town is getting bigger. He said its changed the way he views his hometown. I always wanted to leave Waco when I was younger because it was so small, but now Im staying, Walker said. PHOTOS Waco Juneteenth parade: June 15, 2024 Jonathan McCambridge, PA For the first time in close to three decades, Lagan Valley is set to get a new MP with the DUP attempting to hold off the surge of the Alliance Party. A unionist stronghold since the constituency was created, former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson first won the seat as an Ulster Unionist in 1997 and has defended it ever since. However, following the political earthquake caused after Mr Donaldson was charged with historical sex offences, which he denies, the largest unionist party has gone for youth in selecting Jonathan Buckley as its candidate at the Westminster election. He is expected to face a stiff challenge from the cross-community Alliance Partys Sorcha Eastwood, who came second to Donaldson in 2019, while the Ulster Unionists also have a high-profile candidate in deputy leader Robbie Butler. Lagan Valley, which includes the city of Lisburn and surrounding areas, will be one of the most closely watched counts in Northern Ireland when the ballot boxes are opened due to the turmoil caused by the Donaldson charges and the prospect that unionism could be vulnerable in a seat once considered impregnable. The hardline Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) will also run in the area, which could further fracture the unionist vote. Aiming to prevent that is Mr Buckley, considered one of the rising stars of the DUP at 32. He was the partys youngest MLA when first elected to Stormont in the neighbouring Upper Bann constituency in 2017. Jonathan Buckley, DUP candidate for Lagan Valley in the village of Royal Hillsborough. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA His nomination surprised some, with two of the DUPs highest profile figures deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Education Minister Paul Givan both representing Lagan Valley at Stormont. However, the partys new leader Gavin Robinson has prioritised stability in the newly restored powersharing institutions while gambling that a fresh face can energise the voting base. Mr Buckley stresses his close family links with Lisburn while also pointing out that boundary changes have brought 7,000 voters from the Upper Bann constituency he currently represents into Lagan Valley. He said: Lagan Valley has from its inception elected a representative that believes in Northern Ireland, believes in its place within the United Kingdom, and I want to continue in that vein. I have heard talk about Lagan Valley being a watch-seat constituency; I think the voters know the constituency better than many of the pundits and certainly the messages Ive been receiving is they want to get out behind me and ensure we can elect a unionist that can win in this election. Every election brings with it risk. No party can lay claim to any voter. The voters right to vote how they please is their mandate, their responsibility. Lagan Valley has on every occasion since its inception had over 65 per cent voting unionist in that constituency. What a shame it would be if that great constituency did not elect a member of Parliament that not only believed in Lagan Valley and believed in Northern Ireland, but was also passionate about putting its case forward in Parliament. Mr Buckley said his party is committed to delivering stability at Stormont while also ensuring Northern Irelands voice is heard at Westminster. He said: My two colleagues, Emma Little-Pengelly and Paul Givan, have kindly encouraged me and put a great responsibility upon my shoulders to ensure this constituency has representation at Westminster. They have prioritised stability of the Executive. I think the people of Northern Ireland are crying out for that stability and they will continue to deliver on that. Theres an important job of work to be done [at Stormont]. But theres also an important job of work to be done at Westminster. While Mr Buckley is running in the constituency for the first time, Ms Eastwood (38) of the Alliance Party is a familiar face, having represented the area at local council and as an MLA. Sorcha Eastwood, Alliance Party's candidate for Lagan Valley, at Wallace Park in Lisburn. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Prolific on social media, she says the job of winning the seat began immediately after the 2019 election when she took a significant chunk out of Donaldsons majority, narrowing the gap between the two parties to 6,500 votes. Now, she insists, the DUP and Alliance are running neck and neck. Ms Eastwood said: We have been waiting five years to re-run this contest. In 2019 we seriously dented the DUP majority and we are ready to finish the job this time. We have been doing the job for years, we dont knock doors just at election time. We are listening and working with the community all the time. We know that Lagan Valley is a changing, vibrant, diverse constituency and it needs representation to match. I have lived in Lisburn all my life, Im Lagan Valley born and bred, and we know that our message is resonating with voters on the doors. Ms Eastwood also rejects any suggestion that the constituency is a natural unionist seat. She said: Lagan Valley is not a unionist seat. Alliance work for everybody. We are not in the business of representing just unionists, nationalists or others, we represent everybody. That is why Alliance are neck and neck with the DUP in Lagan Valley. Ms Eastwood also believes it is only herself or the DUP who can win in the area. She said: This is definitely a two-horse race in Lagan Valley, the numbers bear that out. This suggestion has frustrated the Ulster Unionist Mr Butler, who believes his personal popularity can help to spring a surprise come election night. The 52-year-old former firefighter from Lisburn also points to the unpredictability of the election, following the resignation of Donaldson. Robbie Butler (left) pictured in Lisburn meeting constituents Sammie-Jo Hull with her partner Mark Philpott and their daughter Aria, as he pets their dog, Koda. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA He said: With some of the leaflets which are being put out, particularly by the Alliance Party, they are trying to frame this as a two-horse race and I think thats disingenuous and I think its low-level politics, to be honest. From my perspective in Lagan Valley I am confident that eight years as an MLA, a councillor before that and 30 years of work before politics will stand me well in this election. In previous elections I do know that there were many people out there who had indicated previously that they would like to vote for me in the General Election, but whilst the former MP was there they would continue to vote for that former MP. I am now speaking to those people and they are absolutely clear that they have wanted to vote in the past for me and will do so now. The former MPs vote was very much a personal vote. In Lagan Valley it is very clear the two-year boycott of Stormont was unpopular, the delivery of the Irish Sea border as a consequence of Brexit is very unpopular, and they are sick and tired of the narrative of them ones and us ones and they want someone they can trust. We absolutely believe we can and we absolutely believe we will take the seat. Also running in Lagan Valley is Patricia Denvir of the Green Party, Simon Lee of the SDLP and Lorna Smyth of the TUV. Nice fireworks display these ships can induce Empire of Chaos and Lies is at ready to boil temp Russia knows it and you really should think about what is off the coast lines, you cannot see, hear and or find WtR Amit Shah to Chair High-Level Meeting to Review J-K Security Situation Today 2 Union Home Minister Amit Shah will chair a high-level meeting on Sunday to review the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir (J-K) and preparedness for the Amarnath Yatra. Earlier, Amit Shah reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir in a high-level meeting with senior officers of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) here in the national capital on Friday and directed to call another detailed meeting on June 16 over the issue. Shah conducted the meeting in the wake of recent terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, which have raised concerns about the security arrangements in the region. In the meeting, the Home Minister also gave directions to call a follow-up meeting on June 16 in North Block to further assess the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and the preparations for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. Officials concerned learned to have briefed the Home Minister about the current security situations and preparedness to handle such terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. As per Home Ministry officials, the June 16 meeting will be attended by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, National Security Advisor, Union Home Secretary, and senior officers from the Army, police, Jammu and Kashmir administration, and the MHA. The heightened vigilance is aimed at ensuring the safety of Jammu and Kashmir residents as well as the Amarnath Yatra pilgrims and maintaining law and order in the state. Since June 9, there have been terror strikes at four places in Reasi, Kathua, and Doda, where nine pilgrims were killed, a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan was killed, a civilian was injured, and at least seven security personnel were injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also chaired a high-level meeting on Thursday to discuss the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir following the series of terror-related incidents. NSA Ajit Doval and other senior officials attended the meeting. In the meeting, the Prime Minister received a comprehensive overview of the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the region. He was briefed on the strategies and operations being implemented to tackle terrorist activities and ensure the safety of the region. PM Modi also spoke with Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the deployment of security forces and ongoing counter-terror operations. Additionally, he spoke to J-K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to review the situation and was briefed on the efforts being undertaken by the local administration. A 15-year-old male shot Saturday by Athens police has died, according to local media reports. The incident began around 2:15 p.m. Saturday, when Athens police responded to Elles Drive in Athens after receiving reports of a teenager acting out of control and threatening family members with weapons, according to WHNT TV in Huntsville. Police said the teen threw knives at police as he went to different rooms in the house and was shot when he allegedly pointed a rifle at officers. Athens Police Chief Anthony Pressnell told WHNT that an officer fired one shot after the teenager pointed a rifle at police officers. Pressnell said police administered first aid on the scene until emergency medical personnel arrived and that the teen received medical treatment but later died. Athens Police say the investigation has been turned over to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agencys State Bureau of Investigation. Parts of Alabama will have to deal with one more day of above-average temperatures for Fathers Day, according to forecasters. Southwest Alabama may get some relief, however, thanks to increased chances for rain. The rest of the state will not be so lucky. The National Weather Service is forecasting high temperatures to again peak in the mid- to upper 90s in Alabama on Sunday (todays forecast highs are at the top of this post). There will also be increased chances for rain and storms in the state, though not everyone will see rain. Showers and storms will be most likely in the afternoon and evening hours. Todays high temperatures may be a degree or two cooler than they were on Saturday, according to the weather service. No high temperature records were broken on Saturday, but some areas came close. Here are some high temperatures from around the state from Saturday: * Anniston: 96 (record 99) * Birmingham: 97 (record 98) * Dothan: 97 (record 101) * Huntsville: 96 (record 101) * Mobile: 96 (record 101) * Montgomery: 97 (record 100) * Muscle Shoals: 98 (record 101) * Troy: 96 (record 103) * Tuscaloosa: 97 (record 102) After today temperatures will back off some for all of Alabama. Highs on Monday are forecast to still be in the 90s, but the low 90s. Some spots may even stay in the 80s. There will also be increased chances for rain statewide. Heres the forecast for Monday: High temperatures on Monday will be slightly "cooler" than they were this weekend.NWS Temperatures are expected to stay in the upper 80s to low 90s for the rest of the work week, according to weather service forecasts. There is no severe weather in the forecast for Alabama for the next seven days, but as always, sometimes those summer pulse-type thunderstorms can briefly become severe. Heres more on todays weather from the National Weather Service: 605 AM - Very warm to hot today, with highs in the low/mid 90s. The heat and higher levels of moisture will bring chances of showers and thunderstorms later today and on Monday. A tad cooler for Monday-Wednesday with upper 80s/lower 90s, then more heat returning Thursday. #HUNwx pic.twitter.com/OUT6Cly47f NWS Huntsville (@NWSHuntsville) June 16, 2024 Partly cloudy with a few showers and storms mainly this afternoon. Highs in the 90s. Partly cloudy tonight with isolated showers/storms. Lows in the low to mid 70s. Partly cloudy Monday with better chances for showers and storms west, highs in the low to mid 90s. pic.twitter.com/2vZUWuGOF4 NWS Birmingham (@NWSBirmingham) June 16, 2024 A search for a missing east Alabama child has ended in tragedy after a 4-year-old boy was found deceased in Cleburne County. Cleburne County Coroner Adam Downs told AL.com that the child, identified as DJ Jarrell, was found deceased in a backyard swimming pool after a roughly two-hour search Saturday night. Downs said the child slipped away out of his house around 6 p.m. and was found later in the pool. Downs said DJs family asked to be vigilant about swimming pool safety. They urge anyone that has a young child that has a swimming pool to please make sure that they keep the gates locked and secured to where a child cannot get into that pool, Downs said. The Ranburne Police Department posted a missing child alert at 8:41 p.m. Saturday, saying that a 4-year-old boy had gone missing and asking anyone with information on the child to call 911 immediately. The child was last seen near the area of Cleburne County Road 49 and County Road 111 in Ranburne at approximately 5:55 p.m. The police department posted at 9:33 p.m. that the child had been found deceased. Downs said the search involved numerous volunteers, law enforcement and emergency response personnel from Cleburne County and the surrounding areas. He said that the water in the pool was very cloudy, which is why the child was not immediately found in the pool. Its just one of those circumstances that the water was so cloudy in the pool that you could not see the bottom, he said. Downs said the official cause of death will not be released until after an autopsy by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences. This is a guest opinion column The COVID-19 pandemic might be over, but its lingering effects are still evident in our schools. Many students are still academically behind and struggle more than in pre-pandemic times socially and in terms of mental health. Recent research we conducted sought to identify high schools in Alabama that managed to weather pandemic-era learning loss the best. We controlled for poverty, previous academic performance and funding to ensure an apples-to-apples comparison. After we did that, we decided to visit four of these schools as part of an effort to learn what they were doing well. Heres the thing. There was no special program or initiative that made the school successful. No curriculum overhaul, no outside consultant, no smartphone app. The districts we visited werent flush with cash (most of these schools were among the lowest funded in the state). They simply get the little things right and do so consistently. We are both professors in the College of Education at Auburn University and former middle and high school teachers ourselves. We understand that the job of running a school is difficult and know firsthand that being a teacher is challenging. Like all schools, the schools we visited faced substantial challenges during the pandemic. Each of these schools managed to open their doors in the fall of 2020, and research suggests that longer school closures were associated with larger student test score declines. The school leaders with whom we spoke credited their faculty and staff for making that happen. But that alone doesnt explain what we found. Many schools in Alabama reopened in the fall of 2020. What we saw can be summed up simply school personnel, supportive leadership and school culture embedded in community all matter a lot. One of the schools we visited was Rehobeth High School in Houston County Schools. When we asked one teacher what was behind their schools success, he told us two things people matter and that the adults at the school all approached their work with what he called a servants heart. The countys superintendent told us the same thing. We dont always have a lot of money, but we have great people. We also saw how a strong school culture embedded in the community was pivotal for promoting holistic recovery for students. Throughout each visit, we found that each school was intentional in integrating community values, traditions and aspirations to create a sense of belonging and mutual support that held outside of the schoolhouse walls. Finally, it was clear how important supportive leadership was for recovering from pandemic learning disruptions. Throughout our interviews, teachers from each site repeatedly noted that their leadership was: (1) present and visible around the building; (2) available to talk when needed; (3) proactive in extending themselves to teachers; (4) had high expectations for teachers and students and; (5) gave teachers wide autonomy in classroom choices. While these traits seem like common sense, what was surprising was the extent to which these school leaders actively chose not to lose sight of these core aspects of supportive leadership. This does not mean that the schools included in our research were unaware of the challenges they face. Few resources, difficulties with attendance and high rates of poverty all make their task more difficult. When speaking with Maurice Shingleton, principal of Limestone Countys Tanner High School, he shared, We focus on the small wins we build these kids up little by little towards high expectations. With his unique combination of humor and a high level of understanding of effective school leadership, he talked us through strategies for helping different students, knowing exactly who needs small wins and in what areas. Our research findings represent a clarion call to return to the basics and do the little things right. We have been in a lot of schools and seen a lot of shiny new buildings and trendy technology. But none of that really matters if you dont get the right things right community, cooperation, and care. As a result, the schools we visited recovered academically from the pandemic far better than their peers. David T. Marshall and Andrew Pendola are associate professors in the College of Education at Auburn University. An all new episode of When Calls the Heart is set to premiere on the Hallmark Channel Sunday, June 16 at 9/8c. During episode 11 of the new season, Nathan and Bill take charge when a notorious gangster threatens the town. Meanwhile, Rosemary teams up with her competition to uncover the truth, and Elizabeth and Nathan take a leap of faith. Where can I watch When Calls the Heart season 11? Although this weeks new episode will premiere on the Hallmark Channel, those without a basic cable set up can still watch new episodes of When Calls the Heart on Sundays with either Philo or Fubo. Both streaming services offer free trials for new subscribers. However, Philo is the cheaper streaming option at $25 a month after its 7-day free trial. What is the difference between Philo and Fubo? Philo is considered one of the cheaper live streaming services available as it allows users to stream over 70 live TV channels for just $25 a month after its free trial. Popular channels offered with Philo include the Hallmark Channel, MTV, AMC, HGTV, History Channel, Discovery Channel, CMT, TLC, BET and more. Meanwhile, Fubo is also an alternative to a regular cable subscription, but with more exclusive channel options that Philo does not offer such as ABC, CBS, NBC, ESPN, FOX and more. While Fubo considers itself a sports-focused streaming service, its standard streaming package comes with over 100 TV live channels for $79.99 a month after its free trial. What is When Calls the Heart about? The official series description of When Calls the Heart is as follows: Elizabeth Thatcher is a young teacher accustomed to high society, so she experiences culture shock when she gets her first classroom assignment in Coal Valley. Life in the small mining town is filled with challenges. A recent explosion has killed more than a dozen of the towns miners, compelling the widows of those men to work in the mines to earn money. One of them - Abigail Stanton, whose husband was foreman at the site of the tragedy - welcomes Thatcher and tries to help her adjust to frontier customs. Constable Jack Thornton is not as welcoming, though, because he believes Thatchers wealthy father doomed his career by assigning him to Coal Valley so he could protect Elizabeth. Janette Okes books about the Canadian West inspired the program. English News Global Civilization Initiative conforms to trend, meets demand of times Alwihda Info | Par People's Daily - 13 Juin 2024 China, starting from a righteous position and walking a path of great virtues, will keep working with relevant parties to implement the GDI, GSI and GCI, and resolutely build a community with a shared future for mankind. By He Yin, People's Daily The 78th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) unanimously adopted a resolution proposed by China to establish the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. According to the resolution, June 10 was designated as the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations. The resolution advocates respecting the diversity of civilizations and calls for equal dialogue and mutual respect among different civilizations. It fully reflects the core essence of the Global Civilizations Initiative (GCI) proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The unanimous support from the international community for setting up the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations demonstrates that the GCI conforms to the trend and meets the demand of the times. In March 2023, Xi proposed the GCI, stressing the importance to advocate the respect for the diversity of civilizations, the common values of humanity, the importance of inheritance and innovation of civilizations, and robust international people-to-people exchanges and cooperation. In today's world where the futures of all countries are closely connected, the GCI offers answers to important questions such as how different civilizations should get along and where the human civilization is headed. It contributes Chinese wisdom and solutions to promoting mutual learning among civilizations and advancing the progress of human civilization. China's proposal to establish the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations at the UNGA helps implement the GCI and has injected positive energy into addressing common challenges faced by humanity. China is committed to promoting mutual understanding, respect, and trust among nations, and seeks to build consensus on peaceful development through cultural exchanges and mutual learning. In this year alone, the GCI has been incorporated into bilateral documents between China and over a dozen countries including Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Tunisia, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Serbia, and Hungary, gaining increasingly widespread recognition and support. In today's world that has entered a new period of turbulence, multiple challenges and crises are intertwined. The international community has come to a deeper understanding that exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations contribute to enhancing understanding, trust, and cooperation, providing important impetus for human development and progress. The resolution of the UNGA states that all civilizational achievements are "the collective heritage of humankind.". It emphasizes "the crucial role of dialogue" among civilizations in maintaining world peace, promoting common development, enhancing human well-being, and achieving collective progress. This resolution reflects the universal aspiration of countries around the world to uphold equality and inclusiveness, and to maintain the diversity of world civilizations. The resolution invites all member states and UN agencies to commemorate the International Day. China will closely collaborate with all parties to organize diverse and vibrant activities for dialogue among civilizations. It will advocate for respecting the diversity of civilizations, promote the common values of humanity, value the inheritance and innovation of civilizations, and actively promote people-to-people exchanges and cooperation, so as to achieve common prosperity and progress of human civilization. The unanimous support from the international community for setting up the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations demonstrates that Chinese ideas and solutions are increasingly gaining international consensus. No matter how the international landscape changes, China will stand firmly on the right side of history and on the side of human progress, and will advocate vigorously peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit. It will uphold the shared values of humanity, promote the implementation of the Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the GCI, and build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world of lasting peace, universal security and shared prosperity. The public goods provided by China to the international community gather humanity's broadest common understanding of building a beautiful world, bringing prosperity and stability to the world and creating substantive benefits for the people. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed the United Nations' high appreciation for China's firm commitment to multilateralism and support for the GDI, GSI and GCI proposed by Xi, reaffirming the United Nations' strong commitment to deepening cooperation with China. The world today is living through accelerating changes unseen in a century, with frequent regional conflicts and disturbances. Global issues are becoming more acute. All parties need to strengthen dialogue and cooperation, to jointly inject stability and positive energy into the turbulent international situation. China, starting from a righteous position and walking a path of great virtues, will keep working with relevant parties to implement the GDI, GSI and GCI, and resolutely build a community with a shared future for mankind. Dans la meme rubrique : < > Basalt rocks made into national flag carried by Chang'e-6 probe Prospering telemedicine a reflection of China's rapid internet development Beijing Daxing International Airport marks five years of operation Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) English News Small county in E China develops billion-yuan bakery industry Alwihda Info | Par People's Daily - 13 Juin 2024 In recent years, the county has been exploring a cluster-based development approach for its bakery industry. After "Zixi Bread" was approved as a collective brand in 2018, a bakery technology development company was established in the county to advance brand development and operations. By Yang Yanfei, People's Daily A small county inhabited by 100,000 people in east China just created this unbelievable miracle - nurturing over 40,000 bakers in the past 30 years and opening 16,000 bakeries across the country. It boasts a bakery industry whose annual output nears 30 billion yuan ($4.14 billion), and has incubated a series of well-known bakery brands such as Bao's Pastry and Zankee. As a matter of fact, Zixi county in Fuzhou, Jiangxi province, is not very "talented" in developing the bakery industry. It is surrounded by the Dajue Mountain, the western foothills of the Wuyi Mountains. About 80 percent of its land is mountainous terrain. The initial development of the bakery industry in Zixi county relied heavily on the expertise and influence of local skilled individuals. Zhang Xiewang is exactly one of them. Zhang, who once attended relevant skill training sessions organized by the military unit he served in, retired together with his comrade-in-arms Hong Tao in 1987. The two raised about 10,000 yuan and opened the first bakery in Yingtan, Jiangxi province. After weathering the challenges of starting a new business, their venture began to thrive. Therefore, they ventured back to their hometown, carrying their hard-earned capital, to open more bakeries. With their success, friends and relatives began knocking on their doors, seeking experiences of running a successful bakery business. The duo welcomed them wholeheartedly, imparting their knowledge and skills without reservations. In the span of a few years, they had mentored and trained over 100 apprentices, with the parents of Bao Caisheng, founder of the now internet-famous Bao's Pastry, among their first batch of students. Ever since, a strong "bakery force" has been gradually formulated and began venturing into all parts of China. Initially, bakers from Zixi who ventured out primarily operated family-run bakeries, such as husband-and-wife or sibling partnerships, which were relatively easy to establish. However, they subsequently faced a myriad of challenges, including difficulties in securing funding, acquiring baking skills, and generating profits. "For the industry to thrive, going solo is not viable," said Xu Quanlong, who had expanded his bakery business to Hangzhou in Zhejiang province and Kaifeng in Henan province. At the invitation of relevant departments of Zixi county, he returned home and founded a bakery training center, where he has trained over 10,000 bakers to date. Zixi county has taken strategic measures to drive the growth of its bakery industry, including inviting successful entrepreneurs who had ventured out to establish training centers in the county, formulating industry standards, and encouraging financial institutions to provide "bakery loans" and other financial products and services to small and micro businesses. The county has identified the bakery industry as a key driver for developing its local economy. It has even established a dedicated bakery industry development office to systematically implement a series of supportive measures. "In recent years, branded bakery products have become mainstream in the market. To better embrace this trend, we need to concentrate our efforts," said Zeng Changhua, head of the bakery industry development office. In recent years, the county has been exploring a cluster-based development approach for its bakery industry. After "Zixi Bread" was approved as a collective brand in 2018, a bakery technology development company was established in the county to advance brand development and operations. To support brand building, the county holds bakery industry forums, bakery festivals, and other events on a regular basis, promoting new products and facilitating industry exchanges. Building upon its growing reputation, the county established a bakery industrial park. The park has been joined by a meat floss processing plant with a daily output of 100 tons and a premix flour factory with an annual production capacity of 6,000 tons, which are able to serve over 300 bakeries within a 300-kilometer radius. Supporting enterprises producing chocolate, frozen semi-finished goods, and cream have also joined the industrial park. "The cluster-based development approach enables not only efficient supply but also better cost and quality control," Zeng said. "With the ability to improve product quality, we are confident in the development of our brand." Inside the spacious and well-lit standardized factory buildings of the bakery industrial park, workers have designated roles - some shape the dough, others handle slicing. Under the warm golden glow of the ovens, the bread takes on an enticing color. In an office, a large screen divided into 16 sections displays real-time footage from various store locations. Computers store data on ingredients, production, logistics, and sales. "We have a clear record of the circulation of bread right from the production line," said Qian Haihua, general manager of the bakery technology development company. By analyzing sales data feedback from different regions, the company can accurately gauge market trends to guide the next day's production plan and provide basis for product design and development. "The bakery industry sees rapid product renewal. Our company phases out three to five slow-moving products every month," Qian told People's Daily. Leveraging data support, Zixi's bakery industry is pioneering an integrated system integrating online platforms, retail stores, customer services and modern logistics to improve the supply chain and service capabilities through intelligent upgrades. "The bakery business in Zixi has grown from nothing to a big industry. It was initially driven by our fellow townsmen, and later expanded through public services and a conducive institutional environment," said Zeng. "Now, with the bakery industry as a backbone, we aim to explore synergies with organic agricultural production, cultural tourism, and other related industries," Zeng noted. Dans la meme rubrique : < > Basalt rocks made into national flag carried by Chang'e-6 probe Prospering telemedicine a reflection of China's rapid internet development Beijing Daxing International Airport marks five years of operation Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) On October 20, 1921 a Methodist minister Rev. Edwin R. Stephenson was acquitted of killing Catholic priest Rev. James E. Coyle in Birmingham, Alabama. The rather sensational trial centered upon the idea that the priest committed a heinous social crime by marrying the white daughter of Stephenson to a negro man in the Catholic congregation of Coyle. The interracial marriage was argued by the defense legal team of Stephenson to be such a gross breech of racial propriety that Stephenson was justified in killing the priest. Shortly after crying on the stand, Stephenson exclaimed under Hugo Blacks cross-Hxamination what he said to the priest prior to shooting him: You have ruined my home! That man is a Negro. As the lead attorney in the case, Hugo Black, specifically dimmed the lights in the courtroom and reduced the natural lighting in order to parade the Methodist ministers son-in-law, Pedro Guzman (who was Hispanic) in front of the jury. When Guzman walked into the courtroom, he did not know that moments before his father-in-law had accused him of being a negro. A few days later, Guzman wrote a letter to a Birmingham newspaper defending himself against the accusation, saying he had received haircuts from a barber that does not cut negro hair in Birmingham. Stephenson was found not guilty of killing the priest by the jury in a case predicated upon anti-Catholic and anti-black sentiments. The KKK raised funds for the trial and paid for the legal defense of Stephenson led by Hugo Black. The abhorrent breach of justice may be what precipitated Republican president Warren Hardings rhetorical breach of epideictic protocol while in Birmingham a few days later to speak to the segregated audience of over 100,000 people at Woodrow Wilson Park. In a speech that was supposed to be about celebrating the 75th anniversary of Birmingham, the President set down his written remarks to exclaim: When I suggest the possibility of economic equality between the races, I mean it precisely the same way and to the same extent that I would mean it if I spoke of equality of economic opportunity as between members of the same race... I can say to you people of the South, both white and black, that the time has passed when you are entitled to assume that the problem of races is peculiarly and particularly your problem. It is the problem of democracy everywhere, if we mean the things we say about democracy as the ideal political state. Whether you like it or not, our democracy is a lie unless you stand for that equality. His extemporaneous remarks attacking the racist predicates of Birmingham life were immediately denounced by Democratic congressional members as a: a blow to the white civilization of America. Harding had himself been denounced in Ohio as being a n-word during numerous state and national elections. His Ohio father-in-law forbade his daughter from marrying a black man. She failed to follow his expectation. In 2015, the New York Times was pleased to report that based upon genetic testing, Harding was not in fact black. Hugo Black formally joined the KKK in 1923. This came two years after the trial where he demonized a Puerto Rican man as being a negro, thereby justifying the murder of a priest for conducting the integrated marriage of Edwin Stephenson's daughter. This would all be a rather obscure historical matter bur for Franklin Roosevelts nomination of Black to the Supreme Court in 1937. FDR was also the vice-presidential candidate for the Democrats in the 1920 election where the Republican Harding was argued to be unqualified to be President since he was black. After a rather rushed confirmation by the Senate in 1937, it was discovered that Black was a member of the KKK and had in fact received a prestigious lifetime membership from the group. While vacationing in Europe after swearing in as a justice, he returned to an angry American public that asked whether he should resign his post as justice in light of his membership in such a prejudicial organization. Black refused to step down despite widespread congressional and public protest. His ascendancy and now hagiography in the Court is indicative of the absurd ideological distortions surrounding Democratic Party politics in the United States with regard to anti-black racism. Black was given a black Court messenger, a Jewish subordinate, and two Catholic subordinates to work for him at the Court. Though the Court never had a history of announcing the race and religion of employees, they produced much fanfare in revealing these diverse employees for Black. All of this seemed to be orchestrated to convince the public that Black was far beyond his KKK intellectual roots in Birmingham. Hugo Black explained to the New York Times how the public misunderstood the nature of the KKK in 1967 after being on the Supreme Court for 30 years: The Klan in those days was not what it became later. There were a few extremists in it, but most of the people were the cream of Birminghams middle-class. It was a fraternal organization, really. It wasnt anti-Catholic, anti-Jewish, or anti-Negro. In fact, it was a Jew, my closest friend, Herman Beck, who asked me to join, and said they needed good people in the Klan. He couldnt be in it, of course, but he wanted to keep down the few extremists. Blacks outrageous lies and rationalizations in 1967 about the misunderstood good character of the KKK is typical of the romanticism and historiography surrounding the Democratic Partys inceptional role in creating anti-blackness as a uniquely violent institution in the 20th century. Despite the hagiography that continues to venerate Justice Black as a great champion of civil rights, Blacks most important contributions to the Court were: 1) his authorship of the Korematsu majority opinion rationalizing the internment of Japanese Americans and 2) his championing of the anti-religious dogma of a wall separating church and state. In the 1944 Korematsu case, writing for the Supreme Court majority, Justice Black explained that: all legal restrictions which curtail the civil rights of a single racial group are immediately suspect and subject to tests of "the most rigid scrutiny, not all such restrictions are inherently unconstitutional. Pressing public necessity, he wrote, "may sometimes justify the existence of such restrictions; racial antagonism never can. Black was able to rationalize one of the most profoundly unjust decisions of the 20th-century Court. It fit perfectly well with the political world as envisioned by the KKK. His second major contribution was the distortive notion of Jeffersons wall separating church and state. His 1947 opinion in Everson explained: The First Amendment has erected a wall between church and state. That wall must be kept high and impregnable. We could not approve the slightest breach. New Jersey has not breached it here. This doctrine was promoted by Black in more than a dozen Supreme Court decisions and remains one of the most popular misconceptions today held fiercely by secular intellectuals as a reactionary tool for screening religious life out of our public sphere. Black posited that the State was continually threatened by an overwhelming violent force of Christian sectarianism and only his interpretation of the separation doctrine could save the ever-vulnerable federal government. This fierce attachment and development over roughly a dozen cases would lead the Supreme Court to try to curtail the metaphor after his death in 1971 by acknowledging that it was inherently hostile to religion. Many intellectual leaders have ignored that conclusion offered by the Court since the 1980s. The absurd pretense surrounding the jurisprudence of Hugo Black is one of thousands of symptomatic examples wherein the political ideology of the Democratic Party is rewritten to reflect the idea that FDR, Wilson, Black and others were bending the arc of American history toward justice. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is this symptom of epistemic betrayal that lies at the heart of current national frustrations in politics. It is critical to reassess the absurdities of American history in order to understand the truly patriotic goodness that is America. Dr. Ben Voth is a professor of rhetoric and director of debate at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. His most recent book -- The Presidential Rhetoric of Woodrow Wilson, Warren Harding, and Calvin Coolidge: The Centennial of the Modern American Presidency -- examines racial controversies surrounding the American presidency. Image: Library of Congress In February, I predicted that it cant be Joe Biden representing the Democrat party in November, and that he would be replaced sometime in the summer before the Democratic National Convention. The day before that article was published (but after I had written it), the Robert Hur investigation report dropped, in which Biden was described by the special investigator as a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory. I honestly wondered at the time if that revelation would make the subject of my article somewhat moot. On top of the points made in the article, such as four-in-five Americans thinking hes too old to run for a second term and his horrifyingly bad polling on the most pressing voter issues like the economy, immigration, and crime, Biden had just been deemed by his own DOJ as too mentally unfit to stand trial over his having illegally taken and stored classified documents. Theres no way that they could continue the charade of pretending that the DNC would still intend to have him on the presidential ticket in November, I thought. But here we are, several months later, still pretending that Biden will be on the ticket in November. And the old man isnt getting any better, folks. The glitches are getting worse, whether hes wandering away from world leaders at the G-7 or rambling more incoherently than ever. Such recent displays led Steve Forbes to recently suggest that the continued, painfully obvious mental decline of our commander-in-chief has revived widespread public speculation of his withdrawing. And though they stopped for a while, even Democrats are noticing and making similar comments again. As his polling just hit all-time lows at polling guru Nate Silvers website, FiveThirtyEight, the pollster suggested on X that Biden should finally consider dropping out. Dropping out would be a big risk, he says, but theres some threshold below which continuing to run is a bigger risk. Whats clearer to him, he says, is that Democrats would have been better served if Biden had decided a year ago not to seek a second term, which would have allowed them to have some semblance of a primary process and give voters a say among the many popular Democrats across the country. Anyone paying attention in 2016 and 2020 knows how little Democrats care about giving voters a say in the primary process. As the Party has veered ever-leftward while prioritizing radical environmentalism, intersectionality, and a general Marxist economic disposition and disdain for this country and its history, the primary process in recent years has yielded a commanding advantage to hard-left socialists like Bernie Sanders as the crowded field of moderate candidates vied for the political center during the Democrat primaries. To put it bluntly, neither octogenarian Bernie Sanders nor shrill socialist Elizabeth Warren would play in Peoria, or any of the vital swing states for that matter, and the DNCs awareness of that fact is ostensibly why they underhandedly rigged the 2016 and 2020 primaries against Bernie Sanders in the first place. And hard-lined leftists like Sanders or Warren would have had a huge opportunity with an open primary in 2024, not only because moderate Democrats are disaffected with current leadership, but because there is an absolute dearth of popular Democrats to pick up the Democrat baton. Who, after all, are the many popular Democrats that Nate Silver imagines Democrats to have on the bench? Gavin Newsom? California is a failing state at the moment, having gone from a $100 billion surplus after federal COVID stimulus to a $73 billion deficit in just two years. It is currently enduring an unprecedented homelessness crisis while also experiencing an exodus of high-income taxpayers. Meanwhile, it is welcoming illegal aliens and unskilled laborers who benefit from Californias ambitious welfare state. Pete Buttigieg was once another name sometimes mentioned as a possible replacement for Biden in 2024, hilariously. After being the mayor of South Bend, Indiana, he ran for president in 2020 on the strength of his being an articulate gay man. While he saw some early success in 2020, he now holds the distinction of being the only Secretary of the Department of Transportation to have taken several months of paternity leave without his spouse having actually endured birthing a child amid a massive supply-chain interruption, a toxic train derailment in Ohio, and a wayward ship destroying a vital bridge in Baltimore, all while overseeing a $7.5 billion initiative which, after 3 years, has yielded exactly seven electric vehicle charging stations. Oh, and if you think black voters are defecting to Trump at a quick pace now, try putting Buttigieg at the top of the ticket and see how that shakes out. Kamala Harris represents a different kind of problem. Shes not genuine, and shes wildly unlikeable. Theres really not more to it beyond that, and her campaign for the presidency fizzled out long before a primary vote was even cast in 2020. And despite her checking several boxes for social credibility as a black and South Asian woman, she would arguably be a practical downgrade from Biden, if thats possible. Democrats arent interested in an electoral catastrophe with either Biden or Harris at the top of the ticket in November, any more today than they were in February. But I believe there is a reason that Biden is still the ostensible frontrunner that lots of people are still pretending will actually be on the ticket in November. And thats because it benefits the DNC to not pull the plug on Bidens campaign just yet, and to have everyone pretend for a little while longer, allowing the old man and his family to absorb all the slings and arrows spent by the opposition as long as possible, ideally right up until the Democratic National Convention in August. There is incredible value in such deception and creating this political fog of war. All warfare is based on deception, according to Sun Tzu, and a smart general will: Set up decoys and feign confusion, and give the enemy the impression we are about to quit our position. Then select our elite mounted troops, and send them on ahead into enemy territory under a cloak of silence. Everyone watching Biden is certainly confused about what Democrats are doing. Greg Gutfeld, in what seems like a moment of exasperation while talking to Marie Harf on the June 12 episode of The Five, said that hed actually rather vote for Hunter Biden than Joe Biden: At least Hunter Biden has a brain. Joe Biden you cannot believe for a second that Joe Biden is gonna be the nominee. You look at him. You saw him on at the Juneteenth thing [Harf interrupts, saying 100%, he will be the nominee] He can barely speak! Yet all the energetic attacks by conservative media and pundits, not to mention millions and millions of dollars of RNC attack ads, are directed at this decaying decoy that is being strategically placed in front of our eyes. It certainly appears that Democrats are ready to give up their position by running Joe Biden in November, and losing the election. But I dont believe it. Its still hard to imagine that Biden wont drop out of the race just before the convention in late August. I expect that hell cite a need to focus on family, particularly given his sons criminal trials, and will bow out. He can then pardon Hunter before leaving office. To capitalize on the ruse, however, Democrats have very few elite mounted troops to deploy. But arguably, there are two. Michelle Obama might qualify, but the going wisdom suggests that shes not interested. Ive never truly counted her out, though. Replacing Joe and passing over Kamala as a black woman will carry a bit of outrage that Michelle Obamas nomination would easily overcome. However, Michelle Obama has never governed or served in any political office, and besides being put in high-paying make-work jobs (her job earning $317,000 as a diversity consultant before becoming first lady doesnt count), she has no previous experience suggesting executive leadership. But there is a candidate that few are talking about, and who is well-positioned to replace Biden. And that candidate would be J.B. Pritzker, Democrat governor of Illinois. Hes been on the shortlist of Biden replacements in the past. In 2023, Shia Kapos at Politico called him the Dems Secret Weapon. As New York Magazine noted in 2023, its lost on no one that if Biden were to step aside and Kamala Harris were to falter, Pritzker would be without equal in his ability to fund a last-second campaign. He has also been vocal on the Dobbs decision and abortion, which Democrats believe to be a winning issue for them at the moment, and was providing early advice to Biden to go out, every day, every day, to tell constituents that We are working to protect women however, wherever we can. Is it a coincidence that the New York Times is heralding him as leading his partys attack on Trump as a felon? Maybe. But hed certainly be a strong foil to Donald Trump, and if Ive figured that out, so has the DNC. Hes rich, and has executive experience. Hes also articulate, and can play to the political center. And perhaps most beneficial of all in this moment, he is unknown enough that the low-information woke-socialist-Hamasniks wouldnt have the time to gather ammunition to attack heavily from within the party tent, and the opposition would have precious little time or resources in planning their attacks against him because the Republicans would only have two months to do so. And by that time, the RNC will have spent untold energy and treasure chasing around a dementia-ridden old man and his corrupt family. Now, if the notion that Biden will be replaced this summer sounds crazy to you, tell me-- does it sound any crazier than Democrats letting a clearly dementia-ridden Joe Biden continue to glitch out on the campaign trail all the way to a November defeat? Image: Gage Skidmore, via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 2.0 Flash A woman protests during an anti-G7 manifestation at Fasano, Apulia in southern Italy, June 14, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Jing) The Group of Seven (G7) Summit concluded on Saturday with member countries each having their own strategic considerations, which makes the next steps uncertain. During the drafting process, the joint communique issued on Friday afternoon sparked intense debates and disagreements among the G7 members. RUBBER CHEQUE According to the communique, the group has reached a deal to use the interest of frozen Russian assets to finance around 50 billion U.S. dollars of loan for Ukraine. On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the measure as "theft" and vowed that it would not go unpunished. Previously, the group has been long divided over how such a plan could be outlined. The details of the loan deal were still not clear, which could take months in the following negotiations. The United States also signed a security deal with Ukraine during the summit, but analysts told Xinhua that the agreement could be undone before its terms run out. That could be key, since U.S. President Joe Biden faces a tough election battle later this year against former President Donald Trump, whose support for the Ukrainian cause is not as strong as Biden's. DECLINING INFLUENCE Leaders from over 10 other countries were invited to attend the summit, including emerging economies such as India, South Africa and Brazil. According to Alberto Bradanini, chairman of the Contemporary China Study Center in Italy, G7, especially the United States, perceives itself in decline. "A minority of nations (G7) represents no more than 10 percent of the world population, with stagnant economies and lower growth rates than emerging countries. Their pathological claims are more evident than ever," said Bradanini. "Inviting only a few of the BRICS (the acronym for an emerging-market cooperative mechanism that initially includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) countries to the G7 summit was a big mistake," Vito Petrocelli, the president of Italy BRICS Institute, told Xinhua in a written interview, "In this way, the West made it clear that it is interested in souring relations between BRICS rather than in real collaboration with them." The agenda of the G7 is a succession of impromptu measures, said Petrocelli, adding that every time their actions harm the rules such as free markets they promote. A woman walks past the banner of the Group of Seven (G7) summit at the media center in Bari, Apulia Region, Italy, June 12, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Jing) DIVIDED ALLIANCE Days ago was the 2024 European Parliament Election, during which German and French governing parties suffered a heavy setback: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democratic Party saw its record low in votes during the election. French President Emmanuel Macron had to take the risk of calling new legislative elections after suffering losses to the far-right opposition. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a snap general election for July 4 last month, as the Conservative Party faces an uphill battle to extend its 14 years in power. Canada's Justin Trudeau, who has been involved in a series of scandals, will likely host next year's edition of the G7 summit amid a difficult electoral campaign. In Japan, Fumio Kishida has seen his approval levels fall to a historic low of just 16 percent. However, last week, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's arch-conservative Brothers of Italy group upped its share of the vote to 29 percent in the European parliamentary election, boosting her standing both at home and abroad, which made Meloni boast that Italy "had the strongest government in the G7." Oreste Massari, a professor of political science at Rome's Sapienza University, told Xinhua that Meloni's rise is due to an overall rise in the fortunes of right-wing and nationalist parties across Europe and beyond. Meloni pushes priorities important in Italy, including migration and African issues. "Mattei Plan," the Italian official project, was promoted by Meloni during her talks with President Biden, aiming to reshape Italy's strategy towards the African continent. DISPUTES ON AI, ABORTION The communique mentioned that the group will promote "safe, secure, and trustworthy AI," vowing to step up efforts to enhance interoperability among AI governance approaches. Stressing the impact of AI on the military domain, the group said military use of AI should be ensured to be responsible. But so far they have differed on how to do so. According to widespread media reports, the European countries in the G7 favor tighter regulations, while the United States favors an approach using markets. Leaders seem to have postponed making definitive decisions on a rulebook regarding the topic until their next summit in Canada next year. Abortion emerged as one of the key contentious issues among member states, with France and Canada taking a progressive stance, while Italy's rightwing Meloni advocated for a more conservative approach. While last year's G7 summit in Japan did include a commitment to ensuring safe and legal access to abortion, it is noteworthy that this year's final communique did not mention the word "abortion" at all. An October surprise is coming, and earlier than October. Joe Biden -- presuming hes still the Democrats nominee -- needs a big game changer. His approval rating is sliding south. Early voting -- thats legal early voting, for you blue state denizens -- makes an August or September surprise worth watching for. Every four years, theres lively speculation about what a president and his party will hatch to swing votes their way. Theres a lot that can happen here at home, but a crisis with Russia might be in the offing. Maybe something on the magnitude of the Missiles of October. In fact, the wheels appear to be grinding that way. Suspected American involvement in Ukraines 2004-05 Orange Revolution ramped up tensions with Russia. Prior to that, a string of broken promises starting with James Baker -- the elder Bushs secretary of state -- fueled Russian worries. The broken promises? Pledges to Moscow that NATO wouldnt move east. As the National Interest reported in December 2017: Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev was given a host of assurances that the NATO alliance would not expand past what was then the East German border in 1990 according to new declassified documents. Long story short, troubles have been brewing with Moscow for years. Lately, tensions have risen higher, and in a dangerous way. The U.S. and NATO are losing their proxy war with Russia in Ukraine. Thats prompted the White House to greenlight Ukrainian strikes at targets inside Russia. Zelenskyy has complied. The initial strikes have all the earmarks of U.S. direction. The attacks signal that the U.S. will not accept a resolution to the Ukraine war on anything but its terms. It appears that Washington is glad to flirt with brinkmanship to have its way. Its steadfastly eschewed talks with Russia toward closing out this bloody and destructive affair. The spin from Washington, per Victoria Nuland, the former under-secretary for political affairs, made the case for another forever war: So, the goal of the U.S. strategy has been to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position, militarily, economically, and politically, so that it can go to the negotiating table from a position of strength when it is ready [snip] But theres another consideration. Is it merely a coincidence that fresh tensions have been instigated with Russia as U.S. voters prepare to decide the most consequential presidential election since 1860? Or is Washington provoking a crisis with Russia to rally voters to Biden and Democrats this autumn? Might a full-blown crisis be viewed as insurance against Trump beating the cheat? Why do the attacks point to a burgeoning crisis? From Newsweek, May 28: Russia's nuclear ballistic missile early warning radar network has emerged as a key target of long-range Ukrainian strikes, with three facilities having now been attacked by Kyiv's drones in the past two months. What bearing do these strikes have on the conduct and outcome of the ground war in Ukraine, other than Washington demonstrating that to save its proxy, its willing to start a high-stakes game of chicken? Are the attacks happening now designed solely to force Putin to stand down or bait him? Does Washington want an overreaction from Putin? To date, Putin hasnt overreacted. But he isnt sitting by idly. In early June, he began countering the strikes on his countrys early warning radar with a specific threat. From the Telegraph, June 6: [The] Russian president said Kyivs use of weapons from its Western backers in attacks on Russia marks their direct involvement in the Ukraine war. If they consider it possible to deliver such weapons to the combat zone to launch strikes on our territory and create problems for us, why dont we have the right to supply weapons of the same type to some regions of the world where they can be used to launch strikes on sensitive facilities of the countries that do it to Russia? he asked. We will think about it. Delivering arms to a warzone is always bad. Even more so if those who are delivering are not just delivering weapons but also controlling them, he said, repeating accusations that Western military advisers are helping to programme long-range missiles like the Storm Shadow for attacks against Russian targets. It was not immediately clear which regions or allies Putin was referring to, but Russia has close ties to the regimes in Iran, Syria and North Korea, and has been courting several countries in Africa. But Putin isnt relying on words alone. Per the Tampa Times, June 12: Last week, Moscow sent three ships and a nuclear-powered submarine to the Caribbean for what U.S. officials say will be a set of extensive military air and naval exercises -- the first of their kind in at least five years. The drills began Tuesday in the Atlantic, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement, with its hypersonic-capable frigate and nuclear-capable submarine simulating a strike on a group of enemy ships. It is unclear whether the frigate is armed with hypersonic missiles, but the U.S. intelligence community has assessed that none of the Russian vessels are carrying nuclear weapons. The Biden administration ordered U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships to shadow the Russian task force. Washingtons determination to strike hard at the Russian homeland through Ukraine is barely concealed. D.C. elites have a lot riding on defeating the Russians. Biden and the defense/foreign affairs establishment lost plenty of face with the Afghanistan debacle. But winning in Ukraine is more than a face-saving exercise. Its about forcing change in Russia. Defense and foreign affairs experts will claim this is necessary to maintain a rules-based international order. But, preeminently, its about exerting U.S. hegemony. Safeguarding democracy and maintaining international order looks nice on paper, but since the end of WWII, the U.S. playing the worlds policeman has cost the nation a lot in blood and treasure. Though both are aspects of U.S. foreign policy, they arent the only -- or primary -- reasons for U.S. power projection. Since the Cold War ended, the U.S. has enjoyed unipolarity, which simply means lone global dominance. That status has brought many benefits. A generation of dominance has spoiled D.C. elites. They dont intend to surrender it easily. Russia is expected to come to heel. But unipolarity is exceptional historically and cannot be sustained indefinitely. The future is multipolar. Adjustments over time need to be made. There are other, crasser reasons for the U.S. and its NATO allies confronting Russia. The Russian Federation is a vast land containing an estimated $75 trillion in mostly untapped natural resources. Access to those resources are coveted in the West. The Ukraine war is regarded as an important means of degrading Putins grip on power. Follow the money. For D.C. elites, Russias looming victory in Ukraine is unacceptable. The brinkmanship that Washington is instigating may be a reaction to Russian success only. But a crisis that coincides with the autumn presidential election may prove too tempting to resist. Never let a crisis go to waste, they say. Or when theres no crisis handy, why not create one when necessary? The nation is run by cynical, self-serving, and corrupt people. Dont put anything past them. J. Robert Smith can be found at Gab, @JRobertSmith. He blogs occasionally at Flyover . Hes returned to X. His handle there is @JRobertSmith1. Image: PickPik One of the big lies in todays world is that the Jews are white supremacist colonizers, while the people in Gaza and the West Bank are the regions indigenous inhabitants. In fact, the contrary is true. Jews long predated Muslims in the region, as described in the Bible. Now, theres more evidence that Isaiah, 2 Kings, and 2 Chronicles all accurately describe the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem 2,700 years ago. During the reign of Hezekiah of Judah in Jerusalem and Sennacherib in Assyria, the mighty Assyrian kingdom attacked Jerusalem (around 701 BC). We know it happened because of a clay prism from Nineveh, Assyrias one-time capital, describing a great victory there. However, we also know of it because of the Bible, which describes a huge Assyrian loss rather than a victory. Here are the key points (for purposes of this post) from 2 Chronicles chapter 32. The story picks up after the prophet Isaiah told Hezekiah that he must have the kingdom clean up its act and live again by Gods word: Image: The Exterminating Angel Vanquishing the Army of Sennacherib by Antonio Tempesta, 1613. National Gallery of Art. Sennacherib king of Assyria came and invaded Judah. He laid siege to the fortified cities, intending to conquer them for himself. When Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib had come to make war against Jerusalem, 3he consulted with his leaders and commanders about stopping up the waters of the springs outside the city, and they helped him carry it out. [snip] Then Hezekiah worked resolutely to rebuild all the broken sections of the wall and to raise up towers on it. He also built an outer wall and reinforced the supporting terraces of the City of David, and he produced an abundance of weapons and shields. Hezekiah appointed military commanders over the people and gathered the people in the square of the city gate. [snip] Later, as Sennacherib king of Assyria and all his forces besieged Lachish, he sent his servants to Jerusalem with a message for King Hezekiah of Judah and all the people of Judah who were in Jerusalem [snip] Then the Assyrians called out loudly in Hebrew to the people of Jerusalem who were on the wall, to frighten and terrify them in order to capture the city. [snip] In response, King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz cried out to heaven in prayer, and the LORD sent an angel who annihilated every mighty man of valor and every leader and commander in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he withdrew to his own land in disgrace. And when he entered the temple of his god, some of his own sons struck him down with the sword. Good military preparation, faith in God, and divine help won the day for the Jews. Note, especially, the fact that the text says that the Assyrians besieged Lachish, west of Jerusalem. So, which version is correct? Was Sennacherib victorious or was there a mass troop die-off? Both Berosus, a Babylonian historian, and Herodotus, the Greek historian, believed the Biblical version, which they ascribed to a plague. Indeed, Herodotus noted the prevalence of mice (rats?) in the camp. Given that the Jews prevented the Assyrians from having fresh water and that traveling troops are plague vectors, it seems possible that, whether through an angel or a bacterium, the Assyrian troops really did die en masse. All of those, though, are tales. Now, however, theres hard evidence of a giant Assyrian encampment at Lachish. Stephen Compton, an archeologist, contends that he has found proof that the Assyrian army under Sennacherib besieged Jerusalem just as the Bible describes: A peer-reviewed paper in the prestigious journal Near Eastern Archaeology reports the first-ever discoveries of ancient Assyrian military camps. Created circa 700 BC during military conquests across the Middle East, they mark the expansion of the Assyrian Empire, which became the prototype for the subsequent Persian, Greek, and Roman empires. The initial discovery came from a scene carved into the stone walls of the Assyrian King Sennacheribs palace commemorating his conquest of Lachish, a city to the south of Jerusalem. Matching the landscape in this image to features of the actual landscape (using early aerial photographs of Lachish prior to modern development) created a virtual map to the site of Sennacheribs camp. This led to ruins similar in size and shape to the camp in Sennacheribs relief. An archaeological survey of the site found no evidence of human habitation for 2600 years, followed by pottery sherds from the exact time of Sennacheribs invasion of Lachish, after which it was again abandoned for centuries. Moreover, the ancient Arabic name for the ruins was Khirbet al Mudawwara, The Ruins of the Camp of the Invading Ruler. The article from which I quoted has pictures of the stone panels in Sennacheribs palace showing his military camp at Lachish, a 1940s photo of the landscape that matches the stone panels, 2,700-year-old ruins, and an early aerial photo of Jerusalem showing fortifications outside the city. These items all converge inexorably on the fact that the Bible accurately records the Assyrian siege, including the steps Hezekiah took to fortify Jerusalem. One doesnt have to believe in God to be awed by the Bible, whether as a profound moral treatise that provides an infallible guide for a thriving culture or as an accurate history covering the Ancient World up to the early years of the Roman Empire. This accuracy explains why the people in Gaza and the West Bank, whenever they stumble across ancient ruins, destroy them as quickly as possible, for they prove, irrefutably, the Jews ties to the land and the Muslim role as invader, destroyer, and colonizer of an ancient and continuous indigenous Jewish nation and culture. It is a serious crime to interfere with a federal investigation, and it seems that Mike Zwonitzer, Joe Bidens ghostwriter, has admitted on the record that he did so. However, to no ones surprise, AG Merrick Garlands Justice Department seems uninterested in this possible crime. The big irony is that Zwonitzers apparent wrongdoing seems to have violated 18 U.S.C. 1512, which is the same statute that the Garland DOJ has been abusing to put January 6 defendants in prison. There are two threads here. The first thread is that the Supreme Court is currently reviewing whether Garlands DOJ has been wrongfully indicting January 6 defendants under 18 U.S.C. 1512(c)(2). To date, hundreds of them have been convicted via trials or plea bargains based on these charges. The problem with the indictments and convictions is that the DOJ grossly abused the statutory language to use it against the J6 defendants. If you read the whole statute beginning with its title (Tampering with a witness, victim, or an informant), it manifestly refers to people interfering with an ongoing federal investigation. However, because the statute, in subsection (c)(2), uses the phrase official proceeding, the DOJ claimed that it also applied to congressional proceedings. Image: Mark Zwonitzer. YouTube screen grab. Ive covered in some detail here why the Supreme Court must reverse the charges and why Jack Smith should be indicted under subsection (c)(2), so I wont rehash all that. Suffice it to say that the Supreme Court would have to strain mightily to accept the DOJs interpretation. For purposes of this post, however, subsection (c)(1) is pertinent: (c) Whoever corruptly (1) alters, destroys, mutilates, or conceals a record, document, or other object, or attempts to do so, with the intent to impair the objects integrity or availability for use in an official proceeding... [snip] shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both. So, thats thread one: If you destroy...a record, document, or other object...with the intent to impair the objects...availability for use in an official proceeding, you face a prison sentence of up to 20 years. Thats serious stuff. Heres thread two, which is that Bidens ghostwriter, Mike Zwonitzer, admitted to the FBI that he deliberately destroyed recordings of his interviews with Joe Bidenand he did so knowing that they were currently relevant to an official proceeding. Indeed, it appears that part of his motivation in destroying the recordings was to keep them from that same proceeding: It has been revealed that Joe Bidens ghostwriter admitted to deleting audio recordings from interviews with the president at least in part because of special counsel Robert Hurs investigation into whether he mishandled classified documents after leaving the Obama administration. During an interview with the Federal Bureau of Investigation last year, Mike Zwonitzer said he wouldnt say how much of his decision to delete the recordings was motivated by the fact that an investigation had been launched, but noted that getting rid of audio files after using them was something I do as a rule anyways. [snip] Im not going to say how much of the percentage it was of my motivation, Zwonitzer replied, adding, I was aware that there was an investigation. He went on to note that he was very concerned about being hacked by those who would then spread the audio all over the internet, but said that was mainly because there was a lot of personal stuff and emotional stuff about Beau, Bidens late son. He said out of an abundance of caution, he took the audio files subfolder from both the G drive and [his] laptop, and slid them into the trash. Zwonitzer noted that deleting audio files was standard practice, and not just something he did in Bidens case, saying, I generally save transcripts but I havent over the years ever saved audios. He went on to admit he deleted the files after becoming aware of the investigation, and that after doing so, he didnt tell anyone, nor did nobody reach out to him asking about it. The fact that this was Zwonitzers standard practice should be irrelevant. He knew that the recordings were part of an ongoing federal investigation. Moreover, to the extent he couldnt just deny that the investigation factored into his decision, he seems to have admitted that he was moved in part by a desire to keep information from the investigators. Usually, that kind of admission is enough for the DOJ to move in. Thus, if the DOJ and the FBI actually took federal law seriously, its likely that Zwontizer would already have been indicted. Indeed, under the Garland standard, he should have been subject to a 4 a.m. armed raid, marched off to prison in his underwear and chains, and then tried and convicted with a long prison sentence. Of course, Im not holding my breath. We learned within minutes of Biden taking office that there are two sets of laws in America: Trump supporters are guilty, no matter the facts or the law, while Democrats and their allies (anarchists, antisemites, violent criminals) are always innocent. But still, we should at least know that another Democrat is getting a pass. There are several primary firearm action types: Lever action: the traditional rifles of western movies. Pump action: more common to shotguns than rifles. Semiautomatic: actions operated primarily by recoil or gas and used in pistols, rifles and shotguns. Revolvers: handguns and some replica carbines. Bolt action: common in high-powered rifles, but also found in some specialized pistols. All may be found in virtually any gun shop, and each action type is more than a century old. Circa June 2024, Semiautomatic handguns and rifles are the most common, usual and popular action types in America, and bolt action and lever action rifles are commonly used for hunting and long-range target shooting. These various action types have some differences in accuracy and magazine capacity, and semiautomatic actions tend to allow more rapid repeat shots than the other action types, though that difference is slight for those practiced in other action types. Revolvers, for instance, can be fired as fast as semiautomatic pistols, though they commonly have less magazine capacity and take a few seconds longer to reload. Democrats/socialists/communists (D/s/cs) are masters are warping language to support their narratives. In 1988 Josh Sugarmann accidently said the quiet part out loud: The publics confusion over fully-automatic machine guns versus semi-automatic assault weapons anything that looks like a machine gun is presumed to be a machine gun can only increase the chance of public support for restrictions on these weapons. There is no such thing as an assault weapon, a term invented and applied to semiautomatic rifles like the AR-15 as part of Sugarmanns approach to deceiving Americans, an approach D/s/cs have gladly adopted, and in the case of a Congresswoman from Georgia, recently resurrected: Graphic: Youtube screenshot. Last week, in celebration of Gun Violence Awareness Month, Democrat U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath introduced HR 8600, the Gas-Operated Semi-Automatic Firearms Exclusion Act (GOSAFE), in the House. [skip] The GOSAFE Act honors our constitutional rights while keeping dangerous weapons out of the hands of those who should not have them, McBath said in a press release announcing the measure. I thank Senator Heinrich and our partners for their support in bringing about this common-sense piece of legislation. The American people deserve to live free, healthy lives safe from the horror of gun violencethis is an important step in making that a reality. It's difficult to know precisely what portion of the American firearm market is semiautomatic. Best estimates place that number at between 50-60%. thegunzone.com/what-percent-of-firearms-are-semi-automatic/ However, its clear a larger portion than that dominates the contemporary handgun market. In the modern sporting rifle categoryAR-15s and similar riflessemiautomatic actions are almost certainly more dominant. What McBaths legislation intends is nothing less than banning most of the handgun, a significant portion of the rifle, and significant portions of the American shotgun markets. This would be problematic in that the Supreme Courts Heller, McDonald and Bruen decisions have made clear the weapons in common, usual use among Americans are prima facie constitutional. Graphic: Glock 17 semiautomatic pistol. Author. The most common, usual contemporary handgun action type? Semiautomatics. AR-15s and other similar rifles are the most common and usual modern sporting rifles in America. Why then would anyone try to ban such firearms? As weapons of war have become commonplace in America, so has the unfathomable carnage they wreak on our communities, said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety We applaud Representative McBath for introducing innovative legislation that would regulate assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, which are capable of creating devastating destruction in an instant. Long guns of every type are used in only a tiny portion of crimes, and AR-15 type rifles are used, despite hysterical headlines, in a tiny portion of that tiny portion. In 2022, rifles of all types were involved in only 2.82% of all murders. Handguns, because of their relatively easy concealability, are used far more often in all manner of crimes. Obviously if one is truly concerned about improving public safety, banning semiautomatic handguns, the most common and usual action type, might have some effect, except Americans would simply return to an older, proven technology: revolvers. And theres that annoying Constitution with its Second Amendment securing the rest of the Bill of Rights in the way of McBaths good intentions. Then again, were one truly interested in improving public safety, perhaps not depleting, harassing, and prosecuting the police might have some positive effect. One might go so far as reinstating bail, or even prosecuting violent criminals who use any weapon in the commission of their crimes. To really extend the argument, judges might even convict criminals and sentence them to prison where they cant harm innocents. Such things are seemingly impossible in our democracy. In our representative republic? That could be a different story. Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor. The Palestinian Authority (P.A.)s Pay for Slay program is a deeply disturbing initiative that incentivizes violence against Jewish Israelis. This program, which constitutes 8% of the P.A.s budget, offers substantial monetary rewards to Palestinians who murder Israelis. The more lethal the attack, the greater the financial reward to the terrorists families. This practice, which costs the P.A. over $300 million annually, not only perpetuates violence, but also diminishes any prospects for peace in the region. Recently, a bipartisan group of 50 members of Congress, led by Congressman Josh Gottheimer, wrote to U.S. secretary of state Antony Blinken, urging the State Department to negotiate an end to this heinous program. They highlighted the P.A.s continued support for terrorism and emphasized that as long as the P.A. pays its citizens to murder civilians, it will not benefit from the support of U.S. taxpayers. This appeal has not been heeded. In fact, the Biden administration has been pressuring Israel to accept a Palestinian state in Gaza headed by the P.A. instead of Hamas. What they fail to point out is that the P.A.s Fatah terrorist organization is no less deadly than Hamas and has consistently supported Hamass October 7 massacre of 1,200 Israeli civilians, while calling for more. Despite international condemnation and legislative efforts such as the Taylor Force Act, which prohibits U.S. assistance to the West Bank directly benefiting the P.A., the Pay for Slay program persists. In January 2023, following a Palestinian terrorist attack that killed seven people in a Jerusalem synagogue, celebrations erupted in the West Bank and Gaza. Palestinians handed out sweets, played festive music, and lit fireworks in a grotesque display of support for the atrocity. Similar celebrations were seen on October 7. The P.A., however, remains resolute in its commitment to funding the families of these so-called martyrs. The P.A. is not only morally reprehensible, but also strategically detrimental to peace efforts. As the most consistent direct funder of terrorism, it reinforces a culture of violence and martyrdom, making it clear that the two-state solution would give it a legally recognized base from which to attack Israel. The Palestinian leaderships refusal to condemn the acts of Hamas-Fatah terror, coupled with its financial support for all the perpetrators, reveals a blatant disregard for peace and stability in the region. The global community, particularly the United States, must hold the P.A. accountable for its actions. The recent push by Congress to address the Pay for Slay program is a step in the right direction. However, more decisive action is needed. The Biden administration must leverage its unique position to pressure the P.A. into abolishing this abhorrent practice. Failure to do so only emboldens those who seek to perpetuate violence and undermines efforts to achieve a lasting peace. The world must recognize that as long as the P.A. continues to reward terrorism, true peace will remain elusive. It is imperative that the international community, led by the United States, demand an end to the Pay for Slay program. This is not just about protecting Israeli lives; it is about upholding the principles of justice and human dignity. The P.A.s continued support for terrorism must be met with unwavering opposition from all who seek peace in the Middle East. David Rubin is a former mayor of Shiloh, Israel, and author of Trump and the Jews. He is an expert on Israeli politics and Middle Eastern affairs, frequently speaking out on issues related to terrorism, peace, and security in the region. He and his son were victims of a terror attack that nearly took the life of his son. Afterward, David founded the Shiloh, Israel Childrens Fund. Image via Pexels. Does California's Gov. Gavin Newsom ever stop talking about his state's "climate leadership"? And were a state that at our best not always but at our best, we believe the world, in many respects, looks to us to see that its possible to live together and advance together across many imaginable differences. And that that absolutely is the case when it comes to the issue of addressing the crisis of our time in climate change. ... We look forward to maintaining our position of leadership. And we look forward to all of us bringing into our positions of formal authority, the moral authority that is needed and demands of this time. Had enough? That's what Newsom pontificated to Pope Francis last month on a junket to the Vatican and then placed on his gubernatorial website. That's ironic. Today's San Diego Union-Tribune has a hit-it-out-of-the-ballpark editorial on Newsom's (and Joe Biden's) much-touted "climate leadership." It begins: By any objective standard, the southern coast of San Diego County is enduring a long-running environmental nightmare. Decades of billions of gallons of untreated human waste flowing north from broken sewage infrastructure in Tijuana have sickened a vast number of surfers and swimmers and many Navy SEALs training at Coronado. Especially because of ailments reported by border agents, some doctors worry that the health threat goes far beyond active ocean users to include those who spend extended time in coastal areas and breathe air that often smells like a filthy portable toilet. Now there is fresh confirmation of how uniquely awful this problem is. The Surfrider Foundation has released a report on 567 sites in which it tested water for unsafe bacteria levels and found Imperial Beach which has been closed for more than two years had far and away the dirtiest water in the United States. Every single water sample from the beach was found to be unsafe. The next worst U.S. beach had a little more than half its samples with excessive bacteria. This finding was no surprise, given previous studies showing heavy metals, toxic chemicals and bacteria in sewage from south of the border. In 2017 alone when sewage spills were common but not nearly as severe as in recent years 34,000 illnesses were linked to local water pollution, according to a a Scripps Institution of Oceanography study. But what remains a surprise is how little is being done to immediately address this problem. Eeew. This is the nation's filthiest beach, right there in Newsom's very own state with all that moral climate leadership he pontificates about to the point of annoying other governors, including Democrats. Think about the "honor" this brings to California -- after all, when you think of a dirty beach, what comes to mind? Coney Island? Something in New Jersey? One of the eastern Great Lakes shorelines? Something on the oil-producing Gulf coasts? Nope, Newsom's California gets the "honor." Those other beaches are all clean, particularly as compared to the filthy beaches of California. And yes, the U-T points out that both Newsom, and Joe Biden are doing nothing about it. Newsom in his speech to the pope blamed Big Oil and corporate greed for all the pollution he's doing something about. He ought to be looking to the Mexican government, which is polluting the heck out of San Diego, with poor, battered Imperial Beach being so polluted by Tijuana's sewage outflow the beaches there have been closed for two literally stinking years. That's because while Newsom's railing about Big Oil, which is regulated heavily by state and federal governments, a foreign government is polluting an otherwise pristine Southern California beach that's famous for its surfing to the point of having a statue of a surfer depicted as a classical hero by noted sculptor A. Wasil. Well, now Imperial Beach needs an artist to depict the sewage that has fouled the beach, making it the nation's filthiest. I imagine there are some who could do this pretty credibly, but that's not the honor Newsom would think it is. Big Oil didn't create this pollution. Corporations didn't create this pollution, either. The Mexican government did, and now the Californians have to smell it and swim in it, if not just get away from it. The U-T continues: Relief is far from imminent. This is entirely because President Joe Biden and California Gov. Gavin Newsom have resisted calls from local elected leaders only starting with Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre to declare the beach crisis an emergency and clear the way for expedited federal action. Entirely? Yep, entirely. Newsom has the capacity to declare a federal emergency for any cause and he hasn't. And he's not even listening to the Democrat mayor of Imperial Beach, as well as the last guy Imperial Beach had, who was also a Democrat. The U-T also asked why this wasn't "a huge issue" in the state's legislature. As for the federal level, here's what San Diego County's elected representatives are focused on: One of the fastest ways to end the war in Sudan where 25 million people need aid, 10 million have been displaced, and 5 million are near famine is for the UAE to stop arming the RSF. Thats why I introduced a bill to cut off U.S. arms sales to the UAE until they do so. pic.twitter.com/6nEZaFwj2m Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (@RepSaraJacobs) June 14, 2024 Instagram shots, looking properly prep, and boutique NGO causes from faraway places on issues such as starvation in Sudan. San Diego's filthy beaches? Not a word. But she only represents the woke University of San Diego community, which is walking distance from the beaches. This guy represents Imperial Beach itself. The ocean knows no boundaries, and neither does the #ClimateCrisis. On #WorldOceanDay, I reaffirm my commitment to: prioritize clean energy protect coastal ecosystems combat the climate crisis Rep. Juan Vargas (@RepJuanVargas) June 9, 2024 All lofty language about the climate crisis and not a single tweet I could find about the environmental nightmare of Imperial Beach, the nation's filthiest. He represents that filthy beach as he speaks his lofty language about oceans, and well, that pretty much tells us this isn't about healing the earth. If nothing else, it underlines that the city, state and nation could use new leadership. Newsom and all his pals have got quite an 'honor' of running the nation's dirtiest beach. Image: Tony Webster, via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 2.0 In The Washington Posts Genocide is our redline (6/9/24, before the title was changed), there are so much manipulation, distortion, and outright lying that its hard to encompass it all in a short response. Israel is not only innocent of this sick crime, but is facing an enemy that boasts in its charter about committing it. This inversion of thought is right out of George Orwells 1984. The title is an absolute lie even if its a quote from a Palestinian who makes this charge of Israel. There is no genocide in Gaza. And no matter how many times its repeated in chants, legacy media articles, legacy TV reports, many forms of social media, it doesnt make it so. The problem is that repetition is the mother of education, and even with this lie, it will stick. Such is the story of the Jewish people. It was the Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels to whom the saying is attributed: If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. Also known as the big lie, this strategy was used against the Jewish people by the Nazis in their march to exterminate them. Others attribute the big lie to Hitlers manifesto, Mein Kampf. Whatever the exact source, The Washington Post can take credit for being part of this strategy against the Jews falsely claiming and propagating the claim that the Jewish state is, and thus the Jews are, guilty of genocide. One cant rightly be the aggressor and then claim that the other side is committing genocide when it fights back. What an absurdity. Hamas and Gazan civilians are getting killed because they initiated a war and are continuing to fight even if they are losing terribly. Its on them. Deaths would stop immediately if they simply surrendered. This could be stopped at any time. Is this fact so difficult to understand? So where is the genocide by Israel? Where is there a deliberate murder of the Palestinians for the sake of just killing them? Look at October 7 to see what genocide can look like. Fortunately, Hamas and the Gazan civilians who came along for the fun were stopped cold. But not until 1,200 Israeli babies, toddlers, grandparents, women, men were purposely targeted with torture, dismemberment, burning alive murdered in the most gruesome ways. Thousands were injured, and over 200 were taken hostage including babies. Who takes babies as hostages? Worse, who sides with them? Washington Post: Call out Hamas, not Israel. For accuracy and truthfulness, the article requires a disclaimer at a minimum, but why does the Post use a quote that is a lie and then repeat it throughout the article? The Post is not disclaimer-averse it routinely uses disclaimers when quoting what it sees as extremists. Why quote followers of a suicidal death cult which is what Hamas is? In a time where Jews have been obstructed from entering universities and are living in fear of violent rioters, does the Post realize that this is not new history, and they are once again on the wrong side of it? According to Wikipedia, Antisemitic tropes or antisemitic canards are "sensational reports, misrepresentations, or fabrications" that are defamatory toward Judaism as a religion or defamatory towards Jews as an ethnic or religious group. Since as early as the 2nd century, libels or allegations of Jewish guilt and cruelty emerged as a recurring motif along with antisemitic conspiracy theories. The claims of genocide against Israel fit exactly into this pattern. Anyone who has read a modicum of history should know this especially writers from a once-leading newspaper called The Washington Post. The other big lie in the article is when the Post goes on to say that Palestinian authorities have estimated more than 36,000 civilians, many of them women and children, have been killed in Gaza since the start of the war. There is ample evidence that those numbers are made up. Many have refuted the numbers, including reports from the U.N. and investigative articles from Tablet Magazine. Further, the 36,000 number does not distinguish between combatant and non-combatant, even though the Post claims they are civilians. This requires a correction. Isnt it telling that only when Jews are involved do casualty counts come into play, when in most wars its about battles won? If there is a way to give a black eye to Israel, the Post is determined to find it. But the Post has to manipulate to get there, as top war experts agree that Israel has fought one of the most humane urban wars in history, with an approximate 1.5-to-1 civilian to combatant casualty count. No wonder the Posts readership is down 50%. If the readers want sensationalist blabber, there are many such outlets on the internet that they can peruse. Dr. Michael Berenhaus is a freelance activist who works to combat anti-Israel bias in the media. He has been widely published in news sources such as The Economist, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. Image via Pxhere. The Supreme Court recently delivered a unanimous decision regarding chemical abortion, specifically the use of the mifepristone pill. Though some might view this as an endorsement of the abortion pill, a closer examination reveals a strategic opportunity for the pro-life movement. The Court's ruling, in essence, opens a new avenue for a permanent pro-life victory. The Court did not rule on the merits of the case against the FDA's approval of mifepristone. Instead, it stated that the plaintiffs lacked standing, meaning they were not directly harmed by the FDA's decision. This technicality can be addressed by finding plaintiffs who are directly affected by the approval and use of mifepristone, such as parents of minors harmed by the drug or women coerced into using it. The pro-life movement can take heart from Justice Clarence Thomass concurring opinion, which highlighted the issue of third-party standing. He emphasized that plaintiffs cannot assert the rights of others, which has significant implications for future abortion-related cases. This could mean that abortion providers and advocates can no longer claim to represent the interests of women in legal battles over abortion restrictions, a major shift from previous court practices. This ruling could eventually lead to overturning previous decisions that allowed third-party standing in abortion cases. By requiring plaintiffs to have direct standing, the Court is setting a new precedent that could undermine many pro-abortion arguments that have relied on this concept for decades. The case now returns to the 5th Circuit Court, where the focus will be on finding plaintiffs directly harmed by mifepristone. This could include women who suffered medical complications, parents of minors who were given the drug without proper consent, or victims of coerced abortions. Such cases will likely provide the necessary standing to challenge the FDA's approval of mifepristone effectively. Meanwhile, the pro-life movement should also consider the implications of the federal Comstock Act, which prohibits the mailing of abortion-inducing drugs. Attorney General Merrick Garlands refusal to enforce this law has allowed the widespread distribution of mifepristone, making a vast number of chemical abortions technically illegal. The Supreme Court's recent decision does not change this fact, but signals that with the right plaintiff, these issues can be brought back to court. Chemical abortions now account for over half of all abortions in the United States. Each instance of mailing mifepristone violates federal law, yet the attorney general has failed to act. This presents a significant opportunity for pro-life advocates to push for enforcement of existing laws and potentially bring substantial legal consequences to those involved in the distribution of these drugs. The health risks associated with chemical abortions are significant. Studies show a 44% increase in breast cancer risk, a 52% increase in future pre-term births, and a fivefold increase in the risk of suicide. The likelihood of emergency room visits due to complications like sepsis, hemorrhage, and undiagnosed ectopic pregnancies also increases by 500% with chemical abortions. These dangers provide compelling reasons to revisit the FDA's approval of mifepristone and to enforce laws that could prevent its distribution. Looking forward, if Donald Trump wins the upcoming election, it is likely that a new attorney general will enforce the Comstock Act, potentially saving millions of unborn lives. The Supreme Court's decision, though not an immediate victory, paves the way for significant legal battles that could reshape abortion law in the United States. Rev. Jim Harden is the CEO of CompassCare, a pro-life medical network based in New York, which garnered national attention after its Buffalo medical office was firebombed. He is dedicated to exposing unequal enforcement of laws, advocating for moral public policy, and protecting human life from the womb to the tomb. Jim Harden is married with ten children. Image: Joe Ravi via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0. Many Jews have been so ideologically captured by the left that they compulsively identify with and feel endless sympathy for the people in Gaza and the West Bank, most of whom are open in their desire for mass Jewish slaughter, the more sadistic, the better. The latest example of this madness is the upcoming San Francisco Jewish Film Festival (SFJFF), which is making itself a showcase for pro-Gaza and anti-Israel grievance films. The SFJFF has long (always?) leaned left. Thats because the Jewish Film Institution, which sponsors it, is a left-leaning organization. That comes through loud and clear in the last paragraph of its verbose mission statement, which has a lot of airy-fairy nothingness that boasts about its Jewishness while saying nothing actually Jewish (as in, the Torah or core Jewish values). In that last paragraph, though, it gets very specific: We value the unique perspectives offered by people of every race, ethnicity, gender identity/expression, disability, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, age, physical appearance, language spoken, immigration status, and socioeconomic background. We prioritize continuous learning of anti-racist, anti-sexist, and anti-discriminatory practices in our organizational culture and programs. We strive to reflect our communities complexity in our Board and staff composition. The only thing missing is a land acknowledgment for its San Francisco offices. The staff is in line with this mission. Executive director, Lexi Leban (She/Her), is a Barnard and San Francisco State University grad whose oeuvre is films about womens rights, criminal justice and LGBT issues. The guest festival director, Ash Hoyle (He/Him), is a gay Vassar grad. The programmer, Dominique Oneil, is an It person with They/Them pronouns. The marketing and communications manager, Rebecca Pierce (She/Her), graduated from UC Santa Cruz and writes for The Nation. The development coordinator, Emma Gobler, is another It person with She/They pronouns. These people are caricatures of leftism. However, theyre proudly Jewish. I mean, its everywhere on their website, with Jewish this and Jewish that thrown about with abandon. One would think that the events on October 7 would have overwhelmed, but that really doesnt seem to be the case. On their Instagram page, they acknowledged it twice. The first time was a bland, ecumenical nod to October 7: The second time was to acknowledge Yahav Winners death in the massacre: Otherwise...nothing. But now, Lexi Leban has announced that the upcoming SFJFF (July 18-August 14) will be daringnot shying away from tough conversations of the day about the Israel and Gaza conflict. To the end, were told, it will offer unique perspectives that help to contextualize the current crisis in Israel and Gaza. So what exactly does that mean? Well, there will apparently be short films from Sapir Academic College, the one at which Yahav Winner, the slaughtered filmmaker, worked. Presumably, those films will present the Israeli side of things, although theres no word yet about their content. However, there are also three films that the SFJFF will focus on to contextualize the current crisis. One is Lyd, a movie that the communist DemocracyNow finds thrilling since its all about the Nakbathat is, when Arabs living in the new state of Israel voluntarily cleared out to make way for the five Arab nations that attacked Israel, having assumed that they would be able to return and get a share of the post-war spoils. (Funnily enough, DemocracyNow never mentions the 900,000 Jews forced out of their ancient Arab communities after 1948.) The film is manifestly anti-Israel. The second is Three Promises, which the filmmakers describe this way: While the Israeli army retaliates against the second intifada in the West Bank in the early 2000s, a mother films her familys daily life, punctuated by time spent sheltering in the basement. Her son revisits this past, delivering a heart-breaking film that conveys the anguish of children and their parents who are forced to choose between safety and emotional upheaval. Retaliates. Thats some pretty loaded language. During the Second Intifada, residents of the West Bank killed over 1,000 Israelis, most of them civilians. As is the case now, the Israelis responded by trying to kill adult male combatants who deliberately hid amongst the civilian population. Also then, as now, the brains behind the terrorists understood that they could not win a military conflict. They could only win by convincing the world that Israelis are child killers, which meant using children as their shields. The third movie, The Vanishing Soldier, is a movie out of Israel about a soldier who goes AWOL, only for the Israeli military to believe that he was kidnapped. Its difficult to find much about the plot, but I did learn that the director is a hard leftist whose sympathy is with the people in Gaza and the West Bank. In an interview he gave two months before the October 7, massacre, Dani Rosenberg had this to say: Tel Aviv is a vivid, rich city; its one of the capitals of the LGBTQ movement, and is also a city that is just one hour drive from the Gaza strip, one of the poorest places with two million Palestinians behind walls and those walls are built with the money of the city of Tel Aviv, said Rosenberg. [snip] In a remarkable moment in Israels history as members of Shlomis generation are refusing to report for their military duty in protest, how does Rosenberg feel that chimes with the story of the film? First of all, it gives me hope, because the young generation could suddenly rise up and they are doing something my generation never did. Questioning the system, fighting the system. In the beginning, I was critical about this rising, because I felt theyre fighting only for their privilege; for their rights. But now I see that theyve started to open their eyes. Now theyre seeing that actually theyre living in an unjust country, in a violent country, in a religious country, a militaristic country, and for the first time in Israeli history, reserve soldiers are declaring that they will not return to the army. I wonder if October 7 changed Rosenbergs mind. I wonder, too, if he or anyone at the Jewish Film Institute or at the SFJFF cares that Gaza residents overwhelmingly support Hamas and its anti-Jewish genocidal goals. Do the It people working at the Jewish Film Institute even know that, were they to set foot in Gaza, theyd be executed? Are they so blinded by ideology that theyll willingly offer themselves up as blood sacrifices? The fact that these self-loathing, suicidal people are allowed to advocate for the very people who would happily kill them is because they live in free countries. All would benefit from a year-long sojourn in Rafah (assuming that year didnt become a permanent residency in a Rafah potters grave). Image by freepik. Theres a fair amount of speculation these days about whom Trump will choose as a running mate. Guessing games can often attract a crowd. The names of Ron DeSantis and Marco Rubio, along with even Donald Trump, Jr., are being bandied about. There is a catch. Its called the Twelfth Amendment: The Electors shall meet in their respective states, and vote by ballot for President and Vice President, one of whom, at least, shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves. This particular clause did not change the Constitution. It was carried forward from Article II, Section 1 so as to maintain the same rule, in spite of the amendment, which changed the way in which the vice president was chosen. Originally, the veep was the second-place finisher in the Electoral College. In the election of 1800, there was an electoral tie between Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr, so the House of Representatives chose Jefferson to be president and Burr to be vice president. Needless to say, they didnt get along very well, so the Twelfth Amendment was ratified and took effect for the next election in 1804. On July 11 of that same year, Burr killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel. Just to be clear, it is still possible for both the president and vice president to live in the same state, but the electors of that state cannot vote for both of them. For states such as Wyoming and Alaska, this doesnt matter all that much. Florida, however, has thirty electoral votes, and that aint chopped liver. Texas has thirty-eight electoral votes. When Texas governor George W. Bush chose him to be his running-mate, Dick Cheney promptly quit his job at Haliburton in Houston and scooted back up to Wyoming to register to vote. This is certainly not to disparage DeSantis and Rubio, who are both excellent public servants. The only thing wrong with them and Trump Jr. is that they live in Florida. Should DeSantis or Rubio move to another state to establish eligibility, he would have to resign his office. Otherwise, would Trump Senior move back to New York? I cant say, but it would solve the problem being here discussed. There are other rather attractive vice presidential choices. Townhalls Kevin McCullough conjured up New Yorks Lee Zeldin. Its easy to be OK with him and several others. And keeping everybody guessing helps focus attention on Trumps candidacy, which is good. Biden is stuck with Harris. Oh, dear! But it is also useful to consider the electoral and subsequent administrative relevance of the vice president. There is more than one reason for a presidential candidate to choose a particular person as his running mate. Our current veep, Kamala Harris, was chosen because she is a black woman. In modern jargon, this is known as intersectionality: checking multiple boxes in a contest where it matters more what you are than who you are. In retrospect, Harris may also be 25th Amendment insurance, meaning that a committee empowered to decide if Biden should continue to serve would choose him over her, for obvious reasons. The negative consequences of that choice have always been obvious. When Nixon chose Spiro Agnew, it was for the veep to serve as a lightning rod to divert away from the top of the ticket the inevitable incoming media and political attacks. Gravitas was the knee-jerk explanation for George W. Bushs choice of Dick Cheney. I call it ticket balancing: drawing in the other voters who may not have been all there for Bush Junior. Ultimately, its just disappointing to see major-league commentators ignore this important legal issue. Forfeiting Floridas thirty electoral votes in a seriously contested election fails the smell test. Rubio, DeSantis and Trump Jr. are valuable assets. But that is for the future. Lets focus on today. Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0. Google Calendar is widely regarded as one of the best calendar apps available, with millions of users relying on it to manage events, meetings, dates, and more. An APK teardown by Android Authority has revealed that Google Calendar is receiving an update that will give users more control over the holidays displayed in the app. Allowing users to hide holidays may help users reduce visual clutter Previously, Google Calendar did not allow users to hide individual holidays, offering only the option to display public holidays only. However, the new 2024.23.0-641736842-release for Android introduces a feature called Hide this Holiday. This feature will enable users to remove specific holidays from their calendars, significantly reducing visual clutter. For users seeking to streamline their calendar view, the ability to hide specific holidays is a valuable addition. It allows users to focus only on the events that matter to them. According to Android Police, the update also includes another feature under Holidays called Selected Holidays. While its exact function is not yet clear, it is speculated that this feature will enable users to choose a range of holidays to display. The update is not yet ready for public release. It is expected to launch for both the web and Android versions of Google Calendar. Google is bringing helpful updates to Calender and other apps in their Workspace Google consistently updates its stellar calendar app to enhance user experience. These updates aim to improve usability and functionality. Recently, it was discovered that Google Calendar will introduce a Birthday chip in the app. This chip is supposed to make it easier to keep track of recurring birthday reminders. At Google I/O this year, the company also announced the integration of its Gemini chatbot into Google Calendar. The Verge reports that Google demonstrated a new feature where users can take a picture of a list of school events, and Gemini will automatically add them to their personal Google Calendar. Chris Billam-Smith successfully defended his WBO world cruiserweight title with a convincing unanimous decision victory over Richard Riakporhe at Crystal Palaces Selhurst Park. The Gentleman avenged his 2019 split decision defeat to Riakporhe, proving too much for the London man in their rematch after a 116-111, 115-112, 115-112 ruling. Bournemouth supporter Billam-Smith dug in away from home and prevented Riakporhes power to be a factor as he elevated himself into potential unification contention. Billam-Smith hinted in fight week that trainer Shane McGuigan had devised a plan for Riakporhe and that was clear in the first round. CBS refused to take a back step during the early exchanges, forcing Riakporhe on the back foot in a bid to suppress the power in his right hand. Billam-Smith retained his WBO world cruiserweight title (Steven Paston/PA) Billam-Smith relished the close encounters and took every opportunity to rough Riakporhe up on the inside. This approach was by no means pretty, but it was effective in disrupting his opponents rhythm as Riakporhe failed to land any meaningful shots by the end of the second. Riakporhe was still in first gear by the fourth. The south London man looked shot of any momentum and his clinch-heavy tactics began to sap the atmosphere around Selhurst Park as he began to fall further behind on the cards. This continued into the midway point of the fight with the referee having to separate the pair multiple times per round. The match-up resembled Billam-Smiths title win against Lawrence Okolie last May where Okolies clinching saw him deducted points on the night. With fatigue building it felt like Riakporhes chances were fading. He began to swing his right hand with little to no accuracy but a late flurry in round seven proved his most successful period of the bout. The flurry developed into a quality ninth round from the Midnight Train as he tested the champions chin with multiple power shots. Riakporhe forced Billam-Smith onto the ropes with a straight right which created the first moment of uncertainty for the Bournemouth man. Riakporhe ran out of steam and he reverted back to his early bad habits. This saw him finally deducted a point in the 12th which all but confirmed Billam-Smiths deserved victory. British broadcaster Clive Myrie said he was left shaken after receiving death threats which involved talking about the kind of bullet that hed use in the gun to kill me. The 59-year-old spoke about receiving more racial hatred since becoming a more prominent and visible presenter during an interview with Lauren Laverne on BBC Radio 4s Desert Island Discs. The Mastermind presenter is set to co-host the BBCs election night coverage alongside Sunday morning political show presenter Laura Kuenssberg. Myrie is taking over from previous anchor Huw Edwards, who resigned and left the BBC earlier this year after allegations that he paid a young person for sexually explicit photos. Clive Myrie (Ian West/PA) He said he had received faeces and cards in the post with gorillas on, as well as emails which read: You shouldnt be on our TV; you dress like a pimp. But one chap issued death threats, and he was tracked down and prosecuted, and his death threats involved talking about the kind of bullet that hed use in the gun to kill me and this kind of stuff, Myrie said. I was shaken for a while after Id been told. I thought its just someone showboating. Its just bravado. And then they tracked down this character, and it turned out that he had previous convictions for firearms offences. So (I) thought, Oh my God, what, if anything, might this person have been planning?. Myrie, the son of Windrush generation parents from Jamaica, spoke about how the scandal affected his family. Queen Camilla speaks with Clive Myrie and June Sarpong during a reception at Buckingham Palace in London to celebrate the Windrush Generation and mark the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush in 2023 (Chris Jackson/PA) In 2017, it began to emerge that hundreds of Commonwealth citizens, many of whom were from the Windrush generation, had been wrongly detained, deported and denied legal rights. It saw many British citizens, mainly from the Caribbean, denied access to healthcare and benefits and threatened with deportation despite having the right to live in the UK. Myrie said his brother Lionel now has the right to remain here. However, his other brother Peter died from prostate cancer before the situation was sorted. Becoming emotional, Myrie told host Laverne: Peter died before he got his stuff, and its just dreadful. He wanted to take his daughter to Jamaica, so that she could see her parents homeland and he couldnt do that, he died of prostate cancer. There are still people who havent received their compensation. Its just very, very sad. Clive Myrie gained a place on the BBCs journalism trainee scheme in 1988 (Matt Crossick/PA) Born in Bolton, Myrie studied Law at the University of Sussex before gaining a place on the BBCs journalism trainee scheme in 1988. I didnt want to be seen as a black journalist, he said on Desert Island Discs. I wanted to be a journalist who just happens to be black. I didnt want the BBC to fall into lazy thinking, which was so easy at the time, he said Notting Hill Carnival send the black guy, riot out on the street in some inner city area send the black guy. I didnt want that I wanted to do those stories. I didnt want my colour to define who I am, and the BBC understood that. Clive Myrie and Laura Kuenssberg (Jeff Overs/BBC/PA) Myrie is now set to co-anchor the BBCs election night coverage for the first time. (It is) a lot of pressure, and theres a nervous energy there as well, which is wonderful, he said. Ive never presented an election programme in the UK before. Im getting my head around a lot of statistics. But you know, we want to try and make it fun too; it is not just going to be a night for geeks. I hope its not just a night for political geeks. I want people to be able to tune in and get a sense of where this country is going and the buzz of being on the front line. This is the front line of what it means to be British regarding the elections. Myrie said the adrenaline rush of the July 4 election will keep him up until the wee small hours of the morning. Jude Bellinghams brilliant header saw England start their quest for European Championship glory with a hard-fought victory against Serbia. Three years on from their heartbreaking Wembley final defeat to Italy, the road to Berlin began with a tricky Group C opener in Gelsenkirchen. But Gareth Southgates side passed their first Euro 2024 assignment as England held firm on a night when Bellinghams thunderous early header proved enough to beat Serbia 1-0. Our #EURO2024 campaign is off to a winning start! pic.twitter.com/mmtWXJi2q9 England (@England) June 16, 2024 The result puts them top of Group C after Denmark were held to a 1-1 draw by Slovenia ahead of the Euro 2020 semi-finalists going toe-to-toe again in Frankfurt on Thursday. England flew out the blocks at the Veltins Arena and looked ready to put in a statement performance after Bellingham powerfully headed home Bukayo Sakas deflected cross in the 13th minute. But unlike fellow Euro 2024 contenders Germany and Spain they were unable to put their opponents away as Serbias physicality and nous saw them wrest control after the break. England managed to keep the Balkan outfit at bay and Harry Kane saw a late header saved onto the bar, but improvements are needed moving forwards. Still, it was a far better outcome than their World Cup quarter-final defeat to Portugal in Gelsenkirchen 18 years ago and means Southgate has now won all four tournament openers. Jude Bellingham celebrates the winning goal (Martin Rickett/PA) Much of the build-up to Sundays encounter surrounded what would happen around the match after German police categorised it as high risk. These Euros are the first time England supporters have travelled en masse since 2016 and videos emerged of a few skirmishes in the city centre. But the seven arrests confirmed before kick-off were all Serbian, whose fans whistled God Save the King and saw their national anthem booed in retaliation. There was a fantastic atmosphere and the evening began with Southgates side dominating possession and patiently probing in a bid to breach their opponents well-drilled back five. Jude Bellingham celebrate his goal (Martin Rickett/PA) Bellingham proved a handful from the outset and the midfielder powered England into a 13th-minute lead. The 20-year-old darted towards the box having played wide to Kyle Walker, who expertly slipped Saka behind Serbias backline. The England forwards cross deflected off Strahinja Pavlovic and was met by a thundering six-yard header by Bellingham, who became the first European player to make an appearance at three major tournaments before turning 21. The Real Madrid star also showed the confidence and skill required against a strong Serbia side looking to ruffle English feathers. The Euro 2020 runners-up continued on the front foot and Trent Alexander-Arnold sent an effort bobbling wide before giving Serbia their first sniff. Aleksandar Mitrovic came closest for Serbia (Adam Davy/PA) The converted midfielders miscontrol ended with former Fulham sharpshooter Aleksandar Mitrovic fizzing narrowly wide of Jordan Pickfords near post from the edge of the box. It was a warning for an otherwise dominant England, with rapid Walker racing through only to drag the ball across the face of goal. Serbia came back into things and used their physical prowess, but impressive tournament debutant Marc Guehi held firm at the back alongside John Stones. England were required to make some important interventions after the break, with Dragan Stojkovics side seeing loud penalty appeals fall on deaf ears. Mitrovic went down under pressure from Kieran Trippier but the officials were having none of it and Serbias skipper was quickly replaced by Dusan Tadic. Alexander-Arnolds stinger was all England managed by way of response as tension rose. Harry Kane (left) saw an effort hit the bar in the second half (Martin Rickett/PA) Conor Gallagher came on for the Liverpool man as Southgate looked to add energy and change the dynamics, with Jarrod Bowen soon following in place of Saka. The West Ham forward immediately made an impact, with his 77th-minute cross met by a Kane header that Predrag Rajkovic pushed onto the crossbar. Jordan Pickford was forced into a save to deny Dusan Vlahovic from distance, with Kane heading away Veljko Birmancevics strike into the ground. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic flashed off target as Serbia sought an equaliser that evaded them as Sweet Caroline echoed around the ground at full-time. A Labour government would enhance paternity leave rights and seek a cultural shift from employers to better support family life, the partys deputy leader Angela Rayner has said. Ahead of Fathers Day, Labour have pledged to make parental leave a day one right for workers who start new jobs. Under the current rules, workers need to have had 26 weeks of continuous employment in a particular job before they are entitled to paternity leave. Anas Sarwar said Labour would strengthen workers rights (Andy Buchanan/PA) Ms Rayner discussed her policy with journalists during a visit to West Lothian, after meeting parents at the Broxburn Family and Community Development Centre. The Liberal Democrats recently unveiled a dad month policy a month of use-it-or-lose-it leave for fathers which would be paid at 90% of earnings. Asked how Labours offer compared to the Lib Dems, Ms Rayner joked: I thought Ed Davey is having his dad month this month he seems to be having a great old time. Labours deputy leader said her plans to improve rights in a new deal for working people are fully costed. She said: To be honest, speaking to a lot of the employers, they are already doing a lot of the new deal. But there are some that dont recognise the value of their employees and are trying to undercut those businesses that want to do the right thing. That why Rachel (Reeves) set out that were pro business and pro worker. Ms Rayner said Labours family friendly policy would benefit the economy and allow more people to work flexibly. Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner following the launch of the partys manifesto at Co-op HQ in Manchester (Stefan Rousseau/PA) She continued: The challenge for us is having that cultural shift in the UK. Im ready to work with those employers that are already doing that to show those other employers that times up on that sort of thing. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar also discussed the policy. He said: Labour will make parental leave a day one right, so new dads arent forced to choose between spending time with their child and putting food on the table. This Fathers Day, the best gift on offer is a Labour government that will help parents to balance family and work. On July 4 Scotland can make sure we kick out this rotten Tory government, strengthen workers rights and deliver the change that Scotland needs. A Conservative spokesman said: We have taken bold action to empower parents in making the choices that are best for them whether that be by giving parents more flexibility and choice surrounding their paternity leave or rolling out the largest ever expansion of childcare. Labours only promise to hardworking families is a tax hike of 2,094 and be in no doubt that this would be the tip of the iceberg under a Labour government. Labour has denied it has any plans to hike taxes beyond the specific measures listed in its manifesto. David Miliband, pictured campaigning alongside Callum Anderson in Newton Leys in Bletchley David Miliband has been pictured campaigning for Labour in a marginal Tory seat, in a move that will prompt speculation about a future role in the party. In a video promoting Labours candidate for Lincoln, Hamish Falconer, Mr Miliband described the constituency as absolutely critical in the race for Downing Street. The incumbent is Tory candidate Karl McCartney, who won a small majority of 3,514 in 2019. Mr Miliband was also pictured canvassing in Corbridge, Northumberland, in the Tory-held seat of Hexham, and Aylesbury, another Conservative constituency. His presence on the campaign trail is likely to prompt speculation about a potential role in Sir Keir Starmers team should Labour win the election. Mr Miliband, who moved to New York after quitting Parliament in 2013, is seen as a possible future champion for the centre-Left if he returns to the fray - something he has not ruled out. David Miliband out in Aylesbury with Labour candidates Carissma Griffiths and Laura Kyrke-Smith He started his career in national politics as a senior policy adviser to Sir Tony Blair in Downing Street in the 1990s, before being elected as MP for South Shields in 2001 - a position he held for 12 years. During Labours tenure in No 10, he held a number of senior ministerial positions, including foreign secretary. After Labour lost the 2010 general election, he ran for the party leadership. But he lost to his brother, Ed, in a bruising battle which ended with him refusing to serve in the shadow cabinet. Mr Miliband's canvassing has prompted speculation that he may join Sir Keir Starmer on his team The older Mr Miliband walked away from politics in 2013 and became president of the International Rescue Committee in New York. Despite leaving front-line politics, he has still been a vocal observer, and in 2020 accused Jeremy Corbyn and the Left of the Labour Party of being in denial over its losses at the 2017 and 2019 general elections. He is still revered by many Blairites in Labour, and there have been repeated rumours of a possible comeback in the years since. Mr Miliband hinted at a potential return in 2022, telling Andrew Marr on LBC that the matter of whether he might stand as a Labour MP again had not been decided yet. But he opted not to put himself forward for the 2024 election, despite Labours commanding lead in the polls, choosing instead to assist from the sidelines. Exposure to green spaces has been linked to better behaviour, thinking and even academic achievement. Composite: Guardian Design/Getty Images/British Library/AP The public schools are on to something when they usher their students out of the classroom and into fresh air. Exposure to green space reduces behavioural problems, gives children a cognitive boost and may even lead to improved academic achievement, according to recent studies. Supporters of the UKs burgeoning forest school movement, inherited from Scandinavian outdoor kindergarten lessons, have long made claims about the benefits of children playing outdoors and connecting with nature. And the importance of green space for our general wellbeing is strongly established. In the landmark 2010 Marmot review of the links between health and inequality, Michael Marmot noted that creating a physical environment in which people can live healthier lives with a greater sense of wellbeing is a hugely significant factor in reducing health inequalities. As part of our Access to green space series, we've been looking into the amount of space that our children have at school and how much time they get to enjoy it. Over several months, our data team put together detailed information about the amount of land owned by Englands top private schools, and then used satellite data and a number of other variables to calculate how much of that was green space accessible by the pupils. We also looked at the amount of outdoor space available to Englands state schools, and spoke to experts about some of the issues facing our children. As Tina Farr of St Ebbes primary school in Oxford told us: We need to start running schools in line with healthy child development. We can give them a nourishing six hours a day and we absolutely have to. The review referenced numerous studies which linked green space to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, improved mental health and reduced stress levels, perceived better general health and the ability to face problems. But now the science on the specific benefits for young people is catching up and showing the positive impact on childrens cognitive development. A 2015 paper from Barcelonas Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology, for example, monitored 2,500 children in the city over a year and found that pupils whose schools had more green space in and around them had better working memory and less inattentiveness. They found that greenery within and around schools measured using satellite images was linked with an enhanced mental ability to continuously manipulate and update information, faculties known as working memory and superior working memory. The positive effect might be explained in part by air pollution or the lack of it, researchers said. The results prompted Mark Nieuwenhuijsen, one of the lead researchers, to recommend that schools should green their environment. If you put some trees there, Im sure you will see some effect overall, he said. Your school marks will go up a little bit. And more recent research from Belgium, published in the online journal Plos Medicine, echoed these positive findings, but went one step further and concluded that children raised in greener areas have a higher IQ, as well as lower levels of difficult behaviour. The analysis of more than 600 Belgian students aged between 10 and 15 found that a 3% increase in the greenness of their neighbourhood raised their IQ score by an average of 2.6 points, with the increase in IQ points particularly significant for children at the lower end of the spectrum, where small increases could make a big difference. Tim Nawrot, a professor of environmental epidemiology at Hasselt University in Belgium who worked on the study, said: What this study adds with IQ is a harder, well-established clinical measure. I think city builders or urban planners should prioritise investment in green spaces because it is really of value to create an optimal environment for children to develop their full potential. Other research has found that children with more green space near their homes have significantly stronger bones, potentially leading to lifelong health benefits, while another study found greener play areas boosted childrens immune systems. In a 2017 piece of work, researchers tracked 562 Norwegian preschoolers over four years. They concluded: Overall, the findings from this study suggest that high exposure to outdoor environments might be a cheap, accessible and environmentally friendly way of supporting and enhancing childrens self-regulatory capacities and cognitive development. It may also be a safe intervention for children suffering from attention disorders. For some children, high doses of nature may be an effective alternative to medication. A Unicef discussion paper, The Necessity of Urban Green Space for Childrens Optimal Development, identifies multiple benefits for children at different stages of their development. In the early years, up to the age of six, it says proven benefits include improved balance and motor coordination, better sleep, reduced nearsightedness and a concern for nature in adult life. In those aged between 15 and 17, Unicef says the benefits include increased physical activity, improved attention, greater capacity to cope with stressful events, lower blood pressure and cortisol levels, and increased enthusiasm for learning. Each child, no matter where they live in the city, should be in easy walking distance from a safe and welcoming public green space, it concludes. Eirini Flouri, professor of developmental psychology at University College London, has been exploring the impact of green space on children since 2012. Like other studies, her findings suggest that exposure to green space can give primary schoolchildren a cognitive boost. For adolescents, it is beneficial for their mental health and wellbeing. The epidemiological literature is very clear we know that in adult populations, particularly among very old populations, we see a very important role for green space for health and cognitive functioning. So I was expecting to see that in the early years as well. But there was really nothing strong and consistent with respect to their wellbeing, but we do see effects on their cognitive functioning, especially aspects that have to do with spatial cognition. Problem solving, way finding, all of those non-verbal skills really boost cognitive functioning in childhood and they do translate into improved achievement in school as well. What this means is that areas where young kids spend time need to have a minimum level of green space. Noise and pollution can have quite detrimental effects on brain development, so it must be an area where noise levels are acceptable, thats safe, not heavily polluted and pleasant visually for the child. Yahoo Style UK 4 days ago 50 early October Prime Day deals to snap up ASAP There's less than 24 hours until Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days. Here's everything you need to know about the two-day sales event, and the best early deals to shop now. Children collect food donated by a charity in Khan Yunis camp, southern Gaza Strip - Shutterstock/Haitham Imad Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, criticised plans announced by the military to hold daily tactical pauses in fighting along one of the main roads into Gaza to facilitate aid deliveries. The military had announced daily pauses from 6am until 5pm BST in the area from the Kerem Shalom Crossing to north of the Salah al-Din Road. When the prime minister heard the reports of an 11-hour humanitarian pause in the morning, he turned to his military secretary and made it clear that this was unacceptable to him, an Israeli official said. The military clarified that normal operations would continue in Rafah, the main focus of its operation in southern Gaza, where eight soldiers were killed on Saturday. The reaction from Mr Netanyahu underlined political tensions over the issue of aid going into Gaza, where international organisations have warned of a growing humanitarian crisis. Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israels security minister, who leads one of the nationalist religious parties in Mr Netanyahus ruling coalition, denounced the idea of a tactical pause, saying whoever decided it was a fool who should lose their job. The spat was the latest in a series of clashes between members of the coalition and the military over the conduct of the war, now in its ninth month. It came a week after Benny Gantz, a former general, quit the government, accusing Mr Netanyahu of having no effective strategy in Gaza. UN agencies and aid groups have repeatedly sounded the alarm of dire shortages of food and other essentials in Gaza, exacerbated by overland access restrictions and the closure of the key Rafah crossing with Egypt since Israeli forces seized it in early May. Israel has long defended its efforts to allow aid into Gaza, including via its Kerem Shalom Crossing near Rafah, blaming militants for looting supplies and humanitarian workers for failing to distribute them to civilians. The announcement came as Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha, the Islamic festival marking the end of Ramadan. Palestinians prepare sheep for the Eid al-Adha slaughtering ritual in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip - Getty/Bashar Taleb This Eid is completely different, said Umm Muhammad al-Katri in northern Gazas Jabalia refugee camp. Weve lost many people, theres a lot of destruction. We dont have the joy we usually have, she said. Instead of a cheerful holiday spirit, I came to the Eid prayers mourning. Ive lost my son. Correspondents in Gaza said there were no reports of strikes, shelling or fighting on Sunday morning, although the military stressed in a statement there was no cessation of hostilities in the southern Gaza Strip. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the pause was already in effect and part of efforts to increase the volumes of humanitarian aid following discussions with the UN and other organisations. The United States, which has been pressing close ally Israel, as well as Hamas, to accept a ceasefire plan laid out by president Joe Biden, on Friday imposed sanctions on an extremist Israeli group for blocking and attacking Gaza-bound aid convoys. The IDF said the eight soldiers killed on Saturday were hit by an explosion as they were travelling in an armoured vehicle near Rafah, where troops were engaged in fierce street battles against Palestinian militants. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, an IDF spokesman, said the blast was apparently from an explosive device planted in the area or from the firing of an anti-tank missile. Separately, two soldiers were killed in fighting in northern Gaza and another succumbed to wounds inflicted in recent fighting. Abu Obaida, spokesman for Hamass military wing, vowed to continue our painful strikes against the enemy wherever it may be. Saturdays losses brought the IDFs overall official death toll to 309 since it began its ground offensive in Gaza on Oct 27. Dulwich Prep School has scrapped its house names Mohicans, Chippewas, Ojibwa and Deerfoot - Dominic Lipinski/PA A prestigious boys school has scrapped its tribal house names over fears about cultural insensitivity. Dulwich Prep School in south London boasts a number of famous alumni, including Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville and veteran BBC correspondent John Simpson, who were sorted into houses with names inspired by Native Americans. House names like Mohican have now been dropped by the school. Former pupils of the school, which has fees of up to 8,000 per term, have been informed that their old houses have been rebranded with names unrelated to ethnic groups. The Daily Mail reports that alumni were informed by the schools leadership that we have decided to move away from using tribes as our house system, as societys understanding of history evolves. Boys were traditionally grouped into the Mohicans, named for a tribe in the north-east of the United States, the Chippewas, a tribe based north of the Great Lakes, and the Ojibwa another name for the Chippewas. John Simpson is unhappy with the decision - Matt Writtle A fourth house was named Deerfoot in honour of a 19th-century Native American runner. These will now be named after mythological creatures, including Phoenix, Pegasus, Gryphon and Lamassu, a winged lion or bull with a human head which was central to the art of ancient Mesopotamia. John Simpson has complained about the move, telling the Daily Mail: Im really depressed that something fundamental to the experience of every Dulwich Prep kid which of us doesnt remember whether he was a Chippeway, Deerfeet, Mohican or Ojibwa? is being done away with. He added: I dont suppose itll matter to what is nowadays a very fine school, but it matters to everyone who was there, no matter how old they are now. And to what end? So indigenous Americans wont accuse Dulwich of cultural appropriation? Please. Theyve got better things to do. 'Mohican' was one of the house names at Dulwich Prep School. It has now been replaced by a mythological creature - NC Wyeth/Alamy The decision by Dulwich Prep follows a number of reforms made across fee-paying schools in the heightened cultural sensitivity following Black Lives Matter protests. Merchant Taylors School in Rickmansworth, Herts, changed the name of Clive House, named for former pupil Robert Clive better known as Clive of India over concerns about his actions in India. Haberdashers Askes School for Girls and Haberdashers Askes Boys School in Elstree, Herts, dropped the surname of Robert Aske, as he was an investor in the slave trade. Dulwich Prep has been contacted for comment. Mark Haymes appealed for information on the death of his brother, Guy Haymes, from Manly police station in Sydney on Thursday. Photograph: Bray Boland/AAP Police have charged a man with the murder of Sydney surfer Guy Haymes, days after his family appealed for information about the death of the fun-loving northern beaches identity. Haymes, 59, a former competitive surfer affectionately known as Creature, was found with critical head injuries on 27 February, outside a unit complex on Pittwater Road at Manly. He died in Royal North Shore hospital on 15 March. Related: Dozens of Sydneys asbestos-contaminated sites not cleaned up six months after first discovery Detectives from Strike Force Flat, a homicide investigation involving northern beaches police and the State Crime Command homicide squad, arrested a 41-year-old man at Greenacre on Saturday evening. He is due to appear in Parramatta local court on Sunday charged with murder, two counts of taking or detaining a person with intent to obtain advantage, and one count of taking or detaining a person occasioning actual bodily harm. Haymes, a former competitive surfer who competed in the Rip Curl Shield in the 1980s, was well-known in the northern beaches. Police and his family launched an appeal for information about his death on Thursday. They said at the time they believed the attacker was known to Haymes. His brother, Mark, said Guys death had left the family with an empty feeling, the ABC reported. Guy was fun-loving, and sociable, and he got along with everyone. He was very warm, and welcomed people into the community with open arms, Mark Haymes said. Our whole family is in shock and disbelief that he had his life cut short, and in such a brutal way. Not knowing what happened that day and not having the answers is the hardest part. We cant imagine anyone would want to hurt him. Marine Le Pen on a campaign visit to Henin-Beamont in northern France last week - Francois Greuez/SIPA/Shutterstock Marine Le Pen has accused Frances new Left-wing bloc of being Islamo-Leftists who want to strip the French of their freedoms. Ms Le Pen, who leads the hard-Right National Rally, said that the New Popular Front, an alliance of Left-leaning parties formed in recent days, would be an abomination for the country as she went on the offensive in the election campaign. Polls show voters in France are divided largely between the new Left and Right coalitions formed after Emmanuel Macrons centrist party was heavily defeated by Ms Le Pen at the European elections. In an interview with Le Figaro published on Sunday, Ms Le Pen said that defeating the Left bloc in the snap election called by Mr Macron was her priority fight. While she characterised both Mr Macron and the Left alliance as dangerous, the New Popular Front composed of the Socialists, Greens, Communists and France Unbowed poses a threat to freedom, she claimed. It is Islamo-Leftism which almost openly advocates the disappearance of all of our freedoms, she said, revealing a flash of her more strident hard-Right views. The first of these being the freedom to be French and to benefit from it: the freedom to own, the freedom to demonstrate, the freedom of expression. They want the physical and moral disarmament of the police, and are for the overthrow of our constitutional and republican structure. One in two voters worry about Le Pen victory Ms Le Pens attack came as new polling projects a tight race between the National Rally and the New Popular Front, with the far-Right party on 32 per cent and its Left-wing rivals on 26 per cent. The Elabe survey for BFM TV and La Tribune Dimanche found one in two French people worry about a possible victory for the National Rally, while 30 per cent would be satisfied, and 20 per cent indifferent. In his analysis, Bernard Sananes, president of the Institut Elabe, said the results point to a relative victory in the de-vilification of the National Rally. Marie Caroline Le Pen announced on Sunday that she would be standing in the elections After days of speculation, Ms Le Pens older sister Marie Caroline Le Pen also officially announced her candidacy on Sunday with a short announcement on X that read: Lets go for victory! The elder Ms Le Pen will run in the constituency of Sarthe, once the stronghold of Francois Fillon, the disgraced former prime minister of Nicolas Sarkozy. Marine Le Pen also welcomed her estranged niece Marion Marechal back to the family fold last week. The 34-year-old newly elected MEP called on her supporters to vote for her aunts party, rather than the far-Right Reconquest party. She was promptly kicked out of Reconquest for treason. Marion Marechal , centre, was elected as an MEP for the Reconquete party but expelled after urging voters to opt for Marine Le Pen's party instead - Bertrand Guay/AFP via Getty Images After Mr Macron called the election following the RNs resounding victory at the European elections on June 9, both sides of the political spectrum have been scrambling to cobble together alliances and candidates. On Sunday, a controversial and divisive figure of Jean-Luc Melenchons France Unbowed party, Adrien Quatennens, who was convicted of domestic violence in 2022, announced that he would withdraw his candidacy, at a time when all energy must be used to beat the extreme Right. On Saturday, Francois Hollande, the former president, who left office with record levels of unpopularity, announced plans to run as MP for the southwestern Correze department for the Left coalition, calling his political comeback an exceptional decision for an exceptional situation. The snap elections have also brought back Olivier Veran, the former health minister, who confirmed on Sunday that he would be running in the constituency of Isere as part of the Renaissance party. The prospect of seeing the far Right come to power urges us to go beyond party logic, Mr Veran, a neurologist, wrote. I will put all my energy at the service of the territory and its inhabitants. Also on Sunday, Eric Ciotti, the Republican Party leader who caused a political storm among the ranks of conservative members after announcing an alliance with the RN last week, reiterated his desire to unite the Right. Without any sectarianism or rancour, everyone is and will be welcome whatever the attitudes and positions held this week, he told the Journal du Dimanche. Our alliance with Jordan Bardella and the National Rally marks the renewal of a true popular alliance, at a critical moment when it is still possible to save the country from decline. France could disappear under a far-Left authoritarian regime. Missing American tourist Albert Calibet - MUNICIPALITY OF AMORGOS Another tourist has been found dead on a Greek island and three more are missing amid a spate of casualties believed to be linked to soaring temperatures. The tourist, who has been identified as a 55-year-old American by local media but not yet been named, was last seen on Tuesday. His body was found in the sea by a beachgoer near the port of Mathraki. His death follows those of TV presenter and newspaper columnist Dr Michael Mosley, who was found dead on the island of Symi last Sunday five days after his wife reported him missing, and a 74-year-old Dutchman. Mosley is believed to have died of heat exhaustion after going for a walk in a 40C heat. The Dutchman was found dead by the fire service in Samos on Saturday. Meanwhile, two French women aged 73 and 64 are also reported missing in Sikinos, a small island in the Aegean Sea, and searches are ongoing for another tourist in Amorgos. Most of them were attempting hikes under the scorching sun as much of Greece saw record temperatures for the first week of June, reaching 43C (109F) in many areas of the country. Meteorologists have noted it was the earliest heatwave which for Greece means temperatures exceeding 38C for at least three days on record. Dimitris Kalatzis, who led the Samos search team, told Greek media that rescue missions were often made more difficult because foreign tourists go in search of tourist sites, unaware of the dangers of walking in the heat, and get lost. On Friday, local authorities began searching for the two French tourists after one of them sent a distress message to the owner of the hotel where she was staying. On the rugged island of Amorgos, an intense search is continuing for another American tourist, 59-year-old Albert Calibet, who went missing during a hike on the small island last week. A former deputy with the LA Sheriffs Department, Mr Calibet has been missing since Tuesday. Mr Calibet had travelled to the island from Los Angeles. An experienced walker, he set off from the village of Aegiali in the north at around 7am for the port of Katapola, a path that normally takes around four hours by foot. The Acropolis was closed last week in the record heatwave - PETROS GIANNAKOURIS/AP Calls to the two mobile phones he was carrying have gone unanswered. Were almost on three days here, his brother, Oliver Calibet, told Fox 11 TV last week. Theres no water. Im very distraught. Asked what he thought might have happened, a tearful Oliver said: I dont know. My hands are tied. A woman who runs a small shop said she sold him water and refreshments at around 11am. Sofia Liviaki told Greek television that the American drank a soft drink and bought a bottle of water to take with him for the walk. Our thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Calibets family and friends and our hope is that we can bring him home safely, said Los Angeles county sheriff Robert Luna. While temperatures in Greece cooled this weekend, they are expected to rise above 30C all week, according to the Met Office. As temperatures reached 43C last week, authorities closed schools and the Acropolis in Athens, the countrys most visited site. Earlier this month a 67-year-old Dutch tourist died of a heart attack while crossing the Mylon gorge in Crete and a 70-year-old French tourist collapsed and died while strolling on a deserted beach on the island. Jens Stoltenberg at a Nato press conference in Brussels - JOHANNA GERON/REUTERS Nato is in talks to deploy more nuclear weapons in the face of a growing threat from Russia and China, the head of the alliance has said. Jens Stoltenberg added that the bloc must show its nuclear arsenal to the world to send a direct message to its foes in an interview with The Telegraph. He revealed there were live consultations between members on taking missiles out of storage and placing them on standby as he called for transparency to be used as a deterrent. Mr Stoltenberg said: I wont go into operational details about how many nuclear warheads should be operational and which should be stored, but we need to consult on these issues. Thats exactly what were doing. In a wide-ranging interview at the Nato headquarters in Brussels, he gave a stark warning about the threat from China. He also said he expected a Labour government to be a staunch Nato ally and defended new plans to Trump-proof weapons deliveries to Ukraine. Mr Stoltenberg said nuclear transparency should be the cornerstone of Natos nuclear strategy to prepare the alliance for what he described as a more dangerous world. A decade ago when the 65-year-old assumed his role at the top of the bloc, nuclear exercises were conducted in complete secrecy. Now he openly praises a number of its 32 allies for contributing to the deterrent, including most recently The Netherlands for investing in dual-capable fighter jets that can host US nuclear weapons. Transparency helps to communicate the direct message that we, of course, are a nuclear alliance, Mr Stoltenberg said. Natos aim is, of course, a world without nuclear weapons, but as long as nuclear weapons exist, we will remain a nuclear alliance, because a world where Russia, China and North Korea have nuclear weapons, and Nato does not, is a more dangerous world. He warned that China in particular was investing heavily in modern weaponry including its nuclear arsenal, which he said would grow to 1,000 warheads by as early as 2030. Netherlands Air Force F-16 jetfighter taking part in Nato exercises - JOHN THYS/AFP And that means that in a not-very-distant future, he said, Nato may face something that it has never faced before, and that is two nuclear-powered potential adversaries China and Russia. Of course, this has consequences. Mr Stoltenbergs warnings come after the G7 sharply criticised China and Russia in a communique last week that called on Beijing to stop supplying weapons technology to Moscow and opposed Chinas militarisation in the Pacific. Both the US and UK have committed their nuclear deterrents to Nato, while other European allies share the burden of the responsibility by storing weapons on their territory and investing in the systems to launch them. The number of operational nuclear weapons is top secret but estimates suggest the UK has about 40 of 225 deployed at any one time. The US has about 1,700 of 3,700. France, Natos third nuclear power, does not make its atomic arsenal available to the alliance because of a long-held decision to maintain independence over its own deterrence. Mr Stoltenberg insisted that the US and its European allies were now modernising their nuclear deterrent in the face of increased threat from Russia. He said: The US is modernising their gravity bombs for the nuclear warheads they have in Europe and European allies are modernising the planes which are going to be dedicated to Natos nuclear mission. Then, of course, you have the United Kingdom, which is special because the United Kingdom has its own nuclear weapons. Vladimir Putin has repeatedly threatened to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine and has deployed warheads closer to Europes borders. However, he has more recently dialled down his threats. The head of Nato refused to discuss how many warheads should be pulled from storage warehouses and put on standby, but revealed there were live consultations on the issue. Before the invasion, Nato was struggling to convince the majority of its allies to hit the minimum threshold of two per cent expenditure as a share of their GDP for defence spending. When the latest figures are released ahead of the Nato summit in Washington next month, Mr Stoltenberg believes more than 20 will hit the goal a decade since the target was established. In the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine, Britain was put on a trajectory to increase spending on defence to 2.5 per cent of national wealth by 2030. But with Rishi Sunaks Conservatives expected to be replaced by the Labour Party, there are doubts whether the pledge will stick. Sir Keir Starmer has said his party wanted to reach the 2.5 per cent target as soon as resources allow that to happen, rather than a fixed date. Mr Stoltenberg, who served as the leader of Norways Labour Party between 2002 and 2014, would not be drawn on the politics of Britains election campaign. However, he said: I expect that the UK, regardless of the outcome of the election, will be as strong, staunch Nato ally, and also an ally that will lead by example of defence spending, as the UK has done for many years. The reality is that we all reduced defence spending when tensions went down after the end of the Cold War. And now we need to increase defence when tensions are going up again. I have been prime minister for 10 years, I know that its hard to find money for defence because most politicians always prefer to spend money on health, on education, infrastructure and other important tasks. But when we reduce defence spending when tensions go down, we have to be able to increase them when tensions go back up and thats exactly what allies now are doing, the United Kingdom, but also other allies. Mr Stoltenberg has not always been so reticent to wade into domestic politics in recent months. When Republicans loyal to Donald Trump held up a $60 billion 47 billion) aid package for Ukraine, the Nato chief repeatedly warned the delays were helping Putins Russia seize territory. HMS Vigilant, which carries the UK's Trident nuclear deterrent, at its Faslane base on the Clyde - WPA POOL/GETTY IMAGES He then came out in support of Kyiv over its request to use Western weapons on targets inside Russia. And now ahead of the next Nato summit, he has tabled proposals for the alliance to play a greater role in the Wests support for Ukraine. About 99 per cent of the weapons deliveries to Kyiv are done so by Nato allies, he says. His new Nato security assistance and training for Ukraine scheme downgraded from the Mission to Ukraine because of German fears over Russian escalation will have 700 Nato personnel stationed at its headquarters in Wiesbaden, Germany, take over the bulk of the coordination of aid from the Americans. Mr Stoltenberg said, cautious not to mention the looming prospect of the election of Mr Trump: This is a proposal which is about making the support for Ukraine more robust, more long term, more predictable, and thats something which is important regardless of the outcome of the elections in the United States. We saw the gaps and delays this winter, where several allies were not able to deliver the support they had promised. We have to minimise the risk of something like that happening again. He added: If we have a Nato support, security assistance and training effort combined with a long-term financial pledge, I think we will give a much stronger message to Moscow that President Putin cannot wait us out. But it is not just the US where support for Ukraine could be flipped on its head. Last week, Frances Emmanuel Macron called snap elections after his party was defeated in the EU voting by far-Right leader Marine Le Pen, who has previously enjoyed close ties with Putin and called for closer relations between Nato and Moscow. Mr Stoltenberg said: I believe it is in the interest of all allies, including France and others, to keep Nato strong because we live in a more dangerous world. In a more dangerous world, its even more important that North America and Europe stand together. Then, of course, we are 32 democracies and its part of democracies that we have different parties, different views, different opinions, but experience over these decades is that despite all these differences, there has always been strong support for Nato. And in a call for them to continue arming Ukraine, he concluded: I strongly believe that if Putin prevails in Ukraine, we will become more vulnerable, and then we will need to invest even more in our defence. The Myloplus sauron is named because its round body and distinctive orange and black markings closely resemble the infamous evil eye of author JRR Tolkien's fictional character. A brand new species of vegetarian piranha has been discovered by scientists in the Amazon River. Armed with notoriously sharp teeth, piranhas have built up a bloodthirsty reputation with the fish being used by James Bond villain Blofeld to consume his enemies in You Only Live Twice. However, some species of piranha prefer feasting on fallen fruits rather than flesh. This is the case for the recently discovered Myloplus sauron one of two new piranhas discovered by researchers. With a distinctive black line running down its side, scientists were struck by the fishs resemblance to a menacing and symbolic character from the Lord of the Rings franchise. Dr Rupert Collins, the Natural History Museums senior curator of fishes, was one of the scientists who helped to describe the species. He said: As soon as one of my colleagues came up with the name for this fish, we knew it was perfect for it. Its pattern looks a lot like the Eye of Sauron, especially with the orange patches on its body. With so much undescribed biodiversity in the Amazon and surrounding rivers, its name is also a good reminder to keep an eye out for undescribed species in South America. Undescribed biodiversity The piranha joins a long list of creatures named after the Eye of Sauron including a dinosaur, a frog and a group of butterflies. Yet while its name may be menacing, its nature is not. And Dr Collins said the piranhas renown for reducing animals to bones within seconds is undeserved The former US president Teddy Roosevelt is responsible for much of the piranhas reputation, he said. He wrote about a cow being torn apart in front of him during a visit to South America, cementing their ferocious image in the public consciousness. Unravelling genetics in the fishees have also meant this latest species has been undiscovered for some time. Dr Collins said: Many species were established using differences in teeth, but similar teeth have popped up repeatedly in distantly related fish. They can also look very different at every stage of their life, with one species containing animals with many appearances. Until recently there was at least one species that researchers could confidently identify. With a bold black band down its side, Myloplus schomburgkii could easily be picked out in rivers across South America. But recent research suggested that this fish might not be all it seemed, and now this new study has revealed that its not one species, but three. Collection and analysis of DNA samples confirmed this was the case with both the Myloplus aylan and the Myloplus saurun being discovered together. Experts believe the future for both fish seems good in the short-term. While constructions of hydroelectric dams in the region have raised concerns, the widespread distribution of the fishes means their chances of survival are good. #Yet not all South American fishes may be so lucky. As many as 42 per cent of the continents fish species are thought to be unknown to science. When they are identified, researchers can look to understand the threats they face in order to help them survive. People set off flares during a protest against hard-Right gains in European Parliament elections - Anadolu French police clashed with protesters in Rennes and Paris on Saturday as tens of thousands of people took to the streets in marches against the hard-Right. Police in Rennes deployed tear gas against black-clad protesters who appeared to throw projectiles towards their lines. Paris authorities reported numerous attempts at damage, with at least one person being arrested. Riot officers in the French capital reportedly used tear gas against demonstrators who tried to vandalise a bus stop. Tens of thousands take part Tens of thousands of Left-wing marchers took to the streets to protest against the hard-Right, who are on course to win snap elections later this month. In Paris, demonstrators set off from the Place de La Republique, in the east of the city before marching on to the Bastille square. Holding banners that read Liberty for all, Equality for all and Fraternity with all, the protesters were mobilised by labour unions, student groups and NGOs to protest against the countrys anti-migration National Rally. Tear gas is deployed in an attempt to control protesters - LOU BENOIST Ahead of the first round of voting for a new parliament on June 30th, the National Rally are leading on 30 per cent, one point ahead of a new Left-wing coalition called the Popular Front. We need a democratic and social upsurge President Emmanuel Macrons centrist Renew party is trailing in third on 18 per cent. We need a democratic and social upsurge. If not the extreme right will take power, French unions said in a statement Friday. Our Republic and our democracy are in danger. In Nice on the the French Riviera protesters marched down Jean Medecin Avenue, the citys main shopping street, chanting against the National Rally, as well as against Mr Macron. A protester stands in a cloud of tear gas - ROMAIN PERROCHEAU Some 150 protests were organised across the country, with large marches taking place in Marseilles, Toulouse, and Lyon. French police said that 21,000 officers had been mobilised to ensure security at the rallies, with several hundred thousand people expected to take part across the country. Macron called snap election Mr Macron called a snap legislative election after suffering a heavy defeat to Marine Le Pens party at last Sundays EU election. In the EU vote, Ms Le Pens hard-Right party took in almost double the votes that Mr Macrons party mustered. Protesters sing chants during a demonstration in Marseille - Daniel Cole The French president has urged voters to stick to the centre lashing out at unnatural alliances at both extremes... who will not be able to implement any program. Mr Macron will remain president until 2027 even if his Renew party loses the vote, the second round of which will be held in July. However, his presidency would be severely weakened if the National Rally were to take control of the government and legislative policy. Following Mr Macrons surprise decision to call a snap election, the countrys former Socialist president Francois Hollande announced he would run for parliament again. Mr Hollande, who was Frances president from 2012-2017, left office with record levels of unpopularity. He is hated by parts of the radical left. He said he would stand as an MP for the southwestern Correze department for the New Popular Front, a left-wing grouping formed for the elections that includes the Socialists, hard-left, Greens and Communists. An exceptional decision for an exceptional situation, Mr Hollande told reporters in the departments main town of Tulle, explaining his surprise comeback. I am not seeking anything for myself, he insisted, after a flurry of recent media appearances sparked speculation he might be eyeing a run for the presidency. I just want to be of service. A self-portrait of Dora Maar from 1935. Photograph: Dora Maar Estate / Courtesy of Amar Gallery Dora Maar is renowned as Pablo Picassos weeping woman, the anguished lover who inspired him to repeatedly portray her in tears. Now a London gallery is seeking to re-establish her as a pioneering surrealist artist in her own right, with an exhibition showcasing photographs recently discovered in her estate. The exhibition, which opens at the Amar Gallery in London on 16 June, will include rare surrealist photograms and intimate photographs dating from her time with Picasso. These include two extraordinary portraits of him from the 1930s and one charting the creation of his anti-fascist masterpiece, Guernica, in his studio surrounded by paint pots. The works were bought at auction from Maars estate two years ago and have never been exhibited in a public gallery before. Paris-born Maar was a respected experimental photographer whose work was about to appear in the 1936 International Surrealist Exhibition in London alongside Salvador Dali and Man Ray when the French surrealist poet Paul Eluard introduced her to Picasso. In an encounter at the Cafe des Deux Magots in Paris, documented by art critic Jean-Paul Crespelle, 54-year-old Picasso noticed the 28-year-old Maar at a nearby table, repeatedly driving a penknife between her fingers into the wood. Sometimes she missed and a drop of blood appeared between the roses embroidered on her black gloves, Crespelle wrote. This strange game of the masochistic young woman with the serious face and pale blue eyes intrigued the artist, an infamous womaniser already in a seven-year extramarital relationship with one of his muses, Marie-Therese Walter. Later, after he and Maar had embarked on their nine-year affair, Picasso would ask Maar to give him the gloves so that he could lock them up in the showcase he kept for his mementoes, Crespelle wrote. When Dora met Picasso, she was already a gifted artist and her surrealist photographs were considered revolutionary, said Amar Singh, curator of the exhibition. But Picasso was extremely controlling and psychologically abusive, and she was discouraged by Picasso to continue with her photography. Unlike Picasso, Maar was a leftwing political activist when they met. In 1934, she was one the few women who had signed Appel a la lutte, a tract calling on French people to fight fascism, and in 1935, she had joined the anti-fascist Contre-Attaque union of revolutionary intellectuals alongside the surrealist Andre Breton. She influenced Picasso to paint Guernica he had never entered political painting before, said Singh. I dont think Guernica would have existed without Dora Maar. Yet shes been completely eradicated out of that narrative. During the Depression, Maar captured blind street peddlers, shopworkers and street children in evocative black-and-white photographs. She taught Picasso some of her photographic techniques and encouraged his political awareness. When Guernica, a town in Picassos native Spain, was bombed in 1937 by fascists and anti-communist nationalists, Picasso expressed his abhorrence of war and its ocean of pain and death by painting in monochrome. Maars practice of photography influenced the art of Picasso she had a great influence on his work, said Antoine Romand, a Dora Maar expert. She contested him. She pushed him to do something new and to be more creative politically. One of the photos in the exhibition shows Maar was given exclusive access to Picassos studio to photograph the progress of his painting of Guernica. She even painted some of the dying horse in the painting, at Picassos request: despite her success as a photographer, he thought she should exchange her camera for a paintbrush, declaring that inside every photographer is a painter trying to get out. By 1940, her passport listed her profession as photographer-painter. While hes discouraging her away from surrealist photography, shes encouraging him and pushing his artistic boundaries in a way which completely reshaped the history of art, said Singh. Picasso painted Maar more than 60 times, usually in tears. In 1943, three years before he ended the relationship, he met his next mistress, Francoise Gilot. He psychologically traumatised Dora and she eventually had a nervous breakdown, said Singh. After being taken to a psychiatric hospital and receiving electric shock therapy, Maar turned to a life of religious seclusion and ceased photography. She said after Picasso, there can only be God. She totally abandoned her practice of photography, said Romand. She died in 1997 at the age of 89. Her photographs of Picasso were found under her bed in an apartment filled with his paintings of her. She would wake every morning looking at his work, and was never able to love again, said Singh. Their relationship decimated her. Interest in Maars work has reignited over the past decade and her surrealist photographs can now be found in the permanent collections of modern art museums all over the world, including the Tate, which held a retrospective of her work in 2019. Her rare surrealist photographs now sell for $200,000 (158,000), but some are still priced at about $6,000. Singh thinks that, like many female artists of the past, Maar is still overlooked. One of the unfortunate archetypes in art history is: there will be a singular show then the wider machine recalibrates to champion the men. Australia lags among advanced democracies in educating young people on media literacy, an expert says. Photograph: Oksana Kuzmina/Alamy Beneath an old Queenslander on the south side of the Brisbane River, beside a garage with a hand-painted sign that reads recording and above a computer in a cluttered spare room, is a Post-it note. Sugar-coated broccoli, it reads. The home not unlike Blueys belongs to Bryce Corbett and doubles as an unofficial headquarters of the childrens news podcast he founded and co-presents, Squiz Kids. The note, its guiding philosophy. Daily episodes tackle a headline story like South Australias proposal to ban children from social media covered to inform, but not frighten, kids. Thats the broccoli. The coating: a bit of fun science, pop culture and, of course, animal stories the alligator that came to school, the worlds funniest crab joke. Related: Albanese follows Duttons lead with tougher position on childrens social media ban Corbetts chat, too, is professional yet upbeat. Upbeat, that is, until asked about the emergent media landscape into which children are entering at an increasingly young age. I dont think it is overblown to say that we are sleepwalking our way into a dystopian future, he says. Misinformation and disinformation, the rate at which it is being peddled and believed and shared by a naive global populace is, I think, the biggest threat to democracies around the world, says Corby, who has worked in journalism and media for more than two decades. The impacts of poor media literacy upon society are not limited to the ballot box. Misinformation has been linked to a spate of bloody coups successful and thwarted around the world and major powers have accused one another of weaponising it on an industrial scale to stoke division and conflict. The proliferation of conspiracy theories and the erosion of trust in science, expertise and institutions threatens to compromise everything from action on the climate crisis to preventing the spread of pandemics. On the less extreme end of the spectrum, and more generally, a media-literate population is an essential component of an active and informed citizenry. Most children are not getting access to regular media literacy education that would help them Tanya Notley, Western Sydney University Corbett says the insidious nature of misinformation was made clear to him about eight years ago at the family dinner table when his children started regurgitating dubious facts they had come across on social media. When it came to mis- and disinformation, he realised, his own children were like an unvaccinated person exposed to a novel virus. It all felt like a really big hole in the education of these kids that needed to be filled, he says. Corbett is not alone in that belief. Information systems and communications researchers say the scale and magnitude of change to the means through which we make sense of the world is such that media literacy ought be a bedrock of education. However, according to Tanya Notley, an associate professor in digital media at Western Sydney University, Australia is a global laggard on this front among advanced democracies. Our research suggests most children are not getting access to regular media literacy education that would help them to verify misinformation, she says. We really need to be doing more. Related: Australia urged to impose big tech tax to fund trusted media and fight disinformation Since 2017, Notley has led three national surveys into young Australians media habits. The results have not all been bleak. Notley, who was the Australian Media Literacy Alliances deputy chair for three years until last December, says they show children and young people do value news and that, while social media is a rising and major source of information, parents and to a lesser extent, teachers remain their most common and preferred news source. But some of her findings cant be sugar-coated. The 2023 study showed that just 41% of children aged eight to 16 are confident they could tell fake news from real news stories. Just one in four young people said they had received a lesson at school in the past year to help them work out if news stories are true and can be trusted. Clearly, not enough is happening, Notley says. *** The media environment children and young people are growing up into is more complex than that which their parents entered at the same age, with polarised news sources, social media hot-takers, a general decline in news consumption and the emerging issue of generative AI and deep fakes. A University of Queensland associate professor in information systems, Stan Karanasios, recently made three recommendations as to what can be done to protect our society from generative AIs ability to put fake news on steroids. Number two is to teach media literacy in the same way we teach maths. Karanasios points to a recent French report that spoke of the technology industrys strategy of capturing childrens attention, using all forms of cognitive bias to shut children away on their screens, control them, re-engage them and monetise them. Teach media literacy in the same way we teach maths Stan Karanasios, University of Queensland Once they start getting their news from social media, Karanasios says, it can be very difficult to tell what is real and what is not real. That report really puts the blame back on the tech companies and argues that we need to protect our young people, he says. These tech companies have used hundreds of millions of dollars of research into getting people to use these technologies, so the idea that parents simply using parental controls and having a quick conversation with their children is going to make a difference is probably a bit naive. *** Concerns more generally about social media and its mental health and wellbeing effects on young people has prompted calls by the prime minister and premiers of New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to lift age minimums on social media platforms. But such proposals have met a cooler response from digital literacy experts and advocates. Their position can be neatly summed up by Corbett. Tech-savvy young people, the journalist and entrepreneur says, will find a way around bans and age restrictions. So does it not make more sense to educate kids? he asks. Related: AI nudes of Victorian students were allegedly shared online. How can schools and parents respond to deepfake porn? | Gabrielle Hunt and Daryl Higgins for the Conversation To that end, Squiz Kids launched a pilot program in November 2022 called Newshounds. The program is a free, curriculum-aligned, eight-part podcast and workbook-based module aimed at teaching primary school students to spot misinformation and sensitise kids to the concept of not believing everything they see online. To date, SquizKids reports that 2,608 teachers have signed up to Newshounds (100 of which are from New Zealand). The program has received no government funding. We cant keep doing it for free forever, says Corbett. At the moment, given there is really little out there especially for primary school teachers [this] could have a really important place for teachers who, through no fault of their own, have really little understanding of media literacy, says Queensland University of Technologys Dr Amanda Levido, who independently assessed the Squiz Kids pilot. The Albanese government, in its October 2022 budget, allocated $6m towards media literacy products to be delivered through the Alannah and Madeleine Foundation, as part of what the minister for communications, Michelle Rowland, says is a methodical and holistic approach to keeping Australians safe online, including by providing young people with the tools they need to be safe digital citizens. Its critical [schoolchildren] have the skills they need to discern fact from fiction and keep themselves safe online Michelle Rowland Between launch on 1 July 2023 and the end of March this year, some 98 secondary schools registered for the foundations eSmart Media Literacy Lab, reaching more than 8,000 students. This January the foundation launched an eSmart Digital Licence+ to primary schools in the country, and as of the end of March 49 schools had registered for it. A junior digital licence for students aged five to nine will be launched in the second half of this year. Australian schoolchildren are now the second generation of digital natives, and its critical they have the skills they need to discern fact from fiction and keep themselves safe online, Rowland said in a statement. Still, says Notley, the Newshounds program has the greatest reach in terms of primary schoolchildren, and she is concerned about the lack of funding for it. Services like this should remain free to schools and its hard to see how this can happen without government support, she says. There are other programs, of course, trying to engage children with news. Notley praises the ABCs TV program Behind the News, which has been reaching Australian children for more than five decades and identifies ABC Education, the Museum of Australian Democracy and the National Film and Sound Archive as having the greatest reach for high school media literacy education. She and Levido say programs like Newshounds need to be a part of a much broader strategy, and that there must be transparent and competitive processes for providers to bid for government funding. Related: Can we still handle the truth? Journalism, alternative facts and the rise of AI | Lenore Taylor We need a media literacy national policy, Notley says. And that kind of document exists in lots of countries now in Finland, Brazil. Finland has been held up as a gold standard for decades, she says, embedding media literacy in education from kindergarten. Brazil made tackling mis- and disinformation a priority after it suffered a coup attempt early last year and saw thousands of people die unnecessarily from Covid due to misinformation, Notley says. The government of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva created an office of media literacy and a media education strategy, she says, set really big targets for training teachers and made disinformation the theme of an education Olympics. That has happened in a year, so I think it shows how quickly things can be turned around when there is a government who believes this is an important priority. Grant StClair-Armstrong is standing in the constituency of North West Essex. Photograph: Reform party The Reform UK candidate Grant StClair-Armstrong has resigned after it was discovered he had previously encouraged people to vote for the far-right British National party. StClair-Armstrong, 71, is standing for election in North West Essex, challenging the business secretary, Kemi Badenoch. The Times reported that he wrote a blog post in 2010 that lamented the state of the UK, writing: I could weep now, every time I pick up a British newspaper and read the latest about the state of the UK. No doubt, Enoch Powell would be doing the same if he was alive. My solution vote BNP! His comments were unearthed from an archived version of the Joli Triste website, which has since been changed. It also featured posts including racial slurs about Chinese and Pakistani people and a joke about female hormones. Asked about the BNP comment by the Times, StClair-Armstrong said: Ive got no excuses for that. I think theyre a disgusting party. I dont like the English Defence League. I dont like them. He added that he would resign over the matter. I dont really see any alternative, he said. StClair-Armstrong also told the Times: I dont have this stuff on my website any more I removed all that stuff and made the website respectable. It was at a time when I was feeling particularly hard done by, Id been shafted by a lot of people. I cleaned up my act a long, long time ago. In a post on X on Sunday evening, StClair-Armstrong said: I do not and have never supported the BNP, particularly the nasty Nick Griffin. I posted it in a moment of frustration, the only person in the world who has ever done so. As nominations cannot be changed at this stage of the election, StClair-Armstrongs name will still appear on the ballot paper in the constituency next to Reform UK. However, if he won a seat in parliament he would be an independent. A spokesperson for Reform told the Times: Mr StClair-Armstrong has tendered his resignation as a member of Reform UK due to the revelation of unacceptable historic social media comments and we have accepted his resignation. According to his profile on Reforms website, StClair-Armstrong worked in the RAF. He was active in the local Conservative party and served four years as a town councillor before deciding to join Reform early last year. StClair-Armstrong and Reform UK have been contacted for comment. Emily and Neil Young with the fine letters sent by Kent County Council - KENT MESSENGER/SWNS A school has fined a father who took his 14-year-old daughter out of class to attend the D-Day commemorations. Neil Young, a military vehicle restorer, says he informed St Anselms Catholic School in Canterbury, Kent, he would be taking Emily, 14, to France for the 80th anniversary of the landings. Having not received a response from the school, he assumed there was no issue with Emily missing class to join the once-in-a-lifetime trip, he said. But two days after arriving in Normandy, an attendance officer called Mr Young and asked him why his daughter had not arrived at school. He then received an email informing him the absence was unauthorised and a decision would be taken on whether to issue 60 fines to him and his wife, Annette. He said: It was a bit of a blow and was not what we were expecting. I am disappointed in the school for being like this She had 100% attendance last year and this year so far. Mr Young says his family were invited to attend the anniversary events by the Invicta Military Preservation Society. They even laid a plaque for Emilys great-grandfather near the Standing for Giants installation, which has 1,475 silhouettes across the British Normandy Memorial. The group also visited museums and three different war cemeteries, paid their respects at memorials and met surviving Second World War veterans. Mr Young, of Shepherdswell, Kent, said: It was no holiday and every day was educational. It wasnt a trip to Spain where we sat on the beach and did nothing. We went to different places, speaking to new people and learning new things. We started at 6am to get to certain places, which we left at 10pm. Emily wants to do history as a GCSE. I think it is disgraceful the school has done this. After being told Emilys absence was not being authorised, Neil challenged the decision with assistant headteacher Harriet Holmes. She replied: I understand you are upset regarding the decision of the school to not authorise this event. I recognise that this is a fantastic opportunity for Emily, however, unfortunately the decision not to authorise this is due to Emily not being a direct part in the activities listed above. Although she is experiencing these she is not required to attend and therefore we cannot authorise the absence from her education. Penalty notices from Kent County Council arrived at the Youngs home this week, giving them 21 days to pay 60 or the fine would be increased to 120. Despite Ms Holmes making the schools stance clear in her email on June 4, she now blames an administrative error for the fines being issued. She said: The parents are not being fined as this was an administrative error that has been rectified. Whilst we are carrying out Kent County Council policy, we do acknowledge these are exceptional circumstances and have reviewed the coding. When informed of the schools response, Neil said: They are trying to think of something to blame it on other than they did not agree with [the absence]. Sir Keir Starmer's green plans will be 'nothing short of a disaster for you, your family and the country' - Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire We are in a global race for energy. Countries that source enough will thrive, countries that dont will be colder and poorer. Thats why industry leaders, academics and even union leaders have all been calling out the dangers of Labours plans for Britains energy supplies. From increased reliance on foreign imports with higher emissions, lost jobs, and even blackouts, whats clear is that Labour would take Britain back to the dark ages. In a spectacular act of economic self-harm, Keir Starmer and Ed Miliband would shut down our thriving oil and gas sector leaving hundreds of thousands of workers stranded. This would be nothing short of a disaster for you, your family and the country. North Sea gas is essential for our domestic energy needs - all of the gas goes straight into Britains pipes and makes up half of our usage - but its also much greener than liquified imports. We know well still need oil and gas for the decades ahead, so not using our own would mean more reliance on foreign imports. It would be a triumph of ideology over common sense. Exporting jobs for the sake of importing virtue signalling. But what else would expect from Keir Starmers Labour Party? We have just seen what happened when Russia waged war by weaponising energy prices. In an uncertain world, our energy supply needs to be more independent, not less. Beyond removing Trident, which Angela Rayner advocated in recent times, I can think of few things more damaging to our national security than making us more dependent on foreign energy supplies. Just look at New Zealand, where a similar ban was tried. After production declined, putting their energy security in jeopardy and with an increased threat of blackouts, they have had to reverse their policies and start drilling once more. We cannot risk the same thing happening here. Labours plans would also destroy the 200,000 high-wage, high-skill jobs which depend on a thriving oil and gas sector in the UK. Worse still, their flagship energy policy GB Energy, wont even produce any energy. It would be another pointless quango run by politicians rather than business, wasting your money. It will replace a fraction of the energy investment we are set to lose overall, thanks to Labours damaging policies. In an increasingly insecure world, now is not the time to play politics with something so important to our national security. On the other hand, our clear plan prioritises energy security, protecting 200,000 jobs and supports our plan to be sensible about the energy transition, making sure that it works for Britain and doesnt heap unnecessary costs onto hardworking families. The Conservatives are the only party backing North Sea oil and gas, protecting jobs and helping us meet domestic energy demand. Weve built more offshore wind than any other country bar China and we will treble our capacity going forward. Ive set out the largest nuclear expansion plan in 70 years with large-scale, small modular and advanced nuclear reactors on their way. The choice is clear. Our clear plan will boost security, increase investment and turbocharge our domestic energy supply. Labours proposals will destroy jobs, raise taxes and hike up your bills. In a truism of all Labour governments once they have run out of money, they will come for yours. Andy Burnham, the Labour Mayor of Manchester, Nadine Dorries, a former cabinet minister and actor Brian Cox, appear on the BBC1 current affairs programme, Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg - Jeff Overs/BBC/PA The BBC has been accused of lefty Blairite bias as it was criticised for selecting a panel of Rishi Sunak critics to join its flagship Sunday politics show. All three guests invited to debate the political issues of the day on the Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme have condemned Mr Sunaks leadership to varying degrees. The panel, which is supposed to represent views from across the political spectrum, consisted of Andy Burnham, the Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, Brian Cox, the Succession star and self-proclaimed socialist, and Nadine Dorries, the former Tory MP who has been a fierce critic of Mr Sunak. One Conservative candidate said the choices were most likely the result of the BBC pricing in the general election result, and therefore worrying less about Tory reaction to their ingrained lefty Blairite bias. They said the panels composition could be down to one of three things: Conservatives too busy campaigning to be there. Conservatives not able to come up with someone prepared to be on that panel. Or and this I think is the most likely BBC pricing in the general election result and thus worrying less about reaction from the Conservative Party to their ingrained lefty Blairite bias even than they were a few months ago. Broadcasters have to take particular care during an election campaign to present a balanced set of opinions, in line with impartiality rules set out by Ofcom, the TV watchdog. Broadcasting rules The official rulebook states that due weight must be given to the coverage of parties and independent candidates during the election period. It adds: In determining the appropriate level of coverage to be given to parties and independent candidates broadcasters must take into account evidence of past electoral support and/or current support. Broadcasters must also consider giving appropriate coverage to parties and independent candidates with significant views and perspectives. Mr Cox used to be a Labour supporter, once voicing election broadcasts for the party, but switched to the SNP in 2015. Talking to Sky News about Logan Roy, the character he plays in the hit drama Succession last year, he said: Hes the antithesis of everything I believe in. Everything ... Im a socialist and Im proud to be a socialist. During Sundays show, he said he was not a Conservative voter and never would be. But if he was, he said he would be concerned about whats happening to my party and particularly the influence of Nigel Farage, the Reform UK leader. He has previously described the Tory Party as a disgrace and criticised the Rwanda migration scheme, branding it shameful. Ms Dorries, the former culture secretary and close ally of Boris Johnson, has also been a prominent critic of Mr Sunak and launched a deeply personal attack on him when she stepped down as MP for Mid Bedfordshire lashing out over his failure to reduce immigration, seize upon the advantages of Brexit and raising taxes. She also accused the Prime Minister of having completely abandoned the 2019 election-winning manifesto, adding: What exactly is it you do stand for? Last summer, she refused to say whether she would vote for the Tories at the next election and warned that Mr Sunak was destined to lead his party to defeat. A BBC spokesman said: Over the course of the election period, we are ensuring guests and contributors invited on the programme represent a range of views from across the political spectrum, to uphold our commitment to due impartiality throughout. This will include a range of views held within political parties. Foreign affairs minister Penny Wong, South Australian premier Peter Malinauskas and Chinese premier Li Qiang during Li's visit on Sunday to the Adelaide zoo. Photograph: Asanka Ratnayake/AFP/Getty Images Chinas second-most powerful leader has announced that the twists and turns in Australia-China relations are over and invited Australian officials to pick a new pair of pandas for Adelaides zoo. But Penny Wong chose to highlight the tensions that remain in the relationship before a series of talks with Premier Li Qiang, who arrived in Australia on Saturday evening and was met by protesters outside the zoo on Sunday. Li Qiangs arrival marks the first time a Chinese premier has visited Australia since Li Keqiang accepted Malcolm Turnbulls invitation in 2017. Li is in Australia for the annual leaders meeting, which both sides see as central to stabilising relations between the nations. Australias foreign affairs minister welcomed Lis visit, which Wong said was the result of two years of very deliberate, very patient work by the Albanese government to bring about a stabilisation of the relationship with Australias largest trade partner. She acknowledged that tensions remained. But Wong also noted that Australia was in a permanent contest with China over the Pacific, a state she blamed the former Coalition government for. That is the reality, she told the ABC. I wish there was a rewind button to recover the last 10 years but we dont, we have to deal with what we have now which is a permanent contest in Pacific. Wong and a delegation of senior Albanese ministers will leave for Papua New Guinea at the conclusion of Lis visit. When Li arrived at Adelaide airport on Saturday evening he said Australia was uniquely positioned to connect the west and the east and added that bilateral relations between the two countries were back on track after a period of twists and turns. A more mature, stable and fruitful comprehensive strategic partnership will be a treasure shared by the people of both countries, Li said. While Wong was to spend Sunday engaged in panda and trade diplomacy with Li, as he visited Australias only giant pandas, Wang Wang and Fu Ni at Adelaide zoo, followed by lunch at a South Australian winery, she said Australia remained focused on areas of disagreement. Related: What is on the agenda for Chinese premier Li Qiangs visit to Australia? That includes Chinas attitude to Taiwan, which Wong called one of the riskiest flashpoints in the world. We support the maintenance of the status quo, that the status quo is the best path for us to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and in the world, Wong said. We oppose any unilateral changes to the status quo. In terms of the military activities and in and around the Taiwan Strait, youve heard me and others speak very clearly about this. We are deeply concerned about the increased activities and the risk of miscalculation, the risk of mistake. And that is a view weve put publicly and we have put directly to China. Wong said Australia also continued to advocate for the Australian academic Yang Hengjun, who has been given a suspended death sentence by a Chinese court, and for China to use its special responsibility and great power as a permanent member of the UN security council to exert its influence to end the Russian invasion of Ukraine. We have expressed concerns similar to those expressed by the G7 about potential activities of Chinese firms and we will continue to express to China our views about the importance of the war ending and Ukraine being able to secure peace on its own terms, Wong said. Anthony Albanese will meet Li in Canberra on Monday, where the pair will discuss some of the hangover trade embargo issues, as well as the regions security. Li will also hold a side meeting with the opposition leader, Peter Dutton, before travelling to Western Australia for meetings with business leaders and Chinese-Australian community members. Australias expansion of its critical minerals industry is expected to be among the agenda items during Lis meeting with Albanese. Under the Albanese government, stricter foreign investment oversight protocols were put in place, and there have been questions over whether Chinese investment in the critical mineral sector in Australia would be welcomed. Wong said Australia welcomed foreign investment, in accordance with the national interest. It is clear which sectors we would take particular interest in as we consider foreign investment applications [and] critical minerals is one of those sectors, Wong said. At an event at Adelaide zoo on Sunday, Li announced the current pandas housed there would return to China, and a new pair would be sent in their stead. Wang Wang and Fu Ni have been a way from home for more than 15 years, I guess they must have missed their home a lot, Li said. So they will return to China before the end of the year. But what I want to tell you is that we will provide a new pair of uniquely beautiful, lovely and adorable [pandas] to the Adelaide zoo. The SDLPs Claire Hanna is hoping for a repeat of the tactical voting in Northern Irelands most diverse constituency which swept her to Westminster in 2019. However, due to boundary changes, the Belfast South constituency she has represented for the past five years has been enlarged and renamed Belfast South and Mid Down. While the last General Election was dominated by Brexit, rival candidates, including the DUPs Tracy Kelly and Alliances Kate Nicholl, are expecting that a new political landscape and environment will lead to a much closer race in the July 4 poll. Claire Hanna hits the campaign trail in Carryduff (Liam McBurney/PA) In 2019 Ms Hanna unseated the DUPs Emma Little-Pengelly with a huge 15,401 majority after Sinn Fein and the Green Party did not run. While Sinn Fein will not contest the seat again, the Greens are in the running this time. Another factor which has changed since 2019 is that the increased constituency now stretches well outside Belfast to include Saintfield, Drumbo and Moneyreagh. However, as she hit the campaign trail, Ms Hanna was confident that the changed boundaries would not disadvantage her. She said: It is still more than 90% the same constituency, the core from Belfast city centre up to Carryduff, out to Finaghy and Forestside. It has brought in Saintfield, which I think is a really good fit. Ive spent a lot of time there over the last few months and again it is a shared neighbourhood, people of all fits and none. Ms Hanna said she believes people vote differently in a Westminster poll than in an election for the Assembly or local council. She added: South Belfast has always been a multi-way marginal vote. That is part of the beauty of the constituency, it is a melting pot, loads of different political traditions and ideas. The last time that was the case as well and I think people rallied around me as the candidate maybe even if I wasnt their first choice at Assembly election and I am hoping that will be the same again. I dont think people are as deeply party tribal as some might have you believe. I think people know there are different elections that do different things and they feel able to vote for the person they feel has the best experience to do the job for them. Tracy Kelly, DUP Westminster candidate for the constituency of South Belfast and Mid Down (Liam McBurney/PA) The DUP has gone for a new candidate in city councillor Tracy Kelly. She said she had been canvassing hard and believes that her work at grassroots level in the community would chime with voters. Ms Kelly said the concerns expressed by voters on the doorsteps varied across the constituency, with issues such as anti-social behaviour and illegal dumping, social housing and immigration raised with her. She said she also believes the boundary changes could help the DUP. She added: I am looking at it as a positive. We are bringing in more unionist voters. Those areas are traditionally unionist areas, I am hoping that will help me. We have been on the ground in those areas. Ms Kelly added: I think as a councillor, I dont have to introduce myself, I am already known in the constituency. I also have the advantage of working for the local MLA for the last eight years for the whole of South Belfast. Living in South Belfast, born and reared in South Belfast, working here for the last 20 years has given me the advantage of knowing quite a few people. I hope people can look at my track record of hard work. I am very reliable, I am on the ground, I know a lot of the issues, I live in the area. Kate Nicholl (centre), Alliance Westminster candidate during canvassing in the constituency (Liam McBurney/PA) The cross-community Alliance Party came third in the 2019 poll, but since then has performed strongly in the area in the Assembly and local government elections. Their candidate, Zimbabwean-born former Lord Mayor Kate Nicholl, said voters on the doorsteps had been positive about the partys record in the Stormont Assembly. She said: It doesnt matter that its a Westminster election, people want to talk to their politicians about the issues they are facing. I think a lot of people know I have been working on childcare. They have been asking me what more I can do on this in Westminster. I have spoken about tax-free childcare. She said it would be a very different election from last time. Ms Nicholl said: When you think of 2019, it was just after Brexit. There was a DUP candidate who a number of people rallied around to get out of the race. I think we are just in a different place. I think what people really want are politicians who will be positive, who will be pro-active and who are going to sell Northern Ireland for the wonderful place that it is. We need our young people to have hope and to want to stay here. She added: It is a new constituency, it is not an extension, it is a brand new constituency and I am really excited about it. Also running in Belfast South and Mid Down are Aine Groogan for the Green Party, Michael Henderson for the UUP and Dan Boucher for the TUV. Si King cooked live in front of an audience without the other half of the Hairy Bikers team, Dave Myers, following his co-stars death. Known for a series of cooking and travel programme, which saw the pair travel around on motorcycles, they were a duo for around two decades. Myers died in February at the age of 66 after battling cancer. King was at the Good Food Show Summer event in Birminghams NEC, where he cooked in front of a large crowd and was joined by Italian chef Gennaro Contaldo, TV presenter Chris Bavin and Easy recipe book author Chris Baber. The presenter also posted about signing copies of him and Myerss book The Hairy Bikers Ultimate Comfort Food, with a picture of a child, saying: Great to see all ages enjoying the book! #fastandfresh. While sharing another image taken at the event of King bending slightly forward while holding the mic towards him, he wrote: Thanks for having me @goodfoodshows! Clearly I was unknowingly showing off my air saxophone skills! Earlier this month, King accompanied a memorial motorcycle ride in honour of Myers to raise funds for the Institute of Cancer Research, London, and childrens charity the NSPCC. Announcing his death earlier this year, the 57-year-old said: My best friend is on a journey that for now, I cant follow. I will miss him every day and the bond and friendship we shared over half a lifetime. I wish you Gods speed brother; you are and will remain a beacon in this world. See you on the other side. Love ya. SNP leader John Swinney is expected to say that the SNP is the only major party with a truly left-of-centre manifesto in a speech at a campaign event in Stornoway on Monday. The First Minister is expected to say that his partys plans stand in stark contrast to the Thatcherite economic policies of the Conservatives and Labour, who, he will say, offer only cuts, austerity and stagnation. He is also expected to say that Labour under Sir Keir Starmer has run a mile from its founding values, putting it at odds with the centre-left tradition of the majority of people in Scotland. The SNP manifesto is expected to include plans for investment in public services, protections for the NHS, the reversal of Brexit, and support for families struggling through the cost-of-living crisis. Mr Swinney is expected to say: This week is when the choice before the people of Scotland becomes clear. The SNP will publish our alternative to the Westminster status quo. A vision of hope for Scotlands future, against the continuation of despair on offer from Labour and the Tories. Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak are wedded to the same Thatcherite economic policies offering only cuts, austerity and stagnation. The bold and positive vision we will publish will stand in stark contrast to the dismal Labour and Tory offerings promising more of the same. We are the only major party in this election publishing a truly left-of-centre manifesto and that is exactly why we are feeling so positive about this campaign. That centre-left political tradition is where the vast majority of people in Scotland sit. Our manifesto is one that takes the traditional left-of-centre politics of our country and applies it to the challenges we face now, in the modern world. Labour under Keir Starmer has run a mile from the founding values of his own party and abandoned the majority of voters in Scotland in the process. In Scotland, there is a real choice. A choice between a generation of stagnation under the Westminster status quo or a generation of opportunity with the SNP. Scottish Conservative party chairman Craig Hoy said: John Swinney might be trying to spin Scots a shiny new manifesto, but the reality is that the SNPs independence obsession will override everything else in it. We already know that page one, line one of the manifesto will be completely focused on independence. Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP Willie Rennie said: With the SNP, it doesnt matter a jot if the manifesto is left-wing or right-wing because they fail to deliver whatever they promise. The SNP have delivered hundreds of millions of pounds of cuts to local government, housing and the environment. When it comes to taking an axe to public services, they are just as bad as the Tories. Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said John Swinney was the architect of austerity here in Scotland, downgraded the exam results of working-class schoolchildren, and has spent this election campaign defending the profits of oil and gas giants it takes a brass neck to try and claim that he is running a left-wing campaign. All the SNP has to offer is the same old division and decline, and the partys increasingly desperate attacks on Labour show how bereft of ideas it is. Taylor Swift thanked fans for attending her series of shows in Liverpool following her playing the last Anfield Stadium date on Saturday. The American hit singer, 34, who regularly breaks records, played the 100th show of her Eras Tour at Liverpool on Thursday, the first of three back-to-back shows. Swift says she broke the stadiums attendance record. The previous record was 61,905 fans for an FA Cup fourth round tie back in 1952. It was reported that there were at least 62,000 Swifties inside the ground for the first gig. So many dreamy memories from Liverpool!!, she wrote on Instagram. We played our 100th show on The Eras Tour (which feels truly deranged to say because this show feels new to me every time we play it). I want say thank you to our Eras Tour crew, my fellow performers and band who have now committed hundreds of hours to putting on this show and giving their all on and behind that stage. Taylor Swift on stage during her Eras Tour at the Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh (Jane Barlow/PA) I cant believe the work ethic, creativity and dedication I get to be surrounded with every day. All three Liverpool crowds were so expressive and generous and endlessly fun. Thank you to everyone who came out this weekend (you broke the all-time stadium attendance record!!) AND thank you to everyone who has come to any of the shows on The Eras Tour. Its been the adventure of a lifetime because of you. Swift is set to play in Cardiffs Principality Stadium on Tuesday before heading to Londons Wembley Stadium from Friday to Sunday. The tour, which is set to return to London in August to end the UK and European leg of the tour, is estimated to be worth up to 1 billion to the UK economy. Her last Eras Tour show is set to be on December 8 in Vancouver and became the first tour to cross the billion-dollar mark last year according to Pollstars 2023 year-end charts. The Tories and Labour have clashed over Sir Keir Starmers tax and spending plans as the General Election campaign became increasingly bitter. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt claimed Sir Keir would turn the UK into what he dubbed taxtopia while Labour accused the Tories of being desperate and having massive holes in their own plans. Meanwhile, opinion polls continued to heap pressure on Rishi Sunak and underlined why the Tories have shifted strategy to warn would-be Reform UK voters not to risk handing Labour a landslide win. NEW: First MRP Since Farages return. Labour on course for 262 seat majority. LAB 456CON 72LD 56SNP 37RFM 7PC 2GRN 1 42,269 interviews conducted online and on the phoneFwk 31 May 13 June Conducted on behalf of @BestForBritain.@VasilSurvation and @JackSurvation Survation. (@Survation) June 15, 2024 The Prime Minister revealed that his faith was helping him through the tough election campaign. He told the Sunday Times: In Hinduism, theres a concept of duty called dharma, which is roughly translated as being about doing your duty and not having a focus on the outcomes of it. And you do (your duty) because its the right thing to do, and you have to detach yourself from the outcome of it. The Tory focus on tax came after Sir Keir Starmer ruled out imposing capital gains tax on the sale of family homes. But the Conservatives have now demanded that he rules out a series of other potential tax measures which they claim would be needed to fill a 38.5 billion black hole in Labours plans. Mr Hunt told the Sun on Sunday: On tax, yes we put it up. But we started putting it down with four pence off national insurance. Thats a tax cut for working people and we want to go further in the next parliament. Compare that to taxtopia. Taxtopia is what we will get under a Labour government. His deputy at the Treasury, chief secretary Laura Trott, called on Labour to rule out the prospect of changes to council tax bands and rates following Sir Keirs panicked U-turn on capital gains. Specifically, by ruling out one type of tax on the family home, we know that if they refuse to do the same on a council tax raid, then they are planning to do it. Its time for Keir Starmer to come clean with the British public, she said. The Tories have produced a list of 17 potential tax hikes Labour could make, but Sir Keirs party said they would refuse to be drawn into the Conservative trap of responding to each claim. A Labour spokesman said this desperate Tory party is now reduced every day to making up a new Labour plan that does not exist. We are not going to spend the next two weeks responding to whatever fantasy plans the Tories are making up, the spokesman said. They would be better off considering how they were meant to be the antidote to Liz Truss and ended up becoming nothing more than the latest instalment of her disastrous approach. Were at breaking point. It cant carry on. When it comes to cancer, waiting is the difference between life and death. The choice at this election: waiting with the Tories or treatment when you need it with Labour pic.twitter.com/AtUY59jpBu The Labour Party (@UKLabour) June 15, 2024 Meanwhile, the very public Tory soul-searching about how to respond to a potential electoral defeat and the threat posed by Nigel Farages Reform UK has continued. The Conservative strategy has been to warn would-be Reform voters that they risk denying Tories seats, which would result in a huge majority for Labour. Former cabinet minister Robert Jenrick, a potential leadership contender, told the Sunday Telegraph: A Labour Party with an elective dictatorship will be equally unrestrained on raising taxes. Mr Jenrick, who quit the Government because he believed the Rwanda legislation did not go far enough, added: Some voters feel so angry with the Tories that a Labour landslide is a price they are willing to pay. Again, I sympathise with their frustrations and know that we must meet the British publics expectations. That is the task I have dedicated myself to since resigning. Mr Farage predicted Tory divides would become more apparent, telling the Telegraph: You will start to see those MPs, who I agree with on most things, start becoming much more vociferous about their stance as opposed to that of the party. Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer and shadow health secretary Wes Streeting visited Bassetlaw Hospital, in Nottinghamshire (Stefan Rousseau/PA) The splits are going to get worse. And to them, I will say: Sorry guys, you are just in the wrong party.' The scale of the challenge facing the Conservatives was underlined by two separate opinion polls. Analysis and modelling by Survation put Labour on course to a 262-seat majority with the Tories reduced to a rump of just 72 MPs and Reform potentially picking up seven seats. In its interpretation of the findings, Survation said: Since Farages announcement to take over as leader of Reform UK, weve seen a rise in their vote share in national polling, and now we are seeing how this can result in seat gains. Unsurprisingly, Reform are making significant gains in places where the Conservatives are losing the most, and are currently the leading party by vote share in seven seats. Reform are also currently performing better than the Conservatives in 59 seats. Survation, who polled 42,269 people between May 31 and June 13, put the Liberal Democrats on 56 seats and the SNP on 37. NEW Westminster Voting Intention for Sunday @Telegraph 25pt Labour lead Lowest Con vote share since May 2019 Lab 46 (+2)Con 21 (-4)Reform 13 (+3)LD 11 (+2)Green 5 (+1)SNP 2 (-1)Other 3 (-1) 2,045 UK adults, 12-14 June (chg from 7-9 June) pic.twitter.com/Wr0UtWBINm Savanta UK (@Savanta_UK) June 15, 2024 A voting intention poll by Savanta also contained bad news for Mr Sunak, with a warning the Tories could face electoral extinction. The Savanta study for the Sunday Telegraph gave Labour a 25-point lead, with Sir Keir Starmers party on 46%, up two from last week, and the Tories on 21%, down four points. Chris Hopkins, political research director at Savanta, said: The hopes of Conservative candidates are being shot to pieces by poll after poll showing the Conservative Party in increasingly dire straits and were only halfway through the campaign. METHUEN, Mass. (AP) Seven people were shot and wounded, and an eighth was hurt while running away when gunfire erupted at a large gathering of young people in Methuen, Massachusetts, authorities said Sunday. The gunfire began just before 2 a.m. after hundreds of people gathered for a pop-up party organized on social media, officials said at a news conference. The victims range in age from 17 to 22 years old, officials said. Two of them were in critical condition. This is another tragic case of gun violence that brings us together this morning, said Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker. Its pretty amazing that with the amount of ballistics evidence that were recovering that more people werent hurt. Methuen is located about 28 miles (45 kilometers) north of Boston on the border with New Hampshire. Authorities declined to comment on the number of suspects. No arrests have been made, and no weapons have been recovered. Metheun Police Chief Scott McNamara said authorities have been monitoring other hot spots where such gatherings typically take place, but Sundays attack happened in a new location and was the first to turn violent. Usually these meet-ups consist of very loud music, disorderly conduct, sometimes drinking, he said. We try to take action where we can to discourage it, and weve been fairly successful in that regard. Unfortunately we did experience a tragic incident here in Metheun last night. Since even before his recent New York criminal trial began, former President Donald Trump has inveighed against his prosecution as unfair, and now that he is expected to appeal his felony conviction, he'll finally get a chance to make that argument to a higher court. That appeal could raise significant legal arguments, even if there's no slam dunk for the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, according to legal experts. Trump was convicted on all 34 counts of falsifying business records in order to hide a conspiracy to unlawfully interfere in the 2016 presidential election. The business records characterized payments to former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen as 2017 legal expenses. In reality, a Manhattan jury concluded, the payments were reimbursing Cohen for hush money paid to keep porn star Stormy Daniels quiet about an alleged affair with Trump. Were going to be appealing this scam, Trump vowed in a press conference after the verdict. Merchan's pre-trial rulings on what evidence was allowed to be presented could be grounds for appeal, especially given a New York appellate decision during the trial overturned the 2020 rape conviction of former Hollywood Oscar-winning producer Harvey Weinstein, according to Mitchell Epner, a former prosecutor and long-time New York litigator. "It overturned what was one of the biggest criminal convictions against one of the richest and most powerful people in New York this century," Epner told USA TODAY. Here's a preview of what legal experts said are the stronger arguments for Trump to raise in his expected appeal: The shadow of Harvey Weinstein In Weinstein's appellate win, New York's highest court said the trial judge improperly allowed testimony from other women whose stories weren't part of the charged crimes, and that the judge undermined Weinstein's right to testify by ruling he could be cross-examined on those "untested allegations." In Trump's case, Merchan likewise made rulings that allowed testimony or evidence stretching beyond the charged crimes, such as the transcript of the infamous "Access Hollywood" tape in which Trump described kissing women without waiting for consent and grabbing their genitals. Merchan said the prosecution could bring in the transcript to make the case that Trump wanted to pay Stormy Daniels to prevent her from publicly discussing their alleged affair after fallout from the tape's release endangered his standing with women voters. But Merchan ruled that playing the tape itself would go too far. Merchan ruled during the trial that Trump could be cross-examined about court determinations in civil cases that Trump defamed New York writer E. Jean Carroll and fraudulently inflated his assets to get loan and insurance breaks, but not that Trump sexually abused Carroll. (Trump publicly pledged to testify in his defense in the criminal case before the trial, but he backed out.) Epner said the Weinstein decision could mean Trump has a shot, because it "demonstrated that there are a core group of people on the Court of Appeals who think that this issue is so important that even in the most high-profile case, they will overturn it if they think the trial court has done it wrong." But, he added, Merchan's rulings could very well be upheld. "If I had to bet on one side versus the other on that, I think that they would be affirmed," Epner said. "But I don't think it's a slam dunk." Harvey Weinstein appears in Manhattan Criminal Court for a hearing on May 29, 2024 in New York City. The fallen movie mogul is awaiting a retrial on rape charges after his 2020 conviction was tossed out. The court hearing addressed various legal issues related to the upcoming trial, tentatively scheduled for after Labor Day. Non-unanimous jury? The legal instructions to jurors in Trump's criminal case weren't simple. Jurors were told that a guilty verdict required finding Trump falsified business records. Furthermore, a guilty verdict required finding that the purpose of the falsification was to hide a conspiracy to unlawfully interfere in the 2016 election through one of three potential criminal avenues: violating federal campaign finance laws, violating tax laws, or violating business records laws. In addition, Merchan told jurors a "guilty" or "not guilty" verdict needed to be unanimous, but that a "guilty" verdict didn't require them all to agree on which of the three options for unlawful election interference Trump committed. Trump could challenge that last jury instruction on appeal, arguing jurors should have been required to be unanimous about what kind of unlawful behavior was involved in the election conspiracy. Karen Agnifilo, a former prosecutor in the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, told USA TODAY she doesn't expect Trump to win that argument on appeal, but she also doesn't think it's frivolous. Agnifilo compared the issue to how jurors are instructed to evaluate burglary cases in New York, where a guilty verdict requires a jury to find the defendant committed an unlawful trespass with the intent to commit another crime, without needing to agree on what that other crime is. Agnifilo gave the example of a man who was caught walking in the door, before he could do anything beyond the door. "Maybe he had zip ties, condoms, and a safe cracker, and a mask and a bag to carry stuff away in we don't know what crime he was going to do, and a jury doesn't have to find unanimously," Agnifilo said. State conviction based on a federal crime? Trump could also challenge whether Merchan was right to allow an underlying federal crime to give rise to a state criminal conviction. Merchan said the violation of federal campaign finance laws or federal tax laws could be the basis for the unlawful election conspiracy. Shane Stansbury, a Duke Law School lecturer and former New York federal prosecutor, told the BBC ahead of the trial that it was "unclear if a state prosecutor can invoke a federal election crime, as it appears Mr Bragg intends to do." However, Epner didn't expect Trump to win on this argument given that New York law doesn't place any restriction on the crime prosecutors can point to. "It doesn't say 'state law.' It doesn't say 'federal law.' It doesn't say 'U.S. law,'" Epner said. Issues with the judge Trump's legal team could also argue that the verdict should be tossed out because Merchan had no business presiding over the trial. Trump's team has previously argued that Merchan should have recused himself because Merchan's daughter has provided marketing services for Democratic political candidates, and because he made a $35 contribution to a Democratic-aligned entity in 2020, ActBlue, with $15 of that contribution designated for the 2020 Biden presidential campaign. A New York commission that reviews judicial conduct dismissed a complaint against Merchan regarding the donation, although it did still caution the judge, as first reported by Reuters. However, long before the trial the New York State Advisory Committee on Judicial Ethics' determined that Merchan's impartiality couldn't be reasonably questioned based on either issue. The committee said Trump's criminal case didn't involve the daughter's work. The committee characterized the contribution as "modest" and and said it "seldom" requires disqualification or disclosure based on political contributions that are more than two years old. That determination suggests Trump is unlikely to get the conviction tossed out based on Merchan's role in the case, according to University of Texas law professor Lee Kovarsky. "The donation might be improper, but there's virtually zero chance that it matters on appeal," Kovarsky wrote in LawFare, a nonprofit that provides analysis on legal and policy issues related to national security. Kovarsky said the New York court system generally insists appellate courts can't intervene over a judge's recusal decision unless there was actual bias that impacted the result. "In the face of the Ethics Committee finding that theres not even an appearance of bias, any recusal issue is a nonstarter," Kovarsky wrote. Lawyers for Trump didn't respond to a request for comment. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump says he will appeal his hush money conviction. Does he have a shot? JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Intensified cross-border fire from Lebanon's Hezbollah movement into Israel could trigger serious escalation, the Israeli military said on Sunday. "Hezbollahs increasing aggression is bringing us to the brink of what could be a wider escalation, one that could have devastating consequences for Lebanon and the entire region," Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a video statement in English. Iran-backed Hezbollah last week launched the largest volleys of rockets and drones yet in the eight months it has been exchanging fire with the Israeli military, in parallel with the Gaza war. After the relatively heavy exchanges over the past week, Sunday saw a marked drop in Hezbollah fire, while the Israeli military said that it had carried out several air strikes against the group in southern Lebanon. The U.S. and France are working on a negotiated settlement to the hostilities along Lebanon's southern border. Hezbollah says it will not halt fire unless Israel stops its military offensive on Gaza. "Israel will take the necessary measures to protect its civilians until security along our border with Lebanon is restored," Hagari said. (Reporting by Maayan LubellEditing by Peter Graff) Its perfect for a summer picnic. Ashley Locke/Table & Thyme A sweet bread pudding is a great way to end a meal. It's both a classic crowd-pleasing treat and a great way to use up old bread. Plus, there are seemingly limitless flavor possibilities with bread puddings because they can be made with sweet or savory ingredients. Most bread puddings generally use milk or cream, eggs, and a form of fat. This recipe is made with butter and blackberries, which makes it a treat perfect for summer when berries are at their sweetest. This berry bread pudding has one more trick up its sleeve: Milos Tea Company lemonade. Table & Thyme, a full-service catering and hospitality company located in Birmingham, Alabama, developed this bread pudding recipe using Milos lemonade in the glaze. The topping comes together with lemonade, confectioners sugar, and sweetened condensed milk, and the result is a sweet, bright sauce that brings the whole dish together. Milos and Table & Thyme created something unique here, and Ill be bringing it to my next summer party. Milos Tea Company, a family-owned company that has been brewing teas and lemonade since 1946, is also celebrating National Iced Tea Month all June long, so fans should keep their eyes peeled for iced tea cocktail recipes and giveaways. Tea enthusiasts are invited to join the celebration with weekly giveaways on Milos Instagram, including a years supply of tea and lemonade. Blackberry Lemonade Bread Pudding Recipe Lots of different breads can be used to make bread puddingold, stale loaves, discount bread, Challah bread, croissantsso feel free to use what you have in your pantry or find at the store. This recipe uses croissants, a whole lot of blackberries, and a sweet lemon glaze. Blackberries are in season during the summer, so this recipe is great as a dessert or brunch item at picnics, potlucks, and barbecues. Let the blackberries and sugar simmer in a saucepan before mixing it with your croissants. It will take about 1 1/2 hours to make, but much of that time is in the oven. There's only about 30 minutes of preparation needed before it bakes, so this is one you can put together quickly. Ingredients 3 tablespoons butter 12 croissants 1 quart liquid egg 2 quarts heavy cream 4 cups sugar, divided 1/4 cup cinnamon 2 tablespoons vanilla extract 2 pints fresh blackberries 1 quart Milo's lemonade 1 (2-pound) bag powdered sugar 1 (12-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk Directions Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a baking dish with butter. Cut croissants into cubes, and add to a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, 3 cups of the sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. In a saute pan, add the remaining 1 cup of sugar and blackberries and simmer for 5 minutes. Strain the blackberry syrup through a Chinois strainer to remove the seeds. Set aside. Pour your egg mixture into the bowl with the croissants and gently mix together. Pour the mixture into your casserole dish and press down with a spatula. Drizzle the blackberry syrup over the mixture and gently press in, but do not mix. Bake the bread pudding covered for 1 hour or until the middle of the pudding is set. In a bowl, combine the lemonade, powdered sugar, and sweetened condensed milk and whisk until thoroughly combined. Drizzle the lemonade glaze over the top of the bread pudding and serve hot. Ashley Locke/Table & Thyme Read the original article on All Recipes. ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - Authorities on Sunday identified the man who opened fire at a splash pad in the Detroit suburb of Rochester Hills on Saturday night before taking his own life. His motives, however, remain unknown as investigators worked to determine if he left behind any hint of his plans. Oakland County Sheriff's spokesperson Stephen Huber said the shooter was 42-year-old Michael William Nash of Shelby Township. He died by suicide following a standoff at a home in a nearby community. Sheriff Michael Bouchard said Saturday evening that the gunman had no prior criminal history but apparently suffered privately from what the sheriff called "mental health challenges." At least nine people, including two children, were wounded in the shooting. Bouchard said in a news briefing the male suspect pulled up in a vehicle a little after 5 p.m. local time, got out and opened fire on the Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad, located at 1585 E. Auburn Road. "It appears like the individual pulled up, exited a vehicle, approached the splash pad, opened fire, reloaded, opened fire, reloaded, left," Bouchard said. "It appears very random at this point...No connectivity to the victims." The nine victims ranged in age from 4 to 78, Bouchard said. An 8-year-old boy and a 39-year-old woman, both from the same family, were in critical condition. The boy suffered a gunshot wound to the head, the sheriff said. The rest of the victims were in stable condition with various gunshot wounds. At least four area hospitals were treating the victims. After fleeing the shooting, the suspect was discovered to have gone to a house within a half-mile of the splash pad, Bouchard said. Authorities surrounded the barricaded home in Shelby Township and a standoff ensued. "We determined who we thought was potentially involved from some of the evidence on scene very quickly, went immediately there," Bouchard said in the earlier briefing. "A vehicle that matched what had been described as a vehicle leaving the scene was there. So we put up a quick perimeter. And deputies on scene apparently heard or saw the individual that they're trying to communicate with." During the shooting, the gunman fired potentially 28 times and reloaded multiple times, Bouchard said. A 9mm Glock semi-automatic handgun was recovered from the scene, along with three empty magazines. Bouchard explained that deputies were able to trace the weapon's registration to the address in Shelby Township where the suspect was believed to reside with his mother. Within an hour of the shooting, authorities had "containment" on the home, "setting a hard perimeter" using SWAT, helicopters and drones, Bouchard said. The suspect's mother was not home at the time of the standoff, Bouchard disclosed. After not receiving contact from the suspect, law enforcement breached the home, and using drones, found the suspect dead inside, Bouchard said. The sheriff also showed reporters a photo of a semiautomatic weapon which was found on a kitchen table. A second handgun was also found inside the home. Bouchard said the suspect died from what was believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. "I believe that because we had quick containment on him, that if he had planned to do anything else, and it wouldn't surprise me, because having that on the kitchen table is not an everyday activity," Bouchard said. "That there was probably something else, a second chapter, potentially." Bouchard said investigators still have no motive in the shooting. The suspect "did not have a criminal history that we're aware of," and detectives have so far found no link between the suspect and the location of the shooting. Jared Schmidt, a Rochester Hills resident, told CBS News he was in the neighborhood near the splash pad when he heard "a lot of cars squealing, tires, people racing through the neighborhood, and a woman screaming that there was an active shooter." Schmidt said he jumped in his car and drove to the splash pad, where he says he found "a lot of blood," and began providing first aid to the victims, with tourniquets and pressure dressings. He said among the injured was a friend of his. "I know these people," Schmidt said. "This is my neighborhood...These are family members...This is horrible." In his earlier remarks, Bouchard also referenced the 2021 mass shooting at Oxford High School in the nearby city of Oxford, in which a teen gunman killed four fellow students. "It's a gut punch, obviously, for us here in Oakland County. We've gone through so many tragedies," Bouchard said. "We're not even fully comprehending what happened at Oxford, and now we have another complete tragedy that we're dealing with." In a statement posted to social media, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said that she was "heartbroken to learn about the shooting in Rochester Hills. We are monitoring the situation as updates continue to come in, and are in touch with local officials." The city of Rochester Hills is located about 25 miles north of Detroit. Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter issued a statement on Sunday, saying the shooting is "another appalling display of senseless violence." "The Oakland County community stands with the injured and their families, and unfortunately, just as we had to do in Oxford, we will be with the victims, their families, and the community for as long as it takes," Coulter said. "I'm grateful for the quick response from the Oakland County Sheriff's Department and first responders and for the coordination between our Emergency Operations Center and other responding agencies." On Sunday, Bouchard warned that fake GoFundMe pages had been created, purporting to benefit the victims. The sheriff said one GoFundMe page created claimed to benefit an individual who was not a victim. More than $15,000 had been donated. "These bottom-feeding scumbags are preying off this tragedy," Bouchard said in a statement. "They have already shown their character. We are unaware of any legitimate charity collecting donations for these families. I encourage anyone interested in donating to check with the Sheriff's Office first. If there are legitimate sites, we will let the public know." A prayer vigil was held Sunday at Woodside Bible Church in Troy. Woodside's Troy campus, located at 6600 Rochester Rd., held the vigil. Pete and Chasten Buttigieg on fatherhood New Jersey diner owner, who is blind, dishes out friendship and inspiration Biden meets with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg Eight years after the 2016 election, Democrats are reliving the infamous Clinton-Sanders battle this time in the race for New Yorks 16th Congressional District. Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.), a squad member favored by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), is facing a rocky path to reelection against Westchester County Executive George Latimer, a centrist who earned Hillary Clintons support this week. The June 25 primary is unearthing old rivalries in a party facing an identity crisis over Israel in a part of the state that many Jews call home. This primary is more about the war in Gaza than anything else, said Doug Gordon, a Democratic consultant and co-founder of UpShift Strategies. The anxiety is all too familiar. The progressive-moderate clash has reemerged in other contests since Sanders challenged Clinton in the cycle that led to former President Trump winning the White House. Activist Jessica Cisneross fraught attempt to unseat Clinton-backed Texas Rep. Henry Cuellar (D) exposed the left-center divide, as did Sanders-approved Nina Turners unsuccessful challenge to Rep. Shontel Brown (D) in Ohio. The Westchester-Bronx district is now in the spotlight. And progressives are hoping for a miracle. Theres plenty of anger in both camps. Bowman has repeatedly suggested Latimer is racist, while Latimer has accused Bowman of aligning with ultra-right-wing Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) on a key vote. Both have sought to paint the other as ineffective and wrong for the blue district. On Wednesday, after Clinton threw her weight behind Latimer, old wounds were reexposed. With Trump on the ballot, we need strong, principled Democrats in Congress more than ever, Clinton wrote in a post on the social platform X. In Congress, @LatimerforNY will protect abortion rights, stand up to the NRA, and fight for President Bidens agendajust like hes always done. An endorsement from the former first lady who represented New York in the Senate is now being tested. Observers say it sent a signal about the ideological importance of the race for Democrats. As Democrats look to recapture the House, the seat is not vulnerable to the GOP. But centrists and progressives are likely to use the winner as a sign of the direction of the party for 2024 and beyond. Clintons support shows a desire among some Democrats for the party to embrace its more moderate wing. Bowman, whos trailing in recent polls, downplayed her decision. I definitely wouldnt call that a major endorsement, Bowman said in an appearance on CNN, before touting his support from Sanders, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.). Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) is also hosting a rally with Sanders for Bowman just before election day. One progressive Bowman cant count on for support is former Rep. Mondaire Jones (D-N.Y.), whos running in the neighboring district after briefly leaving Congress. Jones lent his backing to Latimer in a surprise endorsement, causing a stir among liberals who saw it as a flat out backstab. You cant convince voters youll stand up for them when they can see so many examples of you trading in your spine, said one progressive strategist whos worked on New York campaigns, referring to Jones. This is coming from a guy who went and door-knocked for Mondaire when he first ran, the strategist said. I feel nothing but regret for doing it. Still, some Democrats believe that the Sanders-Clinton framework is getting near its expiration date even as both contenders have welcomed those figures support in the final weeks of the campaign. I think looking through the prism of 2016 is a bit over simplistic, said Gordon. The party and the world around it has changed a lot in the last eight years. Clinton and Sanders are not the vote-drivers they once were, he said. Gordon and other operatives say the bigger test will be how voters view their stances on Israel at the ballot box. Foreign policy has dominated the race after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas forced a reckoning in American politics over the Middle East. It raised new questions about Israel and the United Statess role in its funding and functioning into the forefront. The 16th Congressional District is heavily populated with Jewish constituents, but its also home to Arab residents who share pro-Palestinian sentiments. Latimer is seen as a staunch defender of Israel, having visited the country last year. His roster of support includes the countrys top pro-Israel groups, including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and its affiliated super PAC, the United Democracy Project (UDP). The firmness of his support from Israel allies has been the biggest point of frustration for progressives, who take issue with funding AIPAC and UDP receive from Republican donors. Sadly, it appears the real story here is the amount of campaign spending by outside groups to oust Bowman from his seat, said Tim Black, a pro-Sanders progressive commentator and activist. Bowman has expressed solidarity with Palestinians. He often publicly condemns the Israeli government and has doubled down on critiques of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and military leaders as the war continues. Bowmans Gaza comments placed a huge target on his back and the response has been damning and effective, Black said. Attack ads work, he added. Thats the true story in the Latimer race. Bowman and grassroots groups like Justice Democrats and the Working Families Party have targeted Latimers pro-Israel posture as a way to differentiate him from his challenger, especially around their views on a ceasefire. Unfortunately, my opponent and secretary Clinton do not support a permanent cease-fire, Bowman said in his CNN appearance. They support Benjamin Netanyahu, and they support billions of dollars of our money going to Israel and Netanyahu for an unjust attack on civilians in Gaza vs. those billions coming here to our district. He called Latimer and Clinton out of touch. Just more than a week before primary day, polling shows Bowman may be the candidate slightly more out of touch with his constituents. A recent poll taken by Emerson College and The Hill gives Latimer the advantage, earning a double-digit lead over the former middle school principal. The survey shows Latimer at 48 percent support, compared to Bowmans 31 percent. Were coming down to the wire, said Black, noting the closeness of the race in the home stretch. Black is among progressive voices who are sympathetic to Bowman but have nonetheless expressed concern about his chances. They see Latimers funding as his biggest asset and worry Bowman may not be able to catch up. Its disconcerting how many activists have pushed for Bowman to stand up for Palestinians, but as of yet, as of now, it doesnt seem all the noise has turned into financial support and thats why Bowman may lose, Black said. He fought the good fight, but it will require money to win it. Copyright 2024 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. Firefighters work on a hot spot in the Post fire near Gorman on Sunday. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times) A series of brush fires burned across Southern California and up and down the state Sunday, destroying structures and forcing evacuations in some locations, while engine crews braced for heavy winds overnight. The largest blaze blackened nearly 15,000 acres in the Gorman area and remained just 2% contained late Sunday night, officials said. In Sonoma County, a fire scorched about 1,013 acres, tore though an unknown number of structures and prompted an evacuation order and warning in the Upper Dry Creek Valley, according to Cal Fire. A precise count of how many people were told to evacuate was unavailable late Sunday, Cal Fire spokesman Jason Clay said. The fire was 15% contained. "Were trying to see what the winds are going to do," Clay added. "Crews are going to be working hard tonight." Firefighters had better luck in the Lancaster area, where flames consumed about 340 acres and damaged some structures, officials said. For a time, nearby homes were threatened. A fast-moving brush fire damaged some buildings in the Lancaster area on Sunday afternoon. (KCAL News) The blaze began near 80th Street West and Avenue K, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. By early evening, crews had contained the fire, and no other structures were threatened, department spokesman Craig Little said. "Forward progress has been stopped," Little said. "The fire isnt going anywhere." The number of structures that were damaged was not immediately available. On Saturday afternoon, Oscar Flores was riding an off-road vehicle with his 12-year-old son at Hungry Valley state park south of Gorman when he spotted billowing smoke in the distance. The 33-year-old Oxnard resident wasn't too concerned, thinking it was a car fire on Interstate 5, but then he was contacted by a park ranger who told him that he needed to immediately leave the off-road recreation area. "It looked like it was the last day of the world. People were loading quickly and merging out, driving fast. The ranger said you have 10 minutes [to get] whatever you can pack," he recalled Sunday. "Some were mad, upset they had to leave." Flores and his family and friends made it out safely, joining some 1,200 campers and visitors evacuated from the recreation area west of the freeway after a wind-driven wildfire that started around 2 p.m. south of Ralphs Ranch Road. Videos and photos posted on social media captured an exodus of motor homes, trailing ATVs, from campgrounds crowded with groups celebrating Fathers Day weekend at the 19,000-acre park. The I-5 was briefly shut down Saturday at Quail Lake and Gorman Post Road, leaving traffic snarled, with some accidents reportedly caused by drivers who stopped to photograph the flames. The fire quickly grew to 500 acres, and strong, gusty winds overnight in the Tejon Pass fanned the Post fire as it moved parallel to the I-5, heading southeast to Pyramid Lake, which authorities closed down, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The fire had grown to 14,625 acres and was 2% contained by Sunday evening as high winds, low humidity and steep terrain hampered firefighting efforts. The cause was under investigation. Read more:Photos: The first major wildfire of 2024 in Los Angeles County The fire burned an auto repair shop, damaged another building and threatened other structures to the south and west of the I-5, authorities said. Los Angeles County Fire Department crews rapidly responded, making aerial assaults with air tankers and water-dropping helicopters. The Ventura County Fire Department and U.S. Forest Service were aiding in the effort. At one point Sunday, about 400 firefighters and 70 engines were at the scene, according to Cal Fire. Fire crews keep an eye on flames near Hungry Valley Road in Gorman on Sunday. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) Temperatures in the mountainous area were forecast Sunday to reach the low 80s after topping 90 degrees Saturday. Afternoon wind gusts as high as 50 mph and humidity of 15% to 20% presented further challenges. "They are going to have a difficult time with the fire," said Carlos Molina, a National Weather Service meteorologist. Meanwhile, firefighters were battling another brush fire in the San Bernardino County community of Hesperia that broke out after 6 p.m. Saturday in the 18000 block of North Highway 173. It prompted area road closures and an evacuation warning for the nearby Lake Arrowhead Estates community, according to Cal Fire. The brush fire was pushing east and after minimal activity overnight was at 1,131 acres by Sunday evening. Crews were strengthening the lines around the fire, which was 20% contained, and mopping up hot spots. "Theyre making really good progress building some containment lines," Cal Fire spokesperson Chloe Castillo told The Times. The cause of the fire was under investigation. Read more:Wildfire weather is increasing in California and much of the U.S., report finds The wildfires erupted as experts worked to gauge the potential severity of this years fire season. A wet winter has nurtured a potentially heavy fuel load of thick grasses, which are drying as temperatures rise. A wind-driven wildfire scorched more than 14,000 acres in San Joaquin County, south of Tracy, earlier this month. L.A. County Fire Department crews were battling the Post fire just days after one of their colleagues was killed and another injured while responding to a quarry fire in Antelope Valley. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. It happens every year on Fathers Day. Mothers raising children on their own post on social media to celebrate themselves and other single moms, drawing criticism from others who feel they should leave the holiday alone. Single moms Please dont do THAT, wrote one X user on June 9. You know exactly what Im talking about as well. Others are more direct with their critiques. Please let the fathers have this day, wrote another X user. 'We don't have to have this tunnel vision' Melody Alderman is a single mother to a 17-year-old son who has never met his father. The 47-year-old is a writer and also works in web management. She lives in Spokane, Washington and has been very vocal online about celebrating herself and other moms on Fathers Day who are making things happen on their own. His co-creator is in Ireland, she said. We met and fell in love and my son was a happy surprise. The decision her sons father made not to be involved doesnt stop her from doing something special on both Mothers Day and Fathers Day, she said. Back when her son was younger, things were more difficult for him due to special Fathers Day events. Alderman said it saddens her that people feel the need to tear each other down rather than recognizing everyone when moms post on Father's Day. We don't have to have this tunnel vision of an idea of what Father's Day represents, she said. Things evolve. Times change. Were not in the 50s, when there were two parent households with one income. Why this solo mom recognizes mothers on Fathers Day Alderman considers herself a solo mom. She said single moms are coparenting and theres a dad in the picture, whereas solo moms have no father or other parent to rely on at all. That's just how she views it, she said. When her thoughts are shared on larger platforms, the vitriol amps up, she said. Such was the case when her experience was shared on Good Morning America. The hate that I saw online was just shocking, she said. I had to stop reading the comments. 90% of them were like Now, solo moms want to be special. They're going to take over Father's Day and they think that they're more important. Some people think she hates men, but thats not the case, she said. It's difficult raising a child on your own and it just feels like there's this expectation around mothers, that this is just what we do, she said. Youre a mother. You're expected to raise your child and be there for your child, whereas men, it seems like they have the option of opting out. She thinks both fathers and mothers who are doing it on their own need to be recognized. Melody Alderman and her son, Ayden Lyric Nicholas. She also recalled a friend who told her she was being treated differently from her husband while they dealt with their crying baby, an incident Alderman said spoke to a difference in expectations between moms and dads. When she would walk around with the baby, people were just giving her dirty looks, like Shut that kid up, and when her husband would walk around with the baby, everybody was like Oh, such a good dad. Look at him. Society puts more pressure on mothers, she said, so single moms need recognition too. It doesnt take away from fathers on Fathers Day either, she said. Everyone can be recognized Alderman says she wishes Happy Mothers Day to moms who are co-parenting, as well as solo moms or fathers who are doing it alone. It encompasses everyone, she said. It doesnt have to encompass one single gender or one single idea of what being a mother is. Ayden Lyric Nicholas, son of writer Melody Alderman. She wants more people to have compassion for one another and know that the things they say behind a keyboard have real impacts on people. When youre sitting behind your computer and youre leaving some cruel response to a meme or to an article, there are people behind that, she said. There are children behind that. There are real human beings behind that screen. 'Oppression starts to reveal itself' on Father's Day sometimes, dad says Jeremy Givens is founder of the Arizona-based nonprofit Black American Dad Foundation, which helps dads have fun experiences and memories with their kids. They also help fathers navigate the family court system. He has a 9-year-old son and a baby on the way, he told USA TODAY. Hes somewhat familiar with single moms celebrating Fathers Day online and said he has seen an increase in posts like this over the past few years. When he sees the posts, he feels sorry for the women making them because they shouldn't have to raise their children alone. "You didnt make the baby alone," he said. He added that posts celebrating moms on Father's Day are likely a symptom of societal views of fathers. He started the Black American Dad Foundation to challenge these views because so often, people take what's said publicly about fathers as the ultimate truth. What people don't know is many fathers fight for their children behind the scenes, he said. We dont look at primary source material," he said. "We have a primary source campaign because we're the primary source on that story. I don't mean to be dismissive to any mothers claims or any childs claims about how their dad is." He said that for fathers, their narrative is not controlled by them. It's controlled by everybody else who has never been a Black father and doesn't know what it's actually like, he said. Some fathers want to be involved and support their children but theyre faced with obstacles such as the family court system not recognizing their concerns about whats happening in their homes, he said. Some fathers are barred from seeing their children or actively being involved in their education, doctor's visits and more. And some mothers keep their children from seeing their fathers if they havent provided a certain amount of financial backing, he continued. I can tell you several stories of dads that have done everything from sending care packages simply because they can't see their kids ... to standing on the front porch just to try to see if they can get a glimpse of their kids, Givens said. Society has long been male-dominated, and now people are speaking out against oppressive ideals, Givens said. It has created a ripple effect into other roles and demographics that men have traditionally carried, such as fatherhood, he said. Whenever things that come around that are celebratory or traditionally associated with fatherhood, the remnant of that pain and that suffering or that oppression starts to reveal itself. Last Fathers Day, he had on a t-shirt with Black American Dad Foundation written on it. A woman came up to him and asked what the organization was. He told the woman the nonprofit celebrates Black fathers. She was like So you celebrate patriarchy? he recalled. I thought that was really interesting, that she shaped it that way We're celebrating the loving, caring, nurturing, providing, wisdom-instilling people that have chosen to uphold the integrity and the sacred sacredness of that role, which is Dad. It shouldnt hurt anyone for someone to be celebrated Tara Taylor is founder of Single Mom Strong, a Sacramento County nonprofit that provides mothers with career advancement resources and childcare. The program is made up of 1,300 single moms in a three-county region. There are also 120 children in the nonprofits preschool and childcare program. She thinks people who celebrate moms on Fathers Day likely do it because they want to give credit where credit is due. We organizationally choose to celebrate both fathers who are present and active in their children's lives, as well as the mothers who are doing double duty, said Taylor, who has a 26-year-old daughter. The backlash, I think, is unnecessary It shouldn't hurt anyone for someone to be celebrated. That confuses me. As a single mom herself, Taylor said it can be painful solo parenting. Wearing multiple hats takes a lot of work, so celebrating what youve been able to accomplish isnt a bad thing in her opinion. No one is trying to take something from someone else, she said, adding that Fathers Day celebrations for single moms are helpful because they recognize women who are determined, gritty, and know how to persevere. Giving them some grace for trying to find something to celebrate on a day that could be difficult, I think, is a much better perspective, Taylor said. Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia the 757. Follow her on Twitter at @SaleenMartin or email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Single moms celebrating Father's Day: Parents weigh in on debate Ready your best ogre yell! Get set to board the Caterbus! Summon your inner Dragon Warrior! DreamWorks Land is officially open at Universal Orlando Resort. Boasting new interactive attractions and shows for the entire family, the area offers a themed environment that transports guest to the worlds of DreamWorks Animations franchises, such as Shrek, Trolls and Kung Fu Panda. Universal Orlando invited members of the media to tour DreamWorks Land and talk to park officials about what it took to bring the newest attraction at the Florida park to life. Here's what to expect from the brand-new section: What is Universal Orlando's DreamWorks Land? DreamWorks Land is an immersive new area, seeking to expand on the theming from the DreamWorks Animation Studios movies. It hosts tons of new attractions for the entire family including a family friendly coaster, multiple interactive play areas, live entertainment, and character meet and greets. Creative director of Universal Creative at Universal Orlando Resort Dean Orion shared his excitement watching guest enjoy the new land, saying it took a "big team and long hours" to get to where they were today. He also shed light on why it was important to construct attractions geared toward younger parkgoers. "I think it was really important for us to have a place like this, where it's specifically designed for families with young kids. Universal is known for thrill rides and roller coasters and lots of stuff, it's kind of skewed to an older demographic," Orion said. "What's great about this is there's fun for little kids, there's fun for families. It brings out the kid in everyone." Where is DreamWorks Land? What did it replace in the park? Universal Orlando's new DreamWorks Land houses several interactive play areas, including Poppy's Playground. DreamWorks Land is located in the former spot of Woody Woodpecker's KidZone, near the Animal Actors show and E.T. Adventure ride. The park closed down the themed play area back in January 2023, along with Woody Woodpecker's Nuthouse Coaster, Curious George Goes to Town, Fievel's Playland, DreamWorks Destination, and Donkey's Meet & Greet to make room for the new area. But don't fret, not only does DreamWorks Land bring back dedicated play spaces for the littlest of parkgoers, there are some hidden odes to the former character's area. "There is a Woody Easter egg in the land, but I'm not going to say where it is. You'll have to find it for yourself," Orion teased. Would I need to see the movies first to understand and have fun in the park? Universal Orlando's new DreamWorks Land houses several interactive play areas, including Po's Training Camp. Not at all. While the amount of worldbuilding and details within the new section might seem intimidating to someone not familiar with any of the particular franchises, Universal officials and attraction creators assure that everyone will enjoy DreamWorks Land regardless of their knowledge of the movies. If you are a major fan of the movies, you'll will appreciate the attention to detail within each section. From Shrek's outhouse (which connects to a slide that plays farts while you go down) to colorful greenery seen throughout the Trolls universe, you'll spot some well-known imagery while making your way through the three sections. "These three movie franchises have been hugely successful. Kung Fu Panda 4 just came out. We had Trolls 3 come out in the fall and then a year ago, on Christmas, we had Puss-N-Boots, so these are very popular characters and stories that people are loving when they go to the movies," Orion said. "It was kind of a no brainer to pick these characters." Meet iconic DreamWorks characters in person, such as Shrek, Po and Polly DreamWorks Land features a 35-foot-tall version of Shrek's cottage where you can meet him, Princess Fiona and Donkey. Speaking of DreamWorks movies, guest have the chance to "walk into a movie screen" and interact with character one-on-one. Just outside of his 35-foot-tall cottage, you can meet Shrek, Princess Fiona and Donkey within his swamp. Fans especially shared their excited for the character interaction to return to the parks. "It's been amazing to watch and see every day people lining up to meet Shrek and Donkey and Fiona," Orion said about the fan reaction to the characters. "Really, there's characters all over." Guests can also meet other characters from the various DreamWorks Movies, such as Puss-N-Boots, King Julien and Gabby at the DreamWorks Character Zone. What are all the new interactive play areas in DreamWorks Land? Universal Orlando's new DreamWorks Land houses several interactive play areas, including King Harolds Swamp Symphony. Orion said interactivity is so important for theme parks, particularly for younger kids when engaging with the attractions. Want to scope of the best play areas before you got? Here's a breakdown: Shreks Swamp for Little Ogres: This ogre-sized play area features four fun slides, wet play areas and aplayground where guests can climb, bounce and splash around as well as venture into Shreks outhouse. Mama Luna Feline Fiesta: Inspired by the film, "Puss in Boots 2: The Last Wish," this newinteractive experience that takes place in Mama Lunas retirement home for cats. Here, guests get to play with Mama Lunas many cats on vivid interactive screens activated by buttons, bells, maracas and levers. King Harolds Swamp Symphony: Guests can create their own melodious masterpiece as they trigger a choir ofever-changing frog ribbits by continually stomping on an array of interactive lily pads. Poppys Playground: Nestled under a giant, 20-foot mushroom is Poppys Playground a shaded play area featuring colorful flowers and bugs with a bountiful array of fun bouncing and climbing structures for the youngest of trolls. Pos Kung Fu Training Camp: Inspired by the hit Kung Fu Panda films, this all-new play has both wet and dry play areas. Guests have the opportunity to help the pandas wash and dry their laundry with enormous water cannons, dump buckets, giant fans and more. 'It's bright, it's colorful:' DreamWorks Land's new rollercoaster, Trolls Trollercoaster The Trolls Trollercoaster features characters as they take ride on the iconic Caterbus to escape evil spiders. There is one new ride in the new land, a Trolls-inspired coaster called the "Trolls Trollercoaster." Senior Manager of Ride & Show Engineering Kristen Steimer shared how they came up for the idea for the new coaster, adding it's fun for the entire family. "We wanted to make sure (the ride) was fun for the whole family but we also wanted to make sure we were following the lines of our DreamWorks partners, so we picked Trolls because it's bright, it's colorful. Kids love it," Steimer said. "We thought you can hang out with your friends, Poppy Chenille, Branch and all those those fun Trolls characters. We really wanted the guests to be able to experience it like they're in the movie." The coaster follows the beloved characters after they stroll through a dazzling marquee, having to take a ride on the iconic Caterbus to "escape evil spiders as they speed along a bright orange and yellow track." Head's up: Riders must be 36 inches to ride the roller coaster, with those between 36 and 48 inches needing an adult to accompany them. What are the shows in DreamWorks Land? Guests can watch all their favorite DreamWorks characters come to life at the DreamWorks Imagination Celebration theater. As for shows, there will be two shows "Po Live" and DreamWorks "Imagination Celebration." "Po Live" is a digital, interactive meet and greet experience that gives guests a chance to meet the legendary dragon warrior, portrayed by Jack Black in all four films, having the character depicted on a large screen and answering live questions thanks to a voice actor behind-the-scenes. DreamWorks "Imagination Celebration" brings together characters from the different franchises, singing and dancing to iconic songs from their movies. Referred to as a multisensory adventure, it combines hit pop songs, high-energy dancing, and advanced technology. "It's a great way to see all three of those IPs (intellectual property) and just have a really immersive show experience," Steimer said. What treats can you get in DreamWorks Land? If you need refuel after wreaking havoc in Shrek's Swamp and getting drenched in Po's Training Camp, there are two quick-service stands in DreamWorks Land Swamp Snacks and Troll Treats. If you've ever wondered what ogres like to nibble on throughout the day, Universal's Culinary Operations team decided to answer that question. And it looks like this would be Shrek's favorite snack spread: Far Far A Waffle , $11.49 - Pepperoni or Ham & Cheese Shrekzel , $12.29- Pretzel served with cheese Swamp Dog , $9.49 - Hot dog "Oozing green cheese hot dog wrapped in pizza tree bark" Mud Puddle Pudding , $5.99 -Chocolate pudding, cookie crumbs, cookie cake, and gummy bugs Frozen Ogre Sour Apple Ice Pop $6.99 Chonkey Donkey Chocolate Ice Pop $6.99 Director of Culinary Operations and Executive Chef of Universal Orlando Ron Cope shared his team watched the movies "over and over again," looking for any details they could relate back to their menu. When it came down to coming up with ideas for the new treats, Cope said they nailed it pretty quickly. "We do a lot of different tastings with different groups, different executives, but I think with this one, we got really close to it in the beginning," Cope said. " You can just see it on people's faces when they're eating (the snacks), you know when somebody likes their food or not just by the way they're doing it." If marshland morsels aren't your thing? Understood but everyone screams (usually positively) for ice cream! Right by the entrance of Trollercoaster, there's a beatbox-shaped stand selling treats inspired by the Trolls characters: Poppy-licious Pink , $7.49 - Pink Lemonade Soft Serve with Flower Sprinkles BroZone Berry, $7.49 - Huckleberry Soft Serve What does the shopping look like in DreamWorks Land? Universal Orlando's DreamWorks Land plants a new giftshop right in the middle of the new land. After exploring all the shows and play sets in DreamWorks Land, guests can snag a memento of their time in the different universes at the outdoor gift shop, conveniently located in the middle of the land. From several character plushies to cheeky shirts that reference jokes within the movies, you'll find something to commemorate your trip. How much are tickets to Universal Orlando theme parks? Single-day, single-park tickets start at $114 for children and $119 for adults. Universal also offers Florida resident ticket specials and different multiple-day park passes to its theme parks, including Volcano Bay. This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: DreamWorks Land is open: Guide to Universal's newest attraction Idyllic coast of Amorgos, in the Cyclades Islands of Greece, with a small chapel guarding the coast. Credit - Getty ImagesJoakim Leroy The second of two U.S. citizens to be reported as missing in the Greek Isles has been found dead. The man was last seen on Tuesday in Mathraki, a small island near the larger Greek island of Corfu. He was found dead on a beach on the island on Sunday. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed. The Corfu medical examiner arrived at the scene later in the day, according to Corfu TV News. In an email to TIME on Sunday evening, the U.S. State Department was able to confirm the death of a U.S. citizen in Greece. Respecting the privacy of the deceased's family, they declined to provide further comment at this time. Meanwhile, the search continues for retired U.S. police officer Albert Calibet, 59, who went missing on Tuesday after going on a solo hike on the Greek island of Amorgos. When contacted by TIME in regards to Albert Calibet, a State Department spokesperson confirmed, in an emailed statement sent on Friday, that they were aware of reports of a missing U.S. person in Greece, and that they stood ready to provide assistance to U.S. citizens and families. Another tourist, a 74-year old Dutch man, went missing on Sunday, June 9, on the Greek island of Samos, after hiking alone. His wife reported him missing on Sunday afternoon. Samos, like Symi where Mosley was found, lies close to the Turkish border. On Saturday, June 15, the tourist was found dead by a drone operated by local firefighters, according to local newspaper Samos Voice. and reported by the Associated Press. TIME has reached out to Dutch authorities and local Samos officials for comment and further information. Greece has been confronting intense heat waves, with temperatures exceeding 38C/100.4F. Popular tourist sites like Acropolis Hill, along with multiple schools and nurseries, closed mid-week due to high temperatures. The search team for U.S. tourist Calibet is made up of South Aegean Police Command officers, the Embassy, Coast Guard volunteers, the Amorgos Volunteer Rescue Team, and a group from the Greek island of Paros, according to a Greek newsite. An aerial search was is also underway for Calibet. The tourist is well-known on the island due to numerous visits over the course of the past few years, Calliope Despotidi, the deputy mayor of Amorgos, told the Greek Reporter. Authorities have been attempting to track Calibets phone, and are also using drones to help facilitate the search. Calibet was last in communication with his sister on Tuesday when he sent her a photo of a trail sign, per the Greek Reporter. He was reportedly supposed to meet with a friend between noon and 1 p.m. local time, but never showed up. Officials believe that Calibet deviated from his original hiking route, which was expected to take a travel time of just over four hours. Calibet started working at the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Deputy in 1998, according to the Los Angeles Times. After his retirement, he worked at the department as a part-time employee. Calibet disappeared shortly after British TV doctor Michael Mosley was found dead on the Greek island of Symi. Authorities said Mosley most likely died due to natural causes, though there are more reports to be done before the official cause of death can be determined. In addition to the U.S. citizens discussed above, two French tourists were reported missing on Sikinos, a Cyclades island in the Aegean Sea, on Friday. Per AP, the two women, aged 73 and 64, "had left their respective hotels to meet." Contact us at letters@time.com. Lt Gen Ivan Havrylyuk said most of the equipment and ammunition pledged by the US in April was still in transit - Armyinform US military artillery shells have reached frontline Ukrainian units and have started to break Russian battlefield momentum. Lt Gen Ivan Havrylyuk, Ukraines first deputy defence minister, said that the ammunition resupply had been critical but that most of the equipment pledged by the US in April was still in transit. It takes time to load ships that must then cross the Atlantic, he said. But we are already seeing the results. The war in Ukraine has turned into a war of attrition with artillery shell volumes playing a major role, to the Kremlins advantage. It has ramped up shell production and organised supplies from North Korea but Gen Havrylyuk said that this advantage had already fallen to five-to-one from seven-to-one. With time, when we set everything up, we will reach an advantage, he said. Russia has been on the offensive along the front line since October but even hardcore pro-war Russian military bloggers have now admitted that this momentum is stalling and its successes are more limited. A Ukrainian soldier prepares artillery shells near Chasiv Yar in Donetsk Oblast - Jose Colon/Anadolu The Two Majors Telegram channel, which has 720,000 subscribers, complained in a post on Sunday morning that the Kremlin was struggling to match the technological superiority of US missiles and long-range artillery. The Russian army retains the initiative, but because technology has changed the nature of the war, our successes are of a tactical nature and now oriented towards depleting the enemys military machine, it said. On the front line in southern Ukraine, Russias ministry of defence claimed the capture of the village of Zahirne, but despite the bombastic rhetoric from the Kremlin analysts have generally agreed that when US kit starts to come more into play, it will shift momentum away from Russian forces. A 24th Mechanised Brigade soldier on the frontline where troops are beginning to see benefit of US hardware - UKRAINIAN ARMED FORCES/REUTERS Ukraine dismissed on Friday a ceasefire plan put forward by Vladimir Putin as a fake because it demanded the surrender of land but on Sunday, as he wrapped up a peace summit in Switzerland, Volodymyr Zelensky said that he would be open for talks if Russia pulls its forces out of occupied Ukraine. Russia can start the negotiations with us tomorrow, not waiting for anything, he said. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. There is a lot to be said for continuity as Prime Minister Narendra Modi may have gleaned from his meeting with the leaders of the rich G7 nations and the Pope. Familiarity seems to have spurred even more of the bonhomie that Indias leader has built up and sustained with the leaders of the free world as was seen in the happy images rolling out of the luxury resort of Borgo Egnazia in Italy where a set of the worlds most influential leaders met and deliberated. India was only one of the partner countries of the summit Senegal, South Africa and Argentina were others and there was a host of invitees from other countries too. This was, however, another conclave at which the Prime Minister could bask in key interactions with leaders signifying how much the world needs the now economically powerful India as a partner and ally. Whatever may be the compulsions of a reduced mandate in the Lok Sabha polls and its effect on Modi regime 3.0, it is clear Indias image is intact abroad and useful too as in the G7 emphasising on the India-Europe Corridor, formally known as the India-Middle East- Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) when announced on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi last year, and deciding to act on the need to improve strategic ties amid West Asia tensions. The Prime Ministers warm meeting with Pope Francis was another positive takeaway from the G7 summit even as Mr Modis prominent central place in the G7 family photo op and his joy at an affable meeting with the host, Ms Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy, was not to be missed. Given the greater inclusiveness and diversity of his NDA government and his own overtures to the Christian community in Kerala before the polls, the outreach to the head of the Catholic Church and an invitation to visit India portends well though it is the pontiffs health that might determine if he can make the trip. The two-day summit was so crammed with meetings and hectic bilateral activity that PM Modi could only get to shake hands with the US President Joe Biden as well as greet the Canadian PM Justin Trudeau. There may be pressing issues with the US and Canada on purported extraterritorial killings by India, but they may be taken up at lower official levels rather than in face-to-face meetings among leaders. The other visiting leader who had substantial takeaways from the summit in Italy was Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy whose forces have lost considerable ground in the east to Russian invasion. The G7 agreed to use frozen Russian assets exceeding $325 billion that are in European banks to raise $50 bn for Ukraine to fight the Russian forces. Mr Zelensky also signed a 10-year bilateral security deal with the US by which Washington and Kyiv will work to build and maintain Ukraines defence and deterrence capability as well as support its economic security. Of course, Russias President Vladimir Putin views this move by which the interest on Russias frozen assets would help pay the interest on the G7 $50 bn loan to Ukraine as theft. Mumbai: Dismissing the reports of inter-party discontent, Maha Vikas Aghadi leaders on Saturday announced that they will contest the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly election together as equal partners. The winnability will be the only criteria for the seat distribution, they said. NCP founder Sharad Pawar took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that wherever Modi held rallies and roadshows, the MVA candidates won and thanked the PM. The NCP founder, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and senior Congress leaders Balasaheb Thorat and Prithviraj Chavan held a meeting at Y.B. Chavan in connection with the upcoming Maharashtra Vidhan Sabha election. Addressing a joint press conference after the MVA leaders' meeting, Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan said that the alliance has registered a big victory in Maharashtra in the recently concluded Lok Sabha election and it will repeat its performance in the state assembly elections. The farmers have taught a good lesson to the BJP. Efforts were made (by the ruling parties) to causereligious polarisation. However, it did not work, he said. Mr. Chavan said that they are going to contest the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly election together. Today, we held a preliminary meeting in view of the assembly elections. Like the Lok Sabha election, we are going to contest the Vidhan Sabha elections together. We will certainly change the state government," the senior Congress leader said. When asked who is a big brother in the MVA, Mr. Chavan said there is no big brother or small brother in the MVA. In each constituency, we will sit together and find which party has a good candidate. Accordingly, we will make a decision regarding seat distribution, he said. After Congresss impressive performance in Maharashtra, the partys state chief Nana Patole had stated that it had become the big brother in the MVA, to which the Shiv Sena (UBT) had retorted that all partners are equal in the MVA. Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr. Pawar said that wherever Narendra Modi held rallies and road shows, the citizens have voted for the MVA candidates in huge numbers. We must thank Narendra Modi for holding his rallies and roadshows as it ensured the victory of MVA candidates. Mr. Modi has held 18 rallies and road shows (in the state) and the voters have showered their blessings to our candidates. If Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to hold rallies in the Maharashtra Assembly election, it will help to create a conducive atmosphere towards a majority for us. Therefore, it is my duty to thank him, the NCP founder said. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray said that there was an atmosphere in the Lok Sabha election that no one could defeat the BJP, but the people of Maharashtra have shown that BJPs invincibility is false. Even after all this, if the BJP does not accept the reality, they will have to face a challenge in the upcoming Assembly election. The Lok Sabha election was a battle to save the Constitution and democracy. This victory is not the last but it is the beginning of the battle, Mr. Thackeray said. 16 June 2024 08:30 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more The relationship between the United Kingdom and Azerbaijan is deeply rooted in history and holds significant strategic importance. The modern diplomatic ties between the two countries date back to the early 1990s, with the UK being among the first nations to recognize Azerbaijan's independence on December 31, 1991. Formal diplomatic relations were established on March 11, 1992. Over the years, these relations have seen remarkable milestones, fostering a robust partnership. National Leader Heydar Aliyev's political acumen and foresight in regional developments played a pivotal role in cementing these ties. His visits to the UK in 1994 and 1998 and President Ilham Aliyev's subsequent visits have significantly contributed to strengthening bilateral relations. President Ilham Aliyev continues to uphold and enhance the high-level relationship established by Heydar Aliyev. The partnership between Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom is characterized by long-term, successful, and multifaceted cooperation. The strong political relationship between the two countries has positively influenced economic ties, with the UK remaining the leading foreign investor in Azerbaijan. This economic partnership is particularly evident in the oil and gas industry, where bp has played a crucial role. Since the signing of the "Contract of the Century" in September 1994, BP has been the operator of major oil and gas projects in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea. This cooperation was further solidified with a new agreement signed in Baku on September 14, 2017, extending the development of the "Azeri," "Chirag," and "Gunashli" fields until 2050. This collaboration underscores the strategic significance of Azerbaijan in the global energy market and highlights the importance of foreign investment in bolstering its economy. Azerbaijan's Minister of Energy, Parviz Shahbazov, emphasized the pivotal role of the United Kingdom as the largest foreign investor in Azerbaijan, with investments exceeding $35.9 billion and highlighting the strategic partnership between the two nations. "Great Britain has always been a strategic partner, significantly contributing to our country's development by supporting investments and the energy sector. The United Kingdom remains the largest foreign investor in Azerbaijan, with total investments surpassing $35.9 billion. As our cooperation expands, both investments and trade turnover are increasing. In the first three months of this year alone, trade turnover rose by 16 percent," Shahbazov stated. He underscored the importance of the long-term and productive cooperation between Azerbaijan and the UK in ensuring global energy security. Shahbazov highlighted the beginning of energy cooperation in 1994 with the "Contract of the Century," which has led to the success of several large-scale projects. One notable achievement is the "Southern Gas Corridor," which has solidified Azerbaijan's status as a key energy supplier to Europe. Additionally, the commencement of production at the "Central East Azeri" field marks another significant milestone in their partnership. Currently, around 600 British companies are operating in Azerbaijan, reflecting the diversification of the economic partnership. The focus on developing non-oil sector relations is also evident. On March 2, 2015, the governments of Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Economic and Trade Cooperation, establishing a Joint Intergovernmental Commission to enhance economic ties. This initiative aims to explore new avenues for economic collaboration beyond the energy sector, fostering sustainable growth and development. Economic cooperation, especially in the energy sector, forms the foundation of the bilateral relationship between Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom. bp, a leading UK oil company, has been active in Azerbaijan since 1992, participating in key projects such as the "Contract of the Century" (Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli - ACG) and the Shah Deniz projects. bp is also a main technical operator and a key participant in the Shah Deniz 2 project. As Azerbaijan continues to develop and diversify its economy, the strategic partnership with the UK is poised to play an increasingly important role. By exploring new avenues for cooperation and building on the strong foundation of existing relations, both countries can look forward to a prosperous and mutually beneficial future. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 June 2024 18:04 (UTC+04:00) Elnur Enveroglu Read more Although the Armenian society is an obstinate nation with a difficult-to-understand feature due to its ethnogenesis, the fact that it is a neighbour to a strong nation like Azerbaijan has always saved it from this syndrome. A nation that worshiped only one ideology and fetishized it for more than two centuries has not yet been able to choose the right abode for itself in the vastness of this world. We are talking about the processes taking place in the South Caucasus against the background of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations. At the beginning of the last century, the Armenians, who took over the western region of Azerbaijan and settled there, started moving towards eastern Azerbaijan from time to time. Garabagh, which has impressed every single nation in the world, certainly did not escape the interest of the Armenian community. This interest grew very gradually during the Soviet empire and turned into a more intense desire. Since the 1990s, the society that calls itself part of the independent state of Armenia has already decided to take over Garabagh and occupied twenty percent of Azerbaijan's lands as a result of its traditional military aggression. Armenian history consists of facts based on various versions and mostly exaggerated legends. Some Armenian historians claim that the South Caucasus was their ancestral land thousands of years ago. An infinite number of arguments and evidence have been shown about this fact proving that this is just fiction. However, Armenia, which did not change its mind and built a so-called world map based on the Miatsum concept it created, deceived itself with these ideas for many years. Yes, indeed, those who once convinced the people by writing false history have become merciless killers of today's generation. The question arises, why and on what grounds is Armenia making a territorial claim, and for this vain purpose are they dragging the young generations to death? After its historic victory, Azerbaijan is finally about to achieve the liberation of 8 other villages under occupation. Although 4 of those villages were returned in May, the remaining 4 villages have not been returned yet. There is a popular saying among the Caucasian peoples, "If you deal with Armenians, the agreement must be based on a signed document." Azerbaijan is returning to its eternal and ancient land, and this is being executed within the free will of the current Armenian government. Despite this, internal discontents and opposing forces that encourage it are trying to break the immutable rules. For example, the weeks-long protests in the streets of Yerevan and the promotion of the clergy as the leading party in these protests are an example of a real Armenian manoeuvre. Those who condemn the Prime Minister's decisions and accuse him of treason are using it to provoke the people and achieve their goals. The opposition knows that the changing geostrategic reality in the South Caucasus will remain unchanged even if all the allies are in power. Geghamyan, who introduced himself as an Armenian Turkologist in his post on one of the social networks, says that the opening of the Zangazur corridor is inevitable with the return of the next 4 villages. Yes, Baku is about to complete construction works that Armenia could not even dream of in 30 years, and even the road to Zangazur is ready. What is Armenia waiting for? According to which international law, Nakhchivan, which is the territory of Azerbaijan, will remain under blockade, and for how long? Those who understand Baku's constructive step of opening the Zangazur corridor as the end of Yerevan are unable to think deeply about the issue. However, if a person with normal thinking in Armenia deeply understood this, he would have to thank Azerbaijan for hundreds of years after that. Regardless of what happens or what actions Armenia takes, Baku is determined in its position. Here, what the Armenian society thinks is no longer important. What is important is how Armenia as a state and nation will contribute to the permanent peace and stability established by Azerbaijan in the South Caucasus. --- Elnur Enveroglu is AzerNews deputy editor-in-chief, follow him on @ElnurMammadli1 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 June 2024 09:00 (UTC+04:00) Baku will play host to the 10th Azerbaijan International Insurance Forum (AIIF-2024) on June 20 through June 21, 2024, Azernews reports. The aim of the forum is to strengthen direct communication between local insurers and world insurers. The last time Baku hosted such an event was in 2019, before the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In November 2023, ASA Executive Director Elmar Mirsalayev met with Georgiana Oprea, an official of Xprimm, a prestigious international forum organizer, within the International Insurance Exhibition and Congress held in Antalya, Turkiye. During the meeting the sides discussed the resumption of the insurance forum in Azerbaijan. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 June 2024 10:11 (UTC+04:00) President of the Republic of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan congratulated the people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of June 15 - the National Salvation Day as he shared a post on his official X account, Azernews reports. I sincerely congratulate the people of Azerbaijan on June 15 - the National Salvation Day of dear Azerbaijan. I extend my greetings and love to all my Azerbaijani brothers. Long live Azerbaijan! It should be noted that Azerbaijan celebrates National Salvation Day on June 15. In 1993, the same day, national leader Heydar Aliyev, who returned to Baku at the calls and insistent demands of the people, was elected chairman of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan. This day went down in the history of the country as the Day of National Salvation. Milli Majlis (parliament) of the country in June 1997 declared this day a public holiday. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 June 2024 12:11 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more For the first time in 32 years, residents of Shusha celebrated Eid al-Adha in their homeland, Azernews reports. The Food Security Agency, in collaboration with the special representative office of the President of Azerbaijan in Shusha and the Office of the State Reserve of the city of Shusha, organized a distribution of sacrificial animal meat in the courtyard of a new residential complex. The event was attended by Aydin Kerimov, the Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in Shusha, along with heads of various local bodies. The slaughter and sale of sacrificial animals were conducted under veterinary supervision in a modern mobile slaughter tent. Additionally, a mobile laboratory from the Azerbaijan Institute of Food Safety was operational in the area. The Food Security Agency, in partnership with relevant institutions, also organized the slaughter and sale of sacrificial animals for Eid al-Adha in the village of Agali in the Zangilan region and the village of Talish in the Agdara region, both recently liberated from occupation. For the first time, similar events were held in the Shusha, Fizuli, and Lachin regions. This year, the sale and slaughter of sacrificial animals were organized at 147 locations throughout the country. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 June 2024 13:01 (UTC+04:00) According to the action plan approved by the Azerbaijan Defense Minister, a series of events were held on the occasion of 15 June - National Salvation Day in the Army Corps, formations, military units and special educational institutions under the Ministry of Defense, Azernews reports citing the ministry. On the festive day, the military personnel visited Heydar Aliyev centers, museums, and monuments, as well as watched films on the glorious life and activities of the National Leader. Various cultural and mass events were also organized for servicemen. At the events, attended by children of the Shehids, the memory of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev, and Shehids (Martyrs), who sacrificed their lives for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, was honored with observing a minute of silence. The National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was performed. Enlightenment talks on 15 June - National Salvation Day, which is a significant day in the fate of the Azerbaijani people and is inscribed in golden letters in our history, were held with servicemen. It was noted that thirty-one years ago, the foundation of a new development period was laid in the Republic of Azerbaijan with the National Leader Heydar Aliyevs return to power. Today, the ideas of the Great Leader such as from top to top, from victory to victory, are successfully continued by the President of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Mr. Ilham Aliyev, the worthy successor of the National Leaders political legacy. The events also discussed the historical significance of the glorious victory gained in the Patriotic War under the leadership of the Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and the full restoration of the countrys territorial integrity after the anti-terror operation conducted in the Karabakh economic region. Then the servicemen who distinguished themselves in combat training were awarded honorary certificates. Concert programs were presented with the participation of the teams of the Army Ideological and Cultural Center named after Hazi Aslanov, the Ideological and Cultural Center of the Ganja Garrison, as well as art figures. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 June 2024 15:45 (UTC+04:00) Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Mukhtar Babayev, appointed President of COP29, and member of the COP29 Organizing Committee and COP29 high-level climate champion, MP Nigar Arpadarai, visited the DOST Inclusive Development and Creativity Center under the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, Azernews reports. Sadiq Aliyev, Chairman of the Board of the State Employment Agency subordinate to the Ministry, also participated in the meeting at the Center. Nigar Mammadova, Director of the DOST Center for Inclusive Development and Creativity and member of the COP29 Organizing Committee, informed the guests about the Center's activities and ongoing projects. It was noted that the main goal of the DOST Inclusive Development and Creativity Center, established on the initiative of First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, is to ensure the integration of vulnerable people into society, reveal their creative potential, and support their development. To this end, various projects are implemented at the Center. Additionally, efforts are made to ensure that the beneficiaries are aware of significant events held in our country. As part of the "Year of Solidarity for the Green World," projects involving vulnerable groups were discussed in preparation for COP29. An exhibition of handicrafts made by the Center's beneficiaries was presented. The organizing committee members showed interest in the various types of art created by the beneficiaries and trainers using non-recyclable, eco-friendly, and bio materials. The members of the COP29 organizing committee explored the creative process in the training studios and watched the trainers and beneficiaries perform on stage. The guests were informed about the steps taken to promote the Center internationally, the display of members' handicrafts at international exhibitions, and the activities of the Center's "DOST EVI" branch. The committee members noted that Azerbaijan's experience in inclusive development might be of interest to other countries. The meeting discussed promoting Azerbaijan's achievements in supporting inclusive development, introducing the DOST Center for Inclusive Development and Creativity internationally, and exploring opportunities for cooperation. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 June 2024 16:47 (UTC+04:00) TheCOP29 International Advisory Committee had meeting with Special Adviser to the UN Secretary General Selwin Hart, the Nizami Ganjavi International Center (NGIC) wrote on its X page, Azernews reports. "Climate change is a global challenge requiring global efforts. Despite some progress since the Paris Agreement, the world is falling behind the 1.5 degree goal. Energy transition Loss & Damage Fund Climate Justice Gender equality Renewable investments Role of private sector Political will been discussed", the NGIC said. In November this year, Azerbaijan will host the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29). This was decided at the plenary meeting of COP28 held in Dubai on December 11 last year. Within two weeks, Baku, having become the center of the world, will host about 70,00080,000 foreign guests. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference in the climate system. The acronym COP (Conference of Parties) stands for Conference of Parties, which is the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change. A total of 198 countries are parties to the convention. Unless the parties decide otherwise, COP is held annually. The first COP event was held in March 1995 in Germany's Berlin, and its secretariat is based in Bonn. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 June 2024 14:49 (UTC+04:00) The Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, made a phone call to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev on June 16, Azernews reports. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the head of state and the friendly and brotherly Azerbaijani people on the occasion of the holy festival of Eid al-Adha. Expressing gratitude for the attention and congratulations the Azerbaijani President conveyed his congratulations and wishes of peace and security to the friendly and brotherly Pakistani people on the occasion of the holiday. During the phone conversation, President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif discussed the prospects for the development of bilateral relations across various fields and agreed on further elevating bilateral relations to a higher level. The Prime Minister of Pakistan congratulated the head of state on Azerbaijan hosting COP29 and invited President Ilham Aliyev to make an official visit to Pakistan. The President of Azerbaijan accepted the invitation with pleasure. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 June 2024 08:00 (UTC+04:00) The Armenian Investigative Committee has launched a criminal case on suspicion of murder following the death of contract serviceman Armen Gasparyan, Azernews reports. The soldier's body was discovered with a gunshot wound to the head at a military position, sparking concerns of foul play. According to the committee, a series of investigative measures have been undertaken, and several forensic examinations have been ordered to shed light on the mysterious circumstances surrounding Gasparyan's death. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 June 2024 17:49 (UTC+04:00) Uzbekistans trade turnover volume with Tajikistan amounted to $756.8 million in 2023, Azernews reports. As per data from Uzbekistans Statistics Agency, this figure has increased by 11.8 percent compared to the same period last year ($676.7 million in 2022). Trade turnover volume between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan totaled $605.6 million in 2021 and $493.1 million in 2020. This indicator amounted to $480.5 million in 2019. In total, Uzbekistans trade turnover with Tajikistan reached $3 billion from January 2019 through December 2023. The total volume of exports from Uzbekistan to Tajikistan amounted to $2.3 billion, while imports to Uzbekistan reached $650.8 million from January 2019 through December 2023. Meanwhile, Uzbekistans trade turnover volume with Tajikistan amounted to $198.1 million from January through April 2024. As per data from Uzbekistans Statistics Agency, this figure is 3.4 percent less compared to the same period last year ($205.1 million in JanuaryApril 2023). Uzbekistan's exports to Tajikistan totaled $145.8 million from January through April 2024, while imports from Tajikistan reached $52.3 million from January through April 2024. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 June 2024 19:14 (UTC+04:00) Kazakhstan increased its rail exports of oil cargo by 9.5 percent year-on-year to 2.3 million tons from January through May 2024, Azernews reports. Kazakhstan Railways National Company has reported that iron ore and manganese exports by railways grew by 8.4 percent to 4.7 million tons. Exports of black metals also rose by 5 percent, reaching 1.4 million tons. Processed foods' exports grew by 2.3 percent, up to 1 million tons. Additionally, exports of fertilizers reached 0.55 million tons, marking a 12 percent increase, while exports of construction goods increased to 0.14 million tons, up by 9 percent. During the first five months of 2024, Kazakhstan's railway transport handled a total of 102.4 million tons of goods. Of this, 34.2 million tons were for exports, while 68.2 million tons were transported within the country. Furthermore, the transportation of coal amounted to 40.6 million tons, with 30.3 million tons transported domestically. Additionally, over 3.7 million tons of grain were delivered by railways. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 June 2024 21:18 (UTC+04:00) The 37th online meeting of Steering Committee on the GUAM Trade and Transport Facilitation Project was conducted to discuss customs reforms in GUAM member states for 2024, Azernews reports. The meeting also addressed taking specific steps to strengthen cooperation in transportation and communication, including the implementation of the GUAM Transport Corridor project and expanding collaboration with international partners. They decided to evaluate joint projects in this field. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 16 June 2024 23:15 (UTC+04:00) The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said that the global price increase is the result of the conflict in Ukraine, which is a warning for the whole world, Azernews reports. Commenting on the issue at the Ukrainian summit held yesterday in Switzerland, the diplomat said that the global increase in energy and food prices in the world is a product of the conflict in Ukraine. "Energy prices have increased. Food prices have risen, and this is a warning for the whole world," said the politician, adding that the consequences of the conflict in Ukraine are affecting the whole world. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz While the Biden regime has processed tens of thousands of illegal aliens from Communist China into the US interior, Australia, even under the leftwing Labour Party takes a different position. Last week a boatload of illegal aliens from Communist China was intercepted at sea by the Australia's Border Force and forced to return to its point of origin. Under former conservative Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Australia implemented Operation Sovereign Borders, led by an army general, that utilitzed resources of both the Border Force and the military to identify inbound human smuggling boats with illegal aliens and intercept them at sea. The boats were then turned around, at gunpoint if necessary, back to where they came from. There are no exceptions to turning around the boats. The current Labour government has continued this policy. Communist China does not let just anyone leave, so lots of questions arise about why they are authorizing large numbers of military aged males to become illegal aliens entering their geopolitical adversaries like the United States and Australia. Australia has stopped their entry, but the Biden regime just processes them into the US interior like they do most illegal aliens. In the last six months alone, the Biden regime has allowed over 24,000 illegal aliens from Communist China into the US interior. https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/immigration/2976033/surge-chinese-immigrants-crossing-border-national-security-concerns/ https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2024/06/16/australian-border-force-turns-back-boatload-of-chinese-nationals/ Madera, Calif.-based Valley Children's Healthcare is facing a lawsuit alleging it paid on-call employees less than minimum wage, The San Joaquin Valley Sun reported. The lawsuit claims the hospital paid between $6 to $8 per hour for employees who were on call but not called back to physically work at Valley Children's, according to the Sun. It alleges that this practice violates California law. "When the employee was called back to work at the hospital, and returned to the hospital, a different rate would apply, but the employee would, at times, forfeit the less-than-minimum wage on-call pay," the lawsuit reads, according to the Sun. As a result, employees received less than minimum wage for mandatory on-call shifts, the lawsuit claims, according to the newspaper. Bonnie Ferreria, a nurse who said she has worked at the hospital as a non-exempt employee for more than four years, filed the lawsuit on behalf of herself and other workers. For their work, Valley Children's failed to accurately pay Ms. Ferreria and other employees for missed meal and break periods, all time worked, on-call work and at the accurate regular rate of pay, according to the Sun. The lawsuit seeks minimum and overtime wages and alleges the aggregate claim owed to affected workers is nearly $5 million, the newspaper reported. Zara Arboleda, a spokesperson for the hospital, denied the allegations. "Valley Children's Hospital strongly denies all allegations in the lawsuit and will defend itself against the claims in the litigation," Ms. Arboleda said in a statement shared with Becker's. "To date, there has been no judicial finding of merit to any of the claims nor on the appropriateness of class-action treatment. Because the litigation is ongoing, the hospital cannot comment further at this time." The lawsuit was filed days before Valley Children's Healthcare President and CEO Todd Suntrapak responded to criticism of compensation packages for himself and other top executives. Scrutiny around the compensation initially surfaced in March, and Fresno City Council members Miguel Arias and Garry Bredefeld have asked California Attorney General Rob Bonta to look into Valley Children's spending of state Medicaid funds, particularly as it relates to executive compensation. The former Colonel of the Royal Irish Regiment, Tim Collins is running as a candidate for the Ulster Unionist Party in North Down (Andrew Parsons/PA) Westminster candidate Tim Collins is to meet with a group representing victims of the Northern Ireland Troubles after he was criticised for remarks about the Governments Legacy Act, his party leader Doug Beattie has said. Ulster Unionist leader Mr Beattie praised the retired colonel who he described as an exceptional orator and very thoughtful. Mr Collins, known for a rousing pre-battle speech he made while serving in the British Army in Iraq in 2003, is running as a candidate for the party in North Down. However, during his campaign the veteran has made a series of remarks which have generated media attention. This included him stating he backs controversial new legacy laws because Northern Ireland has to move on. The Ulster Unionist Party opposes the Legacy Act in which investigations for unresolved Troubles have moved to a new truth recovery body, the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR). Doug Beattie said Mr Collins had said things which wouldnt have been my personal view (Jonathan McCambridge/PA) Mr Beattie said there were things Mr Collins had said which wouldnt have been my personal view. He added: I think the one that I had to speak to him most about is the issue about legacy and understanding legacy a bit more. We have got a date already where he is going down to meet South East Fermanagh Foundation to talk to them about it. He has been explained an understanding, the whole issue about legacy. Not just the Legacy Bill we have now which is not good and we cant support it but also what went before it, the Stormont House Agreement legacy mechanism. That was the one where we had to speak to Tim. He added: We announced him (as a candidate) and everyone wanted to interview him nearly immediately and we just didnt have time to make sure he understands all of the policies; there are a lot of them. Mr Beattie praised the campaign run by his former commanding officer in North Down. He said: I think Tim is an exceptional orator. He is very thoughtful, very compassionate. If people knew the Tim Collins I know, the Tim Collins who would not take body armour in a combat situation until he made sure every single one of his men were issued body armour. The Tim Collins who in the middle of the night was told in Canada that one of his soldiers parachutes hadnt opened and hed sadly passed away, who in the middle of the night grabbed me and drove from Edmonton to Calgary just so he could go to the body. If people saw that compassionate side of Tim they would have a better understanding of the man who is standing here now. As a person who leads, yes hes a tough leader when he was leading but theres a compassion to that man that people probably havent seen yet. They will see it over the coming weeks and months when he is elected. Mr Beattie also said that Mr Collins had previously been approached to run as a candidate by the DUP before he decided to stand as an Ulster Unionist. He said: I didnt bring Tim in. He was courted by the DUP last year to get into politics to win the seat back from the Alliance Party. He then came to me and said he had been asked to run and I told him the reality is you wont get the Lady Sylvia Hermon (former North Down MP) vote. I said to Tim you need to bring these people back to that pro-union family once more and he said then he wanted to run for the Ulster Unionist Party. We announced him as our candidate. That clearly annoyed some people. A farm left to nature years before rewilding rose to prominence has become a unique and important site for wildlife, say conservationists launching a bid to save it. The owner of Strawberry Hill, near Bedford, stopped farming his land 37 years ago, with once-arable fields reverting to scrubland that is now a haven for a host of wildlife including threatened nightingales, cuckoos and turtle doves. But the 150-hectare (377-acre) site has no official designations or protections, and following the owners death, there were fears the land could be sold and returned to agriculture. Rare nightingales can be found at Strawberry Hill (Holly Wilkinson/Wildlife Trust BCN/PA) After gaining a temporary stay of execution for the site, the Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs and Northants (BCN) has raised enough money to buy half the land. Now the conservation charity is launching a 1.5 million appeal to secure the whole site, saving the habitat and its rich wildlife and providing a unique opportunity to have a decades-long head start on rewilding the land for nature. Rewilding, which has come to prominence in recent years with high-profile projects such as Knepp in West Sussex, is described as the large-scale restoration of nature to the point it can take care of itself, by bringing back habitats and natural processes such as grazing by large herbivores. Brian Eversham, Wildlife Trust BCN chief executive, said: Many years before anyone had heard of projects like Knepp or the concept of rewilding, a farmer decided to leave his land to nature. What has emerged is a unique area of meadow and shrubland which is ideal for a range of threatened species. Creating a reserve like this now would mean buying a large area of farmland and leaving it for more than three decades but here we have a ready-made habitat full of nature. All we have to do is raise the money to save it. The scrub habitat at Strawberry Hill will be maintained by grazing (Holly Wilkinson/Wildlife Trust BCN/PA) Mr Eversham added: There is so much potential for wildlife to spread out from this site and recolonise the surrounding countryside it truly is a beacon of hope in one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. Walking along narrow paths through the dense scrub of hawthorn, brambles and young trees, you can hear, among a chorus of birdsong, the distinctive purr of a turtle dove and the rich song of nightingales. Both migratory birds are red-listed because of the huge declines they have suffered in recent decades, but are found here in some of the highest concentrations in the country, according to the BCN team. There are 32 pairs of nightingales, a species which has declined 90% across the UK, the conservationists said. The site is also teeming with great crested newts, and there are barn owls, cuckoos, pipistrelle and barbastelle bats. Open grassy areas have wildflowers including orchids (Emily Beament/PA) A small stream runs through the land, lined with mature willows, and in some places the dense scrub is interspersed with more open areas of grassland, where orchids are flowering. The only signs of human interference are the grassy paths, including public footpaths, which criss-cross the site, lined with wildflowers and rich insect life including ringlet and speckled wood butterflies, while a handful of young walnut and oak trees have been planted on the site. Wildlife Trust BCNs conservation director Matt Jackson told the PA news agency the plan is to leave half the land, where the scrub is more mature, to continue its natural succession to woodland. In the other half, the dynamic edge habitat of scrub, which is both rare in the region and important to wildlife, and meadow areas will be maintained. Strawberry Hills natural habitat is in stark contrast to the conventional arable land next to it (Holly Wilkinson/Wildlife Trusts BCN/PA) That will involve some grazing with animals such as Highland cattle, which are expected to make space among the scrub and keep it more open. The scale of the scrub area will also allow experts to measure the amount of carbon the habitat stores, something which little is known about, he said. Mr Jackson said the site gave conservationists a 37-year head start to look at how the different approaches leaving the land to continue to woodland or managing it with some grazing would change the wildlife and carbon stores. It will also provide a stepping stone for wildlife to move through the landscape, which in Bedfordshire is heavily agricultural, he said. Mr Jackson said the site was unique due to the size of the area that was left to nature, under an innovative agreement using agricultural subsidies to pay the farmer for leaving land fallow. It was rewilding ahead of its time, he said. Strawberry Hills scrub habitat is key for wildlife (Emily Beament/PA) Its so important from a wildlife point of view, and that 37-year head start enables us to see different approaches to managing abandonment and what effect they have on wildlife and carbon. Its a unique opportunity. There just isnt anywhere else of this scale thats been left for so long, Mr Jackson added. To find out more about Strawberry Hill or donate to the appeal to save it, people can visit: www.wildlifebcn.org/strawberryhillappeal Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves will start a week of campaigning on the economy (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Rachel Reeves has said she will seek closer trade ties with the EU and more foreign investment as she kicks off an economy-focused week, while Rishi Sunak is returning to the campaign trail after a few days hiatus. Labours shadow chancellor has suggested she could revise parts of Boris Johnsons 2020 Brexit deal, including seeking closer alignment with EU rules in the chemicals and veterinary sectors, better touring rights for UK artists, and greater mutual recognition of qualifications for financial services workers. She said this was not an exclusive list, telling the Financial Times: We would look to improve our trading relationship with Europe. 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 I dont think anyone voted Leave because they were not happy that chemicals regulations were the same across Europe. Her remarks appear to suggest that Labour would go further than previously thought in pushing for improved trade terms with the bloc, having so far been hesitant to discuss Brexit during the General Election campaign. The Labour frontbencher also pledged to hit the ground running to show that Britain is open for business by holding a global investment summit in the first 100 days of entering government. She will host members of her British infrastructure council on Monday morning to discuss attracting foreign investors who had been put off by political instability in the UK. Ms Reeves is later expected to make a campaign visit with Sir Keir Starmer to promote their plan to set up a national wealth fund. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves will start a week of campaigning on the economy (Lucy North/PA) The party has pledged to invest 7.3 billion in the fund over the course of the next parliament if it wins the General Election to help create 650,000 new jobs. The next Labour government will work hand-in-hand with the private sector to bring investment to Britains industrial heartlands and I have been clear that our national wealth fund will be a crucial tool in the armoury to deliver on this ambition, Ms Reeves said. As Labour and the Tories continue to trade blows on tax and spending, Mr Sunak criticised Labours pledges as a con. It came after shadow health secretary Wes Streeting on Sunday said Labours manifesto is not the sum total of what it will do in government. The Prime Minister told the Express: At this election Keir Starmer is asking for you and your family to sign a blank cheque, and we all know what he wants to do with it: put up your taxes so he can run riot with your money. Labours energy policy also came in for attack, with Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho warning it would be a triple whammy for the UK. She said Labours ban on new oil and gas licences could lead to an estimated 4.5 billion in lost tax revenues over the next 10 years and risk tens of thousands of jobs, though Sir Keirs party dismissed this as more desperate nonsense from their rivals. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is returning to the campaign trail on Monday (Jonathan Brady/PA) The beleaguered Prime Minister is heading to East Yorkshire, the East Midlands and East of England on Monday after a pause in campaigning for his prime ministerial duties. He attended the G7 summit in Italy on Thursday and Friday, followed on Saturday by Trooping the Colour and a major international summit on Ukraine in Switzerland. Opinion polls continue to show his party crashing to defeat, with one survey published during his absence showing Reform UK edging ahead of the Conservatives for the first time. Although it was within the margin of error and other surveys since then have showed Nigel Farages outfit trailing the Conservatives, it came as a major blow to the Tories and preceded warnings by other pollsters of electoral extinction for the party. Penny Mordaunt insisted the election result is not a foregone conclusion, but conceded her party is now the underdog. The Commons Leader, seen as a potential successor to Mr Sunak as Tory leader, although she is projected to lose her Portsmouth North seat, also told the Independent we need to go further on those tax cuts. 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 Mr Farage is set to unveil Reform UKs manifesto, which the party dubs a contract with voters, in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales on Monday. The party leader said he is launching a crusade to defend British values and that the location was chosen because it shows everyone exactly what happens to a country when Labour is in charge. Elsewhere, the Liberal Democrats have proposed an expansion of fuel duty relief for rural motorists to 20 new areas including Devon, Cumbria and Shropshire funded by an additional 7 million a year. Leader Sir Ed Davey, who is set to tout the plan during a campaign visit, said it would be a real rescue plan to support rural communities struggling with outrageous pump prices. North of the border, First Minister John Swinney is expected to say that the SNP is the only major party with a truly left-of-centre manifesto ahead of the policy documents launch this week. The Scottish Lib Dems are promising to lift up Scottish education as they pitch their offering on Monday, and Scottish Labours election battle bus will set off on its campaign tour. Leader Nigel Farage will set out the partys policies at an event in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales (James Manning/PA) Nigel Farage is set to unveil Reform UKs manifesto, which the party dubs a contract with voters, in Wales on Monday. Speaking ahead of the event, the Reform leader said he is launching a crusade to defend British values and that the location was chosen because it shows everyone exactly what happens to a country when Labour is in charge. He will set out Reforms policies in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales, at 1pm before taking media questions. 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 Mr Farage said: One of the reasons we are launching our contract with the people of Britain in Wales is because it shows everyone exactly what happens to a country when Labour is in charge. Schools are worse than in England, NHS waiting lists are longer than in England, Covid restrictions were even tighter than in England and now Welsh motorists are being soaked by literally hundreds of speed cameras to enforce the deeply unpopular new 20mph blanket speed limit in towns and villages. Since devolution, the Welsh have been ignored by the London political establishment and let down by the Labour administration they elected. Meanwhile, the Tories have been the official opposition almost solidly since 2016 and have achieved zilch, which probably explains why we are neck-and-neck with them in the polls in Wales. So, if you want a picture of what the whole country will be like with a Starmer government and a feeble Conservative opposition, come to Wales and then hear us unveil a better future for all of Britain. The arch Brexiteer also tweeted: I am launching a crusade to defend British values. The party will fight the election on immigration, with policies already announced including an employer immigration tax on companies who choose to employ overseas workers instead of British citizens. Reform UK has vowed to freeze lawful immigration with the exception of healthcare workers and leave the European Convention on Human Rights. Nigel Farage replaced Richard Tice, left, as leader of Reform UK in June (James Manning/PA) On the economy, the party has set out an ambition to slash 91 billion off public spending by stopping the Bank of England paying interest on quantitative easing reserves and finding 50 billion of wasteful spending in Whitehall. It has promised there would be no tax on earnings under 20,000 a year, that it would abolish the Governments net-zero targets and stand up for British culture, identity and values. A poll last week showed Reform edging ahead of the Conservatives for the first time, with Mr Farages party at 19% and the Conservatives on 18% in voting intention. However, Reforms lead was within the margin of error, and other polls published since then have showed Mr Farages outfit trailing the Tories. When Rishi Sunak called the General Election, Mr Farage initially said he was not running and would instead focus on getting Donald Trump re-elected in the US in November, but in a U-turn on June 3 he announced he would stand to be an MP for an eighth time. Wes Streeting has hit out at a Labour peer for calling Rosie Duffield frit or lazy after she called off local hustings over safety concerns. Lord Cashman, a former EastEnders actor and Labour MEP, has apologised after he commented on a social media post about Ms Duffields move: Frit. Or lazy. It came after Ms Duffield, a Labour General Election candidate who has been a defender of womens rights and female-only spaces, said her attendance at local hustings was impossible because of constant trolling. 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 Women and equalities minister Kemi Badenoch waded into the row by accusing Labour of intimidation and abuse towards its own. Shadow health secretary Mr Streeting told Times Radio on Sunday: I strongly disagree with Michael (Cashman). That is extremely unfair and I was very concerned Rosies not able to participate in hustings and is having to change the way she behaves because of abuse. That is wholly intolerable and unacceptable, as is the abuse Nigel Farage has had. Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting criticised Lord Cashmans comments about Rosie Duffield (Jordan Pettitt/PA) I count Michael and Rosie as friends and this is exactly the kind of division Ive been working really hard to try and work through and heal. Ms Duffield, who is running for the Canterbury seat on July 4, last week said the extremely difficult decision to cancel local hustings was made because the actions of a few fixated individuals had affected her sense of security and wellbeing. She told The Times earlier in the week that she has spent 2,000 on bodyguards while campaigning. Lord Cashman later wrote on X, formerly Twitter: I apologise unreservedly for a post that I put out regarding the Labour candidate for Canterbury. I fully understand any complaints that will be sent to the Labour Party. The debate comes amid a renewed focus on the abuse of politicians on the eight-year anniversary of Jo Coxs murder. Women and equalities minister Kemi Badenoch accused Labour of intimidation and abuse (Yui Mok/PA) The Batley and Spen Labour MP was stabbed and shot by a far-right extremist in Birstall, West Yorkshire, on June 16 2016. Her sister, Kim Leadbeater, condemned violence against candidates after Reform UK leader Mr Farage was attacked, including with a milkshake. The Labour candidate told Sky Newss Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge: I think Jo, along with myself and many others, would find some of that behaviour totally and utterly unacceptable. Wherever you are on the political spectrum, whatever your views are, theres no excuse for that abuse, intimidation and threatening behaviour. Ms Duffield, who believes that self-identification threatens womens rights to female-only spaces, previously claimed that she had been given the cold shoulder by the Labour leadership over her views on trans issues. Last month, she complained that Sir Keir Starmer offered her no apology when the two finally spoke after she told a whip she had not been talked to in two-and-a-half years. Ms Badenoch seized on Labours internal dispute to warn voters against opting for the Opposition party at the election. The Cabinet minister tweeted: I cant imagine what its like being Rosie in a party where her own colleagues continually attack her, just for standing up for women. This is now about more than womens rights, but how a party manages internal disagreement. Instead of healthy debate, its intimidation and abuse. If this is what they do to their own, imagine what they will do to our country. TalkTalk hacker tried to bring down Microsofts Xbox Live Picture exclusive: Face of Co Antrim man wanted by US authorities over cyber raids on global corporations Aaron Sterritt leaving Antrim Crown Court Christopher Woodhouse Sun 16 Jun 2024 at 09:45 This is the TalkTalk hacker awaiting sentence for being part of a cyber-attack conspiracy against a raft of multi-national corporations. Bennington, VT (05201) Today Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. High 62F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Mainly clear. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 48F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. To honor the 250th anniversary of the Shakers arrival in America, Hancock Shaker Village is celebrating the many contributions of founding leader Ann Lee and her followers. Exhibits featuring works from women artists installed throughout the village honor Mother Ann, the Shaker sisters who lived at Hancock and the many women who have brought the Shaker story to life since Hancocks inception as a museum in 1961. Flash For the Chinese people, New Zealand is geographically distant, requiring an about 12-hour flight to reach. However, it feels close due to its daily presence in their lives through goods such as kiwifruit, milk powder, and seafood. On Saturday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang concluded his three-day official visit to New Zealand. As changes unseen in a century are unfolding faster across the world, Li said China is ready to join hands with New Zealand to generate strong momentum for stability and development in the two countries, the region and beyond. Li illustrated this point with simple math. Justin Tipa, chairman of Ngai Tahu Holdings Group, which has been exporting lobsters to China for over 20 years, told Li during the premier's meeting with representatives from New Zealand's industrial and commercial circles that the group expects to export over 500 metric tons of live lobsters to China each year and is aiming for a long-term, robust trade relationship with China. Li then told Tipa that with China's population of 1.4 billion, if just 1 percent of Chinese people eat one lobster every year, that would amount to 14 million lobsters. "I am just talking about 1 percent of the Chinese population. I hope you can continue to expand your market share in China," Li said. He further illustrated the opportunities from China's development in his speech, emphasizing that China's pursuit of modernization through high-quality development and various upgrades will bring new opportunities. Consumption upgrading will unleash new market demands, industrial upgrading will open up new areas of cooperation, and trade upgrading will create new space for growth, said Li. John Cochrane, chairman of the New Zealand China Trade Association who was present at the meeting, told Xinhua: "These upgrades all provide opportunities for New Zealand companies to increase their success." "It is value upgrade in consumption, not just quantity of consumption. It is very appealing to New Zealand businesses. And the upgrading of industries, especially a focus on lightweight industries, digital, intelligent, and green, fits New Zealand very well considering our geographic distance from China," Cochrane said. "The upgrade in trade, meaning newer business models in services and other forms, also gives New Zealand an opportunity to rethink the way we engage with China," he added. For over one and a half centuries, China-New Zealand exchanges have continued to deepen, their cooperation has become closer, and mutual understanding has kept growing. As a key aspect of bilateral cooperation, educational cooperation between the two countries is conducive to enhancing mutual understanding and benefits both peoples. At the closing ceremony of a forum on education development between China and New Zealand in Auckland, Li announced that China will provide New Zealand with 100 International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarships, 1,000 "Chinese Bridge" summer camp opportunities in China, and 5,000 Chinese books in the next five years. Alex Zhang, executive member of the New Zealand China Trade Association and a long-time observer of China-New Zealand educational cooperation, told Xinhua that these measures demonstrate China's strong commitment to educational exchanges, which will greatly enhance New Zealand youth's understanding and learning of the Chinese language and culture. "Simultaneously, it encourages more Chinese students to study and engage in exchanges in New Zealand, fostering deeper mutual understanding and friendship between the younger generations of both countries," said Zhang. Kiwifruit also stands as a prime example of the deep-rooted cooperation between China and New Zealand. Originating as the "Chinese gooseberry," this fruit was cultivated in China for nearly 1,500 years before being introduced to New Zealand over a century ago. Since then, it has flourished and been transformed into the globally renowned kiwifruit, becoming a cornerstone of New Zealand's fruit exports. Today, China stands as its largest market, highlighting the successful collaboration and mutual benefit between the two nations. On Friday morning, Li visited the China-New Zealand Belt-and-Road Joint Laboratory on Kiwifruit in Auckland. He said that the laboratories in China and New Zealand complement each other's strengths and collaborate effectively. Through the empowerment of science and technology, the laboratories provide support for further improvement and upgrading of the kiwifruit industry in both countries, and add momentum to the development of the kiwifruit industry in the Belt and Road countries. Another example of the mutually beneficial cooperation is New Zealand's dairy company Fonterra. Saying that himself was once a customer of Fonterra's products, Li encouraged the company to develop more products targeting the different requirements of consumers in China. "Chinese people in different regions have different requirements and demand of different products. And I hope more people can be your consumers," he told Fonterra's CEO Miles Hurrell during the meeting with representatives from New Zealand's industrial and commercial circles. There is vast potential for collaboration in areas such as green development for the two countries, and China welcomes Fonterra and other New Zealand enterprises to continue to seize such opportunities, Li said when visiting Fonterra's headquarters. At a time of slowing growth, defensive trade measures, and domestic recession, China's economy will remain the engine that will drive the development of the Asia-Pacific region, Chris Lipscombe, national president of the New Zealand China Friendship Society, told Xinhua. "And when the Asia-Pacific region is strong, the rest of the world also prospers," he added. Before leaving Auckland, the "City of Sails," Li painted a vivid picture of collaboration and progress on the horizon. "Going forward, let us row together, and set sail towards a brighter future of China-New Zealand friendship and cooperation!" A future Labour government in Britain could be helpful for Ireland, former taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said. Mr Varadkar also said if the British Labour Party does form a government after next months election in the UK, he expects them to be more even-handed when dealing with Northern Ireland than the Tories. Advertisement The former taoiseach was asked about the implications of the UKs July poll for the island of Ireland during an appearance at an event in Belfast on Saturday. Advertisement He said: I think if it is a Labour government that could be helpful for Ireland. Certainly, they feel more of an attachment to the Good Friday Agreement than the Conservatives do. Advertisement It was a Labour prime minister Tony Blair who negotiated it. They certainly will want a closer relationship with the European Union. Mr Varadkar added: I think they will be more even-handed when it comes to dealing with Northern Ireland. Advertisement Whereas the Conservative Party is the Conservative and Unionist Party, I think the Labour Party is probably a bit more even-handed. Mr Varadkar also welcomed Labour pledges to repeal the controversial Act to deal with the legacy of the Northern Ireland Troubles. Labour has said it would restore legacy inquests and the ability for Troubles victims to bring civil cases if it comes to power. Mr Varadkar said: I think what they have said about legacy is very encouraging as well, that they will repeal and replace the legislation. Advertisement Leo Varadkar spoke about the impact of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage on UK politics (James Manning/PA) He was also asked about the influence of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage on UK politics. Mr Varadkar said: Given the First Past The Post electoral system, they [Reform] still might not win any or many seats. I do think a lot of people in the Conservative Party, when they started to adopt Ukips policies, when they agreed to have a referendum on Brexit, they thought that all of that would make Farage and his ideology and philosophy go away. And werent they wrong? I think that is a lesson to centre-right parties and my party [Fine Gael] is a party broadly of the centre right that when you start copying the policies of the radical right, its a slippery slope. They dont go away, they often get stronger. Fourteen people arrested in connection with a major Garda operation in Dublin have been charged. The operation in Dublin Metropolitan Region North is targeting those alleged to be involved in the sale and supply of drugs, associated criminality and money laundering. Advertisement Twelve men and two women, with ages ranging from late teens to 50s, were charged in connection with the ongoing investigation. Gardai said ten of the men and the two women are due to appear in court on Monday morning, while the remaining two men will appear in the coming days. Since last September, the DMR North operation has resulted in 48 people being charged with offences, while over 1.2 million in assets have been seized from those suspected of being involved in criminality in the region. An Irish woman who suffered serious injuries in Dubai after falling two storeys from a yacht while attending a friends birthday party is to be released from hospital. Natasha Tasha Keane, who is in her early 20s, was rushed to hospital in Dubai after the incident a week ago with a severe head injury and lacerations to her liver. Advertisement Ms Keane, who is originally from Carlow, has been living and working in the United Arab Emirates for the past year. According to her sister, Roisin, Natasha had no shoes on when she lost her balance and fell backwards into the water head first and was concussed. A lifeguard who witnessed the incident jumped into the sea to save her from drowning. Roisin revealed that her younger sister is finally on the mend in a Facebook post. Advertisement She explained: Tasha is finally on the mend, thanks to the help of you all. She is getting stronger everyday, although a long road of recovery still lies ahead of her. The hospital is planning her release as she has reacted well to the treatment given. Roisin added that it will take between two and four months for the lacerations on her liver to heal completely, with weekly follow-up appointments at the hospital that she is currently in. She has sent her regards to everyone and cant thank you all enough for helping her. I would like to (say) a massive thank you to each and every person who has kindly donated, spread awareness and sent their well wishes to Tasha and our family. Once again our family cannot thank you enough for the support the past week since Tashas accident. We appreciate it so much, continued Roisin. Advertisement The GoFundMe page has now been closed as the 20,000 target has been reached. Speaking on Carlow radio station KCLR96FM last week, Roisin said: You hear of these freak accidents happening, but you never think its going to happen to anyone you know, never mind your younger sister. Shes in hospital now and unable to move. A guy called Benjamin was lucky enough to dive in and save her, he was the lifeguard. Three other people had to help her get on to the deck. They thought she was dead, it was like a murder scene and there was blood everywhere. Roisin said that her younger sister had to get 14 stitches in her head and that she lost a lot of blood from the impact of the water. Here are the news stories making headlines on Sunday. The Sunday Independent reports that Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue has shut down Ireland's only equine abattoir after scenes of "abhorrent cruelty" were uncovered. Advertisement The Business Post says Simon Harris facing pressure to call early election. The Irish Mail on Sunday says the Taoiseach is backing Irish sprint star Rhasidat Adeleke after she received vile racist abuse online. Advertisement Riverdance star Michael Flatley is blaming chemicals in his 30 million castle for his cancer diagnosis, according to the Irish Sunday Mirror. The Sunday World has an interview with a woman who says a Dublin taxi driver convicted of rape preyed on her after a night out. Advertisement The Sunday Life says a criminal on trial for a gangland killing sat in court with his police officer mother-in-law to watch his wife avoid prison for fraud. The British newspapers are awash with images of the Princess of Wales, who appeared relaxed during her first day in the spotlight since announcing her cancer diagnosis. Advertisement The Mail on Sunday leads on the day that lifted the nation as Kate returned to the spotlight on Saturday at the Trooping the Colour ceremony, alongside similar pieces in the Sunday Express, Sunday People and the Sunday Telegraph. Mail on Sunday: Day that lifted the nations hearts #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/G0g65aCCus George Mann (@sgfmann) June 15, 2024 Advertisement Sunday Express: It's just Kate to see you again #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/prEWbWK54D George Mann (@sgfmann) June 15, 2024 The Sunday Telegraph: Our Fair Lady lifts nations spirits #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/v2kzs2QTd0 George Mann (@sgfmann) June 15, 2024 The Mirror and the Sun on Sunday also ran stories on Kate, as thousands of Britons braved wet weather in London on Saturday to catch a glimpse of the princess. Sunday Mirror: Kate to have you back #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/yq1r9Kv397 George Mann (@sgfmann) June 15, 2024 The Observer says analysis indicates trouble brewing for the British health service, as both major parties manifestos would significantly squeeze health spending. The Observer: 'Both parties will NHS worse off than austerity years' #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/EfpXfgykCp George Mann (@sgfmann) June 15, 2024 And, lastly, the Daily Star Sunday reports that Serbias top psychic has tipped England to win the Euros. Almost 80 countries have jointly called for the territorial integrity of Ukraine to be the basis for any peace agreement to end Russias war, though some key developing nations at a Swiss conference did not sign up. The joint communique on Sunday capped a two-day conference at the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland marked by the absence of Russia, which was not invited, but that many attendees hoped could join in on a road map to peace. Advertisement About 100 delegations, mostly Western countries but also some key developing nations, took part in the conference and experts were watching to see how and if at all they might line up behind the outcome document. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy is seen on the screen during the plenary session of the peace summit in Switzerland (Urs Flueeler/Keystone/AP) Participants India, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were among those that did not sign up to the final document, which focused on issues of nuclear safety, food security and the exchange of prisoners. Advertisement The final document, agreed by 78 nations, said the UN Charter and respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty can and will serve as a basis for achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Analysts say the two-day conference is likely to have little concrete impact towards ending the war because the country leading and continuing it, Russia, was not invited for now. Its key ally, China, which did not attend, and Brazil, which was at the meeting as an observer, have jointly sought to plot alternative routes toward peace. The meeting also endeavoured to return a spotlight to the war at a time when conflict in Gaza, national elections and other concerns have seized global attention. Advertisement The three themes of nuclear safety, food security and prisoner exchanges featured in the final statement. Italian PM Giorgia Meloni said the three themes of nuclear safety, food security and prisoner exchanges amount to minimum conditions for negotiations with Russia (Alessandro Della Valle/Keystone/AP) Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni said they amount to minimum conditions for negotiations with Russia, alluding to how many other areas of disagreement between Kyiv and Moscow will be harder to overcome. Advertisement Qatars prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, noted a day earlier that his rich Gulf country hosted talks with both Ukrainian and Russian delegations on the reunification of Ukrainian children with their families that has so far resulted in 34 children being reunited. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan, speaking to reporters at the resort on Saturday, said it is going to take work and countries stepping up to build on efforts by nations like Qatar. Its going to take a spotlight from the international community, not just from only voices from the United States or Europe, but from unusual voices as well to say what Russia has done here is more than reprehensible and must be reversed, he said. Advertisement US security adviser Jake Sullivan a peace deal is going to take work (Alessandro della Valle/Keystone/AP) The Ukrainian government believes that 19,546 children have been deported or forcibly displaced, and Russian Childrens Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova has previously confirmed that at least 2,000 were taken from Ukrainian orphanages. Montenegro's prime minister Milojko Spajic told the gathering on Sunday: As a father of three, Im deeply concerned by thousands of Ukrainian kids forcibly transferred to Russia or Russia-occupied territories of Ukraine. We all at this table need to do more so that children of Ukraine are back in Ukraine, he added. Federal politicians will get a 3.5 per cent pay rise, lifting the base salary for an average backbench MP to $233,651.25 per year. The decision to give MPs a pay rise of $7901.25 or $151.94 per week from July 1 was made by the independent remuneration tribunal and announced today. The rise in MPs base pay will also increase the overall pay of shadow ministers, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and other offices. It comes two weeks after the Fair Work Commission awarded a 3.75 per cent pay rise worth $1721.20, or about $33.10 per week, to Australias lowest-paid workers. The 3.5 per cent rise is below the rate of inflation in Australia, which currently sits at 3.6 per cent, but comes after MPs received a delayed pay rise of 4 per cent last September. The tribunal said it had considered the recent minimum wage rise and recent increases paid to public servants when making its decision. The tribunal is aware the remuneration increases it has awarded to offices in its jurisdiction over the past decade have been modest, it said in a statement. Including the current decision, the cumulative total of remuneration increases awarded by the Tribunal since 2015 amounts to 18.25 per cent. In contrast, remuneration increases more generally in the public and private sectors (based on overall March WPI [Wage Price Index] data from 2015 - 2024) have equated to 24.4 per cent, the statement continued. When determining remuneration for the broad spectrum of public offices within its jurisdiction, the tribunals primary focus is to provide competitive and equitable remuneration that is appropriate to the responsibilities and experience required of the roles, and that is sufficient to attract and retain people of calibre. Have your woollen blankets at the ready, the temperature is set to fall into the single digits in Brisbane over the coming mornings. But the glorious, blue skies will continue as consolation, with no rain on the horizon for the next week in Brisbane. Were not going to get any rain for the foreseeable future, and the foreseeable future is typically about seven days, Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Livio Regano said. Brisbane winter: Barely a cloud in the sky. The temperature is forecast to drop to 8 degrees on Tuesday morning and 9 degrees on Wednesday - slightly below the long-term average June minimum of 11 degrees. The thermostat will climb into the double digits again on Thursday and Friday, before falling again to 9 degrees on Saturday morning, making for a chilly start to the weekend. Its colder than average, but not by much, Regano said. Brisbanes coldest June temperature on the books (from the citys former central Wickham Terrace gauge) is 2.4 degrees, which was recorded on June 29, 1908. However, at Brisbane Airport the coldest June morning was recorded on June 27, 1971, when the temperature plunged to 0.6 degrees. A deep low over the Tasman Sea, drawing cold air up from the south, is responsible for the crisp winter days, Regano explained. This is typical for Queensland in winter. We have our dry season now, he said. Regano explained south-westerly winds carry dry, cold air from Australias arid centre to south-east Queensland during winter, creating chilly, yet sunny conditions. You barely get a cloud, let alone any rainfall, he said. People talk about the winter westerlies, but in truth theyre more south-westerlies. Metadata reveals the Stand For Palestine Telegram group is administered by a Tunisian Hizb ut-Tahrir activist, while its WhatsApp group is managed by three Australian Hizb ut-Tahrir figures. Key backers of the group have also regularly spoken at Stand For Palestine-branded events and delivered sermons and lectures at the Sydney University student encampment. In a statement in response to questions by this masthead, camp organisers said the encampment was a coalition of groups and organisations: Were a broad and diverse community here to simply demand our university cut ties with genocide and Israel. Sydney University ordered the sprawling camp to pack up and leave campus on Friday, almost eight weeks after it sprung up. Loading It is not the first time the group has used a popular cause to gain support. Before rallying under the Stand For Palestine banner, the group was behind the Stand For Uyghurs campaign protesting against human rights abuses of the Muslim minority in China. Following October 7, social media accounts actively rallying behind the Stand For Uyghurs cause were quickly rebranded as Stand For Palestine accounts, and within days began promoting events and sharing content about Israels counter-offensive in Gaza. British counter-extremism expert Hadiya Masieh, who was a member of Hizb ut-Tahrir for a decade before leaving the group in the aftermath of the 7/7 bombings in London in 2005, said Hizb ut-Tahrir preyed on vulnerable people and used popular causes as a hook. Hizb ut-Tahrir, like other extreme groups, will use any mechanism they can to push their agenda, she said. They divide, they prey on people, and they brand and market themselves very well. So they are very interested in using as many avenues as possible. A day after Hamas had launched its co-ordinated attack in southern Israel, killing about 1200 people and taking another 250 hostage, radical Islamist preacher Sheikh Ibrahim Dadoun shared his feelings of elation with the crowd at a Hizb ut-Tahrir-sponsored gathering in Lakemba, in Sydneys south-west. Im smiling and Im happy, Dadoun told attendees. Im elated. Its a day of courage. Its a day of pride. Its a day of victory. This is the day weve been waiting for. He later denied that the statements meant he was condoning the killing of civilians. Since then, the group has issued calls for armies from Muslim-majority countries to ignore artificial borders and respond to their divine obligation to join Hamas in its fight against Israel, and referred to the conflict in Gaza as a first step in the establishment of a global caliphate. If a handful of Muslims could rattle the occupation and the entire international community in a single morning, what then could be achieved by the collective efforts of the surrounding armies of Muslim countries? a Hizb ut-Tahrir press release dated October 8 read. The liberation of Palestine by the Muslims will be the start of the liberation of humanity from the clutches of the West, and that day is sooner than we think inshallah [God willing]. When this masthead approached Dadoun for comment, he refused to answer questions. Hizb ut-Tahrir have been around for a long period of time, Roose said. Many people view them as redundant, as irrelevant, to the conversation. However, in recent years in particular, they have become more active, and the extent of their rhetoric, and the potential violence inherent in their rhetoric, is also concerning. It is this rhetoric that prompted British Home Secretary James Cleverly to controversially proscribe Hizb ut-Tahrir as a terrorist group in January, arguing it would hamstring the groups ability to operate and allow authorities to come after its supporters. The move has been criticised by civil libertarians, Muslim groups and some security experts who claim it curtails free speech and risks pushing the group underground where it would be harder to monitor. A Hizb ut-Tahrir protest in London in November. Credit: Alamy Stock Photo The decision came after the British chapter praised the October 7 attacks and Hamas as heroes, and fantasised about what a unified Muslim world could achieve if this can be done by a resistance group. Hizb ut-Tahrir further inflamed the situation by holding a pro-Palestine rally in London where members made inflammatory speeches calling for jihad and Muslim armies to intervene in Gaza. In recent years, reports have been rife of illegal tobacco being sold under the counter in Melbourne shops. But 130 years ago, tea was a commodity that addicts of a brew sought to buy on the cheap, and a Melbourne grocer was caught selling counterfeit tea leaves. Ghost sign chaser Sean Reynolds, in Carlton North, had a Robur tea image tattooed on his arm. Credit: Jason South Its just one of the many stories Sean Reynolds has uncovered when researching Melbournes ghost signs, those faded, painted advertisements in inner suburbs for mostly defunct brands, in this case involving the popular brand, Robur. In the incident, in May 1894, a salesman in a Richmond shop falsely stated to tea merchants, acting under cover, that the loose-leaf tea he had mixed for them from two chests was Robur tea. Warning: this story contains graphic content There is a dangerous backlash emerging against the prosecution of sexual assaults, which runs counter to everything we know about violence against women and which should be called out for what it is misogyny and outdated attitudes masquerading as concern for the principles of justice. Last Wednesday saw the overturning on appeal of the sexual assault convictions of rugby league star Jarryd Hayne. The former NRL player has faced three trials over his 2018 sexual encounter with a then-26-year-old woman in her Newcastle home on the night of the National Rugby League grand final. Jarryd Hayne leaves prison on Wednesday. Credit: SMH Hayne, who vehemently denies the rape allegation, drew blood from the womans vulva during oral and digital sex that he said was consensual, but she said wasnt. As in most alleged sexual assaults, there were no witnesses, there was a dispute over consent, and the complainant behaved in the aftermath in ways that might seem counterintuitive. As in most alleged sexual assaults, the complainant and the accused knew each other, at least a little they had been chatting on social media before meeting in person. Supercars drivers will take their championship hunt to the streets of Perth from 2026. The Western Australian government on Sunday announced its plan to build a street circuit less than 10 minutes out of the city centre at Burswood Park, with 2026 earmarked for the first event. Jamie Whincup in action at the 2023 Mount Panorama Supercars event (file image). Credit: Getty Based on the Townsville and Gold Coast models, plans include permanent grandstands and road upgrades. The government hopes the move will encourage 50,000 local fans to turn out each day for the multi-race event, with the round to be complemented by a 10-day festival. There is no democracy in the world where the transfer of power is more brutally abrupt than in Britain. In America, a new president does not take office for nearly three months. In Australia, a new government is usually sworn in during the week after polling day. But when there is a change of government in the UK, except on those rare occasions when a close result means a short period of political limbo, the transition is immediate. The removal vans arrive at the back entrance to 10 Downing Street early the next morning. The outgoing prime minister emerges and makes some dignified farewell remarks, before being driven away for the last time. Brexit is likely to remain a major political issue for Labours Sir Keir Starmer. Credit: Getty Images Shortly afterwards, the new prime minister arrives in triumph. After some words appropriate to the significance of the occasion, he then walks through the famous black door. Its all very informal, in a typically understated British kind of way. No inauguration. No brass bands. No parades. (The Brits leave the pomp and circumstance for the monarchy.) Just a private audience with the King, a short speech, a brief pose for the cameras, and the nations new leader disappears behind the door. Thats it. Even in Australia, with a televised swearing-in ceremony followed by champagne on the lawns of Yarralumla, we make a bigger fuss. A spokesman for COGAT, Shimon Freedman, said it was the UNs fault that aid had stacked up on the Gaza side of Kerem Shalom. He said the agencies have fundamental logistical problems that they have not fixed, especially a lack of trucks. The UN denies such allegations. It says the fighting between Israel and Hamas often makes it too dangerous for UN trucks inside Gaza to travel to Kerem Shalom, which is right next to Israels border. It also says the pace of deliveries has been slowed because the Israeli military must authorise drivers to travel to the site, a system Israel says was designed for the drivers safety. Due to a lack of security, aid trucks in some cases have also been looted by crowds as they moved along Gazas roads. The new arrangement aims to reduce the need for co-ordinating deliveries by providing an 11-hour uninterrupted window each day for trucks to move in and out of the crossing. Deadliest attack on IDF in months The announcement comes after an explosion in southern Gaza killed eight Israeli soldiers, making it the deadliest attack on Israeli forces in months. The explosion took place in Rafah, a southern city that Israel has identified as Hamas last major stronghold. It sent in ground troops to the city in early May and has given no indication when the operation will end. A file photo of Israeli soldiers patrolling near the Gaza Strip border this month. Credit: AP They knew they might have to sacrifice their lives, but they did it so we could live in this country. I salute them and hug their families, said Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz in a post on X. The military said the explosion happened on Saturday just after 5am (10pm AEST) in the Tal al-Sultan area of Rafah. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, an Israeli military spokesman, said it was caused either by an explosive placed by Hamas or by an anti-tank missile. We need to defeat the Rafah Brigade of Hamas and we are doing this with determination, he said. In January, 21 Israeli troops were killed in a single attack by Palestinian militants in Gaza. Israel launched an air and ground invasion of Gaza in response to an October 7 cross-border attack by Hamas and other militants that killed some 1200 people and took 250 others hostage. The Israeli offensive has killed more than 37,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials. It also has unleashed a humanitarian disaster in Gaza, where over 80 per cent of the population has been displaced and Israeli restrictions and ongoing fighting have hindered efforts to bring in humanitarian aid, fuelling widespread hunger. Loading US President Joe Biden earlier this month unveiled a new ceasefire proposal that seeks the release of the roughly 120 hostages who remain in Gaza and an end to the fighting. While the international community has broadly embraced the plan, both Israel and Hamas have expressed misgivings. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he will not halt the war until he achieves the twin goals of destroying Hamas military and governing capabilities. Today we paid another heartbreaking price in our just war for the defence of the homeland, Netanyahu said. With deep sorrow, in heavy mourning, I bow my head together with all the citizens of Israel and mourn the fall of our heroic warriors. The inconclusive war has divided the Israeli public, with tens of thousands of people taking to the streets each Saturday night to call on the government to reach a deal that would bring the hostages home. The Israeli government has already pronounced more than 40 of the hostages held by Hamas to be dead, and officials fear that number could grow the longer they remain in captivity. People protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government and call for the release of hostages on Saturday night. Credit: AP Speaking at the weekly gathering of relatives of hostages in Tel Aviv, Rotem Kalderon, son of hostage Ofer Kalderon, said he isnt ready to live in a world full of death. I am not ready to live in a country with a government that sends us to settle in the borders and fight in wars and in the end abandons us, he said. Im not ready to live without a father. Four days after being sworn in as Prime Minister for a third time, Narendra Modi travelled to Italy to attend the 50th G7 summit. India was one of 12 countries and five organisations invited to the G7s outreach programme in Fasano, in the Apulia region, situated on the heel of Italy. In terms of tonality, Mr Modi appeared to have hit the right notes. His visit took place a week after the European Unions own massive elections, the largest exercise after Indias, and ahead of consequential elections for several G7 leaders the United States, France, and the UK. Indeed, In the picturesque 20-km drive from Vijayawada to Amaravati, verdant farmlands beckon outsiders. Yet, as one approaches Amaravati, the capital city of Andhra Pradesh, a different reality unfolds. Once envisioned as a modern metropolis with skyscrapers and greenfield infrastructure inspired by Singapore, Amaravati now stands abandoned, overrun by wild shrubs and unfinished buildings. The landscape of Amaravati is dotted with unfinished edifices: Skeletal frames of ministerial bungalows, judges residences, government offices, and numerous other structures lie in varying stages of incompleteness. Reports indicate that 69 Union and state government institutions and 61 private institutions were under construction, their progress halted. A key Pakistani militant group behind scores of gun and bomb attacks on Sunday announced a rare cease-fire with security forces during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha. Eid al-Adha will be celebrated in Pakistan on Monday amid a surge in violence. The cease-fire announcement would allow worshippers to attend Eid prayers at mosques and open areas without fear of attacks by militants. Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, which is a separate group from but a close ally of the Afghan Taliban, said in a statement it decided to announce a cease-fire on the demand from the Pakistani people. ALSO READ: Amnesty Int'l urges Taliban to reopen secondary schools for Afghan girls TTP said its fighters would defend themselves if acted by security forces. TTP has been emboldened since the Afghan Taliban seized power in neighboring Afghanistan in August 2021, when the US and NATO troops were in the final stages of their pullout from the country after 20 years. This is the second time that TTP has announced a cease-fire, after 2021. That cease-fire ended in 2022. Since then, the Pakistani Taliban have stepped up attacks, straining ties between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban's government as Islamabad says most of the TTP leaders are hiding in Afghanistan. Pakistan also says TTP uses Afghan soil for attacks in Pakistan, a charge that TTP and Kabul deny. More than half of Irish employers (51%) report headcounts will likely increase as a result of AI adoption over the next two years, compared to just 20% who expect a decrease, according to the latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey. The survey is based on responses from 420 employers across Ireland and finds that over a third (35%) of Irish employers report already adopting AI, including generative AI and machine learning, into their business processes. 'Employee Skills Training' Despite some early noise around AI resulting in job losses, most employers tell us that greater AI adoption will result in higher headcounts, not lower, said Jonny Edgar, Managing Director, ManpowerGroup Ireland. "The employment landscape is changing, but the Survey data tells us that most jobs will evolve to work alongside AI, not be replaced by it. In fact, employers tell us they expect new technology will not only result in a net increase in jobs but will enable better onboarding and employee skills training." Business Performance Two-thirds of employers surveyed (67%) reveal they expect AI to increase business performance, with a majority saying the technology will positively impact upskilling, reskilling and onboarding processes. Many of the leading companies investing in AI are based in Ireland, including Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Accenture, and others. Energy & Utilities The survey shows that the Energy & Utilities sector is the most optimistic about AI-enhanced headcounts, with 65% of businesses stating they expect AI to result in more jobs, with just 13% forecasting a decrease in employee numbers. Nearly half (48%) of the sector have currently adopted AI, with 64% predicting an increase in overall business performance, and 84% anticipating a positive impact on upskilling and reskilling. 'Future Proofing' "The Survey data shows us employers expect to increase headcounts as available roles evolve with technology, but this will have to be met with investment in upskilling," said Edgar. "With 81% of businesses reporting difficulty finding candidates with the skills they need up from 14% ten years ago future proofing skills remains essential for businesses who want to thrive over the next five years and beyond." 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. 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While these words could have been spoken by one of the realtors at the Flatiron Heights open house I attended on Thursday afternoon, they were actually spoken in a Chattanooga News article from Oct. 30, 1911, after the iconic building had been completed. As has been documented in the news, investors Robert Fisher, Bo Ferger, Dan Levan, and Clint Dean have restored and remodeled in detail the Flatiron Building, as it has been historically called. Franklin Architects did the design work on the 113-year-old structure at 707 Georgia Ave., and Mr. Deans Modus Build the contracting work, with commercial and residential units being sold and moved into beginning in early 2024. And based on the enthusiasm with which I was greeted when I identified myself as a member of the media, everyone seems pleased with the look of this building that is uniquely irregular both horizontally and, with two levels for entering, vertically, too. Its an amazing historical building that they completely renovated to a very high energy efficiency, said realtor Grace Frank of Grace Frank Group and REG/Zach Taylor, who is handling the selling of the commercial office space. The charm, the history, and the location are amazing. You are close to everything. Added investment partner Mr. Levan as the two talked in the somewhat surprisingly spacious entrance hall off Georgia Avenue, Its a 1911 building thats been totally renovated. The entire inside has been gutted. The entire outside was renovated, too. We had to deal with all the mortar between every brick and refastened it to the wall. They added that it is also the first building in Chattanooga and third in the state to meet Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) standards following the passage of some legislation, but they did it without taking away from the buildings classic vibe. We did not take the historic windows off because we wanted to keep the character, but all the normal, functional windows are high energy windows, said Mr. Levan, adding that the building also has LED lighting. The entrance hall features a large staircase, which Mr. Levan said is original and is made of mahogany from Brazil. Much of the original marble remains as well, although he said some of it had to be changed and replaced due to cracks and other issues. A classic tile floor also greets visitors. Among the other historical discoveries they made, he said they learned a giant Coca-Cola sign had been on top of the building for a period. And they realized the building had been bumped into a few times from automobile accidents when McCallie Avenue was formerly straight and ran down in front of the old First United Methodist Church steeple. Ms. Frank said the building still has eight to 10 commercial spaces for sale in the lower levels, depending on what a buyer wants or needs. An electronic brochure lists one 178-square-foot space as selling for $66,750, while a 2,236-square-foot office is for sale for $648,440. The spaces still appear to be waiting on finishing work by the buyer. This building that once featured 36 apartments when it opened now has 15 condominiums on the top three floors, six of which are still for sale. According to the website of Pam Fisher of Keller Williams Realty, one 729-square-foot condo with one bedroom and one bath is for sale for $409,900, while a 1,210-square-foot residential unit with two bedrooms and two baths is listed at $599,900. Yes, if you are used to having to lease or rent office or residential space in downtown Chattanooga, purchasing seems to be kind of a unique opportunity, at least to me. Ms. Fisher greeted me when I went up to the third floor (the second off Georgia Avenue) after I heard a little soothing guitar music in the lobby by Adam Stone. She was also enthusiastic about the building when she told me people love the look of the residences. They absolutely love the finishes, she said. They are all very luxurious and unlike anything they are going to find anywhere else in Chattanooga. Also, they love that its all on one floor and one level. And, being right between the Memorial Auditorium and the Tivoli, the park (across Georgia Avenue) and the steeple, the Dome Building and the courthouse and downtown and Lookout Mountain, its absolutely beautiful from every angle. Ms. Fisher once worked in the building as a court reporter before entering the real estate field, and she remembers the building having a lot of small offices, which were gutted and removed when the current work began. She kindly showed me two or three residential units still for sale, and one or two featured interesting rooms in corner spaces, including a neat bedroom in the small triangular corner. Also, one unit still for sale is one of three condos in the building featuring a small balcony overlooking Georgia Avenue. I personally loved the spaces and told Ms. Fisher I would love to live there except for the fact my wife, Laura, and I have two cats that have gotten spoiled going out in our backyard. I certainly liked the setting and the views in the building and would love to go to places like the Chattanooga Public Library, Memorial Auditorium, First-Centenary United Methodist where I attend and such events as Nightfall without having to find a place to park. Secure parking is available for residents, she said, as is a fitness center. While strolling through this building with irregular shapes and unfamiliar settings, I still found myself comforted by all the regular and soothing views with which I am familiar of other natural and manmade landmarks surrounding me. While not as spectacular as some views elsewhere around downtown Chattanooga, they were still nice and probably better than some views from other downtown buildings. I know that from staying in a few hotels in big cities over the years and having to look out over air-conditioning systems. Ms. Fisher told me she likes a lot about the building, including all the windows that let in plenty of light, and she believes it has several other positives for would-be downtown dwellers. The angles, the character, its amazing, she said. And the views that you get here (are nice). And its quieter. Its a lot quieter than being on the Southside. As I walked around and left, I naturally thought of the past and the noted Chattanoogans and characters of yesteryear who frequented this building or passed nearby many decades earlier. I also thought of all the times I zipped past the building and down Georgia Avenue while on my way to work at the Chattanooga News-Free Press before 6 a.m. in the 1980s and 90s. That was when downtown was barren, and residential living there was basically both a part of the past and future, but not the present. Also, after touring the old Flatiron Building, I refreshed my memory of past research and found some new material regarding its history. The building had been built in 1911 by hotelier Sam Read and designed by Chattanooga architect and Riverview resident Charles E. Bearden at a time when quality apartment living was returning to downtown. It had been named for and inspired by the famous and still-standing 20-story Flatiron Building built in 1902 in the lower part of Manhattan in New York. The Elizabeth Apartments built by Coca-Cola bottler J.T. Lupton across Georgia Avenue and named for his wife had a short time earlier set the standard for quality downtown apartment living in Chattanooga, the 1911 article previously referenced stated. The News article praised the Flatiron Building, too, saying, In appearance, the Flatiron Building is particularly pleasing, its subdued coloring making it a restful change from the usual garish brick and marble. Its suggestion is less newness than stability. The article went on to say the building opened into an imposing reception hall finished in white Georgia marble, with a high ceiling beamed with Flemish oak and the marble floor covered with fine oriental rugs. It also said a sweeping staircase the same one seen Thursday -- and a commodious elevator led to the three floors above, where the apartments were described as most clever in design. The building, which was converted into only office space beginning in 1980, also featured the English Tea Room operated by Mrs. W.B. Royster, another cafe and restaurant or rathskeller, and the Little Shop for novelty items. The city is indebted to the enterprise of S.R. Read for the establishment of this latest up-to-date building and all the novel features it contains, said the 1911 article in summing up the building. And the officials trying to sell commercial and residential space in the building in 2024 seemed to echo those sentiments as well during Thursdays open house. As Mr. Levan said, adding that he hopes this whole area of downtown Chattanooga might get a new name called the Historic District, Its virtually a new building. * * * Jcshearer2@comcast.net Erlanger Health System went before a city board on Monday seeking the issuance of up to $370 million in bonds for the hospital that a year ago went from a county facility to a nonprofit corporation. The bonds were approved by the Health, Educational and Housing Facility Board. Officials said the bonds would go to pay off some earlier debt as well as be used for expanding Erlanger's local footprint. Jim Coleman, Erlanger CEO, told the County Commission the hospital has been working on a new master plan that should be ready in early July. He said the hospital would be seeking to serve "some of the higher-growing areas outside the city of Chattanooga." Mr. Coleman said the actual amount of bonds may be in the range of $335 million. There is $141 million owed on a 2014 bond issue for the hospital. Other debt from 2021 is also to be paid off, and there will also be some issuance expense. Of the remaining money, Mr. Coleman said, "It may sound like a lot, but the cost to build a hospital is at $1,000 per square foot." He added, "It's a lot of money, but it will go quickly." Mr. Coleman said the hospital has just carried out a new master plan that should be ready in early July. The bonds are scheduled to be issued in August. He said the bonds would go toward "the first two or three phases of the master plan. The rest will be carried out over the next decade." The request goes before the Health, Educational and Housing Facility Board. The bonds will be sold to Morgan Stanley & Co. for resale to the public. Michele Reneau told the Chattanooga Civitan Club Friday that District 27 needs fresh eyes and that State Rep. Patsy Hazlewood, who was first elected in 2014, has served her time. Ms. Reneau will run against Rep. Hazlewood in the Republican Primary Aug. 1. Early voting is July 12 to July 27. We just need people who are in it right now, who are at ground level, Ms. Reneau said. The speaker said Rep. Hazlewood votes with Democrats on big issues. She founded HowPatsyVotes.com to track the representatives voting record. Ms. Reneau said Rep. Hazlewood voted to give undocumented immigrants in-state college tuition and she abstained from the vote for a bill that would require abortion clinics to inform patients that their chemical abortions may be reversed partway through the drug schedule. Ms. Reneau said the question she is most often asked is, How do we know youre not going to turn into one of them? Ms. Reneau said she understands that peoples values are different within District 27, from Lookout Mountain through Red Bank and Soddy Daisy to Flat Top Mountain, and they all matter. Ms. Reneau said Tennessee is at a crossroads that its own government may not recognize. The bigger government is, the more problems we create, she said. The need for community service and resources is at an all-time high." Ms. Reneaus Conservative Republican platform centers on Constitutional rights and families. She went on to say that creative, community-driven solutions can solve problems better than government can. She pledges to bring the values of community service and civic engagement to government and to emphasize individual responsibility. She said she asks her five children, What can you do about that? Ms. Reneau opposes state funding for the new Nissan Titans stadium in Nashville and the Ford electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant near Memphis. She said projects like that should receive other incentives, but not taxpayer cash. She said energetic auditing of organizations that do get government funds will prioritize Tennesseans. Nonprofits should fund themselves, she said, but some receive 50 percent of their funding from the state. Ms. Reneau advocates a state cap on property tax hikes, citing Red Banks 52 percent increase last year, and also wants holds on county property reappraisals. She said 2025 reappraisals, at a high point in market growth, will prove artificial. Signs point to a recession, she said, but homeowners will be on the hook until the next reappraisal in 2029. She cautioned against new state laws expanding surveillance and allowing anonymous tips to Child Protective Services. These are things that are dangerous to families, she said. Ms. Reneau said that enumerating so many new laws is beginning to infringe upon common law, and the General Assembly should slow down and more carefully consider the bills it writes. Ms. Reneau founded food cooperative Weekly Fig in 2016 and worked with Tennessee legislators to pass a farm to consumer distribution point law in 2017, almost unanimously. The law makes it easier for consumers to find farmers and buy their food, without government regulations. Food freedom is an important aspect of Tennessee culture, she said. A subsequent battle with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, who wanted to inspect the private membership associations leased building, highlighted her concern that government is making private domain public. All of that was my intro to government overreach, Ms. Reneau said. Ms. Reneau is involved with Isaiah 117 House, a temporary foster care home at Chambliss Center for Children. She is helping to raise the last $900,000 for Harvest Playground, an all-inclusive playground for children of all abilities. Construction on the $2 million project will begin in 2025 at Jack Benson Heritage Park in East Brainerd. Visit HarvestingInclusivePlay.com to buy a brick. Play is the most important work a child can do, Ms. Reneau said. We have really grown to love Tennessee, she said. We think this is the best possible place we could raise our children. Other points: Ms. Reneau praised the repeal of the alternative property measure of the franchise tax in Tennessee but said more should be done. She said she doesnt want limits on how many neighbors may speak against development plans at public meetings. Ms. Reneaus mother was a South Korean immigrant who followed legal pathways to citizenship. My mother always said the way out was education, she said. Ms. Reneau said schools should stick to teaching academic subjects, not life skills, and she supports vocational education. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close American Indian activist Leonard Peltier speaks during an interview at the U.S. Penitentiary at Leavenworth, Kan., April 29, 1999. Peltier, who has spent most of his life in prison in the 1975 killings of two FBI agents in South Dakota, has a parole hearing Monday, June 10, 2024, at a federal prison in Florida. During World War II and other conflicts, over 81,500 American service members were lost in action, and their bodies were never found. For more than 30 years, a collaborative initiative called Project Recover has been leading the search for their remains. In 2012, the project combined efforts with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the School of Earth, Ocean, and Environment at the University of Delaware. The project also partnered up with the Legion Underseas Service and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency. So far, Project Recover has completed over 75 missions in 21 different countries in both land and underwater environments. They have accounted for approximately 80 missing-in-action members of the armed forces and have brought home a total of 17 American heroes. Advanced technology, such as sonar, drones, and underwater robotics, are used to locate the wreckage of ships, aircraft, and other military equipment. Once potential sites have been discovered, they conduct investigations. Project Recovers mission serves as a tribute to the sacrifices that service members have made in order to protect the country. It also gives closure to the families by enabling the recovery and proper burial of their loved ones. There are an estimated five million MIA Gold Star family members. The project was able to account for one service member, AOM1c Anthony Di Petta, on January 3, 2023. Di Petta was an ordnanceman on a TBM-1c Avenger. In 1944, a crew from the USS Enterprise launched an attack near Malakal Harbor in Palau. There were 15 other aircraft carriers from Task Force 38 alongside the USS Enterprise. They had been conducting pre-invasion strikes on Palau. The Avenger ended up crashing in the water of Malakal Harbor. Di Petta was declared Missing in Action. He was born in Italy but emigrated to the United States in 1921. By 1940, he enlisted in the Navy from New Jersey and served as an Ordnanceman on the Avenger. He was survived by his mother, father, and two siblings. In 2015, Project Recover identified the Avenger in the waters of Palau. At first, they thought the aircraft was a Helldiver because of the poor visibility in the water. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. Across the Mongolian steppe, archaeologists have encountered several ancient cauldrons. For a while, the purpose of the cauldrons was a puzzle they just couldnt piece together. Now, new research suggests that the vessels were once used to collect the blood of animals, possibly for sausage production. Researchers from the University of Michigan, the University of Basel, the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology, the Mongolian Institute of Archaeology, and the National Museum of Mongolia teamed up to determine the purpose of the cauldrons. The team removed samples of caked residue from the insides of two cauldrons that Mongolian herders discovered in 2019. The residue revealed that the vessels date back 2,750 years to the Bronze Age. They also conducted protein analyses on the cauldrons. During their studies, they identified traces of blood from various animals. Most of the blood came from sheep and goats. It is believed that Bronze Age Mongolians slaughtered the animals, collected their blood, and stored it in the cauldrons to make blood sausages with. The custom is still practiced today in some rural parts of Mongolia. Furthermore, ancient steppes people formed sausages as a method of preserving food, so the tradition was both for culinary and practical purposes. The researchers also addressed other possible reasons for the blood kept in the cauldrons. While it is possible that blood could have been collected for raw consumption or ritual purposes, we believe that it is more likely an aspect of food preparation, wrote the researchers. The use of these vessels as containers for collecting and holding blood aligns well with how blood sausages are made in modern food processing. Blood was not the only substance the researchers found in the containers. There were also remnants of yak milk. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. When LANSA Flight 508 was struck by lightning on Christmas Eve in 1971, a 17-year-old girl named Juliane Koepcke plummeted 10,000 feet from the sky and landed in the Amazon rainforest. Somehow, she lived to tell the tale. She wandered the jungle for 11 days before coming across some loggers who helped her. Here is the story of her remarkable strength and survival. Koepcke was born in 1954 to two German zoologists who had moved to Peru to study the wildlife there. Her father was part of an effort to urge the government to preserve the Amazon rainforest. As a result, Koepcke was raised in the jungle. Growing up in such a dangerous environment helped her learn survival skills. On Christmas Eve, she had been traveling from Lima, Peru, with her mother to Pucallpa to visit her father, who was working in the Amazon rainforest. The day before that fateful flight, Koepcke had just received her high school diploma. She planned to study zoology just like her parents. The flight was only supposed to be an hour long. But then, a huge thunderstorm rolled in 25 minutes into the ride. The aircrafts motor was struck by lightning and careened downward toward the jungle below. The plane disintegrated into pieces as it fell. Koepcke was still strapped to her seat when she was launched from the plane and fell 10,000 feet. She lost consciousness, and when she woke up, she found herself in the middle of the rainforest. Miraculously, she only had a few minor injuries. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. For more than two decades, a woman named Georgia Tann ran a large-scale child trafficking ring under the pretense of a legitimate adoption agency. Over 5,000 children were kidnapped by Tann, and at least 500 children died while under her care. Her actions profoundly impacted countless families and led to changes in adoption laws and practices in the United States. Georgia Tann was born in 1891 in Philadelphia, Mississippi, as Beulah George Tann. She was named after her father, who was a powerful judge. She hoped to practice law, but her father wouldnt allow it. So, she pursued a career in social work instead. After working in Mississippi for a short time, she was fired for removing children from impoverished homes without cause. In 1922, she began working as an executive secretary at the Tennessee Childrens Home Society in Memphis, a position that her father secured for her with his political connections. By 1929, she became the executive director and exploited her position to carry out a lucrative child trafficking operation. During the 21 years she ran the Childrens Home Society, Tann made more than a million dollars, which equates to about $11 million today. Tann targeted families in poverty, often using deceit and coercion to take their children. She manipulated parents into giving up their children by promising temporary care or better opportunities for them. She also outright stole babies from hospitals, telling mothers that their children had died. She would then falsify birth records to erase any trace of the childrens biological families, making it nearly impossible for parents to track down their kids again. Tann sold the kids to wealthy couples, such as actors and politicians. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. Home News ISIS kills dozens of Christians in DRC; churches close after latest attacks The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for killing dozens of people in a series of violent attacks lasting multiple days in several villages in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with at least 80 Christians reportedly among the dead, military and local sources say. The series of attacks saw one of its deadliest days on June 7, when suspected militants from the Islamic State-affiliated Allied Democratic Forces launched coordinated assaults on several villages in the Beni territory of the Christian-majority North Kivu province. On Friday, the Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack that killed over 40 people in the village of Mayikengo in Lubero territory earlier in the week. Citing figures from local authorities, Agence France-Presse reports that nearly 150 people have been killed since the beginning of June by the Allied Democratic Forces. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Open Doors, a watchdog organization monitoring the persecution of Christians in over 60 countries, responded to the attacks in a statement shared with The Christian Post, saying that of those killed, at least 80 were Christians. While ADF attacks in DRC are not new, Open Doors reports that the recent violence is "comparatively deadlier" and particularly more "aggressive in targeting Christians" than in previous years. "Christians are forced to flee, and some churches in the affected villages have closed as a result of the latest attacks. These unabated attacks come at a time when Christian farmers were preparing for harvest," said Open Doors US CEO Ryan Brown. "The impact is that many families are without means to feed their families, and the unprepared displacement has put pressure on the livelihood of Christian families now on the move to unknown destinations." Over a dozen armed groups and 100 criminal gangs and militias operate in eastern DRC, according to the U.S. State Department. ADF, which is also referred to as Islamic State's Central Africa Province and sometimes called ISIS-DRC, was designated by the State Department as a foreign terrorist organization in 2021. The group pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in 2017 after operating in the DRC for years. "ISIS-DRC historically relied on local resources and on former leader Jamil Mukulu's international connections to raise funds but has received funding from ISIS-linked financing networks since 2017," a State Department factsheet notes. "About one-third of ISIS-DRC members, including its top leaders, are of Ugandan origin." The Open Doors World Watch List ranks DRC as the 41st most dangerous country for Christians, with the eastern regions facing acute threats from Islamic militants, organized crime and local armed factions. The group called for increased international support and a concerted effort to address the crisis affecting Christian communities. "The rate at which Christian communities continue to be attacked in eastern DRC by the ADF is horrifying. These attacks continue unabated, displacing thousands of people from their homes, farmlands and livelihoods," said Jo Newhouse, Open Doors' field spokesperson for Sub-Saharan Africa. "We call on the international community to do everything in its power to ensure the government of DRC faithfully and transparently protects all affected communities and that the displaced receive the support they need in these circumstances." Last week, on the night of June 7, 41 people were killed and several injured, underscoring a grim tally of over 80 fatalities in just four days, Lieutenant-Colonel Mak Hazukay, a spokesman for the Congolese army, told Reuters. The villages of Masala, Mapasana and Mahini bore the brunt of the onslaught, with armed men using guns and machetes in a brutal rampage. Fabien Kakule, a local official, told Reuters that residents were indiscriminately attacked, and a local health center was set ablaze. In addition, 11 bodies were discovered in the villages of Kabweli, Mamulese and Mununze. Later, 13 more bodies were found in the village of Makobu, as reported by local leaders and civil society members engaged in the search and recovery of bodies. In addition to the killings, nine people suffered injuries during the attacks. The ADF, originally a rebel group from Uganda, has significantly expanded its base of operations in eastern Congo. According to Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, ADF has become the deadliest threat to civilians in the region, with over 1,000 reported fatalities last year alone. Their strategic positions have also facilitated increased cross-border attacks into Uganda. EU foreign affairs spokeswoman Nabila Massrali told Reuters that terror groups "are taking advantage of the chaos to expand their hold on an already very unstable region," stressing the need for a political solution to combat the rising tide of extremism and violence. Former North Kivu Gov. Julien Paluku took to social media to express concern over the national government's response, or lack thereof, to the escalating violence. "People have the impression, rightly or wrongly, of being abandoned to their sad fate," he was quoted as stating. Home Opinion My child was almost abducted. This is how I learned to forgive Jesus tells us to love our enemies, and I was in favor of living this way until an enemy tried to abduct my daughter and one of her friends as they were walking home from school. A policeman and a detective sit with my daughter as she looks through 30 large photos. It's a lineup done with piles of pictures, a heap of headshots filled with guilty people who have abducted children, and worse. This place is not Hell, but it feels like each image is a small window into it. Take your time and see if any faces look like the person driving the car, officer Whittaker said. It was a man so you can take out all the pictures of women. He was a skinny person. And no beard either, Casey said in a tiny voice. Casey is 14, and our house is less than a mile from her school. There's a walking path that connects the school to our neighborhood, one we felt was safe until two days ago. Casey was walking home with a friend and was eight houses from our driveway when a man driving a black Honda passed the girls, driving slowly, watching them. He drove to the end of the street, turned around, and drove by the girls again, staring longer, driving slower. He turned his car around again, pulled up beside the girls, and stopped. The man's motives were as clear as the video footage caught on our neighbor's security camera. It shows the drivebys, the car slowing, the man leering, the car stopping, the man's intent to take them, and the girls fleeing. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe That day, God placed two people in our lives who saved my daughter. The first was a County Sheriff who lives on our street. He had taken the day off from work to wash the windows on the back of his house, the windows that face the walking trail Casey and her friend were on. Had it been any other day, had he not taken the day off, had his windows been a little less dirty, the events of this day would have ended much differently. The second person was Mrs. Smithton, the mother of the girl Casey was walking home with. Track practice had run long this afternoon, and when Casey's friend hadn't walked through the front door of her house on time, her mother walked out of the front door to find her. Had Mrs. Smithton kept waiting, had she kept wondering, had she not gone out her front door to find her daughter, the events of this day could have ended much differently. I thought, am I seeing this go down? Is this going down? Mitchel, the County Sheriff, said. Mitchel recognized what was unfolding in front of him, and he did what first responders do whenever there is a danger the rest of us run from. He ran toward it. I think Mitchel was afraid he'd be too slow on foot; afraid the man would get away with one or both of the girls. I believe this because Mitchel didn't just run. Mitchel got in his car and drove to intercept the black Honda. Mitchel realized what was happening, and the girls realized it, too. The girls moved quickly past the man in the black Honda, but this alone didn't deter him. The video footage that Mitchel's back door security camera captured didn't just show the man stopping. As the girls work to escape, you can see the man put the car in reverse and keep pace with them. As the black Honda drove backward, Mitchel turned the corner, driving forward toward the girls. Though she didn't realize it, Mrs. Smithton was moving toward the black Honda from the other direction and saw the girls hurrying toward her. Spooked by Mrs. Smithton's car, Mitchel determined driving, or perhaps the girl's reaction, the man in the black Honda drove away, and the girls were safe. As Casey looked through the lineup, she said she felt scared. I felt sick. A sick feeling in my stomach grew larger with each detail the detective disclosed. The horrible things men like this one were doing in and around us every day. The active sex trafficking ring and the thriving trade of taking teens. All of these details scared sleep from me for weeks and shook my trust in my family's safety for months. In time, we returned to our routines. My daughter returned to school, my wife returned to work, and I returned to the book I was writing, a book about loving our enemies. Only I didn't return because I couldn't write. The words wouldn't come. The words wouldn't come to the page, and they wouldn't come in my prayers. My family faced an enemy, and Jesus' telling us to love our enemies was hard to understand. Did Jesus expect me to love the person who tried to take Casey? Did he want me to pray for the man who wanted to do horrible things to my daughter? I was numb to the idea. I tried to be faithful. I bowed my head, folded my hands, and knelt beside my desk to pray. I wanted to ask for wisdom, to ask for guidance but the words weren't there. I couldn't do it. I sat in silence as hot tears ran down the sides of my face and anger burned in my heart. Have you been there? Has evil found you where you live? Maybe your neighborhood has changed too? Perhaps you've experienced a break-in where the thief took your belongings and, along with them, your sense of safety. Maybe you lost something sacred, like your innocence, or you experienced abuse or an attack that left you bruised, beaten, or broken. What do we do when shock fades and anger moves into the silent spaces? How are we expected to pray for our enemies when we find no understanding in the kneeling and the words won't come? For me, the answer has come with time. No Damascus moment imbued with blinding light. No booming voice spoke as I knelt next to my desk that morning no earthquake or eclipse of the Sun. Instead, God revealed a truth to me gradually, like a half-burnout caution light, blinking slowly, steadily, and on repeat. Since the police were not able to catch the man, we could only speculate on his motives for trying to take Casey. We learned that other people caught for this crime are typically at the end of their rope. This man likely needed money or drugs, needed them so badly that he was willing to do horrific things to get them. He was an attempted abductor, that was factual, but there was something else about him that was truer. He was desperate. I kept thinking about how we didn't know the abductor's name. I kept thinking about how desperate the man was, and for some reason, I stopped calling the man Abductor and started calling him Desperate. When I did this, something changed. There is a distance between enemy and friend. It's a distance that feels far but is closer than we think. God gives us a power we can use to close this distance. It's the power to rename our enemies. God's known for renaming people. Paul, Peter, Abraham, Sarah, Jacob. God had a reason for renaming them. God wanted Abram to become a father of nations, so he gave him a name that meant just that. God changed Sarai to Sarah to mark a new season in Sarah's life, a season of having a son. God changed Jacob's name, which meant usurper, to Israel, meaning one who prevails with God. Throughout history, God has renamed people. Simon lied, denied, and doubted. Simon doesnt sound solid, and maybe that's why Jesus changed his name to Peter, which meant The Rock. And what about Saul, who is changed to Paul days after he'd walked in the dust of the Damascus road? I've read disagreements and theories about when and why Saul's name change occurred. Some people believe it resulted from his encounter with Jesus; others think it was just a translation into a different language. No matter which side of that argument you land on, one thing is clear. Saul began as a murderer of Christians and eventually became Paul, who loved Christians. Why were they given new names? Could Sarah believe in a child more than Sarai? Could Abraham father nations better than Abram? Was the name change for Jesus? Saul was easy to hate; was Paul easier to love? No. The name change wasn't for Jesus; it was for us. Jesus can love Saul and Paul and Simon and Peter the same, but we can't. When I learned how desperate the abductor was, I renamed him. I couldn't love abductor. I hated abductor. But desperate ... I found a small mustard seed-sized ounce of compassion for desperate. The distance between me and abductor is long, a road I don't want to travel and a distance I can't overcome. The distance between me and desperate is shorter, even if only by a step or two. There was something else too. As the words returned to the page and to my prayers, I discovered I had something in common with the enemy I had renamed. We shared a name. Im not an abductor, but I am desperate. I doubt the abductor knows it, but we are both desperate. Desperate for a savior. You may not have an enemy, but we all have someone we don't like. The school board member who is scamming the system, the horrible hack managing the homeowners association, or the deacon downplaying the role of women at church. Each has a name by which we've come to know them. Some are called bullies, some gossip or backstabbers. Some we call lazy, arrogant, or mean. We've given each a name, and most of the names make it harder for us to love them. What if we renamed them? I think you will find that this simple act reduces the distance. We need to do some renaming. We need to close the distance between enemy and friend. Only then can we learn to love the people Jesus died for. People desperate for a savior. People like me and the County Sheriff living on my street. People like you and the people who have hurt you. People Jesus died for, like my daughter and the other desperate people all around us the ones we keep calling our enemies. Thousands hear Franklin Graham preach in Birmingham Over 8,000 people travelled from around the UK to hear Franklin Graham preach in Birmingham on Saturday night. It was the American evangelist's first time in the Midlands, with his visit coming forty years since his late father, Billy Graham, preached the Gospel in nearby Villa Park. "Jesus Christ is not dead. He's alive and he's here tonight," said Graham to cheers and applause inside the Birmingham Resorts World Arena. Graham is back in the UK to continue his God Loves You Tour, with another night coming up in Glasgow on 22 June. His thoughts turning momentarily to his father, who preached many times in the UK, Graham said, "I miss him and every time I come to this country I think of him because he loved this nation, he loved the people of this country." Birmingham was one of the eight cities that Graham had originally planned to visit in 2020, but it was postponed due to legal action against seven venues that cancelled their legally binding contracts. The tour was eventually able to go ahead after the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association took successful legal action against the venues. Last night, Graham preached from Luke 19, which tells the story of the salvation of Zacchaeus, a wealthy chief tax collector who put his faith in Christ and vowed to pay back fourfold anyone he had robbed. The event was prayerfully supported by 500 churches around the UK, with worship led by Michael W Smith and former Hillsong worship leader Taya. Graham heads to Glasgow next weekend and will be in London in 2025 for another stop on his God Loves You Tour. More details can be found at https://godlovesyoutour.org.uk/ We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form Adidas has launched an investigation into allegations of large-scale bribery in China after the company received a whistleblower complaint that accused senior staff of embezzling "millions of euros", the Financial Times reported on Sunday. The anonymous letter, which claims to have been written by "employees of Adidas China", names several Chinese Adidas employees including a senior manager involved with the marketing budget in the country, which the document said stood at 250 million euros ($267.5 million) a year, the FT reported. Adidas confirmed that it had received an anonymous letter on June 7 indicating potential compliance violations in China. The German sportswear company said it was investigating this matter together with external legal counsel. "Adidas takes allegations of possible compliance violations very seriously and is clearly committed to complying with legal and internal regulations and ethical standards in all markets where we operate," it said in a statement issued in response to a Reuters query. Adidas said it could not provide further information until the investigation was completed. According to the FT, the letter alleges that Adidas staff received kickbacks from external service providers who were commissioned by the company that include "millions in cash from suppliers, and physical items such as real estate". China sales of the German sportswear giant grew by 8% in the first-quarter, the company reported earlier. Palestinian children wait in queues with their pots as the Human Rights, Freedom and Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) distributes hot meals at the Jabalia Refugee Camp as the Israeli attacks continue in north of Gaza Strip on June 13, 2024. JERUSALEM (AP) The Israeli military on Sunday announced a "tactical pause" in its offensive in the southern Gaza Strip to allow the deliveries of increased quantities of humanitarian aid. The army said the pause would begin in the Rafah area at 8 a.m. (0500 GMT, 1 a.m. eastern) and remain in effect until 7 p.m. (1600 GMT, noon eastern). It said the pauses would take place every day until further notice. The pause is aimed at allowing aid trucks to reach the nearby Israel-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing, the main entry point for incoming aid, and travel safely to the Salah a-Din highway, a main north-south road, to deliver supplies to other parts of Gaza, the military said. It said the pause was being coordinated with the U.N. and international aid agencies. The crossing has suffered from a bottleneck since Israeli ground troops moved into Rafah in early May. Israel's eight-month military offensive against the Hamas militant group has plunged Gaza into a humanitarian crisis, with the U.N. reporting widespread hunger and hundreds of thousands of people on the brink of famine. The international community has urged Israel to do more to ease the crunch. From May 6 until June 6, the U.N. received an average of 68 trucks of aid a day, according to figures from the U.N. humanitarian office, known as OCHA. That was down from 168 a day in April and far below the 500 trucks a day that aid groups say are needed. The flow of aid in southern Gaza declined just as the humanitarian need grew. More than 1 million Palestinians, many of whom had already been displaced, fled Rafah after the invasion, crowding into other parts of southern and central Gaza. Most now languish in ramshackle tent camps, using trenches as latrines, with open sewage in the streets. COGAT, the Israeli military body that oversees aid distribution in Gaza, says there are no restrictions on the entry of trucks. It says more than 8,600 trucks of all kinds, both aid and commercial, entered Gaza from all crossings from May 2 to June 13, an average of 201 a day. But much of that aid has piled up at the crossings and not reached its final destination. If the international expansion of Japanese companies is any guide, Chinese companies still have significant potential left in the global market. That's according to HSBC analysts. They found that for mainland China-listed companies, known as A shares, just 11.7% of their total revenue last year came from outside the country. The portion was an even lower 10.3% when looking just at the largest companies, tracked by the CSI 300 index. In contrast, 35.3% of revenue for companies in Japan's Nikkei 225 came from overseas last year, Steven Sun, head of research at HSBC Qianhai Securities, and a team said in a report this month. Since the pandemic, Chinese companies have increasingly looked to expand abroad due to slowing growth at home. Electric cars and consumer products have stood out to investment analysts for their international potential. "We believe structural growth opportunities from consumer companies' global expansion remain underappreciated by investors, especially in EM markets," UBS Asia Pacific equity analyst Christine Peng and a team said in a report on June 12 about the China consumer sector. Companies to watch One of their buy-rated picks is Gongniu, a Shanghai-listed company that sells electrical products such as wall sockets, switches and lighting. The company said in its annual report that last year that it set up subsidiaries in Germany and Indonesia and recruited distributors in the Middle East and South America. Gongniu's overseas operating revenue has only accounted for 2% or less of what it makes domestically. The company did not break out overseas revenue for the first quarter, but said overall revenue grew by 14% from a year ago to 3.8 billion yuan. When compared to Japanese companies, the contribution of overseas revenue to the total for Chinese businesses is low across industries. "Although some leading companies like BYD and CATL have made concrete steps to gain global market share, with the overseas revenue contribution reaching c30%, we believe this is likely to signal a good start rather than a ceiling," the HSBC analysts said, noting the companies' Japanese counterparts have grown overseas revenue to more than 70% of their business. The gap remains wide when looking at other sectors, such as electrical equipment (20.4% vs 53.8%), machinery (21.6% vs 53.5%) and pharmaceuticals (9.9% vs 34.6%), HSBC's analysis found. Here are the firm's China "going global" stock picks, all rated buy, in each of the three categories: Anker a Shenzhen-listed seller of power banks and chargers, which the analysts point out saw its U.S. Amazon sales surged 65% year-on-year in April. "Anker is also the only domestic third-party supplier of smartphone peripherals certified by Apple, and its management includes Google veterans with expertise in building overseas sales channels," the HSBC report said. Zhejiang Dingli a Shanghai-listed manufacturer of cherry pickers and other lifts. "We believe Zhejiang Dingli will benefit from strong boom lift sales growth, especially in the US market," the HSBC report said. It added that a "positive result" from a U.S. Commerce Department anti-dumping duty review on May 1 could support Dingli's gross profit margin. The latest review found Dingli was selling its products to the U.S. at less of a discount than previously reported , allowing the company to enjoy a separate tariff rate than its peers. Snibe Shenzhen-listed Shenzhen New Industries Biomedical Engineering, or Snibe for short, sells clinical laboratory instruments and substances for pharmaceutical testing. "Our healthcare analyst prefers Snibe given its overseas market sales momentum, and forecasts a 29% revenue CAGR in the overseas market during 2023-26, mainly supported by reagent sales and the higher instrument installations of medium- to large-sized models," HSBC"s report said. Potential hit from tariffs To be sure, new U.S. and EU tariffs add uncertainty to how broadly Chinese companies will be able to benefit from overseas markets. "The conversation in the U.S. has moved beyond being tough on China or worsening U.S.-China relations. I think the conversation has moved now more toward being tough on global trade or free trade," David Chao, global market strategist, Asia Pacific (ex-Japan), at Invesco, said during a webinar Thursday. "Maybe trade between the U.S. and Asia, maybe the good old days are over, but that doesn't mean that trade disappears," he said, noting, for example, "we're starting to see new trade routes between China and the Middle East." The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which includes Singapore and Indonesia, has in the past few years surpassed the European Union to become China's largest trading partner by region. The U.S. remains China's largest trading partner on a single-country basis. HSBC analysts also pointed out that China still has room to increase its overseas direct investment the current level relative to GDP is similar to that of Japan in 2012 and Germany in 1992, the report said. Investing in local factories and subsidiaries can help boost employment in other countries. CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed to this report. The Cisco logo is displayed in front of Cisco headquarters on February 09, 2024 in San Jose, California. Dividend-paying stocks can give investors an opportunity to cushion their portfolios from market volatility and they can also enhance returns. Selecting the right dividend stocks is no easy feat for investors. Wall Street's best analysts have insight into companies' ability to provide attractive dividend yield and upside for the long term. Here are three attractive dividend stocks, according to Wall Street's top pros on TipRanks, a platform that ranks analysts based on their past performance. Kimberly-Clark Consumer products giant Kimberly-Clark (KMB) is this week's first dividend pick. The owner of popular brands like Huggies and Kleenex is a dividend king, a term used for companies that have raised their dividends for at least 50 consecutive years. In the first quarter of 2024, Kimberly-Clark returned $452 million to shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases. With a quarterly dividend of $1.22 per share ($4.88 on an annualized basis), KMB offers a dividend yield of 3.5%. Earlier this month, RBC Capital analyst Nik Modi upgraded his rating for KMB stock to buy from hold and boosted the price target to $165 from $126. The upgrade followed a thorough assessment of the company following its analyst day event in March, which reflected that KMB has "shifted from a cost-focused company to a growth-oriented enterprise." Modi thinks that KMB is well-positioned for faster and more reliable growth. He is now confident about the company achieving its long-term targets, including a gross margin of 40% and a compound annual growth rate of more than 3% (local currency) in revenue by 2030. The analyst attributed Kimberly-Clark's transformation to the leadership of its CEO Mike Hsu. He acknowledged that the company's decision to reorganize into three business units (North America, International Personal Care, and International Family and Professional) was a step in the right direction. It brought down KMB's product costs and enhanced speed to market. Modi ranks No. 593 among more than 8,800 analysts tracked by TipRanks. His ratings have been profitable 61% of the time, delivering an average return of 6.8%. (See Kimberly-Clark's Stock Buybacks on TipRanks) Chord Energy Next on the list is Chord Energy (CHRD), an oil and gas operator in the Williston Basin. In June, the company paid a base dividend of $1.25 per share and a variable dividend of $1.69 per share. Chord Energy recently announced the completion of its acquisition of Enerplus. The company expects the deal to strengthen its position in the Williston Basin, with enhanced scale, low-cost inventory, and solid shareholder returns. Following the announcement, Mizuho analyst William Janela reaffirmed a buy rating on CHRD stock with a price target of $214. The analyst highlighted that the company increased its estimate for annualized deal synergies by $50 million, or 33%, to more than $200 million. Janela thinks that given the well productivity of both Chord Energy and Enerplus in the Williston Basin, the focus will now be on the combined company's enhanced operational scale. Moreover, the deal will result in above-average cash returns, with about a 9% payout yield and below-average financial leverage. "Relative valuation remains attractive with shares trading at a discount to peers on FCF/EV [Free Cash Flow/ Enterprise Value]," said Janela. Janela ranks No. 333 among more than 8,800 analysts tracked by TipRanks. His ratings have been successful 57% of the time, delivering an average return of 29.9%. (See Chord Energy Stock Charts on TipRanks) Cisco Systems Our third pick is dividend-paying technology stock Cisco Systems (CSCO). The networking giant paid $2.9 billion to shareholders in the third quarter of fiscal 2024, including dividends worth $1.6 billion and share repurchases of $1.3 billion. At a quarterly dividend of 40 cents per share, CSCO offers a dividend yield of 3.5%. In reaction to the recently held investor and analyst day, Jefferies analyst George Notter reiterated a buy rating on Cisco stock with a price target of $56. The analyst said that he feels more positive about the company's prospects after the event and has better clarity on its strategy with regard to Splunk. Cisco completed the acquisition of Splunk, a cybersecurity company, in March 2024. At the event, the company maintained its Q4 fiscal 2024 guidance and continues to expect low-to-mid-single-digit revenue growth in fiscal 2025. Regarding the company's fiscal 2026 and 2027 targets, Notter said, "We thought the 4-6% Y/Y revenue growth targets looked pretty good." Cisco expects its earnings per share (EPS) to grow by 6% to 8% in Fiscal 2026-2027, with improved gross margins. The analyst explained that Cisco's long-term growth targets look good, given that the company has been growing its revenue at a rate of 1% to 3% in a period spanning more than the past decade. Notter ranks No. 629 among more than 8,800 analysts tracked by TipRanks. His ratings have been profitable 62% of the time, delivering an average return of 10.1%. (See Cisco Hedge Fund Activity on TipRanks) D'Aungilique Jackson, of Fresno, California, holds a "Cancel Student Debt" sign outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., after the nation's high court struck down President Joe Biden's student debt relief program on Friday, June 30, 2023. Kent Nishimura | Los Angeles Times | Getty Images 'A common-sense fairness question' "There is a common-sense fairness question when it comes to erasing student debt," Griffin wrote in an email to CNBC. He served as Arkansas' lieutenant governor before he was sworn in as attorney general in 2023. "It's not that the debt doesn't get paid, it's that the debt gets paid using existing resources, which comes from taxpayers," Griffin said. This spring, he and attorneys general at six other states brought a lawsuit against the Biden administration's new repayment plan, known as the Saving on a Valuable Education, or SAVE, plan, which leads to a faster path to debt forgiveness. "How is it fair for someone like me, who paid back my student loans, or for someone who never went to college in the first place and therefore does not have student debt, to have our tax dollars cover the personal debts of other people?" he said. 'A narrative of personal responsibility' To understand our attitudes about debt today, we need to look back in time, said Kate Padgett Walsh, a professor of philosophy at Iowa State University who researches the ethics of borrowing. "Long before the invention of money, human beings were indebted to one another in families and small communities," she said. "Children are indebted to parents for care, family and friends likewise become indebted to one another when we help each other out. Repaying these debts is part of how we all live together and build communities. Debts are a basic feature of human life with one another." "A person who receives the benefits of family, friends, and community without contributing their fair share is failing to be a responsible member of the group," she added. But the reason so many people today feel that failing to repay debts is irresponsible is because they've been "inundated with that message" from entities who profit from it, Padgett Walsh said. "Lenders and businesses especially now, given how much of our consumption is propped up by debt profit from people taking out debt and feeling obligated to pay it back," she said. "So, they encourage us to take out as much debt as we can possibly bear, and then insist that it would be morally wrong not to repay it." "We buy into this message in part because it resonates with our basic sense of an obligation to repay debts to family, friends and community that existed before money was invented," Padgett Walsh said. "But that can blind us to some of the real harms caused by actual forms of financial debt," she said. "Our priorities should be preventing and alleviating student debt, rather than insisting on a narrative of personal responsibility." 'Different relationships to the education system' "One reason why loan forgiveness is such a partisan issue is that members of each party have different relationships to the educational system," said Devin Singh, an associate professor of religion at Dartmouth College and author of the forthcoming book, "Sacred Debt." "Statistically, a higher percentage of Democratic voters graduated from a four-year college and attended graduate school. So student loan forgiveness may affect more Democrats than Republicans directly." "The fact that most Americans don't have a college degree may also mean that many resist loan forgiveness because student debt is not their problem and so forgiveness does not appear to directly benefit them," said Singh, whose work has included explorations of the intersection of religion with politics and with economics. The different parties also have different understandings of the role of higher education, he added. "Democrats may express views about education contributing to the public good and supporting an engaged citizenry. Some who oppose student loan forgiveness view education as a private commodity that benefits the person who purchases it." 'A generational gap' "I think there's also a lot of misconceptions about fairness," said Charlie Eaton, an associate professor of sociology at the University of California, Merced. "A lot of people have trouble putting themselves in the shoes of a student loan borrower if they haven't been one," he said. "There's a generational gap. A lot of older Americans didn't have to borrow to go to college." "A lot of people also don't understand many student loan borrowers who haven't been able to pay off their debts have been making payments," Eaton said. "It's not they're not making payments on their debts, but that the interest on the debt is so great that even when they're making payments, the size of the debt still goes up." After a boom of interest in chipmaker Nvidia with shares logging an astronomical 200% rise over the last 12 months investors appear divided on whether to buy into the stock . One wealth manager, however, is happy not owning the chipmaker. "I bought into Nvidia during early days and exited my position at a decent 300% gain. Of course, the stock has risen further to over $1,000 now, but I'm glad to have secured a profit at a price point I'm happy with," Dhruba Jyoti Sengupta told CNBC Pro earlier this month. The CEO of Wrise Private Middle East, which serves ultra-high-net-worth and high-net-worth individuals across Asia, the Middle East and Europe, said he likes three different stocks from around the world instead. Adobe Top of Sengupta's list is Adobe . After a tough time earlier in the year, the stock is seeing renewed interest following its second-quarter earnings which surpassed analysts' expectations. Shares in Adobe jumped by 17% after its results announcement last week, and are up around 7% in the last 12 months. Sengupta sees promise in the software company given the potential of generative AI not just for text, but also photos in the medium to longer-term. "The market is not seeing much potential in Adobe because Nvidia is making all these big future predictions and markets love that. But Adobe offers a great opportunity being the biggest software company for photos," he added. According to FactSet data, of 43 analysts covering the stock, 34 give it a buy or overweight rating, 7 have hold ratings while two have a sell call. Their average price target is $611.20, giving it 16.3% potential upside. Harley-Davidson In the luxury goods space, Sengupta has his eye on Harley Davidson . "Living in Dubai, I am a firm believer that no matter what happens, the luxury stocks in the long run will always do well ... Men are now becoming like women in terms of the luxury spends, especially on toys like Harley Davidson," he said. Shares in the iconic motorcycle manufacturer are down nearly 6% over the last 12 months, but Sengupta says the stock is undervalued, making it a good time to buy. Of 17 analysts covering Harley-Davidson, 8 give it a buy or overweight rating, while 9 have a hold rating at an average price of $42.96, according to FactSet data. This gives it upside potential of 32.1%. HDFC Bank In India, the wealth manager is betting on financial firm HDFC , as the country and the bank itself prepares for growth. "The bank has a hugely diversified revenue stream. I think [it's] the most valuable bank in the world right now," he said. When asked how HDFC compares with competitors like ICICI Bank , Sengupta responded that the former's management is "very stable with consistent leadership and that puts them in good standing." HDFC trades on India's National Stock Exchange and the BSE, and as an ADR in the U.S. Its shares are also included in the Nifty India Financials ETF (15.6% weight) and iShares India 50 ETF (11.2%). Shares in the bank are up by just over 1% in the last 12 months, but are showing signs of picking up. Of 43 analysts covering HDFC Bank on FactSet, 38 have a buy or overweight rating on the stock at an average price target of 1,872.32 Indian rupees ($22.41), giving it upside potential of 17.2%. As stock markets press against all-time highs driven by the potential of artificial intelligence, the question of how to invest $100,000 has become more urgent than ever. To shed light on this, CNBC Pro asked two seasoned investment professionals Richard Flax, chief investment officer at digital wealth manager Moneyfarm , and Robert Matthews, deputy chief investment officer at wealth manager WH Ireland how they've managed client's investments in the current environment. Though their perspectives differ in the finer details, both Flax and Matthews broadly agree that a diversified, long-term approach is crucial for investors looking to put their money to work effectively. Flax, whose firm targets retail investors, advocates for a relatively high-risk portfolio with a substantial 80% allocation to equities for those with some risk tolerance and no immediate need for liquidity. "We will continue to have a decent weight in U.S. equities," Flax told CNBC Pro. "But perhaps relative to the global equity universe, we would probably have a bit more outside of the United States." Echoing that view, Matthews says he sees opportunities in equity markets, particularly in small- and mid-cap stocks in the United Kingdom and Europe. "It is no surprise that we have seen a raft of takeovers across U.K. mid and small cap this year," he said. "We have been adding to this area in the U.K. through Chelverton United Kingdom Equity Growth Fund ." The fund is up 7.28% so far this year. Matthews suggests that a suitable allocation for a typical client seeking growth and some income would be 62.5% in equities, 27.5% in fixed income, and 10% in alternates, property and cash. He also pointed to areas with good long-term growth drivers, such as health care, by adding exposure through the SPDR MSCI World Health Care ETF and drugmaker AstraZeneca for "bespoke portfolios." "We see there being a golden age of innovation in healthcare supported by the adoption of AI across the industry," he said. For the alternates portion of the portfolio, Matthews highlighted an existing holding, London-listed HICL Infrastructure PLC , which yields 6.6% and trades at a more than 25% discount to its net asset value. The fund is also available in the United States . The fund which invests predominantly in U.K., European, and U.S. infrastructure owns, for instance, a fifth of the railway link between the U.K. and Europe . It also has a 37.5% stake in the offshore transmission link that connects the U.K. to the world's largest offshore wind farm. Looking ahead, Flax acknowledges the potential impact of political risks like upcoming elections in the United Kingdom and the United States. However, he emphasizes the difficulty of translating those risks into actionable investment decisions. Matthews also emphasized the importance of time in the market rather than trying to time the market. "It is for this reason that clients should have a minimum investment horizon of 3 years but the longer the better to help smooth out volatility," he added. 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. Pilgrims on Sunday performed the last major ritual of the hajj, the "stoning of the devil", in western Saudi Arabia as Muslims around the globe celebrated the Eid al-Adha holiday. I am a lifelong scruff, the despair of several tidy-minded headmasters. Clothes hang badly on my lumpy Cornish frame and my suits look as if I have been sleeping in them, minutes after I first wear them. Perhaps above all, I have loathed wearing ties since I first met one. Yet, if I were interviewing the Prime Minister, I would, beyond doubt, struggle into a suit and tie. In fact, among journalists, I would have thought this was common ground. It doesn't matter if you like or agree with the politician involved. He is the King's First Minister. If we do not grant him a measure of dignity, we are insulting our own institutions. So it seems to fall to me, of all people, to express surprise and dismay over the behaviour of the BBC's Nick Robinson while interviewing Rishi Sunak last week. Nick Robinson also appeared to be trying, rather unsuccessfully, to grow a beard, writes Peter Hitchens Mr Robinson is of course a very grand person, BBC aristocracy. And we should all treat him with immense respect. But he turned up for his meeting with Mr Sunak in an open-necked shirt. He also appeared to be trying, rather unsuccessfully, to grow a beard. I have had several beards and would advise anyone not to go on TV while wearing one until it is properly grown. Unfinished beards make people want to press coins into your palm and offer you sympathy. Or perhaps they will think you are the leader of the Palestine Liberation Organisation. Mr Robinson's effort looks rather as I imagine Jeremy Corbyn's North London allotment looks. The general impression was that the Prime Minister was being interviewed for the Big Issue rather than for the mighty national broadcaster, the BBC, created by Royal Charter. If that had been all, it would just have been mildly rude. But it wasn't. Mr Robinson was sharply inquisitorial and dismissive, like a policeman interviewing someone he had just caught in mid-burglary. Shortly after it was over, a Radio 4 bulletin proclaimed (while reporting the interview), that Mr Sunak had 'admitted' something or other about housing. The word 'admitted' suggested that he had blurted it out reluctantly under heavy pressure, as if he had pleaded guilty. He didn't. At most he acknowledged it. It would have been more impartial to say he 'said' it. Verbs such as 'admitted', or 'claimed' or 'insisted' are used to make the person involved sound guilty, or suspect. The BBC, if it obeys its charter and agreement, cannot use them in political reporting. But it does. I have no monitoring unit. I would never have the time to listen to all the hours of stuff of this kind pouring out of the Corporation's transmitters, night and day. But not since 1997 have I felt that BBC coverage of a General Election was so blatantly, carelessly partial. I suspect they are not even conscious of it. For they, like many others, are assuming the polls are correct. They are not entitled to do this. Polls, in this country, have frequently been wrong. In recent months polls have also been mistaken in India, Norway and Australia. But there are, alas, many weak-minded people whose votes are influenced by polls, who want to follow the crowd and are afraid to stand out from it. My guess is that the main message most viewers carried away from the otherwise forgettable interview was that Rishi Sunak has already lost, Peter Hitchens writes The effect of the polls on them is frighteningly powerful. My guess is that the main message most viewers carried away from the otherwise forgettable interview was that Rishi Sunak has already lost. If not, he would not have been treated like that. The BBC would have been too afraid of him. This insidious, relentless propaganda is Labour's most effective weapon. Lots of people who (like Mr Robinson) have nothing to do with the Labour Party are wielding it for them. They should stop. There is no point in having elections at all if the elite decide the result in advance. Why giving Russians' money to Ukraine may not be wisest act It looks as if the Ukraine War will last as long as the one in Vietnam, if not longer. Think of all the coffins. President Biden said at the G7 talks that the US 'will be with Ukraine until they prevail in this war'. Gosh. That could take a while, and many deaths, and what if they do prevail? What next? My guess: a Russian leader who makes Putin look like a walking olive branch. At the same time, Mr Biden persuaded the West as a whole to take a very dangerous step. Profits from Russian money in the West, frozen after Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, will be handed to Ukraine. Well, you say, it's only justice. And it may be, but it's very dodgy in law. China, which is playing a very long game, always watches such events very carefully. We have already given Peking the excuse to freeze our assets on their territory if they think we have behaved badly. Now they have the perfect pretext to use the money against us too. How strange that it is just as the West begins to grow weak that it becomes bolder and rasher. I long ago accepted it is impossible to have a rational discussion about Ukraine in a country where everyone thinks it is always 1938, and anyone we dislike is a new Hitler. Actually knowing anything about major world problems is a disadvantage in any debate. But are we being wise here? Rishi Sunak cant say it, so let me say it for him. In three weeks, Sir Keir Starmer will become Prime Minister. Labour will form the next Government, sustained by its cohorts of radical lawyers, gourmandising quangocrats, public sector trade union activists, diversity, equity and inclusion consultants and woke academics. The only question is how big its majority will be. Will we have a meaningful Opposition? Or will Labour have so many MPs that it can act unchecked? Sir Keir Starmer gets set to board his election battle bus in Halesowen, Dudley, after unveiling Labour's manifesto in Manchester on Thursday We know that Labour will raise taxes. We know that, when it comes to public services, it will put producers before consumers. We know that it will scrap the Rwanda scheme and invite the European Union to send us a quota of illegal immigrants. We know that it will embark on an eye-wateringly expensive plan to decarbonise the national electricity grid by 2030. We know that it wants another race quango. We know that, while it says 16-year-olds are too young to use a sunbed or get a tattoo, it will give them the vote. What else might the party do if it has hundreds of superfluous MPs with no prospect of promotion, all of them keen to leave their mark? Might it move definitively against private healthcare as well as education? Tax houses? Tax savings? Rejoin the EUs customs union? Bring in race and gender quotas? If the opinion polls are right, Labour will win with a majority of 200, possibly more. The Conservatives may be reduced to less than 100 seats by far the worst election result in the history of their party, worse even than during the long Whig ascendancy of the 18th century. One poll has the Lib Dems getting more seats than the Tories, which would mean that Sir Ed Davey becomes leader of His Majestys Opposition. Yes, thats the leader whose idea of campaigning, when the world is closer to a major conflagration than at any time in the past 60 years, is to keep falling into water with a goofy grin. Do these numbers accurately reflect our national mood? Is the country so in love with Sir Keir that it wants him to enjoy a measure of power that none of his predecessors not Gladstone or Salisbury or Churchill or Thatcher or Blair ever came close to? Perhaps. But I think there is a more straightforward explanation. Many 2019 Conservative voters simply want to punish their former party. On July 4, some will stay at home, some will switch to Labour or the Lib Dems, but the single biggest bloc will vote for Reform UK. Nigel Farage poses with a McDonald's drink after a milkshake was thrown at him at a campaign launch event earlier this month in Clacton-on-Sea, where he is running to become an MP One of the paradoxes of this election is that Reform is proposing very little with which the Conservatives disagree. This is unlike the situation in the EU, where there is a genuine ideological rift between the parties of the insurgent Right and established Christian Democrats who are more moderate. But in this country, Nigel Farage is saying almost nothing from which any mainstream Conservative would dissent. More police, higher defence spending, tighter immigration? All are Tory policy. Single-sex spaces, tougher sentencing, tax cuts? Tick, tick, tick. The one major difference is that Reform wants to scrap the House of Lords and introduce proportional representation. That is not to say that the Tories are blameless. After four terms in office, they have inevitably made mistakes. Some of those mistakes were excusable in the context of the time. The coalition with the Lib Dems meant that it was impossible to scrap the Equality Act or the Human Rights Act. The Covid lockdown, for which Nigel Farage was initially a much louder advocate than Boris Johnson, forced up taxes and prices. But other errors were unforced above all, thinking they could twice change the Prime Minister without holding a General Election. And so, understandably in many ways, people want to clobber the Tories. This emotion, if my unhappy canvassing experiences over the past two weeks are anything to go by, overwhelms any detailed interest in what Labour will do. The irony is that, in clobbering the Conservative Party, Right-of-Centre voters may end up clobbering the country. If you think that taxes, spending and borrowing are too high now, I agree. But can you doubt that they will be higher still under Labour? If you are fed up with trying to get an appointment with your GP, I sympathise. But do you imagine that Labour will take on the NHS unions and get more productivity in return for the record money the system has absorbed? If you are sick of public sector strikes, just wait until the unions are dealing with a Labour government that they will see as owing its victory to them. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak attends the Ukraine peace summit at the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland this weekend, while the election battle heats up at home If you wish we had been quicker to take advantage of our Brexit freedoms and I certainly do watch what happens when David Lammy, under the guise of fixing the Irish border, signs us up to an EU customs arrangement and promises unilaterally to adopt future EU regulations, making it impossible for us to agree meaningful trade deals. You might respond that you have no intention of voting Labour, that Reform is not committed to any of these things, and that therefore your hands will be clean. Fair enough. But consider how our voting system works. According to most opinion polls, Reform UK wont win a single seat. Even at their most optimistic, its leaders cant be hoping for more than three or four MPs. The Conservatives are the only party that might prevent a Labour super-majority. Perhaps you want a different kind of party to emerge on the Right, possibly following a merger between the Tories and Reform, as happened in Canada. Again, I agree. Indeed, I argued for a Tory-Ukip deal even before the 2015 General Election. I rather like Farage, with whom I worked well when we represented the same region in Brussels. True, he went a bit off in the 2010s, surrounding himself with some dreadful people and becoming, as one of his MEPs put it at the time snarling and thin-skinned. But I put that down to the painkillers that he was on following his horrific plane crash. In any event, he seems back to his cheerful old self now. There are important differences, though, between Canada in 1993, when the governing Tories were reduced to just two MPs, and Britain in 2024. The biggest is that the Canadian Reform Party, unlike Reform UK, already had a regional base in the Western prairies, and won 52 seats in 1993, almost all in Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. Even so, it took another 14 years before Canadas two Rightist parties merged and ousted the government. Do we really want Labour in office until 2038, benefiting from a divided opposition? Imagine what it could do in that time. I understand that some people want to punish the Tories regardless. But in any realistic scenario, the Tories are already going to be punished very badly. The question is whether there will be any opposition left at all, anything from which to build a future alternative government. Picture one of those Looney Tunes cartoons where a character, troubled by the buzzing of a fly, is pursuing it with a heavy sledgehammer. Now the fly has landed on the characters toe, and the cartoon character (for which read the electorate) is raising its mallet with a determined expression. Will it draw back in time? Well know soon enough. Insanity, Albert Einstein once remarked, is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. So why on earth do we repeatedly sell off our public utilities to private interests and expect anything other than for them to be loaded with debt while investors feast off their assets? The corpse of Thames Water the failing firm now owned by a gaggle of foreign investors is there as a warning. And yet our political leaders have failed to learn a thing. For they are about to repeat the same error with Royal Mail, standing aside while it is bought out and taken private by a billionaire foreign owner, Daniel Kretinsky, aka the Czech Sphinx. Czech businessman Daniel Kretinsky who is buying out the Royal Mail speaks at a conference in Prague When Royal Mail was privatised 11 years ago, the company was mandated to provide six-day-a-week deliveries throughout the country (stock photo) Labour, admittedly, has proposed in its manifesto to 'robustly scrutinise' the 3.6 billion takeover. And it has said it would explore giving workers more of a say in how Royal Mail is run. But it should have gone further. Why not just state it will put an end to the deal? I am no socialist. I have no ideological objection to privatisation of state assets. Britain is better off, for example, having dispensed with the miserable state monolith that was British Leyland. Nor do I have anything against Mr Kretinsky personally. His business model of picking up failing businesses which no one else wants is a useful part of a well-functioning economy. We are relying on people like him, for example, to continue to invest in oil and gas production for which he has gained another nickname 'the Fossil Hyena' when listed companies are taking fright over climate change thanks to activist shareholders. But the Royal Mail cannot be treated like any other private company. It is deeply embedded in Britain's history, with a heritage going back to 1516. It is under an obligation to provide a comprehensive delivery service without which Britain cannot function. Even if we are writing fewer letters to each other nowadays, we will always need a postal service for official documents such as court summonses and the like. That is why, when Royal Mail was privatised 11 years ago, the company was mandated to provide six-day-a-week deliveries throughout the country. In return, it was relieved of its pension liabilities which remained on the Government's books and was gifted valuable properties such as the site of the Mount Pleasant sorting office in Central London. It is, in other words, not a normal private company. It cannot be allowed to go bust. Royal Mail cannot be treated like any other private company. It is deeply embedded in Britain's history (stock image) Labour , admittedly, has proposed in its manifesto to 'robustly scrutinise' the 3.6 billion takeover. Keir Starmer delivers a speech while launching the Labour manifesto Private buyers of utility companies understand this kind of situation full well. They know they can load up their businesses with as much debt as they like. They can sell off assets left, right and centre. Whatever happens, the Government will always bail them out if it all goes wrong. So why can't the heir-apparent Sir Keir Starmer avoid potential catastrophe and simply block the deal? The Labour leader has committed to almost nothing. But if he were to commit to one thing, it should be that International Distribution Services (Royal Mail's parent company) remains a publicly listed company on the UK Stock Exchange, where it is regulated by UK authorities. If Mr Kretinsky were allowed to take the company private, there would be a scandalous lack of scrutiny of its operations. Labour has already promised to nationalise a majority of passenger rail services within five years of assuming office so what is stopping the party making a sensible pledge on Royal Mail? True, the company does need better management in order to fulfil its public service obligation. But flogging it off to an overseas billionaire is utter madness. Buying engagement rings and expensive jewels in the United States may be a thing of the past - it's all about the selection available overseas in the United Kingdom right now. London jewelers have been seeing an uptick in customers coming from the U.S. to purchase gems, and it's showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Many people are looking for unique gems with history, which is one reason they're going abroad, according to jewelers. And, with the new season of Bridgeton out on Netflix, there's no better way to emulate these characters than wearing jewels similar to what's shown on the series. 'The driving interest in fine antique stones has grown hugely,' Guy Burton, managing director at famed jewelry house Hancocks London, confirmed to DailyMail.com. Guy Burton of Hancocks in London (left) and Emma Clarkson Webb of her bespoke namesake brand (right) have seen an uptick in U.S. clients Luxury gems expert and GIA diamond grader Laurie Wickwire also noted the role that the royal family's engagement rings play a part into this phenomenon In London, the jewelers have access to different cuts not available in the U.S., like this old European cut diamond geometric halo ring by Hancocks. The central diamond weighs 1.29cts. Burton, who specializes in antique stones, has seen customers from New York City and the West Coast take interest in his distinct offerings. Diamond encyclopedia! What the cuts mean According to diamond brand Vrai, here's how to break down each cut Old mine: This cut features a square shape with rounded corners and 58 facets and was most common design during the Georgian and Victorian eras Old European: An Old European cut has a round shape, and 57-58 facets. This shape was cut between 1890 and 1930 Rose: This cut gets its name due to its facets, which look like rose petals. It's one of the oldest recorded diamond cuts, and typically has around 3 to 24 facets Advertisement A large amount of the stones at Hancocks are bought privately from families they have been working with for generations, and have never been seen before. That's not to say that there aren't some amazing diamond dealers in the States, Burton explained, but it's the combination of the history and the traditional craftsmanship of the stones in the U.K. that makes it extra special. And, of course, the history of the British royal family has played a part in popularizing certain gemstones. Luxury gems expert Laurie Wickwire, based in London, said that the nod to British royal engagement ring stones and designs were not something that U.S. brides had available within the American engagement market. Wickwire told DailyMail.com that many British brides were inspired by the sapphires in Princess Diana's engagement ring, which was now worn by Kate Middleton, as well as the ruby engagement ring worn by the Duchess of York - and now, Americans are taking note. 'I am now seeing this an increasing trend with my U.S. clients,' Wickwire said. 'Just as in the U.K., America is full of Royalists, so it is not a far stretch to want to see a royal design influence in our rings.' London-based bespoke jeweler Emma Clarkson Webb, founder of her namesake brand, has also seen an increase in U.S.-based clients to her business. Wickwire noted that the nod to British Royal engagement ring stones and designs were not something that U.S. brides had available within the American engagement market 'Just as in the U.K., America is full of royalists, so it is not a far stretch to want to see a royal design influence in our rings,' Wickwire told DailyMail.com Emma Clarkson Webb created this 18ct white gold, diamond and sapphire Emily Ring This Old European cut ring by Hancocks is set to the center with a diamond weighing 1.12cts with pear shape diamonds either side, set in platinum with a scalloped gallery Put a ring on it! Burton's advice for picking out an engagement ring 'Even if you're buying unusual, lovely, antique diamonds, you still need a GIA certificate,' Burton told DailyMail.com 'The most important thing is if it's natural diamonds, you get your color grade and your character grade' Advertisement Webb explained London was also ideal to procure a diamond, because shops were 'famous for their craftmanship and service,' comparing it to Saville Row for suits. 'We often have clients seeking older cuts of diamonds - old mine, old European, rose cuts which are a pleasure to source and add significant history to the piece,' Webb said. Wickwire's U.S. clients have been searching for antique diamond cuts, too. The expert shared that those who are shopping in the U.K. or on U.K. jewelry websites have access to the old mine or antique cushion cuts. Wickwire explained the extensive offering of antique stone cuts and jewelry in the U.K. was not available to brides across the Atlantic who were strictly shopping at American-based companies. However, for Burton, some of the diamonds he sells were polished and cut in Europe, particularly in London, but sent over the Atlantic during periods when Europe was struggling financially. He spends a lot of time buying these diamonds back from the United States, but then eventually selling them to private clients in the overseas market once again. This 18ct yellow gold and diamond engagement ring, designed by Webb, features a brilliant-cut stone, something that is extremely popular with U.S. brides, according to Wickwire Meghan Markle's engagement ring featured three stones with a cushion-cut diamond in the center 'When you've got WhatsApp and you can do fantastic videos, I now I sell quite a lot from that,' Burton said It helps that he can even send his clients detailed videos and pictures of the diamonds via WhatsApp. He says the platform has created a surge in overseas buyers compared to what it was just a decade ago, and has made a huge difference. Burton explained that although he used to be in touch with customers from the U.S. by sending photos, it typically culminated in them wanting to come to the U.K. to look at the stones in person. 'Now, when you've got WhatsApp and you can do fantastic videos, I I sell quite a lot from that,' Burton said. So, the next time you're looking for a diamond, it might be worth looking overseas - you never know what you may find. The Royal Family has endured a tumultuous few years, with the deaths of Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II, and both King Charles and Catherine, Princess of Wales facing cancer. Another blow to the family came in 2020, when Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle decided to step back from their roles as senior royals. Ever since the move, which saw the Sussexes move across the world to California, it is believed that Prince Harry's relationship with his father has become somewhat complicated. Meanwhile, back in the UK, as Charles has become monarch, and William has become the Prince of Wales, many royal experts have been speculating that the father-son bond has become closer than ever. Harry's decision to leave The Firm has certainly caused a strained relationship with the King. Diana, Princess of Wales, Prince William, Prince Harry, and the then-Prince Charles on holiday in the Scilly Isles in 1989 The then-Prince Charles poses for photographs with Prince Harry and Prince William during the Royal Family's ski break in Klosters in 2005 This was made worse after he and Meghan were interviewed by Oprah Winfrey. During the chat, which was aired while Prince Philip was extremely ill, Harry and his wife made a series of claims against the monarchy and members of the family. Among them, they accused unnamed members of showing concern about what colour skin their son Archie may have. It is unknown when exactly this conversation took place, with Harry saying it was at the beginning of the relationship, and Meghan saying it was after they were married and she was pregnant. While Harry later said he doesn't believe the Royal Family is racist, but rather, holds unconscious biases, the claims affected family relations. The Duke of Sussex's bond with his father were strained further when he released his memoir Spare in January 2023. In the book, Harry claimed that William had physically attacked him, and that Charles was jealous of Meghan, fearing that she had the potential to 'dominate the monarchy'. Claiming that his father had said he couldn't afford to maintain the Sussexes, the memoir said: 'Pa might have dreaded the rising cost of maintaining us, but what he really couldnt stomach was someone new dominating the monarchy, grabbing the limelight, someone shiny and new coming in and overshadowing him.' He also wrote about his father's relationship with the now Queen Camilla, describing it as 'not a prospect I relished', and adding that he and Prince William had 'begged' him not to marry her. King Charles, pictured with Prince William last month, has reportedly grown closer to his oldest son in recent times Another claim Harry made against Camilla in the book was that she 'sacrificed' him in order to improve her own public image. While doing an interview to promoted his memoirs, the Prince admitted he had not spoken to his father for 'quite a while'. According to royal author Tom Quinn, following the publication of the book, the King told his son to stop divulging family information. 'Harry has been asked directly by his father not to write or say publicly anything further about the family or his brother that might cause trouble,' he told the Mirror. 'And everyone knows that when a King asks you to do something, there are going to be consequences if you do not obey.' Following the publication of Spare, Harry made a solo trip to the UK for his father's coronation in May. However, the Duke of Sussex, who was not invited to appear on the balcony following the ceremony, hopped on a plane back to America just hours after his father was crowned, reportedly eager to get back for his son's birthday celebrations. At the time, a well-placed source was reported to have said that the King seemed 'genuinely quite disappointed that he didnt stay'. Prince Harry made another fleeting visit to the UK in February 2024, after the monarch revealed his cancer diagnosis. Prince Harry is pictured greeting his father during the 10th Anniversary Memorial Service For Diana, Princess of Wales in 2007 Harry reportedly met with his father at Clarence House for a mere 30 minutes in what was their first face-to-face encounter for 16 months. According to royal expert Robert Jobson, the meeting may have been kept short to stop the monarch from experiencing unnecessary stress. When the Duke came to the UK in May to attend a London service marking the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, he did not meet with any of his family members. Addressing this, a spokesperson for Harry released a statement saying: 'In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not the duke will meet with his father while in the UK this week, it unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty's full programme. 'The duke of course is understanding of his father's diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.' Meanwhile, in recent times, Prince William has grown closer to his father, according to royal author Robert Hardman. Reports suggest that while Prince Harry (pictured, right) has a strained relationship with King Charles, Prince William (pictured, left) has recently grown closer to his father (seen in Windsor after viewing the floral tributes for the late Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022) Writing about the father and son's relationship in his latest book, Charles III, Robert said: 'As has been noted earlier, the Prince of Wales's relationship with the King has been strengthened by the twin burdens of their new roles and periodic broadsides from California. 'Also, the more that the heir to the throne becomes involved in the running of the Duchy of Cornwall and the royal estates, the more he has come to appreciate his fathers dedication and his achievements over the years.' It is a far cry from reports that the heir had a trickier relationship with his father in his earlier years. According to royal expert Robert Lacey, writing in his 2020 book, Battle of Brothers: William and Harry - The Inside Story of a Family in Tumult, the heir reportedly felt 'open disdain and aggression' towards his father while he was growing up. Robert Lacey alleged that William once shouted: 'I hate you, Papa. I hate you so much. Why do you make Mummy cry all the time?' Neither the King or Prince have disclosed whether Lacey's claims are true. The close bond shared by the two these days has been evident on a number of occasions, where the pair have interacted publicly. Prince William kisses his father King Charles on the cheek during the monarch's coronation ceremony in 2023 One such moment was during the King's coronation. After William gave an oath of allegiance to his father, he kissed him on the cheek as per tradition, and his father said: 'Amen, thank you William.' Many commentators noted how emotional the moment appeared to be, and how tenderly the father and son interacted with each other. During the following Coronation celebratory concert, William gave a speech, in which he said: 'My father has always understood that people of all faiths, all backgrounds, and all communities, deserve to be celebrated and supported. Pa, we are all so proud of you.' The King was equally full of praise for his oldest son while giving his first address as monarch, saying: 'Today, I am proud to create [William the] Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru, the country whose title I have been so greatly privileged to bear during so much of my life and duty. 'With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the centre ground where vital help can be given.' A few years ago, I saw an infant maybe two or even younger in his buggy at the bus stop with a smartphone in his fat little hands. I stared at him as he stared at the phone. He lost interest at one point and wailed. His young mother looked up briefly from her own phone, stuffed a packet of crisps into his hands, adjusted his screen, and returned to staring at her own screen. After a bit, conscious that he would not get her attention, he did the same. It's one of the most haunting things I've ever seen. Tanya Gold is haunted by the image of a boy in his buggy clutching a smartphone while his mother stared at her own screen No one can be parented by technology. Lord knows what will happen to that child. My son is nearly 11 and about to start senior school. He gets screentime once a week, but only if he does his chores, and I've noticed he is most likely to be grumpy after it. So, no, despite considerable pressure to do so, I will not be buying him a smartphone when he starts big school. I am not the only one concerned. Last month 20 head teachers in St Albans, Hertfordshire, asked parents not to buy their children a smartphone until they're 14. I'm going further; my son can't have one until he's 18, and he must buy it himself. I consider myself a permissive mother, but for once I agree with Katharine Birbalsingh, 'Britain's strictest head teacher', who says that giving a child a smartphone 'is the most dangerous thing you can do... every paedophile out there, every gang member out there knows where your child lives'. And that is not my only objection. My son and I browse old-fashioned Nokia handsets because he will need a telephone and, he pouts, because he will be in a minority. Many parents manage to hold out during primary school, but 90 per cent of children will start senior school with a smartphone. I made my decision when I saw the infant at the bus stop, and I've seen nothing since to change my mind. Katharine Birbalsingh, dubbed 'Britain's strictest head teacher', thinks that giving a smartphone to a child is 'the most dangerous thing you can do' New technology, as far as I'm concerned, is a danger for all children, whose brains are not yet fully developed. Cases of childhood anxiety, alongside many other conditions, are going through the roof. First, as Birbalsingh points out, there are the material dangers. Unless you are hyper-vigilant, you are unlikely to know what your child is looking at or who they are talking to. Three in five children report they have been contacted by people who have made them uncomfortable online. My great fear is pornography. (If I had a daughter, it would be online predators). The idea that the first thing my son will see of adult physical love is an abusive film on a smartphone is so horrifying, that when I think about it, I sweat. I don't even want to think about what exposure to it does to young children's sense of self and capacity to love. Then there's social media. Three quarters of children aged ten to 12 have an account on one of the big sites. There are so many horror stories about vulnerable children destroyed by this evil. Bullied girls who end their lives after encounters on WhatsApp; children who think they are ugly because they believe the Instagram filters; youngsters (especially boys) radicalised by TikTok; the nightmare of sexting, when intimate photographs of girls are passed around the class. This all takes place in an online world where normal processes for resolving conflict just don't exist. I made the decision partly from my own experience with addiction to alcohol. I know as well as anyone that the bigger your fantasy life, the smaller your real one and online is, at least partially, a fantasy life. It's not only about what your child is doing if they are always online. It's about what they aren't doing: tree-climbing, rock-pooling, cooking, playing board games, reading. We've worked to give our child a full life offline, and it's rewarding. I am sure that my son is even-tempered, emotionally available and physically active due to his very limited screentime. I love his comparative innocence; it's a truism that the children who are not allowed to be children never grow up. Three quarters of children aged ten to 12 have a social media account on one of the big sites I'm not saying that smartphones make all children ill that would be ridiculous. But I do believe that those with an underlying predisposition are at greater risk of getting ill if they have one. Of course, some of the anti-phone chatter has a tint of moral panic that this is the only thing wrong with our children, and if we fix this, we fix them. That's nonsense; children face challenges in every generation. But until we've learnt to navigate the new technology, and until the tech firms clean up their acts (the Online Safety Bill is a start), it feels safer to keep my son away from it. I'd sooner drop an adder into his hands. I also fear that families who spend their lives on phones don't really know each other. One Mother's Day I saw a family of four in a restaurant. Every one of them was on a phone. In that awful modern tableau, there seemed little space for intimacy, or love. I thought again of the child in the buggy at the bus stop, looking for a mother online. She and her dad would dance through chemotherapy sessions A Queensland mum coped with her gruelling chemo treatments through dance parties with her beloved dad after a shock breast cancer diagnosis at 38. Shanon Nealon, 42, from Brisbane, was diagnosed five months after she found a hard yet 'non-sinister' lump on her breast and adorably grooved with her dad Joseph, 80, by her side at each session. Their hilarious videos provided a welcome respite from the exhausting treatments and the duo built up a small online fandom who were inspired by their magnetic optimism. However, just as Shanon was wrapping up her five-month-long chemo stint, Joseph suffered a massive heart attack. He believes he had a 'broken heart' caused by watching his daughter suffer through cancer. Two years after her diagnosis, Shanon, an indigenous nurse, told FEMAIL she is in remission and helping other First Nations people with cancer battle disease. Thankfully, Joseph has recovered from his heart attack after surgery. Brisbane mum Shanon Nealon (left) battled an aggressive breast cancer with the unwavering support of her dad Joseph (right), 80 Shanon found a lump on her breast but being a busy working mum and because her GP wasn't concerned it was anything sinister she didn't get it checked out for five months One day in late 2020 while lying in bed, Shanon felt a small, hard and painless lump on the side of her left breast near her armpit. Erring on the side of caution, Shanon went to see her GP who did not suspect the lump was cancer but gave her a referral to get an ultrasound. 'She said, "It's Christmas, you're going to struggle to get in anyway but don't worry, it's not urgent, it's probably nothing too sinister",' she recalled. 'Being a nurse, I Googled what breast cancer lumps felt like and it didn't feel like what was being described which is why I left it so long.' Being a busy working mum and with the reassurance from her doctor the lump might not be anything suspicious, it wasn't until five months later when Shanon booked in with the specialist to investigate. What was meant to be a precautionary scan turned into an eight-hour stint in the clinic which triggered alarm bells in Shanon's head. 'After the ultrasound, they did a mammogram which wasn't requested in the referral and got the radiologist for a biopsy. I knew right away that it was cancer,' she said. Her fears were confirmed when she was given the news she had stage-three ER-positive, PR-positive and HER2-positive also known as triple-positive breast cancer in June 2021. She found out she had triple-positive breast cancer in June 2021, the same disease her mum, Joy (left), had been diagnosed with just two years prior It was the same disease her mum, Joy, had been diagnosed with just two years prior, but her cancer had progressed further. 'I thought it must be like what my mum had, she just had a lumpectomy, six weeks of radiation and the hormone blockers, that must be all I need,' she said. Shanon spent that whole night researching triple-positive breast cancer so she knew what she was in store for. 'I've always hated surprises, I've always been the one who's found out about birthday and Christmas presents so doing that, I felt like I was a bit more prepared and not so naive,' she said. 'I already knew from my research what my treatment was going to be. At that point, my biggest concern was am I going to lose my hair.' Telling her dad Joseph about the diagnosis was heart-wrenching as he did not take the 'devastating' news well. 'The first few months after hearing the news I did not sleep, I would lay in bed at night crying at the possibility of losing her,' he said. Four weeks later, when Shanon started chemotherapy at Mater Hospital Brisbane and the Mater Cancer Care Centre Joseph was her unwavering support and committed to being by her side every step of the way. To pass the time during sessions, which could last up to eight hours, Shanon and Joseph started making fun videos of themselves dancing. To pass the time during chemotherapy sessions, which could last up to eight hours, Shanon and Joseph started making fun videos of themselves dancing The dances became a routine for the duo and an entertaining distraction when Shanon was feeling drained from the chemotherapy 'Initially, it was just for my Facebook and Instagram, perhaps as a reassurance to family and friends that I was doing well,' she said. 'I found it difficult trying to support myself through my treatment but also the need to reassure my children, family and friends that everything was going to be okay, when in fact I didn't know if it was going to be.' The dances became a routine for the duo and an entertaining distraction when Shanon was feeling drained from the chemotherapy. 'Some days I'd be in the chair, with no energy, I'm sore, I'm hurting, I don't feel well and dad would ask, "Are we going to do a dance today?" and I'd say, "No I don't feel like it",' she said. 'Then I'd feel guilty because I thought he was going to be worried so I'd get up and do it but then I'd feel better after.' However, just a few weeks before Shanon was due to finish chemotherapy, Joseph suffered a life-threatening heart attack and had to have open-heart surgery. The chemotherapy didn't shrink Shanon's cancer however after a partial mastectomy to remove the lump and a short stint of radiation she is now in remission 'I still believe to this day that the heart attack was from a broken heart watching Shanon fight this disease,' Joseph said. 'From the day she was diagnosed and to this day now, I say a prayer for her every night.' Shanon said Joseph was 'knocked with a bit of confusion' for a while after his surgery but ultimately recovered quickly and was back by her side for her last chemo appointment. The chemotherapy didn't shrink Shanon's cancer however after a partial mastectomy to remove the lump and a short stint of radiation she is now in remission. Joseph said his 'prayers were answered' when he found out his daughter had beaten the disease and 'treasures' the 'special' memories they made dancing together through chemotherapy. However, Shanon doesn't feel like she's out of the woods as she knows her cancer has a high reoccurrence rate. However, Shanon doesn't feel like she's out of the woods as she knows her cancer has a high reoccurrence rate Shanon is urging women not to delay if they find a lump even if they or their doctor thinks it could be 'nothing' and to go for regular breast checks which are free for women over 40 'I see my oncologist every six months and my breast surgeon every 12 months. I had a follow up with the breast surgeon two weeks ago and next Tuesday I've got to have a biopsy of a lump on my breast,' she said. 'It's just going through all that trauma again although I think now that I've been through it I'm less anxious. I'm rolling with it, there's nothing you can do, it's going to be what it's going to be.' Shanon is using her experience to help support Indigenous people going through cancer by working with researchers from The University of Queensland as the First Nations Cancer Clinical Nurse Consultant at the Princess Alexandra Hospital. She is helping Indigenous patients access adequate treatment, especially those who live remotely, and feel supported through their cancer journeys. 'In Queensland, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are almost twice as likely to die after being diagnosed with cancer and have significantly lower five-year survival than other Queenslanders,' she said. 'I know what it feels like to undergo cancer treatment as a patient, as a nurse, and as a First Nations person.' She also urges Australian women not to delay if they find a lump even if they or their doctor thinks it could be 'nothing' and to go for regular breast checks which are free for women over 40. The new mother who woke up screaming in agony after being sent home from hospital after a caesarean section with nothing more than paracetamol. The women left exhausted from traumatic labours and in so much pain they couldnt walk or look after their newborn babies told by NHS staff they could not have stronger painkillers because youve just had a baby, what did you expect?. The mum who sobbed and begged for morphine days after an emergency C-section but was refused as she might get addicted and others in a similar state simply discharged and told to pick up some tablets from the supermarket on their way home. These horrifying tales, from postnatal wards across the country, have emerged after a prominent GP wrote on social media of her outrage that women having caesareans were routinely being discharged with only the most basic pain relief. Caroline Farrow, with second baby Imogen, was discharged with paracetamol each time after four caesareans Mother-of-five Ms Farrow, 49, who lives in Surrey with her priest husband, recalled waking up 'screaming in agony' after having Imogen at the Royal Sussex Hospital in Brighton in 2009 Posting a graphic picture of the aftermath of her own C-section, Dr Stephanie deGiorgio wrote recently on X: This is the pretty big hole in my abdomen from where this little lady emerged. Whywhydo women get discharged with paracetamol and ibuprofen? This is not enough for abdominal surgery. I hear it over and over again and every single time it enrages me. The post has now been viewed more than 600,000 times and led to a deluge of responses. They suggest hospitals fail to follow clear guidance set out by NHS regulators which list a range of stronger painkillers, including opioids, available to help new mothers cope with more severe pain. And they are a further damning indictment of NHS maternity services which come just weeks after the publication of a seminal report by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Birth Trauma. The report, the result of the UKs first inquiry into birth trauma, found a litany of appalling care on the nations maternity wards, with women in labour being mocked, ignored and left with permanent damage by NHS doctors and midwives. Some women interviewed for the inquiry described being laughed at when they asked for pain relief during labour, while some were offered only paracetamol to deal with their contractions. One midwife told how a senior obstetrician insisted shockingly that women do not have nerves in their vagina. Theo Clarke, the Conservative MP for Stafford, set up the APPG following the traumatic birth of her own daughter in 2022. The 38-year-old suffered a third-degree tear and, while she was given codeine in hospital following surgery to repair it, she was not given any pain relief when she was discharged despite feeling like she had been hit by a bus. Ms Clarke says the pain was so severe that she was not able to pick up her daughter, Arabella, for several weeks. When we wrote our report it was very clear that access to pain relief was an issue, she told the MoS. We heard cases where paracetamol or ibuprofen were the only drugs given after surgery and a number of very shocking stories where women were denied pain relief. One of the mothers we spoke to said a nurse had told them that it would bankrupt the NHS if everyone got pain relief after birth. Of course, there needs to be a balanced approach so that the NHS isnt giving out opioids to too many women, but there is a big difference between a straightforward vaginal birth and a traumatic one, which might leave you bedbound and unable to do anything for yourself. Ms Clarke had weeks of pain and was reliant on painkillers which she had to buy herself. I was in a privileged position to afford it but many women cannot. Dr Stephanie deGiorgio is concerned that so many women get only the most basic pain relief One woman said she 'begged and sobbed for morphine on day four after my section because I was in agony and so sleep deprived' (stock image) If you had surgery after a sport-related injury you would get painkillers, so why is that not the same for giving birth? Womens health during birth has been deprioritised and the Government needs to take action. While some women responding to Dr deGiorgios post insisted simple painkillers were enough for their pain, other stories were heartbreaking. One woman wrote: I begged and sobbed for morphine on day four after my section because I was in agony and so sleep deprived. They told me no because it can be addictive. Another said: I went back to hospital the same day I was discharged (with NO pain relief prescribed I might add), I had severe pain to the point I couldnt concentrate, I got there to be told You just had a baby. What do you expect? And was sent away with no pain relief again. Dr deGiorgio, an urgent care GP in Kent, said: Its medical misogyny, whether the NHS staff are male or female, with the belief that its just having a baby and the pain is to be expected. There are really clear guidelines on what drugs women can be offered following a caesarean, but many hospitals are not following those in practice. As GPs, were the ones who pick up the pieces. Women call us from the postnatal wards to say theyre coming home following major abdominal surgery and theyre not being given any pain relief at all. It shocks some GPs, but its true. Part of the problem is this myth that women who want to breastfeed cant take pain medication, which is plain wrong. Part of it is Trusts trying to get women discharged from postnatal wards as quickly as they can and to save money. She added: A large part of it is also about minimising womens pain, particularly around childbirth, and expecting them to just cope. Theres no way youd discharge a man home following major abdominal surgery without pain relief. So why are we doing it to women? Around one in four pregnant women in the UK will have a caesarean birth. Its major surgery, which involves making an incision across the abdomen and opening the womb to deliver the baby. It is usually performed while the mother is awake and anaesthetised from the waist down. After the operation, while in hospital, women are often given morphine. The official guidelines on pain management following caesarean sections, which are drawn up by health regulators the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), are clear: medics must discuss pain relief options with women and make it clear that they have a choice of medication to take in the coming days, depending on the severity of their pain. As a minimum, women should first be offered paracetamol and ibuprofen or another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as diclofenac, to reduce the need for opioids and to allow them to be stepped down and stopped as early as possible. For many women, these may be sufficient particularly, Dr deGiorgio says, if women have had a planned caesarean which is likely to have been a straightforward operation. Ms Farrow said she couldn't walk for two weeks after the birth and was confined to bed Emergency sections, which happen when there are difficulties during birth, can be more painful to recover from as they tend to be more rushed. If more pain relief is needed, NICE recommends considering adding dihydrocodeine, an opioid painkiller, to paracetamol. If the pain is severe, women can be given a short course of stronger opioids such as tramadol or oxycodone at the lowest effective dose. The reason for the caution is that, in women who are breastfeeding, tiny doses of the medication can be passed to the infant via breast milk. Opioid painkillers have been linked to an addiction epidemic in the US. But they are used routinely by the NHS to treat severe pain and the risk of harm or addiction, based on taking a short course of them, is very small. Women are advised to watch their babies for side-effects such as lethargy, drowsiness and breathing changes. Myth that taking painkillers slows healing and recovery A common myth is that wounds and injuries heal slower when patients are taking painkillers particularly strong ones. Although it might explain why many women are sent home after a painful birth with just over-the-counter paracetamol and ibuprofen, experts say that there is little evidence to support this claim. While small studies originally suggested that anti-inflammatory drugs could slow down bone healing after a fracture, a review of 90 trials, carried out in 2012, debunked this. And a 2017 paper published by researchers at George Washington University in the US concluded that taking opioid painkillers very strong painkillers did not affect the speed which wounds heal. Its a myth thats been around for a while, but there is zero evidence that painkillers delay recovery, says Dr Ron Daniels, an intensive care consultant at University Hospitals Birmingham. In fact, we find that when patients get proper pain relief their recovery is speedier because they are able to back on to their feet quicker. Advertisement Dr deGiorgio was given liquid morphine along with diclofenac and paracetamol after her own daughters birth by emergency caesarean in 2011. She says: I needed that for a while and I was extremely fortunate to get it. In small amounts, there is no reason why you cant have these drugs if youre in pain. If youre in less pain, youll be more mobile, which will reduce the risks of blood clots in legs and lungs. Dr deGiorgio added there was a myth that if women take just paracetamol and ibuprofen this will speed up recovery. She said: If youre more broken, having been in labour for 24 hours, anaemic from blood loss and from emergency surgery, you may need something more. And thats OK. There is ignorance in medical circles about whats OK, but there is extremely clear guidance and those who are prescribing should know what is safe. Co-codamol, for example, is no longer recommended because evidence emerged which suggested some women metabolised it differently and passed on more of the drug in their breast milk. Documents show it is policy for many hospital Trusts to discharge women without even basic pain relief, The Mail on Sunday has discovered. For example, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust recommends women having a planned caesarean should ensure they have adequate supplies of simple pain-relieving medications at home as these are no longer available on discharge from hospital. The official NHS website, referring to recovery from caesarean section, also recommends women make sure they have painkillers at home and doesnt mention other drugs which might also be available should they need them. Dr deGiorgio says the problem is that the onus is being put on women to ask for it. I used to work on postnatal wards and one of my jobs was to assess women and get an idea of their pain relief requirements, she said. That was nearly 20 years ago. But I dont hear of many women today getting a decent assessment of their pain relief needs before they go home. Women are good at masking pain. There will always be women who can go to Tesco after the birth, and thats great. But the majority do it because theyre told they should be able to, or have that expectation themselves not because theyre actually OK. NICE guidelines, which set out that patients should be offered stronger pain relief if necessary, are supported by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists One woman who was refused pain relief after giving birth is mother-of-five Caroline Farrow, 49, who has had four caesarean sections. Each time, she was discharged with just paracetamol. The Catholic commentator and writer, who lives in Surrey with her priest husband, recalled waking up screaming in agony after having her second child, Imogen, at the Royal Sussex Hospital in Brighton in 2009. I was given liquid morphine in hospital after the operation, she recalls. But when I was sent home a day later it was literally with a couple of paracetamol. That was it. I just remember waking up that night absolutely screaming in agony because the wound was just so raw. I couldnt walk for two weeks and I was confined to bed. My husband had to do all the nappy changing and caring for Imogen because I was in too much pain to move. It felt, at times, as if I was about to split in two. But when I spoke to my health visitor, and told them how much pain I was in, I was told to keep taking paracetamol and ibuprofen regularly. I was made to feel like I was making a fuss, and that I should just get on with it that all of this was just normal. Caroline was in so much post-operative pain following the birth of her third child, Felicity, that she was given nerve blockers in hospital. But she was still sent home a day later with nothing more than paracetamol. The NICE guidelines, which set out that patients should be offered stronger pain relief if necessary, are supported by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG). Professor Asma Khalil, vice-president of RCOG, said women should be given pain relief in hospital and to take home. Dr deGiorgio added: We need to make sure women are asked about their pain, believed about their pain, and that each individual person gets the painkillers they need both in hospital and at home. The NHS was approached for comment. It was the news that many had been waiting for. Earlier this month, world-renowned medical journal The Lancet published a study that 'proved' antidepressants were not as risky as feared. Reports prior to this suggested as many as half of patients suffered debilitating withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop taking the pills, including dizziness, headaches, nausea, insomnia and bizarre electric-shock-like 'brain zaps'. But the new research claimed that just one in six patients suffered this, while only one in 35 experienced symptoms that could be described as severe. The most common type of antidepressants used on the NHS are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs which are thought to affect levels of serotonin, a chemical 'messenger' in the brain linked to mood, emotion and sleep 'The hysteria about antidepressant addiction was unwarranted,' commented Professor David Nutt, a mental health expert at Imperial College London and former Government adviser, on X/Twitter. Meanwhile, in a Guardian newspaper article, Professor Carmine Pariante, a leading psychiatry expert at King's College London, claimed that 'the myth that antidepressants are addictive has been debunked'. However, not all patients or experts agree. Some psychiatrists have raised serious concerns about the accuracy of the study, which they argue underplays the severity of antidepressant withdrawal symptoms. A number of academics have even written to The Lancet warning that the study could put patients at risk of harm. The joint letter, which has been shared with this newspaper, argues: 'This [study] will lure patients and clinicians into unwarranted complacency about the difficulties of coming off antidepressants.' Last week, Dr Ellie Cannon, The Mail on Sunday's resident GP columnist, wrote that, having read the new study, she was pleased to hear that the pills were much less addictive than feared. IT'S A FACT Iceland has the highest rate of antidepressant consumption in the world, followed by Portugal. Advertisement Dr Cannon, who has publicly spoken of her own antidepressant use and the fact that she has suffered from withdrawal symptoms when stopping, added that she would be glad to reassure patients. However, scores of readers responded saying they had been hit by withdrawal. They reported a terrifying catalogue of symptoms, including uncontrollable crying, panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, crippling insomnia and even attempted suicide. Some even claimed they were 'trapped' on antidepressants because the severity of withdrawal symptoms made coming off them impossible. Shockingly, one reader who was prescribed antidepressants after being mugged and stabbed said that weaning himself off them had proved even more traumatic than the attack. With more than eight million people in the UK on antidepressants, experts on both sides of the debate agree it is crucial to find out the truth: just how frequent are antidepressants' withdrawal symptoms? The most common type of antidepressants used on the NHS are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs which are thought to affect levels of serotonin, a chemical 'messenger' in the brain linked to mood, emotion and sleep. The drugs offered either as tablets or liquid form are also given to patients with anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and chronic pain. While effective, there has been growing concern over side-effects. Last month, the UK's medicines regulator announced it was opening an investigation into the safety of 30 of the most common antidepressants, which have been linked to hundreds of cases of suicide and self harm. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said the review would begin next month. However, while the link between taking the drugs and these dangerous side-effects is still uncertain, experts say it has been known for some time that many patients struggle to come off antidepressants. Specialists suspect withdrawal symptoms occur due to a sudden change in serotonin levels caused by stopping the drugs. These uncomfortable physical and mental effects tend to subside when patients restart taking antidepressants which is why people often described being 'hooked' on the drugs or 'addicted'. NHS guidance cautions patients against suddenly stopping taking antidepressants because, it argues, this can trigger anger, headaches, low mood, sleeplessness and the sensation of being zapped like an electric shock. And, in 2020, the Royal College of Psychiatrists recommended that, to avoid this issue, patients slowly reduce their dose over several months or longer. Experts say this highly cautious approach was the result of a 2019 UK study which concluded that 56 per cent of patients on the medication would experience withdrawal symptoms when they stopped taking it. The study, published in the medical journal Addictive Behaviours, said it was 'not uncommon for people to experience withdrawal for months'. However, many experts argue the researchers overstated the problem. They included data from several online surveys which researchers typically consider to be poor quality evidence because anyone can take part. 'There were a lot of holes in the previous review,' say Dr Sameer Jauhar, a consultant psychiatrist at King's College London. 'It was scare story stuff that was not based on proper evidence.' In the latest study, German researchers analysed data from 79 clinical trials involving more than 20,000 patients some of whom had been treated with antidepressants and others with a placebo. These sorts of trials are considered the highest quality medical evidence. The results showed that antidepressant withdrawal symptoms affected just 15 per cent of patients, but some experts are concerned by this figure. In nearly half of the trials which were analysed, patients had only been on the drugs for three months or less. However, around four million people in the UK have been on them for more than two years, while two million have been using antidepressants for five years or more. The longer that patients take antidepressants, the more likely it is that they will experience problems coming off them, the experts pointed out. 'This is a serious weakness which is not acknowledged in the paper,' says Tony Kendrick, professor of primary care at the University of Southampton. 'Severe discontinuation symptoms would not usually be expected to arise after only a few weeks of antidepressant use.' These worries are shared by mental health charity Mind, which says it was 'important to note some of the review's limitations, such as lots of the studies involved being short-term' and added that 'further research' was needed. Experts also point out that many of the trials analysed were designed to find out the safety and effectiveness of antidepressants not to spot withdrawal. 'Many studies relied on people reporting these symptoms spontaneously; they didn't go out of their way to track them,' says Joanna Moncrieff, professor of critical and social psychiatry at University College London. 'So it's very much likely to be an under-reported problem.' Professor Joanna Moncrieff, from University College London, says it is likely that people suffering from withdrawal symptoms are not reporting them frequently Moreover, experts say there are specific concerns about one of the trials included in the review a Japanese study which accounts for about a tenth of the patient data. 'A Japanese doctor looked back through the notes of patients in his clinic and categorised them into having withdrawal or not,' says Prof Moncrieff. 'He found very low rates but he didn't say anything about his methods or how he has defined withdrawal.' The study authors say they followed the highest standard of academic guidelines when choosing the studies for their review. Prof Moncrieff, one of the four academics who has written to the Lancet Psychiatry to raise concerns about the study, added: 'This review is misleading. It's been interpreted as reassurance that antidepressants don't cause significant withdrawal problems and therefore people shouldn't be put off taking them. What worries me is that patients will be misinformed that withdrawal problems are not that significant on the basis of these studies.' Other experts acknowledge the limitations of the study, but defended its findings. 'The quality of the evidence in this review is very good with the caveat that it doesn't involve longer-term trials,' says Dr Jauhar. One patient who has struggled to come off antidepressants is Caroline Petrie, 58, from Edinburgh, who was prescribed citalopram in August 2019. 'A lot of difficult things happened, one after another, including a health scare,' says the former career adviser. 'Things felt out of control.' She says she was told there would be no problem coming off antidepressants as long as it was gradual. However, after several weeks of taking citalopram, the mother-of-two was struggling to sleep and believed her anxiety had increased. She decided to stop taking the pills. 'I tapered myself off over two weeks, taking a tablet every other day, then every third day, before stopping completely,' she says. IT'S A FACT The number of Britons taking antidepressants now sits at a staggering 8.6 million people Advertisement 'But within a couple of days of stopping, everything got so much worse. My anxiety was through the roof, I had feelings of fear and panic, and a sense of impending doom. 'Every time I tried to sleep, I would be jolted awake. Out of nowhere I had massive crying spells. I was worried about being on my own. I'd never experienced any of these things before. It was like being in a living hell.' After a month, she was persuaded by a doctor to begin another antidepressant, mirtazapine, which she is still battling to come off, several years later. She added: 'Doctors are not educated about withdrawal and what it looks like.' Experts agree that, regardless of the frequency of withdrawal symptoms, it is important to warn patients of the risk of these uncomfortable effects. 'In the UK there are millions of people who are taking antidepressants,' says Dr Jauhar. 'Even if only one per cent of them got severe withdrawal, that would be a significant number of people who need treatment. 'So it's really important that people know there are risks.' Experts say that patients who have been taking the drugs for an extended period of time for example, more than two years should take particular care when they decide to stop using them. However, others say that one of the main reasons patients should take care when coming off the drugs is that their depression might return. Robert Howard, professor of old age psychiatry at University College London, says: 'If my patients are having no issues with the drugs, I don't see any reason they should come off them.' Pills helped me cope as a mum For Lucy Nicholls there is no doubt at all antidepressants have helped her cope with the pressures of being a young mother and rediscover her enjoyment of life. The 20-year-old from Plymouth spent her teenage years suffering from poor mental health, and in 2019 was prescribed the antidepressant duloxetine for depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. She said: 'It definitely helped me. I was really depressed beforehand. Lucy Nicholls, 20, returned to antidepressants a year after she stopped taking them following the birth of her son Mason, now three 'I didn't see the point in anything, I didn't want to talk to people, I didn't want to do anything, I didn't want to leave my room. 'It just gave me motivation. I didn't feel so sad all the time or feel that there wasn't any point in anything. I started to enjoy things again like art and nature.' In 2021, soon after the birth of her son Mason, Lucy's GP suggested that she stop taking the medication. 'I didn't notice any side-effects from coming off it,' she says. However, a year later, Lucy began to feel low again and decided to go back on the antidepressants. 'It's been a year now and I'm feeling a lot better. I'm not sure if I would have got this far without medication it's helped me a lot.' The HPV vaccine is set to prevent thousands of head and neck cancer cases among men, according to research. The jab which is offered to all 12- and 13-year-old school children is known to have cut rates of cervical cancer in young women by 90 per cent. Now a study involving more than 5 million men and women in the United States found that it more than halved rates of head and neck cancers. Having the vaccine slashed rates of head and neck cancers from 6.3 cases to 2.8 cases per 100,000 men. The HPV jab helps protect against human papillomavirus, a common virus spread through skin contact. The HPV vaccine - which is offered to all 12- and 13-year-old school children - more than halved rates of head and neck cancers, according to a new study A study found that the vaccine cut rates of all HPV-related cancers among men from 7.5 to 3.4 cases per 100,000, and women from 15.8 to 11.5. Catching the virus has been shown to increase risk of several cancers including cervical, mouth, anal, penile and vaginal. Led by Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, the research involved 5.46 million patients with 949,000 given the vaccine between 2006 and 2008. It cut rates of all HPV-related cancers among men from 7.5 to 3.4 cases per 100,000, and women from 15.8 to 11.5. The odds of cervical cancer among women also fell from 10.4 to 7.4 cases per 100,000, according to the findings presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's annual conference in Chicago. There was no significant fall in head and neck cancers among women, likely due to them being more common among males. Dr Lawrence Young, an expert in molecular oncology at the University of Warwick, described the data as 'very encouraging'. He said: 'What we're seeing is the start of what should be an even more significant decrease. 'The mean age of incidence of these tumours is around 50 years of age. So you're going to start to see an even more significant reduction over the coming years.' The vaccine has been offered to girls in England and Wales since September 2008 before being widened to include boys in 2019. This has had a 'double whammy effect', lessening transmission of the virus through sexual contact and protecting against HPV-related cancers in both sexes. Experts said it was important to encourage uptake in Year 8 boys, with the most recent figures putting uptake at 65 per cent compared to 71 per cent of girls. Professor Young suggested better public health messaging was needed to promote all the jab's benefits, rather than it being seen as a cervical cancer vaccine. He said: 'I think there's very little understanding or appreciation of the impact of HPV on oral cancer, people haven't heard about it. It's still relatively new. 'We need to get that message out to youngsters in the UK, to say that this is a virus also associated with head and neck cancer and (the vaccine can) prevent you from getting that as you get older.' Catching the virus has been shown to increase risk of several cancers including cervical, mouth, anal, penile and vaginal Around 12,000 people are diagnosed with head and neck cancer every year in Britain, with rates expected to rise significantly over the next two decades. Dr Glenn Hanna, an ASCO expert from the Dana-Farber Cancer institute in Boston, said: 'We have known the HPV vaccine decreases rates of oral HPV infection. 'But this study shows that in boys and men in particular, vaccination decreases the risk of HPV-related oropharyngeal head and neck cancers. HPV vaccination is cancer prevention.' Buc-ee's fans have been left outraged after the popular retailer made a major design change at its record-breaking new store in Luling, Texas. The new location that opened on June 10 has been dubbed 'the world's largest convenience store' chain, measuring in at a whopping 75,000 square feet. But scores of customers have taken to social media to blast the retailer's decision to give its beloved beaver mascot an 'Ozempic-like' makeover. A TikTok user (@marrallmike) posted photos showing how the mascot had changed, with more than 700 people leaving negative comments about its new appearance, according to My San Antonio. 'What did they do to my beautiful boy? It looks like he's going to jump scare me at 4:00 am now,' the user wrote in the video's description box on opening day. 'The charm has been ripped away,' another commenter said. Slide me A TikTok user posted photos of the store chain's beloved beaver mascot from two locations and more than 700 others have left negative comments regarding its new appearance The convenience store chain opened its new Texas location on June 10 at 75,000 square feet, which is now the largest convenience store in the world Like its Baytown and Alabama locations, Buc-ee's in Luling has a beloved mascot statue - but it is noticeably different from the beaver's past appearance. The beaver statue outside the Luling location is sculpted, and instead of tiny hands that are disproportionate to his body, they are much bigger and longer. The mascot's toes are also showing and its eyes are shining and brighter than its predecessor. Many TikTokers have since voiced their displeasure over the statue swap, with one saying: 'I hope they put the original in the Smithsonian.' 'Every time I went to a Buc-ee's on a road trip, I would always take a picture with the statue. That lovable statue for years,' a commenter wrote. 'But on the most recent trip, I noticed something was wrong with it. Rip Buc-ee.' Other users have given him nicknames such as 'Hollywood Buc-ee' and 'Ozempic Buc-ee' - which has been hearted more than 300 times by fellow TikTokers. Although the mascot changes have upset TikTokers, one person claimed that only the new Buc-ee's locations, including Luling, are getting updated statues. 'None of the old ones have changed. Only the new stores are getting this model,' the commenter wrote. Buc-ee's was founded in 1982 Store by Arch 'Beaver' Aplin III and Don Wasek. It began as a chain of highway travel centers and it now has more than 40 U.S. locations Buc-ee's was founded in 1982 Store by Arch 'Beaver' Aplin III and Don Wasek. It began as a chain of highway travel centers, and now has more than 40 U.S. locations. The logo and mascot were created by Aplin when he and Wasek first founded the store chain, the co-founder told CBS News in 2022. 'Beaver was my nickname; my mom named me that when I was born,' he said. 'There was a cartoon character way back, really before my time, a toothpaste commercial, and he was Bucky Beaver. So, this fellow always called me Bucky Beaver growing up.' Buc-ee's has since become a force to be reckoned with among its retailer competitors. Prior to June its store in Sevierville, Tennessee, held the record for being the world's largest convenience store. However, the new Luling location has since seized the crown by less than 500 square feet, and Aplin confirmed on CBS Austin that it will also provide more than 250 jobs. Despite this seemingly being a good thing for Texans, Floridians felt cheated after a Florida location was previously slated to become the biggest Buc-ee's in America. The logo and mascot were created by Aplin when he and Wasek first founded the store chain, the co-founder told CBS News in 2022 The plan was to open a Buc-ee's in Ocala, Florida, that would be 80,000 square feet and become the largest convenience store in the world. But Buc-ee's real estate boss Stan Beard confirmed earlier this week that the Florida location would only be 74,000 square feet. The location will still open as planned near Interstate 75, north of Ocala in 2025. Tony Hetherington is Financial Mail on Sunday's ace investigator, fighting readers corners, revealing the truth that lies behind closed doors and winning victories for those who have been left out-of-pocket. Find out how to contact him below. Mrs J.E. writes: My son Christopher suffered a cardiac arrest in 2021. He was without oxygen for a time, causing brain injury. HM Revenue & Customs are chasing him for self-assessment tax returns. In despair, I wrote twice in 2022, advising them of his brain injury and his inability to complete a tax return. He was not living with me in 2021, and I believe he had been claiming benefits. Hector the Tax Inspector, who represented the Inland Revenue from 1995 until 2001 Tony Hetherington replies: This is tragic, sad, distressing, and immensely frustrating for you. It is also a consequence of HMRC's policy of relying on low paid and poorly-trained staff to deal with situations that leave them way out of their depth. You wrote to the taxman in 2022, explaining your son Chris's brain damage and his inability to complete a tax return. The Revenue simply returned your letter, insisting his tax affairs could only be discussed with him. Since then, HMRC has demanded increasing penalty payments from Chris for failing to submit a tax return. By the time you contacted me, penalty demands had risen to 300. You told the Revenue that your son is a full-time care home resident. Its response was to start sending demands to him at the home. You said to me: 'Chris cannot speak, is blind and physically disabled.' He can use his eyes to respond to simple questions, but he cannot respond to anything complex. He cannot write or sign his name. You have tried repeatedly to explain this to the taxman, without success. Clearly upset, you told me: 'When I try to phone, I am unable to speak to a person and you eventually get cut off as they redirect you to do everything online. I am going round in circles. Life is distressing enough since his brain injury, without this added stress.' I contacted the people I deal with at the Revenue head office. At times like this I really appreciate that they know what they are doing, but I also realise that others who are struggling cannot access them and their expertise. I explained your son's situation. Less than 48 hours later, an official asked me for your phone number. A couple more days passed and then by chance you were called while visiting Chris at his care home. At first, the conversation was awkward. Mark the man from the Revenue imagined you could get Chris to sign a power of attorney, allowing you to act for him. You had to explain the extent to which Chris was brain injured. You asked what would happen if things continued unchanged and Mark replied that, eventually, debt collectors would be sent to the care home. When you pointed out that Chris could not even speak there was finally a breakthrough, with Mark suggesting an online meeting. And this is what has now happened. Mark had gathered as much information as possible about Chris's income. He read this out and Chris was able to nod agreement. Mark himself then completed a self assessment form on his behalf and sent it to you. You put a felt tip pen into Chris's hand and he pressed it to the paper, which Mark had agreed to accept in place of a signature. Incredibly, it turns out that instead of facing penalties, Chris is actually owed a tax refund of 396. You have told me: 'I want to say a huge thank you, as there is absolutely no way I would ever have got to this point with HMRC on my own, without your involvement.' And let me add my own thanks to the Revenue head office staff, and especially to their colleague Mark whose help has let you and Chris draw a line under all this. Here's how you can make HMRC listen Once upon a time anyone with a tax problem could go to a local tax office. Now though, the local offices have gone and we have to rely on telephone calls that go largely unanswered while being told the answers to our questions can be found online, as if we have not already looked there. When Revenue bosses announced a plan to shut down their phones, Chris's mother asked me: 'How on earth are people in a situation such as Chris and I supposed to communicate with them without the ability to speak to a person?' Fortunately, the shutdown did not happen. And there is an actual answer to the bigger question of how to get the taxman's help. HMRC has a little known department called the Extra Support Team, which can be contacted online for a phone or video appointment. Why did nobody suggest this at any point over the past two years? Well, that comes back to cutbacks and poor organisation by Revenue bosses, coupled with inadequate training for the underpaid call handlers. If you believe you are the victim of financial wrongdoing, write to Tony Hetherington at Financial Mail, 9 Derry Street, London W8 5HY or email tony.hetherington@mailonsunday.co.uk. Because of the high volume of enquiries, personal replies cannot be given. Please send only copies of original documents, which we regret cannot be returned. Bill Spellman was just 45 years old when he was diagnosed with leukaemia in 1989. For the next few years he was in and out of hospital as he underwent various blood transfusions to try to remove the cancer from his system. Bill had been responding well to the treatment when, in 1993, he and his wife Ruth were invited for a meeting with their consultant. They hoped for the best and expected to hear the good news that Bill was in remission from leukaemia. Instead, the couple were told that he had been infected with Hepatitis C, another deadly disease that at the time was incurable, through the use of contaminated blood products. Bill eventually recovered from leukaemia but tragically passed away in 2009 as a result of the Hepatitis following an agonising 25 years of frequent hospital trips, constant health issues and turmoil with his family. A loving husband and father-of-two, Bill was one of more than 3,000 people to have died after being infected with HIV and hepatitis from contaminated blood products from the 1970s to the early 1990s. Bill Spellman died in 2009 after being infected with Hepatitis C through the use of contaminated blood products Bill is pictured with his children and wife Ruth after she was awarded an OBE in 2007 Bill and Ruth are pictured shortly after they first met in 1975 A report into the NHS' infected blood scandal published last month found that it was 'not an accident' but the result of a series of shocking failures followed by a 'pervasive' cover-up. It identified a litany of failures spanning multiple governments, prominent politicians and health organisations, with victims repeatedly lied to, misled and ignored, and children treated like 'objects for research'. In most cases, such as Bill's, the victims and their families were not informed they had been infected until years later, with some told the chances of their survival were slim. After Bill was diagnosed with leukaemia, between the Spring of 1989 and the autumn of 1990 he had transfusions at least three or four times a week. He and his wife Ruth were in hospital 'like a yoyo', as he went through several treatments of chemo and radiotherapy. And after four years the couple were called into their consultant's office with the hopes of finally having some good news. Ruth told MailOnline: 'So it was in 1993 when we went into a meeting with our doctor. 'We thought he was going to give us some good news because by then Bill was near the remission stage for leukaemia. It's five years after you first get it that if you haven't got it back again then you were likely to be in remission. 'So we thought it was going to be a good meeting and he invited me to come along as well. Bill was diagnosed with leukaemia in 1989 after which he had transfusions at least three or four times a week for over a year Bill was a physics teacher in the local school and had a 'very supportive headmaster' who was keen to keep him on 'But the reason why he invited me along as well was because he wanted to tell us that he had found hepatitis C in Bill's blood samples. And the only way he could have contracted hepatitis was through contaminated blood. 'He said we were at that time importing blood from the American prison system and unknown to the consultant, that blood had been infected. 'He told us that the blood had not been screened and there was a heat treatment that was available which could have reduced the risk, but that had not been undertaken, and his view was that was a decision based on the cost of the heat treatment. 'He also told us at the same time that there was no known cure for hepatitis C and that there could be lots of consequences for Bill in terms of loss of functionality as he got older. 'The victims of Hep C don't die straight away and in Bill's case it took 20 years of progressive and really serious decline. 'But he was back to work after about a year and a half after his diagnosis and he actually got through the leukemia. And because he was an incredibly brave person he was working part-time until two months before he died.' Bill was a physics teacher in the local school and had a 'very supportive headmaster' who was keen to keep him on, Ruth said. Despite Bill's unwavering courage to live his life to fullest, he and his family couldn't escape the inevitable toll it took on their lives. 'At the time when he became ill the children were seven, five, and two and so really a lot of the responsibility for the family and the finances rested with me,' Ruth said. 'It was very hard for the children because you know when they were small we could protect them, but when they were teenagers it was very difficult because he became increasingly ill. 'So we couldn't do family holidays as he had to be able to come into hospital on short notice. 'You couldn't just go anywhere in the world in that situation and you certainly couldn't travel in the UK very far without being within reach of the hospital. 'It was a big economic blow and the kids I think had to take a lot of responsibility earlier than they may have done. They were very aware of the pain and suffering he was going through. Bill eventually recovered from leukaemia but tragically passed away in 2009 as a result of the Hepatitis C 'He got very confused in his brain. He was a very clever man with a doctorate in physics. This was not a man who is normally struggling to find his words, but he couldn't recognize his own children at one point. 'I can't tell you how destressing that was for them and for me. 'Bill would need to see a kidney specialist the liver specialist and he had three days a week in hospital having a dialysis machine put in for his kidneys. That was from 2004 to 2009. 'Our house was a bit like a hospital because I was having to sterilize the sheets every day.' The situation also caused Ruth to develop health problems of her own. 'Through the years I developed back problems which were associated with stress because basically I was holding down a full-time job in London with a commute of an hour and a half miles away,' she said. Ruth is the chief executive of the Worker's Education Association. Previously she was chief executive of the Chartered Management Institute, Institution of Mechanical Engineers and Investors in People UK. She is also a trustee of Peston's Speakers for Schools and was awarded an OBE in 2007 for services to workplace learning. In 2016 Ruth gave evidence at the blood scandal inquiry, after which she suffered a brain haemorrhage, which she has thankfully now recovered from. In spite of all this, Ruth nor Bill were ever offered any financial support. 'I was looking after Bill and I was bringing up three children and you know people thought I was doing a lot and they try to help but there was no official help,' Ruth said. 'He was in dire straits many days. I was going to work leaving him in such a state, it made me feel dreadful. 'I've never heard any formal counselling and the children have not had any support. 'It's felt like a very isolated and lonely journey.' Chairman of the infected blood inquiry Sir Brian Langstaff (left) with victims and campaigners outside Central Hall in Westminster today 'And I think that lack of help was a significant factor too Bill feeling abandoned. He wasn't abandoned by his family, I mean he's got an amazing family of quite a few brothers and sisters and we were all there for him. Myself and the children and my sisters, they were there for him TV drama on scandal could mobilise 'a sense of injustice and outrage' A TV drama on the infected blood scandal could mobilise the 'sense of injustice and outrage' following the publication of a damning inquiry into what has been called the biggest treatment disaster in the NHS. ITV has now commissioned a series, written by Peter Moffat, who won two Baftas for BBC series Criminal Justice, to dramatise the experiences of those with blood disorders who were infected during the 1970s and 1980s with HIV and hepatitis C. The channel had previously released Mr Bates Vs The Post Office, which led to renewed attention on justice for subpostmasters who were wrongly prosecuted during the Horizon IT scandal. Separately, The Crown star Seb Carrington, who has haemophilia, is working on a series set around the boys who contracted hepatitis at Treloar College, a school for disabled children with a facility on site for haemophiliacs. He said that there needs to be more money put into 'television and dramas because it's the way to reach into people's lives, grab their attention and show them something' when asked about ITV saying that the Post Office series lost the broadcaster around a million pounds, despite the success. Carrington, 31, said: 'We're able to be empathetic in that way and then that can mobilise ... some sort of sense of injustice and outrage and (allow people to) get a sense of what's happened and only then can you start to make power accountable.' He lost his brother James, who contracted hepatitis through the scandal in the 1980s as a haemophiliac and later died in a car accident. Advertisement 'But in terms of what we got from anyone else and it was pretty much zero. 'The worst part is that people knew that something wrong thing was being done and there was no admission. 'It was all about saving their reputations, not facing the facts, concealing things when they could. 'When Bill was treated for leukemia he had a very good consultant who was very conscientious but he really couldn't look at us when he told us in 1993 that Bill was infected with Hep C. 'He (the consultant) saved his life and we were so grateful to him but then we find out that Bill was going to go through 20 years with a very very difficult illness.' Inquiry chairman Sir Brian Langstaff's 2,527-page report revealed a litany of failures at the hand of the health service as well as multiple governments and politicians. One crucial finding was the slowness of the response to the scandal. It was apparent by mid-1982 that there was a risk that the cause of Aids could be transmitted by blood and blood products but it wasn't until 1984 when UK blood services stopped collecting blood donations from prisons. In 1989, hepatitis C, a previously unknown strain of the virus, was identified for the first time. It wasn't until 1991 that the first test for the disease was made available. Sir Brian said that the contaminated blood disaster is 'still happening' because patients who suffered 'life-shattering' infections continue to die every week. He said: 'In families across the UK, people were treated by the NHS and over 30,000 were given infections which were life-shattering. Three thousand people have already died and that number is climbing week by week. Lives, dreams, friendships, families, finances were destroyed. 'What I have found is that disaster was no accident. People put their trust in doctors and the government to keep them safe and that trust was betrayed. 'Then the government compounded that agony by telling them that nothing wrong had been done, that they'd had the best available treatment and that as soon as tests were available they were introduced and both of those statements were untrue. 'That's why what I'm recommending is that compensation must be paid now and I have made various other recommendations to help make the future of the NHS better and treatment safer.' Sir Brian's report made a series of recommendations including setting up an independent body to pay compensation to those affected and the introduction of a psychological support scheme for those affected. It also recommended that the lessons learnt in the report, such as those around patient safety and risk, should be taught to people going through medical training. For Ruth, one of the main actions that needs to be taken is the implementation of precise and accurate checks to ensure security of blood that is being given to people in the health system. Families affected by the infected blood scandal pose for photographs outside the Methodist Central Hall following the release of findings of the six-year inquiry on May 20 People affected by the infected blood scandal attend a vigil in Parliament Square on May 19 'If we cannot be sure at the NHS if you have an accident or whatever and you're having a transfusion that that blood is safe then we're compounding massive errors that we've created already in the past and to everybody's cost. So I think that's number one,' she said. 'And I think there are the other things about enforcing a code of conduct. If people are knowingly bringing about the deaths of other people there have to be consequences. 'There has have to be some accountability and at the moment I have not seen any of that so that's a disappointment. 'Taking an unacceptable risk where have to be penalties. 'I'm not a vindictive person but in this particular case unless there are penalties people won't take it seriously. 'It's one thing to apologize and it's another to take the action that's needed. 'So I just hope that report is strong enough and clear enough and the intent of all of the people who contributed to it will be strong enough to go through these process now for a proper implementation plan. 'This is not something that just happened. This is something that's absorbed so much energy, so much resource personal resource, mental stress and you've got a little life you know. 'And to not expect people to be fighting now for every penny is an insult and it shouldn't be happening. 'It should be clear soon what people are going to get and it should be an automatic process and people should have legal help if they need it and I want assurances about those things. 'I'd like every Doctor who is going through training at the moment to have awareness of the risks of contaminated blood and I would like nurses and staff to have the power to raise concerns if they feel that procedures are not being met. 'And I would also like to see patient advocates in every hospital so when you go in there is somebody you can turn to, there's somebody there that you can contact, a phone line that you can use and you know you're going to get their attention at that moment. 'I will only rest once these recommendations have been put into effect and I do think that many many of the victims have our endured so much. 'It's been 35 years since this happened to Bill and all of that time his illness been present in our lives and it's really hard to take in sometimes. 'They (the victims) have been through every kind of harm there is. 'They've lost in some cases they've lost children, they lost any kind of insurance in their life that they were going to be okay because that infection could have been passed on at any stage.' Ruth has also advocated for the day that inquiry was published, May 20, to be made into a national anniversary in which people can come together, share their stories and remember loved ones. But it would also serve as constant reminder for wider society about the devastating impact of the scandal and highlight the progress made since, in improving the healthcare system. 'You can't change the past but what you can do if you can listen to what went wrong and you can learn from it then we can change the future,' Ruth said. 'It's so important for me and my children and my grandchildren that they never have to go through this and they can have confidence in the system.' A surging number of Indians have moved to Australia, enticed by the prospects of lucrative employment, top-tier education, and a more laid-back lifestyle. The Australian government has largely welcomed the influx with open arms as it eyes closer trade relations with a 1.4 billion-strong consumer market. As of June 2022, there were 753,520 people born in India living in Australia, which is more than double the number recorded a decade earlier. Following the United Kingdom, the Indian-born population is now second-largest migrant community in Down Under. Daily Mail Australia spoke to Indian migrants in Harris Park and Parramatta, in Sydney's western suburbs, with many confessing to using Australia's student visa route to secure permanent residency. However, this avenue has become tougher after the Albanese government tightened student visa rules in March. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi (R) and Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese embrace while attending an Indian cultural event on May 23, 2023 at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney As of June 2022, there were 753,520 people born in India living in Australia, which is more than double the number recorded in 2012. Pictured: Indians in Sydney As part of the changes, it has reduced the number of student visa approvals in a bid to stop the widespread rorting of the international education system. It also has enhanced powers to suspend high-risk education providers from recruiting international students who intend to leverage their student visas to stay in the country as low-skilled workers. Known as 'ghost colleges' and 'visa factories', the providers can be issued with warning notices and given six months to improve their practices. If they fail to do so, the providers will be suspended from recruiting international students. However, the government remains keen on attracting highly skilled Indian migrants, with Anthony Albanese and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi signing a migration (MOU) pact in 2023 - a year after the two nations also penned a lucrative free trade agreement. Poll Should Australia clamp down on student visas in order to attract more highly skilled migrants? Yes No Should Australia clamp down on student visas in order to attract more highly skilled migrants? Yes 2625 votes No 150 votes Now share your opinion Australia exported about $19.3billion in goods to India in the 2022 financial year. Just one year after the FTA was signed that figure soared to $33billion. With diplomatic relations becoming increasingly cosy, the MOU allows Indian graduates from Australian universities who are on a student visa to work and advance professionally for up to eight years without needing visa sponsorship. Meanwhile, a new pilot program known as MATES will make it easier for young professionals and graduates from India to work in Australia. The programme will give Indian university graduates and early career professionals the opportunity to live and work in Australia for up to two years, with 3,000 places available. Eligible fields will include renewable energy, mining, engineering, information and communication technology, artificial intelligence, financial technology, and agricultural technology. So what does Australia's fastest-growing migrant group think about their new life Down Under? Diksha Verma is studying for a Master of Applied Information Technology at Victoria University. Diksha Verma (pictured) is an international student looking for a job in IT Since arriving in Australia in 2022, she has been working part-time at a grocery store while looking for a full-time role in IT. 'I'm very happy,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'I'm getting many opportunities that I wouldn't have gotten in my home country. I would definitely love to gain more experience here.' Ms Verma and her husband are currently sharing an apartment with another Indian family. Despite the housing crisis, she said it was easy to find a place to live. 'It was a bit easy because there are many agencies and we can go online and find houses on Gumtree,' she said. Ms Verma said the 'spicy, yummy food' is what she misses most from back home and has concerns about the the Australian government's plan to crack down on visas. 'The news is that the government is going somewhat against international students, so obviously, I'm getting nervous,' she said. 'If the government is going against the international students and they're taking strict action, that will be not not good for us.' Ms Verma said life in Australia and India are very different. 'Life is so fast here,' she said. 'Every person is just heading from home to work and work to home, there is way less social life here.' She has some advice for other Indians looking at moving to Australia. 'Be prepared mentally. Be strong,' she said. 'If you don't have a good mindset, you're going to struggle. I wish I could have known that as strong as you are, you should leave your fear apart.' Deep Sanghavi moved to Brisbane in 2019 to begin a master's degree in accounting but later found himself a job as a wedding planner. Deep Sanghavi (pictured) said new migrants should be 'focused' on getting residency The main piece of advice Mr Sanghavi would give new Indian migrants looking at making the move would be to focus on their studies and doing what they need to get permanent residency. 'That's the major thing, if you're not focused on that there's no point in coming to Australia,' he said. 'An Indian kid might pay around $60,000 to $90,000 just in fees to come to Australia. If you're paying the money you should be thinking about getting the residency otherwise it's a waste. 'The international students pay around four or five times what the Australian kids pay... and we've got to pay the money upfront.' While Mr Sanghavi loves living in Australia, he said 'it's not everyone's cup of tea' and each individual should weigh up whether the move is right for them. He said he is in the process of applying for permanent residency, and hopes to stay in Australia long-term. 'I've studied accounting, but I'm not working into that field so I'm going to do something related which helps me out for my residency.' Mr Sanghavi supports more migration to Australia, saying international student help stimulates the economy and keeps the country running. 'I feel they need it. If you want to run the government, you need more migration. The major contributors to the Australian economy are the international students,' he said. He explained many Indian migrants are wooed by the pay. 'The pay is definitely better, that's why everyone's out here I feel. Because if you do the same kind of work back home you don't get paid good money. Himanshu Raikar first came to Sydney as a student in 2018 and quickly realised he wanted to stay. Himanshu Raikar (pictured) said moving from Pune to Sydney was the best decision of his life With more than five years of work experience already behind him, he quickly found a job with a government department. He said the work-life balance and 'relaxed' culture has been a huge benefit and given him more time to spend with his wife and son. 'In India, you will see that people are much more focused on skills, and they need to be more focused on your personal growth and development,' he said. 'Here it's quite different. Employers give you time to grow within the role and within the company, and focus on your hobbies and passions so you get that good balance.' Despite missing the festivals and his family back home, Mr Raikar said moving to Australia was the best decision of his life. 'There is no downside to this decision at all, everything is uphill,' he said. 'No country is perfect, every country has some things that they can improve on but as far as I can see individually, this country has a lot to offer.' One of the biggest challenges Mr Raikar has faced is securing housing. 'I'm actually in that phase of purchasing a property now, but we're finding that a bit of a struggle, even though my wife and I are both what I like to call good professionals,' he said. Harris Park is a vibrant, multicultural suburb that's famous as Sydney's 'Little India' 'Because of the spike that we've seen in the housing market, we were not able to shortlist our expected property and we had to settle for a lower-quality house. 'It's not the best way to start out buying a property here, but we had to start somewhere and it's better than renting.' While Mr Raikar isn't too politically minded, he said he supports more migration because of its overall positive impact. 'In every country, I feel that migration boosts their economy,' he explained. 'If there are more students, they pay more educational institutions of course, I'm in favour of that.' Nishant Udani moved from Mumbai to study a Bachelor of Community Services in Brisbane, after finishing high school in 2019. 'In India the education is really very good but there's a lot of competition to get into the better universities. It's so hard,' he said. 'The other way is to go outside the country. That's what made me decide to come to Australia, so I can go to a good university and get my desired degree.' Mr Udani said he's still unsure whether he will stay in Australia after he finishes his studies because he has such a big family back home, but for now he's loving life. 'I'm happy with my decision to come to Australia,' he said. 'I started working. It's been very good, I've worked in different industries and I've learned about different things. Nishant Udani (pictured) moved from Mumbai to study in Brisbane four years ago The majority of Indian migrants say the food is what they miss most from back home 'At first I only had a little bit idea about a particular thing but once I started working in it my brain expanded and I came to know about more things I can do.' Mr Udani has been renting the apartment in south-east Queensland since 2020, but a lot of his friends are still struggling to secure housing. 'I've been living in same unit for the last four years and like I like it,' he said. 'At that time was market was not like this. The market was very stable and it was very easy to secure housing. 'At the moment my friends are looking for housing and I know they're struggling because it's way too expensive, and on top of that it's hard to find a place to live.' Mr Udani said new Indian migrants should know how that 'life is hard here compared to India'. 'Back home you have family and friends to support you but over here you're one man army and you are to do everything by yourself,' he explained. 'If you're ready to be a self-dependent person, then you should come to Australia and study and get a future over here.' On the government's plan to reduce immigration levels, Mr Udani said they said the Prime Minister has bigger issues to focus on. He said targeting the billion-dollar industry would not be good for the economy and may even lead to labor shortages down the track. 'There's plenty of work but there are less people, and and to get to get economy running you need more people,' he said. 'Migration is not the only problem, there are other problems as well. Instead of focusing on one factor you should look after all the factors. 'Instead of focusing on migration, I would suggest he focusses on the housing crisis. 'I feel that Brisbane is getting congested and the city doesn't have enough infrastructure and housing to accommodate this big population.' Following the United Kingdom, the Indian-born population is now second-largest migrant community in Australia. Shame Mani (pictured) said his biggest challenge has been finding a social circle in Australia Shame Mani moved to Sydney last year for a better lifestyle. 'I left India seven years ago. I have worked in Singapore and Dubai as well. So overall, in Asian countries, work can be hectic, but here it's more of a relaxed lifestyle,' he explained. After coming out alone, he said one of the biggest challenges has been finding a new social circle as an introvert. 'There's fresh air and less noise pollution, and overall, it's a better lifestyle here. But people coming from far places, they lose their social circle, their friends and family, so it's a trade-off,' Mr Mani said. 'Over there, there is a very symbiotic social circle where friends and neighbors try to help each other in difficult situations, but over here, I don't have that big social circle. 'Human beings are social animals, so we need that social circle. And people like me do try to make friendships but it's not long lasting, it's transient. 'But I have friends who are very extroverted and make friends wherever they go, so for them, life is easy. I have friends who have been living here for the last nine years and have had no problems with loneliness and depression and missing home.' He said securing housing was a 'nightmare', but he recently found a property in Sydney. 'I lived in Middle East, so finding a house over there was not that difficult,' he said. 'I appreciate there's a systematic process here... but if you go for any inspection, there is always a long queue. There's a rigorous criteria or process to get a house. Many say they have used Australia's student visa pathway as a way to gain permanent residency 'Some owners even check your weekly income and where you work.' Mr Mani's top tip for new potential migrants is 'come with some work experience'. 'If you're looking for a work in IT or accounting or whatever your domain is, come with a work experience from your home country because just ending up in a fancy job here is going to be bit difficult without strong references and connections,' he said. 'Most of the people coming here from India are students, so their journey is different. I am a professional so it's a bit different.' Mr Mani told Daily Mail Australia that he has now got enough 'points' to apply for permanent residency, which is a 'big status symbol' within the Indian community. 'I see Australia as a very beautiful country,' he said. 'I love history and architecture and all that, so in that sense I enjoy being here. But in the long-term I see Australia as a good place to work if I have a social circle.' In terms of the crackdown on student visas, Mr Mani said: 'Countries like Canada and Australia need people from outside'. The Chancellor is considering hiking the levy, but even the taxman has said a massive increase would cost the Treasury billions. HMRC estimates that a one percentage point increase in the higher rate of capital gains tax would raise just 100million. But a 10 percentage point increase or more - as was being mooted yesterday - is predicted to cut revenue by around 2billion because so many investors would quit Britain. It comes amid reports that Ms Reeves is considering raising CGT as high as 39 per cent in the Budget - claims strongly denied by the Treasury last night. The Guardian said officials were testing a range of 33 per cent to 39 per cent for CGT - levied on the gain, or profit, when an asset is sold. But a Treasury spokesman said: 'This reporting is not based on government modelling - we do not recognise it. This is pure speculation.' A senior Government source also ruled out raising CGT to 39 per cent or higher. America's top hostage negotiator, Roger Carstens, has revealed how he uses 'wizards' and the Bible to free people from the hellhole 'House of Dreams' prison. Carstens, 59, is the special presidential envoy for hostage affairs responsible for retrieving Americans who are wrongly detained or held captive by foreign governments and terrorist groups. He is known by the hostages' families as 'Captain America' and works tirelessly to secure their release, telling Vanity Fair: 'If this job turned into what it should be, we would be forward in a full-time negotiation, drinking Red Bull, popping Adderall until the job gets done. It's therefore no surprise he finds bureaucracy frustrating, saying: 'Every day I have a Starbucks coffee at my desk and Im wearing a suit and tie, Im thinking, This is total bull***t.' In the past two years, he has secured the release of 19 Americans from Venezuelan prisons alone. But there are still nearly 40 others detained in six countries around the world. Roger Carstens, 59, is the special presidential envoy for hostage affairs responsible for retrieving Americans who are wrongly detained or held hostage by foreign governments and terrorist groups Carstens grew up in a Christian family and is driven by a strong desire to help the less fortunate. He joined the US army believing it to be 'the most successful human rights organization in history when it comes to liberating vulnerable people'. After initially finding it hard to fall in line - he 'walked 158 punishment tours' for misconduct infractions - Carstens progressed quickly through the ranks of the special forces, traveling to war zones on four different continents. He then started his work in government as deputy assistant secretary at the State Department. Now he is the special presidential envoy for hostage affairs with a team of 25 people responsible for retrieving Americans who are wrongly detained or held hostage by foreign governments and terrorist groups. He told Vanity Fair: 'The bottom line for my office and this president and secretary of state is that if you have a blue passport and you are wrongfully detained or held hostage, your countrys coming to get you.' There are nearly 40 Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained in six different countries around the world. Some of the most famous cases include Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter imprisoned in Russia on espionage charges and the five Americans believed to be alive in Gaza. In December 2022, WNBA star Brittney Griner was released from Russia after being sentenced to nine years in a penal colony for possessing cannabis oil. Carstens works with everyone from heads of states to clergymen and aid workers to negotiate the release of the American citizens. He uses a range of tactics, both direct and indirect, in his efforts to bring them home. He told Vanity Fair: 'I pray a lot for the people that are being held. I also pray for the people holding them. 'Ill lift a dictator up in a second to God and say, "Lord, whatever this man is going through, please give him whatever he needs to release our citizens."' In December 2022, WNBA star Brittney Griner was released from Russia after being sentenced to nine years in a penal colony for possessing cannabis oil - Carstens helped negotiate her release Carstens works closely with victims' families, flying to meet them and giving them his personal phone number to call at any time. A quarter of the prisoners and hostages he works with are held in Venezuela in a prison known as the 'House of Dreams'. One man who was kept there in 2022, Los Angeles public defender Eyvin Hernandez, described the prison as a place that's 'meant to break you psychologically and spiritually'. He added at the time: 'The uncertainty, the isolation, the daily human rights violations, are taking their toll and are having their intended effect on us. Two people have already tried to commit suicide and one is on the brink.' Another man, Osman Khan, whose release was secured by Carstens, told Vanity Fair about his time in the prison: 'One of the guys starts pricking me with something. I was screaming and then I started feeling needles going through my body. 'They started electrocuting me. I fell to the ground, and I started throwing up. And the guys start making fun of me and they forced me to eat my own vomit.' When Carstens secured the release of seven American nationals from the prison - including Khan - in October 2022, Biden delivered the news personally to their families, saying: 'Theyve been through a lot, and weve been working like the devil to make sure that this happens.' But Hernandez had been left behind and was still in the House of Dreams. Carstens works closely with victims' families, flying to meet them and giving them his personal phone number to call at any time He works with everyone from heads of states to clergymen and aid workers to negotiate the release of the American citizens Carstens continued working tirelessly for his release, employing every tactic he could think of. He met with a 'wizard', a term he uses to describe a well-connected, out the box thinker who can find solutions to difficult questions. He told Vanity Fair: 'In the world of kings, wizards are the people underneath them that can meet, close the gaps between different positions, and start to pull deals together in a way that the kings cant.' He turned to the Bible, telling Vanity Fair that when he goes to a negotiation with 'an adversary about trying to release an American, Ill just read and meditate and pray to God.' One of his favorite verses is Matthew 10:16, which he summarized as: 'Help me be as wise as a serpent, innocent as a dove, and please give me the words that you want me to offer in that moment.' In December 2023, after months of negotiations, Carstens secured Hernandez's release. In total, over the last two years, his team have recovered 19 Americans from the House of Dreams and other Venezuelan prisons. Secretary of State Antony Blinken described Carstens to Vanity Fair as 'unstoppable', he said: 'Ive rarely, if ever, worked with someone who is so absolutely determined every single morning he wakes up to bring another American home.' When the rural neighborhood of Lone Mountain, Nevada, stood up to the might of the Mormon church, they may have anticipated an explosive argument. But not literally. 'We've had people setting off fireworks,' says resident Erin LeDoe. 'It was a neighbor who lives up against the mountain. They were setting off what were basically large cannons, right outside her backyard.' Those behind the pyrotechnics are thought to be supporters of a planned Mormon mega temple - and members of the church itself. Their target was a local woman who had fiercely opposed it, along with many of her neighbors, on the grounds that the proposed 216-foot tall building would dwarf their homes and destroy their peaceful idyll. The tiny tourist town of Cody, Wyoming, is one of several rural communities locked in a toxic feud with the Mormon church over its plans to build a mega temple in its neighborhood A rendering of the planned temple in Cody shows it would cover 10,000-square-feet and stand at 101-feet tall, far exceeding the town's 30-foot limit for all other buildings The residents of Lone Mountain, Nevada, claim they have had fireworks set off in their backyards over their opposition to plans for a mega temple in their community Despite its name, Lone Mountain is just one of several rural areas across America taking on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), commonly referred to as the Mormon church, over its plans to plant 'humongous' temples in the heart of their communities. Residents claim the proposals ride roughshod over local planning rules, designed to preserve the character of these unique settlements. Yet simply by defending their land, locals have ignited the ire of their religious neighbors, who have labeled opponents as 'bigots' and threatened to sue those who resist. And while the church flexes its legal muscle, it mobilizes its members by issuing rallying cries to descend on town halls from far and wide in a bid to show their projects have mass support. Ecclesiastical leaders say the size of these temples is 'essential' to their religious practice - and therefore protected by law. But many of their own members have poured scorn on these arguments, while others have suggested it is merely a cynical ploy to bolster the church's vast real estate portfolio. As neighbor is pitted against neighbor, DailyMail.com lifts the lid on a land grab that has turned toxic. Scared into silence LeDoe has become used to the name-calling. Among other things, opponents of the proposed 87,000-square-foot Mormon temple have been called agents of the devil and 'a bunch of dumb monkeys'. But some of the 'intimidation tactics', as LeDoe calls them, have become downright sinister. Just last week, one of her neighbors had a banner on his property 'slashed up' by a church lackey, while others had cars honking in their driveway as LDS members 'stared them down'. 'It's kind of scary,' says LeDoe. 'It's like, "you better stay silent, or we're going to come for you".' For some, it appears to be working. The woman who was given the impromptu firework display said she has camera footage showing the fireworks were set off from her neighbors' property, who are church members, and aimed in the direction of her home. Given the timing of the incident - and the fact it had never happened before - she believes it was done to 'intimidate' her. She did not wish to be named due to fear of reprisals. Businesses are also afraid of speaking out. After voicing her concerns about the temple, local photographer Victoria Bremmer was given a one-star Google review along with the comment: 'Victoria discriminates against other people because of their religious beliefs.' The proposed temple in Lone Mountain would stand at 216-feet, dwarfing all other buildings in the area, which are limited to a maximum height of 35 feet In order to illustrate just how much taller the temple would be, some residents floated a balloon 216 feet high in the air in April Resident Erin DeLoe (pictured), who opposes the temple, accused the church of 'intimidation' tactics in order to frighten protesters into silence The lot (pictured) on which the Mormon church hopes to build encompasses some 20 acres- enough to contain the proposed 87,000-square-foot bulk of the temple Lone Mountain takes its name from the solitary peak that casts a long shadow over the smattering of homes, rocky terrains and livestock that make up its surroundings - an oasis of tranquility barely a half hour drive west of the Las Vegas strip. In this residential area, homes are limited to a maximum of 35 feet. There are no street lights and the neighborhood's quiet roads have dirt shoulders so people can ride their horses up to the equestrian arena nearby. The proposed temple, quite apart from towering above anything else in the town, includes plans for 514 parking spaces in a lot that would be lit up from 5am to 11pm. The local Northwest Rural Preservation Association, of which LeDoe is treasurer, fears the area's undisturbed dark skies would be lost forever if the temple was built. 'We're not saying you cannot build here,' LeDoe says. 'We're not bigots. It has nothing to do with religion. We have other churches that have developed in the area that have worked with the community. 'We're just asking the LDS to follow the same rules as everyone else. Don't come in and steamroller us and build something that is not compatible with our neighborhood.' Friends in high places This sentiment is echoed elsewhere, including in Cody, Wyoming, a small tourist town around 50 miles from Yellowstone National Park that is home to Buffalo Bill's final resting place. Here, the grassroots group Preserve Our Cody Neighborhoods (POCN) has taken a stand against a proposed 10,000-square-foot temple. 'We are not against the LDS or their religion or their right to have a temple,' says Carla Egelholl, a group member. 'We are against the proposed location because the building doesn't fit.' But residents know they are up against the full force of the Mormon machine, which has insiders on the local council. Cody lies around 50 miles from Yellowstone National Park and is the final resting place of Buffalo Bill. Residents fear the scale of the Mormon temple would destroy their rural idyll Those opposed to the planned Cody temple have been angered by the fact that the city planner who recommended construction go ahead is himself a member of the church Residents of Heber Valley, Utah, are suing the county claiming the way officials approved a planned Mormon temple in their community was illegal Opponents say proposed the 88,000-square-foot temple (pictured) encroaches on their property rights and would bring noise and light pollution to the area The POCN have alleged that city planner and LDS member Todd Stowell was biased in his recommendation that the proposal was in line with local planning laws. Stowell effectively argued that the 101-foot building would actually comply with Cody's 30-foot limit, because the 77-foot spire would be unoccupied - and therefore should not count towards the total height. Deb Wendtland, the attorney representing Cody residents, has argued in court that Stowell's standing in the Mormon community has benefited from his work on the temple application and he even got a job offer because of it. The church attorney, Kendal Hoopes, responded by saying Stowell received no benefits and was simply performing his duties. But it is a measure of how the church's extensive network can be brought into play in such matters. In Heber Valley, Utah, where local officials have held leadership roles within the LDS, zoning rules were changed to accommodate a proposed 88,000-square-foot temple without a vote from its citizens. A residents group is now suing the county, claiming the approval process was illegal and that the development encroaches on their property rights, while bringing noise and light pollution to the area. And in Lone Mountain, public records seen by DailyMail.com show the LDS law firm gave $70,000 in individual campaign contributions to members of the Las Vegas City Council, shortly before and after it purchased the parcel of land on which it intends to build. Councilwoman Victoria Seaman, who received $20,000 in donations from the law firm, said her votes on the temple plans were 'based solely on a review of all the facts'. Grassroots mobilization Mormon leaders have also unleashed an extraordinary grassroots campaign, drawing 'unprecedented' crowds to town hall meetings usually attended by one man and his dog. On May 14, a crucial planning vote in Lone Mountain was swarmed by LDS members dressed in navy blue who had answered a call to arms from the church's official Las Vegas Facebook page. On Tuesday, a meeting in Fairview, a small town in north Texas, drew 2,500 Mormons dressed in white as residents debated plans for a new mega temple. That is despite church figures showing that only around 70 of the Fairview's 11,000 population are LDS - and these are believed to be overestimates. The slick hierarchy of the church means its leaders are able to rally its troops at the snap of their fingers, with their flock descending on Fairview from across the region. Around 2,500 Mormons descended on the town of Fairview, Texas, from neighboring towns and cities to show their support for a planned mega temple that is opposed by residents The town mayor has vowed to block the project based on the fact that the proposed 174-foot structure far exceeds the 35-foot limit imposed in the residential zone it seeks to join The Mormon church has a list of more than 150 temples that are either planned or under construction, with at least five (shown above) already opposed by residents' groups DailyMail.com has seen letters sent to rank-and-file members from local church leaders in neighboring towns and cities including McKinney, Dallas, Sherman and Cross Roads. The correspondence noted that opposition to its planned 16-storey temple 'has been louder and more numerous than our support' and demanded 15,000 emails be sent to the town planner from all members aged 12 and over. Church faithful were advised to bring camping gear in anticipation that not all would get into the 300-capacity venue, which had been hired specially by town officials as part of a number of 'crowd control' measures. The city says 87 percent of the 350 messages it has received from Fairview residents about the temple have opposed it. But it's received more than twice as many from non-residents, with 89 percent of those messages in favor of it. It is this form of lobbying that has most angered Fairview Mayor Henry Lessner, who has vowed to block the project based on the fact that the proposed 174-foot structure far exceeds the 35-foot limit imposed in the residential zone it seeks to join. 'LDS folks are being told to come from up to 300 miles away,' he told DailyMail.com. 'That really upsets me because it's none of their business. 'They want a show of force, but it probably makes us dig our heels in harder.' 'We do this all the time...and we never lose' READ MORE: Could Mormon church be worth $1TRILLION in 20 years? The Mormon Church has amassed a vast reserve of ready cash that it can call upon in the event of a period of upheaval or economic instability. Its 'cash cushion' is more than three times the size of that held by tech giant Apple and significantly larger than Microsoft and Google Advertisement Lessner added that a church attorney had already threatened legal action if Fairview voted against their temple, describing the move as 'bullying'. 'Their attorney basically said, "we're going to do this and if you don't let us, we're going to sue you",' the mayor claims. 'Some local LDS officials have said "if you don't like it, you can't move, and LDS folks will move in and buy your houses". 'That is completely arrogant.' Indeed, the church sledgehammer has been wielded by its lawyers - often to great effect. Amid threats of legal action, the Las Vegas Planning Commission approved the Lone Mountain temple under the condition that it meet the neighborhood's lighting standards. Before casting his vote in the temple's favor, commissioner David Walsh said: 'The last thing this city needs is another lawsuit.' A report by the city found that the 35-foot limit did not apply to religious or government buildings. The City Council is expected to vote on the issue in July. In Cody, city officials got themselves in a twist after approving, rejecting, then ultimately approving plans for the Mormon temple after the church sued over the matter. Preserve Our Cody Neighborhoods quickly filed a petition in district court as a 'last line of defense against an LDS corporation that has threatened and intimidated our community'. Despite its efforts, equipment has been moved to the site. Egelholl and other members of the neighborhood group claim they have been personally threatened with legal action by church leaders. 'They told us that they have a right to build their house of worship,' she says. 'They said we should take this very seriously, that they need to be accommodated. They also said "we do these kinds of cases all the timeand we don't lose".' A place of worship or wealth generator? The church's argument is based on the Religious Land Use And Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA), which protects houses of worship from discrimination in zoning and landmarking laws. To this extent, its leadership has been at pains to explain that the size and scale of their temples are essential to their worship, with the height of the steeples 'drawing their eyes towards heaven'. As an integral part of their religion, the church argues, the height of temples should not be bound by local planning restrictions. Yet at least half a dozen Mormon temples across North America do not have steeples, which opponents say contradicts their claims. As to why they need to be built in these rural, residential areas, church representatives say these peaceful surroundings are most conducive to their style of worship. But others have offered alternative theories. Joel Schuh, an accountant who lives with his wife Jennifer in Fairview, believes any religious arguments are 'a complete ruse'. 'My opinion is that this is financially beneficial for them,' he says. 'If they buy land and real estate, they generate wealth.' Schuh believes affluent rural residential areas are being targeted because planning laws would prohibit other commercial buildings being constructed next to the temples, protecting them from any potential depreciation in value. The LDS church certainly appears to have a voracious appetite for buying up land, with DailyMail.com previously revealing its remarkable real estate portfolio is worth an estimated $15.7billion. The Mormon church owns an estimated $15.7billion worth of real estate across America Pictured: The Salt Lake City temple in Utah is the largest and best-known temple of the Mormon church Church President President Russell M. Nelson Quite why a religious institution needs to generate such riches is subject to much debate, with one whistleblower previously suggesting the Mormon belief in The Second Coming is the reason for its vast reserves. Meanwhile, Landon Brophy, a disaffected church member and co-host of the Mormonish podcast, has suggested the building spree is merely a vanity project for LDS President Russell M. Nelson. 'They're trying to dominate the skyline so everyone sees their power and wealth in the community,' he told DailyMail.com. DailyMail.com reached out to the Mormon church for comment on these issues, but it did not respond. Regardless of the reasons behind the construction drive, this is just the start. The church has a list of more than 150 temples that are either planned or under construction. In April, the LDS announced plans to build a new 124-foot temple in Bakersfield, California, where buildings are limited to 60 feet. A residents' group is already mobilizing against it. If the bitter feuds already erupting elsewhere are anything to go by, there could be more fireworks to come. The 'Dani' tribe lived uncontacted by the outside world until 1938, when they were accidentally discovered tucked away in the Highlands of West Papua, Indonesia. Their homeland in the Baliem Valley was isolated by steep, rugged valleys and dense highland forest and today, the region remains one of the poorest in Indonesia. Known for their macabre traditions - including the amputation of women's fingers to appease the dead and greasing the mummified body of a former warrior chief - the Dani are one of the most populous tribes in the highlands. While the Dani people remain widely uninterrupted by outside forces, their haunting traditions piqued the interest of many curious minds around the globe. Like many indigenous tribes today, their economy relies on tourism - their unique customs, traditional dress and rituals attracting visitors to their remote villages. But many of the Dani's customs persist today. Rare images shot in the remote location, capturing the lives of the tribesmen and women, leave viewers jaw-dropped as they pose next to the blackened remains of the 250 year old Wimontok Mabel and women proudly display their fingerless hands. Here, MailOnline takes a look into the 250,000-strong tribe's traditions and practices that sees babies having their fingers bitten off by their mothers and members smoking the ashes of their ancestors. Known for their macabre traditions - including the amputation of women's fingers to appease the dead and greasing the mummified body of a former warrior chief - the Dani are one of the most populous tribes in the West Papua highlands This photo taken on August 7, 2016 shows tribe chief Eli Mabel posing with the mummified remains of his ancestor, Agat Mamete Mabel. The remains are believed to be 250 years old Tribesmen are seen preparing a pig festival in Dani Village, in West Papua's Baliem Valley Grief: Ritual finger amputation Emotional pain as part of a grieving process is no strange concept, but for Dani women, sadness is not enough. When a loved one dies, female members subject themselves to an act of extreme physical pain, believing the physical representation of emotional agony is essential to the grieving process. Upon attending the funeral of a child or family member, Dani women will cut off the top of their finger as they believe the practice will both gratify and drive away spirits. The ritual practice is performed by first tying a string tightly around the upper half of the finger for around half an hour, allowing the finger to become numb for what members of the tribe deem a 'near' painless removal. The finger is then hacked off with an axe or stone blade and the open wound is cauterised using a hot stone or piece of metal to prevent bleeding. This then forms a new, calloused finger. However, the amputations can also be carried out without the use of tools. In these grisly cases, Dani women chew at the knuckles to weaken them before using string to cut off the blood supply to the digit. Another option is to tie up the joints in order to stop the blood flowing to the area, leading to the death of muscles and nerves due to oxygen deprivation until the dead part of the finger naturally falls off the bone. When a loved one dies, female members on the Dani tribe subject themselves to an act of extreme physical pain - amputating their fingers - believing the physical representation of emotional agony is essential to the grieving process Upon attending the funeral of a child or family member, Dani women will cut off the top of their finger as they believe the practice will both gratify and drive away spirits The cutting is often carried out by an individual's siblings or parents, and to further express their grief, the Dani people cover their faces in ashes and clay. Some members cut off the ears too, while others smear themselves in river sludge for a week without taking a bath as this means the dead have returned to nature, the Guardian Nigeria News reported. Following the bloody practice, the left-over finger is then dried and buried, or it is burned to ashes that are stored away for safekeeping. Images from inside the tribal grounds show older female members speckled in white paint and adorned in beads with many of their fingers missing in a display of how many loved ones have departed from their lives. But it is not only the women of the older generation who face the terror of finger amputation - with even babies not being spared from the practice. Mothers within the tribe have been known to bite their children's fingers in half, in the belief that it will increase their lifespan. The brutal amputation practice has been banned by the Indonesian government, but there are chilling fears that this hasn't stopped older female members of the tribe carrying out the ritual in secret. Mummification Another ancient practice within the Dani tribe is the mummification of successful warriors and village chiefs. The tiny, blackened, shrivelled corpse of Agat Mamete Mabel, the chieftain that ruled over one remote village in Indonesian Papua some 250 years ago, is the most sacred mummy of all among the Dani people. Upon his death, he was embalmed and preserved with smoke and animal oil. Nine generations on, and Agat's descendant Eli Mabel is now the current leader in Wogi village - an isolated hamlet in the Highlands area that can only be reached via hike and canoe. He guards the corpse, which is decorated with pig tusks, a feathered headpiece, and a traditional penis gourd, and lays in a hut called a 'honai'. Tribe chief Eli Mabel holds mummified remains of his ancestor, Agat Mamete Mabel, in the village of Wogi, in Wamena The wide-domed, thatch-roofed hut is tended all year-round by a select few villagers who keep a fire burning to ensure the corpse remains dry and preserved. The duty of caring for the mummy is Eli's responsibility, and he spends many solitary nights in the honai ensuring no harm comes to his ancestor. 'We must protect our culture, including the ceremonies for the mummy, the way we treat it, and maintain and fire for it,' Eli told AFP. Eventually, the duty of caring for Agat will be passed onto another, but the guardian has hopes his children will continue the legacy. 'I have told them they must take care of the mummy at some point in their lives,' Eli told of his four children, some living in far-off provinces in Indonesia's more populated centres. There are believed to be six or seven other mummies within the tribe. However, while it was o nce common among Eli's forebears, the ritual method of smoke embalming is no longer practised, he explained to AFP. Christian missionaries and Muslim preachers encouraged the tribespeople to bury the corpses, and the tradition has faded as the centuries drifted by. Eli said the exact age of Agat Mamete Mabel was not known, but told AFP this ancestor was the last of the village to receive such a funeral. Penis Sheath Another distinctive feature of the Dani tribesmen is the Koteka, or 'Penis Sheath'. Members of the tribe would traditionally wear very little, but the Koteka has long been an important item of clothing for the Dani men. However, according to tribal scholars, the Koteka - or 'hilim' as it is known among the Dani tribe - was not only designed for protection, or to cover one's modesty. It also functions as a symbol of social status, and is one of the traditional clothes worn by the people of Papua. Men wearing Kotekas are seen carrying a pig to slaughter in Baliem Valley, West Papua The Koteka is made mostly from dried pumpkin, with members of the tribe planting pumpkins in most yards around their homes. After several months of growth, the pumpkin is tied with stones to form an upright shape, before one stone is removed to create its hanging shape. According to scholars, the shape of the Koteka indicates social status among tribesmen, with curved Kotekas being worn by people with the most influence. Pumpkins that are ready are picked and then dried in a fireplace. Once dry, the contents are removed until only the hard skin of the pumpkin remains. It is then cleaned and dried again in the fireplace, before it can be worn. Scholars say the whole process takes between one and two weeks from when the pumpkin is picked, and that several are made in one go. Kotekas are often decorated with a crest made of chicken or bird feathers, and are tied with a soft string around the waist. Dani tribe men perform a mock tribal war during the Baliem valley festival in Walesi district in Wamena, Papua Province on August 8, 2016 In this photo taken on August 9, 2016, Dani tribeswomen participate in the 27th annual Baliem Valley Festival in Walesi district in Wamena, Papua Province A Koteka is not replaced until it breaks. In the past, missionaries have tried to persuade West Papua's tribes to ditch the Koteka in favour of western clothes. And in the 1970s, Kotekas became a problem for the New Order government, with officials launching 'operation Koteka' with the aim of improving the standard of living among the region's indigenous people. The programme failed, and some Dani people still wear the Koteka. Young people are known to wear them for certain events, and some schools still allow students to wear them. Pig Slaughter The Dani are also famous for their elaborate pig festivals. These see dozens of pigs slaughtered and cooked in an underground pot for hours. Such feasts are a key part of Dani culture, and are often held to mark special occasions, including weddings and funerals - along with mock battles. Traditional pig festivals are still held today, as are many smaller versions. No political or major event will be marked without a pig feast, which are also often organised for tourists when they make the trek to visit the Dani people. Three Men from the Dani cut wood as they prepare to burn stones at Obia Village on August 9, 2014 in Wamena, Papua A pig is roasted over an open fire at a pig slaughter festival in Dani Village in Baliem Valley In general, the pig plays a large part of the Dani culture. Men will often insert pig tusks through their noses, and during festivities, will make patterns on their bodies with pig grease, along with soot, clay and mud. The tribe - which depends on pigs for food - also has a respect for the animal. They are seen as not just a source of sustenance and wealth, but are also viewed as members of families and community, and are valued deeply. In fact, pigs can only be slaughtered in the ritual ceremonies out of respect. Writing for the New York Times in 2016, journalist Seth Kugel described his visit to Wesagalep - another Dani village - and a pig-slaughtering ceremony he saw there. He wrote that men and women stood in a circle and began to sob, while other villagers brought pigs into the gathering. Other visitors also arrived to Wesagalep, bearing more pigs, which were handed over to the village children who, he said, 'seemed to delight in soothing the pigs while also clamping their mouths closed.' Kugel then described how the attention of the villagers shifted to an enclosure on another level in the village, where the largest pig had been let loose. There, a 'grizzled old man' stalked the hog with a hunting bow, before shooting it in the mid section. The pig took mere seconds to die from the poison barb. A woman from the Dani tribe with amputated fingers smokes a traditional cigarette at Obia Village on August 9, 2014 in Wamena, Papua It was then the suckling pigs' turn, Kugel wrote, which were slaughtered one after the other, before their hair was burned off - ready to be skinned. Kugel said his party didn't stay for the rest of the ceremony, but other accounts say that once the pigs are prepared, they are put in a cooking pit lined with vegetables. A fire is then started with friction to light a pile of wood and to warm heating stones. Other witnesses have said the men of the tribe tend to eat most of the meat, while the women eat the entrails and the vegetables. A picturesque town dubbed America's slice of Tuscany has been taken over by boozy bachelorette parties running wild in the streets. Nestled in Northern California's Sierra Nevadas and just 150 miles from San Francisco, Murphys is home to around 2,000 people and popular among vacationers thanks to an abundance of vineyards and tasting rooms. But many locals and regular visitors are becoming increasingly fed up with the rowdy bar scene as partygoers guzzle wine to excess rather than drinking to taste, SF Gate reported this week. 'They'll dance on the countertop,' said Elie Frey of Allegorie Wine on Main Street. 'And then throw up outside,' she added. Meanwhile, older crowds sit nearby merrily 'quaffing sauvignon blanc and enjoying shrimp salad in the sun, discussing their nephews and kale.' The growing divide has earned Murphys a new nickname from the local outlet: 'The town of two faces'. Nestled in Northern California 's Sierra Nevadas and just 150 miles from San Francisco, Murphys is home to around 2,000 people It's popular among vacationers thanks to an abundance of vineyards and tasting rooms, and has become a hive for boozy bachelorette parties like the one at the town hotel seen above Murphys was ranked as one of the quaintest travel destinations in the US in a 2021 Forbes article that claimed wine tasting in the town 'will make you feel like you're in Tuscany'. But the village, which was founded by three Irish brothers in 1844, has inadvertently become a popular place to host bachelorette parties. Frey, who settled in Murphys 12 years ago after living all over the Golden State, explained how the number of wine tasting rooms has exploded in recent years. While pouring a chardonnay aged in a $24,000 oak barrel, she told an SFGate reporter: 'There were seven tasting rooms when I first moved here. There are 20 now'. It's led many businesses to introduce new themes to help them stand out such as wine with lavender, wine and oysters and even wine with CBD - pairings that would almost certainly be sneered at in Italy. 'I think there's a "wine and hats" place now,' Frey told the outlet. But despite this she told the outlet she has no plans to leave. Worsening matters is that, aside from bottles on display, pours are free - unlike other popular watering holes like Sonoma and Napa, not to mention Tuscany. Tastings are thus not exactly tasteful and often result in rowdy exits on Main Street. It's resulted in locals steering well clear of the area, particularly on weekends, SFGate reported. One quiet bookstore a few doors down is among those plagued by the weekly revelry - some of which was seen in an infamous 2011 episode of Gordon Ramsay's Hotel Hell centered around another establishment on Main Street. Brenna Landis, at Books on Main, told the outlet how this behavior is still a thing 13 years later, with wedding parties being one of the most uproarious forms of visitor. 'My co-worker and I were organizing the books in the kids corner, and a wedding party came in,' she recalled. 'They were drunk and stepping on the childrens books, and we were like, "You cant do that!"' She joked: 'We should have a sign: "No drunk bachelorette parties in the kids section."' It's resulted in locals steering well clear of the area, particularly on weekends, SFGate reported Fed up with the rowdy bar scene and partygoers guzzling wine by the liter, locals complained to the paper about their picturesque paradise being upended Meanwhile, older crowds sit 'quaffing sauvignon blanc and enjoying shrimp salad in the sun, discussing their nephews and kale', the paper reported Some of the towns decor seem to cater specifically to the bridal parties, including a pink Best Friends consignment store which the local outlet describes as looking like 'it's been plucked from an American Girl catalog' Meanwhile, almost every other establishment is a wine room, all of which offer tastings for free The woman went on to reveal her ties to the town once known for the gold hidden its hills and now for the wine freely flowing from its establishments. 'My great-grandmother lived here,' the lifelong resident said. 'My grandparents live here. My mom grew up here. 'Its got a very small-town feel, like the "Gilmore Girls,"' she continued. 'Its like, "Oh hey, its Dave the mailman." You know everyone on the street.' That's why locals, for the most part, know when to stay away, she told SFGate - citing how Main Street is mostly filled with second homes owned by those from the more liberal Bay Area. This is in contrast to Calaveras County, where Murphys is located, which has a decidedly right-leaning demographic, leading to more tension. 'There are times it gets a little dicey,' Landis explained. 'During Pride, we have a table out front. Some people see it and just turn around and leave.' Despite this, she too has no plans on moving. Some of the towns decor seem to cater specifically to the bridal parties, including a pink Best Friends consignment store which the local outlet describes as looking like 'it's been plucked from an American Girl catalog'. Almost every other establishment is a wine room, and spots like Murphys Historic Hotel are renowned for its hard-drinking clientele. One of the oldest establishments in California, it opened in 1856 and regularly hosts bachelorette parties. Spots like Murphys Historic Hotel are renowned for its hard-drinking clientele, many of whom come from the Bay Area In one 2011 episode of Gordon Ramsays 'Hotel Hell' centered around the business, young male owners were seen giving lap-dances and ripping off their shirts to entertain the girl groups - much to the chef's dismay These bachelorettes frequently clash locals and history buffs visiting the town to admire the plaques on 19th century buildings around Main Street - where shamrocks are displayed to honor the brothers who founded the settlement In one 2011 episode of Gordon Ramsays 'Hotel Hell' centered around the business, young male owners were seen giving lap-dances and ripping off their shirts to entertain the girl groups - much to the chef's dismay. These bachelorettes frequently clash locals and history buffs visiting the town to admire the plaques on 19th century buildings around Main Street - where shamrocks are displayed to honor the brothers who founded the settlement. Retirees are also in abundance - many of them well-off women complaining of the wedding parties taking over their streets, the SFGate found. Coastal second-home transplants are also making life expensive, residents said. Meanwhile, music from Irish pubs on Main street continues to radiate, and the wine rooms go on offering tastings at no cost. Each year, the town holds its Chicken in a Barrel festival in the village park - where locals buy barrel roast chickens made to sell The village, meanwhile, was founded by three Irish brothers in 1844. It is seen here several decades later Yet, as the SFGate reporter noted: 'Despite the towns contradictions, everyone seems to coexist in some form of harmony - describing the little settlement as a 'town of contradictions.' '[A]ll will be present at the upcoming Chicken in a Barrel festival in the park,' he continued, pointing to the town's great equalizer - an annual festival held every summer where locals buy barrel roast chickens made to sell. A glamorous Palm Beach jewelry store owner has been busted for allegedly duping Florida's elite with counterfeit Chanel, Rolex, Tiffany and Pucci following a bombshell police investigation. Blesk Jewelry opened its doors on the iconic Worth Avenue 11 years ago, and it's believed to have been peddling illegal replicas of big-name brands which have legitimate boutiques on the very same street. Palm Beach Police launched undercover operations at the store - which has a second outlet on nearby South County Road - culminating in the arrest of its glamorous blond-haired owner Olena Austin. The 51-year-old socialite also goes by the names of Helena Mykhaylova and Helena Gates. Police suspect she may be eastern European. She owns the business with her husband named Bill Gates. Captain Will Rothrock of Palm Beach Police told DailyMail.com the case is likely to be the first of its kind at the famous shopping mecca. 'We've not had reports of a counterfeit store on Worth Avenue before,' he said. A Palm Beach jewelry store owner Olena Austin (pictured) has been busted for allegedly duping Florida's elite with fake Chanel, Rolex, Tiffany and Pucci for the last several years in a bombshell FBI probe Austin posted a photograph with Donald Trump to her Facebook page the day before his 2016 election win was announced in November of that year Worth Avenue: paved with oyster shell concrete and punctuated by 40-foot coconut palms, the wide, sun-soaked boulevard stretches four blocks from Lake Worth to the Atlantic Ocean on the east side Punctuated by 40-foot coconut palms and paved with oyster-shell concrete, the wide, sun-soaked boulevard stretches four blocks from Lake Worth to the Atlantic Ocean on the east side. Wealthy patrons have flocked to the luxury shopping and dining district since the 1920s, and the sight of a police raid at Blesk on the night of June 6 is likely to have turned some heads. Captain Rothrock said police seized 800 counterfeit items with an estimated value of more than $3.4 million during the interception. They arrested Austin, who was booked at the county jail. The sting followed eight months of undercover investigations into Blesk's two stores following a tip from the FBI in October. Captain Rothrock told DailyMail.com the fake items seized included a Pucci dress being sold for less than a fifth of the price at $400, and a Van Cleef bracelet which would normally cost $20,000 to $30,000 listed for $500. Officers asked employees of the dress 'is this real Pucci?' to which they said 'yes', but a representative of the luxury Italian brand confirmed the item was fake. Counterfeit Chanel diamond earrings which normally cost quadruple figures were also on offer for $500. Police found that Blesk had not been authorized to sell these items even if they were the real deal. Footage of Austin's court appearance in the aftermath shows her looking worried while appearing to glance around the room for her husband, who attended the first hearing but made no comment to journalists who asked questions outside. Blesk Jewelry opened its doors on the iconic Worth Avenue 11 years ago, and since then it is believed to have been peddling counterfeit replicas of big-name brands which have legitimate boutiques on the very same street Captain Rothrock said police seized 800 counterfeit items with an estimated value of $3.4 million during the interception. They arrested Austin, who was booked at the county jail Counterfeit Chanel diamond earrings which normally cost quadruple figures were also being sold for $500. Police found that Blesk had not been authorized to sell these items even if they were the real deal Captain Rothrock said police seized 800 counterfeit items with an estimated value of $3.4 million during the interception. They arrested Austin, who was booked at the county jail The courtroom scene was a far cry from the lifestyle Austin is accustomed to. Her online presence offers a window into her glamorous social calendar. On Facebook, several images show the sun-kissed socialite beaming with friends while wearing brightly colored cocktail dresses and glittering silver jewelry. She even posted a photograph with Donald Trump at a ballroom venue during his vacation there in November 2016, days after he won the election. Other photographs show Austin posing at Palm Beach Polo Club and enjoying life at the beach with her husband. Gates co-owns the business with Austin, and Captain Rothrock told DailyMail.com the initial police investigation is far from finished. 'I would not preclude any further chargers or arrests in this case,' he said when asked about Gates. Captain Rothrock said it is not the first time Blesk has had a brush with the law. Designer names came forward to complain about the knock-offs to another local law enforcement department seven years ago. 'I have heard that around 2017, the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office had involvement with Blesk and there was a court order associated with this business and the real brands,' he told DailyMail.com. 'There was some sort of resolution to this case. It didn't lead to any arrest, but perhaps confiscation of items and promises that they were not going to keep selling those items.' Palm Beach Police launched undercover operations at the store - which has a second outlet on nearby South County Road - culminating in the arrest of its glamorous blond-haired owner Olena Austin (pictured in her mugshot) Other photographs show Austin posing at Palm Beach Polo Club and enjoying life at the beach with her husband Footage of Austin's court appearance in the aftermath shows her looking worried while appearing to glance around the room for her husband, who attended the first hearing but made no comment to journalists who asked questions outside Alleged thief Renald Louis, 32, of West Palm Beach, reportedly smashed his way into Blesk with a hammer after targeting several other stores on Worth Avenue. He seized 37 pieces of jewelry valued at $10,000 It may have been that Austin accidentally outed herself in that same year during an interview with local news after her store was hit by a burglary. Alleged thief Renald Louis, 32, of West Palm Beach, reportedly smashed his way into Blesk with a hammer after targeting several other stores on Worth Avenue. He seized 37 pieces of jewelry valued at $10,000. Austin, who gave her name as Helena Mykhaylova to journalists, revealed the pieces were actually 'travel diamonds' - laser-cut replicas designed for residents to bring on vacation when they don't want to risk packing their real diamonds. 'I was shocked and I was impressed that our diamonds look so real even the thief was fooled,' she told Palm Beach Daily News at the time. Palm Beach Police issued an appeal for anyone who believes they may have unknowingly bought counterfeit goods from the store to call police - but Captain Rothrock said no-one has come forward yet. 'We have not received any calls from the community, but I'm sure there are some victims out there,' he said. If you believe you have been sold counterfeit goods from Blesk Jewelry, police ask that you call 561-227-6464. Blesk Jewelry opened its doors on the iconic Worth Avenue 11 years ago, and since then it is believed to have been peddling counterfeit replicas of big-name brands which have legitimate boutiques on the very same street. (Pictured: jewelry advertised on Blesk's Instagram page) Captain Rothrock said police seized 800 counterfeit items with an estimated value of $3.4 million during the interception. They arrested Austin, who was booked at the county jail (Pictured: jewelry advertised on Blesk's Instagram page) Captain Rothrock said it's not the first time Blesk has had a brush with the law, after designer names came forward to complain about the knock-offs to other local law enforcement (Pictured: jewelry advertised on Blesk's Instagram page) DailyMail.com has contacted the designer brands who were allegedly ripped off by the store. Those who responded were oblivious to the apparent scam. A Chanel customer care advisor named Cameron gave recommendations on how to be sure you're buying the real deal. 'The only method by which you can ensure you are getting the correct product is by going to one of our official stores,' he said. 'You can also check on Chanel.com, at the very bottom of the page there's a store locator. You can find the closest branch to you. 'Chanel doesn't provide authentication services, so this is the only way.' Austin has posted bail and she will appear in court again in the coming months. DailyMail.com could not reach Austin for comment. Toddler broke both his femur bones in three places Oscar Blaxland still remembers the first question he asked his mother having woken up from a coma after plummeting six floors out of a window. The then-three-year-old had been playing inside a unit in Sydney's Neutral Bay while his father, a real estate photographer, snapped some photos for a listing. 'I had taken my sister's slipper and thrown it out the window,' the 31-year-old software sales executive told Daily Mail Australia. 'Then I got up on the windowsill to see where it landed. I lost my balance and fell head first but landed on my knees.' Oscar's first childhood memory is waking up in hospital and telling his panicked mother Charlotte: 'I want to watch Sesame Street'. While her son lay in a coma Charlotte had promised him that he could watch his favourite character Ernie on the popular kids show when he woke up. The detail is all the more heartbreaking when Oscar reveals that doctors had told his devastated parents it was unlikely he would survive the night. The cheeky toddler had been playing with his sister in a unit in this apartment block in Sydney's Neutral Bay while his father snapped photos for a real estate listing in 1996 Three-year-old Oscar is seen giving a thumbs up as his father pushes his wheelchair Both of his femur bones had been broken in three places, the growth plates in his knees had been shattered and blood had pooled in his lungs. Miraculously, Oscar made a full recovery with Mrs Blaxland recounting the harrowing details of his fall for the first time in her new book Miracle Boy. While Oscar doesn't remember the fall or the recovery afterwards, he does remember visiting his preschool and showing the other children his cast. He said it had been emotional, and sometimes overwhelming, to read how his family members were affected by the accident - most of all his father. 'It was just one of those really inexplicable things,' Oscar said. 'If you look at the body shape of a toddler, the head is quite large and even as an adult it's still the heaviest part of your body. 'They don't really know how I didn't hit the ground head first.' Oscar, with his legs in red casts, is pictured with his younger sister Priscilla Oscar said he had been an adventurous child and an 'intense' teenager, joking he was 'definitely' responsible for his parent's grey hair. Oscar said his father until very recently had struggled with guilt. 'My poor father has sort of blamed himself his whole life,' he said. 'Of course he shouldn't blame himself, it wasn't his fault. Nevertheless, you come out of these traumatic incidences and people inevitably end up blaming themselves. 'He feels like he should have been my protector, he should have prevented this accident and I suppose that's your role as father, to protect your family. 'So that's been very difficult for him.' Oscar believes the overnight fame that came with being dubbed the 'Miracle Boy' by the media had changed his family dynamic forever. Both of Oscar's femur bones were broken in three places following the six-storey fall He now wonders if his sister Priscilla, who is 18 months younger than him, sometimes felt ignored in the whirlwind that followed his accident. 'I mean, there's me in front of the cameras and getting photographed, videoed and interviewed by reporters wanting to get my story,' he said. 'And Priscilla's just there in the background. She's fine today but that's a tough thing for a child to have to go through, to feel like maybe your not important. 'My sister is very important and very special. She's a wonderful, beautiful person. But as a child, you don't understand the nuances of the context of the situation.' Oscar recently got married to his partner Kate and is excited to start his own brood. He doesn't think the accident will impact on his parenting and believes children should be challenged in the appropriate environment. Oscar returned to the unit block for the first time ever this year (pictured) Oscar recently married Kate, with the couple hoping to start their own family soon 'I think that's a good thing and so I'd like to think that I would stay true to that. But who knows? I suppose I'm only just coming to terms with the full gravity of the accident now as a 31-year-old,' he said. 'I don't really know how it's going to play out. But I do believe a bit of adventure is a good thing for children.' Until then, Oscar intends to make the most of his knees until he inevitably has to have them replaced due to a lack of cartilage following the fall. 'I believe I am very blessed,' he said. 'I don't really have any other way of explaining it. I feel normal. I'm just a regular guy. I've got pretty s***** knees, but aside from that I'm just a normal guy.' A loaded gun was found lying on the streets of downtown Los Angeles on Saturday afternoon, just a short distance from where President Joe Biden had been attending his own star-studded Democratic Party fundraiser hosted for his presidential reelection campaign. The weapon was seen lying in plain daylight on the sidewalk as pedestrians walked by unfazed. After being brought to the attention of an LAPD police officer, a cop picked it up and checked to see if was loaded. He appeared to remove a magazine that had been attached to the gun before placing it in his back pocket. The incident happened close to the 7,100-seat Peacock Theater in Los Angeles where both Presidents Biden and Obama were holding a packed fundraiser full of celebrities hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, a stark contrast to the pro-Palestinian protestors outside. A gun was found lying abandoned on the sidewalk in downtown LA close to where President Biden was holding A police officer with the LAPD picked the gun up from the ground and inspected it before removing the magazine from the gun which appeared to be loaded Law enforcement officers carrying less-lethal-munitions, respond to protesters near the campaign event with President Joe Biden outside the Peacock Theater on Saturday in LA Pro-Palestinian protesters stand in front of the entrance to the theater Police were in riot gear outside the theater in an attempt to keep the activists, angry about his administration's handling of Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza, away from the event. At one point, the demonstrators seemed to completely block the entrance to the venue in an attempt to disrupt the fundraiser. Just as at countless other demonstrations so far this year, protesters could be seen waving Palestinian flags while chanting rhymes showing their support for Palestine. Some protesters could also be seen wearing shirts reading 'cease fire now' and 'not in our name.' Inside the theater, some of Hollywood's brightest stars headlined the glitzy fundraiser, helping Biden's reelection campaign add to the $28 million it had already garnered from his LA trip. Pro-Palestinian Protesters gathered in front of an entrance to a campaign fundraiser for Biden Just as at countless other demonstrations this year, protestors could be seen waving Palestinian flags Law enforcement officers responded to protestors near the campaign event Some protesters could be seen wearing shirts reading 'cease fire now' and 'not in our name' George Clooney, Julia Roberts and Barbra Streisand were among those who took to the stage. Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel interviewed Biden and former President Barack Obama, who both stressed the need to defeat former Donald Trump in a race that's expected to be exceedingly close. During more than half an hour of discussion, Kimmel asked if the country was suffering from amnesia about the presumptive Republican nominee, to which Biden responded, 'all we gotta do is remember what it was like' when Trump was in the White House. Just how important the event was to Biden's reelection bid could be seen in the president flying through the night across nine time zones, from the G7 summit in southern Italy to Southern California, to attend. He also missed a summit in Switzerland about ways to end Russia's war in Ukraine, instead dispatching Vice President Kamala Harris who made her own whirlwind trip of her own to represent the United States there. Biden was accompanied on arrival in LA by his relatives, including daughter Ashley and granddaughters Maisy and Naomi. The show of family support comes at a difficult time for Biden following the conviction this week of his son Hunter on gun charges. President Joe Biden speaks during a campaign event with former President Barack Obama on Saturday evening There were some laughs with Biden and Obama together, but with a serious message The event featured singing by Jack Black and Sheryl Lee Ralph, and actors Kathryn Hahn and Jason Bateman introduced Kimmel at the start of the interview with Biden and Obama. The comedian deadpanned, 'I was told I was getting introduced by Batman, not Bateman.' But he quickly pivoted to far more serious topics, saying that 'so much is at stake in this election' and listing off women's rights, health care and noting that 'even the ballot is on the ballot' in a reference to the Biden administration's calls to expand voting rights. Kimmel asked the president what he was most proud of accomplishing, and Biden said he thought the administration's approach to the economy 'is working.' 'We have the strongest economy in the world today,' Biden said, adding, 'We try to give ordinary people an even chance.' Biden told the crowd in California that 'we passed every major piece of legislation we attempted to get done.' Obama expressed admiration for sweeping legislation on health care, public works, the environment, technology manufacturing, gun safety and other major initiatives that the administration of his former vice president has overseen. 'What we're seeing now is a byproduct of in 2016. There were a whole bunch of folks who, for whatever reason, sat out,' said Obama, adding, 'hopefully we have learned our lesson, because these elections matter in very concrete ways.' When the conversation turned to three Supreme Court justices who Trump nominated and who helped overturn Roe v. Wade - the landmark decision guaranteeing a constitutional right to an abortion - the crowd expressed its displeasure to which Obama responded, 'Don't hiss, vote.' Biden said that if he were to win four more years in the White House, he may get the chance to nominate two new justices - though even that probably wouldn't drastically overhaul a court that current features a 6-3 conservative majority. Obama expressed admiration for sweeping legislation on health care, public works, the environment, technology manufacturing, gun safety and other major initiatives that the administration of his former vice president has overseen Biden also referenced reports that an upside-down flag, a symbol associated with Trump's false claims of election fraud, was displayed outside the home of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito in January 2021. He worried that, if Trump is reelected, 'He's going to appoint two more who fly their flags upside down.' Biden's campaign said it was still counting, but that Saturday night's gathering had taken in at least $28 million - more money than any event for a Democratic candidate in history. Biden held an early lead in the campaign money race against Trump, but the former president has gained ground in recent months, after formally locking up the Republican nomination. Trump outpaced Biden's New York event in April, raking in $50.5 million at a gathering of major donors at the Florida home of billionaire investor John Paulson. Biden's shift to campaigning also marks the start of a more intense race toward November's knife-edge election The former president's campaign and the Republican National Committee announced they had raised a whopping $141 million in May, padded by tens of millions of dollars in contributions that flowed in after Trump's guilty verdict in his criminal hush money trial. That post-conviction bump came after Trump and the Republican Party announced collecting $76 million in April, far exceeding Biden and the Democrats' $51 million for the month. Biden's shift to campaigning also marks the start of a more intense race toward November's knife-edge election. Polls show him and Trump largely neck-and-neck, with many voters turned off by a rematch between the nation's oldest president and a 78-year-old convicted felon. A little-known California town is now counted among America's fastest growing cities as fed-up Bay Area residents flee inland to escape sky-high property prices. Lathrop is a little slice of suburbia located in the San Joaquin Valley around 10 miles south of the city of Stockton and some 74 miles from San Francisco. With the average price of a single-family home just half what it would typically cost in the Golden Gate city, it's little surprise that Lathrop's population is booming. Over the past decade the number of people living in the town has more than doubled from 19,000 in 2013 to 40,000 in 2023, US Census figures show. Mike Samawi, a Mountain House-based Realtor with Compass, told the San Francisco Chronicle that from his experience, most people moving there come from the Bay Area including many families who continue commuting or work remotely. 'Its hard to walk away (from Lathrop) once you see it,' he explained in an interview. The median price of an existing single-family home in Lathrop (pictured) is about half what it will run for a few miles away in San Francisco A four-bedroom with a pool like this one costs less than $700,000 - around $100,000 less than the state average Much of the town's growing attraction has been put down to a wide availability of housing - with the number of homes nearly doubling in a decade. 'We don't delay developers,' city manager Stephen Salvatore told the Chronicle. 'That's been our business model, to not put up roadblocks to development,' he added. The construction, he said, has mostly been in four major developments, where a bevy of new restaurants, schools and parks are also being built. Officials said they had built more than 18,000 single-family homes and 350 multi-family homes to house the arrivals over 20 years. Compare that to a decade ago, when the town only had 5,700 homes - and it's clear that little-know Lathrop has surfaced as something special. Meanwhile, the median sale price for a Lathrop home in April was about $737,000, according to brokerage Redfin. Many homes are priced even lower, real estate listing show. Comparably, the median price of an existing single-family home in the Bay Area in February was $1.25 million, up from $1.1 million the previous month, a report by the California Association of Realtors showed. Statewide, the median price of an existing single-family is just over $806,000, up from $789,480 in January. Lathrop was the only West Coast city out of 15 to earn the distinction of being one the fast-growing municipalities in the US, according to estimates released last month by the US Census Bureau. It was ranked fifth on the list, following four towns in Texas and was only one of three towns in the top ten not located in the Lone Star State. As the town's housing market continues to catch up with the arrivals, Lathrop has prioritized what city manager Salvatore last month referred to as 'responsible growth', the Chronicle reported. This means speeding along projects while also making sure the city remains attractive to residents - be it by way of housing or building up new businesses. This two-pronged effort has already seen a Tesla factory open in the town in 2022. Families are flocking in droves to Lathrop - fed-up with high Bay Area houses prices This has seen Lathrop's population swell from 19,000 in 2013 to nearly 40,000 in 2023 Compare that to a decade ago, when the little known town only had 5,700 homes - and it's clear that little-know Lathrop has surfaced as something special Lathrop - one of only three towns in the top ten not located in Texas - serves as an anomaly, with a median home sold price of $705,625, according to Redfin. Many homes, however, are priced at even less, like this three bedroom priced at $592,990, currently on the market Samawi added that many clients had moved to the town to benefit their children, citing the quality of the school district. And he expects this trend to continue as long as homes there stay affordable. Many others are flocking to what has been dubbed Southern California's 'last affordable' region the Inland Empire. New data revealed Riverside and San Bernardino counties collectively added more than 22,000 people in just last year. Again, this trend is driven partly by coastal renters moving inland to purchase more affordable homes. Dorothy Arnold was 25 when she disappeared from her Upper East Side mansion with today's equivalent of $1,000 on an icy Monday morning in December 1910. The eldest daughter of perfume importer Francis R Arnold left her jewelry and passport at home and strolled towards Central Park, never to be seen again, according to The Charley Project which tracks missing persons cases. Her disappearance has stumped detectives for more than 100 years, making her case the oldest recorded missing persons case in American history and what the Times has called 'one of New York's greatest mysteries'. 'A hundred years later, I don't expect any kind of resolution,' Jane Vollmer, Dorothy's great-niece told the National Geographic last month. Full name Dorothy Harriet Camille Arnold, the socialite's last words to her mother were 'I'll telephone you' as she stepped out of their Manhattan mansion on East 79th Street. Dorothy Arnold was 25 when she disappeared from her Upper East Side mansion with today's equivalent of $1,000 on an icy Monday morning in December 1910 Arnold gave different accounts of her plans for the day to different people - telling one friend she was shopping with her mother, and her mother that she wanted to go by herself. She set off toward Fifth Avenue and stopped at the Park and Tilford's candy store where she paid for some chocolates using her father's credit card at 1.45pm. The clerk told investigators at the time that she had appeared to be in high spirits. Arnold went on to purchase a book at Brentano's on 27th and Fifth, before bumping into a friend who she chatted with for a few minutes, telling them she was headed for Central Park. Her mother waited to meet her for lunch at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel that day, but she never turned up. When she didn't return home that night, the family grew concerned. Fearing bad publicity from contacting the police, they hired a private investigator. The eldest daughter of perfume importer Francis R Arnold, she left her jewelry and passport at home and strolled towards Central Park, never to be seen again, according to The Charley Project which tracks missing persons cases Arnold went on to purchase a book at Brentano's on 27th and Fifth (pictured), before bumping into a friend who she chatted with for a few minutes, telling them she was headed for Central Park on the day she disappeared Nonetheless, the case later prompted a flurry of media attention across America and Europe, along with a mammoth search mission involving the NYPD, private detectives and even the Pinkerton Agency. But no conclusive evidence ever emerged. Theories abound, ranging from abduction to voluntary disappearance, yet none provide a definitive answer to the question that has haunted generations. One prevailing theory suggests that Dorothy may have met with foul play. As a young woman of privilege, she undoubtedly attracted attention from admirers, some of whom may have harbored less than honorable intentions. Investigators did uncover one piece of information - that Arnold had been secretly dating George C Griscom Jr., a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania engineer in his forties at the time of her disappearance. He too heralded from a wealthy family. Police found that Arnold had spent a week with him several months prior to her disappearance. At the time, she told her family she was staying with college friends. Her disappearance has stumped detectives for more than 100 years, making her case the oldest recorded missing persons case in American history and what the Times has called 'one of New York's greatest mysteries' The case later prompted a flurry of media attention across America and Europe, along with a mammoth search mission involving the NYPD, private detectives and even the Pinkerton Agency On the way home from her secret visit, she also pawned $500 worth of jewelry for $60. Griscom is not a suspect because he was in Florence, Italy, in December 1910. He also joined the search party for her in Manhattan and said that he would propose to her once she was found. Another theory authorities looked into was that Arnold had faked her disappearance, but this was largely discredited over time. 'Some people believed that Arnold took her own life; others theorized she had been pregnant and died in a botched abortion,' according to The Charley Project. But area hospitals were checked and Arnold was never found. Though the case has been closed for almost a hundred years, mystery continues to shroud the life of Dorothy Arnold. If you're feeling stuffed after a hearty meal and need a tactical nap, you might want to consider snapping up this rental property in Edinburgh. A studio flat has hit the market in the Tollcross area of the Scottish capital for 950 a month - and it features a bunk bed in the combined kitchen and living room space. Located on Leven Street, the one-bedroom apartment has been advertised to sleep 'two people' as it contains a 'double bed' in the kitchen area, which also comprises a dining table. According to the listing by City Lets, the property has been newly refurbished and is located on the second floor of the building. It includes a fitted kitchen with modern appliances such as a fridge/freezer, washing machine, microwave, and a wall-mounted flat-screen TV. If you're feeling stuffed after a hearty meal and need a tactical nap, you might want to consider snapping up this rental property in Edinburgh A studio flat has hit the market in the Tollcross area of the Scottish capital for 950 a month - and it features a bunk bed in the combined kitchen and living room space So, you can whip up a snack, do your laundry, and binge-watch your favorite shows - all without abandoning the opportunity to get back into bed. In addition to the kitchen and sleeping arrangements, the apartment features a fitted shower room with contemporary fixtures. However, potential tenants, whom are required to be non-smokers with no pets, will have to wait until September 1, 2025, for availability. Photographs attached to the listing reveal the unique layout of the studio apartment. The bunk bed is neatly tucked in the corner of the kitchen and dining room, with a chest of drawers fitted underneath and several other storage units scattered around. The small fitted kitchen area includes multiple cupboards and unit space while the shower room is equipped with a small shower tray and toilet. City Lets said: 'This lovely newly refurbished 2nd floor studio apartment is situated in the central popular area of Tollcross, minutes away from Princes Street, Meadows, Royal Mile and fashionable Morningside and is directly on local bus routes. The lettings agency added: 'Very close to local shops, restaurants, supermarkets, Kings Theatre and nightlife. The small fitted kitchen area includes multiple cupboards and unit space while the shower room is equipped with a small shower tray and toilet The bunk bed is neatly tucked in the corner of the kitchen and dining room, with a chest of drawers fitted underneath and several other storage units scattered around In addition to the kitchen and sleeping arrangements, the apartment features a fitted shower room with contemporary fixtures You can whip up a snack, do your laundry, and binge-watch your favorite shows - all without abandoning the opportunity to get back into bed 'This property has just been fully refurbished with a new fitted kitchen, including electric hob, fridge / freezer, washing machine, microwave, wall mounted flat screen TV & DVD, toaster, kettle, iron and ironing board etc. A new fitted shower room with modern surroundings.' The rental market in Edinburgh remains competitive, with this unique studio flat providing a central location and modern amenities, despite its compact size and unusual layout. It comes as after a studio flat with the bed crammed into the landing and a minuscule 'lounge' area tucked under the staircase has become available to rent - for an eyewatering 1,000 a month. Advertised as a 'duplex' in south east London, its cramped upstairs area is just a narrow landing at the top of the staircase, with a bed pressed up against the balusters. A modest-sized wardrobe offers the only visible clothing storage - meaning the new resident will likely need to scale back before moving in. A terrorist attack on U.S. soil is a near certainty and will be even more deadly than the 9/11 tragedy, two counter-terrorism experts told DailyMail.com. That's largely due to the massive influx of illegal and unvetted foreign nationals into the country through the U.S.-Mexico border. A former high-ranking FBI official and a 25-year combat veteran specializing in terrorism and hostage rescue say the threat of an explosive or gun-operated attack is not a matter of if but when. And the attack is likely to be bicoastal as terrorist cells have set up shop all over the country. Bryan Stern, the veteran who founded Grey Bull Rescue Foundation, and Chris Swecker, former FBI Assistant Director of the Criminal Investigation Division, say the threat of '9/11 2.0' is even higher after multiple ISIS-affiliated operatives were arrested in the U.S. interior this week. The two terrorism experts warned DailyMail.com that a future attack on U.S. soil will certainly be far worse than the Boston Bombing (shown above) or the 9/11 tragedy. Both referenced how cells of terrorists are already operating within the U.S. and a recent report highlighting the arrest of eight ISIS-affiliated terrorists indicates the 'sloppy' work of multiple federal agencies Eight Tajikistan nationals crossed through the porous U.S. southern border, were screened, passed security checks and were released into the country before having to be arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials after the FBI tipped the officers off to the migrant's ties to ISIS. And earlier this week lawmakers confirmed to DailyMail.com exclusively that there are confirmed terror cells operating in the U.S. and Biden's border policies make it 'easy' for bad actors to enter the heartland. Now, the security experts are sounding the alarm on how serious this failure is and how it reveals the easy it is for 'bad guys' to infiltrate America. 'A bunch of bad guys, who are known bad guys, were caught by law enforcement on the border - that's bad,' Stern, who was a first responder during the twin tower attacks said. 'Then they were run through checks, came back clean and were then let go - and then had to go get re-caught again, loose on the streets of America. That demonstrates that, at least in this case, the lessons of 9/11 weren't learned.' 'You would think we would have a really good understanding of how to intercept bad guys and what to do with them once they're caught, so that they're not allowed entry into the United States.' He noted the trillions of taxpayer dollars that have been funneled to counter-terrorism efforts, including the growth of the intelligence community (IC) and the birth of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) following 9/11. The attacks the two experts expect are not as 'spectacular' as those of 9/11, but likely would occur in crowded areas across multiple cities simultaneously utilizing bombs and guns Their sounding the alarm on a possible attack comes the same week that eight ISIS-affiliated migrants from Tajikistan passed through the U.S.-Mexico border undetected before later being arrested Swecker and Stern both indicated that there are likely many more terrorists, some who may have ties to ISIS, who are operating currently within the U.S. Though, he said, the vector of the attack would be much different from those of September 2001. 'I think the next 9/11 will be very low tech, very high impact and very dispersed. I don't think it'll be focused in one spot.' 'So you know, 10 different events at the same time, using low technology that's hard to attribute to anyone or anything,' Stern continued. 'Right now we look at 9/11 as the seminal terrorist event in American history. With 9/11 2.0, I submit to you, we will look back on 9/11 and say, 'wow, that wasn't that bad.' That's how big it will be.' He speculated that small groups of gunmen or bomb makers would be the most effective way for anti-American actors to cause devastation upon the U.S. Swecker, in a separate interview, said much of the same. 'I don't fear the 9/11 style of attack,' he told DailyMail.com. 'I think that's sort of how that's old fashioned, if you will.' The attack, he said, would likely come from 'small cells,' would be 'low-tech' and could occur in 'cities, through subways, transportation centers [and] marching events' that have 'a lot of attendees.' 'If they get in the country with a three or four band cell shooting and or with explosives, in a subway, in a complex environment, it'll destroy the psyche of this country in terms of striking fear, which is what terrorists want to do,' Swecker said. He noted the ISIS-inspired attack by Tajik nationals on the Moscow music hall earlier this year as an indication of what could happen here. Swecker also noted how FBI Director Christopher Wray has recently said as much under oath to Congress. Stern helped evacuate people from Afghanistan after the U.S. military withdrawal and previously served for 25 years in the U.S. military focusing on terrorism Former FBI assistant director Chris Swecker told DailyMail.com the agency needs to refocus on America's most pressing threats, terrorism and the U.S.-Mexico border 'Increasingly concerning is the potential for a coordinated attack here in the homeland, not unlike an attack we saw in the Russia theater,' Wray told lawmakers June 4. 'We have seen the threat from foreign terrorists rise to a whole other level.' Wray also expressed major concern over the U.S.-Mexico border's role in terrorist plots within the heartland. 'Individuals who when they come in are armed with fake documents or snuck in some way or individuals of whom there's not enough derogatory information in the intelligence community to watchlist them,' have been of particular concern, Wray testified. 'As we have less collection overseas against foreign terrorism, there's less sources of information' to denote which individuals entering the U.S. are threats, the FBI director said. Further, that same day in early June, Attorney General Merrick Garland also noted how the threat of attacks on Americans has exploded. 'I am worried about the possibility of a terrorist attack in the country after October 7,' Garland said. 'The threat level for us has gone up enormously.' 'Every morning, we worry about this question. We try to track anyone who might be trying to hurt the country,' he continued. 'Of course, this is a major priority for the Justice Department.' So as the U.S.'s top law enforcement officials are sounding the alarm so are the security experts. In fact, Swecker was so concerned over the threats emanating from the border that he published a letter alongside other FBI and DHS officials in January decrying the steady stream of military-aged migrants illegally crossing into America. He and his co-signers said in the letter an attack on Americans is 'imminent.' Migrants are processed by the U.S. Border Patrol near the Jacumba Hot Springs after crossing the US-Mexico border on June 13, 2024 in San Diego, California. Swecker warned in a January letter that many of the migrants entering are military aged This week he told DailyMail.com: 'Frankly, we should have thousands of FBI agents on the border right now helping vet these people and running operations on these people coming across the border.' The former FBI assistant director added it would have great benefits for the agency's efforts, saying the intelligence gathered would be a 'bonanza.' Additionally, he said the arrest of the eight ISIS-affiliated Tajiks 'is not impressive.' He noted that is just one instance that got reported and many more similar situations where terrorist-friendly migrants cross likely go underreported or worse, undetected by authorities. Stern echoed Swecker's concern over the IC's and DHS's 'sloppy' inability to stop suspected terrorists. 'They're known ISIS, bad guys from Tajikistan, which borders Afghanistan. And they were let loose on the streets of America for some period of time, until someone said, 'oops, that's bad, let's go find these guys.'' DHS Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas testified before Congress this year the border is in 'crisis' Swecker suggested that the FBI surge agents to the U.S.-Mexico border to assist with intelligence gathering and migrant vetting 'It sounds like that they were a little sloppy,' Stern told DailyMail.com. The former FBI official said that sloppiness is likely a result of the DOJ's gung-ho effort to tackle radical white supremacy, which President Joe Biden said in 2023 was the 'most dangerous terrorist threat' facing America. Biden saying 'White supremacy extremists, or something like that, are the greatest threat to this country,' Swecker mentioned, adding 'nothing could be further from the truth.' 'So we're diverting resources to places that are not the greatest threat,' he continued. His former colleagues that are still at the FBI, or have recently retired from the agency, told him they are being thwarted by leadership from being 'proactive' in combatting terrorist threats. 'The primary mission is, is sort of taking a back seat to other political initiatives such as DEI and such. I hate to say, I don't want to make this political, but the Justice Department has clearly politicized the agencies.' And of the estimated 10 million migrants who have crossed into the country under Biden, including 300 with ties to terrorism, Swecker said, you cannot cannot believe that there aren't terror cells here.' Stern was also incredulous at the state of the U.S.-Mexico border. 'If you're if you're a Tajik and you're caught at the border coming in illegally, we should already be suspicious of you because you're already breaking the law.' 'We're a hospitable country and we have policies and laws that allow for this humanitarian parole, asylum, all those things. But If you're caught sneaking across the border of violating U.S. law, well, then you should start off as you're a criminal.' The veteran counter terror expert concluded with a chilling warning. 'We'll look back at 9/11 and we're gonna say 'wow, only almost 3,000 people were killed. That's not that bad.'' He may not quite be the last of the Mohicans, but BBC veteran John Simpson last night took aim at his old school after it scrapped using Native American tribes for its house system. Dulwich Prep London, a fee-paying all-boys school, feels the long-standing names constitute 'cultural appropriation'. It says the changes follow concerns raised by some parents. But critics have denounced the rebranding. Since 1916, pupils at the school whose alumni also includes actor Hugh Bonneville have been placed in one of four houses. Mr Simpson, BBC world affairs editor, was in Mohican house. Another house, Deerfeet, was named in honour of an Indian runner known as Deerfoot. The others, Chippeway and Ojibwas, were named in celebration of the Ojibwa people from the Great Lakes in the US and Canada, also referred to as the Chippewa. Deerfeet will now be called Lamassu, a mythical creature from Mesopotamia which had a human head and a bull's body. The other three houses will be Phoenix, Pegasus and Gryphon. Mr Simpson told The Mail on Sunday: 'I'm really depressed that something fundamental to the experience of every Dulwich Prep kid which of us doesn't remember whether he was a Chippeway, Deerfeet, Mohican or Ojibwa? is being done away with. He may not quite be the last of the Mohicans, but BBC veteran John Simpson (pictured) last night took aim at his old school after it scrapped using Native American tribes for its house system Dulwich Prep London (pictured), a fee-paying all-boys school, feels the long-standing names constitute 'cultural appropriation'. It says the changes follow concerns raised by some parents Since 1916, pupils at the school whose alumni include actor Hugh Bonneville have been placed in one of four houses. Mr Simpson, BBC world affairs editor, was in Mohican house (Stock Photo) 'Being a Mohican a house for bright but awkward and not terribly sporty kids marked my future. I don't suppose it'll matter to what is nowadays a very fine school, but it matters to everyone who was there, no matter how old they are now. 'And to what end? So indigenous Americans won't accuse Dulwich of cultural appropriation? Please. They've got better things to do.' Historian Lord Andrew Roberts said: 'How racist of Dulwich Prep to do away with these noble tribal names that celebrate Native American culture, and replace them with pure Harry Potter names like Gryphon.' In her letter to former pupils, Louise Davidson, the school's head, wrote: 'For over a century, the school has looked to Native American culture as an inspiration and a way of helping our pupils understand how to lead a good life. The reason for their adoption was one of appreciation and hope, which is still their core today. 'We recognise that, as society's understanding of history evolves, and research that has included advice from the National Congress of American Indians, we have decided to move away from using tribes as our house system.' 'Warning: Disturbing content' Horrifying footage captured the moment a man cackled as his two dogs mauled a kangaroo joey to death after it hopped over the fence of his property. The video, which is too graphic to share, captured the alarming incident unfold on a rural property in Australia. The footage was live-streamed to social media users on TikTok and showed the moment the canines pounced on the helpless animal. The dogs were seen dragging the kangaroo along the ground while their owner laughed without trying to intervene. Footage sparked outrage among social media users while Indigenous elders slammed the act saying it was a clear sign of disrespect. Horrifying footage captured the moment a man cackled as his two dogs mauled a kangaroo joey to death after it hopped over the fence of his property One woman who watched the live-stream held her hands over her mouth and urged the man to stop filming and step in. 'Help the kangaroo! What are you doing?' she said. The man, who appeared to be wearing a cowboy hat, hit back at her concerns by telling her he lives on a rural property. 'We live on a farm brother... shoosh,' he said. The video also showed a woman pick up the kangaroo by the tail before she banged its head against a wooden surface on the ground. One dog attempted to bite at the kangaroo while the woman kept swinging the animal around. 'Is the kangaroo still alive?' one person who was watching the live-stream asked. 'No, I don't think so,' another said. The woman later took the kangaroo inside the home before she placed the creature on the couch as the head of the joey rocked back. The video is understood to have been live-streamed on TikTok for at least 10 minutes. The clip has since been taken down. One woman, who was watching the live-stream, said she was shocked the video was allowed to be shared on social media. Several social media users (pictured) who watched the live-stream were left distressed by the incident 'It was heartbreaking to watch and I was absolutely stunned it was happening for those 10 mins,' she told Yahoo. 'I think everyone who watched couldn't believe what was happening.' Dozens said it was distressing to watch the man just stand by and laugh at the heinous act. 'That's sad man...you just destroyed a kangaroo,' one wrote. The man who filmed the dogs attacking the kangaroo said people were overreacting to the incident. 'Yous [sic] are all taking it out of proportion mate,' he said. He claimed he was Indigenous and said Indigenous people often eat kangaroo tail. Indigenous elders however said the man disrespected the creature by laughing while it was getting attacked. 'We value our totemic species better than that,' one said. 'Kangaroos are a high value totemic species.' He also said there are certain rules that must be followed according to Indigenous culture when people hunt and kill kangaroos as a food source. Kangaroos are an important part of Indigenous culture as they feature in many Dreamtime Stories and cultural rituals performed in communities. A TikTok spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia the account where the video was uploaded to was suspended for a week as it had breached guidelines. A furious mother has confronted Sir Keir Starmer and demanded that he tell her son why he was 'ruining his education' with Labour's proposed policy of imposing VAT on private schools. Veteran Marie Gardner, who served nearly 25 years in the armed forces, said she may have to put her son into a different school if Labour gets elected and follows through with its 20 per cent tax raid plans. The mother-of-two from Oxfordshire told Sir Keir during his visit in Portsmouth on June 5 that 'your proposed tax is the single thing that keeps me awake at night', the Telegraph reports. 'Look my son in the eye and explain why you are about to ruin his chances for he education that he is thriving in,' Ms Gardner added. Her son is a student at Pinewood School in south Oxfordshire, where tuition costs 22,000 a year. A furious mother has confronted Sir Keir Starmer (pictured) and demanded that he tell her son why he was 'ruining his education' with Labour's proposed policy of imposing VAT on private schools Lady Victoria (pictured with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer) went to Channing School in Highgate, North London - which costs 23,970 a year for juniors and 26,490 for seniors - before studying law Ms Gardner said Sir Keir's team organised a 15-minute meeting between her, her son, the Labour leader and his head of private office, Jill Cuthbertson, in which Ms Gardner reiterated her concerns, with Sir Keir saying he would 'reflect' on them. She reportedly said that her family was foregoing holidays and replacing the family car in order to afford her son's private school fees to see him 'flourish and grow' at the private school. Ms Gardner also warned that with imposing VAT on private schools would negatively impact state schools who she said are already 'at capacity' and would be 'oversubscribed and pushed to extremes' under the Labour plans. But Sir Keir reportedly told Ms Gardner that the tax would actually fund 6,500 new state school teachers as part of Labour's plan to raise 1.5billion with the tax raid to fund these new teachers as well as an Ofsted reform. This comes as the headmistress of the private school that Sir Keir Starmer's wife attended has branded Labour's plans to charge VAT on its fees as 'short-sighted in the extreme'. Lady Victoria went to Channing School in Highgate, North London - which costs 23,970 a year for juniors and 26,490 for seniors - before studying law. If VAT is charged, the additional 20 per cent would land the parents with a daughter at Channing from the age of four with a bill on top of current fees of about 70,600. Headmistress Lindsey Hughes wrote in her local paper the Hampstead and Highgate Express: 'Charging parents VAT would make our education unaffordable for some and risk their children having to leave the school. 'This would cause significant disruption for children forced to leave the school, but there should be even more concern about the capacity of local state schools to absorb the ensuing increase in pupil numbers. 'This would come not just from Channing, but also from other independent schools in the area.' Sir Keir previously said the closure of private schools has 'nothing to do with' his policy to charge them 20 per cent VAT. The Headmistress of Channing School Lindsey Hughes said: 'Charging parents VAT would make our education unaffordable for some and risk their children having to leave the school Downham Preparatory School in Norfolk, (pictured) which was founded 40 years ago will have to close its doors to pupils, many of whom have special educational needs Answering questions at a campaign event in Bury earlier this month, the Labour leader said: 'I've seen a number of reports of private schools closing. When you look at the details, it's got nothing to do with Labour Party policy at all. 'In fact, I think hundreds of private schools have closed over the last 14 years. And it's about time that was put into the mix when these stories are reported.' Downham Preparatory School in Norfolk - where almost a third of pupils have special needs - said it would close next month. The principal of the prep school blamed Labour's policy to levy the tax on the decision to shut due to financial pressures. Elizabeth Laffeaty-Sharpe said the school - which charges half the national average - would have been forced to pass the levy on to 'ordinary parents like plumbers and electricians'. She told the Telegraph: 'We will not be the only one. There will be more following us. Small schools just cannot survive this.' The Independent Schools Council (ISC) suggested Downham Prep School was a typical example of the smaller schools that will fall victim to Labour's tax proposals. Labour has insisted that it will levy VAT 'straight away' on private school fees if it wins the election on July 4. Parents and headteachers fear the 20 per cent tax will spark an exodus of pupils as families struggle to afford fees and go into the state sector. According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, up to 40,000 children could be pushed out of private schools and into state schools due to Labour's plans - costing the taxpayer up to 300million a year. Make-up artist died from sepsis after PA failed to record he needed antibiotics PAs - or physician associates - have two years of training and no medical degree A scandal-hit hospital has been accused of putting lives at risk by having unqualified medics covering doctors' shifts in A&E. Royal Berkshire Hospital is under close scrutiny over the death of a celebrated film make-up artist who died after an alleged blunder by a physician associate. A PA is an NHS medic with no medical degree and only two years of training, who is meant only to assist doctors and nurses. But new documents released following a Freedom of Information request reveal that, over the past year, the hospital has used PAs to fill doctors' shifts in emergency wards more than 70 times. The revelations come after Christopher Tucker, 81, who made prosthetics for 1980 film The Elephant Man, died from sepsis at the hospital in December 2022 after the PA treating him failed to document that Mr Tucker needed antibiotics. Documents released following a Freedom of Information request reveal that, over the past year, the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading has used Physician Associates (PAs) to fill doctors' shifts in emergency wards more than 70 times In March, NHS England told all trusts not to use PAs as replacements for doctors. Pictured: Demonstrators earlier this year protesting against the overuse of PAs in hospitals He died 48 hours later. While a Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust internal probe found the PA was not responsible for his death, Mr Tucker's family called for a fresh investigation. 'These are damning findings,' said Dr Matt Kneale, a member of the Doctors' Association UK, which represents NHS doctors. 'Qualified PAs are not safe replacements for doctors, so using trainee PAs, with less than 18 months' training, is putting patients at risk. 'The fact that this follows the death of Mr Tucker shows there are multiple red flags over how this trust uses PAs.' The Mail on Sunday first raised the alarm about PAs last year and has since been running a campaign to Rein In The Physician Associates. The NHS plans to recruit some 10,000 PAs by 2038 to relieve the strain on the NHS. In March, NHS England told all trusts not to use PAs as replacements for doctors. The revelations come after Christopher Tucker, 81, who made prosthetics for 1980 film The Elephant Man, died from sepsis at the hospital in December 2022 after the PA treating him failed to document that he needed antibiotics (file pic) But since then Royal Berkshire Hospitals has used them to cover for emergency doctors 19 times. A spokesman for the trust said it had a 'clear code of practice and rigorous governance around their (PAs') work'. A popular vacation spot in Minnesota is clamping down on rowdy Airbnb guests after receiving a slew of complaints from local homeowners. Otter Tail County, a picturesque area around two hours from Minneapolis, is known for its breathtaking waterfront views in a county that boasts of being home to 'more-than-1,000 lakes'. But in recent years, it has slowly become a hotbed for rowdy lake parties and riotous bachelor parties that go on long into the night. Following backlash from homeowners who miss their lost sense of peace and quiet, the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners voted this week to crackdown on rental occupancies and noise levels. Minnesota's most lake-filled county is cracking down on large, loud vacation rental homes The patio from one of the huge eight bedroom, eight bathroom home set on Clitherall Lake - for $1,000-a-night On the popular rental site Airbnb, stunning lakeside homes are available to rent for up to $1,000 a night, with many featuring hot tubs and piers for jet skis and boating. Overall, Otter Tail County boasts more than 300 vacation homes through the app. However, the upscale accommodations are in stark contrast to the social media footage showing revelers drinking on many of Otter Tail County's lakes, reports the Star Tribune. Local homeowner Steve Eriksson told the paper that his next door neighbor put their home up for rental, which brought a fleet of unruly guests that partied into the early hours of the morning. 'It's sort of in the back of my mind, anytime any place goes up for sale, I am concerned that it becomes an Airbnb,' he said. Eriksson's neighbor garnered the most complaints of any of the hundreds of vacation homes dotted around the lakes, and he said guests would routinely party on the water and set off fireworks as late as 1 am. Christopher LeClair of Otter Tail County Land & Resource Management pushed for stricter Airbnb reforms to come into effect This cabin in Battle Lake, Minnesota, is available on Airbnb for $649 a night and features five bedrooms and three bathrooms Stunning lakeside views offering beauty and tranquility abound on this two-acre wooded lake-front property on First Silver Lake in Minnesota Following a barrage of complaints, this week the Board of Commissioners pushed through a host of new regulations. This included mandating quiet hours from 10 pm to 7 am, prohibiting the use of RVs, tents or fish houses for extra guests, and restricting the number of occupants by the number of beds or size of the home's septic systems. The maximum number of guests is also stipulated throughout the day, instead of just at night, to bring the number of people out on the lakes down. Chris LeClair, the board's land and resource manager, said of the changes: 'Those vacation rental owners need to be cognizant of disturbing the peace of the neighbors, so we're trying to make sure that these can coexist.' However, some locals feel the move is overkill. When the new measures were voted on this week, only one member of the board, Commissioner Dan Bucholz, voted against the moves, fearing it could scupper the town's summer tourism boom with the new laws set to come into effect July 1. Bucholz said if the ordinance was to be instated, he would want to wait until at least January 2025, as he felt the measures could impact Airbnb users who already had bookings for the summer and who may have to uninvite guests to fit the policies. 'It's like moving the 40-yard line,' he told the Star Tribune. 'And I don't think that was fair.' Another local resident who owned a rental home on the lakes, Chris Buttke, added that the vote 'seems to me like it's more ammunition for the angry neighbor that doesn't want it.' 'Not all guests are good guests, but you don't know that until you're there,' Buttke said. 'It's just no different than somebody's kids throwing a party when they're gone. I mean, you don't have a lot of control over that.' Only a fraction of the hundreds of on vacation homes that go online end up being problematic - but it's those few that have resulted in the need for regulations. Neighbors living next to vacation home rentals are hoping a new law to be instituted on July 1 will bring some reprieve after years of large, loud parties 'Those vacation rental owners need to be cognizant of disturbing the peace of the neighbors, so we're trying to make sure that these can coexist,' LeClair said. Noncompliance with any of the restrictions could result in license suspension or revocation. One couple rent out their lake cabin with only seven guests allowed at their two-bedroom property. 'There's a lot of things that we don't allow on our own vacation home rental anyway, so most of it won't impact us,' Franci and Dan Gleason said. However, their main concern is that they could beheld liable for any civil or criminal penalties that are incurred on behalf of renters. 'Somehow or another I'm going to be responsible and someone can come sue me and take my property because of some stupid frisbee or that the dog got loose,' she said. A mother and her two-year-old son are missing in Melbourne, with police launching an urgent appeal for information. Phoenix, two, was last seen at his home in Clarinda about 8.30pm on June 14. Police believe he is travelling with his mum Pia, 35, by unknown means. Pia is about 170cm tall with olive skin. She has a solid build and curly brown shoulder-length hair. She was last seen wearing a black puffer jacket and dark pants. Police are currently appealing for public assistance to help locate missing Clarinda boy Phoenix Phoenix is of Pacific Islander appearance, with short brown hair and dark eyes. He was last seen wearing a navy blue tracksuit with a brown fur lining and no shoes. The pair are known to frequent the Heidelberg Heights, Epping and Mordialloc areas. Anyone with information about the family or their whereabouts is urged to contact Moorabin Police Station on 9556 6565. An eight-year-old boy is fighting for his life after being shot in the head by a rampaging gunman at a family splash pad as seven others were also gunned down. The violent attack took place in Rochester Hills, Michigan, around 5pm Saturday after the shooter fired 28 rounds from a handgun in a seemingly random attack, peppering women and children at the Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad outside Detroit. The gunman fled the scene to a nearby home within half a mile of the splash pad, leading to a tense hours-long standoff that ended when the shooter - described as a 42-year-old white male who lived with his mother - died by suicide. At a press conference Saturday evening, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said the scenes were his 'worst nightmare' after previously working on the 2021 Oxford School Shooting. He said of the eight victims, only the eight-year-old boy was left in critical condition after he was shot in the head, while two of his family members were also shot in the leg, including a four-year-old boy. The suspect raced into a nearby home, and a tense standoff has ensued with cops cornering the gunman inside the property Suspect: 42 y/o white male, lived with mother. Understood to be undergoing mental health challenges First part of Sheriff Bouchard's press conference on the Rochester Hills shooter: 8 y/o boy, critical condition (head) 4 y/o boy, stable (thigh) 39 y/o female, critical https://t.co/WN81rgY11E pic.twitter.com/EvPQmkHr5W Sandy (@RightGlockMom) June 16, 2024 Bouchard said at an earlier press conference that the shooting 'appears very random with no connectivity between the victims.' The gunman, who has not been named, drove to the splash pad, 'pulled up, exited a vehicle, approached the splash pad, opened fire, reloaded, opened fire, reloaded. And then left', Bouchard said. Police were using a new kind of 911 response system that allows them to listen to 911 calls live instead of waiting for a dispatcher, which allowed one cop to arrive on the scene in under two minutes. The shooter had already fled by the time police arrived, but Bouchard said quick-acting officers were able to ascertain the suspect's vehicle. Police found the vehicle at the property where the gunman had fled, and a heavy law enforcement presence - including SWAT teams and helicopters - quickly encircled the home. Bouchard said they established early contact with the gunman, but communication ceased and after hours of standoff police decided to breach the home. Cops sent a drone into the home, where they found the gunman dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Investigators also discovered an assault rifle on the kitchen table of the home, which Bouchard feared would have been used for the 'next chapter' of the shooting spree, but the speed at which police surrounded him prevented further chaos. Investigators also discovered an assault rifle on the kitchen table of the home, which officials feared would have been used for the 'next chapter' of the shooting spree before it was thwarted Aerial images from the scene showed a large number of evidence markers placed around the waterpark, where dozens of bullets were shot in quick succession Officials said the gunman shot up to 28 rounds of ammunition and reloaded several times when he opened fire Police said they recovered a 9mm handgun used in the shooting spree, but were not clear whether the gunman had additional weapons during the standoff An officer with the Oakland County Sheriff's Department secures the scene of a shooting at the Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad early Saturday evening Gunshots rang out at the Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad in Rochester Hills on Saturday evening, where up to 10 people were shot in a 'random' spree 'It's a gut-punch,' Bouchard said at the earlier press conference. 'We're not fully comprehending what happened at Oxford and now we have another complete tragedy that we're dealing with.' By the time he fled the scene, the gunman had fired 28 rounds with a 9mm pistol, and three empty magazines were recovered by investigators, Fox 2 Detroit reported. Aerial images from the scene showed a large number of evidence markers placed around the waterpark, where dozens of bullets were shot in quick succession. A witness to the standoff told Fox6Now that he was in a home nearby when the situation escalated, and heard police ordering the gunman to exit the property. Some local residents were seen being cautiously led away from the street as the standoff stretched into the evening. Corewell Health said in a statement that it was confirming several victims were being treated in its hospital. Police were locked in a tense hours-long standoff on the residential street Officials have since cleared the splash pad The victims include children and adults, with the youngest believed to be just eight-years-old A heavy police presence quickly descended on the scene, and several streets have been locked down while the gunman remains at large Police snipers could be seen patrolling the area on the hunt for the shooting suspect The city-run splash pad faces Auburn Road and is located between a T-Mobile cell phone store and Mozzarella's, a pizzeria, west of the plaza. Streets close to the splash pad park were closed by police and emergency personnel Saturday evening. Michigan Congressman John James said he was downtown at Huntington Place for former President Donald Trump's address to Turning Point USA when he heard news of the shooting, and raced to the scene to lend support. 'Under no circumstances in this country, particularly in Rochester Hills, should fathers be spending Father's Day in a hospital,' he said. 'We're doing everything we possibly can to help the families in need. And (I want to) give a shout-out to first responders who mitigated further damage and who are still in harm's way to bring resolution to this crisis.' Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer added in a tweet: 'I am heartbroken to learn about the shooting in Rochester Hills. We are monitoring the situation as updates continue to come in, and are in touch with local officials.' Theresa May will be rewarded with a life peerage in Rishi Sunak's dissolution honours list, joining her predecessor David Cameron in the House of Lords. The move means that the former Prime Minister will stay in parliament despite stepping down as an MP before the general election. Ms May, 67, follows Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton into the upper house after he became the first ex-Prime Minister since Margaret Thatcher to become a peer. Meanwhile, former BBC chairman Richard Sharp, who was Mr Sunak's boss at Goldman Sachs, has been snubbed by his former employee after the Prime Minister was advised not to formally put his name forward. Mr Sharp, who was appointed chairman of the corporation under Boris Johnson, had to resign last year after it was revealed that he had helped secure a role for Mr Johnson. The ex-BBC boss denies the accusations but admits introducing the former Prime Minister's Canadian cousin to the Cabinet Secretary Simon Case. Theresa May will be rewarded with a life peerage in Rishi Sunak 's dissolution honours list joining her predecessor David Cameron in the House of Lords David Cameron pictured being elevated to the House of Lords last November. Ms May will join Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton as a former Prime Minister in the upper house Meanwhile, former BBC chairman Richard Sharp , who was Sunak's boss at Goldman Sachs, has been snubbed by his former employee after the Prime Minister was advised not to formally put his name forward An official report, however, found that Mr Sharp had not fully disclosed his knowledge of Mr Johnson's finances, creating the appearance of a conflict of interest. No 10 had planned to hand him the peerage as a reward for his work as Mr Sunak's adviser in the Treasury during Covid, which included helping to create and oversee the business loans scheme, The Times reports. But officials were told the recommendation was unlikely to pass and were advised to keep his name off the list, before passing on this information to the Prime Minister who accepted the decision. Mr Sharp is not thought to be in line to receive any other honour but it is possible that Mr Sunak will draw up a separate resignation list if he loses this July's election. The rise of Nigel Farage's Reform UK party threatens to turn an already healthy majority for Labour into annihilation for the Conservative Party. Last week's seismic YouGov poll, which put Reform ahead of the Tories for the first time, was the so-called 'crossover' moment that Rishi Sunak had dreaded. Senior Tories, led by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, are now openly vocalising a previously private fear: that Farage's candidates will split the Right-wing vote so seriously that 'socialist' Sir Keir Starmer will win a super-majority which will give him a 'blank cheque' in Downing Street. When the election was called, there were 357 Tory MPs in the Commons. This is likely to fall to 200 at best on July 4, but it could sink to 100 or even lower if Reform continues its surge, meaning that Starmer would comfortably exceed Tony Blair's 179-seat majority in 1997. Graphic showing all the seats at risk of a Labour 'super majority' Last week's seismic YouGov poll, which put Reform ahead of the Tories for the first time, was the so-called 'crossover' moment that Rishi Sunak had dreaded Senior Tories, led by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt , are now openly vocalising a previously private fear: that Farage's candidates will split the Right-wing vote Tory strategists hope to prevent a Starmer super-majority by persuading voters to back the Conservatives in seats where the combined Tory and Reform vote is larger than Labour's but where Starmer's candidate would sneak through the middle if the vote remains divided. It needs only a five per cent swing from Reform to the Tories in crunch constituencies to cut the projected Labour majority from 228 to 132 seats. The Mail on Sunday has analysed the 40 seats where a vote for Reform is most likely to let Labour win the constituency. Top of the list is Chatham and Aylesford, in Kent, where Dame Tracey Crouch is standing down as Tory MP. Despite a Conservative majority of 18,540 in 2019, the most recent local polling puts Labour ahead but by just 0.1 per cent. So it would take only a handful of voters to switch from Reform's Thomas Mallon to Tory candidate Nathan Gamester for the Conservatives to hold the seat. Top of the list to get a labour super majority is Chatham and Aylesford, in Kent, where Dame Tracey Crouch is standing down as Tory MP Labour leader Keir Starmer on the campaign trail. The local polling shows Reform on 14 per cent, highlighting how comfortably the two Right-wing parties would beat Labour if they joined forces The local polling shows Reform on 14 per cent, highlighting how comfortably the two Right-wing parties would beat Labour if they joined forces. Farage's former party, Ukip, performed strongly in the seat, winning 19.9 per cent of votes in the 2015 election. Nearly two-thirds of the constituency voted for Brexit in the 2016 referendum. Second on the list of seats where a vote for Reform is likely to let in Labour is the formerly safe Tory constituency of Mid Bedfordshire, which was lost to Starmer last October in a by-election triggered by the resignation of former Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries. Her 24,664 majority became a 1,192-vote victory for Labour. Latest polling puts Starmer's party ahead of the Tories by 0.3 per cent there, however, an estimated 12 per cent of voters are planning to back Reform. Former Theresa May adviser Nick Timothy is defending a 23,194 majority won by former Health Secretary Matt Hancock in West Suffolk, but constituency polling by YouGov has Labour ahead by 0.4 per cent there. But if the 14 per cent of local voters who are planning to endorse Reform's David Bull backed the Tories instead, Timothy would win with a comfortable majority. Even in the 40th constituency on our list, North Somerset, Tory candidate Liam Fox will be ruing the role being played by Farage's candidate Alexander Kokkinoftas. Labour is ahead in the seat by 5.2 per cent, according to YouGov, but Reform's support is running at 9.7 per cent more then enough to swing it back to former Defence Secretary Fox. The latest YouGov survey found Labour were supported by 38 per cent of voters ahead of the general election on 4 July, with the Conservatives backed by 18 per cent Boris Johnson warned yesterday against the 'Starmergeddon' of a Labour super-majority, saying he feared that the 'people of this country are going to send to Westminster such a vast wave of finger-jabbing, Palestinian flag-waving Corbynistas... that the governing party will have to occupy both sides of the House of Commons'. He wrote in his Daily Mail column: 'On current predictions, Labour will have 461 MPs, the Tories will have 80 and the overall majority for Keir Starmer will be 292. 'Yes, it will not just be a majority bigger than Blair's or Thatcher's. The coming Labour majority, if these polls are correct, will be about as big as Blair's and Thatcher's majority COMBINED.' The former Prime Minister added: 'We must face the reality. Whatever the polls may say about the Reform surge, there is only one way to stop a Starmer government, or to reduce the size of a Starmer majority, and that is to vote Conservative. 'Neither the Liberals nor Reform have the remotest chance of forming the Opposition not in Parliament, not on the basis of the first-past-the-post system. Under that system, General Elections are a bit like having a very long bath in that the water gently slooshes left and right and back again. 'But if these numbers are right, the wave will be so big that it will wash right over the end of the bath in a cataclysm.' Suella Braverman's new TikTok account has been slammed on social media as users say the video is 'unsettling.' The former Home Secretary launched her TikTok account three days ago and since then her videos have already gained thousands of views. In one video posted yesterday the Tory candidate for Fareham and Waterlooville posted a video of herself miming to an audio from a recent viral video of a mother asking her family if they want to go to the Four Seasons Orlando - which went on to gain over 40million views on TikTok. The video then abruptly cuts to Mrs Braverman strutting towards the camera with the 2006 club class Let Me Think About It by Fedde Le Grand playing in the background. Since posting the clip, which has over 16,000 views on TikTok, social media users have took to X to share their opinions on Mrs Braverman's new digital first approach to campaigning. The former Home Secretary launched her TikTok account three days ago and since then her videos have already gained thousands of views The video features Mrs Braverman strutting towards the camera with the 2006 club class Let Me Think About It by Fedde Le Grand playing in the background Since posting the clip, which has over 16,000 views on TikTok, social media users have took to X to share their opinions on Mrs Braverman's new digital first approach to campaigning Kelly Duddridge wrote: 'That's so Bad.' While X user Rob JL claimed seeing Mrs Braverman in her normal clothes was 'unsettling.' Another user said: 'That's possibly one of the most cringeworthy things I have ever seen in my life...' Meanwhile X user Petey simply said: 'Oh dear.' On TikTok, Mrs Braverman did find some more supportive comments which perhaps came from her over 300 followers she has amassed since creating the account. One user said: 'Good luck Suella.' And another described the Tory candidate as their favourite MP. Mrs Braverman is not the first politician to utilise TikTok as a campaign tool during the snap election. Labour has focused heavily on the platform so far in the campaign with some of their videos amassing over 2million views. The party did land themselves in hot water for a recent video using a clip from Harry Potter - which had to taken down due to copyright infringements. Nigel Farage has received the most views on the platform so far having gained over 12million likes. A video of the Reform UK candidate for Clacton singing along to the Eminem hit song Without Me has over 5million views on TikTok as of writing. Nigel Farage has predicted there will be warfare within the Conservative Party within a week following Reform's dramatic rise in recent weeks. The Reform leader suggested the Tories were heading for infighting following news his party had overtaken theirs for the first time in a recent YouGov poll. 'You will start to see those MPs, who I agree with on most things, becoming much more vociferous about their stance as opposed to that of the party,' he told The Telegraph. 'The splits are going to get worse. And to them I will say: 'Sorry guys, you are just in the wrong party'. Farage claimed Reform was now the 'opposition to Labour' this week after a YouGov survey for The Times put Reform up two points to 19 per cent, with the Tories unchanged on 18 per cent. Farage told LBC earlier this week he would be willing to lead a merged coalition with the Tories after the election (pictured June 14) Rishi Sunak arrives for the Summit on Peace in Ukraine in Switzerland on June 15 Nigel Farage waves as he arrives to speak at a press conference on June 14 Rishi Sunak meets NATO officials before they attend Trooping of the Colour on Saturday Farage, having only announced his bid to stand in the general election for Reform UK two weeks ago, made the explosive claim on Thursday as the national opinion polls revealed a small surge in support for his party. 'Just before we came on air we overtook the Conservatives in the national opinion polls. We are now the opposition to Labour,' he said. Labour remains in front with an 18-point lead, with Keir Starmer's party backed by 37 per cent of voters. The Liberal Democrats were also closing in with 14 per cent. With polls showing waning support for the Conservative Party, Farage told LBC earlier this week he would be willing to lead a merged coalition with the Tories after the election. He said he could not lead the party as it 'currently is' but said he felt 'capable of leading a national opposition to a Labour Party with a big majority where I can stand up and hold them to account on issues'. He said the election was 'over' and that Labour 'has won', but deemed the Tories 'incapable' of forming an effective opposition as it stands. The Conservatives have struggled to drum up support in the polls despite the launch of their manifesto on Tuesday. The 80-page document promised more cuts to National Insurance payments, an increased threshold for losing child benefit, and a cap on legal migration to ensure a fall in arrivals each year. The Tories have also detailed a plan for national service for 18-year-olds - a policy that has divided military figures, was branded 'desperate' and unfunded by Labour, and was roundly unpopular with young people. Sunak said the scheme would 'give our young people the chance to enjoy new experiences, learn new skills and feel a sense of community, belonging and national purpose'. Labour launched their manifesto two days later, on Thursday, positioning itself as a party of change after 14 years of Tory government. The party set out an aim to improve living standards for working people with a 'costed' plan, encouraging investment back to Britain and clamping down on tax avoidance. The IFS, an independent think tank, said the number of reviews to decide policy positions after the election was promised in the manifesto was 'dizzying'. Nigel Farage said his party will release its manifesto on Monday, June 17. He has pledged to boost growth by increasing the income tax threshold to 20,000, from 12,570. Starmer delivers a speech on stage during the launching of Labour Party election manifesto The YouGov poll on voting intention shows Reform UK overtaking the Tories for the first time Nigel Farage (R) and Richard Tice (L) talk about a political 'Crossover' in the latest poll, at Reform UK's press conference on Friday A woman throws a milkshake over Farage during his campaign in Clacton-on-Sea, June 4 Nigel Farage will run as Reform's candidate in Clacton, Essex, which became the first constituency to elect a UKIP MP in 2014. Clacton currently has a conservative majority of 24,702. Farage told the BBC in May he would not be running in the election as six weeks to launch a campaign was 'not long enough', and claiming the American election was 'more important'. Farage later said: 'Difficult though it is, I can't let down those millions of people, I simply can't do it, it'd be wrong. So I have decided I've changed my mind.' Farage replaced Richard Tice as leader of Reform on June 3. A witness said he was 'disgusted' at seeing the police ram a terrified calf with their squad car as people call for the officers to be sacked. Kai Bennetts, 22, said the young cow was left with an 'open gash' and 'loads of grazes where the skin had come off' after it was hit by the police car and thrown several metres down the road. He said that the first strike, the cow 'tried to get back up, and then they (the police) pushed it back over and blocked it by its neck and top half of his body and so it couldn't get up.' Mr Bennetts added: 'Inhumane is all I can say.' Calls are growing for the 'monsters' who rammed the calf to be sacked after a new video showed the bovine calmly wandering down the street before officers swooped in who said they had to knock the animal down to keep the public safe. Shocking footage shows police brutally smashing into the calf twice after it escaped from its enclosure as a nearby member of the public in Staines-upon-Thames, west London, shouts: 'What are you doing that for?'. Wildlife TV presenter Chris Packham, Home Secretary James Cleverly and Deborah Meaden were among those condemning the 'brutal' actions of the police force. Police try to stop an escaped cow by ramming it with their car in Feltham, West London pic.twitter.com/kRTnGRr5SH UB1UB2 West London (Southall) (@UB1UB2) June 15, 2024 Shocking footage shows police brutally smashing into the calf twice after it escaped from its enclosure as a nearby member of the public in Staines-upon-Thames, west London, shouts: 'What are you doing that for?' A police vehicle was captured ramming down a cow in the middle of a street on Friday after it escaped from its enclosure A new video showed the bovine calmly wandering down the street before officers swooped in who said they had to knock the animal down to keep the public safe Wildlife TV presenter Chris Packham, Home Secretary James Cleverly and Deborah Meaden were among those condemning the 'brutal' actions of the police force Mr Packham wrote on X: 'I don't know where to start with this. But it's surely illegal and must be investigated and prosecuted. What sort of monster rams a calf? Twice?' Home Secretary James Cleverly also asked for a 'full, urgent explanation' as to why officers appeared to use a police car to hit an escaped cow. He said the police action seemed 'unnecessarily heavy handed'. The RSPCA described the footage as 'upsetting and distressing' and said the police 'action appears disproportionate to the situation'. Deborah Meaden also took to X to voice her shock over the incident, writing: 'Jeez....that is a scared, living, breathing creature and @SurreyPolice show such little compassion they decide ramming it with a vehicle is their only option....come on!! 'I know it's not all Police but seriously....this really must have serious consequences.' Actor James Dreyfus decided not to share the toe-curling footage but expressed his anger at how the officers had treated the 'terrified cow'. He posted: I'm not reposting the utterly horrific video taken of these b******* running over an escaped terrified cow. Not once. Not twice. But THREE times. 'Backing up each time then driving full tilt & the injured animal till it was under the wheels of the car. F*** YOU @SurreyPolice.' Author Adrian Hilton also called on the officers involved to be prosecuted, writing: 'I hope the @RSPCA_official opens an investigation into this, which is harrowing to watch and utterly deplorable. 'I can't see any reason for this action: cows can be corralled by people. I've done it.' Police said the cow was running loose at around 8.55pm on Friday night in Staines-upon-Thames, causing disruption to traffic in the local area. The force were responding after being alerted by calls reporting that a car had been damaged and the animal was running at members of the public. Officers were reportedly extremely concerned about the public's safety, and over a period of a number of hours tried a number of options to safely capture the cow, the force said. The police then decided to use the police car to stop the cow. The force said the matter had been referred to its Professional Standards Department. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has also been notified and a voluntary referral will be made in due course, the spokesman added. Members of the public helped to move the cow to a nearby farm in the early hours of Saturday. The owner has been located and a vet has looked at the cow's injuries. Chief Inspector Sam Adcock said: 'I know that this has caused distress and I'd like to thank the community for their concern. 'The decision to use the police car is one that was only taken after other methods to stop the cow had failed. There will be an investigation into the actions that led to this, but our focus at all times is on ensuring the safety of the public. Adrian Hilton and Jeremy Vine also commented on the incident on X The calf appeared curious as it walked towards Kai Bennetts, who said the police ramming the animal twice was 'inhumane' Surrey Police said in a statement that officers turned to the police car to stop the cow after other less drastic methods failed. The force will refer itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct 'I know there are videos circulating of this incident, which the public may find distressing. I would ask that these videos are sent directly to us to help with our investigation.' The RSPCA spokesman said: 'This is upsetting and distressing footage. 'As soon as we were made aware, we urgently contacted the police to establish the background and to find out what happened to the calf. We are pleased to hear the calf survived and is receiving vet care. 'Surrey Police has referred themselves to their own professional standards department and to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. We support this as the action appears disproportionate to the situation. 'We are happy to assist in any investigations carried out. All animals should be treated with respect. Together we can create a better world for all animals.' A spokesperson for the IOPC said: 'We have been notified by Surrey Police about this incident and that a referral will be made in due course. 'When we receive it we will carry out an assessment to determine what further action is required by us.' In an earlier statement published on Friday evening Surrey Police said the animal became 'increasingly distressed' while it was being taken to safety. The cow was moved to a local park where it was waiting for a vet. Chief Inspector Adam Tatton said: 'Our priority when responding to any incident is first and foremost the safety of the public. I would like to thank the community for their understanding this evening, and ask that they stay away from the park while officers are on scene.' Sydneysiders are leaving the city in droves while more residents from around the country are flocking to Brisbane, according to new data. Around 30 per cent of people who moved within Australia last year relocated to Sunshine State, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data. While Brisbane picked up an additional 13,452 people through interstate migration, Sydney lost a whopping 36,000 to the regions and other parts of the country. The ABS data shows that Melbourne lost about 5,000 people through internal migration, with almost half heading to regional Victoria. It also shows that a significant portion of those who left greater Sydney and greater Melbourne relocated to Brisbane or regional Queensland. Sydneysiders are leaving in droves and flocking to the 'Sunshine State', according to the newest data published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics Of the 608,929 people who moved last year, almost 183,000 chose to live in Queensland. Around 107,496 came from another state or a territory. The Gold Coast has continued to be a magnet for people migrating from other parts of Australia. University of Queensland demographer Aude Bernard said Sydneysiders have been making the move further north since the 1970s. She said internal migration has ramped up since the Covid pandemic, explaining that house prices are a major factor. 'The increased attraction of Queensland is in part due to the greater importance of lifestyle considerations since Covid, but also housing price differentials, although the gap between Sydney and Brisbane is decreasing,' she told The Australian. While Brisbane picked up an additional 13,452 people through interstate migration, Sydney lost a whopping 36,000 to the regions and other parts of the country 'Our research shows a 10 per cent increase in housing prices is associated with a 4.45 to 5.7 per cent increase in outflows (from an area).' Regional Australia Institute chief executive Liz Ritchie said 'a societal shift is under way'. 'With high house prices and cost-of-living pressures biting, many people are realising the regions can offer the lifestyle they want and the jobs they're after, minus big-city problems like long commute times, tolls and traffic,' she said. New overseas migration data revealed that almost a million more people arrived Down Under than left since the beginning of 2022. By the end of last year, the Australian population reached 27 million. A young fly-in fly-out worker in an entry level position has revealed he makes a staggering $4,800 a week. Rocco, 18 revealed his impressive earnings working as a trades assistant, which is someone who looks after the maintenance of equipment and worksites. Rocco said he is making 'free money' because he is a FIFO worker, with food and accommodation costs covered by his employer. FIFO is a term used to describe residents who fly to a worksite to complete the job over a period of time, such a week or a month, before they fly back home. These jobs are very common in the mining industry as worksites and mining operations are often in very remote areas. Rocco uploaded a video to Tiktok to explain the incredible financial benefits of working in the construction sector. 'The fact is, it's literally free money. You are making three times the amount of money than you would be if you were working in the city,' he said. 'Food's free, rent's free, flights are free.' Rocco said young Aussies could be maximining their earnings by working in the mining industry, which he likened to earning 'free money' (pictured tradies at a construction site) He urged Aussies to get into the industry while they are young to maximise the amount of money they earn. 'Honestly, if you're young, start. I'm not saying and please don't do it for the rest of your life and be stuck here for 30, 40, 50 years,' he said. 'If you are smart, you'll get in here when you are young, you'll make your money, you'll invest and you won't have to worry about money for the rest of your life.' Rocco said he makes a $2,556.40 working 11 hour days for fives days in a row from Monday to Friday. Rocco urged Aussies to consider making money by working in the sector before investing the funds to increase their wealth (pictured a mining worker) He earns an hourly wage of $46.48 and makes $70.47 an hour on Saturdays for due to time-and-a-half. On Sundays, he is paid $117.45 an hour at double time-and-a-half with his take home pay before tax a staggering $4,623.52. 'I see people out here making 10 times the amount of money that I am but this is just to educate people on what you can be making as a T/A (trades assistant) entry level position in the mines,' he said. The average annual salary for trades assistants in Australia is between $60,000 to $75,000, according to leading employment website Seek. There are currently 532 jobs being advertised on the website in the mining, resources and energy sector. The starting annual salary for entry level trades assistant jobs starts at $55,000. Australia is experiencing a significant workforce shortage across the mining industry with more drilliers, drivers, and mining engineers needed, according to the Minerals Council of Australia. The average annual salary for trades assistants in Australia is between $60,000 to $75,000,, according to leading employment website Seek (pictured workers at a mining site) The Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association (AREEA), estimates that the mining industry needs 24,000 new workers over the next five years to complete major projects. The Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association (AREEA) released a report stating the mining industry would need 24,000 new workers over the next five years, to support new projects taking place across the country. A 2022 report by the Department of Industry, Science, and Resources found that there are 81 critical minerals projects worth up to $42billion. The NSW government will invest $450m to build at least 400 new apartments in metro Sydney for essential workers to rent at a subsidised rate. Essential workers are set to benefit from the build-to-rent scheme, the state government said in a press release on Sunday. The shceme aims to 'increase the supply of well built, well located, secure and accessible rental accommodation for the essential workers who keep Sydney running but are being priced out of the market.' Nurses, paramedics, teachers, allied health care workers, police officers and fire fighters are among the residents who will receive the perks. The funding will enable Landcom, a NSW owned land and property development organisation, to acquire up to four new sites to build at least 400 new apartments in the next three years. The NSW government will invest $450m to build at least 400 new apartments in metro Sydney for essential workers to rent at a subsidised rate (stock image) Essential workers are set to benefit from the build-to-rent scheme, the governmetn siad in a press release on Sunday (stock image) 'Landcom will select sites with a preference for surplus government land identified as being suitable for housing with the specific locations to be determined,' the government said. 'The homes will be offered to essential workers at a discount to market rent, through a separate subsidy program. 'The Government will retain ownership of the housing with rental income available to help fund a potential future additional expansion of the Government's key worker housing program.' The apartments will be located in metro Sydney, with the aim of providing essential workers with the opportunity to work and live in the communities where they work. Subject to planning approvals, construction is expected to begin on the first site in early 2026 with essential workers expected to be able to move in from late 2027. Further details including the eligibility criteria and the rental subsidy will be available closer to the completion of the first site, the government said. NSW Premier Chris Minns said housing affordability and availability were the 'biggest single pressure' for people in New South Wales, with mortgage payments or rent the largest expense for most households, particularly for essential workers. Treasurer Daniel Mookhey, who will release the state budget on Tuesday, said the policy was a 'must have' while 'in the grip of a housing crisis' (stock image) 'NSW would grind to a halt without nurses, paramedics, teachers, police officers and firefighters, but many can't afford a place to live in Sydney, close to where they work,' Mr Minns said. 'This has to change. 'We're pulling every lever we have to tackle the housing crisis and one of the best ways to make rentals more affordable is to build more homes.' Treasurer Daniel Mookhey, who will release the state budget on Tuesday, said the policy was a 'must have' while 'in the grip of a housing crisis'. 'This investment will give hospital staff on nightshift, police patrolling until late and so many other essential workers the chance to live near where they work,' he said. Rishi Sunak was given a 'secret briefing' after a Russian nuclear submarine was spotted off the coast of Scotland earlier this month, it has been revealed. The Prime Minister and Defence Secretary Grant Shapps were alerted to the detection of a Russian Yasen-class submarine after a RAF surveillance plane trailed its movements along the west coast of Ireland to Scotland. The 13,800-tonne submarine Kazan passed by Britain's nuclear naval base in Faslane without crossing into British waters, prompting swift reports back to the Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood, London, The Express reported. Kazan was picked up by an RAF Poseidon P8 anti-submarine aircraft on June 5, expected to head on to Venezuela and Guyana where British ships had recently been conducting patrols. It ultimately churned into Havana harbour on Wednesday, a stopover the U.S. and Cuba said posed no threat but which was widely seen as a Russian show of force as tensions rise over the Ukraine war. Russian Yasen-class submarine 'Kazan' passed through international waters near the UK Rishi Sunak (pictured in Italy on June 14) was notified about the appearance of the sub Military commanders were reportedly concerned that the Kazan could be looking for vulnerabilities around the UK, The Express reported. A Royal Navy spokesperson said: 'The Royal Navy routinely monitors UK territorial waters and the adjacent sea areas to ensure compliance with maritime law, to deter malign activity and to protect our national interests.' When the submarine came just 25 miles from the United States this week, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said the US would also remain vigilant. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there was no reason to worry, suggesting such exercises were common practice. 'This is a normal practice for all states, including such a large maritime power as Russia,' Peskov told reporters. 'So we don't see any reason to worry in this case.' Cuba's foreign ministry said the vessels carried no nuclear weapons, an assertion echoed by U.S. officials. Russian pro-war Telegram channels boasted that Kazan has 'guided missile weapons' on board as it passes close to the American coastline, around 25 miles east of Florida. Kazan, half submerged with its crew on deck, and the Admiral Gorshkov frigate sailed into Havana harbor on Wednesday after conducting 'high-precision missile weapons' training in the Atlantic Ocean. The drills involve hitting targets from a distance of more than 370 miles, Russia's defence ministry said in a statement, and follow an exercise in anti-aircraft fire. Both the Admiral Gorshkov and the Kazan are normally key vessels in Putin's nuclear strike force. Cubans and tourists on holiday in Havana viewed the ships from a distance, and dozens formed a queue under the hot Caribbean sun for the opportunity to go aboard the frigate. 'The United States need not worry,' said Havana resident Ariel Vera, a 55-year-old state worker who was among the first in line. 'Cuba is a country of peace and our Russian friends are coming on a friendly visit.' The Russian vessels are expected to remain in Havana until Sunday, Russia's defence ministry has said. A convertible American classic car drives by as people watch Kazan in port on June 12 People with Russian flags look at the Russian nuclear-powered submarine Kazan in Havana The Kazan's port call on Wednesday coincided with a meeting in Moscow between Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, as the two former Cold War allies further tighten their links. During the meeting, Rodriguez expressed his government's "rejection of the expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) towards the Russian border," which he said "led to the current conflict in Europe, and especially between Moscow and Kyiv," according to a Cuban foreign ministry statement. He also called for "a diplomatic, constructive and realistic solution" to the crisis. The arrival of Kazan was seen in the West as reminiscent of the days of the Cold War and the Cuban missile crisis when the US faced off against Cuba and the USSR. Relations deteriorated until the 1962 Cuban missile crisis - a 13-day standoff considered the closest the world came to nuclear war when the US learned that the USSR had secretly begun missile shipments to Cuba. The crisis was resolved diplomatically, with the US secretly removing its missiles from Turkey and Italy as the USSR agreed to halt work on missile sites in Cuba. The boyfriend of a murdered mother-of-five has broken his silence after an illegal immigrant was arrested and charged with her murder. Victor Martinez Hernandez, 23, was arrested on Friday in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in the murder of Rachel Morin, 37, whose naked body was found on a Maryland hiking trail almost a year ago. Writing on Facebook earlier on Saturday, Morin's boyfriend, Richard Tobin, wrote a message for Morin, alongside a photo of her, while also referencing Hernandez's arrest. 'Love you baby. The news I got this morning is really indescribable!! They captured Rachel's Murderer. I try to forgive, but I sware (sic) on everything I love, Your (sic) going to rot in jail for the rest of your sorry a** life!!!', Tobin wrote. The case had remained a mystery for 10 months after Morin was reported missing by her boyfriend after she went for a run on Harford County hiking trails. The boyfriend of a murdered mother-of-five has broken his silence after an illegal immigrant was arrested on suspicion of her murder Victor Martinez Hernandez, 23, was arrested on Friday in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for the murder of Rachel Morin, 37, whose naked body was found on a Maryland hiking trail almost a year ago Hernandez has been charged with first-degree murder and first-degree rape. He is also accused of attacking a nine-year-old girl and her mother in Los Angeles in March 2023, before Morin's murder. On Saturday afternoon, Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler slammed Biden's White House and 'members of Congress' in a press conference. Hernandez had illegally crossed the southern border in February 2023 after he also allegedly murdered another woman in El Salvador a month earlier. 'We are 1,800 miles of the southern border and American citizens are not safe because of their failed immigration policies,' Gahler said. 'This is the second time in two years that an innocent Harford County woman has lost her life to a criminal in our country illegally,' he said. 'In both cases, they are suspects from El Salvador with ties to criminal gangs. This should not be happening. 'Victor Hernandez did not come to this country to make a better life for him or his family, he came here to escape the crimes he committed in El Salvador. He came here to murder Rachel and God-willing, no one else,' he said. 'But that should have never been allowed to happen,' Gahler said during an emotionally charged press conference in which Morin's mother, Patty, also spoke. 'At one point, when things seemed really bleak and hopeless, the lead detective said to me, 'Patience will win in the end,'' Patty said. 'That's what they've been doing, they've been diligently working hard through all the leads and it's because of that that we have an arrest today.' Morin was reported missing by her boyfriend Richard Tobin (pictured together) after she went for a run on hiking trails and failed to return Tobin wrote a message for Morin, alongside a photo of her, while also referencing the arrest of the prime suspect Harford County Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler said at a press conference he and his team spent the best part of 10 months looking for the killer and laid blame with the crisis at the southern border The sheriff said he and his team had spent the best part of 10 months looking for the alleged killer and arrested him on what would have been her 38th birthday with the Sheriff terming it 'poetic justice' or Morin's own 'divine intervention'. 'Rachel's murderer is no longer a free man,' Sheriff Gahler said, adding that 'DNA evidence that allowed investigators to put a name to the image of the suspect in the video from the Los Angeles attack that was released after Rachel's death.' Investigators managed to track the suspect from Prince George's County in Maryland 1,300 miles west to Oklahoma. 'He worked odd jobs and didn't live an expensive lifestyle. It's a free country, so once you're here, you move from one jurisdiction to the next,' he added. 'He went from El Salvador to the U.S., Los Angeles to Harford County, then Prince George's County, Virginia, then Oklahoma. We aren't sure where else he's been. We certainly know he has connections in D.C. and Prince George's. We believe he has ties to known gangs and that's how he lived his life.' Gahler said that he believed should Hernandez be convicted, he should not be sent back To El Salvador. 'That's the last place he wants to go. Our jails are better here than they are in El Salvador. He's going to spend, God willing, the rest of his days behind bars,' Gahler said. 'We fear all the time that we're going to stumble across another crime through DNA or other science that he's committed. I never want him to leave Maryland again ... we want to make sure he never sees the light of day,' the sheriff said. Police arrested an illegal immigrant on Friday on suspicion of raping and murdering Maryland mother Rachel Morin, 37, in August 2023 Victor Martinez Hernandez, 23, was arrested Friday in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and charged with the murder and rape of Morin. He is also accused of murdering another woman in El Salvador and attacking a nine-year-old girl in Los Angeles Morin's naked and battered body was found on the Ma and Pa hiking trail in Bel Air, around 45 miles north of Baltimore, the day after she was reported missing. Six months later, Maryland investigators released a sketch of Morin's suspected killer as her family pleaded for the public to help solve the case. According to detectives, Hernandez was believed to be hiding adjacent to the popular hiking trail when he allegedly murdered Morin. He allegedly attacked, raped and killed her before fleeing the state. The Tulsa Police Department said he was tracked down to Oklahoma after officials in the state were contacted by the FBI. Hernandez was taken into custody inside a bar in Tulsa on Friday by several law enforcement agencies, and was said to be found 'casually sitting at the bar.' Officials said he initially lied about his identity and denied any knowledge of the crimes he was wanted for. Hernandez is now awaiting extradition to Maryland. The suspect in Morin's murder has been linked by DNA to a home invasion and assault in LA back in March 2023 The body of the 37-year-old mom-of-five was discovered on the popular trail naked and beaten in a tunnel along a popular hiking trail in Bel Air, Maryland DNA evidence from the home invasion was later linked to Morin's case. 'It is my understanding that this suspect, this monster, fled to the United States after the murder of a young woman in El Salvador a month earlier in January of 2023,' Gaylor said at Saturday's press conference. 'Once in our country, he brutally attacked a nine-year-old girl and her mother in a home invasion in March of 2023 in Los Angeles.' In the almost-year-long investigation, detectives scoured seven states and involved 10 federal, state and local agencies. Officials expressed fears that the suspect could strike again, and released Ring doorbell camera footage showing the assailant fleeing the Los Angeles home after the home invasion. Gaylor said at the time: 'Serial killers all start somewhere. What he did in Los Angeles was certainly, I believe, in that direction. 'I believe it was his intention to inflict more serious physical harm. He could still be laying his head here in our county, or he could have fled anywhere in the country or even the world.' Hernandez is known to also have ties to the Washington, D.C., area in both Virginia and Prince George's County, and is believed to be affiliated with gang activity, cops said. Detectives previously released Ring doorbell camera footage showing the assailant fleeing the Los Angeles home after the home invasion Still images from the footage were disseminated across Los Angeles as cops hunted for the killer A poster shared on Saturday announced Hernandez's arrest in Oklahoma Morin's boyfriend, Tobin found her car at the trailhead on the day her body was found, and he was forced to take to social media to deny any involvement after the case gained national attention. The pair had made their relationship official on social media four days before she was murdered. He posted: 'I love Rachel. I would never do anything to her, let the family and I grieve. 'Yes, I have a past but I also have 15 months clean and have changed as a person. Please.' Tobin has been arrested 14 times since 2014 on a variety of charges including drug dealing, assault, disorderly conduct and refusing arrest. A mother of a woman who was killed by her boyfriend has slammed the legal system for failing her daughter. Melbourne woman Saasha Brimble lost Jessica Geddes, 27, to her daughter's violent and controlling partner Robert Rickerby, 30, on November 6, 2020. Rickerby was charged with murder before it was downgraded to manslaughter on the eve of his trial in May after he struck a deal with prosecutors and pleaded guilty. Ms Brimble said her daughter had tried to alert authorities several times as she was physically and verbally abused, isolated and starved. The mother claimed one time she was on the phone to her daughter, who had a child of her own, and could hear Rickerby threaten and abuse her loved one. She said Rickerby had threatened to send Ms Brimble back to her parents in a body bag. Days later she was found dead at her Endeavour Hills home. Sarah Brimble (pictured with her granddaughter Arianna-Leigh at her eldest daughter Jessica Geddes' funeral) said police failed her daughter and other women after they took 18-months to charge Rickerby with murder - after media attention Jessica Geddes, 27, (pictured) had been isolated and starved by her boyfriend, who also took her centrelink payments and abused and assaulted her over a three-year period 'I had a detective tell me my daughter might still be alive if (police) did their job right,' Ms Brimble told the Herald Sun. During the volatile relationship, Ms Geddes had alerted police, hospital staff, friends, neighbours and a 7-Eleven worker to her boyfriend's abuse - but it fell on deaf ears. Rickerby will face a hearing at the Supreme Court on Monday where he will come face to face with Ms Brimble, as prosecutors argue their case before sentencing. Ms Geddes sustained more than 50 skeletal injuries, according to a post-mortem examination. Court documents claimed that the 27-year-old's injuries included 16 rib fractures, four fractures in the vertebra and 10 fractures across both hands. The injuries were found to have occurred over 'days, weeks, months and possibly years' and were not self-inflicted or treated, according to a forensic pathologist. Ms Brimble, who described her daughter as bubbly and driven, said the 27-year-old was living in Queensland when she met Rickerby on a dating site in 2017. Within days he had 'whisked' Ms Geddes away to Victoria, leaving her five-year-old daughter Arianna-Leigh behind. Over the course of the following three years, Jessica was bashed, isolated and starved. Rickerby took control of her life, claiming her Centrelink payments for himself and ensuring she had no money to buy food, clothes or personal items. Before Ms Geddes met Rickerby, she weighed a healthy 79kg, but at the time of her death her weight had dropped to an alarming 46kg. Robert Rickerby (pictured) was charged with murdering his girlfriend Jessica Geddes, who he met on a dating app. But he recently took a deal with the prosecution and pleaded guilty to manslaughter 'He was breaking my girl. He was breaking her slowly,' Ms Brimble said. The mum said her daughter had struggled with mental health issues and had not told any of her loved ones the address of where she lived. 'I would have been there in a heartbeat but I didnt know where she lived until four days before she passed away. I would have had a team with me, a squad with me trying to get her,' she said. The mother said she felt like her 'hands were tied' because she couldn't call police and tell them an address to go to help her daughter. But Ms Geddes herself showed moments of bravery - like in September 2019 when she went to her friend's house after an incident left her with blood oozing from a large forehead wound. Ms Geddes' friend called the police after she told them Rickerby had assaulted her. The 27-year-old told officers Rickerby had punched her multiple times and hit her on the head with a hammer - and said it wasn't the first time he had attacked her. Although Rickerby was arrested, he denied assaulting his girlfriend and claimed Ms Geddes was prone to self-harm. He ended up not being charged over the incident, despite police preparing a brief of evidence. He later told a friend he had hit Ms Geddes that day. Ms Brimble - who had a Facebook campaign to get justice for her daughter- said the system had failed her eldest child and other women too. The mother feels like police didn't want to know about the case because her daughter wasn't 'an elite, rich woman'. Ms Brimble also believes without her speaking to the media, an arrest may have never been made - which came eight days after she first shone media attention on her daughter's death. A desperate search has been launched for a missing man after two people were found clinging to the side of a boat that had overturned. The yacht had three people on board and overturned off Lady Elliott Island near Gladstone, in Queensland, on Sunday morning. It is understood the yacht was travelling from Yeppoon to Brisbane when it struck trouble. The boat was about four nautical miles south of Lady Elliot Island when an EPIRB was activated at about 5am, the Courier Mail reported. A search and rescue operation involving multiple vessels, police divers and a Bundaberg-based rescue helicopter was launched by emergency services. The yacht overturned off Lady Elliott Island (pictured), on the way to Brisbane. An emergency beacon was activated about 5am on Sunday A search and rescue operation was launched and a helicopter located two men clinging to the vessel at about 10.15am on Sunday. The search for a third man is still ongoing (pictured stock image of a Queensland rescue boat) The rescue helicopter found two men clinging to the side of the vessel at about 10.15am. The pair were flown to Bundaberg Hospital. All three men are believed to be experienced sailors. The search for the third man continues. A community of society-shunning Americans launched a survivalist haven in the Utah desert after finding themselves alienated from the modern world. Hundreds of people have set themselves up to live off the land under 'Operation Self-Reliance,' feeling that getting off-the-grid is the solution to a crumbling culture. The commune was established by Philip Gleason, 74, a former general contractor who felt a calling to allow people to grow their own food, pump their own water and rely on nothing but themselves. He admitted to Deseret News that while some choose to live there for environmental or health reasons, its intended purpose was to evade the 'craziness' of the modern world and the current political climate under the Biden administration. 'We seem to be undergoing a cultural revolution in the U.S.,' he said. 'When we first came out here, we thought it might be too far away... Now, with everything that's happening, we wonder if it's far enough.' For those looking to escape the constraints of society and America's crumbling institutions, the OCR co-op in Riverbed Ranch in Juab County, Utah, has seen hundreds of residents choose to live off-grid Residents at the OCR co-op in Riverbed Ranch in Juab County live almost entirely off-the-grid. Tenants each buy their own two-acre plot, where their only choice is to grow all of their own food, as the estate has no municipal power system and no sanitation utilities. A share of the co-op costs at least $35,000, but that is before residents need to fill the obligations Gleason mandates, including building your own home from scratch. Residents must also build a barn, install a septic system, produce their own solar energy, dig a well to the freshwater dozens of feet below and build a greenhouse. These costs, OCR's website admits, could run up at least another $235,000, which the organization blames on 'the Covid insanity driving the cost of building materials up significantly.' For Gleason, his two-acre patch is his opportunity to put his lifelong obsession with survivalism to the test, including planting sunflowers to provide shade because the Utah desert can barely sustain any trees. He told Deseret News that he got the sunflower seeds from a friend who lived in Germany after World War II, who warned him that a lack of oil was a severe issue in their postwar rations. Showing his doomsday attitude, he quipped, 'we're not that far off here.' One of the homes built from scratch by an OCR resident, which could cost upwards of $235,000 that the organization blames on 'the Covid insanity driving the cost of building materials up significantly' Residents cautioned that if their worst doomsday fears come true, they feel the most prepared because 'the people that control their food are the ones that come out on top' Gleason said he fears a variety of apocalyptic scenarios could play out in the coming years, from a power grid failure taking down America's electricity, to nuclear war and cyber attacks. 'This is just history repeating itself,' he cautioned. 'At the start of any cultural revolution, the people that control their food are the ones that come out on top.' As Americans consistently share that they are losing faith in the nation's institutions, those that have made a new life on Riverbed Ranch have essentially set up their own self-surviving nation state. OCR residents vote and assume roles on its own Board of Directors, and have a court-like system to solve arguments through the Committee of Disputes. Like many in Utah, a majority of those in the commune are followers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And the co-op has even found a way around using cash, as many also trade in their own produce such as bread and livestock. More than 70 children reportedly live at the commune, who are all homeschooled by their parents looking to raise the next generation of anti-society residents. However, without any hospitals nearby in the barren deserts, medical emergencies appear to be a challenge. Gleason said he has suffered two heart attacks since establishing the base, and only one resident is a registered nurse for house-calls while another is a midwife, who has delivered three babies so far. Residents buy two-acre plots for $35,000, where they are expected to live entirely off the land and even build their own homes and solar generators The survivalist commune was set up by Phillip Gleason, 74, who said he decided to launch the initiative because America is 'undergoing a cultural revolution' And while some choose to vote by mail at a town two hours away, many residents purposefully avoid politics - with one shareholder admitting she took her children from California to the commune because their former vice principal 'was gay and openly promoting it.' Another couple said they fled Democrat-run Portland for the same anti-liberal sentiment, saying the city 'lost their minds' and they 'needed to get out.' But Gleason insists that despite the residents' distaste for society, they are far from anarchists - stressing that 'we're not tax protesters, we don't have a militia, we just want to live off the land.' He ended with a chilling warning of what might happen if his predictions - and preparations - come true. 'When we have this all built out, we might be the third or fourth largest community in the country,' he said. Bill Maher shut down Charlamange Tha God after the radio host made a polarizing remark regarding race during Friday night's episode of Maher's show. During their interview, Charlamange asserted that black people have to be five times better in order to succeed in America. The radio host's claim caused Maher to bristle and retort: 'I think that's a zombie lie.' The exchange between the two personalities occurred after Maher brought up President Biden's commencement speech at Morehouse College - a historically black college in Atlanta, Georgia. Bill Maher shut down Charlamange Tha God after the radio host made a polarizing remark regarding race during Friday night's episode of Maher's show. During their interview, Charlamange asserted that black people have to be five times better in order to succeed in America During Biden's address, he asked the graduating students, 'What is democracy if you have to be ten times better than anyone else to get a fair shot?' Discussing Biden's commencement speech, the comedian said, 'One of the more controversial things [Biden] said to the graduating class was that you have to be 10 times as good to get a fair shot in America.' Charlamange, who recently announced that he would not be endorsing Biden for president in 2024, nodded. Maher then invoked the reactions of two prominent black intellectuals - Glenn Loury, an economist, and John McWhorter, a linguist - to Biden's comment. The comedian looked down at his notes and read remarks made by the economist: 'Loury said, 'I thought this was the kind of speech you'd have given in 1974, maybe 1984, but not in 2024.'' Maher then read a statement made by McWhorter: 'For goodness sake, can we please admit that time passes? I remember my mother saying that in the '70s when it still made some sense. It's simply not true anymore, and we should celebrate that.' ca. The radio host's claim caused Maher to bristle and retort: 'I think that's a zombie lie' Maher and Charlamange sparred after the Maher brought up Biden's commencement speech at the HBCU Morehouse College, where the president said the graduating students would need to work ten times as hard in order to succeed in America The television host then asked Charlamange, who dismissed DEI programs as 'mostly garbage' two months ago, if he was in agreement with Biden. 'I don't know if it's 10 times better but maybe five,' the radio personality replied. Maher, visibly irritated, said: 'Come on...you think you have to be five times [better]?' 'Yeah, when you're black in America, absolutely,' Charlamange insisted. 'In 2024?' the comedian responded in shock. 'When you're black in America, when you're a woman in America, when you're a black woman in America, absolutely.' Frustrated with Charlamange's stance, Maher snapped: 'I think that's a zombie lie.' 'Why?' the host of The Breakfast Club asked. 'Because I just don't think that's America anymore,' the comedian quipped. Charlamagne tha God blasted Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and initiatives, branding them as 'mostly garbage' and 'bullsh*t' during an appearance on The Daily Show The heated exchange between the two personalities occurred during an episode of Maher's HBO show, Real Time with Bill Maher. In addition to Charlamange Tha God, Maher was joined by political strategist Ana Navarro and journalist Joel Stein for Friday's episode. At one point in the show, the comedian made a dire prediction for the Democrats, prophesying that they would lose in November if they continued to pursue their current line on immigration. Maher has been pessimistic about President Joe Biden's reelection chances due to perceptions of his age and the millions of illegal immigrants crossing the border. Maher compared last week's European Union elections, where far-right parties made huge gains, to the upcoming US Election on November 5. Immigration wasn't the only reason for the lurch to the right, particularly in Germany, France, Spain, Poland and Italy, but it was a major campaign point. In addition to Charlamange Tha God, Maher was joined by political strategist Ana Navarro and journalist Joel Stein for Friday's episode Migrants wait in line hoping for processing from Customs and Border Patrol agents after groups arrived at Jacumba Hot Springs, California, after walking under intense heat from Mexico into the US 'Voters again for the European Parliament said we do not like this much immigration,' Maher said on his show. Maher noted Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was often called a fascist for some of her far-right positions, but he argued moderate parties were enabling her. 'If liberals insist that enforcing borders is a job only fascists will do, then voters will hire fascists to do what liberals won't,' he said, quoting a 2019 article in The Atlantic. 'Voters keep saying over and over again we are not comfortable with this level of immigration. I understand why. It doesn't make you a racist to say that.' Maher did not specify why voters were uncomfortable with immigration, other than that it wasn't solely due to racism. He argued the problem Democrats had with the issue was summed up by Senator Alex Padilla's response to Biden's executive order limiting border crossings. 'By reviving Trump's asylum ban, Biden has undermined American values,' he quoted the California lawmaker as saying. Maher noted Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (pictured with Joe Biden at the G7 meeting on Thursday) was often called a fascist for some of her far-right positions, but he argued moderate parties were enabling her 'And then they all stand back and go, 'We don't want to be called a racist. So we will not make a move on to immigration'.' Maher argued this was exactly the wrong response, as it misjudged the present mood of American voters. 'It's going to get them f**ked on election day. It's happening in Europe right now. That proves it in Europe, and it's going to happen here in America.' he said. 'It happened with Brexit. It's going to happen again.' Brexit, where the UK voted to leave the European Union, was fought over on many fronts, but easier migration to Britain from Europe was a factor. One of Maher's guests, Joel Stein, pushed back by arguing there was a 'real moral reason' to admit asylum seekers. Volunteers distribute food to migrants who crossed into the US from Mexico in Jacumba Hot Springs, California 'At any number?' Maher asked, to which Stein agreed it couldn't be infinite. But that's their point!' Maher exclaimed in reply. Maher then quoted a poll in which 64 per cent of Hispanics said they supported giving the president authority to shut the border. Another 64 per cent of all registered voters would immediately deport all immigrants 'living in the US illegally'. 'Yeah, people hate immigrants,' Stein said of the poll results, but Maher insisted that wasn't true - at least not as a sweeping generalization. Biden's executive order would shut down asylum requests when the average daily number of arrivals reached 2,500, and kept it closed until it fell to 1,500. There are concerns Biden's order my not be legally valid as stopping people seeking asylum would violate international treaties or be an overreach of presidential authority, which is what the poll was about. Seeking asylum at the border, as the vast majority of the recent influx of immigrant do, is not illegal - but sneaking in without asking for asylum is. Maher made a similar warning last week on his show, when he called Biden's executive order a last minute 'Hail Mary' that wouldn't work. 'If Biden loses this election, it's going to be because of two things: He's old and immigration,' he said. 'I mean, just on a political level, I don't think they could have handled it worse.' A homeless father who went public with his grim living conditions to raise awareness about the conditions has been ordered to move on by his local council. Peter Woodforde, 58, is among four men living in the gazebo at the back of the Salvation Army office on Reservoir Road in Modbury, Adelaide's north-east. Mr Woodforde has been living in the makeshift shelter for the past 18 months after several councils forced him to move on. The father, who has a teenager daughter, went public with his living situation in May to raise awareness about the dire conditions. The City of Tea Tree Gully has now claimed the Salvation Army did not have approval set up the temporary accommodation and the group have been ordered to move. Peter Woodforde, 58 (pictured) is among four men living in the gazebo out the back of the Salvos office on Reservoir Road in Modbury, in Adelaide's northeast The men living at the site with Mr Woodforde are aged between 30 and 80. Mr Woodforde said the group have been given until the end of August to move out of the area, following complaints from locals about the tents set up near residential houses. He said he fears the men are running out of options to find another place to live. Mr Woodforde asked those who are voicing their concerns to be compassionate to those doing it tough. 'Until people are put in this situation, how much thought process do they put into it before they open their mouth and say something?' he told 7 News. 'If it happened to them tomorrow or to somebody they loved, how devastated would they be?' Mr Woodforde previously said his kids would be devastated if they saw him living in a gazebo wrapped in tarps. Mr Woodforde claims the men who are between 30 to 80 years of age will need to find another place to live following complaints from residents nearby Mr Woodforde's teenage daughter, who lives with her mother, had earlier told him it 'hurt her' to know her dad was struggling. A Salvation Army spokesperson said the men have been provided with basic amenities such as food, a place to shower, and facilities to do their washing. 'The Salvos are working proactively with the North Western Homelessness Alliance to support these community members,' a spokesman said. The men will need to move out of the tent, however a legal notice has so far not been issued to them, to indicate when exactly they will need to find an alternative form of accommodation. City of Tea Tree Gully Mayor Marija Ryan said previously the council is trying to find a place where the men can stay until they are provided with emergency accommodation. Emergency accommodation shelters for rough sleepers including St Vincent's De Paul, are operating at capacity in Adelaide. The charity has been forced to turn away as many as 15 men a day who have requested assistance. The Hutt Centre, an organisation that provides a range of support services for homeless people in Adelaide, experienced a 25 per cent increase in the number of people needing assistance in April, compared to the same time last year. The SA Housing Authority, a government agency that assists people in the state to access affordable housing, estimates the average waiting period for public housing for category one applicants is around 18months. Category one applicants are those who require housing immediately because they are very likely to be homeless for a long time. A SA Housing Authority spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia they are working with homelessness agencies to help the men find accommodation. 'We are aware of the circumstances of these men and over several weeks, the Adelaide North and West Homeless Alliance been working closely with them, the council, and local community services to offer assistance to meet their most immediate needs, including access to food and sleeping bags, while sleeping rough,' the spokesperson said. 'Most of the men are actively supported and engaged, and are actively working with services to realise a housing pathway.' The spokesperson said they are also working through ways to provide support services, such as mental health, for the men to ensure they can find long term. housing 'We would be more than happy to discuss with any council, ideas around how to support people sleeping rough in local areas,' the spokesperson said. City of Tea Tree Gully CEO Ryan McMahon told Daily Mail that the council is working with the state government to provide adequate services to the homeless. 'It's a fine balance to support the homeless who are living adjacent to residential backyards, whilst preserving the interests of local home owners,' he said. Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Salvation Army for further comment. A woman killed in an alleged hit-and-run has been identified as a 29-year-old mother-of-three. Chapoth Bafel Gak Paul Deng was walking home from the shops when she was hit by a car on Stud Road at Dandenong, in Melbourne's south-east, at 9pm on June 7. The impact threw Ms Deng into the middle of the road where she was hit by a second car. The mother-of-three was rushed to hospital but later died. Originally from Sudan, Ms Deng had been living in Australia since 2004. Chapoth Bafel Gak Paul Deng was walking home from the shops in Melbourne 's south-east on Friday, June 7 Family members said they are still in shock over Ms Deng's tragic passing. Her Aunty, Mariya Ngung Deng, said she will remember her sister as 'beautiful in and out'. 'She still had a life to live... she should be here,' she told 7News. While the children know their mother is gone, they have so many questions about what happened which the family don't know how to answer. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help raise money for Ms Deng's family. One of the drivers spoke with police at the scene while the other driver allegedly fled. A 21-year-old man attended Cranbourne Police Station on Sunday. He was taken into custody and interviewed, but released pending further enquiries. It is alleged that one of the drivers spoke with police at the scene, but the other fled No charges have been laid. Police are appealing for the driver of a third car, which is believed to have driven past immediately after the accident, to come forward. Anyone with information, including dashcam footage, has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Officers from 'Britain's FBI' investigating the PPE scandal linked to Baroness Michelle Mone have interviewed at least five suspects under caution as the case reaches as far as China. A 46-year-old man from Barnet, north London, this week became the latest business associate of Mone, 52, and her husband, Doug Barrowman, 59, to be quizzed as part of the National Crime Agency's (NCA) probe. He was held at his home on Wednesday having been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit fraud and attempting to pervert the course of justice. The man was later released under investigation. He became the first arrest since the NCA launched its investigation in 2021 into suspected criminal offences in the procurement of PPE contracts by PPE Medpro. Officers from 'Britain's FBI ' investigating the PPE scandal linked to Baroness Michelle Mone (pictured) have interviewed at least five suspects under caution A 46-year-old man from Barnet, north London, this week became the latest business associate of Mone, 52, (pictured) and her husband, Doug Barrowman, 59, to be quizzed as part of the National Crime Agency's probe At least three business associates of Mone and Barrowman have now been interviewed under caution by the NCA, reported The Sunday Times. PPE Medpro, a consortium led by Mr Barrowman, was awarded Government contracts worth more than 200 million to supply personal protective equipment after Lady Mone recommended it to ministers. It was revealed the case had reached as far as China where the face masks and gowns were sourced from factories via a company in Hong Kong called Eric Beare Associates. The Sunday Times reported officers had spoken to officials at company electronically rather than fly to Asia. The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has since issued breach of contract proceedings over the 2020 deal on the supply of gowns. Baroness Mone - who founded the Ultimo lingerie empire and earned the nickname Baroness Bra - has admitted she lied when denying she had any connections to PPE Medpro. She now accepts she was involved in the business. PPE Medpro, a consortium led by Mr Barrowman, was awarded Government contracts worth more than 200 million to supply personal protective equipment after Lady Mone recommended it to ministers The couple are at the centre of a major scandal over the supply of PPE equipment during Covid The couple are under investigation by the NCA over allegations of fraud and bribery, with a 3million payment made into Baroness Mone's Coutt's bank account forming part of the probe. Both Lady Mone and Mr Barrowman deny any wrongdoing. A spokesperson for the NCA: 'Investigations must pursue all reasonable lines of enquiry. In serious economic crime these lines of enquiry can be incredibly complex from worldwide financial tracing exercises to the need to examine large volumes of digital material. 'These complex cases take time to ensure a thorough, independent and objective investigation.' Jo Cox's sister said that politicians are still forced to fear for their lives eight years after the Labour MP was murdered by a far-right thug. Ms Cox was stabbed and shot by neo-Nazi thug in her constituency and hometown of Batley, West Yorkshire, on June 16, 2016, just days before the EU referendum. She was waiting outside the library where she had planned to meet her constituents for a surgery when Thomas Mair shot her three times with a hunting rifle and stabbed her fifteen times. Ms Cox was the first sitting MP to be murdered since the end of the Troubles in Ireland. David Cameron, who was Prime Minister at the time, said Ms Cox was 'a star for her constituents and a star in parliament'. Jo's sister Kim Leadbeater, who was elected as the MP for Batley and Spen in 2021, has said that toxicity in politics hasn't changed and is still putting MPs at risk. Jo Cox's sister Kim Leadbeater said that politicians are still forced to fear for their lives eight years after the Labour MP was murdered by a far-right thug Ms Leadbeater said: 'I find it hard to believe that it is eight years since my sister's murder. 'After Jo was killed, politicians of all parties promised to do politics differently, to 'dial-down' the rhetoric and toxicity and focus on the issues that matter. 'Sadly it doesn't always feel like that has happened. Political campaigning and debate should of course be robust. 'So it saddens me that a number of MPs said they wouldn't be standing again in this election due to fears for their personal safety, and that of their families and staff.' MPs from all parties have decided to stand down because of violent threats, a report by the Jo Cox Foundation revealed. Conservative MP Mark Lancaster said he would stand down after receiving death threats. The former defence minister said: 'The politics of today, with all its anger, abuse and in my own case, two threats on my life, is not the politics we want or need for our great country. Jo Cox was stabbed and shot by neo-Nazi thug in her constituency and hometown of Batley, West Yorkshire, on June 16, 2016, just days before the EU referendum 'We have always been at our best and delivered the most, when we are able to express political disagreements through healthy debate then unite as a community and as a country. 'I hope one day that we can return to such a place.' Labour MP Apsana Begum opened up in the Commons about the threats of murder and sexual violence she has received and abuse she has endured over her religion and gender. Speaking bravely to her fellow MPs, she said: 'I am currently facing death threats and a torrent of Islamophobic and misogynistic abuse. 'I've receive comments including, and I quote, "vile and filthy religion,importing vile and filthy creatures like Apsana Begum". 'I am now facing a heightened risk to my safety with serious death threats, threats to kidnap me, threats of sexual violence and threats about ripping off my hijab in public. It goes on and on.' Conservative MP Mark Lancaster said he would stand down after receiving death threats The SNP's Mhairi Black is no longer seeking re-election because of the abuse that she and her family receive. The 29-year-old said: 'Since 2015, the lives of my loved ones have been turned upside down and inside out. 'Between media attention, social media abuse, threats, constant travel, and the murders of two MPs, my loved ones have been in a constant state of anxiety for my health and safety.' Ms Leadbeater worries that good politicians are being 'put off' by all of the abuse. 'Jo used to tell me that we need good people in politics, and many good people are standing on July 4th. 'But too many others are put off by the abuse and intimidation politicians and others in public life are now routinely subjected to.', she told The Sun. Labour MP Apsana Begum opened up in the Commons about the threats of murder and sexual violence she has received and abuse she has endured over her religion and gender 'Whatever the result, I hope this election can finally be the moment to put our politics on a new path. 'Agreeing where we can and, where we can't, discussing our differences with passion, but always with honesty and respect. 'That would be a fitting tribute to Jo and everything she stood for.' Ahead of the eighth anniversary of Ms Cox death, her husband has said she would have been 'gutted' to see the election used 'to denigrate minorities and spread division'. Brendan Cox said their children will mark the anniversary, and what would have been her coming 50th birthday, by putting on a concert of her favourite songs. The SNP's Mhairi Black is no longer seeking re-election because of the abuse that she and her family receive In a post on X, he said they will be 'remembering all she meant to us and to so many others'. 'Jo would be gutted to be missing this election, and her chance to play a role in making our country better,' he said. 'She believed passionately in the potential of politics. She'd also be gutted to see some people willing to use it to denigrate minorities and spread division.' Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also paid tribute to Ms Cox ahead of her anniversary. 'It's an awful anniversary,' he said. 'Jo was a friend of mine, we came into Parliament on the same day. 'And I think the best that we can take from this is Jo's own words in her maiden speech when she said: "We have far more in common than we do that divides us." 'And that's the spirit I think of this anniversary and what Jo would have wanted us to be talking about today.' World leaders have condemned Vladimir Putin's proposed ceasefire terms for Ukraine, claiming that they would be a 'dictatorial peace.' Putin claimed on Friday that he would agree to laying down arms in Ukraine if Volodymyr Zelensky's army withdrew from four regions that Russia has laid claim to since February 2022. The autocrat also said Ukraine had to renounce plans to join NATO if it wanted a ceasefire. Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni ridiculed Putin's proposals, which she said would mean Ukraine would have to 'withdraw from Ukraine.' Germany's Olaf Scholz, meanwhile, said accepting the proposal would've lead to a 'dictatorial peace.' World leaders have condemned Vladimir Putin's (pictured) proposed ceasefire terms for Ukraine Putin claimed on Friday that he would agree to laying down arms in Ukraine if Volodymyr Zelensky's (pictured) army withdrew from four regions Rishi Sunak (pictured, left) accused the Russian president of 'spinning a phoney narrative about his willingness to negotiate' Rishi Sunak accused the Russian president of 'spinning a phoney narrative about his willingness to negotiate'. He added that Russia's allies 'are on the wrong side of history'. Ukraine has already refused the peace terms, with Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to Zelensky, telling the BBC during a two-day peace summit in Switzerland there would be 'no compromise on independence, sovereignty or territorial integrity.' More than 90 countries and NGOs are attending the event, the largest gathering in support of Ukraine since the start of the invasion. But little material change is expected to come from the summit, as Russia was not invited and China, a key military, trade and security ally of Russia, is not attending. After world leaders stood together to offer their support on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky voiced hope of garnering international agreement around a proposal to end the war that he could eventually present to Moscow. More than 90 countries and NGOs are attending the event, the largest gathering in support of Ukraine since the start of the invasion An underground School basement used as shelter by displaced civilians is seen in Donetsk Oblast 'We must decide together what a just peace means for the world and how it can be achieved in a lasting way,' Zelensky told assembled leaders at the luxury Burgenstock retreat overlooking Lake Lucerne. The talks are framed around areas of common ground between Zelensky's 10-point peace plan presented in late 2022, and UN resolutions on the war that passed with widespread support. The tight remit was an attempt to garner the broadest support by sticking firmly on topics covered by international law and the United Nations charter. Countries were to break out into three working groups on Sunday looking at nuclear safety and security, humanitarian issues, and food security and freedom of navigation on the Black Sea. Police are facing fury after officers rammed a terrified cow with their squad car, as their force referred itself to a watchdog following demands for an explanation. Home Secretary James Cleverly has been among the critics over the 'heavy-handed' approach taken by Surrey Police against a frightened calf in the middle of the road in Staines-upon-Thames. Eyewitness Kai Bennetts, 22, told of being 'disgusted' at seeing the police ram the animal - saying how it was left with an 'open gash' and 'loads of grazes where the skin had come off' on being hurled several metres down the street. Reports suggested the animal was knocked over near Bedfonts Lake Country Park in Hounslow, west London, while there has previously been a herd of cattle about three miles away at Saint Dunstan's Meadow in Feltham. Surrey Police has now announced that its Professional Standards Department has been informed and it will voluntarily refer to the Independent Office for Police Conduct for a further investigation. Police officers rammed a cow with their squad car in Staines-upon-Thames, west London Home Secretary James Cleverly has asked for an explanation into the action towards the calf Calls have been made for the 'monsters' who rammed the calf to be sacked after a new video showed the bovine calmly wandering down the street before officers swooped in who said they had to knock the animal down to keep the public safe. Mr Bennetts said that after the first strike, the cow 'tried to get back up, and then they (the police) pushed it back over and blocked it by its neck and top half of his body and so it couldn't get up' - adding: 'Inhumane is all I can say.' Shocking footage shows police brutally smashing into the calf twice after it escaped from its enclosure as a nearby member of the public shouts: 'What are you doing that for?' Mr Cleverly, wildlife TV presenter Chris Packham and Deborah Meaden were among those condemning the 'brutal' actions of the police force. Another witness Adrian Pearson told the BBC: 'I think it could have been handled better. It's quite extreme the way the police dealt with it. 'I think it could have been dealt with a lot more humanely. I think it was quite distressing for everyone.' Surrey Police has now said in a statement: 'The cow was running loose throughout the evening on a number of main roads and during this time, we received numerous calls from the public reporting a car being damaged and it running at members of the public. 'Given these reports, officers were extremely concerned about the publics safety, and over a period of a number of hours tried a number of options to safely capture the cow. 'Unfortunately, these were unsuccessful, and the decision was made to stop it using a police car. This matter has been referred to our Professional Standards Department. The Independent Office for Police Conduct has been notified and a voluntary referral will be made in due course.' The cow has now been moved to a 'nearby farm' with the owner located and a vet assessing the animal's injuries - described as 'a large cut to its legs'. Shocking footage shows police brutally smashing into the calf twice after it escaped from its enclosure as a nearby member of the public in Staines-upon-Thames, west London, shouts: 'What are you doing that for?' A police vehicle was captured ramming down a cow in the middle of a street on Friday after it escaped from its enclosure A new video showed the bovine calmly wandering down the street before officers swooped in who said they had to knock the animal down to keep the public safe Chief Insp Sam Adcock said: 'I know that this has caused distress and Id like to thank the community for their concern. 'The decision to use the police car is one that was only taken after other methods to stop the cow had failed. 'There will be an investigation into the actions that led to this, but our focus at all times is on ensuring the safety of the public. 'I know there are videos circulating of this incident, which the public may find distressing. I would ask that these videos are sent directly to us to help with our investigation.' Critics included Mr Packham, who wrote on X, formerly Twitter: 'I don't know where to start with this. But it's surely illegal and must be investigated and prosecuted. What sort of monster rams a calf? Twice?' Mr Cleverly also asked for a 'full, urgent explanation' as to why officers appeared to use a police car to hit an escaped cow, saying how the police action seemed 'unnecessarily heavy handed'. The RSPCA described the footage as 'upsetting and distressing' and said the police 'action appears disproportionate to the situation'. Dragons' Den judge Ms Meaden also took to X to voice her shock over the incident, writing: 'Jeez....that is a scared, living, breathing creature and @SurreyPolice show such little compassion they decide ramming it with a vehicle is their only option....come on!! 'I know it's not all Police but seriously....this really must have serious consequences.' The calf appeared curious as it walked towards Kai Bennetts, who said the police ramming the animal twice was 'inhumane' Surrey Police said in a statement that officers turned to the police car to stop the cow after other less drastic methods failed. The force will refer itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct Actor James Dreyfus decided not to share the toe-curling footage but expressed his anger at how the officers had treated the 'terrified cow'. He posted: 'I'm not reposting the utterly horrific video taken of these b******* running over an escaped terrified cow. Not once. Not twice. But THREE times. 'Backing up each time then driving full tilt & the injured animal till it was under the wheels of the car. F*** YOU @SurreyPolice.' Author Adrian Hilton also called on the officers involved to be prosecuted, writing: 'I hope the @RSPCA_official opens an investigation into this, which is harrowing to watch and utterly deplorable. 'I can't see any reason for this action: cows can be corralled by people. I've done it.' An RSPCA spokesman said: 'This is upsetting and distressing footage. 'As soon as we were made aware, we urgently contacted the police to establish the background and to find out what happened to the calf. We are pleased to hear the calf survived and is receiving vet care. 'Surrey Police has referred themselves to their own professional standards department and to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. We support this as the action appears disproportionate to the situation. 'We are happy to assist in any investigations carried out. All animals should be treated with respect. Together we can create a better world for all animals.' A spokesperson for the IOPC said: 'We have been notified by Surrey Police about this incident and that a referral will be made in due course. Wildlife TV presenter Chris Packham, Home Secretary James Cleverly and Deborah Meaden were among those condemning the 'brutal' actions of the police force 'When we receive it we will carry out an assessment to determine what further action is required by us.' In an earlier statement published on Friday evening Surrey Police said the animal became 'increasingly distressed' while it was being taken to safety. The cow was moved to a local park where it was waiting for a vet. Chief Insp Adam Tatton said: 'Our priority when responding to any incident is first and foremost the safety of the public. 'I would like to thank the community for their understanding this evening, and ask that they stay away from the park while officers are on scene.' The lifeless body of a man allegedly beaten to death by his wife with a hammer was discovered by their shocked son who stumbled on the horrifying scene. John Park, aged in his 20s, alerted emergency services after coming across the grim discovery at the family home in a quite cul-de-sac in Epping, north-west Sydney, about 11am on Saturday. Bum Gyu Park, 60, also known as Kevin Park suffered severe head injuries and was declared dead at the scene. His wife Nam Suk Back, also 60, also known as Su Park, was arrested at the scene shortly after and charged with murder later that night. Their distraught son, who also lives at the home, was comforted at the scene by police before his friends arrived and drove him away. A woman who allegedly beat her husband to death with a hammer at their family home (pictured) in Epping, northwest Sydney, has been charged over the death and refused bail The young man returned to the home early Sunday morning but left with friends soon after police told him it was still a crime scene. He spent the rest of Sunday with extended family as police and forensic officers combed through the family home for a second day. It comes as his mother appeared in Parramatta Local Court charged wither husband's murder. NSW Police will allege a hammer found inside the home was used to kill Mr Park. His wife was refused bail as the matter was adjourned to be next heard in Burwood Local Court on July 3. Shocked neighbours in the quiet street said they hadn't heard any commotion coming from the home until emergency services arrived. They have also been interviewed by detectives. Their son, aged his 20s, reportedly stumbled upon the horrific scene and alerted police, who comforted him until his friends arrived (pictured, police at the scene) One resident told the Daily Telegraph that the Parks were a 'very quiet family' other than the occasional shout or 'loud conversation'. Another neighbour said the couple were both retired and rarely left the home or entertained visitors. 'They are a very quiet Korean family, we don't know them at all other than to wave hello and goodbye to,' one woman told the publication. Another neighbour added: 'We hear most things, it's a small street, but nothing at all, it's so strange.' 'First we knew of anything was sirens and then a helicopter hovering over the top'. Anyone with information has been urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers. Former federal cop not hopeful about finding any body A former cop has said the likelihood of finding Samantha Murphy's body dwindles with each passing day as the four month search continues. The mother-of-three, 51, vanished during a morning run through Ballarat's Canadian State Forest on February 4. Police are still no closer to finding her body, despite Patrick Orren Stephenson, 22, being charged with her alleged murder a month after she disappeared. Hopes were raised that recovery efforts were a step closer after detectives found Ms Murphy's phone in a dam 14km from her home on May 29. But despite a 'targeted' search operation last week, her body has still not been found. Nigel Phair, from UNSW's Institute for Cyber Security, said that 'as every day goes on, it's less and less likely' that they will recover Ms Murphy's remains. Nigel Phair, a former federal cop, believes that it is unlikely that Samantha Murphy's (pictured) body will ever be found five months after she disappeared Detectives found Ms Murphy's discarded phone near a river bank on May 29 and have held 'targeted' searches around the area which yielded no results 'The phone was obviously the interesting one because the assumption was that the body would have been in that lake, near where they found it. I'm guessing the divers have gone through that multiple times and haven't found anything,' Mr Phair told Yahoo News. A former federal police officer, Mr Phair said that the problem facing Victorian Police detectives is that they will one day have to divert their resources to other priorities. 'I think they can keep searching for a lot longer, it's the resourcing they put into that, to prioritise this over rather, what are going to become more urgent matters, that's going to be the issue,' he added. Ms Murphy, 51, disappeared during a morning run through Ballarat's Canadian State Forest on February 4 and Patrick Orren Stephenson, 22, has since been charged with her murder 'There will always be a detective assigned to the case. But whether it's the sole case or becomes one of their many cases, that's what's going to happen over time as the next priority overtakes.' A renewed search took place over two days last week as officers scoured across a 'targeted' area of the forest. 'Detectives from the Missing Persons Squad as well as a range of specialist resources from across Victoria Police were involved in the search,' a police statement read. 'Since February, police have regularly undertaken a range of inquiries and small-scale searches as part of the current investigation. 'Samantha's family has also been advised of the search.' Mr Phair said despite Ms Murphy's phone being found, detectives are no closer today to finding her than they were four months ago. Speaking from his experience in the force Mr Phair believes that detectives would be considering all possibilities, including if there might have been more than one person involved with the disappearance. At least one detective will remain assigned to the case so long as Ms Murphy remains missing, he added. Mr Phair said the problem facing detectives is their limited resources and the fact that one day they will be needed elsewhere Mr Phair believes that police officers are likely focusing on building their case against Stephenson, who has been behind bars since his arrest. He said that detectives would have already handed in their brief of evidence against him and would now be working on corroborating that evidence. Ms Murphy's phone and other items found in the search will be used in their case when it reaches the courts. Mr Phair added that although there seems to be a lot of unanswered questions in the case detectives might be saving some crucial details for their case. A number of items located during the May 29 search in Buninyong are still being forensically assessed, including Ms Murphy's phone. As the countdown to the next general election continues, Brits have raised concerns about the impact a change in government could have on their investments. Financial reviews, carried out by management company Saltus over the last 12 weeks, revealed 'economic uncertainty' is at the front of everyone's mind. According to their latest poll, 31% of respondents believe Labour will win at the next general election, with just 13% believing Rishi Sunak would lead the largest party. Labour is the most backed political party among British high net worth individuals (HNWIs) those with assets of more than 250,000. And if an Election were held today, 27% of HNWIs would vote for Keir Starmer's party, compared to just 16% for the Conservatives. So how can you protect your wealth and future-proof your retirement ahead of the next General Election? Here, MailOnline outlines the 'four-box principle' to shielding your investment portfolio. As the countdown to the next general election continues, Brits have raised concerns about the impact a change in government could have on their investments (stock) Financial reviews, carried out by management company Saltus over the last 12 weeks, revealed 'economic uncertainty' is at the front of everyone's mind (stock) Pensions Pensions provide you with tax relief on the way in, provide tax free growth and then on the way out (when you come to withdraw from your pension), you get 25% tax free cash and the remaining 75% is always taxed at the marginal rate of income tax. Pensions are also exempt of Inheritance Tax on death. The annual pension allowance is the limit on how much you can save into your pensions each tax-year while still benefitting from tax relief on your contributions, any employer contributions and any contributions made on your behalf by someone else. The allowance for the financial year 2024/25 is 60,000. ISAs Contributions to ISAs are net of income tax and national insurance on the way in, but once it's in the ISA wrapper, there will be no tax to pay ever again. There is a limit on how much you can pay into your ISAs each year. For the current tax year, the total ISA allowance is 20,000. Contributions to ISAs are net of income tax and national insurance on the way in, but once it's in the ISA wrapper, there will be no tax to pay ever again (stock) There are riles on how many ISAs you can pay money into each tax year, although you can pay into more than one cash or stocks and shares ISA in a tax year. Your ISA allowance applies to the combined sum you put into all of your ISA accounts. Most people make use of a Cash ISA a savings account that lets you earn tax-free interest on the money you save. A Stocks and shares ISA lets you invest in stocks, shares and funds tax-free. Despite being a great way to build wealth, it's important to note ISAs are included inside your estate and so are subject to Inheritance Tax. General Investment Accounts (GIAs) A General Investment Account is an account which allows you to hold investments outside of tax wrappers (protected from tax), such as ISAs or pensions. Unlike ISAs there is no limit to how much you can invest in a GIA. Choosing a GIA allows you to invest in a wide range of funds, shares and investment trusts. You can take regular withdrawals if needed and can access your money at any time. General Investment Accounts are referred to as a 'fully taxable environment' by financial advisers, however those with a GIA can helpfully make use of your Capital Gains Tax allowance to access money tax free. The limit set for the current financial year is 3,000. A General Investment Account is an account which allows you to hold investments outside of tax wrappers (protected from tax), such as ISAs or pensions (stock) Many people who have used up their pension and ISA allowances have a General Investment Account as step 3 of the 'four-box principle'. This allows you to use your Capital Gains Tax Allowance year-on-year and also use your Dividends Tax Allowance year-on-year. In other instances, you can then use those allowances to fund your ISA each year or you can use it to fund your pension each year. Or you could take part of your General Investment Account in future and open an Offshore Bond. Capital Gains and Dividends are quite low rates of tax, particularly at the basic rate. An offshore bond: This essentially defers tax. You're able to access 5% of your initial investment every year with no immediate tax charge and they are free of Capital Gains Tax. Offshore investment bonds are also referred to as portfolio bonds and tax wrappers. A General Investment Account is an account which allows you to hold investments outside of tax wrappers (protected from tax), such as ISAs or pensions (stock) An offshore investment bond is a wrapper set up by a life insurance company and domiciled in a jurisdiction with a favourable tax regime such as the Isle of Man, Luxembourg or Guernsey. Megan Jenkins, a financial advisor at Saltus, said she has received a great deal of concern from clients regarding an increase in tax under a Labour government. 'Nearly every single financial review meeting I have had in the last 12 weeks has involved answering questions on these topics and the answer is that we just don't know,' she said. 'You can't plan in advance for any tax increases that might or might not happen, because we just don't know. You can only plan with what you have at this present time.' Explaining the 'four-box principle' she added: 'Diversification across tax wrappers protects from political uncertainty as this means that not everything is held in a pension which can often be impacted by a change in governments. 'The principle is that you use these four boxes because they allow you to blend the different allowances to create the most tax-efficient income. 'I have clients who use the four-box principle and where the Capital Gains Allowance has come down (which impacts a General Investment Account), they have other sources they can use to blend their income tax efficiently. 'So if a government in future decided to start taxing pensions more heavily, you would have the option of using your ISA allowances, a General Investment Account and an Offshore Bond to blend your income because you're not completely tied to one option. 'Reducing your tax burden can have the largest impact on your overall wealth and the net income you receive. 'It provides more life flexibility you often see people who only hold a pension being reluctant to access their capital because withdrawals are taxed at their marginal rate. 'However, when they have multiple tax wrappers, they can usually access cash for capital expenditure with greater ease as the tax burden is reduced.' Suspected ISIS inmates broke out of a cell in a Russian detention centre and kidnapped two prison officers, holding them hostage. They are holding the warders - one a colonel - at knifepoint in Rostov-on-Don close to the border with occupied Ukraine. The six inmates - described as facing terrorist charges or already convicted - are demanding a getaway car and guns. They were also seeking to access the jail's gun store. The authorities were seeking to negotiate with the hostage-takers who were holed up with the two prisoner officers in a jail yard. In one video, a suspected ISIS kidnapper brandishes a knife and declares: 'We are in Rostov Central, where our brothers are imprisoned, given [jail] terms... Suspected ISIS inmates broke out of a cell in a Russian detention centre and kidnapped two prison officers They are holding the warders - one a colonel - at knifepoint in Rostov-on-Don close to the border with occupied Ukraine 'The Islamic State mujahideen have taken over the entral [detention jail], captured the infidels.' A Russian lieutenant colonel named Alexander B was seen handcuffed with a wounded arm. He is taunted: 'Alexander, do you have anything to say? Say a few words. Your emotions, your feelings People are serious, hear them.' A younger prisoner officer is also seen with a 'terrorist' who waves a knife. In another message the captors say: 'We have set conditions by the grace of Allah so that they give us a car. 'We ask Allah that we will not be captured alive by them.' In another video, the ISIS kidnappers said: 'This group was prepared by Allah Almighty Himself by His signs. 'It was not done all spontaneously. It is not done all for nothing. We gave these infidels conditions that they give us a car and we leave. 'We will see what happens next. We ask Allah that we may not be captured alive by them, so that Allah may accept us.' Five of the six ISIS group were named M.S. Saipudinov, A.M Tsitskiev, D. V. Kamneev, T. M. Gireev and S.A. Akiev. Gireev, Tsitskiev and Akiev were reportedly convicted in December 2023 for participation in a planned ISIS attack on the supreme court in Karachay-Cherkessia region in southern Russia. They were sentenced to 18 years in jail. The identity of the sixth invader has not yet been established. The other three were on remand over terrorist charges, it is understood. Early this morning, Gireev, Akiev and Tsitskiev smashed window bars in their cell in the pre-trial detention centre and entered the jail's duty station. It is Vladimir Putin's second ISIS nightmare in three months. On 22 March, a terrorist attack was carried out by the Islamic State Khorasan Province in the Crocus City Hall music venue in Krasnogorsk, Moscow region. A total of 145 people died in a shootout. Israel today announced that it was implementing a daily 'tactical pause' in fighting in the Gaza Strip to allow humanitarian aid to flow into the war-torn enclave. The IDF said in a statement that the 'pause of military activity for humanitarian purposes will take place from 08:00 until 19:00 every day until further notice along the road that leads from the Kerem Shalom Crossing to the Salah al-Din Road and then northwards.' Israel has long been criticised for its alleged refusal to allow aid to enter Gaza, leaving residents starving and destitute. In March, a UN-backed report claimed that the number of the number of people facing 'catastrophic hunger' across the whole of the besieged enclave was 1.1 million, about half the population. The assessment by the UN-backed initiative - a scale used by UN agencies, regional bodies and aid groups - came amid global pressure on Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into the enclave of 2.3 million people. The IDF said it was starting a daily pause of fighting The IDF said in a statement that the 'pause of military activity for humanitarian purposes will take place from 08:00 until 19:00 every day' Israeli soldiers drive a tank near the Israeli-Gaza border, in southern Israel, Wednesday, June 5, 2024 Sunday's announcement was taken as part of efforts to 'increase the volumes of humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip' following discussions with the UN and other organisations, the IDF said. The World Health Organization has said more than 8,000 children under five have been treated for acute malnutrition in Gaza. From May 6 until June 6, the U.N. received an average of 68 trucks of aid a day, according to figures from the U.N. humanitarian office, known as OCHA. That was down from 168 a day in April and far below the 500 trucks a day that aid groups say are needed. World Food Programme deputy executive director Carl Skau said recently that 'with lawlessness inside the Strip... and active conflict', it has become 'close to impossible to deliver the level of aid that meets the growing demands on the ground'. A spokesman for COGAT, the Israeli agency in charge of affairs in the Gaza Strip, said it was the UN's fault that its cargo stacked up on the Gaza side of Kerem Shalom. He said the agencies have 'fundamental logistical problems that they have not fixed,' especially a lack of trucks. Palestinians in Gaza City perform Eid al-Adha prayers in the historic 'Great Mosque of Omar' Displaced Palestinians wait to collect food donated by a charitable group in Khan Younis A Palestinian woman visits the grave of a relative killed in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas The UN denies such allegations. It says the fighting between Israel and Hamas often makes it too dangerous for U.N. trucks inside Gaza to travel to Kerem Shalom, which is right next to Israel's border. It also says the pace of deliveries has been slowed because the Israeli military must authorize drivers to travel to the site, a system Israel says was designed for the drivers' safety. Due to a lack of security, aid trucks in some cases have also been looted by crowds as they moved along Gaza's roads. The new arrangement aims to reduce the need for coordinating deliveries by providing an 11-hour uninterrupted window each day for trucks to move in and out of the crossing. It was not immediately clear whether the army would provide security to protect the aid trucks as they moved along the highway. The pause along the southern route comes as Israel and Hamas are weighing the latest proposal for a cease-fire, a plan that was detailed by President Joe Biden in the administration's most concentrated diplomatic push for a halt to the fighting and the release of hostages taken by the militant group. While Biden described the proposal as an Israeli one, Israel has not fully embraced it and Hamas has demanded changes that appear unacceptable to Israel. Israel's eight-month military offensive against the Hamas militant group, sparked by the group's Oct. 7 attack, has plunged Gaza into a humanitarian crisis, with the U.N. reporting widespread hunger and hundreds of thousands of people on the brink of famine. The international community has urged Israel to do more to ease the crunch and has said the ongoing fighting, including in Rafah, has complicated aid deliveries throughout the war. Celebrity chef Marco Pierre White's convict son has been jailed after being busted stealing 250 in an early hours cafe raid after he was seen with his trousers falling down as he attempted to escape through a window. The troubled former Big Brother contestant has been sentenced to 41 weeks behind bars following the burglary of a deli in Bath, Somerset. He was caught on camera taking 250 from the till before snagging his tracksuit as he tried to make his way out via a window - revealing his identifiable tattoos. Police who recognised who he was as a result were able to arrest him the same day. The ex-reality TV star, 29, who has struggled with drug addiction, broke into the Grade-II listed courtyard Abbey Deli in the early hours of May 23 last year. Celebrity chef's son Marco Pierre White Jr was caught on camera fleeing a cafe after a raid The serial offender previously appeared in Channel 5 reality show Big Brother in 2016 He broke into the Grade-II listed courtyard Abbey Deli in the early hours of May 23 last year Its owner Jon Ison, 67, told the Sun: 'He broke in by smashing one of the window panes on the front door of the cafe with a champagne bottle. 'He stole 250 by levering open the draw of the till with a spoon even though the keys were there in plain sight - he also took the charity box from the counter. 'He probably thought he was in the clear but when he crawled back through the window he got his tracksuit caught on the frame and accidentally mooned his bare backside right at our CCTV cameras. 'Police knew straight away who it was because of his tattoos - all they had to do was check the photos of his ink on his Instagram feed to confirm their suspicions.' Pierre White Jr's multiple previous offences include shoplifting, possessing a knife, and possessing drugs. After the latest offence at the Abbey Deli, he pleaded guilty at Bristol Magistrates' Court and was given 41 weeks in jail for burglary as well as 'other offences'. Cafe owner Mr Ison added: 'He's been hanging out with the wrong crowd for years and we know he's got a drug problem. 'This is the second time he's broken into our cafe - the first time was almost exactly a year ago when he stole about 650. 'The serious side of this burglary is that this kind of theft is a massive inconvenience for businesses in the area. Marco Pierre White Jr (right) is the younger son of celebrity chef Marco Pierre White (left) White Jr previously told MailOnline that his rehab to get off drugs has cost his famous father more than 1million and that he now wanted to stay clean for the sake of his young daughter Pictured after his release from jail last year, the heavily tattooed former Big Brother star described how time behind bars had made him reflect on his mistakes 'Not only is there the cash that's stolen, but there's also a big loss in trade as we were forced to close to carry out repairs.' Pierre White Jr previously pleaded guilty in 2022 to 17 offences including possessing a knife, possessing heroin, a racially aggravated public order offence and shoplifting charges - and was then given 18 months behind bars. Avon and Somerset Police has been quoted as saying about his latest punishment: 'Following an investigation by police, Marco Xavier Pierre White was charged and appeared at Bristol Magistrates' Court on May 24, 2024. 'At this hearing the defendant pleaded guilty [and was] committed to prison for this and other offences for 41 weeks.' MailOnline has contacted Avon and Somerset Police for further comment. In 2019, Pierre White Jr was ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work after threatening a maid at his celebrity father's Rudloe Hall Hotel near Bath. After being released from prison last year following further offences, Pierre White Jr vowed never to touch drugs again after spending more than 1million on rehab. He also revealed he had converted to Islam to help him 'stay clean' and reform after years of drug abuse which began at the age of just 13. Marco Pierre White's son revealed in an exclusive interview with MailOnline that he had converted to Islam during his time in jail and was now determined to turn his life around He is pictured here being arrested in 2020, just one of multiple brushes with the law Despite being jailed for racially abusing a security guard White Jr (pictured outside Hendon Magistrates' Court) insisted that he was not a racist In an exclusive interview with MailOnline, he said: 'I have been in rehab 17 times and being in prison has made me realise that enough is enough. 'I have been in rehab all over America and in the UK and the only thing that has cured me is being banged up in a cell for 23 hours a day. 'I have realised how lucky I am and have been. I have seen all walks of life in prison and some people don't have a chance in life. I have had every opportunity and I have thrown them all away. 'I could have done anything I wanted to, but instead I did heroin and ended up in prison. I have been an idiot.' His Michelin-starred chef father previously told of opting against visiting his son in prison due to being 'too recognisable' - while also saying how he 'blames the authorities' as they didn't 'clamp down sooner' on the serial offender's behaviour. Four days after Pierre White Jr's exit from Big Brother in June 2019, he appeared in a magistrates' court to answer a drug driving charge - having been stopped in a BMW X5 and found to have 200mcg of cocaine in his system. In 2018, he announced he was attending AA meetings and told a trial he was then in rehab for alcohol addiction. In January 2019, he was convicted and fined after calling police officers 'f*****s' and 'n******s' as they tried to arrest him for being drunk and disorderly at a train station. The celebrity chef's son Marco Pierre White Jr is pictured doing community service - seen here clipping hedges and picking up rubbish along the side of the motorway Bristol Crown Court heard in August 2022 how Marco Pierre White Jr had a privileged start in life and was from a good family after he pleaded guilty to 14 offences that month In June 2019, he was ordered to pay more than 1,000 for running out on a 27 restaurant bill after his debit card was declined. The following month, it was reported he had to be dragged 'kicking and screaming' to a police station after being arrested for allegedly smashing windows during a row with his father in Wiltshire. In July 2019, he appeared in court accused of making off from a cafe without paying the bill after his payment card was declined, loudly proclaiming who his father was. His father was the youngest ever cook to attain the coveted three Michelin stars and is credited as being a major influence on other leading British chefs. A serial sex attacker, dubbed the 'Coronation Street rapist' has launched a parole bid despite breaking rules when he was last released from jail. Andrew Barlow, 67, from Bolton in Lancashire, earned his nickname after attacking several women in their own terraced homes in Manchester - reminiscent of the set used in the iconic soap. The predator was first locked up in October 1988 when he was convicted of 11 rapes, three attempted rapes, indecent assault and using a firearm to resist arrest. He was subsequently found guilty of two further rapes in 2010 and in 2017, both committed during the 1980s. But Barlow, formerly known as Andrew Longmire, spent just 34 years in jail and was freed on parole in March last year - despite then justice secretary Dominic Raab attempting to halt his release. The rapist, who was hauled back to jail after breaching conditions, will ask to be freed again at an appeal hearing on Wednesday, June 19. Andrew Barlow (pictured) earned his nickname after attacking several women in their own terraced homes in Manchester The predator was first locked up in October 1988 when he was convicted of 11 rapes, three attempted rapes, indecent assault and using a firearm to resist arrest A source told The Sun: 'He believes he shouldn't have been recalled and isn't a threat.' Barlow was handed thirteen life sentences for his campaign of terror across five counties during the 1980s. The brute raped a woman in front of her three-year-old child, who was hiding behind the sofa in their home. He was also found guilty of raping a 15-year-old girl by breaking into her home at around 8:45am when her parents had left the house. Barlow threatened the 'petrified' girl with a knife before pulling her clothes off and raping her. The serial rapist would spend days carrying out reconnaissance on the victims' homes to work out their domestic routines. Knowing when a victim's partners or parents would leave for work allowed Barlow to attack the victims alone. Barlow's initial release in 2023 left Barlow's victims furious after they campaigned tirelessly with their families to keep the rapist behind bars. Last year a relative of a woman Barlow raped in her own home in Greater Manchester in 1987 told Manchester Evening News: 'I took it on the chin in January and decided to get on with my life when Barlow was released - now this animal is back in our lives again. We told the authorities and they didn't listen. 'Someone has to be accountable for this. It will mean all the victims and their families are reliving the agony again like we had to in January when we tried in vain to stop his release. 'We told the authorities he was too high a risk and we have been proven right. 'I will like to sit down with someone from the Parole Board face to face and tell them what happened to our family because of Barlow'. Terraced housing on the set of Coronation Street Barlow spent just 34 years in jail and was freed on parole in March last year - despite then justice secretary Dominic Raab (pictured) attempting to halt his release Commenting on Barlow's appeal, a spokesman for the Parole Board said: 'An oral hearing has been listed for the parole review of Andrew Barlow and is scheduled to take place in June 2024. 'Parole Board decisions are solely focused on what risk a prisoner could represent to the public if released and whether that risk is manageable in the community. 'A panel will carefully examine a huge range of evidence, including details of the original crime, and any evidence of behaviour change, as well as explore the harm done and impact the crime has had on the victims. 'Members read and digest hundreds of pages of evidence and reports in the lead up to an oral hearing.' The spokesman added: 'Evidence from witnesses including probation officers, psychiatrists and psychologists, officials supervising the offender in prison as well as victim personal statements are then given at the hearing. 'The prisoner and witnesses are then questioned at length during the hearing which often lasts a full day or more. 'Parole reviews are undertaken thoroughly and with extreme care. Protecting the public is our number one priority.' Rishi Sunak branded himself the 'original Brexiteer' today as he warned Labour would 'reverse all the progress made' since the UK left the EU. The Prime Minister said he was 'proud to support Brexit' as he tried to create a new dividing line between himself and Sir Keir Starmer - a former leading supporter of a second referendum. However the PM spoke as the Conservatives also face huge pressure from the right with opinion polls showing a surge in support for Nigel Farage's Reform UK. At the same time, the latest mega-poll of voters suggests the Tories could be left with a rump of 72 MPs after the election. Labour is on course for a 262-seat majority, analysis by pollster Survation suggested. The Prime Minister said he was 'proud to support Brexit ' as he tried to create a new dividing line between himself and Sir Keir Starmer - a former leading supporter of a second referendum. Speaking about Sir Keir he added: 'This is someone who literally wanted to have a second referendum, said he wants to defend free movement of people and is always interested in closer EU alignment.' Your browser does not support iframes. In a wide-ranging interview with the Sunday Times Mr Sunak repeated a line he said in last week's Sky News leaders interviews. 'I am the original Brexiteer. I was proud to support Brexit and it was the right decision for our country because we can take advantage of the opportunities that are now ahead of us,' he told the paper. 'We're signing free-trade deals around the world, which have now led to Brexit Britain overtaking France, the Netherlands and Japan, to become the fourth largest exporter in the world.' He added: 'We were able to cut alcohol duty or beer duty in pubs, which was something we couldn't do inside the European Union. The industries of the future, where we're regulating them in a flexible way, that's about growth and innovation, whether it's artificial intelligence, whether it's agri-tech, whether it's financial services, whether it's digital, all of those areas. We are embracing innovation and growth and competitiveness. 'That's why we're the technology superpower of Europe and only growing in that regard. We're cutting red tape for businesses.' Speaking about Sir Keir he added: 'This is someone who literally wanted to have a second referendum, said he wants to defend free movement of people and is always interested in closer EU alignment, which would just mean us signing up to EU rules without any say and reverse all the progress that we've made over the last few years.' The Survation analysis and modelling based on more than 40,000 surveys indicates Labour is ahead in 456 seats, with the Tories in first place in just 72. The Survation model puts the Liberal Democrats on 56 seats, the SNP on 37, with Reform UK currently favourites in seven seats. The analysis suggests Plaid Cymru are on track for two seats and the Greens would hold Brighton Pavilion. The Survation study for campaign group Best For Britain used the multilevel with poststratification (MRP) technique to model results in constituencies. Survation polled 42,269 people online or over the telephone between May 31 and June 13. It is the first MRP analysis since Nigel Farage returned to the political frontline. Meanwhile, a voting intention poll by Savanta also contained bad news for Rishi Sunak, with a warning the Tories could face 'electoral extinction'. study for the Sunday Telegraph gave Labour a 25-point lead, with Sir Keir Starmer's party on 46 per cent, up two from last week, and the Tories on 21 per cent, down four points. It is the lowest share that the Conservatives have had with the pollster under Mr Sunak. Chris Hopkins, political research director at Savanta, said: 'Our research suggests that this election could be nothing short of electoral extinction for the Conservative Party. 'The hopes of Conservative candidates are being shot to pieces by poll after poll showing the Conservative Party in increasingly dire straits - and we're only halfway through the campaign. 'There's a real sense that things could still get worse for the Conservatives, and with postal votes about to drop through millions of letterboxes, time is already close to running out for Rishi Sunak.' Reform UK were on 13 per cent, up three points, the Liberal Democrats up two points on 11 per cent, the Greens up one point on 5 per cent and the SNP down one on 2 per cent. Mr Farage last night predicted there will be warfare within the Conservative Party within a week following Reform's dramatic rise in recent weeks. The Reform leader suggested the Tories were heading for infighting following news his party had overtaken theirs for the first time in a recent YouGov poll. 'You will start to see those MPs, who I agree with on most things, becoming much more vociferous about their stance as opposed to that of the party,' he told The Telegraph. 'The splits are going to get worse. And to them I will say: 'Sorry guys, you are just in the wrong party'. Farage claimed Reform was now the 'opposition to Labour' this week after a YouGov survey for The Times put Reform up two points to 19 per cent, with the Tories unchanged on 18 per cent. Commandos involved in a daring raid to rescue Israeli hostage Noa Argamani have revealed what her first words were upon being saved from the clutches of Hamas. Israeli troops rescued Noa and three other hostages after 245 days in the beleaguered Gaza Strip in the largest and most successful operation of the war last week. Noa was seen being directed by her rescuers to a car before being pulled out of Gaza in a military helicopter and returned safely to a hospital in Ramat Gan, Israel. Noa Argamani made front pages around the world when she was dragged into Gaza on October 7, filmed being kidnapped on the back of a motorcycle with her boyfriend as she cried out, 'Don't kill me!' Three commandos from Yamam, the national counter-terrorism unit, involved in the rescue revealed that the first thing Noa did upon being rescued was ask about her mother. Commandos involved in a daring raid to rescue Israeli hostage Noa Argamani have revealed what her first words were upon being saved from the clutches of Hamas Israeli troops rescued Noa and three other hostages after 245 days in the beleaguered Gaza Strip Noa was seen being directed by her rescuers to a car before being pulled out of Gaza in a military helicopter and returned safely to a hospital in Ramat Gan In an interview with Israeli magazine Walla, one of the commandos, all of whom remained anonymous while on camera, said: 'The moment we broke into the apartment where Noa was held, we encountered three terrorists there and quickly neutralized them, reaching Noa's room within seconds.' 'The first two fighters who arrived said to her, "Noa, we came to save you, we came to bring you home." She was shocked; she didn't quite grasp or believe what was happening.' 'One of the fighters carried her on his back. She was barefoot. We wrapped her with fighters around her, and we left as quickly as possible after ensuring the apartment was clear of terrorists.' 'At this stage, the air force supported us, and we entered a vehicle in order to retreat. She was terrified; I don't think she believed what was happening before her eyes. 'Her first question was whether her mother was still alive. I told her yes. She looked right and left at us and asked again if we were sure. We told her yes, "that's why we came, to bring you back to your mother."' One Yamam commando said: 'We needed to blow up the door, enter, and rescue Noa because we understood the risk of any delay on the way to the target' Health officials in Hamas-run Gaza say more than 37,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war Israel and Hamas are currently weighing the latest proposal for a cease-fire Another Yamam commando told the outlet: 'We needed to blow up the door, enter, and rescue Noa because we understood the risk of any delay on the way to the target. Israel and Hamas are currently weighing the latest proposal for a cease-fire, a plan that was detailed by President Joe Biden in the administration's most concentrated diplomatic push for a halt to the fighting and the release of hostages taken by the militant group. While Biden described the proposal as an Israeli one, Israel has not fully embraced it and Hamas has demanded changes that appear unacceptable to Israel. The fighting continues unabated, and Israel announced the names Sunday of a total of 11 soldiers killed in recent attacks in Gaza, including one who died from wounds sustained in an assault last week. That puts the number of soldiers killed since Israel began its ground invasion of Gaza last year at 308. Hamas killed 1,200 people during its Oct. 7 attack and took 250 hostage, Israeli authorities say. Health officials in Hamas-run Gaza say more than 37,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war. EXCLUSIVE Bruce Lehrmann has touched down in Brisbane just hours before he faces court over two rape charges for the first time. The former Liberal staffer will appear in Toowoomba Magistrate's Court at 9am on Monday over allegations that he raped a woman, 29, who he met at at local strip club called 'The Vault' in October 2021. Just two months earlier, he had been charged with sexually assaulting his former colleague Brittany Higgins at Parliament House in Canberra in 2019. The woman, who can't be identified for legal reasons, claimed they went back to his friend's house after the strip club, they kissed in bed and she told him to put a condom on, but alleged she woke up to find him having sex with her. She also alleges that she woke up the following morning to find him having sex with her, and felt groggy when they had sex a third time. He allegedly wasn't wearing a condom and they went to buy the morning after pill. On Sunday afternoon, Lehrmann was spotted for the first time since his crushing defamation defeat in April, when a Federal Court judge found on a civil scale that he had raped Ms Higgins. Bruce Lehrmann is pictured, right, with his lawyer Rowan King, centre, at Brisbane Airport on Sunday Bruce Lehrmann (right) hasn't been pictured in public since his failed defamation case in April Upon arriving at Brisbane Airport with a small wheelie suitcase, and sporting a RM Williams hat and boots, he was greeted by his lawyer Rowan King. The pair made a beeline for the carpark before the two-hour trip to Lehrmann's hometown, Toowoomba, where he will face a half-day committal hearing on Monday. During the hearing, the alleged victim will be cross-examined by Lehrmann's lawyers in an effort to determine whether there is enough evidence for a magistrate to commit the matter to trial. Lehrmann would only have to enter a plea if the case was committed, but it is understood that he intends to plead not guilty. The court previously heard the prosecution and defence agreed on points of cross-examination. Lehrmann's team had sought and received data from the alleged victim's phone. Despite being charged with rape in January 2023, Lehrmann has not appeared in person at the court in Toowoomba. Bruce Lehrmann and his lawyer made a bee line for the carpark on Sunday, before they drove to Toowoomba When he was first charged, previous legislation said Lehrmann could not be identified because Queensland banned the media from publicly identifying alleged sex offenders unless matters were committed to trial. Those laws changed in October, which meant Lehrmann could be named and pictured even though the matter had not been committed. Lehrmann was tried over Ms Higgins' rape in the ACT Supreme Court in October 2022, but the case collapsed due to misconduct by a member of the jury. The charge was then dropped by the ACT Director of Public Prosecutions in December 2022 over fears for Ms Higgins' mental health. Last year, Lehrmann launched a defamation case against Network Ten and The Project host Lisa Wilkinson over the original interview with Ms Higgins in February 2021, during which she aired her rape claims for the first time. Brittany Higgins is pictured (centre) alongside her husband David Sharaz in March He wasn't named in the broadcast, but claimed friends and colleagues were able to identify him as Ms Higgins' rapist. However, the defamation action backfired when Justice Michael Lee found, on a balance of probabilities, that Lehrmann had raped Ms Higgins in much the way she described during her television interview. Photographers chased Lehrmann out of the court and along the highway, up to Avoca on the Central Coast, before he sought refuge inside a police station. Lehrmann lodged an appeal in the Federal Court in May, Travel chaos at Birmingham Airport continues today amid confusion over the 100ml liquid rules, as passengers fear it could last all summer. Frustrated holidaymakers are still waiting in hours-long queues to go through Security, as early morning flights appear to be the most affected. One passenger shared a photograph of the queue at around 6am this morning, which led out the terminal in a straight line. It comes amid confusion over the 100ml liquid rules, as the Government temporarily reversed its plans to scrap the measure. The government had originally given approval to some airports to allow passengers to carry up to two litres of liquids in their hand luggage after the installation of new CT scanners. But it has not temporarily re-introduced the 100ml restriction until further notice. Travel agency Tui recently told passengers on long haul flights to check in between three to four hours ahead of their expected departure time. And there are fears among passengers that the chaos could continue for months as insiders claim the airport is 'understaffed' and staff are being 'overworked'. One passenger shared a photograph of the queue at around 6am this morning, which led out the terminal in a straight line (Pictured: The security line today) Airline passengers faced huge queues at Birmingham airport, UK, on June 14 Tui has told its passengers that its check in desks at Birmingham airport will open between two and three hours before departure for normal flights and between three and four hours before for long haul flights. It comes after EasyJet passengers were advised to turn up for their flight three hours early for their flights at Birmingham. In a post on X/Twitter, responding to a passenger asking why check-in had been disrupted on Sunday, EasyJet said: 'We recommend arriving at the airport 3 hours or at least 2 hours before your flight to account for potential delays and facilitate check-in.' The airline has insisted the advice is not linked to the 100ml liquid limit, according to The Telegraph. Airports have criticised the Government for the liquid rules U-turn after some airports - including Birmingham - had installed new 3D scanners. It should have meant the rules were changed on June 1 so passengers could carry liquids up to two litres in their hand luggage. But the likes of Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester were allowed to miss the latest deadline for installing them after various logistical challenges. Some airports that had installed the new technology had already dropped the 100ml liquid rule. But the Department for Transport (DfT) announced that six British airports will temporarily reintroduce the ban. Currently, all UK airports are operating a 100ml liquids rule - meaning liquids can be placed in hand luggage but must be split into containers not exceeding 100ml Furious passengers were earlier this week left waiting outside in the rain as they spent hours getting through security on June 6 Huge lines have been seen outside the terminal, snaking around the side of the building on June 6 The change affects passengers travelling from London City, Aberdeen, Newcastle, Leeds/Bradford, Southend and Teesside airports. All of the airports have Next Generation Security Checkpoints (NGSC) in operation, which had allowed them to scrap the 100ml rule. The high-tech CT scanners create a 3D image of what is inside passengers' bags and are being introduced in a number of airports across the UK with the aim of speeding up security checks. Birmingham airport had already been told to keep the 100ml ban while it waited for regulatory approval after installing its new 60million security screening hall, which included the new high tech scanners. It was previously claimed by insiders that the queues seen at the airport could last for months and the airport is 'understaffed', leaving employees 'overworked' and 'struggling'. The issue was originally believed to have stemmed from a shortage of staff and the time it has taken to complete the new security hall upgrade, with the source adding that the airport should have employed extra security staff to combat these problems. In response, airport bosses said a 'continual recruitment campaign for security officers' is in place and added that missed or delayed flights are 'not necessarily' their fault. Birmingham Airport said in a statement that alongside the security delays with the new technology, 'on-going building works on-site' have added to the 'usual busy morning' as customers have waited in 'long and skinny queues'. Russian authorities today said they brought a siege started by suspected ISIS members at a prison to an end. Six ISIS inmates today broke out of a cell in a Detention Centre 1 in Rostov-on-Don and kidnapped two prison officers, holding them hostage at knifepoint in the city, which lies close to the border with occupied Ukraine. The six inmates - described as facing terrorist charges or already convicted - demanded a getaway car, and also tried to access the jail's gun store. But police said they managed to 'liquidate' the terrorists, saying in a statement: 'During a special operation...the criminals were liquidated and the employees who were taken hostage were released and were not injured.' A police source told state news agency TASS that IS members who were due to appear in court on terrorism charges were among the hostage-takers. They were reported to be holed up in the prison courtyard, armed with a pocket-knife, a baton and an axe, the source said. In one video, a suspected ISIS kidnapper brandishes a knife and declares: 'We are in Rostov Central, where our brothers are imprisoned, given [jail] terms... The six inmates - described as facing terrorist charges or already convicted - demanded a getaway car, and also tried to access the jail's gun store But police said they managed to 'liquidate' the terrorists 'The Islamic State mujahideen have taken over the entral [detention jail], captured the infidels.' A Russian lieutenant colonel named Alexander B was seen handcuffed with a wounded arm. He is taunted: 'Alexander, do you have anything to say? Say a few words. Your emotions, your feelings People are serious, hear them.' A younger prisoner officer is also seen with a 'terrorist' who waves a knife. In another message the captors say: 'We have set conditions by the grace of Allah so that they give us a car. 'We ask Allah that we will not be captured alive by them.' In another video, the ISIS kidnappers said: 'This group was prepared by Allah Almighty Himself by His signs. 'It was not done all spontaneously. It is not done all for nothing. We gave these infidels conditions that they give us a car and we leave. 'We will see what happens next. We ask Allah that we may not be captured alive by them, so that Allah may accept us.' Five of the six ISIS group were named M.S. Saipudinov, A.M Tsitskiev, D. V. Kamneev, T. M. Gireev and S.A. Akiev. Suspected ISIS inmates broke out of a cell in a Russian detention centre and kidnapped two prison officers They are holding the warders - one a colonel - at knifepoint in Rostov-on-Don close to the border with occupied Ukraine Gireev, Tsitskiev and Akiev were reportedly convicted in December 2023 for participation in a planned ISIS attack on the supreme court in Karachay-Cherkessia region in southern Russia. They were sentenced to 18 years in jail. The identity of the sixth invader has not yet been established. The other three were on remand over terrorist charges, it is understood. Early this morning, Gireev, Akiev and Tsitskiev smashed window bars in their cell in the pre-trial detention centre and entered the jail's duty station. It is Vladimir Putin's second ISIS nightmare in three months. On 22 March, a terrorist attack was carried out by the Islamic State Khorasan Province in the Crocus City Hall music venue in Krasnogorsk, Moscow region. A total of 145 people died in a shootout. German police have today shot an axeman near a Euros fan zone during a Dutch supporters march in Hamburg after he threatened officers with a firebomb. Thousands of Dutch supporters were taking part in a peaceful march when a man began to allegedly threaten an officer with a gold-coloured 'double-headed axe' and an 'incendiary device'. Four loud bangs rang out close to the Reeperbahn, in Hamburg, at around 12.30pm local time where Netherlands supporters were gathering ahead of today's game. Riot police swooped in and sealed off the area and tried using pepper spray to disarm him before an officer fired a warning shot. Officers then shot the axeman and he fell to the ground. The Netherlands are playing Poland in the city later today. Riot police swooped in and fired shots at an axe-wielding man after he allegedly started to threaten officers Police cordon off an area near the Reeperbahn in Hamburg after a man allegedly began threatening an officer with an axe German police have today shot an axeman near a Euros fan zone during a Dutch supporters march Four loud bangs rang out close to the Reeperbahn, in Hamburg, where Netherlands and Polish supporters were gathering ahead of today's game Polizei Hamburg said he is currently receiving medical treatment. Video footage showed a man, dressed in black and carrying a rucksack, in the busy district holding an axe and firebomb as he shouts at armed officers near a barrier. He turns his back as he is doused in pepper spray and runs up the street as passers-by scurry across the road. Officers climb over the barriers and shoot the man who then falls to the ground. Hamburg police wrote on X/ Twitter: 'At #StPauli there is currently a major police operation. 'According to initial findings, a person threatened police officers with a pickaxe and an incendiary device. The police then used their firearms. The attacker was injured and is currently receiving medical treatment.' The incident came after thousands of German officers policed the tens of thousands of Dutch fans, who turned Hamburg's Reeperbahn red light district into a sea of orange on Saturday night. The night seemed to pass off without incident, with few Poles present and little sign of the Dutch becoming aggressive. Around 40,000 Dutch supporters were taking part in a peaceful march when a man wielding a gold-coloured axe began to attack an officer Netherland fans are pictured during their Fan Walk at the official UEFA Fan Zone British police said before the tournament that the reputation of the national team's fans was far better than the club fans who have brought carnage to club competition. Pictures on social media had earlier shown thousands of Netherlands supporters in the city enjoying the build-up to the Group D game, which is scheduled to kick off at 2pm BST. The game is taking place at Hamburg's Volksparkstadion, with the city's fan park situated in the St Pauli district. A former Eastenders star turned Labour politician was forced to apologise today for a stinging attack on one of the party's gender critical MPs. Michael Cashman accused Rosie Duffield of being 'frit or lazy' in an online attack after she revealed she would not attend local hustings due to 'constant trolling'. Ms Duffield revealed on Friday she made an 'extremely difficult decision' because the 'actions of a few fixated individuals' have made her attendance 'impossible'. The 52-year-old, who is standing in Canterbury, is a defender of women's rights and female-only spaces who revealed this week that she has spent 2,000 on bodyguards while campaigning. Lord Cashman, a prominent LGBT activist who played Colin Russell in Eastenders between 1986 and 1989, deleted his tweet this morning. He added: 'I apologise unreservedly for a post that I put out regarding the Labour candidate for Canterbury. I fully understand any complaints that will be sent to the Labour Party.' But Ms Duffield hit back, saying: 'This will be the first General Election where I haven't attended every single hustings. But as someone who has never been an MP, it looks as though Lord Cashman is completely unaware that very many MPs/candidates choose never to attend these events at all.' Michael Cashman accused Rosie Duffield of being 'frit or lazy' in an online attack after she revealed she would not attend local hustings due to 'constant trolling'. Lord Cashman, a prominent LGBT activist who played Colin Russell in Eastenders between 1986 and 1989, deleted his tweet this morning and apologised. But Ms Duffield hit back, saying: 'This will be the first General Election where I haven't attended every single hustings. But as someone who has never been an MP, it looks as though Lord Cashman is completely unaware that very many MPs/candidates choose never to attend these events at all.' Shadow health secretary Mr Streeting told Times Radio on Sunday: 'I strongly disagree with Michael. 'That is extremely unfair and I was very concerned Rosie's not able to participate in hustings and is having to change the way she behaves because of abuse. 'That is wholly intolerable and unacceptable, as is the abuse Nigel Farage has had. 'I count Michael and Rosie as friends and this is exactly the kind of division I've been working really hard to try and work through and heal.' Tory Women and Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch later waded into the row, accusing Labour of 'intimidation and abuse' towards its own. She tweeted: 'I can't imagine what it's like being Rosie in a party where her own colleagues continually attack her, just for standing up for women. 'This is now about more than women's rights, but how a party manages internal disagreement. Instead of healthy debate it's intimidation and abuse. 'If this is what they do to their own, imagine what they will do to our country.' Ms Duffield, who believes that self-identification threatens women's rights to female-only spaces, previously claimed that she has been given the cold shoulder by Labour leadership over her views on trans issues. Last month, she complained that Sir Keir Starmer offered her 'no apology' when the two finally spoke after she told a whip she had not been talked to in two and a half years. In a statement on X on Friday, she said: 'The constant trolling, spite and misrepresentation from certain people, having built up over a number of years and being pursued with a new vigour during this election, is now affecting my sense of security and wellbeing. 'The result is now that I feel unable to be focused on giving a clear presentation of the Labour Party's manifesto commitments.' A Labour Party spokesperson described the right to campaign as a 'vital' aspect of British democracy. 'It is vital to our democracy that prospective parliamentary candidates are able to campaign freely,' the spokesperson said. 'We completely condemn any intimidation tactics towards candidates of any party.' Sir Keir previously criticised the would-be MP's claim that 'only women have a cervix', but later told ITV's Good Morning Britain that 'biologically, she of course is right about that' and called for an end to 'toxic' debates on gender. The remarks drew the ire of Harry Potter author JK Rowling, who accused him of having a 'brass neck'. Earlier this month an internet troll who posted 'chilling' online messages threatening to kill Rowling and Ms Duffield was spared jail. Glenn Mullen, 31, of Clyde Road, Manchester, uploaded audio clips in Gaelic threatening to kill Ms Rowling 'with a big hammer' and said he was 'going to see Rosie Duffield at the bar with a big gun', Westminster Magistrates' Court heard. A man charged with the alleged murder of a popular surfer was a no-show in court due to medical reasons, according to his lawyer. Jayson Brett Dal Molin, 41, was scheduled to appear in Parramatta Bail Court on Sunday, hours after he was arrested and charged over the death of Guy Haymes following a renewed police appeal. Mr Haymes, 59, a well known Sydney surfer, was found with serious head injuries on Sydney's northern beaches on February 27 and died in Royal North Shore Hospital a fortnight later. Dal Molin was arrested in Greenacre in the city's south-west on Saturday night. He was charged with murder and two counts of taking or detaining a person with intent to obtain advantage, and taking or detaining a person with intent to obtain advantage occasioning actual bodily harm. Pleas have yet to be entered and Dal Molin's lawyer told the court the her client could not appear in court until he has access to his medication in jail. Jayson Brett Dal Molin, 41, (pictured) is behind bars after he was charged with murder Well-known surfer Guy Haymes (pictured) died a fortnight after the alleged assault Police alleged in court documents that Dal Molin murdered Mr Haymes between 1.30pm and 5.56pm at a Manly unit on February 27, The Daily Telegraph reported. His lawyer told the court that Dal Molin was not required to appear via video link for Sunday's hearing and added that he is currently unmedicated in prison. The court also heard that Dal Molin suffers from ADHD, bipolar, anxiety and depression. In his absence, police presented documents to the court alleging that he detained Mr Haymes with the intention of obtaining an advantage of $50 and occasioned actual bodily harm. Police also alleged that Dal Molin detained two other men with the intention of obtaining an advantage of $50 on the same day. Magistrate Chris McRobert adjourned the matter to Downing Centre Local Court on August 15. Dal Molin will remain behind bars. Nicknamed 'Creature', Mr Haymes was a popular surfer known on Sydney's northern beaches and in Wollongong south of Sydney. He grew up learning to surf on the northern beaches with his family who are all popular in the local surfing scene. He was considered part of a small group of locals to have kickstarted surfing at Avalon Beach, which is now one of Sydney's hotspots. Jayson Brett Dal Molin (pictured) did not appear at Parramatta Bail Court on Sunday because he is waiting for his medication to be given to him in prison, his lawyer told the court Police renewed a public appeal for information about Guy Haymes' (pictured) death last Thursday and made an arrest two days later A breakthrough in the case emerged when a witness came forward after NSW Police and Mr Haymes' grieving family launched a public appeal for information on Thursday. Mr Haymes' brother Mark said that the news of an arrest 'massive weight off our shoulders'. 'It won't bring my brother back but at least it's something,' he told Nine News. 'If he had fallen over and hit his head and it was just a bad accident, but for someone to do that thats the part that really gets you.' Mark previously described his brother Guy as 'fun-loving, sociable and got on with everyone'. 'Our whole family is shocked and in disbelief that he had his life cut short and in such a brutal way,' he told reporters at the press conference on Thursday. 'With my kids, he was always a really good uncle - they loved him. 'If anyone out there has any information, please come forward as our whole family needs closure.' Mark Haymes (pictured) said it was a massive weight off of his family's shoulders after hearing that a man had been charged with his brother's murder Detective Superintendent Patrick Sharkey had appealed for any information from members of the public after conducting extensive inquiries. 'We are reaching out for assistance from the community as we continue to investigate this for Guy's family,' he said. 'My detectives will not stop... Guy's family have been left without answers and I need the community to help in providing those answers.' Guys father, John, posted an update on Facebook in May that his son's death had been 'extremely stressful' for the family. 'As I'm sure you will understand that the past three months have been extremely stressful for Val, I and the family,' John wrote. 'Once it became murder the entire situation be came a lot of very unfortunate circumstances over the ensuing months. 'We definitely want to give Guy the send off he deserves.' A paddle-out in Mr Haymes' memory at North Avalon is being planned. Investigations into Mr Haymes' death continue. Anyone with information is urged to come forward. Guy Haymes was a popular surfer known on Sydney's northern beaches and in Wollongong An Aussie YouTuber who vowed to flee the country over the federal government's vaping ban has acted on his threat and fired a parting shot at authorities. Known online as the Vaping Bogan, Samuel Parsons declared to his 186,000 subscribers in January that he would be forced to relocate overseas to save his career reviewing vape products for living. Mr Parsons recently briefly returned to Adelaide after spending the past five months in the UK, where his wife is a dual-citizen. The vape influencer now intends to live in the UK permanently with his young family. The father-of-two said that the government's 'terrible' decision to ban the importation and sale of vapes forced his hand into leaving Australia, which he branded as a 'nanny state'. Aussie YouTuber Samuel Parsons, better known online as the Vaping Bogan (pictured), will move permanently to the UK with his young family to escape Australia's strict anti-vape laws 'Vaping is more accessible in Russia and China than it is in Australia right now and that says a lot. We are no longer a free country,' he told the Advertiser. 'Everything I do is gone if I stay in Australia.' He questioned why Aussies people need a prescription for vapes when cigarette smokes remain widely publicly accessible. Mr Parsons added that he will only return to Australia if the new laws are scrapped and that the government allows adults to make their own choices. The YouTuber believes the ban will only strengthen the black market for vapes and wouldn't make a dent in the amount of Aussie children vaping. 'When the black market is bigger than it was before the ban and the youth vaping rates haven't declined these politicians will be left with egg on their face,' he said. 'They will destroy the hundreds of legitimate vape businesses trying to help people get off combustible tobacco and only make the problems of youth vaping and unregulated vape products even worse.' Ms Parsons added that proposed plans in the UK to ban single-use vapes won't affect him as he doesn't review them. Mr Parsons has been living in the UK with his wife for the past five months, where the only bans are on single-use vapes and he can continue reviewing the products on social media The federal government has banned the importation and sale of single-use disposable vapes (pictured) in Australia Laws forbidding the sale of vapes have been in place since 2021 before more aggressive policy was introduced by the Albanese government. New legislation introduced January 1 banned the sale of nicotine vapes in specialised retailers and convenience stores. The crackdown saw a number of stores nationwide raided by police while Aussies can now only legally get a vape in pharmacies with a prescription from their GP. Daily Mail Australia revealed earlier this year that vapes were as easy to buy as a can of drink or a newspaper in stores across Sydney, even after the government's new measures. In response, Health Minister Mark Butler said the government 'is not going to stand by and let this happen', warning stores selling vapes to find a new revenue stream. 'I've said to businesses that are making money out of this trade, you're going to have to find another way to make money,' Mr Butler told Daily Mail Australia. 'Vape shops are deliberately setting up down the road from schools its an industry targeting their product to kids.' Vaping can lead to nicotine addiction and cause seizures and death even on products promoted as nicotine-free. A price gouging law passed last year by California could send gas prices skyrocketing in the neighboring state of Nevada. The law, which went into effect in June 2023, gives the California Energy Commission (CEC) the authority to set a maximum profit ceiling for gasoline refineries in the state. If the CEC takes its mandate to the extreme, an expert said a ripple effect could cause prices at the Nevada pumps to surge as high as $10 a gallon. Even with the law in place, the CEC still hasn't decided on a specific profit cap, though it plans to come out with a concrete plan later this year, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported. 'The potential impact could be severe enough where either (Nevada is) not getting gasoline, or the gasoline that does flow into Nevada could be theoretically $5 or $10 a gallon,' said Patrick De Haan, head petroleum analyst for GasBuddy.com. 'The degree of how high prices go, is dependent on how much they tighten the market.' Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo, pictured, wrote a letter to California Governor Gavin Newsom in May expressing deep doubts about instituting price caps on gasoline refineries People living in California and Nevada already have to manage some of the highest gas prices in the country. As of Saturday, the average price per gallon was $4.84 in California, while in Nevada it was $4.05, according to AAA data. Nevada is uniquely affected by this new regulation, as the state gets about 88 percent of its fuel from California refineries, which Governor Joe Lombardo pointed out in a May letter to Governor Gavin Newsom. The Republican, a former sheriff in Clark County, expressed his concerns about 'unintended consequences' of the new law, adding that prices could also go up for Californians under this new regime. 'I'm concerned that this approach could lead to refiners either constraining the supplies of fuels to avoid a profit penalty or even leaving our shared fuels market entirely,' he wrote to Newsom. 'Either scenario would likely lead to limited supplies and higher fuel costs for consumers in both of our states.' Newsom's office responded to Lombardo's letter by calling it a stunt to appease his 'Big Oil donors who contributed tens of thousands of dollars to his campaign,' adding, 'he knows full well that oil refiners are driving up gas prices and making massive profits harming residents of both of our states.' Shell, along with other oil giants, made giant profits in the first quarter of 2024 thanks largely to strong margins on gasoline. Gavin Newsom hit back at Lombardo, saying he's simply appeasing his 'Big Oil donors' Peter Krueger, state director for the Nevada Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association, believes Nevada is completely at the whim of California regulators the way things currently stand. He said even if the state wanted to seek alternate sources for fuel, that wouldn't be a viable option since Nevada's biggest fuel pipelines are already connected to California. Getting gas trucked in from another state would likely be even costlier. Nevada's only viable option, according to him, would be to build more refineries and make itself more like California, where 90 percent of the gasoline consumed comes from in-state refineries. 'We're stuck with what happens in California,' Krueger told the Review-Journal. 'If its based only on price, then were going to have to suck it up and pay the price that its delivered to us at.' Legislators in Arizona are equally as concerned about this, since their state also gets a huge portion of its of gasoline needs filled by California refineries. Experts chalk up the CEC's impending decision on profit caps to the simple concept of supply and demand. 'The long run game of this is, if you disincentivize refineries from refining, youre going to end up with lower supply,' De Haan said. De Haan added that even if the CEC sets up a profit cap by this year, impacts on gas prices will take several years to be felt by consumers. A woman imprisoned for more than four decades for murder in Missouri has been found innocent. Sandra 'Sandy' Hemme, 63, was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment after the slaying of 31-year-old Patricia Jeschke in 1980, but will now be released or retried within the next 30 days. A judge overturned the conviction on Friday, after her attorneys revealed how the crime was likely committed by a now-discredited cop who died in 2015. Hemme was cuffed after she made statements to other cops in St Joseph while sedated after the fact, incriminating herself in the process. Cops, while doing this, exploited her mental illness, coercing her into making false statements while she she was on meds meant to treat a psychotic break, Judge Ryan Horsman said - citing how the suspect was also threatened with the death penalty. Sandra 'Sandy' Hemme, a Missouri woman imprisoned for 43 years for murder she did not commit, was finally found innocent on Friday. Hemme is seen here at some point during her incarceration Sandra 'Sandy' Hemme, 63, (left) was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment after the slaying of 31-year-old Patricia Jeschke (right) in 1980 'The only evidence linking Ms. Hemme to the crime was that of her own inconsistent, disproven statements, statements that were taken while she was in psychiatric crisis and physical pain,' he said in the order reversing the ruling. In contrast, 'this court finds that the evidence directly ties [then-police officer Michael] Holman to this crime and murder scene', Horsman added - pointing to the compelling new evidence presented by Hemme's attorneys in February 2023. He said prosecutors, at the time, failed to disclose such evidence - which he said would have helped Hemme's defense most definitely. He added that her trial counsel fell 'below professional standards' as a result, paving the way for the injustice. The cop in question died in 2015, after being fired from the St Joseph force for falsely reporting that his pickup truck had been stolen and collecting an insurance payout a month after Jeschke, a local library worker, was found stabbed to death. It was the same truck his fellow officer spotted near the crime scene, leading them to hone in on the suspect. The officer also tried to use Jeschke's credit card at a Kansas City camera store the same day her body was discovered, and went on to issue an alibi that he spent the night with a woman at a nearby motel in response. This, however, could not be confirmed, though Hemme was still treated as the prime suspect. A judge overturned the conviction on Friday, after her attorneys successfully argued the crime was committed by a now-discredited cop, St Joseph's Michael Holman (seen here), who died in 2015 Holman, on the other hand, said he found the card in a purse discarded in a ditch, spurring a raid of his home by fellow officers - during which they found a pair of gold horseshoe-shaped earrings, along with jewelry stolen from another woman during a burglary earlier that year. Afterwards, Jeschke's father came forward claiming he recognized the earrings as a pair he bought for his daughter, but the investigation into Holman still ended abruptly, four days later. Many of these details, officials said Friday, were uncovered later and never given to Hemme's attorneys - enough to classify it as a miscarriage of justice more than 40 years after the case grabbed headlines. It started on November 13, 1980, when Jeschke failed to show up for work, leading her mother to climb through the window of her locker apartment to discover he nude body surrounded by blood. Her hands were tied behind her back with a telephone cord and a pair of pantyhose wrapped around her throat, with a freshly used knife left under her head. A search ensued for the librarian's killers, with Hemme surfacing as a suspect within the next two weeks. She had been discharged from a mental hospital the day before Jeschke's body was found, and showed up nearly two weeks later at the home of a nurse who once treated her, carrying a knife and refusing to leave. Police, at that point, found her in a closet, returning her to St. Joseph's Hospital where she would soon become a suspect. 'The only evidence linking Ms. Hemme to the crime was that of her own inconsistent, disproven statements, statements that were taken while she was in psychiatric crisis and physical pain,' Judge Ryan Horsman said upon delivering his decision. In contrast, he added, 'the evidence directly ties [then-police officer Michael] Holman to this crime and murder' Citing the timing of these hospitalizations, cops began interrogating Hemme, during which she was being plied with antipsychotic drugs. This, her attorneys pointed out, was the latest in a string of hospitalizations that began when Hemme started hearing voices at the age of 12, and saw cops note she seemed 'mentally confused' and not fully able to comprehend their questions at the time. 'Each time the police extracted a statement from Ms. Hemme it changed dramatically from the last, often incorporating explanations of facts the police had just recently uncovered,' her attorneys wrote. Eventually, she claimed to have watched a man named Joseph Wabski kill Jeschke, after meeting Wabski when they stayed in the state hospital's detoxification unit at the same time. He was quickly charged with capital murder, but prosecutors within days dropped the case upon learning he was at an alcohol treatment center in Topeka, Kansas, at the time. Upon learning this, Hemme cried and she was the lone killer - right around the time cops began looking into Holman. He, however, made it off the hook and was merely fired, while prosecutors proceeded with their case against Hemme anyway. Cops, while doing this, exploited her mental illness, coercing her into making false statements while she she was on meds meant to treat a psychotic break, the jurist said. Hemme is seen here in a booking photo provided by the Missouri Department of Corrections While imprisoned awaiting trial, she wrote to her parents on Christmas Day 1980, 'Even though I'm innocent, they want to put someone away, so they can say the case is solved.' She said she might as well change her plea to guilty. 'Just let it end,' she added at the time. 'I'm tired.' The following spring, she agreed to plead guilty to capital murder in exchange for the death penalty being taken off the table. Her attorneys presented these oversights involving the case a year and a half ago, after which the Missouri Court of Appeals scheduled an evidentiary hearing on January 16, 2024. The hearing was held over the course of three days. during which former detective Steven Fueston stated he stopped one of the police interviews of Hemme because 'she didn't seem totally coherent' Horshman, in turn, delivered his ruling Friday, chiding the department while doing so. Larry Harman, a local judge who helped Hemme get her initial guilty plea thrown out e, said in the petition how he believed she was innocent. 'The system,' he said, 'failed her at every opportunity.' The decision to either release of retry her will be made within the next 30 days. President Joe Biden took aim at the 'far out' conservative Supreme Court and blasted Donald Trump while appearing alongside former President Obama at a glitzy fundraiser in Los Angeles on Saturday night as protesters gathered outside. The president was on the west coast to raise money for his reelection bid alongside Obama at the celebrity-packed event fresh off a trip to the G7 in Italy. The event raised more than $30 million for the president's campaign according to a campaign official and was attended by Hollywood royalty including George Clooney, Julia Roberts and Barbra Streisand. During a program moderated by late-night host and comedian Jimmy Kimmel, Biden, 81, focused in on abortion and the Supreme Court. He warned that the next president is likely to have new nominees to the country's highest court. President Biden and former President Obama appearing at a fundraiser for Biden's reelection campaign in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday night Biden called Trump getting to choose two more justices 'one of the scariest parts' of the Republican ex-president being elected to a second term and said there has never been a Supreme Court so far out of step. The president also mentioned Justice Clarence Thomas, noting the conservative member had said the court, which overturned the federal right to abortion in 2022, should reconsider things such as in vitro fertilization fertilization (IVF) and contraception. 'Not on my watch,' Biden responded. 'Not on my watch.' Seated alongside Obama at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles, Biden and Kimmel also cracked some jokes about the president's predecessor and Republican opponent. Kimmel pointed out how Biden said he ran to restore the soul of the nation: it looks like we might need an exorcism - is that why you visited the pope?' referencing Biden's recent meeting with Pope Francis in Italy. Biden brought up Trump's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. 'Remember the pandemic? He said just dont worry just inject a little bleach,' the president said. 'It worked for me,' Kimmel quipped. 'It worked for [Trump],' Biden responded. 'It colored his hair.' Heres what you can do to prevent any more far-right Supreme Court justices appointed by Donald Trump: Reelect me. pic.twitter.com/y1k6EJZ8kv Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) June 16, 2024 During the program with comedian Jimmy Kimmel, Biden took aim at the conservative Supreme Court and his Republican opponent Donald Trump Obama also participated in the conversation where he praised Biden and slammed Trump for his recent felony conviction in New York as well as other controversies Celebrities in attendance for Biden's star-studded fundraiser included George Clooney, Julia Roberts and Barbra Streisand George Clooney, President Joe Biden, Julia Roberts, and former President Barack Obama at tonight's fundraiser in Los Angeles, which raised over $28 million for the Biden campaign. pic.twitter.com/16E0XkXp7S Chris D. Jackson (@ChrisDJackson) June 16, 2024 Obama praised his former vice president and issued his own warning about the upcoming presidential election. 'It's a reminder that we don't have to just vote against something in this election,' Obama said. 'We have someone to worry about, and there's a whole agenda that we should be concerned about, but we can take pride in affirming the extraordinary work that Joe has done.' Obama, who also appeared with Biden for a fundraiser in New York City earlier this year as well as campaign videos, zeroed in on Trump's recent felony conviction in New York. 'Weve normalized behavior that used to be disqualified,' he slammed the ex-president. 'We have the spectacle of the nominee of one of the two major parties siting in court and being convicted by a jury of his peers on 34 counts,' Obama said. 'His foundation is no allowed to operate because it was engaging in monkey business. You have his organization being prosecuted for not paying taxes,' Obama went on. The 44th president reached out to people who are conservative and don't agree with him or Biden but believe in 'basic honesty.' 'There are certain standards and values we should stand for,' he said. While Biden and Obama were rubbing elbows with celebrities inside, pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the venue in Los Angeles. Dozens of protesters gathered outside the entrance of Biden's campaign fundraiser in Los Angeles The pro-Palestinian protesters in Los Angeles carried signs and waved flags as Biden and Obama cracked jokes with comedian Jimmy Kimmel inside the Peacock Theater The protesters standing outside in downtown LA are the latest in a long series of pro-Palestinian protesters to show up for Biden's events across the country The large crowd carried Palestinian flags and signs calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and for the U.S. to stop providing aid to Israel. It was the latest in a series of protests that have sprung up outside Biden's events since the war in Gaza began more than six months ago in response to Hamas' terror attack on Israel on October 7. A British couple have been rushed to hospital with second degree burns after a boat exploded in Majorca. The 44-year-old man and 30-year-old woman were said to have been handling the engine of a Zodiac-type semi-rigid boat when the blast occurred and sent them flying into the water in the Port of Palma. Another vessel alongside it also ended up catching fire as a result. As well as burns to their face and arms, the injured pair also suffered less serious burns to other parts of their body. Footage from the scene showed a plume of black smoke rising into the air which was visible from several miles away. A British couple have been injured in a boat explosion in Majorca Police and other emergency responders including firefighters and paramedics raced to the scene after a series of emergency calls Police and other emergency responders including firefighters and paramedics raced to the scene after a series of emergency calls alerting the authorities to the incident just after midday. The fire was extinguished quickly but both vessels affected ended up sinking. The hospital the Brits have been taken to has not been named but it is understood to be a private clinic. Last week, a British holidaymaker was among three people injured when a boat exploded in a pleasure port in Cabo Roig near Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca. The 37-year-old was rushed to Torrevieja Hospital along with a 31-year-old Lithuanian woman after suffering facial burns. A third person, a Spanish man aged 34, was airlifted to a hospital in Valencia after suffering severe burn injuries. Police described the incident as an accident afterwards but said they were still investigating. Footage from the scene showed a plume of black smoke rising into the air which was visible from several miles away Footage showed concerned Good Samaritans rushing towards the spot where the explosion occurred after seeing a ball of flames rise into the air. The unnamed Spanish man, the most seriously injured of the three casualties, was described locally as a workman who was cleaning the vessel. He suffered serious burns to the bottom half of his body. The possibility the explosion was caused by a fuel spill or engine failure are believed to be among the theories being probed. Firefighters were mobilised but the blaze the explosion caused had been extinguished by the time they arrived. The British man is believed to have been a customer of a rental firm that was chartering the boat damaged. The vessel involved in the latest incident, which will also be the subject of a full investigation, was also a rental boat. Almost half of attendees said he would make the best VP, according to poll J.D. Vance is one of four 'finalists' in the race to be Donald Trump's running mate Sen. J.D. Vance cemented his status as frontrunner to become Donald Trump's running mate on Sunday, coming top in a poll of attendees at Turning Point Action's People's Convention in Detroit. Trump's pick is the subject of feverish speculation and the grassroots had its say with a poll run over the three day gathering of activists. When 1,986 people at the Detroit event were asked who they favored out of Vance, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Sens. Marco Rubio and Tim Scott, some 43 percent said they favored senator from Ohio. Scott was a distant second on 15.4 percent, Rubio took third with 7.7 percent, and Burgum, who in particular has been talked up by Trump in recent weeks, took seven percent. The poll was conducted by Big Data Poll for Turning Point Action, the grassroots movement founded by Charlie Kirk. Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio cemented his status as frontrunner to be Donald Trump's VP pick with a new straw poll that found 43 percent of attendees at Turning Point Action's People's Convention wanted him for the post Kirk said Vance was the clear winner. 'He has consistently been one of President Trump's most capable and articulate defenders and surrogates and he speaks right to the Midwest Americans who attended our Detroit conference,' he told DailyMail.com. 'These are precisely the blue wall voters we need to win in November to reclaim the White House. His message and appeal clearly resonates with this critical voting bloc.' Insiders say Trump has narrowed his choice down to Vance, Scott, Rubio or Burgum, although he is notorious for changing his mind or throwing in curve balls to keep people guessing. Vance has become one of Trump's most visible cheerleaders since being elected to the Senate and can count on his friendship with the former president's eldest son, Don Jr. to help his case. He rose to prominence with his 2016 memoir 'Hillbilly Elegy.' Its story of living with poverty and observations of addiction in Appalachia became a 'Rosetta Stone' for understanding life in forgotten parts of America and the corresponding popularity of Trump. However, he was an outspoken critic of Trump before becoming one of his closest allies, endorsing the former president early in the 2024 nominating race. Vance closed Turning Point Action's gathering in Detroit on Sunday afternoon. He was asked by an audience member what a vice president should do to drive forward Trump's agenda. Show loyalty, he answered, without being drawn on his own chances. Vance beat out the other 'finalists' being considered by Trump (left to right): Gov Doug Burgum, Sen. Marco Rubio, and Sen. Tim Scott Former President Donald Trump spent Saturday in the key swing state of Michigan, where he addressed Turning Point Action's People's Convention in the evening 'There are a lot of smart good people that Trump is looking at, but it also applies to our senators. It applies to our congressmen and women too,' he said. 'We need to have people who are supporting Trump not trying to stab him in the back. It's very very simple.' Last time around, Trump picked Indiana Gov. Mike Pence as a figure who could help win over evangelical Christians who were wary of voting for a thrice-married, trash talking businessman from New York. This time, however, Trump has let it be known that he believes voters will only look at the top of the ticket, freeing him up to pick a loyalist who will defend him in a crisis. Turning Point has emerged as a major force in the MAGA movement and has become increasingly influential in GOP politics under Trump. Attendees were also asked about the Republican Party's congressional leadership and for their attitudes on policy issues. Overall they said they disapproved of the performance of Rep Mike Johnson as House speaker. Some 35.4 percent said they 'strongly disapproved' and 23.2 percent said they 'somewhat disapproved.' In contrast, only 7.9 percent said they 'strongly approved' and 23.6 said they 'somewhat approved.' Trump received a rapturous reception from supporters, as fireworks lit up the room Turning Point has emerged as a major force in the MAGA movement and has become increasingly influential in GOP politics under Trump Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point Action, said Vance was the clear winner Attendees' Trumpist instincts were clearly on display when they were asked about Sen. Mitch McConnell, the Senate minority leader who has repeatedly clashed with the former president. Almost 80 percent said they 'strongly disapproved' of his performance. And a whopping 93.7 percent said they were opposed to sending more aid to Ukraine. But it is the VP results that will dominate headlines. For his part, Kirk has made no secret that he believes Vance would be the best pick for VP. 'He is young,' he told DailyMail.com before the results were released. 'He has an amazing family and is the only veteran that is being considered of the finalists. 'But most importantly, he's a incredibly popular, successful politician from the region of the world where Donald Trump needs to win, which is the Rust Belt.' There could still be surprises ahead. On Saturday afternoon, Trump was introduced by Florida Rep. Byron Donalds at a Black church in a marginalized corner of Detroit. 'He is on the list by the way and I don't know if he's gonna make it but he's, ... he's on a list of a few people right?' Trump told the crowd before turning to Donalds. 'Would you like to be VP?' This is the horrifying moment a man repeatedly tries to force his way into an actress' car as she screams at him to get away from her. In a sickening video captured in central London, the man can be seen smirking widely as he repeatedly tugs on her door, trying to get inside. Wearing a black puffer jacket and using a grey hoodie in an attempt to mask his face, at one point he waves his hand and appears to laugh as the clearly-terrified woman shouts at him to leave. He then puts his second hand on her car as he continues his attack with more force - continuing to try and open the car for a full two minutes at 10.30pm on the junction between Dock Street and the A1203, near the Tower of London. And Shanika Ocean, who posted the video to warn other women to lock their doors when driving, says she called police but they would not come out - instead offering her an interview slot next week. The actress, who has starred in Netflix's You and BBC hit Silent Witness, said: 'I don't really remember what happened next - somehow I managed to swerve around him and drive off. Wearing a black puffer jacket and using a grey hoodie in an attempt to mask his face, at one point he waves his hand and appears to laugh as the clearly-terrified woman shouts at him to leave He then puts his second hand on her car as he continues his attack with more force - continuing to try and open the car for a full two minutes Shanika Ocean, who posted the video to warn other women to lock their doors when driving, says she called police but they would not come out - instead offering her an interview slot next week The man continued to try and open the car for a full two minutes at 10.30pm on the junction between Dock Street and the A1203, near the Tower of London 'Obviously it's just a horrible, horrible experience. Just make sure you lock your car doors. London isn't safe at all. 'You can't walk with your phone out because it will probably get stolen by these guys on electric bikes, make sure your car doors are locked because you're going to get weirdos trying to get into your car. 'I wasn't even going to call the police but I was like - nah I should, because obviously this could happen to someone else this evening. I said I've got a video of him, I've got a description and they said oh ok, we'll sort an appointment next week and you can discuss it then because he did gun signs. 'There is no police, this guy is still lurking out there. To anyone, make sure you lock your car doors. 'And especially women, when you're driving alone - London just isn't safe anymore at all and I'm literally like - thank God my doors were locked. I dread to think what would have happened if they were not.' The horrifying incident comes amid a spree of crime on lawless London's streets - with Ms Ocean saying that just weeks before a man on an e-bike had tried to snatch her phone as she walked along the street. Ms Ocean said she had to stop at a red light when the man approached her car and started doing 'weird signals' with his hands. She says she ignored him even as he did gun signs and told her to wind down her window. In a sickening video captured in central London , the man can be seen smirking widely as he repeatedly tugs on her door, trying to get inside The actress, who has starred in Netflix 's You and BBC hit Silent Witness, said she had to stop at a red light when the man approached her car and started doing 'weird signals' with his hands And she claims that when he could not get in through the front he worked his way around her car, trying to get in through her back door. The terrifying assault came as she was trapped, and could not move forward because she was going onto a busy main road. And even when the lights changed and she could finally escape he ran in front of her car - trying to stop her getting away. Speaking on social media, friends rushed to share their horror as they watched the terrifying scene. One, Patrice Monique, said: 'This made me so angry. This city continues to be exhausting to live in. 'The whole country is a joke. So glad you're okay though' Another, Samuel James, continued: 'We're living in dangerous times, a good thing is that the door was locked. Stay safe.' A third, Kya Garwood, added: 'Sorry to hear that. Glad you're safe he is off his head you can see it!! 'Forward it and link in the Mayor of London who has allowed this crime to escalate. The police don't give a damn.' And Roseanna Brown said: 'I'm so sorry this happened to you but So glad you're safe. 'I hope more people see this video so they stay aware to stay safe too, this shouldn't be a thing that is even happening!!!' It comes as fresh pressure has been heaped on Mr Khan by the release of yet more grim figures showing another spike in knife and gun related crime last year. A total of 14,626 knife offences were recorded by police in the capital last year - an average of 40 a day and up by a fifth on 2022. There was also an increase in gun crime, with 1,208 recorded over 2023 - up by more than 200 compared to the previous year. Many have laid the blame squarely on Mr Khan, with policing minister Chris Philp blaming a fall in stop and search. The use of stop and search powers by the Met has reduced by 44 per cent over the last two years, while the number of subsequent arrests is down by 28 per cent. The Mayor is a critic of the tactic and previously pledged to 'do all in my power to further cut its use' over concerns it targeted ethnic minorities. A spokesman for the Met Police said: 'We are aware of footage showing an incident on 15 June in Dock Street, E1. 'Officers are in contact with the female victim. 'Anyone who knows the identity of the man shown in the video is asked to call 101, ref 7515/15jun. To remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers.' The City of London Police has been contacted for comment. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky today accused Russia of not wanting peace, after Vladimir Putin said he would only accept a ceasefire if Ukraine agreed to halt its NATO ascension plans. Zelensky made the accusation at the end of a major diplomatic summit in Switzerland, which more than 90 countries attended, making it the largest gathering in support of Ukraine since the start of the invasion. He told attendees of the conference, which including Britain's Rishi Sunak, Germany's Olaf Scholz and Italy's Giorgia Meloni: 'Russia does not want peace, that is a fact. Russia and their leadership are not ready for a just peace, that's a fact.' The conference saw the vast majority of the 90 nations who attended sign a communique in support of Ukraine sovereignty, and also called for Putin to return children stolen during the invasion. But several nations that attended that have close business and security ties with Russia, like India, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, did not sign the document. The countries said they 'reaffirm our commitment to... the principles of sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of all states, including Ukraine, within their internationally recognised borders.' Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky today accused Russia of not wanting peace Zelensky made the accusation at the end of a major diplomatic summit in Switzerland, which more than 90 countries attended The conference saw the vast majority of the 90 nations who attended sign a communique in support of Ukraine sovereignty Russia currently controls just under a fifth of Ukraine, including the Crimean peninsula it annexed in 2014. The summit called for Ukraine to have 'full sovereign control' of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe's largest atomic energy site that is currently controlled by Russian forces. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly warned of the risk of a major nuclear disaster at the facility, controlled by Russian forces since the start of the war. 'Ukrainian nuclear power plants and installations, including Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, must operate safely and securely under full sovereign control of Ukraine,' the final communique stated. The countries also expressed concern over the possibility the conflict could turn nuclear, condemning the possibility of nuclear weapons being used. 'Any threat or use of nuclear weapons in the context of the ongoing war against Ukraine is inadmissible,' the document stated. Servicemen of 24th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, named after King Danylo, fire a 120-mm mortar towards Russian troops The countries also expressed concern over the possibility the conflict could turn nuclear Ukrainian servicemen of the 148th Separate Artillery Brigade of the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces, fire a BM-21 Grad multiple-launch rocket system toward Russian troops There was also a call for the full exchange of captured soldiers and for all Ukrainian children deported to Russia and Russian-controlled territory to be returned home. Kyiv has accused Moscow of illegally abducting almost 20,000 children since the start of the conflict - the Kremlin says it moved them for their own protection. 'All prisoners of war must be released by complete exchange,' the document stated. 'All deported and unlawfully displaced Ukrainian children, and all other Ukrainian civilians who were unlawfully detained, must be returned to Ukraine,' it added. On issues related to food and agricultural trade, the communique said: 'Food security must not be weaponised in any way. Ukrainian agricultural products should be securely and freely provided to interested third countries.' Ukraine is one of the world's major agricultural producers and exporters, but Russia's invasion has complicated its exports through the Black Sea, which has become a battle zone. Ukrainian national guard servicemen from the Khartia Brigade fly a 'vampire' drone while bombing Russian positions Ukrainian national guard servicemen of Khartia brigade run to reload a D-20 cannon while firing towards Russian positions Ukrainian national guard servicemen of Khartia brigade take cover after firing towards Russian positions 'Free, full and safe commercial navigation, as well as access to sea ports in the Black and Azov Seas, are critical,' the final document stated. It added: 'Attacks on merchant ships in ports and along the entire route, as well as against civilian ports and civilian port infrastructure, are unacceptable.' The document also suggested future talks on a framework for peace would need to include Russia. 'We believe that reaching peace requires the involvement of and dialogue between all parties,' the joint declaration stated. It said the summit's attendees had 'decided to undertake concrete steps in the future in the above-mentioned areas with further engagement of the representatives of all parties'. Facebook billionaire Mark Zuckerberg has been celebrating Father's Day on his new 237million 'super yacht'. The father-of-three hosted his own father to also celebrate Edward Zuckerberg's recent 70th birthday, on the vessel named Launchpad. Zuckerberg's 'super yacht', which turned up last week off the coast of Spanish island Mallorca, is worth an estimated $300million (237million) and was described as a recent '40th birthday present' to himself. He and his siblings were seen in newly-shared photos wearing T-shirts bearing the words 'Ed's kids' - while his father's read: 'I'm Ed.' Mark Zuckerberg has shared photos celebrating Father's Day and his dad's 70th birthday The super yacht has been spotted off the coast of Spanish island Mallorca Zuckerberg's Instagram post showed members of his family wearing special T-shirts Zuckerberg posted smiling pictures on Instagram, saying: 'Happy Father's Day to the man who started and continues to inspire our whole family. 'We're also celebrating his 70th birthday and it was really something to hear the grandkids (at least the ones old enough) take turns telling papa all the ways he is meaningful in their lives last night at dinner. Here's to many more.' Zuckerberg's new 118m-long yacht is thought to have not only its own aircraft hangar but also a support boat, called the Wingman, costing an estimated $30million (24million). The main vessel, constructed at the Feadship shipyard in the Netherlands, can accommodate 26 guests as well as 50 crew members. Its features also include a beach club area, a beauty centre, a cinema-theatre blena and a helicopter. Zuckerberg's wealth amounts to $187billion (148billion), according to Bloomberg's Billionaires Index. He last month marked turning 40 by sharing rare photos of his family and friends on Instagram, as he told how his wife Priscilla Chan 'recreated a bunch of places I lived in the early days'. One of the pictures showed him sitting next to Bill Gates in a miniature version of the Harvard dorm where the Meta billionaire created Facebook. Another image featured Zuckerberg with his daughters Maxima, 8, and six-year-old August, as he showed them around a recreation of his childhood bedroom where he learned to code. The celebrations were taking place on the Facebook founder's new 'super yacht' Launchpad Mark Zuckerberg has a fortune of 148billion, according to Bloomberg's Billionaires Index. Zuckerberg last month marked his 40th birthday by sharing a selection of photos including this one of him sitting next to Bill Gates in a miniature version of his old Harvard dorm Another image showed the father-of-three with his daughters Maxima, eight, and six-year-old August in a recreation of the childhood bedroom where he learned to code He captioned an Instagram carousel of his newly-uploaded photos with the words: 'Grateful for my first 40 years!' He also wrote: 'Grateful that people traveled from all around the world to celebrate with me.' His company Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, has seen its share price rise more than 50 per cent this year adding $58.8billion (46.5billion) to the owner's fortune. That meant he overtook Elon Musk - owner of Tesla and X, formerly Twitter - who was pushed to fourth place in the world's richest people rankings. A feud between the rival billionaires ramped up last year when Musk tweeted that Instagram makes people depressed. He later said Meta-owned WhatsApp 'cannot be trusted' and challenged Zuckerberg to a cage fight - though plans fell through when Musk complained of an injury. Zuckerberg responded by blasting that 'Elon isn't serious' about any fight. The pair also traded barbs when Meta launched Threads in an attempt to rival X. Father-of-three Zuckerberg has been married to Priscilla Chan since 2012, the pair having met at Harvard University nine years earlier. Mark Zuckerberg has been married to Priscilla Chan since 2012 - they are pictured here at a White House state dinner in Washington DC in September 2015 Zuckerberg has traded barbs with Elon Musk (pictured), owner of Tesla and X, formerly Twitter - the fellow billionaire is seen here at the Breakthrough Prize awards in California in April 2024 In February this year he posted videos of himself on Instagram creating a Kitana sword with the help of Japanese sword master Akihira Kokaji. Zuckerberg had been in Japan to celebrate his wife's 39th birthday and also meet the Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida to discuss artificial intelligence. As well as sword making, Zuckerberg's hobbies include caring for a herd of cows which drink beer and eat macadamia nuts on his $100m luxury estate in Hawaii. His other assets include a Gulfstream G650 private jet, while his firm Meta Platforms spent $1.6million (1.3million) on air travel in 2021 and another $6.6million (5.2million) the following year. Dozens of firefighters were called to tackle blazing fire in a residential block of flats in central London, with four people rushed to hospital. Footage shows a raging fire in the flat on the third floor of a 22-storey residential block on in Commercial Street in Spitalfields, Tower Hamlets. Around 60 firefighters and eight fire engines attended the scene this afternoon, with onlookers reporting a response time of around 10 minutes. One woman was led to safety by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus, and a further three people were treated on scene by London Ambulance Service. All four people were taken to hospital as a precaution. Footage shows a raging fire in the flat on the third floor of a 22-storey residential block in Spitalfields The fire brigade used a 32m turntable ladder to help fight the fire from above The London Fire Brigade said a four-room flat was destroyed by the fire, with a balcony and part of the roof also damaged. 'I was working near the building, and we noticed there was a fire across the road,' said the onlooker. 'There were loads of people watching and nobody knew what was happening.' While the origin of the fire is still unknown and under investigation, bystanders claim that the flames were extinguished within 45 minutes, after control officers received 21 calls related to the fire. The fire brigade used a 32m turntable ladder to help fight the fire from above. The four-room flat was destroyed, with half of a balcony and part of the flat's roof damaged by the fire. Eight fire engines and 60 firefighters have tackled a fire on Commercial Street in #Spitalfields. The fire is now under control, but traffic is impacted by road closures from Commercial Street to Aldgate High Street - please avoid the area if you can.https://t.co/0YeA8VJaBc pic.twitter.com/UxWxeL72Nd London Fire Brigade (@LondonFire) June 16, 2024 There was a fire in the Denning point today. All the residents are safe and sound. Officers are on side to investigate. We do not want to repeat another Grenfell Tower tragedy in Tower Hamlets. Cllr kabir Hussain (@Hussainkabir) June 16, 2024 Crews from Shoreditch, Dowgate, Euston and surrounding stations attended the scene, with firefighters seen in the footage investigating the charred interior of the flat. Local councillor Kabir Hussain posted on X to express his gladness that everyone was okay as he did not want a repeat of 'Grenfell Tower'. 'There was a fire in the Denning point today. All the residents are safe and sound. Officers are on side to investigate. 'We do not want to repeat another Grenfell Tower tragedy in Tower Hamlets.' On bystander said: ''People were really concerned about it spreading - nobody knew what was going to happen. 'There were loads of firefighters and thankfully they caught it before it managed to spread.' Road closures between Commercial Street and Aldgate High remain in place, and these are impacting the surrounding area. The public are urged to avoid the area. Bus route diversions are also in place, and are expected to remain so for the rest of the afternoon. A spokesperson for the London Fire Brigade said: 'There are significant road closures between Commercial Street and Aldgate High Street which are impacting the surrounding area. People are advised to continue to avoid the area if they can. 'One of the Brigade's 32-metre turntable ladders was used at the scene as an observation tower to help fight the fire from above. 'Control Officers took 21 calls regarding the blaze. The first was received at 11.39am and the fire was under control by 12.21pm. Crews from Shoreditch, Dowgate, Euston and surrounding fire stations are attending the scene. 'The cause of the fire is under investigation.' A Democratic candidate for a local office position in Texas was arrested last week on charges stemming from a racist attack he allegedly staged against himself. Taral Patel, 30, has been running for Fort Bend County Commission Precinct 3 - a local position in the outer suburbs of Houston - since last year. Last September, he wrote a long Facebook post that he paired with a collage of nearly a dozen disparaging posts that attack his race, ethnicity, religion, and political affiliations. The collage featured comments that appeared to come from accounts that extolled conservative Christian virtues, and railed against immigrants - the names attached to most of the comments are blurred or otherwise obscured in the image. Taral Patel, 30, is running for Fort Bend County Commissioner. Last week he was arrested on a felony charge and a misdemeanor charge for misrepresenting his identity online Patel is alleged to have created at least one fake Facebook account, which he then used to write hateful comments directed at himself and his campaign before aggregating them and making them into a campaign promotion of sorts Patel's long-winded statement about the comments reads in part, 'I am always open to criticism of my policy positions and stances on issues. However, when my Republican opponents supporters' decide to hurl #racist, #anti-immigrant, #Hinduphobic, or otherwise disgusting insults at my family, faith community, colleagues, and me - that crosses a line. 'Fort Bend County's diversity has made us all stronger, and these hateful images (a small sample attached here) are from a place of deep and misguided fear - incited by people like former President Donald Trump and todays extremist Republican Party fear that immigrants are "taking their jobs" and setting out to hurt our own communities.' But, last Wednesday, Texas Rangers arrested Patel after law enforcement allegedly connected at least one of the hate-spewing accounts directly to Patel. It remains to be seen whether all of the accounts in the collage were created by Patel in an effort to boost a certain kind of support for his campaign. At the time of the post, Patel's opponent, Republican incumbent Andy Meyers' campaign reported that they attempted to authenticate the identities of the commenters - but could not. Meyers believed that one of the names, which was not redacted entirely, belonged to an account called Antonio Scalywag. That user, Meyers told authorities, had previously harassed him online. Ultimately, Meyers - who has served in his current position since 1997 - requested that the Fort Bend County District Attorney's Office look into the matter. As a result of a subpoena obtained by the office, Scalywag was traced back to Patel, and the Democrat was subsequently arrested. Andy Meyers, the incumbent Republican, who has held his position since 1997, asked the local District Attorney's office to look into some of the accounts used to post hateful comments about his opponent, which led law enforcement to Patel's alleged crimes Commenters exploded in the wake of the accusations against Patel. 'Good morning Taral Smollett !' wrote one commenter, making reference to the infamous hate-crime hoax orchestrated by former Empire actor Jussie Smollett. 'This is such a classic race-hustling fraudsters script. You even blame DONALD TRUMP,' wrote one angered observer. 'As my Indian mother taught me (yours obviously didn't), "never underestimate the predictability of stupidity." You are an embarrassment to our community, and should be barred for life from holding any public office. Enjoy your felony, Jaan,' he concluded. Patel is facing one count of online impersonation, and one of misrepresentation of identity - the former is a third-degree felony charge, the latter, a Class A misdemeanor. He made bail last Thursday, but has not yet publicly commented on the situation. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 22. DailyMail.com has reached out to Patel and his campaign for comment. Colorado congressional candidate and sitting State Rep. Richard Holtorf received a rough grilling at the hands of a local news anchor over abortion last week. The 59-year-old Republican made headlines back in January when he defended footing the bill for his girlfriend's abortion, despite sponsoring a failed 2020 measure that would have banned the procedure after 22 weeks. 'I respected her rights and actually gave her money to help her through her important, critical time,' Holtorf said at time, of the abortion administered sometime circa 1986. Holtorf, who represents the Eastern Plains, is running against Lauren Boebert. He's a staunch opponent of abortion - so much so that dropped his firearm inside the Capitol while rushing to cast a vote against it a few months back. 9News anchor Kyle Clark honed in on this hypocrisy, questioning the candidate for Colorado's 4th Congressional District at length in the process. Scroll down for video: Colorado congressional candidate and sitting State Rep. Richard Holtorf (right) received a rough grilling at the hands of local news anchor Kyle Clark (left) over abortion last week, a few months after he defended footing the bill for his girlfriend's procedure Clark honed in on this hypocrisy, questioning the candidate for Colorado's 4th Congressional District at length in the process - during which he sometimes seemed at a loss for words 'If abortion was the best choice for your girlfriend, why try to deny that choice to other women?' Clark asks bluntly to begin. Holtorf, at first, appears to fumble for a straight answer, before saying he's 'a pro-life Catholic' who believes that 'everyone should choose life.' 'If you listen to my presentation on the house floor - did you listen to it?' Holtorf asks, referring to his now widely seen comments made on the House floor earlier this year. 'I did, in fact - I just quoted from it,' Clark replies, showing no fear in the face of the politician seated a few feet away. 'Okay so - what was the major theme and what did I have to repeat probably, like, 20 times,' Holtorf shoots back. 'Let me let - me help you,' he quickly adds, interrupting the interviewer in the process. 'Oh I thought you were asking me a question,' Clark claps back, as things continued to get heated. 'Go ahead. Go ahead,' Holtorf says at this point, before having his words dissected by the 9News journalist. 'In fairness your logic was a bit scattered in that speech,' Clark says, apparently ready for round two. 'If abortion was the best choice for your girlfriend, why try to deny that choice to other women?' Clark asks bluntly to begin. Holtorf, at first, appears to fumble for a straight answer, before saying he's 'a pro-life Catholic' who believes that 'everyone should choose life' 'What I'm asking you about is, the fact that you said that you respected your girlfriend's right to an abortion and then gave her money to help her through an important time.' 'Exactly what I did,' Holtorf replies. 'But yet you've tried to deny that to other women, and I'm asking why is an abortion good for your girlfriend but bad for other women,' Clark continues. 'That's my question. Simple, simple question. 'So you deflected. And you did a good job of it by the way.' Holtorf, at this point, appears visibly annoyed, not donning his characteristic cowboy hat for the outing either. He responds by saying the 'the major theme of that presentation, if you listen to it, and I want you to listen to it again, is "choose life",' a message he claims to have said '20 times' during the January display. 'There are times when that choice can't be made or it's complicated particularly for the woman, okay?' he continues. 'What were you doing when you were 20 years old,' he asks Clark at this point, referring to his and his then-girlfriend's young age at the time of the procedure. I respected her rights and actually gave her money to help her through her important, critical time, Holtorf said in January of the previously unknown procedure. He currently represents Colorado's Eastern Plains When Clark answers that he was a junior in college, Holtorf goes on to offer more insight onto the decision. 'I found out that she was pregnant the week I deployed to military training in the summer of, uh I think it was 1986, and guess what you do when you have military orders - you deploy. Okay? I went to Fort Washington, spent a month and a half there, then I went to California, and spent another month, and then I came back from my military training to Fort Collins Colorado, where I was attending as a student. 'Guess what my girlfriend told me she did which I asked her not to do,' he says. 'I said, Kyle, we'll figure this out when I get home... She had an abortion. 'Was that her choice? Yes. Did she have that right? Yes. Was it my my choice, Kyle? No.' Clark, seemingly unphased, goes on to ask: 'Why do you seek to deny the choice that you said was best for your girlfriend's life?' Holtorf attempts to interrupt, but Clark this time doesn't give him the option. 'Why do you seek to deny it to other women?' Holtorf sponsored a failed 2020 measure that would have banned the procedure in the state after 22 weeks. He made headlines that same year when he dropped his licensced firearm on the House floor while rushing to vote for the ill-fated guidance He is set to run against Lauren Boebert (pictured outside the US Capitol on April 30) whom he recently said 'needs to learn how to dress' after comparing her to women working the streets near the Colorado capitol building who wear 'high heels, short skirts, low cut blouses' Holtorf responds by saying that as 'a pro-life person,' he thinks 'you should try to choose life every time. 'But there are exceptions,' he goes on to claim. 'And there are times when you need abortion. Abortion is a medical procedure.' 'Is one of the exceptions when Richard Holtorf's the father?' Clark asks, prodding the politician. 'It's not about me. Don't personalize it and make it about me,' Holtorf shoots back. Clark then again reminds Holtorf how he'd discussed his girlfriend's abortion on the floor of the Colorado House - a fact the politician dismisses as an unimportant detail. 'That doesn't matter,' Holtorf says in the now viral clip. 'That's a story. That's not that important. What's more important is the policy.' Aside from his stance on abortion Holtorf recently made headlines by criticizign his Colorado GOP rival in Boebert, saying the rep 'needs to learn how to dress' while comparing her to women working the streets near the Colorado capitol building. '[The ones that wear] high heels, short skirts, low cut blouses', he said. Boebert's personal and family drama, Holtorf said, would also encourage voters in Colorado to support someone else. 'She has a lot of problems with her family, and herself, and her family life that with a lot of judicial troubles,' he said last monht. 'And that does not reflect well, with respect to a son that just recently has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies.' Holtorf is referring to Boebert's son Tyler getting arrested and hit with 22 criminal charges, including five felonies, as police say he and his friends were caught using stolen credit cards in connection with a series of vehicle break-ins in Rifle, Colorado. He previously admitted that he understands why former President Donald Trump endorsed Boebert, but he thinks Colorado voters want someone who does not have as much personal drama. 'I still just don't think the electorate is going to go for it despite the fact that they are very strong supporters of Donald Trump for president,' he said. 'I don't think that completely exonerates her from the carpet-bagging and the seat-swapping.' Ten cladding chiefs have banked more than 300million in the seven years since the Grenfell Tower disaster. Bosses of the companies that manufactured parts of the lethal flammable cladding system wrapped around the tragic building have now received a total of 302.3million, The Times reports. Arconic, Kingspan and Saint-Gobain have fitted their products on thousands of homes that now cannot be sold, with taxpayer cash being spent on paying for them to be repaired. Each had made claims about the fire safety status of the panels that was later revealed to have been false. The stunning list of cladding fat cats was topped by Eugene Murtagh, the 81-year-old insulation producing magnate whose company paid only 752,000 to strip its products from its flats - while recording 763million in profits just last year. The Irish billionaire has earnt a stunning 149.3 million in the seven years since the west London inferno, where 72 people died. The stunning list of cladding fat cats was topped by Eugene Murtagh (pictured), the 81-year-old insulation producing magnate whose company paid only 752,000 to strip its products from its flats - while recording 763million in profits just last year His son Gene Murtagh (pictured) has also scooped a stunning 26 million since he became CEO in 2005 His son Gene Murtagh has also scooped a stunning 26 million since he became CEO in 2005. This includes selling 3 million in shares just before evidence about his company's fire tests emerged at the Grenfell Inquiry - where it was alleged engineers joked 'alls we do is lie' about fire tests. The sale helped the Murtagh family become the fifth richest family in Ireland, with a combined wealth of almost 2billion up by 700million in one year according to the Sunday Times Rich List. The company denies liability for the disaster but the broadsheet reports it has paid 4 million. A legal hearing in May 2023 was told there had been a settlement of about 900 cases and a global sum of about 150 million compensation agreed. Families stranded in flats fitted with Kingspan's K15 insulation - which it claims 'can be safely used' in 'appropriate systems' - have revealed their fury as they loose tens of thousands of pounds. Nathan and Tara Jeans, who cannot move out of the 12-storey block where they live with their son Ernest, five, and daughter Etta, two, say they have lost 100,000 in insurance, rent and service charges. And as they cannot sell in the dangerous building they continue to lose money on their shared-ownership flat - and they are among 700,000 people in a similar position across the country. Nathan told The Times: 'Here they are, the heads of these companies, earning millions while paying next to nothing to fix the financial problems they caused for thousands of leaseholders. At least we're only losing money; 72 paid the ultimate price.' Bosses of the companies that manufactured parts of the lethal flammable cladding system wrapped around the tragic building (pictured) have now received a total of 302.3million, The Times reports Cladding manufacturers Arconic have also recouped almost all of their legal fees from their insurers - including their contributions to the settlements. A technical manager at the building giant told staff that poor fire test results on the product in 2010 needed to be kept 'very confidential', the public inquiry into the 2017 disaster heard. The Grenfell Tower Inquiry heard that Arconic's cladding panels - polyethylene (PE) panels - formed the system used at the tower in North Kensington and have been blamed for the rapid spread of the fire. They claimed their product had been used worldwide and the test results were widely available, The Times reports. They added that building safety compliance does not rest with the supplier. But, after it was sold to a hedge fund last year, bosses reaped huge financial rewards from the company. Tim Myers, the firm's CEO from 2020-23, received 22.3 million in shares as well as 23.9 million in pay since the disaster. In total he, their chief financial officer Erick Asmussen and chief commercial officer Mark Vrablec received a total of nearly 65 million. The firm told The Times that its arrangements pre-dated the sale of the company last year, but would not comment on individual pay. The Grenfell Tower Inquiry heard that Arconic's cladding panels - polyethylene (PE) panels - formed the system used at the tower in North Kensington and have been blamed for the rapid spread of the fire (pictured) Celotex, which is owned by Saint-Gobain produced the panels that covered Grenfell, and released toxic gas including hydrogen cyanide when it was decimated by fire. In 2020 Jonathan Roper, who worked as an assistant product manager for Celotex, said the firm had been 'dishonest' by 'overengineering' a cladding fire safety test to achieve a pass for its Rs5000 insulation product after a first test failure in January 2014. But in the last seven years Saint-Gobain's CEO Pierre-Andre de Chalendar has been paid a stunning 11.7 million, with his successor in 2021 bagging a further 15.8 million. The company has recouped all of its 36.5 million in legal claims and fees after the Grenfell fire from insurance - and hasn't put any money aside to pay for affected flats because it cannot reliably estimate the costs. The company said it did not design or fit cladding systems at Grenfell, and that a system with the insulation used at Grenfell passed a fire test. Six employees have left and controls have been tightened since its own review found 'unacceptable behaviour'. Former first daughter Ivanka Trump took to social media to celebrate Father's Day with touching posts for both her dad Donald Trump as well as husband Jared Kushner. Ivanka Trump, 42, posted 'Happy Father's Day!' on X Sunday morning. 'Celebrating all the amazing dads out there with love and gratitude!' Her post was accompanied by an image of her with Jared Kushner and their three children as well as an image of her as a tiny baby with her parents. In it, she's being held by Donald Trump who is feeding her a bottle. Trump also posted the same images and sweet message on her Instagram. One of the two images Ivanka Trump shared on X and Instagram paying tribute to her husband Jared Kushner and dad Donald for Father's Day The ex-president's eldest daughter has stayed largely out of the spotlight with her family in Florida as her dad seeks a second term in the White House, but she did shared some images from her father's first term in office in her tribute on Sunday. In her story posted on Instagram, Ivanka Trump included an image of her and Donald Trump eating McDonalds hamburgers and fries together. She also shared in image of the former president walking with her three children Arabella, Joseph and Theodore walking from Marine One. Another images shows Jared snuggling with Arabella and Joseph on a couch and and one of her with her husband and kids when Theodore was a newborn baby. The final image she shared on her Instagram story was one of Donald Trump and Kushner standing outside the White House grinning in matching ties. She wrote on it that the ties were not planned. Ivanka Trump's second image posted on social media for Father's Day shows her as a baby with Donald feeding her a bottle alongside her late mother Ivana Trump On her Instagram story, Ivanka Trump shared an image of her with the ex-president eating hamburgers and fries from McDonalds The former first daughter shared an image of her with husband Jared and their three children from when her youngest son Theodore was a baby An image shared on Father's Day by Ivanka Trump shows Jared with their children Arabella and Joseph on a couch Ivanka Trump's Instagram story on Sunday with a post of Jared Kushner and Donald Trump outside the White House in matching ties Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump have been raising their three children in Florida since leaving Washington, DC at the end of Trump's first term. While he was in office both Ivanka and Jared moved to the U.S. Capitol to serve as top senior advisers in the White House. But unlike Donald Trump's two adult sons and their partners, neither Jared or Ivanka have played a public role in the ex-president's reelection campaign after being extremely engaged in his previous two White House bids. On Friday, Ivanka Trump took to social media however to celebrate her dad as teh ex-president turned 78-years-old. Ivanka Trump mark the occasion with a never-before-seen photo of them. 'Happy birthday Dad!' she wrote in a post on X 'I love you today and everyday!' The post included an image of her and Trump walking outside the White House. On Instagram, she shared an image with her dad in her story from her wedding day. Happy birthday Dad ! @realDonaldTrump I love you today and everyday ! pic.twitter.com/qaSqTMgwOn Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) June 14, 2024 Ivanka Trump also shared a never-before-seen picture of her with her dad on her wedding day in a tribute to his 78th birthday on Friday Ivanka Trump did not attend the ex-president's criminal trial in New York last month where he was convicted on 34 counts of falsifying business records for covering up the payment to Stormy Daniels to stay quiet before the election. After the guilty verdict was reached, Ivanka Trump broke her silence and signaled her unwavering love and support for her dad. She shared an image of her with Trump when she was a little girl on which she simply wrote 'I love you dad' with the heart emoji. Eight people have been injured after a gunman opened fire in a Massachusetts town early Sunday morning. Cops responded to several 911 calls in the area of 100 Lindberg avenue in Methuen, around 25 miles north of Boston, at around 1:55am. Gunfire erupted at a party attended by hundreds of people that had been organized on social media, Essex DA Paul Tucker said. Police said seven people were hit by gunfire while an eighth person was injured fleeing the scene. Two of the victims are in critical condition, while the other five are stable, the Boston Herald reported. The Essex DA's office and the Methuen Police Department released a joint statement describing the gathering as a spontaneous car club meetup. Tucker said 'its pretty amazing that more people were not hurt' given the number of shots that were fired. It appears that the party was mostly attended by young people, as the victims' ages ranged from late teens to 22 years old. Local police from three nearby towns along with Massachusetts state troopers assisted in the early morning response to the shooting, officials said. Police are in the process of reviewing security footage from businesses in the area. No possible suspects have been identified, nor have any arrests been made. Anyone with knowledge about this incident is encouraged to call the Methuen Police Department. A New York University freshman allegedly stole a stash of luxury items from her roommate whose millionaire dad has links to Vladimir Putin. Aurora Agapov, 19, has accused her roommate and 'good friend,' Kaitlyn Fung, 18, of stealing approximately $51,000 worth of her designer jewelry and items goods. Agapov, whose father is a Russian gold mining magnate worth approximately $75 million, discovered the theft at the end of her freshman year at NYU, according to a lawsuit filed in Manhattan Supreme Court. Fung allegedly stole exclusive pieces from renowned brands such as Gucci, Chanel, and Bvlgari - including an 18K ruby ring valued at $23,765. She was arrested on a third-degree grand larceny charge on May 2, and later released, pending further legal proceedings. Aurora Agapov (left), 19, has accused her roommate and 'good friend,' Kaitlyn Fung, 18, (right) of stealing approximately $51,000 worth of her luxury goods Fung allegedly sold a Bvlgari necklace valued at $13,000 for just $2,485 and a Chanel bracelet worth $2,000 for a mere $175 Agapov, whose father is a Russian gold mining magnate worth approximately $75 million, discovered the theft at the end of her freshman year at NYU, according to a lawsuit filed in Manhattan Supreme Court . The arts major, originally from London , is now seeking $51,000 in damages in a lawsuit Upon discovering that her close friend and roommate stole her personal belongings and sold them online, Agapov told the New York Post, 'My heart dropped'. 'We spoke pretty much every day. I'd say we didn't really have any falling outs or anything,' she said. 'If anything our relationship got better towards the second semester.' The arts major, originally from London, is now seeking $51,000 in damages in a lawsuit. Items allegedly stolen by Fung include exclusive pieces from renowned brands such as Gucci, Chanel, and Bvlgari. The items, according to Agapov, have sentimental value and were gifted to her by her mother. 'I didn't sleep that night,' she said. 'My mother gifted me those things. They mean a lot to me.' Agapov realized the extent of the theft in May when she described her shock upon finding a receipt from The Real Real listing her missing items in Fung's possession, according to the suit. She claims that Fung sold these items online through consignment retailer The Real Real, significantly undervaluing them in the process. Further valuable items, including an 18K ruby ring and several designer handbags, were listed for sale but remained unsold when the theft was discovered Fung (left) was arrested on a third-degree grand larceny charge on May 2 and later released, pending further legal proceedings Fung allegedly sold a Bvlgari necklace valued at $13,000 for just $2,485 and a Chanel bracelet worth $2,000 for a mere $175. Further valuable items, including a Solange Azagury 18K ruby ring valued at $23,765 and several designer handbags, including a Celine Nanno tote worth $3,300; and a Chanel purse worth $4,00. Those were listed for sale but remained unsold when the theft was discovered. Agapov immediately confronted Fung and eventually relocated from their dormitory at NYU's Founders Hall on East 12th Street. She recounted her attempt to recover her belongings from The Real Real's physical store, only to learn that Fung's mother had already retrieved them. Andre Agapov, Agapov's father, is president and CEO and the largest individual shareholder of Rusoro Mining Limited, a gold mining company, headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. President Joe Biden appeared to freeze on stage after giving remarks at a star-studded fundraiser in Los Angeles on Saturday night before his old boss took him by the arm and pulled the president away. The incident captured on video is the latest in a series of episodes that have plagued 81-year-old Biden as he mounts a second bid for the White House. In the video, Biden and Obama are seen waving and smiling while receiving a standing ovation in the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles. Biden applauds and gives the audience a thumbs up but then he stops moving as he stares out over the crowd for several long seconds. That's when Obama, still smiling and waving, takes Biden by the wrist and gives him a gentle tug. That's when the president appears to snap out of it. They proceed to walk off the stage together with Obama speaking into Biden's ear as he pats him on the back as they go. Late-night host and comedian Jimmy Kimmel trails after them awkwardly as they exit to blasting music. It took place as Biden and Obama were sharing the stage at the event which raised upward of $30 million for Biden's reelection bid. It comes just after other videos appeared to show Biden freezing or having other cringe moments in recent days and his penchant for public gaffes has faced increasing scrutiny as he seeks another term in office despite his advanced years. At a recent Juneteenth celebration at the White House, video of Biden staring off as other attendees danced around him to the music went viral. The president then went on to slur some words during his speech at the event sparked some concerns online. Last week while attending the G7 in Italy, video showed Biden wandering away from other world leaders while viewing a skydiving demonstration and giving a thumbs up in the other direction. The video then shows Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni tap Biden on the shoulder and direct him back to the group where he throws on a pair of aviators. Critics and some Donald Trump allies zeroed in on the video as questions are raised about the 81-year-old's fitness for office. But the White House slammed the criticism and video, arguing the widely shared clip cropped out other parachutists Biden had been approaching to make it look like he had simply wandered off. Obama seen giving Biden's arm a gentle tug and leading him off the stage after the president freezes during the applause at a fundraiser in Los Angeles President Biden speaking at a campaign fundraiser in Los Angeles on Saturday night before a video shows him appearing to freeze and being led off stage by Obama Biden was joined by former President Obama and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel for a conversation at the star-studded fundraiser. The president took aim at Donald Trump and the conservative Supreme Court during the glitzy event The video of Biden freezing at the Los Angeles theater, while taken from afar in the audience, clearly shows the president unmoving before Obama steps in. Just before the captured moment, Biden had been speaking alongside Biden in a conversation with Kimmel where he blasted his political opponent Donald Trump and warned against letting the ex-president return to the White House. Biden called the possibility of Trump getting to choose two more Supreme Court justices 'one of the scariest parts' of the Republican ex-president being elected again and even joked about his hair. 'Remember the pandemic? He said just dont worry just inject a little bleach,' the president said. 'It worked for me,' Kimmel quipped. 'It worked for [Trump],' Biden responded. 'It colored his hair.' Obama also took aim at Trump, arguing there are certain 'standards and values we should stand for.' While Obama has been publicly raising money for Biden's reelection campaign and appearing in campaign videos, behind closed doors he reportedly warned of Trump's political strength in conversation with Biden last year. Polling has shown that Biden's age has been one of the biggest concerns for voters this election season. He is already the oldest president to have ever served in office. On Saturday, Trump gave remarks in Detroit where he challenged Biden to a cognitive test. But then the 78-year-old ex-president made a series of gaffes as well. The pair are set to face-off in a highly anticipated first debate in less than two weeks. Reform have dropped a parliamentary candidate running against Kemi Badenoch after it emerged he once urged people to vote for the hard-right British National Party (BNP). Grant St Clair-Armstrong will no longer stand in the North West Essex constituency under the Reform banner after party officials condemned his 'unacceptable historic social media comments'. In blog posts unearthed by the Daily Mail, the businessman, who was living in Turkey at the time, said he 'wept' at the state of the UK ahead of the 2010 election. 'No doubt, Enoch Powell would be doing the same if he was alive,' he added. 'My solutionvote BNP!' Grant St Clair-Armstrong will no longer stand in the North West Essex constituency under the Reform banner after party officials condemned his 'unacceptable historic social media comments' Reform have dropped a parliamentary candidate running against Kemi Badenoch after it emerged he once urged people to vote for the hard-right British National Party (BNP) In another post, he said: 'Get this shower of s**t out of parliament and vote BNP, since they are the only party that seem to have any interest in protecting 'British' interests.' Although now greatly diminished, the BNP ran 339 candidates in the 2010 election and picked up over half a million votes. It was only in February of that year that the traditionally hard-right party allowed ethnic minorities to join. Mr St Clair-Armstrong has now said he deeply regrets the posts and that they were written during a 'very angry period' of his life. He had removed the posts from the website before being contacted by the Mail, who accessed them through internet archives. The blog is now mainly dedicated to selling art collectibles and books. Other controversial posts included backing extraditing Tony Blair, his wife Cherie and Alistair Campbell to 'a country that routinely indulges in torture and execution, then hopefully we will never hear about them again.' Although now greatly diminished, the BNP ran 339 candidates in the 2010 election and picked up over half a million votes In another highly offensive post, he said: 'Once more the bloody chinks are causing problems.. A lot of us have known for years that the Chinese Yuan is undervalued. It's just another cynical ploy by the vile regime there to get their crap shoddy s**t into the Western markets cheaply.' Mr St Clair-Armstrong said: 'This was on my website many years ago, when I was going through a very angry period. It was not put on in 2010 but a long time before. I didn't take any interest in the site for a very long time and had practically forgotten about it. 'When I did decide to take an interest again, I took all the garbage off, made it a lot nicer and looked at life a bit differently. 'As for the BNP and EDL, I think they are vile organisations and you'll never find anything positive from me about them since. 'Naturally, I regret all of this, especially my ludicrous support for the BNP and the EDL. People change their views.' A Reform spokesman said: 'Mr St Clair-Armstrong has tendered his resignation as a member of Reform UK due to the revelation of unacceptable historic social media comments and we have accepted his resignation.' Israeli ministers have been shaken by the decision to push ahead with a daily 'tactical pause' in the fighting in areas of southern Gaza to facilitate the delivery of vital humanitarian aid as divisions continue to emerge within the cabinet. Politicians on the far-right of Israel's cabinet argued the plan, announced earlier today, was 'delusional' and would risk undoing the 'achievements' of the war so far. Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's Internal Security Minister, derided 'whoever made this decision' as 'evil' and 'a fool who should not remain in his position'. 'It's time to get out of the [outdated pre-October 7 security] concept and stop the crazy and delusional approach that only brings us more dead and fallen,' he said in a statement today. The humanitarian pauses, set to occur daily between 8am and 7pm local time, offer some respite to the beleaguered civilian population in Gaza unseen since the negotiation of a temporary ceasefire in November as aid groups warn of impending famine. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to face divisions within the cabinet over Israel's conduct in Gaza, with pressure mounting both from Israelis at home and allies overseas. Netanyahu speaks during a news conference at the Sheba Tel HaShomer Hospital in Ramat Gan following a successful mission to retrieve four hostages from Gaza Thousands holding banners gather during a demonstration to demand a hostage swap deal and the dismissal of Netanyahu's government, in Tel Aviv, on June 15 A woman uses a megaphone as people attend a demonstration against Netanyahu in Tel Aviv A Palestinian girl with her knees in bandages hold a piece of dough to her chest as she walks along a street in Deir al-Balah, on June 13 A man carries an injured child following Israeli bombardment at al-Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip on June 16 A man walks past buildings destroyed during the Israeli bombardment of Khan Yunis on June 11 The IDF said today in a statement that it would cease 'military activity' in Gaza for 'humanitarian purposes' between 8am and 7pm (5am to 4pm GMT) every day 'until further notice' along the road connecting the Kerem Shalom Crossing to the Salah al-Din Road 'and then northwards'. It later clarified this did not extend to a pause in the fighting in the wider southern Gaza Strip 'and the fighting in Rafah continues'. The decision was driven by instructions from Netanyahu to increase the flow of aid into Gaza by ensuring safe passage for convoys, it added. Far-right ministers warned that the decision could allow Hamas to regroup and risked undermining the war effort so far. 'The manner in which the humanitarian effort in the Gaza Strip is being managed, in the framework of which aid goes largely to Hamas and helps it to retain civilian control of the Strip in direct contradiction to the goals of the war, has been bad throughout the last few months,' claimed Finance Minister Bezalel Smortrich following the announcement. He said he had repeatedly warned that the delivery of such aid was 'one of the reasons for the continuation of the war and the resounding strategic failure'. Itamar Ben-Gvir, a member of the security cabinet, but not the war cabinet, complained he had been left out of the decision-making process by Netanyahu. 'Unfortunately, this move was not brought before the cabinet and is contrary to its decisions,' he said in a statement. Divisions continue to deepen within the broad coalition of government as the war rages on and Israel's conduct in Gaza is scrutinised from different angles. Both Ben-Gvir and Smotrich have threatened to bring down the coalition if Netanyahu ends the war, on advice of Israel's allies. Former minister Benny Gantz, representing a more centrist position, quit the wartime unity government 'with a heavy heart' last Sunday after months of clashes with Netanyahu and other ministers. 'Unfortunately, Mr Netanyahu is preventing us from approaching true victory, which is the justification for the painful ongoing crisis,' he said during a news conference. The decision marked a potentially significant blow, with the former deputy prime minister seen as a balance to the far-right in the Israeli cabinet. With Gantz gone, Netanyahu may rely more on support from ultra-nationalist parties at odds with Israel's biggest foreign partner in the United States. Washington continues to mount pressure on Israel to find a route to a permanent ceasefire as protests nationwide draw focus to the civilian loss of life and dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. The Hamas-run health ministry in the Palestinian enclave claims at least 37,337 people have been killed since Israel entered Gaza in retaliation for Hamas' October 7 attacks. Humanitarian groups have warned that the vast majority of the 2.3 million population faces famine more than 250 days in the war, with access to aid hindered by the conflict. Ben-Gvir arrives at Jerusalem's Old City during the annual Jerusalem Day march, amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, in Jerusalem, June 5 Israeli military armoured vehicles roll in an area bordering the Gaza Strip on June 9 Palestinians watch smoke billowing following an Israeli airstrike in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip on June 6 A Palestinian man carries water past destroyed buildings in Khan Yunis on June 11 Palestinians ride in the back of a loaded truck moving past tents of displaced people in Rafah, June 14 A Palestinian girl watches as others check a UN-school housing displaced people hit during Israeli bombardment in Nuseirat, on June 6 Palestinian children wait in line to get food for their families, distributed by charitable organizations in Rafah, Gaza on February 16 Bezalel Smotrich arrives at the annual Jerusalem Day march on June 5 The announcement of regular pauses in the fighting was welcomed by the UN, although 'this has yet to translate into more aid reaching people in need', said Jens Laerke, spokesman for the OCHA agency. He called for 'further concrete measures by Israel to address longstanding issues' on aid needs. Laerke said Gazans 'urgently need food, water, sanitation, shelter, and health care, with many living near piles of solid waste, heightening health risks'. 'We need to be able to deliver aid safely throughout Gaza,' he added. The UN and aid groups have repeatedly voiced alarm over shortages of food and other essentials in the Gaza Strip. This has been exacerbated by overland access restrictions and the closure of the key Rafah crossing with Egypt since Israeli forces seized the Palestinian side in early May. The US has sought to soften the impact by building a $320mn pier on the Mediterranean coast in May, allowing aid to flow more easily into the Strip. But earlier this week, the UN said it would stop delivering the incoming aid to starving Palestinians until it could determine whether routes were safe for staff. The UN cited a recent operation by Israeli security forces that saw the rescue of four hostages and killed more than 270 Palestinians on June 8. The Israeli rescuers fled from the raid towards the pier on the coast, where an Israeli helicopter picked them up, according to the US and Israeli militaries. The UN said the use of the pier caused doubt about whether they could continue working on the project without violating core humanitarian principles of neutrality and independence, and without risking aid workers being seen as allies to the US or Israel. Such a perception could appear to make UN staff targets in their own right. Israel and the US deny that the pier was used in the raid, claiming an area nearby was used instead. A Royal Jordanian Air Force C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft drops humanitarian aid on Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on June 4 The American-built Trident Pier in May 29 (top) and on May 26 (bottom). The Pentagon suspended aid deliveries on May 28 after the pier was damaged by bad weather Soldiers attend the funeral of Israeli soldier Staff sergeant Stanislav Kostarev, who was killed amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, on June 16 Orly Efraim reacts near the marker of her niece Eden Liza Auhaion, who was killed on the October 7 Hamas deadly attack at the Nova music festival on April 7, 2024 in Re'im, Israel Family members visit the memorial site for victims killed during the Nova music festival Israeli soldiers inspect the burnt cars of festival-goers at the site of an attack on the Nova Festival by Hamas gunmen from Gaza, October 13, 2023 Adding to the troubles, US officials said on Friday that the pier had been detached to avoid it breaking apart in rough seas as it did in bad weather last month. Aid groups continue to face difficulty getting essential supplies into Gaza with the war still raging. Saleem (not his real name), an aid worker with global NGO Mercy Corps in Rafah, said: 'There's a genuine concern for a repeat of the famine scenario seen in the north. Additionally, we anticipate similar repercussions, such as the collapse of the health system and its subsequent challenges. 'The north has already endured health and environmental disasters, where even moderate infections resulted in fatalities. It's worth noting that the hospitals in the north are more extensive and better equipped in terms of staff and resources. 'Should the invasion of Rafah persist without a ceasefire, the upcoming period will be marked by immense difficulty and tragedy. Expect to receive grim and distressing news and images from Rafah, surpassing the severity of what transpired in the north.' Earlier this month, Oxfam reported harrowing conditions across the Palestinian enclave. In Al Mawasi, a region in the south filled with refugees, 'there are just 121 latrines for over 500,000 people', the British NGO warned. Shortages have reportedly seen people paying up to $700 for 'the most basic tents... and there is so little space left that some have been forced to set up tents in the cemetery at Deir al-Balah'. Sally Abi Khalil, Oxfam's Middle East and North Africa Director, said: 'Israel claimed weeks ago that they would provide full humanitarian support and medical assistance to civilians it had told to move. 'Not only is this not happening, its ongoing impunity, bombardment and deliberate obstruction have created unprecedented and impossibly dangerous conditions for humanitarian agencies to operate.' While the 'tactical pause' has brought 'near calm' to the Strip, according to Mahmud Basal, spokesman for the civil defence agency in Gaza, Palestinians marked Eid al-Adha without the usual holiday spirit. 'This Eid is completely different,' said Umm Muhammad al-Katri in northern Gaza's Jabalia refugee camp. 'We've lost many people. There's a lot of destruction. We don't have the joy we usually have,' she told AFP. Instead, 'I came to the Eid prayers mourning. I've lost my son.' Protesters use smoke torches during a demonstration calling for an hostages deal on June 15 The protesters in Tel Aviv rallied against Benjamin Netanyahu and his government A drone view shows a demonstration against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government and a call for the release of hostages, in Tel Aviv on Saturday Police officers arrest protesters during a demonstration calling for an hostages deal Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas following the Palestinian group's unprecedented October 7 attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,194 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures. Hamas also seized some 250 hostages in their rampage through southern Israel. Of these, 116 remain in Gaza, although the army says 41 are dead. Israel continues to face significant protests at home from hostage supporters demanding a ceasefire before any more die or are killed. Thousands attended a rally last night in Tel Aviv to demand the government back a deal to end the war and release the remaining captives as one of the four hostages freed on June 8 called on the public to join. Andrey Kozlov, who spent 245 days in Gaza after his abduction, said the rallies gave him 'a lot of hope' on Friday. Israel and Hamas have not been able to agree terms to a permanent ceasefire despite mediation efforts from the US, Qatar and Egypt. Both sides blame each other for the lack of progress. An Indian astrologer has boldly declared the start date of World War III - predicting it could begin within days. Kushal Kumar, known as the 'New Nostradamus,' has claimed World War III could begin on June 18, 2024. Speaking to The Daily Star, Kumar said, 'Now, Tuesday, 18 June 2024 has the strongest planetary stimulus to trigger WW3 although 10 and 29 June may have a say as well.' Kumar pointed to various international conflicts as signs of the impending global conflict. Expressing concern, Kumar warned: 'It may be observed here that predictive alert for better care and appropriate strategy involves careful and serious interpretation of planetary impacts while unintended human error or slip cannot be ruled out entirely.' Kushal Kumar, known as the 'New Nostradamus,' has claimed the beginning of World War III would start on June 18, 2024 Kumar pointed to various international conflicts as signs of the impending global conflict 'So, watch the developing war scenario in hotspots across the globe as days pass by,' he added. Kumar originally made this prediction in May, and is doubling down - despite forecasting the wrong date previously. He previously predicted June 10 as the war's start date, which did not occur, casting doubt on the accuracy of his predictions. Despite the false prediction, Kumar now is confident that he sees June 18 as having the greatest potential for conflict initiation, while also mentioning June 29 as another possible date. He said the starting date is sparked by significant planetary alignments that he believes could trigger a worldwide conflict. Kumar uses the Vedic astrology chart to make his predictions, which is a system rooted in Hindu culture and is believed to be a 'map of our karma,' utilizing alignments of planets and stars. He credited incidents like the terror attacks on the India-Pakistan border, North Korean soldiers crossing into South Korea, and rising tensions between Israel and Lebanon. Kumar first mentioned a recent terror attack in the Himalayas that claimed the lives of nine Hindu pilgrims and left 33 others injured. Next, he noted an incident at the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea. Kumar originally made this prediction in May, and is doubling down - despite forecasting the wrong date previously Thirdly, Kumar highlighted escalating tensions in Israel, where Hezbollah forces in Lebanon launched rockets at Israel in response to the death of a commander. He also drew attention to Russia's deployment of warships including a nuclear submarine to Havana, reminiscent of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Lastly, Kumar pointed out China's military exercises near Taiwan, which have raised concerns among US officials. Kumar, often dubbed the 'new Nostradamus,' is named after the famous French astrologer who lived in the 16th century. The real Nostradamus, born in December 1503, gained notoriety for his book 'Les Propheties,' a collection of 942 poetic quatrains. These verses, published in two volumes, are regarded as prophecies filled with cryptic messages that call for diverse interpretations and future predictions. A missing US tourist has been found dead on the rocky beach of the small Greek island of Mathraki, according to local outlets. The man's body was found Sunday on a remote beach on the island west of Corfu by another tourist. The victim was reported missing on Thursday by his host, a Greek-American friend. He was reportedly last seen Tuesday in a local cafe in the company of two women who have since left the small island. Details about the man, including a name and hometown, were not immediately available. Mathraki is a tiny island with a population of just 100 people. The 1.2-square-mile isle is heavily wooded. The American man's body was found Sunday morning by another tourist on a rocky beach on the remote island near Corfu Last Friday, news of an unidentified man going missing in Mathraki broke. The man was reportedly last seen Tuesday and had been staying with his Greek-American friend. The friend reported the man missing Thursday after he returned to his home to find the door of the house open, the light on, and the air conditioning running. But the man, along with his ID and travel documents were gone. It has not been confirmed whether that man is the same individual as the one whose body was found Sunday. The confirmed dead American tourist is the latest in a string of disappearances of tourists from Greek islands. Several remain missing, but two others have been found dead after setting out on hikes or walks in blistering heat. A 74-year-old Dutch tourist was found by a fire department drone yesterday lying face down in a ravine about 1,000 feet from the place he was last seen a week ago. Witnesses say he was struggling a bit while walking under the scorching hot sun. Also last week, Dr. Michael Mosley, beloved British television presenter and MailOnline.com columnist, was found dead on the island of Symi after collapsing on a hike. His wife said he took the wrong route and collapsed just before reaching a marina, in a spot where his body could not be easily seen. The victim joins a number of tourists who have recently gone missing and/or been found dead on Greek island in recent weeks The recent victim's identity has not yet been identified - nor has a cause of death This past Friday, two French tourists were also reported missing on Sikinos, a somewhat secluded Cyclades island in the Aegean Sea that is home to fewer than 400 people. The women, one in her sixties, the other in her seventies, departed their respective hotels to meet - and have not been seen since. Also in the Cyclades, on the island of Amorgos, a search mission is ongoing for a 59-year-old American tourist, who has been missing since last Tuesday. The man, retired Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff Albert Calibet of Hermosa Beach, set out on a solo hike in very hot conditions. The top House Republican on intelligence warned of the 'highest level of a possible terrorist threat' and called on the Biden administration to declassify information on terrorist threats after eight individuals with suspected ties to ISIS were arrested in the United States last week. Republican Ohio Congressman Mike Turner who chairs the House Intelligence Committee appeared on CBS News' 'Face the Nation' on Sunday where he said the threat was 'no longer speculative, no longer hypothetical.' 'We have terrorists that are actively working inside the United States that are a threat to Americans,' Turner said. Last week, eight Tajik nationals with alleged ties to ISIS were arrested in Los Angeles, New York and Philadelphia after U.S. officials have been warning for months of a potential terror attack on the U.S. Turner told moderator Margaret Brennan he could neither confirm nor deny the details of the arrests, but he pointed to recent testimony from top U.S. law enforcement officials warning of the growing threat of a terror attack. Congressman Mike Turner warned on Face the Nation that the terror threat is 'no longer speculative, no longer hypothetical' and called on the Biden administration to declassify information on terrorist threats Earlier this month, Attorney General Merrick Garland testified before a House Committee that he was 'worried about the possibility of a terrorist attack in the country after October 7' and that the 'threat level for us has gone up enormously.' Separately, FBI Director Christopher Wray said they've 'seen the threat from foreign terrorists rise to a whole other level' after the October 7 Hamas attack. In December, Wray said 'I've never seen a time where all threats were so elevated all the time.' Turner demanded the Biden administration share more information on heightened threats on Sunday. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland testified before the House Judiciary Committee on June 4. At the hearing, he said the threat of a terror attack on the U.S. has risen 'enormously' FBI Director Christopher Wray said terrorist threats on the U.S. have risen to a 'whole 'nother level' and warned the U.S.-Mexico border presents unique challenges 'Of the threat, what we have done and continue to do, and what this administration needs to be held to, is that they need to declassify the information of the terrorist threats that they're seeing so that there can be a public discourse concerning what the administration's risk and threats are,' Turner said. Turner claimed it was 'notable and expected as a result of the Biden administration's policy.' The Biden administration and Republicans have been fighting over how to address the border and immigration system for years, but a recent bipartisan bill to address border security failed after Republicans came out against it amid pressure from Donald Trump. Encounters over illegal border crossings into the United States from Mexico reached an all time high in December before illegal crossings dropped some this year. President Emmanuel Macron risks plunging France into chaos as his decision to call a snap election threatens to boost his hard-Right opponents, predecessor Nicolas Sarkozy warned Sunday. Opinion polls suggest Mr Macron's centrist alliance faces an even greater rejection than Rishi Sunak is forecast to endure in next month's general election, with barely 20 per cent of French voters voicing their support. It comes as French financial markets have taken a hammering in the week since his unexpected decision to dissolve the National Assembly in the wake of elections to the European Parliament, which saw his group trounced by the hard-Right National Rally. Opinion polls suggest Mr Macron's centrist alliance faces an even greater rejection than Rishi Sunak is forecast to endure in next month's general election. Macron at a summit on peace in Ukraine in Switzerland French far-right party Rassemblement National (RN) party leader Marine Le Pen (left) and France's President Now Mr Sarkozy, who was conservative president from 2007 to 2012 and is on friendly terms with Mr Macron, has warned his gamble could backfire spectacularly. 'Giving the floor to the French people to justify the dissolution is a curious argument since this is precisely what more than 25million French people have just done at the polls', he said yesterday. 'The risk is great they confirm their anger rather than reverse it.' Mr Macron has three years to go in his term as president. But a victory for the National Rally (RN) in the elections - to be held in two rounds on June 30 and July 7 - could put its 28-year-old party leader Jordan Bardella on track to become the next prime minister, threatening a damaging clash with the moderate, pro-business president. Nicolas, who was conservative president from 2007 to 2012 and is on friendly terms with Mr Macron, has warned his gamble could backfire spectacularly. Pictured, Sarkozy attends an official state dinner as part of the US President's state visit to France on June 8 Demonstrators stand on The Triumph of the Republic statue on Place de la Nation in Paris during a demonstration against the French far-right National Rally People raise their fist as they attend a demonstration against the French far-right ahead of early legislative elections in Paris Thousands marched in Paris and cities across France on Saturday to protest against the hard-Right group, which attracted more than 30 per cent of votes in the ballot for the Strasbourg parliament, almost twice as many votes as Mr Macron's party Renaissance. A poll at the weekend forecast RN would lead in the first round with 33 per cent of the vote, ahead of the Popular Front, an alliance of left-wing parties, with 25 per cent, and Mr Macron's centrist camp on 20 per cent. Other polls last week placed his group even lower with support from just 18 per cent of voters. Mr Macron has denied accusations he had taken a reckless gamble with the country's political future, saying it was 'a gesture of great confidence in the French people'. However his finance minister Bruno Le Maire admitted the country could face 'a regime crisis' if opinion polls prove accurate. A journalist from the Tennessee Star is being summoned to appear in court and faces jail time for publishing journal writings of transgender shooter Audrey Hale, sparking freedom of the press concerns. The article revealed that Hale, who shot and killed six people at the Covenant Elementary school in March 2023, wrote about her 'imaginary penis' and how she would 'kill' to get puberty blockers weeks before her horrific act. For more than a year, Nashville Chancellor IAshea Myles has been presiding over a public records case wherein the plaintiffs are suing to get the right to release documents related to the shooting. Families of the victims are on the exact opposite side, trying to bury the documents and keep them out of the public eye. But since the case in ongoing, Myles is claiming that the Tennessee Star may have published 'certain purported documents and information' that should have remained under seal. At Myle's request, Tennessee Star editor-in-chief Michael Patrick Leahy will appear in court Monday to explain why his news outlet didn't violate the court order. Michael Patrick Leahy, left, is the CEO of Star News Digital Media and editor-in-chief of the Tennessee Star. Nashville Chancellor IAshea Myles has ordered Leahy to appear in court because of the Star's reporting on Audrey Hale's journal writings Leahy, who also serves as CEO of Star News Digital Media, publisher of the Tennessee Star, claims his outlet has done nothing wrong throughout the course of its reporting. The Star has claimed a June 5 story didn't actually publish any of the leaked images of her journal entries but just snippets from it, reported the Associated Press. 'This could raise First Amendment issues,' said Deborah Fisher, Tennessee Coalition for Open Governments executive director. Jeff Clark, a former US attorney, also sided with Leahy, saying he was just doing a journalist's job and getting crucial information about the shooting. Leahy 'is in jeopardy in Tennessee state court for trying to get out the Covenant Killer Audrey Hales manifesto. And presumably other info about her,' Clark wrote on X. 'The American people deserve to know the details of how Hale was radicalized by the trans agenda. And the victims family especially deserve to learn that information.' Hale, 28, was a transgender artist, who identified as a male named Aiden, shot her way into the Tennessee elementary school in March 2023, killing three adults and three nine-year-olds, before responding officers killed her. Audrey Hale, pictured ahead of her transition into 'Aiden,' wrote extensively about her mindset and detailed plans to cause terror in a manifesto, parts of which have been leaked to social media and various news outlets Cops gunned down Hale during her 'carefully planned' attack in which she killed three children and three adults Officers found her writings in the car she drove to the elementary school, and the Star reported on 'nearly four dozen images of notebook pages written by Hale' provided by a source familiar with the investigation. Hale wrote about anger toward her parents, how she hated her conservative Christian upbringing, and how she had suffered because hormone blockers were not available when she was as a child. One of her entries was 'My Imaginary Penis' and included a crude drawing, according to the Tennessee Star. 'My penis exists in my head. I swear to god I'm a male,' Hale wrote in the papers. She then wrote about her desire to have a penis so she could have sex with a woman, in her assumed identity as Aiden. She wrote about how using that name on a job application for a delivery position led to issues with the company's background check. Hale also said that being raised as a girl was 'torture.' She worried that high school classmates would call her 'dyke or a f*****', she wrote. That all changed when she learned about transgenderism in her early 20s. 'I finally found the answer that changing one's gender is possible,' wrote Hale. Hale wrote about anger toward her parents, how she hated her conservative Christian upbringing, and how she had suffered because hormone blockers were not available when she was as a child After the Stars reporting throughout June, the Nashville's Metropolitan Police said in a statement that 'it is concerned about the alleged leak, and we, like others, would like to know from where it came.' Immediately following the shooting, Nashville's police chief John Drake said Hale's manifesto as well as the hand-drawn maps found in her car would eventually be made public. Now, despite the leaks, both city police and the FBI say the material shouldn't be released because the information could damage any potential investigation. In a statement to The Center Square, Leahy said he plans to defend his and his outlet's rights to publish relevant information about the shooting. 'Yes, I intend to appear in court on Monday at 11am, along with my attorneys, Nick Barry with America First Legal and Daniel Horwitz, a nationally recognized First Amendment attorney based here in Nashville,' Leahy told The Center Square Sunday. Nearly half of the shootings investigated by the country's largest police force go unsolved, figures show. The proportion of Metropolitan Police shooting cases that end with an offender facing prosecution has hit 52 per cent the highest rate in 11 years but 48 per cent are unsolved. Detectives believe this is partly due to fear preventing witnesses coming forward or sharing evidence. The Met says the number of incidents where a gun is fired termed lethal barrelled discharges is at its lowest for 15 years. Commander Paul Brogden said: 'It comes down to trust within our communities, we need the communities to trust us with evidence, trust us with handling Ring doorbell footage, CCTV access. Commander Paul Brogden (pictured) encouraged people to 'trust' the Metropolitan Police Metropolitan Police detectives believe this is partly due to fear preventing witnesses coming forward or sharing evidence (file image) 'People are worried, people are frightened, victims are frightened and often are reluctant to come forward. 'We encourage them to trust us, we will keep them safe. 'While our outcome rates have improved, there are 48% that we haven't managed to solve.' He said detectives have 'long memories' and will investigate for years, especially if there is a linked series of shootings. Detective Superintendent Victoria Sullivan, a specialist crime officer based in south-east London, said: 'Often the victim themselves who's been shot does not want to divulge to police and that might be because they're seeking retribution themselves. 'So potentially today's victim could be tomorrow's suspect. And that's why it's really important that we act really, really quickly to try and dissolve that situation.' Around half of shootings in London are believed to be linked to gang crime. Gang links are a key line of inquiry in the shooting of a nine-year-old girl in Hackney last month who remains critically ill in hospital after she was caught in a hail of bullets while out for dinner with her parents. The Met says the number of incidents where a gun is fired termed lethal barrelled discharges is at its lowest for 15 years (file image) The Met says the number of incidents where a gun is fired, termed lethal barrelled discharges, is at its lowest for 15 years, having dropped from 196 to 145 since March 2023. Firearm killings have also fallen year on year for the last three years - from 12 in 2021/22 to 10 in 2022/23, eight in 2023/24, and there have been two so far this year. An increasing proportion of the shootings that do occur involve converted blank firearms, originally designed for non-lethal purposes such as bird-scaring, that are converted into deadly weapons. Around 46% of the 386 weapons seized by the Met last year were converted blank firers. Millions of days of sick leave were taken by staff at taxpayer-funded quangos and public bodies last year, the Mail can reveal. Across 55 arms-length bodies funded by the Government, workers were absent for 1,206,341 days due to ill health - an average of 6.3 days per employee. It is significantly higher than the previous 2021/22 year, when employees took 1,097,599 days off sick - an average of 5.9 days each. The organisations with the highest average number of sick days taken last year include the Northern Ireland Assembly Commission, at 13.7 days, and NHS Blood and Transplant at 12.9 days. Staff took on average 7.8 sick days in 2022, up from 5.8 before the pandemic (stock photo) At HM Revenue and Customs, annual accounts showed 576,458 days being taken off, with another 142,442 at NHS England. Pictured, the HM Revenue and Customs building in Westminister It comes just weeks after Rishi Sunak vowed to end 'sick note culture' and reform the welfare system so people could get back to work. Campaigners have now called on public sector bosses to crack down on staff taking excessive leave. In 2022, the public sector sickness rate was 3.6 per cent while the private sector rate was 2.3 per cent. Joanna Marchong, investigations campaigns manager of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'Taxpayers are tired of quangocrats blowing off working days. 'Sick leave in the public sector is consistently higher than the private sector and the cost to taxpayers is enough to give you a migraine. 'These organisations need to draw a hard line against employees taking advantage of sick leave.' The Taxpayers' Alliance also raised concerns about the increase in sick days taken in the last 12 months (stock photo) The analysis of the taxpayer-funded organisations lays bare the amount of wasted public money from sick leave taken in bodies with thousands of staff. At HM Revenue and Customs, annual accounts showed 576,458 days being taken off, with another 142,442 at NHS England. Quangos with the highest number of sick days in 2022/23 HMRC - 576,458.75 days for 65,881 staff HM Courts and Tribunal - 137,402 days for 14,935 staff NHS England - 124,442 days NHS Blood and Transplant - 63,093.90 days for 4,891 staff HM Land Registry - 56,879.90 days between 6,391 members of staff Highest Average number of sick days 2022/23 NI Assembly Commission - 13.7 days NHS Blood and Transplant - 12.9 days NI Public Services Ombudsman - 10.42 days DBS - 9.01 days Highest percentage change Northern Ireland Office - 99.08 % Youth Justice Board - 65.86% MHRA - 62% National Gallery - 51.92% Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board - 57.79% Advertisement The Taxpayers' Alliance also raised concerns about the increase in sick days taken in the last 12 months. At the Northern Ireland Office, 564 days were taken in 2022/23, compared to 283 the previous year - a 99 per cent rise. The Youth Justice Board saw a 65 per cent increase, while the National Gallery saw a sickness spike of 52 per cent year-on-year. The average percentage increase of sick days across the 55 organisations was 8.9 per cent. Last year a study for the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that UK workers are taking more sick days than at any point in the last decade. Staff took on average 7.8 sick days in 2022, up from 5.8 before the pandemic. The Prime Minister sought to address the issue in April, claiming that since the Covid pandemic 'something has gone wrong', and noting that 850,000 more people are now economically inactive in Britain. He pledged a review of the current system and said specialist work and health professionals will be charged with responsibility for issuing sick notes instead of GPs. Last year the Tories accused Labour of planning to create dozens of new quangos, including an Office for Value for Money and a National Wealth Fund. A Cabinet Office spokesman said: 'Many of the organisations listed do not employ civil servants, or employ mostly non-civil servants and are not governed by the civil service. These figures do not represent civil service sickness absence.' An HMRC spokesman said: 'The latest available data from the Office for National Statistics shows central government to have lower rates of sickness than the private sector. Our employees are not expected to attend work if they are too ill to do so.' An NHS England spokesman said: 'NHS England is below the national average for sickness absence.' A HM Land Registry spokesman said: 'HM Land Registry is committed to the wellbeing of its staff. Our staff sickness level per person is broadly in line with the civil service average.' A Northern Ireland Assembly Spokesperson said: 'The Assembly Commission is a relatively small organisation employing c320 FTE permanent staff for the years 2021/22 and 2022/23. The majority of sickness absence was due to long term sickness, which is classed as 20 working days or more, therefore the impact of a small number of staff on long term sick absence can greatly distort the average figure. 'In terms of the management of sick absence, the Assembly Commission operates and maintains a very clear policy which includes maintaining regular contact with staff on sick leave, seeking independent medical advice through Occupational Health, conducting return to work meetings and taking inefficiency action in cases where the level of absence is unsatisfactory.' A mother and her disabled son have tragically died in a house fire. The two-storey home on Cypress Street in Woodridge, in Brisbane's south, was fully ablaze when fire crews arrived at about 6pm on Sunday. A woman in her 80s and a disabled man in his 60s, believed to be her son, were declared dead at the scene after being discovered inside. Queensland Police Acting Inspector Mark Procter said detectives were investigating the cause of the fire. Police are not treating the blaze as suspicious. The two-storey home in Woodridge, in Brisbane's south, was fully ablaze when fire crews arrived just after 6pm on Sunday (pictured, emergency crews at the scene) A woman in her 80s and a man in his 60s, believed to be her son, were discovered in the home A Queensland Fire and Emergency services spokesman said the fire was brought under control by three crews at about 6.30pm. 'Three crews arrived at the scene at 6.15pm,' he said. 'The fire was under control at 6.30pm. The house was well involved.' Police have asked anyone with information about the fire to come forward as investigations continue. A Russian nuclear submarine capable of launching cruise missiles was spotted off the west coast of Scotland, prompting an alert. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Defence Secretary Grant Shapps were given a secret briefing after the Yasen-class submarine Kazan was detected. An RAF surveillance plane trailed the movements of the 13,800-tonne sub along the Irish coast to Scotland. The Russian vessel passed by Britains nuclear naval base in Faslane, on Gare Loch, without crossing into British waters prompting swift reports back to the Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood, London. HM Naval Base Clyde, the Royal Navys main presence in Scotland, is home to the core of the submarine service, including the nations nuclear deterrent and the new generation of hunter-killer submarines. The Russian nuclear submarine Kazan arrives in Cuba last week after it had been tracked off the coasts of Scotland and Ireland The Kazan was picked up by an RAF Poseidon P8 anti-submarine aircraft on June 5 and arrived in Cuba exactly a week later. The action was widely seen as a Russian show of force as tensions rise over the Ukraine war. Military commanders were reportedly concerned the sub could be looking for vulnerabilities around UK waters. Retired Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart Crawford, who now works as a defence and security consultant, said: The Achilles Heel for the British Isles is Ireland. They have virtually no military capability to monitor or counter such Russian forays, and the Kremlin is not unaware of this. Last night a Royal Navy spokesman said: We routinely monitor UK territorial waters and the adjacent sea areas to deter malign activity and to protect our national interests. When the submarine came within 25 miles of the Florida coast last week on its way to Cuba, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said the US would remain vigilant. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said such exercises were routine, adding: This is a normal practice for all states, including a large maritime power as Russia. The crew on deck during the Cuba visit Putin has claimed that the Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles aboard the submarine are 'unstoppable' Cubas foreign ministry and US officials said the vessel carried no nuclear weapons, but Russian pro-war Telegram channels boasted that Kazan had guided missile weapons on board as it passed close to the US coastline. Kazan, half-submerged with its crew on deck, sailed into Havana harbour alongside an Admiral Gorshkov frigate on Wednesday after conducting high-precision missile weapons training in the Atlantic. The frigate, part of a fleet of similar ships, is armed with Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles which are capable of hitting sea and ground targets. Putin has claimed they are unstoppable. Both the Admiral Gorshkov and the Kazan are key vessels in Putins nuclear strike force. Russia has four Yasen-class subs and Nato officials have flagged them as one of the big strategic challenges the west faces. Costing around 200million, the Gorshkov frigates are equipped with modern stealth features and highly sensitive radar systems. They also have a large calibre gun, torpedo tubes and a helicopter. Former Royal Navy officer and frigate captain Tom Sharpe wrote in The Daily Telegraph that the Russian deployment was a small but well-armed group and should not be dismissed out of hand. He said Russia will be keen to demonstrate it can operate a task group at range from the motherland and to some degree this has been done. Small businesses have called for 'thorough' scrutiny of the 3.6 billion Royal Mail takeover amid fears services could be watered down. Royal Mail owner International Distribution Services has accepted a takeover swoop from Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky, meaning the postal company is set to fall into foreign hands for the first time since it was set up by Henry VIII in 1516. But business groups representing thousands of small companies are calling on ministers and regulators to enforce protections. Industry voices including the Greeting Card Association (GCA), British Independent Retailers Association and the Federation of Small Businesses have all sounded the alarm. They are worried that Mr Kretinsky will press ahead with its current owner's hopes to slash the frequency of second-class deliveries and hike the price of first-class stamps. Royal Mail owner International Distribution Services has accepted a takeover swoop from Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky Business groups representing thousands of small companies are calling on ministers and regulators to enforce protections amid fears the service will be reduced Industry voices including the Greeting Card Association (GCA), British Independent Retailers Association and the Federation of Small Businesses have all raised their concerns Andrew Goodacre, chief executive of the British Independent Retailers Association, said a reduced service would 'make business even harder' for small firms. He added: 'If Royal Mail is to be sold, we need to know that the due diligence is thorough and that there is a genuine commitment to maintaining, if not improving, the current levels of service and delivery.' GCA chief executive Amanda Fergusson said the group's members were worried that suggestions proposed by Mr Kretinsky were 'inadequate and short-lived'. A Michigan couple suffered severe gunshot wounds while shielding their two young children from a rampaging gunman at a neighborhood splash park. Micayla and Eric Coughlin were with their two children, aged 2 and 7 months, grabbing ice cream and heading to the Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad when shots rang out around 5pm Saturday. Within just one minute of arriving at the splash park, the Coughlins started to hear gunfire, according to a GoFundMe set up by their friend. 'In an effort to save their children, they each grabbed a child to protect them,' the fundraiser read. 'Because of their heroic actions, their children were protected and able to go home that evening.' Micayla and Eric suffered a total of seven gunshot wounds as they heroically saved their children, and are being treated at a local hospital. Also injured in the attack were Eric and Micayla Coughlin, who were attempting to shield their two young children Other victims of the shooting at around 5pm in the Detroit suburb of Richmond Hills include the wife of a city employee, who was at the splash pad with 14 family members and friends - three of whom were struck by bullets, Detroit News reports. The unidentified woman suffered a broken arm and a bullet wound in her abdomen. 'When I talked to her husband, he was in shock, but he is grateful his family is OK and is focused on supporting them,' Mayor Bryan Barnett said. Police have said the oldest victim from Saturday night's shooting was a 78-year-old man who was shot in the abdomen and is in stable condition, while the youngest was a four-year-old boy who was wounded in the thigh. He is also in stable condition. The child's mother, a 39-year-old woman, is in critical condition after being shot in the abdomen and leg, and his eight-year-old brother is also fighting for his life after being shot in the head. Gunshots rang out at the Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad in Rochester Hills on Saturday evening, where eight people were shot in a 'random' spree The gunman rapidly fired 28 bullets and reloaded several times as he opened fire at the family splash pad A tense standoff ensued after the gunman fled the scene to a nearby home, which ended when police breached the property and found him dead In total, authorities say gunman Michael William Nash, 42, shot nine people at the splash pad Saturday evening, before fleeing the scene and taking his own life during a tense hours-long standoff with police. A motive for the shooting remains unclear. 'In terms of the "why," I dont know,' Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said, adding that the shooting 'appears very random.' 'It appears like the individual pulled up, exited a vehicle, approached the splash pad, opened fire, reloaded, opened fire, reloaded, left,' he said. The suspect was 'apparently in no rush. Just calmly walked back to his car,' he added. At a press conference late on Saturday, Bouchard said officers were able to quickly track the gunman thanks to a new kind of 911 response system that allows them to listen to 911 calls live instead of waiting for a dispatcher, which allowed one cop to arrive on the scene in under two minutes. Police said they recovered a 9mm handgun used in the shooting spree, before finding further weapons inside the home as they feared the gunman planned to find more victims An officer with the Oakland County Sheriff's Department secures the scene of a shooting at the Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad early Saturday evening Police found the vehicle at the property where the gunman had fled, and a heavy law enforcement presence - including SWAT teams and helicopters - quickly encircled the home. Bouchard said they established early contact with the gunman, but communication ceased and after hours of standoff police decided to breach the home. Cops sent a drone into the home, where they found the gunman dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Investigators also discovered an assault rifle on the kitchen table of the home, which Bouchard feared would have been used for the 'next chapter' of the shooting spree, but the speed at which police surrounded him prevented further chaos. As victims reel from the tragedy, it was revealed that some heartless scammers are now using the shooting to set up fake GoFundMe pages, tugging on the heartstrings of do-gooders. Investigators also discovered an assault rifle on the kitchen table of the home, which officials feared would have been used for the 'next chapter' of the shooting spree before it was thwarted Police would later also find the vehicle he allegedly drove to the splash pad with at a property nearby, and sent a drone to the gunman's home Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard warned do-gooders not to fall for a heartless scam pretending to raise money for victims One claimed to be set up by the husband of one of the victims, and raised over $15,000 at the time of writing. It said his pregnant wife was 29 weeks pregnant, and lost her unborn child while her eight-year-old son was 'fighting for his life.' But Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard announced on Sunday 'the site is a complete fraud.' 'These bottom-feeding scumbags are preying off this tragedy,' he said in a statement. 'They have already shown their character.' The fundraiser has since been removed, and all of the donors have been reimbursed according to a spokesperson for GoFundMe. 'GoFundMe has zero tolerance for the misuse of our platform and those who seek to take advantage of the generosity of the community,' the spokesperson said. 'We have removed the fundraiser from the platform, none of the funds were released to the fundraiser organizer, and all donors have been refunded,' they continued, noting that they will 'cooperate with law enforcement investigations of those accused of wrongdoing.' A father from Kent has slammed his daughter's school after he was fined for taking her to Normandy to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. Neil Young said he took his 14-year-old daughter, Emily, to France to mark the historic event in June. 'It was no holiday and every day was educational,' he insisted. 'It wasn't a trip to Spain where we sat on the beach and did nothing. We went to different places, speaking to new people and learning new things.' Neil says he told St Anselm's Catholic School in Canterbury of their plans ahead of time and assumed there was no issue with taking his daughter, a budding history student with '100 per cent attendance', out of school when they did not reply. When the school told Neil the absence was not being authorised, he appealed the decision - but the school issued a 60 fine increasing to 120 if not paid within 21 days, before retracting it as an 'administrative error'. Father Neil Young (right) has slammed his daughter's school after he was fined for taking her to Normandy to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landing He took his 14-year-old daughter, Emily, to France to mark the historic event in June and insist it wasn't a holiday: 'Every day was educational' Emily (right) holds her dog Arlo as she is pictured in Normandy with her sister Leahnie. Her father says he told St Anselm's Catholic School in Canterbury of their plans ahead of time The father, a military vehicle restorer from Shepherdswell, Kent, says his family were invited to attend the anniversary events by the Invicta Military Preservation Society. The group visited museums and three different war cemeteries, paid their respects at memorials and met surviving Second World War veterans to coincide with the anniversary of D Day on June 6, 2024. They even laid a plaque for Emily's great-grandfather near the Standing for Giants installation, which has 1,475 silhouettes across the British Normandy Memorial. But two days after arriving in Normandy in June, an attendance officer called Neil and asked him why Emily had not arrived at school. Neil then received an email informing him the absence was unauthorised and a decision would be taken on whether to issue 60 fines to him and his wife, Annette. 'It was a bit of a blow and was not what we were expecting. I am disappointed in the school for being like this,' he said. 'She had 100% attendance last year and this year so far.' Neil insisted the 'once in a lifetime' trip was fundamentally educational, getting up at 6am to get to historical sites they left at 10pm. 'Emily wants to do history as a GCSE. I think it is disgraceful the school has done this,' he said. After being told Emily's absence was not being authorised, Neil challenged the decision with assistant headteacher Harriet Holmes. She replied: 'I understand you are upset regarding the decision of the school to not authorise this event. 'I recognise that this is a fantastic opportunity for Emily, however, unfortunately the decision not to authorise this is due to Emily not being a direct part in the activities listed above. 'Although she is experiencing these she is not required to attend and therefore we cannot authorise the absence from her education.' Emily, 14, holds up one of the fines issued to her parents. Neil (right) said the trip was educational, but the school pushed back and issued a 60 fine for unauthorised absence St Anselm's Catholic School in Canterbury fined the family after Emily was taken out of school British WWII veterans Peter Newton (2-L) and Albert Keir (C) salute during a UK veterans parade in Arromanches-les-Bains on June 6, 2024, as part of the "D-Day" commemorations Militaries bagpipers and other musicians perform during a British veterans parade on June 6 People attend the D-Day parade with a Royal Guard Of Honour during the commemoration Penalty notices from KCC arrived at the Youngs' home this week, giving them 21 days to pay 60 or the fine would be increased to 120. Ms Holmes he later blamed an 'administrative error' for the fines being issued. She said: 'The parents are not being fined as this was an administrative error that has been rectified. 'Whilst we are carrying out Kent County Council policy, we do acknowledge these are exceptional circumstances and have reviewed the coding.' But when informed of the school's response, Neil said: 'They are trying to think of something to blame it on other than they did not agree with [the absence].' MailOnline approached the school for comment. More than 55 posties a week are being attacked by dogs while on the job, sparking calls for dog owners to call their hounds to heel. Australia Post says there has been an alarming 11 incidents a day involving dogs over the last six months. Queensland continues to record the highest number of incidents with 466 incidents in the past six months, followed by NSW with 408 and Western Australia with 215. While no single dog breed is more likely to attack than another, Australia Post says it's smaller dogs that are the most aggressive. Australia Post General Manager of Safety and Wellbeing, Rod Maule, called on dog owners to take responsibility for their pets. Australia Post is calling on dog owners to take responsibility for their pets. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS) 'Our team members just want to be able to deliver for our customers, without being attacked, harassed, or chased by dogs,' Mr Maule said on Monday. 'Posties will not make a delivery if it is unsafe for them to do so and will cease deliveries to a customer's home until the danger is fixed.' Australia Post data has found that half of all incidents are taking place on customers' properties, with almost a third occurring at the front door. Of particular concern are dog bites during letter deliveries, with 15 per cent of incidents occurring when a postie puts mail in a letterbox. Australia Post also reports dog-related incidents to relevant local councils to ensure enforcement is actioned. Bruce Lehrmann will appear in Toowoomba Magistrate's court at 9am on Monday over allegations that he raped a woman, 29, in October 2021. He met the woman at a local strip club called 'The Vault', before the pair went back to his friend's house. She alleges they were fully clothed in bed, they kissed and she told him to put a condom on. She then alleges that she woke up to find him having sex with her. The woman also alleges that she woke up the following morning to find him having sex with her again, and told him to stop. She alleges she felt groggy when they had sex a third time. He allegedly wasn't wearing a condom and they went to a pharmacy to buy the morning-after pill, and the went to McDonald's on the way home. Lehrmann was charged with two counts of rape in January 2023. The alleged victim will be cross-examined during the committal hearing on Monday, which was set to determine whether there is enough evidence to commit the matter to trial. If it is committed and Lehrmann pleads not guilty, the case will go to trial. Monday will mark the first time Lehrmann appears in court for this matter. After he was charged, Lehrmann was known only as a 'high profile man' in media reports about the allegations. However, his identity was revealed after Queensland legislation was modified to allow people accused of sexual offences to be identified before being committed to stand trial. After the law changed, the former political staffer lost his subsequent bid to seek a non-publication order to continue to protect his identity. Since becoming a member of the Royal Family, Kate Middleton has graced numerous star-studded events, including award ceremonies and movie premieres. The mother-of-three's most recent red carpet appearance was in November 2023 at the Royal Variety Performance, where she was accompanied by Prince William. Despite being largely out of the public eye due to ongoing cancer treatment, the Princess of Wales has consistently shown her ability to dazzle at glamorous events. Below, we take a closer look at some of Kate's most memorable red carpet appearances through the years. Alexander McQueen, 2023 The Princess of Wales gave her Alexander McQueen dress a fresh twist at the Bafta Film Awards 2023 (left) In 2023, the Princess of Wales gave her Alexander McQueen one-shoulder dress a fresh twist at the Bafta Awards. The event was her first official red carpet appearance in three years. Kate accessorised her revamped gown with Cornelia James 'Melissa' black velvet opera gloves and striking rose gold floral earrings from Zara. Jenny Packham, 2012 In 2012, Kate brought a splash of colour to an Olympic gala with a teal Jenny Packham dress, featuring lace panelling and an embellished belt. She teamed the design with Jimmy Choo heels and a bespoke clutch by Packham. In 2012, Kate brought a splash of colour to an Olympic gala with a teal Jenny Packham dress, featuring lace panelling and an embellished belt The Vampire's Wife, 2022 During Prince William and Kate's 2022 Caribbean tour - held to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee - Kate captivated in the 'Light Sleeper' dress by The Vampire's Wife. Crafted from fuchsia silk-chiffon with subtle metallic accents, the show-stopping gown accentuated Kate's statuesque frame. The royal accessorised with a Mayan embroidered clutch, Jimmy Choo 'Mimi' sandals and O'nitaa earrings. During Prince William and Kate's 2022 Caribbean tour - held to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee - Kate captivated in the 'Light Sleeper' dress by The Vampire's Wife Phillipa Lepley, 2022 For a glamorous dinner on the final stop of their Caribbean tour, Kate chose an ice blue satin gown by British couturier, Phillipa Lepley. The royal added a Lulu Guinness 'Hayworth' clutch bag, Gianvito Rossi crystal-embellished 'Rania' pumps and lashings of jewellery from Van Cleef & Arpels' coveted 'Magic Alhambra' range. For a glamorous dinner on the final stop of their Caribbean tour in 2022, Kate chose an ice blue satin gown by British couturier, Phillipa Lepley Jenny Packham, 2018 Expecting Prince Louis in 2018, Kate radiated in a deep green Jenny Packham gown at the Baftas. The royal's custom-made gown incorporated a flattering wrap neckline and an empire waist to accommodate her blossoming baby bump. It was complemented by Prada 'Wave Cutout' pumps, a Pretty Ballerinas velvet clutch and a gleaming suite of emerald and diamond jewellery. Kate complemented her Jenny Packham maternity gown with a dazzling suite of emerald and diamond jewellery Alice Temperley, 2012 The Princess chose an exquisite 'Amoret' lace dress by Alice Temperley for the premiere of War Horse at The Odeon Leicester Square in 2012. The figure-skimming frock show off black floral lace atop a nude underskirt, unlined sleeves, exaggerated dropped waist detailing and a deep V-neck. Kate repeated her Pretty Ballerinas velvet clutch. Kate chose an exquisite lace dress by Alice Temperley for the premiere of War Horse in 2012 Alexander McQueen, 2021 Making her first appearance as the Duchess of Cambridge at the 2021 Earthshot Prize Awards, Kate revisited her fashion archives. She recycled a lilac dress by Alexander McQueen, previously worn a decade earlier at a Bafta black-tie event in 2011. Kate updated the dress with an embellished belt and styled her hair in glamorous loose waves. At the 2021 Earthshot Prize Awards, Kate recycled a lilac dress by Alexander McQueen, previously worn a decade earlier Solace London, 2022 At the 2022 Earthshot Prize Awards in Boston, the Princess harmonised with the green carpet in a distinctive Solace London dress, rented from Hurr. She elevated her look with sparkling Gianvito Rossi heels and an emerald and diamond choker that once belonged to Princess Diana. Kate teamed a Solace London dress with sparkling Jimmy Choo heels and an emerald and diamond choker that once belonged to Princess Diana Alexander McQueen, 2020 Kate repurposed another Alexander McQueen gown for the 2020 Bafta Awards. She initially showcased the A-line frock during a nine-day tour of South East Asia and the South Pacific with Prince William in 2012. The ethereal gown, embroidered with Malaysian hibiscus flowers, was made especially for the royal tour. However, the design was altered for the awards show, with a structured shoulder replacing the original sheer cap sleeves. Kate accessorised her look with extravagant Van Cleef & Arpels jewellery, worth over 13,000. Kate repurposed another shimming Alexander McQueen gown for the 2020 BAFTA awards Jenny Packham, 2021 We caught our first glimpse of Kate's glittering green gown during her five-day official tour to Pakistan in 2019. Crafted from emerald satin, the Jenny Packham 'Tenille' dress was drenched in sequins, creating a dazzling display. In 2021, the Princess repeated the exquisite design at the Royal Variety Performance, teaming it with a bespoke clutch by the British designer. The Princess repeated her glittering green gown by Jenny Packham at the Royal Variety Performance in 2021 Safiyaa, 2023 Kate unleashed her sartorial prowess at the Royal Variety Performance in 2023. Her Safiyaa 'Destiny' gown boasted a jewelled boat neck, padded shoulders and dramatic split sleeves. The dress was created in an alluring teal shade named Poseidon - the exact hue of Penny Mordaunt's iconic Coronation outfit. Kate expertly styled the floor-sweeping design with J.Crew crystal and pearl earrings, a Jenny Packham 'Casta' lame clutch and Emmy London 'Rebecca' suede pumps - all of which she had previously worn. Kate exuded elegance in a Safiyaa gown, boasting a jewelled boat neck, dramatic shoulders and split sleeves King Charles felt 'wonderful' to have his family around him amid the pomp of Trooping the Colour. The 75-year-old monarch's official birthday celebration was made all the more special by the long-awaited appearance of the Princess of Wales alongside her children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. A source told the Mail: 'Naturally, it's always wonderful being surrounded by your loved ones.' The King made a point of standing next to Kate, 42, as they chatted warmly on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the RAF flypast. King Charles felt 'wonderful' to have his family around him amid the pomp of Trooping the Colour People attend the 'Trooping the Colour' parade that is held for the official birthday of King Charles III in London on June 15 A demonstration flight by the RAF Red Arrows to celebrate Trooping of the Colour Large crowds arrived at Buckingham Palace on Saturday for the Trooping the Colour parade held for official birthday of the King Charles III The King made a point of standing next to Kate, 42, as they chatted warmly on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the RAF flypast Dressed in a blazer and blue tie but with shorts and knee-high socks, Prince Louis stole the show on Saturday Louis was also seen stifling the odd yawn during the King's Birthday Parade A stern-looking Charlotte, nine, spotted that her little brother's posture was not quite up to scrutiny It was the Wales family who stole the show on Saturday, led by Louis, six. Dressed identically to his big brother, George, ten, in a blazer and blue tie but with shorts and knee-high socks, he variously danced a jig, tried to open a window, and grinned and 'double waved' at well-wishers. He was also seen stifling the odd yawn. The most endearing moment came on the balcony for the playing of the National Anthem and Red Arrows flypast. A stern-looking Charlotte, nine, spotted that her little brother's posture was not quite up to scrutiny. She tapped him and whispered: 'Louis, put your hands down!' Charlotte had also earlier told him to 'stop dancing' as he jigged around to some of the jaunty parade music. As many as half of passengers are deliberately avoiding flying on Boeing planes this summer, and turning to digital tools to avoid buying tickets on Boeing flights. DailyMail.com spoke to multiple travel-sector experts who said that up to half of customers are now shunning Boeing planes in the wake of a series of safety issues. One of the more scary incidents involved a door plug blowing out on an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 at 16,000 feet this January. Aaron Sutherland, founder of travel company Jetsetter Lifestyle, said that there has been a 'notable' shift in customer sentiment around Boeing aircraft. Sutherland said: 'In recent months, almost 50 percent of our clientele have explicitly requested to avoid Boeing planes for both domestic and international travel. The fuselage plug area of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 Boeing 737-9 MAX 'While airlines regularly swap aircraft to optimize operations, these changes are often out of our control as a travel agency. 'However, we've noticed a growing trend of passengers meticulously checking the aircraft type before their flight. 'If it's a Boeing, especially the 737 MAX, we often receive urgent requests to adjust travel plans, even at the last minute.' Multiple models of Boeing passenger jets have face door blowouts, mid-air engine fires. Two crashes also killed 346 people of Lion Air Flight 610 in Indonesia in 2018 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in March 2019 near the town of Bishoftu. In a sign the industry is losing confidence, Boeing received orders for only four new planes in May and, for the second straight month, none for its best-selling 737 Max. Boeing faces a 'long road' to address safety issues, the head of the Federal Aviation Administration said this May. In late February, FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker gave Boeing 90 days to develop a comprehensive plan to address 'systemic quality-control issues' and barred it from expanding 737 MAX production. Sutherland says that passengers are particularly wary of the 737 Max which still 'elicits fear' after the aircraft was grounded by the FAA for 20 months up to November 2020 after the two high-profile crashes - the longest-ever grounding of a U.S. airliner. The aircraft was recertified by the FAA in December 2020 - but in the wake of the Alaska Airlines incident (which involved a Boeing 737 Max 9), customers are wary. All 157 passengers and crew perished after the Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8 Flight came down six minutes after taking off Sutherland says: 'We have several clients who adamantly refuse to fly on this model, regardless of the series or its updated safety record.' Sutherland is CEO of Jetsetter Lifestyle, a California-based luxury travel company that curates once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Customers are turning to flight search tools which can exclude booking on Boeing planes, particularly the 737 Max, says Hollie Mckay, Travel Expert and Vice President of Communications at HotelPlanner. Flight search engines like Alternative Airlines allow users to exclude Boeing planes and in particular the 737 Max, says McKay - and travelers also choose airlines that are known for using Airbus models instead. McKay said: 'Following the crashes of Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in 2018 and 2019, there was a significant perception among customers that Boeing planes, especially the 737 MAX model, might be dangerous. 'Safety concerns flared again as a series of Boeing mishaps made headline news again this year, including the door blowing out on an Alaska Airlines in early January. 'For many, flying is already a heart-pumping experience of which the passenger has little control, and the number of Boeing incidents which are comparatively very tiny considering how many millions of flights take place every day without a hitch still seem like unnecessary risks when there are other options.' Boeing has seen two months of week aircraft sales But McKay says that she personally still uses Boeing Max aircraft, and has recently made four flights to Europe on Boeings. She said: ' I did take note of the aircraft before boarding something I never usually do, and the thought stuck with me until we touched down. 'But ultimately, flying remains by far the safest mode of transportation. This is due to the stringent regulatory oversight by authorities like the FAA and ICAO, which enforce comprehensive safety standards. 'Aircraft undergo rigorous, regular maintenance and are equipped with advanced technologies and robust designs featuring multiple redundancies.' In the March 2024 airworthiness directive (AD) proposal, the FAA warned Boeing of an 'electrostatic discharge,' or static electricity risk, near the center-wing fuel tanks. 'The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in an ignition source inside the fuel tank,' the FAA said, 'and subsequent fire or explosion.' The FAA specifically requested that new 'electrical bonding' and 'grounding' be installed to prevent short circuiting or 'electrostatic discharge' around an air intake system near the 777's center-wing fuel tanks. The warning was a standard procedure to address problems and does not mean that flying on the aircraft is dangerous. That Flight SQ321 death and the FAA warning join controversies already swirling the aerospace giant and its 'triple seven' aircrafts. This year has also seen Senate testimony from Boeing whistleblower Sam Salehpour who has accused Boeing of taking shortcuts when building the 777 'I observed Boeing workers using improper and untested methods to align parts in the 777,' Salehpour, once a quality engineer at Boeing, told Senate investigators. 'In one instance even jumping on pieces of the airplane to get them to align.' Pilot and CEO of The Jettly Flight Justin Crabbe says that regaining customer trust will be an 'uphill battle' for the company. Customers think Boeing planes are dangerous. Many customers still doubted their safety - even after authorities cleared the planes to fly. 'People are questioning the company's safety culture and oversight.' Researchers have discovered an ancient military base that may corroborate a Bible story about God's angels fending off an attack on Jerusalem. The tale says that around 2,700 years ago, the Lord sent a messenger angel to fight an army of Assyrian soldiers who came to conquer the Holy Land. The Angel of the Lord is then said to have descended on the invading military and killed 185,000 soldiers in a single night. There has not been any archaeological evidence that the supernatural event - or even the battle - actually happened. Now, using modern mapping techniques, archaeologist Stephen Compton claims he has found more evidence the epic battle took place. King Sennacherib who ruled the Assyrian Empire from 705 to 681 BC laid siege on Jerusalem to capture all paths leading to the Mediterranean Sea. Pictured: (Top) A 1930s aerial image of Jerusalem (Bottom) The drawings found on Sennacherib's palace wall The carvings showed how the military base was laid out, allowing Compton to compare it to photos taken of the area in the 1910s (pictured) The Assyrian Empire operated from 1365 to 609 BC, hundreds of years before the time of Christ. The invasion of Jerusalem was driven by the empire's king Sennacherib who wanted to assert his political and economic dominance over all routes across the Syrian Desert that led to the Mediterranean Sea. Researchers had previously discovered a scene carved into the stone walls of the King Sennacherib's palace, which celebrated his conquest of Lachish, a city 42 miles south of Jerusalem. The carvings showed how the military base was laid out, allowing Compton to compare it to photos taken of the area in the 1910s. He noticed an area that was the same size and shape as the drawings on the palace wall which led to ruins containing the remains of a perimeter wall and pottery shards. After conducting an archaeological survey of the site, Compton determined that it was abandoned after Sennacherib's invasion and that humans hadn't inhabited the area for at least 2,600 years. The finding has paved the way for researchers to locate other similar military sites in the area and they hope it will lead to uncovering ancient cities that were destroyed by the Assyrian Empire. In 2021, Compton wrote in a post on X, then-Twitter, that he had discovered the location of Sennacherib's military camps. 'Each was a round site a little over a mile north of the respective old city walls and each bore the same Arabic name on at least one early map, 'Mudawwara,' he wrote. The location also signified that it was the site where Sennacherib's forces planned their attack because it was called Khirbet al Mudawwara in Arabic, meaning 'The ruins of the camp of the invading ruler.' Before Compton discovered the Assyrian site, researchers had only encountered one other ancient military campsite in the area. The secondary site was occupied during the Roman siege of Jerusalem and its layout gave researchers a way to compare the layout of its military camp to the Assyrians. 'Roman military camps were always rectangular, whereas this was oval, the characteristic shape of Assyrian camps,' Compton wrote in a press release. The methods Compton used to find Sennacherib's camp site has led to the discovery of other Assyrian military camps. 'In some cases, it has also been possible to use the newly discovered camps to locate the sites of ancient cities that were known to have been besieged by the Assyrians but whose locations were unknown or uncertain,' Compton wrote. The angel of the Lord - written in Hebrew as malak Yahweh - translates to messenger of the Lord and was sent to protect Jerusalem after its ruler, Hezekiah, prayed to God for safety Compton reported that the methods used to find Sennacherib's camp site has led to the discovery of other Assyrian military camps. Pictured: 1930s aerial view of Jerusalem Three Bible stories in the book of 'Isaiah, 37:36-38' '2 Kings, 19:35' and '2 Chronicles, 32:21' detailed how the Assyrian soldiers were slain the night before they attacked Jerusalem. Pictured: The military site on Ammunition Hill Three Bible stories in the book of 'Isaiah, 37:36-38' '2 Kings, 19:35' and '2 Chronicles, 32:21' detailed how the Assyrian soldiers were slain the night before they attacked Jerusalem. In all stories, the Israelite deity Yahweh, sent an angel who passed through the camp while the soldiers slept, slaying them all for threatening his followers. Bible passage 19:35 from the book '2 Kings' says: 'And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the Lord went out and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred fourscore and five thousand; and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses.' The angel of the Lord - written in Hebrew as malak Yahweh - translates to messenger of the Lord and was sent to protect Jerusalem after its ruler, Hezekiah, prayed to God for safety. In another retelling of the attack, a plague took the Assyrian soldier's lives, while a Greek version claimed the soldiers were left defenseless in battle after mice invaded their camp during the night and chewed through all their bowstrings and shield straps. After the Assyrian army was vanquished, the hill sat undisturbed until the 1930s, when the British turned a portion into an ammunition storage depot for its defensibility and renamed Ammunition Hill. In 1948, the Jordanian army captured the hill from the British and built defensive trenches around the perimeter. The site changed hands again two decades later when when Israeli paratroopers fought to take possession of the hill during what later became known as the Six-Day War. Today, the site is a memorial and museum dedicated to that bloody battle that killed 15,000 Arabs and roughly 1,000 Israelis. 'A glass of Champagne for you, Mrs Sime? the flight attendant asks with a smile while I settle into my premium economy seat. Just a few seconds later, the next question comes: Would you like a towel, madame? as Im handed a hot, soft cloth from a silver tray. So far, so very premium. Im on board a Cathay Pacific flight, testing the airlines famous premium cabin against its plush business-class offering on a whirlwind weekend trip from London to Hong Kong and back. Cathay launched its premium economy offering in 2012 and quickly gained a reputation for finding a comfortable middle ground between business and economy. My experience starts at London Heathrow Terminal 3 on a sunny but busy Saturday morning. After lengthy queues at security, I board the Boeing 777-300ER via a dedicated premium-economy lane - a nice touch when upgrading from economy. Harriet Sime pits Cathay Pacific's Boeing 777 premium economy against its business class on flights from London Heathrow to Hong Kong and back. She's pictured above in her premium economy seat at Heathrow The premium economy cabin has just 34 seats, arranged in a 2-4-2 layout Im one of the first on board and walk through the business-class cabin (always painful when flying in a lower class), but first impressions of premium are positive. The cabin, which has just 34 seats in that signature teal-green Cathay colour, is arranged in a 2-4-2 layout with two window seats on either side and four in the middle. Im seated at 32K, a window bulkhead seat. Theres one toilet to service our cabin, which means theres rarely a queue. Once were seated, the charming cabin crew, who address us by name while dressed in white shirts and flaming red pinafores, present trays with glasses (important) of orange juice, water and Champagne. I, of course, go for the Champagne, which I sip while getting acquainted with my home for the next 12 hours. On closer inspection, the cabin feels dated and in desperate need of a refresh. Im a regular traveller but struggle to find the TV console and, after minutes of clicking various buttons, have to ask for assistance. Its to the left of my feet and requires a hard press of a button above (I have to use both hands) to force it out of the pocket. The console sits at an awkward angle in front of me and the touch screen has a delay, making perusing films a rather unenjoyable experience. Harriet's premium economy cream cheese and asparagus tortellini, served on china, alongside a sweetcorn and prawn salad, chopped fruit, garlic bread and chocolate. 'Its nothing special,' says Harriet The premium economy breakfast - eggs, hash browns and turkey sausages, as well as fruit, a warm croissant, and strawberry yoghurt The test of any good economy/premium economy offering is whether I have to pull out my neck pillow, which is stowed way above me in my suitcase. And this time, I do. Straight away. Although the headrests have bendable wings, it doesnt feel enough to support the five hours sleep Id scheduled into my flight (hopeful, I know). Theres a pouch in front of me where I find my amenity kit, headphones and water. Inside the kit (each with motifs of a destination the airline flies to), theres a cream-and-white eye mask, toothbrush, tiny tube of toothpaste, ear plugs and socks (all unbranded). To my right, I find a dusty UK-style plug sock and USB, as well as a padded cream blanket and cushion. But despite these niggles, I feel I have acres of room around me. My next-door neighbour feels a good distance away and I can stretch out my 5ft 7in frame with comfort. The huge space between my seat and the bulkhead also means I dont have to bother my neighbour every time I need to use the bathroom. A huge bonus. LEFT: The premium economy TV remote. RIGHT: The 'dusty' UK-style plug sock and USB Harriet is served Champagne in a glass at Heathrow (left), but the wine is dispensed later on in a paper cup (right) The premium economy amenity kit Once in the air, were offered a packet of peanuts and a selection of drinks. I go for an Australian Chardonnay which, disappointingly, is served in a paper-branded cup. Two hours into the flight, as we fly between Hungary and Romania, its lunchtime. I go for the cream cheese and asparagus tortellini. It's served on china, alongside a sweetcorn and prawn salad, chopped fruit, garlic bread and chocolate. Its nothing special but Im hungry so devour the lot. Full to the brim, I recline my seat back and elevate the cushioned calf rest while devouring Barbie for the fourth time and sipping a final glass of wine. Two hours before landing and Im woken to find the breakfast trolley in front of me. Were given trays with eggs, hash browns and turkey sausages, as well as fruit, a warm croissant, and strawberry yoghurt. But did I get those five hours sleep? Yes, amazingly. The cabin may be slightly dated but the seats are supremely comfortable. And that makes all the difference when deciding which class to fly. BUSINESS CLASS At Hong Kong International, Harriet settles in to Cathay Pacific's Boeing 777 business class The business cabin, set between first and premium economy, is 'huge', with 36 seats in a 1-2-1 configuration Commenting on the business-class roominess, Harriet says: 'There is tonnes of space in front, above and either side of me' After a day exploring haggling in Hong Kongs markets and slurping my way through the citys backstreet dim sum restaurants, Im back on board. This time, to test out Cathays business-class offering. My upgraded journey begins at one of the airlines three business lounges at Hong Kong International. Id heard great things about The Pier, so head straight there. Its huge, with multiple separate dining areas, including a noodle room, bar, and a tea room where huge pots of aluminium tea line the walls, with beverages served with a classic Hong Kong custard tart. After an hour hopping between bars, its time to board the 777-300ER aircraft for the 13.5-hour flight. LEFT: Harriet demonstrates the very ample legroom in business class. RIGHT: The business class control panel array, with seat buttons, charging points and a remote control Business class passengers receive a Bamford amenity kit, headphones and a bottle of water, stowed away in a little cupboard The business cabin, set between first and premium economy, is huge, with 36 seats in a 1-2-1 configuration. Im in 16D, an aisle seat. Theres another passenger on the other side and, although the seat is angled so that were never facing one another, our seats could do with a privacy screening between us for when were after some shut eye. Despite this, my first impressions are very good. There is tonnes of space in front, above and either side of me. To the right of my feet, I find a spacious pocket where I place my laptop and toiletries and find a vanity cupboard above, which opens with the click of a button. Theres a mirror on the door, while inside, I find a bottle of water, headphones and a leather tan toiletry bag by the posh brand Bamford, which sell candles for up to 50 a pop. Inside, theres an eye mask, ear plugs, toothbrush and paste, as well as Bamford branded hand cream, lip salve and a little bottle of hydrating face mist that I spray every hour or so. By my feet lies a padded Bamford 400-thread-count duvet that looks like it should be draped on the bed of a 5-star hotel, pillow and slippers - but there are no pyjamas. And Im suddenly very grateful to have joggers in my suitcase, which Id packed for my premium-economy journey. Once seated, the staff bring over hot towels and trays laden with Champagne, orange juice, water and their signature drink - a kiwi, coconut milk and mint smoothie. I go for the Champagne, obviously, and the smoothie. Its deliciously sweet and goes down a treat. Harriet's business-class cannellini bean soup with kale For the main course it's pearl barley risotto with leek, mushroom and thyme Behold the business class dessert trolley, laden with fruit, yoghurts and cheese Harriet's lunchtime Chablis As we taxi, Im asked for my lunch order from the extensive menu, as well as drink preferences. I go for a Burgundy white wine, a Chablis, which, as promised, is delivered as soon as were in the air, along with a tablecloth and delicious crab meat and avocado amuse bouche. As we travel through northwest China, Im presented with multiple dishes that look as though theyve come straight from Hong Kongs finest restaurants. And thats because they have, owing largely to Cathays collaboration with one-Michelin-star Hong Kong institution Duddells. For the starter, I go for the cannellini bean soup with kale, which is a treat and served with sourdough, garlic bread and butter. My main of pearl barley risotto with leek, mushroom and thyme is on the dry side, but Im happy to save space for dessert. The cabin crew wheel through trolleys laden with blocks of blue and cheddar cheese, vanilla syrup cake, fruit and ice cream. I cant resist and go for the fruit, deliciously smooth strawberry yoghurt and a cheese board, which is served with a delicious spiced pear paste and grapes. The Bamford amenity kit contains an eye mask, ear plugs, toothbrush and paste, as well as Bamford branded hand cream, lip salve and a little bottle of hydrating face mist Harriet is impressed with Cathay Pacific's business class, but feels premium economy needs a refresh Nap time calls so I click a button to the right of my head (where theres also a UK plug socket, USB point, reading light and TV console) and my bed is flat. I place the padded mattress down and snuggle up for a few hours. Eager to experience all of what the cabin has to offer, I wake a few hours later and order an oat milk cappuccino (always a huge plus when airlines can whip up coffee with milk alternatives). Its served with two palmiers (local butterfly pastries). We hope to see you again, Mrs Sime, Im told as I disembark. Me too, I say with a smile. And I mean it. While the premium economy cabin could do with some love and attention, its well worth upgrading to for some very decent shut-eye. And business? Well, I could have done another 14 hours. And thats saying something. When Malcolm and Marie Hebron, both 80, boarded their British Airways flight from Cape Town to the UK they had no idea that their 'great holiday' was about to become a nightmare. While deplaning, Malcolm became suddenly and severely unwell on the air bridge - and stopped breathing. Thankfully, young flight attendants Jaydon Stanford-Taylor, 22, and Will Spicer, also a couple, were quick to take action and prevent a tragedy. 'I was completely focused on the task - saving a life,' said Jay, as he described performing CPR on Malcolm while his team used a defibrillator and oxygen machine. Since the drama, last year, the four have made an unlikely group of 'life-long friends' with 'a special bond' - they have met for lunch in Cape Town. Read on to hear both sides of the story from that fateful day... Malcolm and Marie Hebron (above), both 80, have been married for almost 30 years and had been in Cape Town celebrating a friend's daughter's birthday when things took a turn for the worse and Malcolm stopped breathing Flight attendant couple Jay Stanford-Taylor (right), 22, and Will Spicer (left) moved Malcolm onto the ground and immediately started CPR - saving his life What happened? From the point of view of the flight attendants... Jay and his partner, Will, had spent 11 hours working the flight from South Africa to London when things took a turn for the worse. Speaking to MailOnline Travel, Jay, who has worked for British Airways for two years, said: 'The flight itself was just like any regular day at work. 'We landed back in Heathrow and were in the middle of disembarking the aircraft when someone indicated to us that one of our customers from our flight wasnt feeling well at the top of the air bridge that was attached to the aircraft.' Jay and Will raced to the air bridge - a tunnel that connects the plane's door to the gate - and spotted Malcolm and Marie. The flight attendant said: 'Malcolm was sitting in a wheelchair and was complaining of chest pain. At the time, we were talking for around ten minutes about the flight and their onward travel plans, everything seemed to be fine... until it wasnt. 'Malcolm quickly became very unwell and unresponsive, and this is when our training kicked in.' Malcolm was taken ill on the air bridge - a tunnel that connects the plane's door to the gate. Above - a British Airways Airbus A350 attached to an air bridge (stock photo) The pair moved Malcolm onto the ground and 'started an initial evaluation of the situation' when Malcolm suddenly 'stopped breathing' - and they immediately started CPR. Jay explained: 'I was scared but that quickly dissipated, and my adrenaline and training kicked in. 'I was completely focused on the task - saving a life.' Jay and Will, alongside the in-flight manager, worked to prevent a tragedy - he noted that they 'snapped' into their roles and 'adapted very quickly to the situation'. The flight attendant described the rush of activity. He said: 'I was performing chest compressions, and Will was administering rescue breaths. 'The rest of the crew were observing and composing an action plan for the next step: setting up the defibrillator and contacting medical professionals, all whilst customers were still disembarking from the flight.' Thankfully, the result of the crew's effort was a happy one: 80-year-old Malcolm survived. 'Marie got in contact with British Airways a few days after to let us know that Malcolm was alive recovering in hospital, and to pass on her thanks to us,' said 22-year-old Jay. 'When we received the news, I couldnt stop smiling. I was washed over with immense emotion and just so relieved that he was recovering. It was very much a "and breathe again" moment.' When people travel with us, theyre relying on us to keep them safe. I was keeping Malcolm safe the way I knew how Jaydon Stanford-Taylor Concluding his life-saving experience, Jay noted: 'When people travel with us, theyre relying on us to keep them safe. I was keeping Malcolm safe the way I knew how. 'This day has taught me that not every day is the same, that anything can happen at any time during your day. 'Before this incident, I always thought I would freeze or second guess myself during an incident. However, during this event, there wasnt any time for that and I feel confident and ready that I could do it again, if and when I needed to.' Not only did Jay and Will manage to help Malcolm in his time of need, but it resulted in them making 'life-long' friends with him and his wife, Marie. The two couples have a 'special bond', Jay said, and have even met up for lunch, with plans to do so again in future. The flight attendant explained: 'We became friends quickly. We regularly keep each other informed on whats new in our lives and we have been incredibly lucky enough to meet up for lunch again in Cape Town! 'This moment was very special to both Will and I, and Im sure it was for both Marie and Malcolm, too. 'We now have this special bond not everyone gets to experience and Im looking forward to our next get-together. We have made lifelong friends who are dear to our hearts.' What happened? From the point of view of the passengers... Malcolm and Marie Hebron, both 80, have been married for almost 30 years and had been in Cape Town celebrating a friend's daughter's birthday - but could have no idea what was to happen when they landed in London Heathrow. Not only did Jay and Will manage to help Malcolm (above) in his time of need, but it resulted in them making 'life-long' friends with him and his wife, Marie, when he recovered Discussing the incident with MailOnline, Marie said: 'We were feeling happy after a great holiday in Cape Town and were looking forward to returning home. 'After our flight, we were disembarking from the aircraft, when Malcolm started to feel unwell. 'He said he couldnt breathe and was struggling to stand. We managed to get a wheelchair to sit Malcolm down in. 'Then Jay and Will, along with the rest of the crew, started to disembark too and could see we were in need of help.' The flight crew launched into action to check Malcolm's wellbeing. Marie explained: 'We had been chatting to both Jay and Will during the flight, along with the in-flight manager, and found them so welcoming onboard. So when Jay saw Malcolm and what was happening, he came over to help straight away. 'He pulled him from the chair, I think he shouted to Will to get the oxygen, and he then began CPR, followed by the defibrillator. After finishing an 11-hour flight they were adamant that they were staying there to support me Marie Hebron - British Airways passenger 'At the same time, the other cabin crew members took me to one side nearby and looked after me so that I wouldnt see what was happening. 'They were great, and after finishing an 11-hour flight they were adamant that they were staying there to support me. Shortly after, we were taken off to the ambulance and then to the hospital.' Marie noted she had 'many mixed feelings' when her husband was taken ill - 'shocked, scared, grateful and very lucky to have had Jay and Will there that day'. The doting wife was so relieved when Malcolm recovered that she asked her son to reach out to the airline. She explained: 'My son contacted Sean Doyle, British Airways Chairman and CEO, to thank the crew for saving Malcolms life, as without their help, I dont know where wed be today. From then on, the crew were contacted and the rest is history. Marie's son contacted Sean Doyle, British Airways Chairman and CEO, to thank the crew for saving Malcolms life after their flight and they have since met up with Will and Jay in Cape Town (stock photo) 'We still remain in touch with the cabin crew colleagues, including Will and Jay. 'Malcolm has recovered well, and we have since met up with them both in Cape Town, which really was a poignant moment, especially given the significance of the destination and the many memories it brought back from that day.' The couple even hope to see Jay and Will at their home in Brighton, England. Marie said: 'We are already organising our next meet-up and they know they are welcome down to the South Coast anytime! 'We cant put our gratitude into words and want to thank them from the bottom of our hearts. We owe them big time for all their help - without their speedy reactions on that day, we may be in a completely different situation than we are today.' Summing up their harrowing experience, Marie noted: 'Jay, Will and the rest of the crew a huge, huge, thank you.' EXCLUSIVE He was a household name in the late 1990s, starring as the charismatic Costa 'Con' Bordino in the breakout hit drama Heartbreak High. Now decades on, Salvatore Coco spends his days between acting gigs working as a tradie and as a master of ceremonies on the weekends - mostly at weddings. The jack of all trades was snapped hard at work rendering a concrete wall at a property in Sydney's inner west on Wednesday. The 49-year-old told Daily Mail Australia other actors are simply too 'embarrassed' to admit they need other jobs to pay the bills. 'I have nothing to hide. I embrace it because I've got the skills and I'm proud of everything that I do,' he said. 'Those who try to hide it, it's not good, because we all do it, we all do it to survive.' Decades on from Heartbreak High Salvatore Coco (pictured) spends his days between acting gigs working as a tradie and as a Master of Ceremonies on the weekends - mainly at weddings Salvatore Coco was snapped hard at work rendering a concrete wall at a property in Sydney 's inner west on Wednesday In recent years Salvatore starred in the failed reboot of the late 90s Australian hit TV program SeaChange, which attempted a lack lustre revival almost two decades after its finale. Salvatore also landed a role in the Underbelly two-part spin-off Informer 3838 in 2020, and appeared in another miniseries the following year titled Australian Gangster. His most recent on-screen gig was in 2022 when he returned to Home and Away for the third time to reprise his role as Dimitri Poulos. When Salvatore taught students at the Sydney Theatre School, he urged them to treat every job like it was their last. 'I told them "Don't think that you're going to get jobs every day",' he recalled. 'The jobs will come, the jobs will go, you might work, you might not work, it might be a week, it might be a month, it might be years. 'You never know when the next one's gonna come.' Salvatore Coco is seen as the loveable Costa 'Con' Bordino in the hit TV series during the 1990s. He is picturd with Ada Nicodemou Salvatore believes his diverse skills have only made him a better actor with the best performers those who can bring life experience to a role. 'I'm versatile and I'm diverse because there's nothing I can't do. I'll do everything and anything. I can give you knowledge on how to perform, how to entertain, how to dance because I'm a triple threat,' he said. 'I'm not trying to blow my own trumpet but there is a reason why people say I'm a great actor. It's because I've lived. 'I've had the good times, I've had the bad times. If you don't live, how are you supposed to be good? You can't, it's impossible.' Salvatore said aside from acting, working as a chef in a commercial kitchen and as a tradesmen had brought him the most joy in his life. He explained that being a tradie isn't all that different to being in front of the camera. Salvatore (pictured at a wedding) told Daily Mail Australia other actors were simply too 'embarrassed' to admit they need other jobs to pay the bills Actors Scott Major, Salvatore Coco and Tai Nguyen from Heartbreak High are pictured 'It keeps you on your toes and that's no different to being a performer,' he said. 'It's exactly the same thing. It's exactly the same foundations. It's exactly the same formulas. You gotta really look at it that way. 'It keeps my mind ticking. Yes, I get tired. We all get tired. No job is easy but at the end of the day they're extremely mentally stimulating.' Many have said his character on Heartbreak High, Costa 'Con' Bordino, was based on him and his own entrepreneurial spirit. '[Costa] was an entrepreneur, he was always up to doing something, he always wanted to do something and was trying something new,' he said. 'Everyone says the character was me. I got cast for my personality and who I was so Costa is actually just a piece of me.' He said that at the end of the day, his father hadn't raised him to be lazy. 'I got brought up to work. Apart from being in hospitality and acting, I really have always worked for myself,' he said. 'I do enjoy sitting down and having a drink or dinner with friends but this is something I've mentioned to my students, you know, don't get caught up in that toxic environment. 'Don't get caught up in just going to a pub and just talking and being depressed. Be positive about something and by doing other things outside of the industry it keeps me positive because when I go back and do it I'm so glad to be back. 'I do it tough on the other side and when I go, I appreciate what I've done.' Rebecca Lobie, the 'hot niece' of the late great Steve Irwin, appears to have gone missing. The 35-year-old cousin of Bindi Irwin has disappeared from the public eye after deleting her Instagram account and quitting her adult content career. Rumours have also been swirling since March she left her husband Mick Lobie with whom she shares two young sons, though he denies those claims. Rebecca initially shocked fans in January last year when she seemed to hang her heels up for good despite being one of Australia's most talked-about adult models. The blonde beauty quietly deleted her raunchy Instagram account and deactivated her subscription-based adult website without explanation. Rebecca Lobie, 35, (pictured) the 'hot niece' of the late great Steve Irwin, appears to have gone missing Rebecca stopped posting content to her website two months prior, and a notice on the homepage stated she had stopped accepting payments. The website has now been completely removed, with the domain name once again up for grabs. The mother-of-two was later seen on Instagram in a family photo posted by her husband Mick on November 14, 2023. It was the last time she made an appearance on Mick's page, with the pair now rumoured to have split despite his claims they are still together. Two months later, Rebecca was a guest at the Australia Day party hosted by tobacco tycoon Travers 'The Candyman' Beynon at his Gold Coast mansion. The cousin of Bindi Irwin (right) has disappeared from the public eye after deleting her Instagram account and quitting her adult content career She was one of dozens of scantily-clad women at the bash and was seen arriving in a barely there white swimsuit. It is unclear if her husband also attended. At about this time, she briefly reactivated her Instagram account and posted a photo of herself in a G-string swimsuit standing in front of a green Holden Gemini. Her legs framed the car's licence plate which read 'lube up'. Rebecca later took down her Instagram account once again. The Lobies seemed to have an ideal marriage until a few months ago, with Mick appearing to be supportive of his wife's career as an adult entertainer. He would regularly take raunchy photos of her for her Instagram account and subscription-based adult website, both of which are no longer active. Rumours have also been swirling since March that she left her husband Mick Lobie (left), with whom she shares two young sons Cracks started to appear earlier this year when Mick shared a series of alarming posts on Instagram (pictured) implying his wife had walked out on him. In one post, he asked Rebecca to return to the family for the sake of their two sons (right) Later, he posted screenshots after one of his friends reached out to him via Instagram DMs to ask if he was okay. The friend asked, 'You ok bro,' prompting Mick to reply, 'F**k off ya dog' After weeks of silence on social media, Mick returned to Instagram on Thursday to share this worrying post about being a 'shell of my former self'. He said he was 'feeling empty' and had 'nothing on the inside' but was being supported by 'legendary mates' However, the niece of the late Steve 'The Crocodile Hunter' Irwin is now rumoured to have split from her husband Mick - with all signs pointing to a messy break-up. Rebecca, who shot to fame in 2019 thanks to her racy social media photos at odds with the Irwins' wholesome public image, is believed to have called time on her 16-year marriage several months ago. Cracks started to appear earlier this year when mechanic Mick shared a series of alarming posts on Instagram implying his wife had walked out on him. One post read: 'If I'm continually treated like I don't exist then what's the point of continuing to push myself to be here because no one would even notice if I was gone.' Mick then shared another post asking Rebecca to return to the family for the sake of their two sons. The full text of this post cannot be published for legal reasons. The Lobies seemed to have an ideal marriage until earlier this year, with Mick appearing to be supportive of his wife's career as an adult entertainer. Rebecca (circled on the left) was last seen on Mick's Instagram in a family photo he posted on November 14 Later, he posted a series of screenshots after one of his friends reached out to him via Instagram messenger to ask if he was okay. The friend asked, 'You ok bro,' prompting Mick to reply: 'F**k off ya dog.' When the friend asked what Mick meant by this, he accused the other man of 'talking s**t' about his family and leaving flirtatious emojis on Rebecca's photos. The friend later said it was 'not cool' to post screenshots of their conversation, but Mick simply replied: 'F**k you.' After weeks of silence on social media, Mick returned to Instagram on Thursday to share a worrying post about being a 'shell of his former self'. He uploaded a photo of his own long shadow across a patch of grass and wrote in the caption: 'This isn't a cry for help but it really couldn't be more accurate. 'I can't thank all my legendary mates enough!' Rebecca is the daughter of Steve Irwin's sister Joy (left) and her husband Frank Muscillo (right) Steve Irwin (pictured in 2002), known to millions around the world as 'the Crocodile Hunter', died on September 4, 2006, at the age of 44 after being pierced in the chest by a stingray Mick added the concerning hashtags #SurroundedByTheBest, #ButFeelingEmpty, #NothingOnTheInside and #JustAShellOfMyFormerSelf. Several friends offered words of support in the comments section, with one writing: 'Always here for you, mate. Just yell out and I'll be there.' Another said: 'It's the beginning of your new and better self, brother. We've all got you, bud.' When contacted by Daily Mail Australia at the time, Mick denied the post was alluding to a split with Rebecca but refused to comment when asked if his marriage was intact. 'I didn't allude to anything like that. You people are ridiculous,' he said. The blonde beauty quietly deleted her raunchy Instagram account and deactivated her subscription-based adult website without explanation Rebecca was also contacted for comment but did not reply. Rebecca, who is the daughter of Steve Irwin's sister Joy and her husband Frank Muscillo, rose to prominence in September 2019 when her racy social media photos caught the attention of the media. She used to run the restaurants at Australia Zoo before exiting the family business. Keen to cash in on her new-found fame, the Sunshine Coast-native launched her own subscription-based adult website in July 2021. The blonde bombshell previously charged AUD$6.80 (US$4.99) for the first month's subscription to her website, and AUD$13.61 (US$9.99) thereafter. For an additional AUD$74.92 (US$55), fans could purchase a 'fully nude' video. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia in July 2021, she explained her website was similar to OnlyFans but allowed her to maintain 'more control' over her branding. 'Having another platform to be able to share my content is something I have wanted to do for a while now and has always been a big request from people,' she said. 'I love creating content and engaging with my fans and this is another way I can.' She said of her decision to shun OnlyFans: 'It has the same features if not more. I will be posting exclusive content, chatting with fans and going live.' The Real Housewives are known for over sharing and the OG franchise, The Real Housewives of Orange County, are clearly the best at it. Alexis Bellino, 47, held nothing back talking about her sex life with her boyfriend John Janssen, 60, on the Two T's in a Pod podcast with RHOC's Tamra Judge and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum Teddi Mellencamp. The hosts asked Alexis how her sex life was, prompting her to quip: 'I told [John] I did not know human anatomy could do this. 'I keep telling him I'm going to have to get, like, vaginal rejuvenation,' she added, saying they have sex four or five times a night. But she also explained that's not every night as she is home with her three kids most nights so when she and John do get to spend the night together, they make the most of the time they have. Alexis Bellino, 47, held nothing back talking about her sex life with her boyfriend John Janssen, 60, on the Two T's in a Pod podcast with RHOC's Tamra Judge and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum Teddi Mellencamp The hosts asked Alexis how her sex life was, prompting her to quip: 'I told [John] I did not know human anatomy could do this' 'So we can't stay the night every single night together unless he wants to come to me,' she said. 'I'll come over to his house twice a week, I'll stay there. And then one night a week, we're really apart.' Bellino shares share 16-year-old twins, Miles and Makenna and 17-year-old son, James with her ex-husband Jim Bellino. Meanwhile, Janssen has two kids from a previous relationship and dated Bellino's co-star Shannon Beador, 60, for four years, breaking up in the fall of 2022. Alexis quickly changed the conversation away from her sex life and the state of her vagina when she realized her children and Janssen's children might hear the podcast. Alexis and John started dating in the fall of 2023 and went Instagram official on Christmas Day when he gifted her with a $16,300 promise ring. Alexis is returning to RHOC for the upcoming season 18 as a friend of the series and her storyline with Shannon and Janssen is expected to be one of the main dramas of the new season. She previously starred in seasons five through eight and later returned as a guest during season 14. 'I keep telling him I'm going to have to get, like, vaginal rejuvenation,' she added, saying they have sex four or five times a night But she also explained that's not every night as she is home with her three kids most nights so when she and John do get to spend the night together, they make the most of the time they have Janssen has two kids from a previous relationship and dated Bellino's co-star Shannon Beador, 60, for four years, breaking up in the fall of 2022; John and Shannon pictured in 2019 RHOC OG Vicki Gunvalson, 62, feels that Bellino is using the romance with her BFF's ex to 'stir the pot and secure her spot' back on the show that made her famous. Shannon wasn't thrilled about her ex's new relationship, telling E! News in December: 'I'm not going to lie, I've been hurt. 'I've been hurt a lot in the last couple of weeks because, number one, John said that he didn't want to be in the public eye, and he's thrust himself more into the public eye at this point. So, I'm quite confused about that.' The Real Housewives of Orange County season 18 drops on Bravo on July 11. Shelley Sullivan looked downcast as she stepped out for dinner in Sydney on Friday following her split from her accountant husband Anthony. The multimillionaire founder of popular skincare brand MCoBeauty put on a stylish display in a floral dress as she was spotted leaving Mimi's restaurant in Coogee. She completed her ensemble with a pair of black high heels and wore silver earrings. Shelley took shelter from the rain underneath a black umbrella as she walked to her car after enjoying dinner. The sighting comes after Shelley's estranged husband Anthony broke his silence in the wake of the couple's abrupt marriage breakdown last month and responded to rumours a third party was involved. Shelley Sullivan looked downcast as she stepped out for dinner in Sydney on Friday following her split from her accountant husband Anthony She and her accountant husband parted ways in May after an explosive argument. The heated row prompted Anthony, 46, to leave for the United States, while his wife moved into the InterContinental in Double Bay. He is believed to be returning to Sydney soon. 'The stories circulating are incorrect, malicious and hurtful to our family,' Anthony said in a statement to Daily Mail Australia. 'Shelley and I have separated for our own private reasons and no third party is involved.' The multimillionaire founder of popular skincare brand MCoBeauty put on a stylish display in a floral dress as she was spotted leaving Mimi's restaurant in Coogee Anthony is an accountant and CEO of Quantaco which provides financial services to companies in the hospitality trade. Shelley, 50, is celebrated as one of Australia's most successful businesswomen. She made her mark in the 1990s with her model and talent agency before launching her thriving 'masstige' beauty brand, ModelCo, in 2016. The couple had known each other for years and were friends before they tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in Point Piper in 2016. Shelley took shelter from the rain underneath a black umbrella as she walked to her car after enjoying dinner 'Our personal relationship grew out of our business partnership, leading to our marriage seven years ago a marriage built on mutual love and respect,' Anthony said. 'We jointly own and run businesses across finance, technology, professional services and cosmetics. 'We remain close and are working through next steps.' His statement comes one day after the couple's friend, Kristin Fisher, slammed rumours she was the 'other woman' behind the couple's split. The sighting comes after Shelley's estranged husband Anthony broke his silence in the wake of the couple's abrupt marriage breakdown last month 'This is absolutely not true,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'I am so sick of being the clickbait in all of these stories and having to defend myself over something that I've got nothing, and I mean NOTHING, to do with.' The Double Bay eyebrow queen doubled down on the false rumours, admitting she is romantically involved with somebody else. 'The truth is I've only been with one person of late,' Kristin said. Angelina Jolie showcased her understated style as she arrived at JFK airport in New York Friday with her 15-year-old daughter Vivienne ahead of the Tony Awards. The actress, 49 who has been battling in court with her ex and children's father Brad Pitt, 60, over their Chateau Miraval winery looked fashionable in a black jacket over a white blouse with a matching long black skirt. The Eternals star wore black boots as she loaded her luggage into the trunk of a black chauffeured SUV. Angelina kept her accessories simple, donning dark sunglasses and a thin belt, along with some small gold earrings. The Oscar winner's long, dark hair was styled straight and she wore natural looking makeup with a soft peach lip. Angelina Jolie showcased her understated style as she arrived at JFK airport in New York Friday with her 15-year-old daughter Vivienne ahead of the Tony Awards The actress, 49 who has been battling in court with her ex and children's father Brad Pitt , 60, over their Chateau Miraval winery looked fashionable in a black jacket over a white blouse with a matching long black skirt Vivienne, who is one of Angelina's six children with Brad Pitt, kept close to her A-list mom as they prepared to head from the airport to the hotel. The teen seemed to follow her mother's low key example, wearing a beige T-shirt with high waist white jeans and sneakers. The mother-daughter duo have a big weekend ahead of them as The Outsiders, the musical they produced based on the popular SE Hinton novel, are up for several awards at Sunday's Tonys. The musical focuses on a group of 1960s teens in Tulsa, OK who fight for survival and a sense of purpose. The show received 12 Tony nominations, including Best New Musical. Vivienne joined the production as a volunteer assistant and her mother later joined the project as a producer. 'There are those artists that think about themselves and there are those artist that are just rooting for everybody else, [Vivienne's] that one,' the proud mama told AP. 'She's the one that just roots for everybody and so it's nice.' And while speaking to Deadline earlier this month, Jolie recalled how both she and Vivienne became involved in the Broadway production. 'My daughter Viv loves theater.' Mother and daughter are in town to support The Outsiders, which is up for 12 Tony nominations, including Best New Musical Angelina shares Vivienne, as well as five other children with ex-husband Brad Pitt; seen in 2015 'She appreciates all theater but she certainly knows what she feels close to and what she responds to. She went to see The Outsiders at La Jolla about five times and was telling me about it, and I had read the book, and I'd seen the film years ago.' Angelina then saw the project with her daughter and noted that effect that it had on Vivienne, adding, '...I was learning what about it was important to her and why it connected so deeply to her.' The mother daughter duo were soon contacted by producers and were asked to share their thoughts on the production. 'So Viv and I sat together and we wrote down what we liked, what we were curious about.' 'And they responded to our notes. For me, it was a moment to learn more about Viv, not me thinking of becoming a producer.' The actress added, 'I think at some point, it just felt the team seemed to feel that we were adding to it, so I really wanted to just be a support and listen and share my thoughts where useful.' 'Most of the time, I was simply just listening. I have so much respect for Danya and her work,' she said, referencing to director Danya Taymor. Vivienne joined the production of The Outsiders as a volunteer assistant. Jolie later came on as a producer (Pictured in New York in April 2024) 'And as a director I learned so much watching her, how she makes sure the artists who were doing such special work were heard and supported.' Jolie revealed that her daughter was 'there the whole time' and Taymor also applauded the teen for 'giving me the most amazing notes.' Jolie will be a presenter at Sunday's ceremony along with Wicked's Cynthia Erivo and The Who's Pete Townshend. The Tonys are scheduled to air live on CBS and Paramount+ at 8pm Eastern Time on Sunday. Joe Alwyn denies he's ever been a patron at a bar called The Black Dog, which ex-girlfriend Taylor Swift names in her song of the same name. In a profile with The Sunday Times, the 33-year-old actor revealed what he likes to do in his spare time. 'It probably looks pretty similar to yours, or anyones seeing friends, traveling, going to the pub,' he answered, joking, 'Can I make a more boring list?' He was subsequently asked if his favorite pub might be called The Black Dog, located in Vauxhall, London. 'Ive never been to Vauxhall,' Alwyn replied, while 'smiling a smile that hints that there is more to say.' Joe Alwyn denies he's ever been a patron at a bar called The Black Dog, which his ex-girlfriend Taylor Swift names in her song of the same name; Alwyn pictured in May Swift performing in Houston, Texas in April Fans believe some songs on Swifts latest album, The Tortured Poets Department, were written about Alwyn, whom she dated for six years. However, the Swifties have connected The Black Dog to Matty Healy, another one of Taylor's past suitors. The musicians briefly dated for a several weeks in 2023. Healy, 35, is now engaged to model Gabriette, after they struck up a romance last fall. Taylor's Black Dog song lyrics read: 'I am someone who until recent events / You shared your secrets with / And your location, you forgot to turn it off. 'And so I watch as you walk / Into some bar called The Black Dog / And pierce new holes in my heart.' She goes on to sing: 'I just don't understand how you don't miss me / In The Black Dog, when someone plays The Starting Line.' Another hint that the tune was penned about Matty points to his band The 1975, which often covers The Starting Line, a pop-punk collective. Fans believe some songs on Swifts latest album, The Tortured Poets Department, were written about Alwyn, but the Swifties have connected The Black Dog to Matty Healy, another one of Taylor's past suitors; Swift and Healy pictured in May 2023 Joe pictured with Taylor in 2020 at the 77th Annual Golden Globes Awards Elsewhere in his Sunday Times interview, Joe described his time with the pop star as 'long, loving' and 'fully committed.' When asked if he listened to her latest album, Alwyn answered indirectly and shared that the end of their relationship was 'a hard thing to navigate.' Last year in April, it was confirmed that Swift and Alwyn had officially gone their separate ways. The songstress has since moved on with Kansas City Chiefs tight end, Travis Kelce. Snoop Dogg is celebrating a major milestone in his personal life. On Saturday, the legendary rapper and TV personality, 52, celebrated 27 years of marriage with his wife and business manager, Shante Broadus. '#TwentySeven,' Snoop captioned a couple of photos he shared on Instagram, before tagging his wife, who then shared the same two pictures on her own Instagram page. The longtime couple, who first met back when they were just teenagers in Los Angeles, even coordinated outfits for their special day by wearing matching pink and white sweatsuits. For the cover photo the legendary rapper has his right arm wrapped around Broadus, as they both flash big beaming smiles for the camera while out at what appears to be a restaurant. Snoop Dogg is celebrating a major milestone in his personal life. On Saturday, the legendary rapper and TV personality, 52, celebrated 27 years of marriage with his wife and business manager, Shante Broadus The Gin And Juice star opted for a sweatsuit that's mostly pink, along with a small section of a darker tone of pink and white. Showing he's committed to the color theme, Snoop (born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr.), 52, also wore a pair of darker pink sneakers. He also wore a matching top that's half pink and half white, and had his long salt-and-pepper locks pulled up into a bun. The lady in his life went with an all-pink outfit with a pair of open-toe sandals and cool wide-frame sunglasses. She also sported a bright blue cross-body bag as well as a colorful bandana over her locks. When the second photo of the couple was taken outside the establishment there appeared to be some people who started to gather and likely snap some photos of their own. Snoop and Broadus (born Shante Taylor) first met as teenagers when they attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School in the Long Beach neighborhood of Los Angeles. Their romance even included going to dances and their high school prom together before graduating in 1989. Snoop captioned a couple of photos he shared on Instagram, before tagging his wife, who then shared the same two pictures on her own Instagram page The longtime couple, who first met back when they were just teenagers in Los Angeles , even coordinated outfits for their special day by wearing matching pink and white sweatsuits Snoop would go on to see his star power soar when he collaborated with Dre. Dre on his classic studio album, The Chronic (1992), and again with his debut studio album Doggystyle (1993). He was a full-fledged hip-hop star by the time he and Broadus decided to tied-the-knot on June 14, 1997. The ceremony was held at The Ritz Carlton Hotel in the Marina Del Rey neighborhood of Los Angeles. They briefly separated in 2004. The couple have three kids together: sons Corde, 29, and Cordell, 26, and daughter Cori, 24. The Drop It Like It's Hot star also has a son Julian, 25, from a previous relationship with Laurie Helmond. Snoop decided to make his wife his official business manager in June 2021. Her role includes expanding and overseeing his various business ventures 'across the cannabis, spirits, gaming, music, brand partnerships, touring, licensing and TV/film space,' according to PRNewswire. After helping guide his career since he got started in hip-hop, Snoop decided to make his wife his official business manager in June 2021 Earlier this year, Snoop talked about his growing family and how he gets lots of joy from his grandchildren. 'I have a total of 12 grandkids,' he revealed during an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show. 'And they're different ages, ranges, sizes and I love them all the same way.' Like most relationships, it hasn't all been smooth sailing for Snoop and Broadus, who briefly split in 2004, but ultimately reunited and eventually renewed their vows four years later in 2008. 'I thought I was the man, and I was willing to give up what I had at home for that until I realized that what I had at home was irreplaceable,' the 17-time Grammy Award nominee confessed to People of their reconciliation. Sam Pang has been officially announced as the host for the 2024 Logie Awards. The highly anticipated event will be broadcast live by Seven from The Star Sydney on Sunday, 18th August. 'Hosting the Logies last year was an amazing experience and I'm thrilled to return in 2024,' Pang said in a statement. 'Adding to the excitement, Seven have also given me the green light to try new things this year, so I'm really looking forward to displaying my underappreciated and severely undeveloped song and dance skills.' Jeff Howard, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Seven West Media, also expressed his enthusiasm for Pang's return. Sam Pang has been officially announced as the host for the 2024 Logie Awards 'Sam Pang brought unabashed showbiz back to the Logies last year. He played a big part in the show drawing its biggest audience since 2017.' 'We are delighted Sam is returning in August to host this year's celebration of everything television.' Nominations for the 64th TV Week Logie Awards will be revealed on Sunday, 23rd June. This year's event will feature significant changes to the award categories and judging process. The highly anticipated event will be broadcast live by Seven from The Star Sydney on Sunday, 18th August Three awards will be presented as 'Most Popular,' with nominees decided by a panel of independent industry experts before being voted on by the Australian public. These categories include the Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television, the Bert Newton Award for Most Popular Presenter, and the Graham Kennedy Award for Most Popular New Talent. Additionally, the remaining 20 awards will be named 'Best' to combine the previous 'Most Popular' and 'Most Outstanding' categories. Winners will be determined by a combined score from a judging panel, viewing data, and Australian public votes. Channel Seven's Logies telecast was a ratings blockbuster for the network in July, drawing in an impressive 877,000 viewers. Fans have credited Sam for the show's success, with many tuning in to the Logies for the first time just to see him host the show. He was a big hit with viewers thanks to his blistering series of gags. Channel Seven's Logies telecast was a ratings blockbuster for the network in July last year, drawing in an impressive 877,000 viewers Pang took aim at everything from reality TV to the scandalous private lives of celebrities. Sam's opening monologue included a dig at Married at First Sight, saying the controversial reality show is 'a clear sign we'll not make it as a species'. He also joked about commercial TV's lack of diversity. 'I'm the first host in the history of the Logies to be half and half - half Channel Seven, half Channel Ten.' Seven's Logies broadcast was a major success for the network after they snatched up the broadcast rights from Channel Nine in 2022. They are two titans of the British acting world who look delighted to be working together for the first time in their illustrious careers. But Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch will soon be at each others' throats their new film is a remake of the dark divorce comedy The War Of The Roses. Following in the footsteps of Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner, whose chemistry blazed through the screen in the 1989 original, the pair play a married couple whose increasingly bitter separation explodes into comically exaggerated resentment and hatred. The Crown star Colman, 50, and Sherlock's Cumberbatch, 47, were seen shooting their first scenes in the pretty Devon resort town of Salcombe last week. Colman, who plays Ivy, wore a navy and white striped jumper and wide-leg trousers as she kissed Cumberbatch, who plays husband Theo, in a blue-grey jacket. Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch have been seem together for a second time as they film remake of Hollywood classic War Of The Roses The two titans of the British acting world look delighted to be working together for the first time in their illustrious careers The Crown star Colman, 50, and Sherlock 's Cumberbatch, 47, were seen shooting their first scenes in the pretty Devon resort town of Salcombe last week The acting duo will follow in the footsteps of Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner, whose chemistry blazed through the screen in the 1989 original The pair will play a married couple whose increasingly bitter separation explodes into comically exaggerated resentment and hatred. Pictured: Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas in the original In the film, the married couple's family name is Rose, and the title is an allusion to the battles between the warring houses of York and Lancaster who were contending for the English throne during the late Middle Ages When their marriage begins to fall apart, material possessions become the center of an outrageous and bitter divorce battle The 1989 version was directed by Danny DeVito (centre), who also starred as a divorce lawyer The remake, called simply The Roses, is being directed by Jay Roach, who previously worked on the Austin Powers comedies, and scripted by Poor Things writer Tony McNamara. The cast also includes new Doctor Who, Ncuti Gatwa, and American comedians Andy Samberg and Kate McKinnon. The 1989 version was directed by Danny DeVito, who also starred as a divorce lawyer, reuniting a trio who had proved so successful in 1984 adventure Romancing The Stone and its sequel The Jewel Of The Nile. The new version has been described as a 're-imagining'. Producers Searchlight Pictures say of the plot: 'Life seems easy for picture-perfect couple Theo and Ivy: successful careers, great kids, an enviable sex life. 'But underneath the facade of the perfect family is a tinderbox of competition and resentments that's ignited when Theo's professional dreams come crashing down.' Brittany Cartwright put on a very casual display while being spotted meeting up with her estranged husband Jax Taylor on Saturday at their marital home in Los Angeles. The sighting comes a week after the star of The Valley, 44, claimed he and the 35-year-old are 'working things out' despite making alarming accusations. Cartwright sported a The Little Mermaid vintage tee with leggings as she walked out of the home holding hands with the couple's son Cruz, three. She paired the look with Nike sneakers and a denim cap that boasted her toddler's name. The God Bless the Broken Road starlet went makeup-free and let her brunette locks down. Brittany Cartwright put on a very casual display while being spotted meeting up with her estranged husband Jax Taylor on Saturday at their marital home in Los Angeles. The sighting comes a week after the star of The Valley, 44, claimed he and the 35-year-old are 'working things out' despite making alarming accusations Cartwright sported a The Little Mermaid vintage tee with leggings as she walked out of the home holding hands with the couple's son Cruz, three She carried a children's backpack and a sippy cup in her arms while juggling her keys and smartphone. Jax arrived separately sporting a black hoodie with the name of his LA bar, Jax's Studio City, on the front of it and a pair of Nike joggers. His hair was pushed to the side as he accessorized with a silver watch and went barefoot. The sighting comes just four months after the pair who married in 2019 announced their separation. Just days ago, Taylor accused Cartwright of 'sleeping with' someone else amid their separation in a now-deleted tweet. He posted the tweet on Wednesday morning, days after revealing the two are open to 'dating other people.' 'You may want to ask Brittany who she's been sleeping with for the past 4 months....' Jax wrote on his Twitter account, before quickly deleting the post. Hours later Jax who recently stepped out with model Paige Woolen for a lunch date returned to Twitter to share a snap of Cruz sleeping in bed with who appeared to be Brittany next to him. One confused fan commented: 'Is that what the 'ask her who she's been sleeping with for the past 4 months' meant?' Others assumed Jax meant his deleted post as a joke, writing, 'Now we know who's she' been sleeping with.' 'Is it you who Brit was sleeping with... or Cruz?' another wondered. The Valley star, 44, posted a since-deleted Tweet about Brittany, 35, on Wednesday morning, days after revealing the two are open to 'dating other people'; She is pictured in April Hours later he returned to Twitter to share a snap of their 3-year-old son Cruz sleeping in bed with what appeared to be Brittany next to him 'I saw you posting last night about Brittany dating someone for the last 4 months,' someone else wrote. 'Why'd you delete your post?' 'We all know why you posted this.....you wanted us to start buzzing about Brittany in the bed...your embarrassingly predictable Jax,' another person chimed in. Cartwright announced the pair's separation after almost five years of marriage. In April, Cartwright shared that her 'sexless marriage' with Jax made her hit her 'breaking point' and admitted they've discussed dating other people amid separation, saying 'I don't want to be unhappy for the rest of my life.' In an interview with Us Weekly, the Vanderpump Rules alum said that her and Taylor's sex life had 'dwindled so much' in recent years and that it began to affect her self esteem. 'I felt like I wasn't good enough. If you start to feel like your partner doesn't want you and they're also being mean to you, it's like, 'What am I doing here?' I'm basically living with a roommate. I hit my breaking point,' she explained. 'I don't want to be unhappy for the rest of my life. I don't want to be in a sexless marriage for the rest of my life. I don't want to be arguing with my husband for the rest of my life.' When she tried to speak to Taylor about their lack of sex, Cartwright claimed that he would tell her was '44 and I'm tired' an answer that didn't suffice for her. Earlier this week Jax denied he is dating anyone amid his separation from Brittany, after sparking romance rumors with model Paige. On Friday's episode of his and Cartwright's When Reality Hits podcast, the reality star revealed he and his spouse are, still, 'trying to exhaust everything' before considering divorcing. 'I am not I repeat not dating anybody. I was seen out with someone and it was strictly lunch. Obviously, Brittany and I are separated and have been for a long time. What we are going through right now is tough. Marriage is not easy,' he explained. The bar owner continued: 'We are trying to figure out a lot of different things: therapy, separation, and maybe, possibly, dating other people.' The father-of-one said some of the 'different things' they are trying to salvage their relationship are 'therapy, separation, and maybe, possibly, dating other people.' One confused fan commented: 'Is that what the 'ask her who she's been sleeping with for the past 4 months' meant?' Others assumed Jax meant his deleted post as a joke, writing, 'Now we know who's she' been sleeping with' 'I saw you posting last night about Brittany dating someone for the last 4 months,' someone else wrote 'Why'd you delete your post?' 'We all know why you posted this.....you wanted us to start buzzing about Brittany in the bed...your embarrassingly predictable Jax,' another person chimed in On Thursday, Taylor denied that he is in a relationship with Paige Woolenan (seen above), who he was seen having a three-hour lunch with at Granville in Los Angeles over the weekend 'We are trying to exhaust everything before we have to go down the divorce road if that would be the case,' he told listeners. 'Part of taking some time apart means exploring other people. All marriages are different, but this is what is good for our marriage.' Taylor said he and Cartwright 'are on the same page' about their current arrangement and 'have a couple of rules with it, but this is what we are exploring.' Ultimately, the 'most important thing' to the pair is their son, Cruz, who turned three last month. Taylor also claimed his estranged wife is also 'doing her own thing, too.' Brittany revealed the reasons why she separated from Jax and moved out of their matrimonial house on Tuesday's season finale of The Valley on Bravo. 'A lot has happened with me and Jax,' Brittany said in a confessional. 'We were already having issues all summer long, but once the cameras stopped rolling, things just seemed like they were getting worse and worse and worse. So about six weeks ago, I separated from Jax. I moved into an AirBnb with Cruz because Jax would not leave the house. ' Brittany said that Jax not moving out showed his selfishness. Brittany said she left with Cruz because the situation at home was toxic. Brittany said Jax would come with a hangover and in the morning would be 'mean as a snake.' 'I just hit this point where I just started noticing everything that he did to me,' Brittany said. 'It just hit me like a ton of bricks.' Brittany said during their relationship that Jax cheated on her, disrespected her and humiliated her. 'I have been through a lot of pain in this relationship,' Brittany said. 'I just can't deal with it anymore.' Meanwhile Jax said: 'There were no affairs. There's no cheating. No abuse. There's none of that. I'm so triggered and I'm so, my fuse is this big. ' Jax said they were just not getting along. Later, Brittany went to her house to pack up her things. 'So what's the plan?' Jax said. 'You are not going to get away for how you treated me all those years,' Brittany said. In April, Cartwright shared that her 'sexless marriage' with Jax made her hit her 'breaking point' and admitted they've discussed dating other people amid separation; Seen in April On last week's shock finale of The Valley it was revealed that Jax fat-shamed Brittany. Brittany said during their relationship that Jax cheated on her, disrespected her and humiliated her The duo welcomed their first child together in April 2021. Cartwright announced the pair's separation after almost five years of marriage in February; Seen in 2023 The Kentucky native in a flashback with co-stars Kristen Doute and Zack Whickham talked about how Jax mistreated her. 'Does he say, ''I know I treat you like s***. I know I'm mean. I know I've called you fat and I've told you you're f***ing lazy and that you're not going to have any friends if you guys break up?'',' Kristen asked. 'That was one of the main things, him saying I have no friends here in L.A.,' Brittany said of reaching her limit with Jax. On Thursday, Jax denied that he is in a relationship with Woolenan, who he was seen having a three-hour lunch with at Granville in Los Angeles over the weekend. 'I wish you all knew the full story of this situation,' he tweeted. 'Its (sic) not what you think.' Earlier this year in February, Brittany announced that she and Jax had separated after almost five years of marriage. The couple previously tied the knot at the Kentucky Castle in the Cartwright's home state in June 2019. They welcomed their first child together in April 2021. Hailey Bieber used her Instagram platform to mark two years of her Rhode skincare line on Saturday. In one of the photos shared to a carousel post, the 27-year-old expectant mother who is pregnant with her and husband Justin Bieber's first child posed in a light gray, cropped T-shirt. The smiling mom-to-be placed one hand on her lower back and cradled her burgeoning belly with the other. She was clad in a pair of light wash blue jeans, complete with four Rhode lip products in her back pocket as she posed showing her side profile. '2 years of @rhode,' she began her caption, adding, 'Feel so very grateful that I get to bring this world of rhode to life everyday with the most incredible team of extraordinary, talented people.' Pregnant Hailey Bieber used her Instagram platform to mark two years of her Rhode skincare line on Saturday Bieber uploaded a video clip and shared special moments from the last two years The note to her 52.5 million fans continued, 'So thankful beyond words for the support and the love shown and were just getting started. HBD rhode.' The post has so far been liked more than 704,000 times by her legion of devoted fans. In her selection of photos was a snapshot with fellow runway regular Candice Swanepoel, who appeared in Hailey's 2024 Rhode calendar. The two beauties posed up beachside wearing two different iterations of black and white swimsuits from Swanepoel's swimwear range Tropic of C. The smoldering star also uploaded a bikini-clad image of herself from one of her peptide lip treatment campaigns. Hailey launched Rhode with a small set of products in June 2022. She has been slowly expanding the brand's offerings ever since, and most recently she added $24 cream blushes. The pocket blushes come in six shades with cutesy names: juice box, toasted teddy, spicy marg, piggy, sleepy girl, and freckle. The model shared a photo with fellow runway regular Candice Swanepoel, who appeared in Hailey's 2024 Rhode calendar The smoldering beauty also uploaded a snap from one of her peptide lip treatment campaigns Taking a trip down memory lane, the entrepreneur included a sensual shot of herself in a small pool Rhode Skin explained that the cream products will give consumers a 'super natural flush of color,' to the effects of waking up from a nap or sitting in the sun for a bit too long. The Vogue cover star has been teasing the blushes for weeks, discreetly hiding one in her overall pocket in one social media post, and using one of the shades during a recent 'get-ready-with-me' video. Fans flooded Rhode's comment section to gush about how excited they are to try the blushes for themselves. 'I've never been so indecisive until now. All shades are so GOOD,' one person wrote. Another agreed, 'Teddy, sleepy girl , + freckle will be in my bag all summer.' 'Manifesting that everyone gets their hands on these,' someone else typed. Others complimented Rhode's marketing ingenuity: 'OMG the marketing is on point! Toasted teddy is the cutest!' a user commented as another chimed in: 'Cute names for cute products.' Hailey launched Rhode with a small set of products in June 2022. She has been slowly expanding the brand's offerings The founder most recently added $24 cream blushes in a range of six colors One campaign saw the superstar decked out in rich, brown gloves and a knitted balaclava Hailey and Justin sent fans and friends alike into a frenzy as they announced their baby news on social media in May. Sharing footage from their vow renewal in Hawaii, they debuted Hailey's baby bump. Since then, the stunning entrepreneur has been proudly showing off her blossoming belly in fashion-forward maternity looks. Justin and Hailey tied the knot in 2018 at a courthouse before having a larger, traditional wedding with loved ones the following year. Ekin-Su Culculoglu has claimed her time on the US's The Traitors has taught her 'who the real faithfuls are' in life in a thinly-veiled dig at ex Davide Sanclimenti - after branding their relationship 'toxic' following his alleged deceit with other women. The 29-year-old, who won Love Island in 2022 with the Italian businessman, also 29, before splitting for a second time earlier this year, joined her fellow cast members as the American reality show won four gongs at the 2024 Critics Choice Real TV Awards in LA on Saturday. Telling MailOnline following the swanky ceremony: 'Ironically the show taught me that I have a terrible sense of who the Traitors and Faithfuls are in my real life!' 'But it's all been a learning curve, I am taking ownership over my career as best I can, and I feel like I am falling in love with life again'. Ekin-Su looked nothing short of sensational as she went braless for the bash beneath a backless white gown and celebrated the series winning Best Competition, Best Ensemble Cast as well as Best Show Host and Male Star Of The Year for presenter Alan Cumming. Ekin-Su Culculoglu, 29, has claimed her time on the US's The Traitors has taught her 'who the real faithfuls are' in life It appeared a thinly-veiled dig at ex Davide Sanclimenti, also 29, (pictured) Ekin-Su joined her fellow cast members as the reality show won four gongs at the 2024 Critics Choice Real TV Awards in LA on Saturday. As well as heartbreak, Ekin-Su found herself embroiled in a bullying row during her time on Celebrity Big Brother earlier this year but revealed she could now finally begin to see a turning of the tide. Saying: 'It's been a whirlwind year, but last night was a bit of a light at the end of the tunnel moment for me, like things are getting better, and I feel excited for what is to come'. 'I am no longer in my quiet woman era, I've taken back control over my life, over who I am, and as I get ready to turn 30, I'm feeling empowered, and I feel like it's the Ekin-2 chapter'. The former Love Island star also said she felt 'honoured' to be able to attend the ceremony at the Fairmont Century Plaza and claimed that 'little Ekin-Su' could have only dreamt of such an opportunity. 'The Traitors wasn't just a show to me, it came at a time that I needed it the most, it taught me a lot, and I am so grateful to the team behind it'. Before adding: 'We really did become a family on the show, and I have made some friends for life. Who would have thought that being buried alive, would have been the catalyst for so much change in my life. The change I needed'. The reality show sees 22 strangers staying in a castle in the Scottish Highlands, where they're tasked with completing challenges for a chance at a 120,000 prize. But three traitors are secretly lurking within the ranks, sabotaging their efforts and picking off the contestants. Telling MailOnline following the swanky ceremony: 'Ironically the show taught me that I have a terrible sense of who the Traitors and Faithfuls are in my real life!' 'But it's all been a learning curve, I am taking ownership over my career as best I can, and I feel like I am falling in love with life again' (L-R) The Traitors' cast Trishelle Cannatella, MJ Javid Ekin-Su, Maksim Chmerkovskiy Ekin-Su looked nothing short of sensational as she went braless for the bash beneath a backless white gown and celebrated the series winning Best Competition, Best Ensemble Cast as well as Best Show Host and Male Star Of The Year for presenter Alan Cumming Ekin-Su (L) joined glam co-stars MJ Javid (L) and Phaedra Parks (C) at the awards show She later took a seat on the carpet after strutting her stuff in towering heels Ekin-Su posed for snaps at her luxury hotel ahead of the bash Ekin-Su pictured on the The Traitors Ekin-Su appeared in the series alongside former Speaker of the Commons John Bercow, 61, Real Housewives Of Atlanta star Phaedra Parks, 50, and RuPaul's Drag Race icon Peppermint, 45. It comes the reality TV veteran vowed to expose all in her bombshell memoir, including what really happened in her relationship with Davide before their split. The Love Island winner who met Davide on the ITV2 dating show, confirmed she had parted ways with the Italian businessman in February, for a second time as she blamed a 'rollercoaster of ups and downs' in their romance. Now, Ekin-Su's new tell-all book will see her open up on childhood trauma and bullying, as well as looking back on her experiences taking part in reality shows such as Love Island, The Traitors US and Celebrity Big Brother. She told The Sun: 'It's everything, my experience with Davide, there's a lot in there. I'm done hiding. I'm done lying and protecting other people, this is my truth.' She added that writing the book felt 'like therapy' and said she 'want people to know me for me, not the work Ive done or the wronguns Ive dated.' It comes after Ekin-Su spoke about the real reason for her out of character behaviour in the Celebrity Big Brother house, noting that it was down to how Davide had allegedly treated her. It comes the reality TV veteran vowed to expose all in her bombshell memoir, including what really happened in her relationship with Davide before their split It comes after Ekin-Su spoke about the real reason for her out of character behaviour in the Celebrity Big Brother house, noting that it was down to how Davide had allegedly treated her (pictured on Celebrity Big Brother: Late and Live in March) The couple had a turbulent 18-month relationship since they first met in the Love Island villa in 2022 after winning the show together (pictured in 2022 on Love Island) She insisted the devastating effect of his alleged deceit from her ex-boyfriend prior to their January split, which left her heartbroken. Ekin-Su skipped the Big Brother final in March after her management felt she was too 'vulnerable' to return in light of her turbulent time on the ITV series and subsequent drama-filled spin-off show appearance. The Turkish actress claimed she made a mistake by going into the house after being told Davide had cheated on her and seeing possible evidence for herself. She told The Sun: 'I should never have gone into the Big Brother house. I was angry, hurt, maybe a bit bitter, definitely insecure - Big Brother is not where you go to heal heartache, let me tell you. 'I went into the show thinking that I could rebuild myself after everything that happened with Davide, but I came off worse. My guard was up. 'I blame myself for making a poor choice in my career. People could see that I wasn't myself, and I can understand why they thought I was being fake.' She added: 'I never wanted to believe the allegations against Davide but people would tell me I was being cheated on all the time. I was so scared of being alone, and I didn't know who the hell Ekin-Su was meant to be without him.' Chrissy Teigen honored her husband John Legend as she led celebrities including Jessica Alba and Gwen Stefani honoring the dads in their lives for Father's Day on Sunday as Jennifer Lopez also shared an interesting tribute to Ben Affleck amid their marital strife. The 38-year-old Cravings founder - who boasts 55.5M social media followers - paid tribute to her man with an Instagram slideshow full of throwback snaps from the hospital delivery room. Chrissy captioned her tribute: 'Happy Fourther's day, Johnny! I'd put more but I'm really proud of that as a caption and also you're right next to me.' The former Sports Illustrated cover girl and the 45-year-old EGOT champ enlist four nannies to help care for their four children - daughter Luna, 8; son Miles, 6; daughter Esti, 17 months; and son Wren, turning 1 this Wednesday. Teigen aborted their son Jack, at 20 weeks gestation, in 2020 when their doctor informed them that she and the baby would not survive otherwise. Sunday marked Father's Day for everyone including celebrities like Chrissy Teigen (M, pictured in 2023), who honored her husband John Legend (R) with an Instagram slideshow full of throwback snaps from the hospital delivery room The married couple of a decade - who are currently in Milan - originally met in 2006 while shooting his Stereo music video, and they promptly 'closed the deal the first night.' John is next scheduled to bring his 30-date An Evening With John Legend: A Night of Songs and Stories tour to New Jersey's Borgtata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City this Friday. Retired actress Jessica Alba shared a snap of herself with her father Mark Alba, who's 'been there for me no matter what through thick and thin which has meant the world.' 'You were the first to really encourage me and my independence and Im so grateful. I love you dearly. And you are such a fun, joyful and silly Papa to Honor, Haven, Hayesie, Carter and Brooklynn,' the 43-year-old Honest Company co-founder wrote. '[To my husband of 16 years] @cash_warren - Honor, Haven and Hayesie are so lucky to have such a kind, patient, fun, cool Daddy who spends time with our babies and makes each and every one of them feel like they are your # 1. Watching you grow into the loving father you are to our babies has been one of the best gifts of my life.' Jessica also gave a shout out to her father-in-law Michael Warren, who 'laid the most incredible foundation and set the example of a truly compassionate and caring father to Cash, Koa, Makayla and Grayson.' 'And the time you make with your grand kiddos is so special. Honor, Haven, Hayes, Renzo, Nea and Alani are so blessed to have you as their Papo,' Alba wrote. Grammy-winning pop star Gwen Stefani posted a slideshow of childhood snaps with her father - former Yamaha marketing executive Dennis Stefani - captioned: 'Happy Father's Day to my incredible Dad! I love [you]!' The 38-year-old Cravings founder - who boasts 55.5M social media followers - captioned her tribute: 'Happy Fourther's day, Johnny! I'd put more but I'm really proud of that as a caption and also you're right next to me' Chrissy and the 45-year-old EGOT champ enlist four nannies to help care for their four children - daughter Luna, 8; son Miles (pictured in 2018), 6; daughter Esti, 17 months; and son Wren, turning 1 this Wednesday John is next scheduled to bring his 30-date An Evening With John Legend: A Night of Songs and Stories tour to New Jersey's Borgtata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City this Friday Retired actress Jessica Alba shared a snap of herself with her father Mark Alba (R), who's 'been there for me no matter what through thick and thin which has meant the world.' The 43-year-old Honest Company co-founder wrote or her husband of 16 years Cash Warren: Honor, Haven and Hayesie are so lucky to have such a kind, patient, fun, cool Daddy who spends time with our babies' 'Cash makes each and every one of them feel like they are your # 1. Watching you grow into the loving father you are to our babies has been one of the best gifts of my life' Jessica also gave a shout out to her father-in-law Michael Warren (L), who 'laid the most incredible foundation and set the example of a truly compassionate and caring father to Cash, Koa, Makayla and Grayson' Grammy-winning pop star Gwen Stefani (L) posted a slideshow of childhood snaps with her father - former Yamaha marketing executive Dennis Stefani (R) - captioned: 'Happy Father's Day to my incredible Dad! I love [you]!' The 54-year-old mother-of-three shared a separate Instagram slideshow dedicated to her second husband Blake Shelton, who relishes stepfatherhood despite never welcoming any of his own: 'And a very Happy Father's Day to @blakeshelton! We love [you] so much!' In particular, the 47-year-old country crooner appears to be closest with her two youngest sons - 15-year-old Zuma Nesta Rock Rossdale and 10-year-old Apollo Bowie Flynn Rossdale - from her 13-year marriage to Gavin Rossdale, which ended in 2016. Grammy-nominated pop star Jennifer Lopez - who's suffering from divorce rumors - Instastoried a snap of her fourth husband Ben Affleck from the 2001 Michael Bay movie Pearl Harbor captioned: 'Our hero! Happy Father's Day!' The 54-year-old mother-of-three shared a separate Instagram slideshow dedicated to her second husband Blake Shelton, who relishes stepfatherhood despite never welcoming any of his own: 'And a very Happy Father's Day to @blakeshelton! We love [you] so much!' In particular, the 47-year-old country crooner appears to be closest with her two youngest sons - 15-year-old Zuma Nesta Rock Rossdale and 10-year-old Apollo Bowie Flynn Rossdale - from her 13-year marriage to Gavin Rossdale, which ended in 2016. Seven-time Super Bowl champ Tom Brady called his own father Tom Brady Sr. his 'hero' and 'the best role model I could have ever asked for.' The 46-year-old retired NFL quarterback also thanked his blended brood - daughter Vivian, 11; son Jack, 16; and son Benjamin, 14 - with exes Bridget Moynahan and Gisele Bundchen 'for giving me the gift of being a father.' '[It's] a joy that I could have never imagined until you came into my life. I hope that I can give you all that my dad gave me unconditional love and support,' Tom wrote. The Kardashians matriarch Kris Jenner shared a montage of 'all of the dads in our lives' including her father Bob Houghton, Travis Barker, Tristan Thompson, Kanye 'Ye' West, Travis Scott, Caitlyn Jenner, Corey Gamble, Scott Disick, and Robert Kardashian Sr. 'Happy Father's Day to all of the dads, step dads, grand fathers and father figures out there! I hope your day is filled with so much love,' the 68-year-old momager gushed. Emmy-nominated actress Mandy Moore called her second husband - Dawes frontman Taylor Goldsmith - 'hands-down the greatest partner in all aspects of our life together' with their sons Gus, 3; and Ozzie, 19 months. Drake shared a gallery featuring images of him with son Adonis, six, and his dad Dennis Graham The three generation trio smiled in a cute selfie together Joanna Gaines shared a sweet tribute to her husband Chip She shared several intimate family snaps featuring their three children together Seven-time Super Bowl champ Tom Brady (R) called his own father Tom Brady Sr. (L) his 'hero' and 'the best role model I could have ever asked for' The 46-year-old retired NFL quarterback also thanked his blended brood - (from L-R) daughter Vivian, 11; son Jack, 16; and son Benjamin, 14 - with exes Bridget Moynahan and Gisele Bundchen 'for giving me the gift of being a father.' The Kardashians matriarch Kris Jenner shared a montage of 'all of the dads in our lives' including her father Bob Houghton, Travis Barker, Tristan Thompson, Kanye 'Ye' West, Travis Scott, Caitlyn Jenner, Corey Gamble, Scott Disick, and Robert Kardashian Sr. Emmy-nominated actress Mandy Moore called her second husband - Dawes frontman Taylor Goldsmith - 'hands-down the greatest partner in all aspects of our life together' with their sons Gus, 3; and Ozzie, 19 months The expecting 40-year-old gushed: 'But watching you as a father is undeniable. You were born to be a dad and knowing how lucky our boys (and soon to be daughter) are to have you in their corner forever is the greatest gift' Oscar-nominated actor John Travolta (R) shared a video of himself taking a dawn drive in his Rolls-Royce with 24-year-old daughter Ella Bleu Travolta (L) and 13-year-old son Benjamin Travolta (M) from his 29-year marriage to late wife Kelly Preston Grammy-winning pop star Ariana Grande Instastoried a 1994 home movie of herself in a kiddie pool with her father Ed Butera captioned: 'Happy Father's Day to my best friend and the best daddy in the world @edbutera! I love you with all my heart' Nineties supermodel Cindy Crawford shared an Instagram slideshow of new and old snaps of her second husband - Casamigos co-founder Rande Gerber - with their 22-year-old daughter Kaia Gerber and son Presley Gerber, turning 25 next month The 58-year-old Meaningful Beauty founder wrote: 'Watching your devotion to our children has been one of the great joys of my life! I don't know what any of us would do without you. Thanks for taking such great care of your family we love you!' OWN CEO Oprah Winfrey lived on/off with her late father Vernon Winfrey in Nashville when she was a teenager, and he made her education a priority, writing via Instastory: 'I still feel his spiritual presence profoundly in many ways, as much as when he was alive' 'But watching you as a father is undeniable. You were born to be a dad and knowing how lucky our boys (and soon to be daughter) are to have you in their corner forever is the greatest gift,' the expecting 40-year-old gushed. 'Your patience, humor, energy, and lets face it: musical curation, are pretty miraculous. There's no task too big or small that you arent willing to do for your family. I'm so grateful for all you are - I couldn't have dreamed for a better human to share this life with. Happy Father's Day, @taylordawesgoldsmith.' Oscar-nominated actor John Travolta shared a video of himself taking a dawn drive in his Rolls-Royce with 24-year-old daughter Ella Bleu Travolta and 13-year-old son Benjamin Travolta from his 29-year marriage to late wife Kelly Preston. 'To all the fathers out there! Happy Father's Day!' the 70-year-old Cash Out star wrote. Grammy-winning pop star Ariana Grande Instastoried a 1994 home movie of herself in a kiddie pool with her father Ed Butera captioned: 'Happy Father's Day to my best friend and the best daddy in the world @edbutera! I love you with all my heart.' Nineties supermodel Cindy Crawford shared an Instagram slideshow of new and old snaps of her second husband - Casamigos co-founder Rande Gerber - with their 22-year-old daughter Kaia Gerber and son Presley Gerber, turning 25 next month. 'Happy Father's Day @randegerber!' the 58-year-old Meaningful Beauty founder wrote. 'Watching your devotion to our children has been one of the great joys of my life! I don't know what any of us would do without you. Thanks for taking such great care of your family we love you!' Citadel actress Priyanka Chopra Instastoried a snap of her husband of five years - Grammy-nominated singer Nick Jonas (L) - feeding their two-year-old daughter Malti Marie Jonas: 'Watching you with our daughter fills my heart with gratitude. You're an amazing dad and husband. @nickjonas #HappyFathersDay!' The Indian 41-year-old - who boasts 91.3M Instagram followers - also gave shout-outs to her late father Ashok Chopra (L), who passed away in 2013, as well as her father-in-law Kevin Jonas, Sr. (R) Inamorata co-founder Emily Ratajkowski Instastoried two childhood snaps with her father John Ratajkowski, which were captioned: 'Happy Father's Day! Got a good one. We [heart] you!' The 33-year-old DNA Model also posted a more current snap of the silver-haired painter (R) posing with her three-year-old son Sylvester Apollo Bear (L) from her four-year marriage to producer Sebastian Bear-McClard, which ended in 2022 Grammy-winning songstress Alicia Keys (2-R) is in New York City and her husband Swizz Beatz (L) is in Saudi Arabia, but she still made sure to share an Instagram tribute to 'the king of our castle' with their blended brood of five children 'I love the way you love us! May we forever grow closer and more deeply connected as a unit!' the 43-year-old Hell's Kitchen composer gushed Eighties 'It Girl' Brooke Shields shared an Instagram slideshow to her husband of 23 years - film producer Chris Henchy - who fathered their 21-year-old college student Rowan and 18-year-old model Grier The 59-year-old Mother of the Bride producer-star gushed: 'I'm not exaggerating when I say that he's the best dad there is. We adore you, Henchy. Happy Father's Day!' Retired tennis pro Anna Kournikova might have never married her babydaddy - Grammy-winning singer Enrique Iglesias (R) - but they share fraternal twins Nicholas and Lucy, 6; and daughter Mary, 4 The Russian 43-year-old gushed: 'Happy Father's Day to my man @enriqueiglesias! And to all the dads!' OWN CEO Oprah Winfrey lived on/off with her late father Vernon Winfrey in Nashville when she was a teenager, and he made her education a priority, writing via Instastory: 'I still feel his spiritual presence profoundly in many ways, as much as when he was alive.' Citadel actress Priyanka Chopra Instastoried a snap of her husband of five years - Grammy-nominated singer Nick Jonas - feeding their two-year-old daughter Malti Marie Jonas: 'Watching you with our daughter fills my heart with gratitude. You're an amazing dad and husband. @nickjonas #HappyFathersDay!' The 31-year-old Jonas Brothers boybander replied: 'I love you and our little girl so much @priyankachopra!' The Indian 41-year-old - who boasts 91.3M Instagram followers - also gave shout-outs to her late father Ashok Chopra, who passed away in 2013, as well as her father-in-law Kevin Jonas, Sr. Inamorata co-founder Emily Ratajkowski Instastoried two childhood snaps with her father John Ratajkowski, which were captioned: 'Happy Father's Day! Got a good one. We [heart] you!' The 33-year-old DNA Model also posted a more current snap of the silver-haired painter posing with her three-year-old son Sylvester Apollo Bear from her four-year marriage to producer Sebastian Bear-McClard, which ended in 2022. Grammy-winning songstress Alicia Keys is in New York City and her husband Swizz Beatz is in Saudi Arabia, but she still made sure to share an Instagram tribute to 'the king of our castle' with their blended brood of five children. 'I love the way you love us! May we forever grow closer and more deeply connected as a unit!' the 43-year-old Hell's Kitchen composer gushed. Emmy-winning actor Bruce Willis' ex-wife #1 Demi Moore, second wife Emma Heming Willis, and daughter Scout Willis shared a joint Instagram slideshow captioned: 'Happy Father's Day to our favorite girl dad. We love you, BW!' The 69-year-old Assassin action star - who's amassed over $9.4B worldwide for his films - retired in 2022 following his aphasia diagnosis, which impacted his cognitive abilities Grieving widow Vanessa Bryant posted a cheery snap of her late husband - NBA legend Kobe Bryant - with their late daughter Gianna, 21-year-old daughter Natalia, and four-year-old daughter Capri captioned: 'Happy Father's Day to the best daddy @kobebryant' Golden-Globe nominated actor Jack Black (L) shared a selfie of his father - satellite engineer Thomas Black (R) - whom he joked looked 'younger than me!' The Kardashians producer-star Kourtney Kardashian posted a cute Instagram slideshow of her neighbor-turned-husband Travis Barker bonding with their seven-month-old son Rocky Thirteen Barker The 45-year-old Poosh founder gushed: 'Happy Father's Day @travisbarker! Beyond grateful for the dad that you are to our baby boy, and all of our kids. You keep us safe and protected and take care of us. Having a family with you is heaven. Happy to celebrate you!' Kourtney also posted a childhood snap with her late father Robert Kardashian Sr. who passed away, at age 59, from esophageal cancer in 2003 Emmy-nominated actress Jessica Biel posted about her husband of 11 years - Grammy-winning pop star Justin Timberlake - being 'so many things to so many people' The 42-year-old 7th Heaven alum wrote of their two sons Silas, 9; and Phineas, 3: 'But to us you are the rock! The rock we climb on, we lean against. The rock that shades us from the sun. And when we recline on you, as we always do, hopefully our butts will keep you eternally grounded and warm. We love you!' Eighties 'It Girl' Brooke Shields shared an Instagram slideshow to her husband of 23 years - film producer Chris Henchy - who fathered their 21-year-old college student Rowan and 18-year-old model Grier. The 59-year-old Mother of the Bride producer-star gushed: 'I'm not exaggerating when I say that he's the best dad there is. We adore you, Henchy. Happy Father's Day!' Retired tennis pro Anna Kournikova might have never married her babydaddy - Grammy-winning singer Enrique Iglesias - but they share fraternal twins Nicholas and Lucy, 6; and daughter Mary, 4. The Russian 43-year-old gushed: 'Happy Father's Day to my man @enriqueiglesias! And to all the dads!' Emmy-winning actor Bruce Willis' ex-wife #1 Demi Moore, second wife Emma Heming Willis, and daughter Scout Willis shared a joint Instagram slideshow captioned: 'Happy Father's Day to our favorite girl dad. We love you, BW!' The 69-year-old Assassin action star - who's amassed over $9.4B worldwide for his films - retired in 2022 following his aphasia diagnosis, which impacted his cognitive abilities. Grieving widow Vanessa Bryant posted a cheery snap of her late husband - NBA legend Kobe Bryant - with their late daughter Gianna, 21-year-old daughter Natalia, and four-year-old daughter Capri captioned: 'Happy Father's Day to the best daddy @kobebryant. #MostValuableGirlDad #GirlDad.' The former LA Lakers shooting guard and his daughter Gianna tragically passed away - age 41 and 13 - during a 2020 helicopter crash in Calabasas. Culture vulture Hillary 'Hilaria' Baldwin shared a video of her husband Alec Baldwin with three of their seven children in a video captioned: 'Accidentally let the kids into the room he was napping in (yet it was so circus epic that I stayed to film). Hope all you other dads got to finish your naps. Much love papas!' The 66-year-old Oscar nominee and the 40-year-old former yoga instructor - whose TLC reality show The Baldwin debuts in 2025 - will celebrate their son Rafael's ninth birthday this Monday followed by their 12th wedding anniversary on June 30 Alec - who was 'missing' his late father Alexander Baldwin - faces up to 18 months in prison if convicted of involuntary manslaughter for the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins at trial in New Mexico next month Oscar-nominated actress Kate Hudson - whose biological father Bill Hudson left the family when she was 6 - shared a snap of her famous stepfather Kurt Russell captioned: 'You got that right Loretta! I love my pa so much! What a man, lucky me! Love you Pa! Happy Father's Day!' The 45-year-old Glorious singer also gave her 'most amazing' fiance of nearly three years - freelance editor Danny Fujikawa - a shout out in a snap with their five-year-old daughter Rani Rose Fujikawa: 'What a beautiful father he is! Rani Rose is a lucky lady to be raised by you' Heart of Stone actress Gal Gadot (R) shared a snap of herself at a party with her dad Michael Gadot (L), whom she called 'the best father I could ever wish for' The Israeli 39-year-old also posted an Instagram slideshow dedicated to her 'extraordinary' husband Jaron Varsano and father of her four daughters - Alma, 12; Maya, 7; Daniella, turning 3 on June 29; and Ori, 3 months Golden-Globe nominated actor Jack Black shared a selfie of his father - satellite engineer Thomas Black - whom he joked looked 'younger than me!' The Kardashians producer-star Kourtney Kardashian posted a cute Instagram slideshow of her neighbor-turned-husband Travis Barker bonding with their seven-month-old son Rocky Thirteen Barker. The 45-year-old Poosh founder gushed: 'Happy Father's Day @travisbarker! Beyond grateful for the dad that you are to our baby boy, and all of our kids. You keep us safe and protected and take care of us. Having a family with you is heaven. Happy to celebrate you!' Kourtney also posted a childhood snap with her late father Robert Kardashian Sr. who passed away, at age 59, from esophageal cancer in 2003. Emmy-nominated actress Jessica Biel posted about her husband of 11 years - Grammy-winning pop star Justin Timberlake - being 'so many things to so many people.' 'But to us you are the rock!' the 42-year-old 7th Heaven alum wrote of their two sons Silas, 9; and Phineas, 3. 'The rock we climb on, we lean against. The rock that shades us from the sun. And when we recline on you, as we always do, hopefully our butts will keep you eternally grounded and warm. We love you!' Grammy-nominated pop star Jennifer Lopez - who's suffering from divorce rumors - Instastoried a snap of her fourth husband Ben Affleck from the 2001 Michael Bay movie Pearl Harbor captioned: 'Our hero! Happy Father's Day!' Culture vulture Hillary 'Hilaria' Baldwin shared a video of her husband Alec Baldwin with three of their seven children in a video captioned: 'Accidentally let the kids into the room he was napping in (yet it was so circus epic that I stayed to film). Hope all you other dads got to finish your naps. Much love papas!' The 66-year-old Oscar nominee and the 40-year-old former yoga instructor - whose TLC reality show The Baldwin debuts in 2025 - will celebrate their son Rafael's ninth birthday this Monday followed by their 12th wedding anniversary on June 30. Alec - who was 'missing' his late father Alexander Baldwin - faces up to 18 months in prison if convicted of involuntary manslaughter for the 2021 fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins at trial in New Mexico next month. Baldwin made no public mention of his eldest child - 28-year-old daughter Ireland Baldwin with ex-wife Kim Basinger - and she made no mention of him. Oscar-nominated actress Kate Hudson - whose biological father Bill Hudson left the family when she was 6 - shared a snap of her famous stepfather Kurt Russell captioned: 'You got that right Loretta! I love my pa so much! What a man, lucky me! Love you Pa! Happy Father's Day!' The 45-year-old Glorious singer also gave her 'most amazing' fiance of nearly three years - freelance editor Danny Fujikawa - a shout out in a snap with their five-year-old daughter Rani Rose Fujikawa: 'What a beautiful father he is! Rani Rose is a lucky lady to be raised by you. Happy Fathers Day!' Heart of Stone actress Gal Gadot shared a snap of herself at a party with her dad Michael Gadot, whom she called 'the best father I could ever wish for.' The Israeli 39-year-old also posted an Instagram slideshow dedicated to her 'extraordinary' husband Jaron Varsano and father of her four daughters - Alma, 12; Maya, 7; Daniella, turning 3 on June 29; and Ori, 3 months. 'The love you give, the time you spend with them, the care you have for them, the thoughtfulness, the life lessons you teach them, the role model you set for them,' Gal listed. 'The crepes you make them every Sunday, the movies you watch with them, the games you play with them, I can go on and on. You are an extraordinary aba baby. They're the luckiest girls to have you as a dad. Happy Father's Day baby @jaronvarsano.' Amanda Holden shared two sweet tributes on Sunday to mark Father's Day, celebrating both her husband Chris Hughes and her father Les. The Britain's Got Talent judge, 53, took to her Instagram Stories to share snaps with both men and declare them to both be the 'best daddy in the world'. She first posted a photo with music producer Chris beaming alongside their two daughters Lexie, 18, and Hollie, 12. Captioning the sweet snap, Amanda wrote: 'Happy Father's Day to the best daddy in the world'. She then also posted a picture of herself posing in front of a sunset with her dad Les, with the caption: 'Happy Father's Day to the other best daddy in the world'. Amanda Holden shared two sweet tributes on Sunday to mark Father's Day, celebrating both her husband Chris Hughes and her father Les (pictured with Les) The Britain's Got Talent judge, 53, took to her Instagram Stories to post a photo with music producer Chris beaming alongside their two daughters Lexie, 18, and Hollie, 12 She also shared a glimpse at the gift she had gotten Les for the holiday - a little bobble-head figurine of himself, sitting astride a black motorbike, and snapped a photo of Les beside it to show off the impeccable likeness The TV personality also shared a glimpse at the gift she had gotten Les for the holiday, calling it 'brilliant'. Amanda purchased him a little bobble-head figurine of himself, sitting astride a black motorbike, and snapped a photo of Les beside it to show off the impeccable likeness. Her tributes come just days after Amanda shares a slew of racy snaps in a daring white crochet dress to tease her new Netflix show. She posed for a slew of snaps in the sultry number, going underwear free to flash extra glimpses of skin, and captioned it: 'Filming something special...' Her new show is called Cheaters: Unfinished Business and is certainly set to ruffle a few feather as it focuses on cheating spouses. It will be filmed in an idyllic 10-bedroom Mallorca villa where contestants competing are set to live together, MailOnline revealed. Cheaters will come face to face with their ex-partners after suffering a relationship breakdown over infidelity. Amanda is looking to 'rival' Love Island with a bigger and better villa, which boasts a glamorous swimming pool complete with canopy draped daybeds, a cobbled courtyard for romantic reunions, and 10 bedrooms with king size beds for couples hoping to reconcile. Her tributes come just days after Amanda shares a slew of racy snaps in a daring white crochet dress to tease her new Netflix show She posed for a slew of snaps in the sultry number, going underwear free to flash extra glimpses of skin, and captioned it: 'Filming something special...' The 14th Century manor house is set on a 40-hectare black truffle estate, with sun drenched views of the Tramuntana mountains, providing a picturesque yet intimate setting for dramatic action to unfold. MailOnline first revealed Amanda's signing with Netflix to present the dating series, with the star confirming it's a 'dream come true' before urging her followers to sign up to the risky run-in with their former cheating partners. A TV source told MailOnline: 'Amanda can't wait to start filming her new dating show, she adores hot weather, and the villa is better than she could have ever dreamed of. 'It will provide the perfect backdrop for Cheaters: Unfinished Business, a sexy setting gives contestants the excuse to forgive and fall back in love with each other, at least that's what producers are hoping. 'The villa being in Mallorca will of course invite comparisons with Love Island, which is also filmed in Palma, and Amanda hopes her series will be just as popular.' The Heart Breakfast show host will work alongside a dating expert to help guide eight former couples as they confront each other at the Spanish retreat with the hope of moving past the betrayal or coming to terms with their relationships being over for good. Amanda told MailOnline: 'It is my dream job, if I could have manifested a job this would have been it. 'It is the job I have wanted my whole life and it's finally happening. I'm going to be filming the show over the summer. It is my own thing and it's the genre of it, it's what I've always wanted.' The new show, Amanda's first on Netflix, will be filmed this summer but won't land on the streaming giant until 2025. Ruth Langsford shared a sweet tribute to her late father and sister as she marked Father's Day on Sunday. The presenter, 64, posted a throwback snap of her dad, Dennis, with her elder sister Julia on his shoulders. Ruth's father died aged 84 back in 2012 from complications from dementia, after 57 years of marriage to his devoted wife, Joan. Meanwhile her sister Julia, who had battled depression for years, was found dead at the age of 62 in June 2019. Paying tribute to the pair, Ruth penned: 'Happy Fathers Day to all the wonderful Dads out there.hope youre having a fantastic day being spoilt by your families. Ruth Langsford has shared a sweet tribute to her late father and sister in a throwback Father's Day snap for Father's Day on Sunday The presenter, 64, posted a throwback snap of her dad, Dennis, with her elder sister Julia on his shoulders 'Im remembering both my wonderful Dad Dennis and my sister Julia today.this is them on a day out while my Mum was still in hospital with me just after Id been born. Singapore 1960'. The tribute comes after Ruth and her husband Eamonn Holmes announced their plans to divorce last month after 14 years of marriage and 27 years together. Ruth has previously opened up about her dad's passing as she revealed the heartbreaking impact it had on her mother. Discussing his death back in 2017 on Loose Women, she confessed the hardest part was watching her elderly mother lose 'the love of her life'. She said at the time: 'I was grieving and losing my dad but my mum was losing the love of her life, the man she married and had children with. 'They had years and years of memories. You don't often hear people talking about that side of it. 'When my dad went into care, my mum was so distraught... I'm sorry,' she said, wiping a tear from her eye. Ruth, herself a mother-of-one, continued: 'You do hope, but you know they probably won't get better. 'I'm sorry, sometimes I just can't talk about it. It's thinking about my mum, that side of it that gets to me.' Paying tribute to the pair, Ruth penned: 'Happy Fathers Day to all the wonderful Dads out there.hope youre having a fantastic day being spoilt by your families' Ruth has previously opened up about her dad's passing as she revealed the heartbreaking impact it had on her mother Joan (pictured 1999) Ruth's sister Julia, who had battled depression for years, was found dead at the age of 62 in June 2019. Meanwhile she admitted last year that losing her sister was the 'hardest year' of her life. According to The Mirror, she said: 'The hardest year of my life was when my sister died. I can't even tell you what year it is, because I've blocked it from my memory really.' Ruth said Eamonn and their son Jack, both supported her and she told how her job also helped her after Julia's death as it gave her 'structure' back in her life. 'Eamonn was amazing during that time and Jack and then work,' she said. 'I needed a focus, which was - get up and I would cry in the shower - have a big old bawl and then I could almost cut it off and go: "right, come on, time for work, dry your hair, go to work". 'I needed that, because I could lie and cry all day about my sister. I needed that focus and structure back in my life.' On Friday it was revealed that Eammon has reportedly grown close to a divorcee 22 years younger than him, following his split from Ruth. While his friendship is not said to be a reason for the marriage breakdown it is understood that Ruth was unaware of her until recently and has decided to take time off work. Eamonn is being comforted by a younger female pal, relationship counsellor Katie Alexander, 42, who he has been on a 'string of outings with', according to The Sun. The mother-of-three has now been seen visiting Eamonn at his rented apartment in South West London from her home in Yorkshire. The tribute comes after Ruth and her husband Eamonn Holmes announced their plans to divorce last month after 14 years of marriage and 27 years together (pictured in 2019) Eamonn has reportedly grown close to a divorcee 22 years younger than him (pictured in red ring), following his split from Ruth Katie was spotted driving to and from his luxury flat on Friday. The pair reportedly struck up a friendship over the past couple of years and the publication claims Eamonn has taken her on a safari park trip, to a Manchester United game and a Beyonce concert. Eamonn has reportedly grown close to the woman over the past year. While his friendship is not said to be a reason for the marriage breakdown it is understood that Ruth was unaware of her until recently and has decided to take time off work. The source said: 'Ruth was obviously aware that her marriage was crumbling, but as details emerge, her upset has turned to anger. 'Eamonn's friend is bowled over by being lavished with attention and kindness from him.' If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123 or visit: www.samaritans.org. Jeremy Allen White reunited with ex-wife Addison Timlin in Los Angeles over the weekend as she dropped off their daughters Ezer and Dolores. The 33-year-old The Bear star bared his brawny arms in a white tank top as he carried three-year-old Dolores, who wore a pink dress, on his hip. The former couple's firstborn child Ezer, five, stood nearby, dressed in a patterned white shirt and pants. Timlin, 32, tucked a white T-shirt into light wash blue jeans and added a pair of dark sneakers. The actress, who filed for divorce from Allen in May 2023, held a phone to her ear during the drop-off on Saturday. Jeremy Allen White reunited with ex-wife Addison Timlin in Los Angeles over the weekend as she dropped off their daughters Ezer and Dolores The 33-year-old The Bear star bared his brawny arms in a white tank top as he carried three-year-old Dolores, who wore a pink dress, on his hip White wore light wash jeans as well, and slipped his feet into a pair of black slides as he greeted his family outside his Studio City home. He wore a pair of dark sunglasses on top of his tousled dirty blonde hair and he was clean-shaven. In her divorce filing, Addison listed the date of separation as September 2022. After the news broke, she took to Instagram to express her feelings about being a single mother of two kids. 'Being a single mom is not how I pictured it,' she wrote in the caption, which accompanied a series of photos with Ezer and Dolores. 'It is so f***ing hard,' she said. 'It is all out covered in s*** crying on the floor kicking you in the shins screaming with no sound coming out hard. It's not the natural order of things.' She added that single parenting can be 'exhausting' and 'lonely' especially when 'something magical happens and you have to tell yourself "don't forget this" because there's no witness by your side.' She continued: 'It's so painful. Doing it alone has given me more strength and more empathy and more tears than anything else in my life ever has.' Jeremy and his ex-wife Addison pictured at the 2023 Golden Globes Last October, White conceded several stipulations in his custody agreement with Timlin; in order to spend time with their children, he agreed to daily alcohol testing as revealed by court documents obtained by TMZ. If the test is positive, the actor's custodial rights to the children will be revoked until further actions are decided. The custody arrangement also requires him to attend no less than 'two alcoholics anonymous ("AA") meetings each week', along with other therapy, per the court documents. Following his split from Timlin, the actor has moved on with Spanish singing sensation Rosalia, 31. Following his split from Timlin, the actor has moved on with Spanish singing sensation Rosalia; pictured in May The third season of Jeremy's hit series The Bear will premiere this month The third season of Jeremy's hit series The Bear will premiere on June 27. The upcoming installment will continue to follow Carmen 'Carmy' Berzatto (Jeremy), Sydney Adamu (Ayo Edebiri) and Richard 'Richie' Jerimovich (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) on their beef stand-turned-fine dining journey at The Bear. Abby Elliott, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colon-Zayas, Edwin Lee Gibson and Matty Matheson also star in the popular show. The latest trailer shows Carmy laser focused amid building pressure in his personal and professional lives. It's the BBC inquiry that could determine the future of the broadcaster's crown jewel, Strictly Come Dancing. For weeks executives have been investigating claims that professional dancer Giovanni Pernice behaved 'abrasively' to his celebrity partner, Amanda Abbington. However, the Daily Mail can reveal BBC bosses are 'furious' that leaks of confidential details of the probe have been made public. Yesterday it was reported claims that Pernice would 'grab his crotch' when one of his partners did well have been heard by investigators. The Sun newspaper also told how Ms Abbington said her foot was bruised after Pernice stood on it. Giovanni Pernice took a smoke break as he made his first appearance since being overlooked for the forthcoming twenty second-series of Strictly Come Dancing For weeks executives have been investigating claims that professional dancer Giovanni Pernice (left) behaved 'abrasively' to his celebrity partner, Amanda Abbington (right) BBC bosses are said to be 'concerned' and are wanting to find out how this information is being released. They are also worried that the leaks mean that Pernice, who quit Strictly in April after nine years, is being vilified by the public. One insider at the corporation told the Mail: 'We are talking about a confidential, internal inquiry here yet there are several elements finding their way into the public domain now. 'While it isn't an HR issue, it is an investigation which the BBC are taking seriously. 'The bosses want to know why this is happening. They want to find the leak. If you are Giovanni here you might be thinking that this is highly unfair. 'It also seems quite rum that it is all anti-Giovanni. There is nothing coming out in his favour at all. It's all very strange.' The inquiry began last month and the outcome is expected within a few weeks. It all began when Ms Abbington revealed to The Sun in January that she had got post-traumatic stress disorder after appearing on Strictly last year when she was paired with Pernice. She also asked for video footage of her rehearsals with the Sicilian dancer. After he was offered a contract to return to the series, which starts in September, Ms Abbington instructed London-based legal firm Carter-Ruck to represent her, along with two other female stars who have appeared on Strictly. Ms Abbington reportedly met up with Laura Whitmore and Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh also former partners of Pernice to discuss his so-called bad behaviour. Pernice, 33, responded by hiring rival firm, Schillings, which has represented royals such Prince Harry and Meghan, as well as J. K. Rowling and Ryan Giggs. He has vowed not to be cancelled and is fully co-operating with the investigation. In the last fortnight he has begun to engage with the BBC. He expects to be exonerated. Giovanni Pernice attends the world premiere of 'Man and Witch' at Prince Charles Cinema on June 2 BBC bosses are said to be 'concerned' and are wanting to find out how this information is being released In a statement, the dancer said: 'Giovanni is fully committed to clearing his name and defending his reputation against all false and misleading accusations against him.' On Instagram yesterday Pernice, who is currently on tour across the country with Strictly star Anton Du Beke, branded allegations about his teaching methods 'simply false'. He wrote: 'Every week, there are totally untrue stories about me in the media. 'As you know, I have always rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour. The latest accusations are simply false. 'I am co-operating fully with the ongoing BBC investigation, which will determine the truth. 'As requested, I have stayed silent, but I am looking forward to the conclusion of the investigation and ultimately clearing my name and establishing the truth.' As the investigation into Giovanni 's alleged inappropriate behaviour continues the BBC have reportedly brought in two ex Met officers to conduct the interviews. And it is understood they have already interviewed at least one female complainant, The Sun has revealed. The other two are due to be seen in the coming days as the organisation continue to reportedly scour nine years of footage from Giovanni's training sessions. A source told the publication: 'The BBC is taking this extremely seriously. 'Two ex-Met cops are conducting all the interviews and have been tasked with gathering evidence including texts and screenshots which they will present to corporation executives. 'Giovanni has not yet been spoken to.' MailOnline have contacted Giovanni's representatives. The BBC chose not to comment when approached for a statement. Giovanni returned to social media for the first time on Thursday after the BBC confirmed he would not be returning to the show. The dancer shared a video to the Ballando Instagram account in which he could be seen taking charge in leading a series of group dance sessions. Keeping his words to a minimum, he simply added three love heart emojis to the post - proving that he still has a passion for dance. Giovanni returned to social media for the first time on Thursday after the BBC confirmed he would not be returning to the show The dancer is set to return to the stage for his show - The Anton and Giovanni Together live tour - on Friday alongside Strictly judge Anton Du Beke. His absence from this year's line-up was finally revealed on Monday when the BBC1 show announced which dancers would be competing. The big reveal is a routine procedure by show bosses and does not mark the end of the probe into Giovanni's behaviour. A show insider said: 'Giovanni's case is very much ongoing. The announcement is circulated when Strictly have finalised the contracts of the pros who are able to compete. 'Giovanni's absence has been known for some weeks, he won't have anything to do with the 2024 season. 'But the investigation into his alleged wrongdoings will continue to develop alongside preparation for the upcoming series.' Naomi Watts has shared a heartbreaking Father's Day tribute to her late dad Peter. The King Kong star, 55, posted a rare photo of her father, who was a sound engineer and road manager for Pink Floyd, to Instagram on Sunday. In the image, Peter had his long straight locks out as he relaxed on a bed and looked at the camera. 'Happy heavenly father's day missing you,' she captioned the image. Peter tragically died of an apparent heroin overdose at the age of 31, when Naomi was seven years old. Naomi Watts (pictured) has shared a heartbreaking post to her late dad Peter on Father's Day Earlier this year, Naomi told Marie Claire Australia she will never get over the death of her famous dad. 'The grief never goes away but playing [different roles in movies] you find news ways of understanding it,' she said. 'Still to this day as a 55-year-old woman I wish I'd witnessed what it was like to have a father to speak to at various times in my life.' 'I wish that he'd been there to pat me on the back when I've had successful moments or complex moments that I've been troubled by.' The King Kong star posted a rare photo of her dad, a dapper sound engineer and road manager with Pink Floyd, to Instagram and wrote: 'Happy heavenly father's day missing you' Peter and Naomi's costume designer mother Myfanwy, known as Miv, divorced when she was four years old. Naomi has previously told how Pink Floyd, who Peter worked for, gave Miv a few thousand pounds to 'get things underway' after his death, but they still struggled. It was not the first time she has spoken about her grief and previously told how she is still 'grappling' with the tragic loss many decades later as an adult. Speaking to Vogue Australia in 2021, she said: 'Having grown up losing my dad at a very early age, I think that's a story I know well; it's still sorting itself out at the ripe age of 52.' The actress' father Peter tragically died of an apparent heroin overdose at the age of 31, when Naomi was seven years old 'Through that, you lose a part of yourself you feel like you're not fully formed in a way,' she added. Naomi's mother Miv also previously spoke about the devastating loss to Daily Mail Australia, recalling: 'It left scars. It was a shock.' 'His death made Naomi incredibly determined. It had a profound effect on her, as it did on the entire family,' she said. 'It's a terrible thing to happen to anyone, especially at that age when she needed her dad. We had no inkling he was using heroin at all.' Armie Hammer has revealed he is grateful for the shock cannibalism and abuse allegations which imploded his once-stellar Hollywood acting career. The Call Me By Your Name star, 37, who was at the peak of his fame, fell from grace when a series of disturbing allegations were made against him by multiple women, who accused him of violent abuse and harboring cannibalism fantasies. In February 2021 his ex-girlfriend, Effie Angelova, 26, accused him of 'violently' raping and abusing her in 2017. He denied the accusations of rape through his attorney and said all of his sexual encounters were 'completely consensual, discussed and agreed upon in advance and mutually participatory'. Speaking on the Painful Lessons podcast, the actor said of the scandal: 'Whatever it was that people said, whatever it was that happened, Im now at a place in my life where Im grateful for every single bit of it, 'Im actually now at a place where Im really grateful for it because where I was in my life before all of that stuff happened to me I didnt feel good I never felt satisfied I never had enough I never was in a place where I was happy with myself where I had self-esteem. Armie Hammer has revealed he is grateful for the shock cannibalism and abuse allegations which imploded his once-stellar Hollywood acting career The Call Me By Your Name star, 37, who was at the peak of his fame, fell from grace when a series of disturbing allegations were made against him by multiple women, who accused him of violent abuse and harboring cannibalism fantasies - pictured 2019 'I never knew how to give myself love. I never knew how to give myself self-validation but I had this job where I was able to get it from so many people that I never had to learn how to give it to myself.' On being accused of cannibalism - the actor reportedly said he was '100% a cannibal' in 2021 texts - he added: 'People called me a cannibal. Like I ate people! What???? You know what you have to do to be a cannibal? You have to eat people!' He added of his downfall: 'It was an ego death, a career death. A neutron bomb went off in my life. It killed off [everything]' His then-wife Elizabeth Chambers split from him in July 2020 - the former couple share two young children. The star said he had contemplated suicide during that period, saying: 'There were a lot of times when I thought I cant take this anymore. I was getting hateso it just went right in there was a time 'I was standing at the shore and I swam out really far and just laying there..a half-assed suicide attemptBut I thought I couldnt do that to my kids.' He admitted his Hollywood career is 'nowhere now' and said he's 'creating his own sandbox' and planning to write a screenplay. Hammer admits that his Hollywood career is nowhere now and noted that hes creating his own sandbox where he plans to write a screenplay. His then-wife Elizabeth Chambers split from him in July 2020 - the former couple share two young children - pictured 2019 The star is seen with Timothee Chalamet in Oscar-winning film Call Me By Your Name Hammer and ex-wife Elizabeth Chambers's divorce was finalized in June 2023 - they are seen in 2017 He has repeatedly denied the allegations however the fallout surrounding the scandal has seen Armie's Hollywood career all but vanish. Several other women came forward and accused Hammer of being interested in kinky sex and even cannibalism in the wake of Effie's claims. The star, who first made his name playing both the Winklevoss twins in The Social Network, was dropped by his personal publicist and former agency as well as multiple projects following the allegations. Hammer also stepped down from a role in Jennifer Lopez's film Shotgun Wedding, but maintained his innocence. 'I'm not responding to these bulls***t claims but in light of the vicious and spurious online attacks against me, I cannot in good conscience now leave my children for four months to shoot a film in the Dominican Republic,' he said in a statement to DailyMail. The actor subsequently claimed he tried to commit suicide in the Cayman Islands, where he got a job selling timeshares, following the backlash. He admitted he was emotionally abusive towards his former partners, but blamed his actions on being traumatized by a youth pastor who allegedly sexually abused him when he was 13. Hammer's former partners Paige Lorenze and Courtney Vucekovich then also accused him of being physically and emotionally abusive while they were together. Armie has not been charged by the LA County District Attorney, and has since made attempts to restart his career. A little-known element of the insurance industry is pushing up homeowner premiums, consumer advocates are warning. The cost of reinsurance has boomed in recent years, and now the higher prices are trickling down to regular Americans - making their coverage increasingly unaffordable. Reinsurance is effectively the insurance taken out by insurers. It transfers on some of the risk so that no company has too much exposure to a potential catastrophe. But as climate change is driving an increased risk of property loss across the US, this arcane part of the product is getting a lot of attention, said Douglas Heller, director of insurance at the Consumer Federation of America. 'I've been doing insurance consumer advocacy for 25 years and never in that time have I seen as much attention on the pain that consumers are feeling in the insurance market as I see now,' Heller told DailyMail.com. Climate change is driving an increased risk of property loss across the US (Pictured: Destruction left behind in the wake of Hurricane Ian in Florida in 2022) 'The reinsurance market has been unrelenting in its pricing over the past seven years,' Heller explained. 'It's an understatement to say that it trickles down into our policies. It's pouring down into our policies. 'Because in most states, much, if not all, of that reinsurance cost gets flowed right into the premiums consumers pay.' Because of climate change, he explained, the risk of loss has grown. Earlier this week Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency in five Florida counties after dangerous rainfall hammered the state. So insurance companies want more reinsurance to fill that growing exposure, but the market of reinsurance sellers is not growing in terms of the capital available. This creates a seller's market. 'So that just empowers those reinsurance companies to trot around the globe and find the highest price relative to the risk they're willing to take on,' Heller said. According to a report released this month by AM Best, the largest credit rating agency in the world specializing in the insurance industry, the reinsurance market globally had a 22.5 percent return on equity in 2023. The return on equity effectively measures profitability. 'This return on equity is dramatically higher than their average over the last six years which was around 8 percent,' Heller said. 'That's what happens when you have a seller's market. And it's not a battle of one set of corporations versus another set of corporations. 'It's a battle between corporations and consumers that's mediated through the insurance companies that sell us our policies - but it's paid for on the backs of homeowners and businesses who are struggling to afford coverage.' Zurich-based firm Swiss Re, for example, which is one of the largest reinsurance companies in the world, reported a net income of $552 million from property and casualty reinsurance alone in the first quarter of 2024. Bermuda-based insurance and reinsurance provider Everest Re, meanwhile, reported a net income of $733 million for the first quarter of this year. 'The reinsurance market has been unrelenting in its pricing over the past seven years,' Douglas Heller explained Some Americans are being forced to opt for limited policies that do not include fire or flood coverage. Others are having to fork out for a pricey policy with an insurer of last resort in their state - or are simply moving to a different state in the hope of finding cheaper deals. Others are choosing to abandon home insurance entirely, putting themselves at risk of significant losses. And most are seeing their premiums soar. Grim forecasts released earlier this year predicted that the typical annual home insurance premium for the US as a whole will rise to $2,522 by the end of 2024. This is up 6 percent on 2023, according to insurance comparison platform Insurify. But those in higher risk states face much more punishing prices. Homeowners in Florida already pay the highest premiums for coverage in the US, at an average of $10,996 a year in 2023. And according to Insurify's projections, this will increase a further 7 percent this year, hiking the typical premium in the state to a staggering $11,759. 'When you think of weather disasters and when you think of high insurance rates, you naturally think of the coast and you think of hurricanes in states like Florida,' said Christopher Schafer, home insurance editor at Insurify. 'But what we're also seeing now is that the reinsurance market is getting much more volatile in other parts of the country that you wouldn't expect - in places like the Midwest.' He explained that a lot of storms are not meeting the reinsurance threshold for insurers, and reinsurers have changed their policies. This means that insurance companies are being asked to take on additional losses. 'This is a bad situation all around. And reinsurers are using their leverage to make sure they get the best of a bad situation and to try to avoid catastrophic loss,' Schafer told DailyMail.com. The typical annual premium will rise to $2,522 by the end of 2024, according to predictions from insurance comparison platform Insurify The reinsurance market is becoming more volatile in parts of the country that you wouldn't expect, said Christopher Schafer, home insurance editor at Insurify Is anyone pushing back against these price rises? Earlier this year, California Congressman Adam Schiff introduced a bill that would create a federal reinsurance program to help stabilize the market and insulate consumers. 'There are some efforts at least to get the conversation going and hopefully get some reforms and legislation passed,' said Heller. 'I think this is not a moment to say "markets go up and down",' he added. 'This is a moment in which policymakers, regulators and industry has to take action, and that's going to require some changes in the way that this business works. 'People's lives are at stake. We require people to buy the product. And so there's a special obligation to make sure that prices are fair and that coverage is available.' He pointed out that while the government were quick to act and shared losses on terrorism insurance in the wake of 9/11, it has yet to step in during the current crisis. Consumers can also play their part to help minimize the pain, he said. The best thing that Americans can do is shop around for a better offer. The industry has relied for a long time on the fact that insurance is complicated. They know most of us don't switch, he said, and it could save you hundreds of dollars if you do. Be aware of what you're getting into with each policy he warned, because companies are selling policies that have lower quality coverage. 'We are seeing in places where it's harder to find insurance, like Florida for example, companies that are selling policies that are called surplus lines, or excess and surplus. But they're not regulated by the states,' he added. 'When homeowners are buying policies for the most significant asset they own, and they're in the surplus line policy, that's very, very risky.' Schafer, from Insurify, also encourages consumers to take steps which can improve their insurance rate. These include improving your credit score or repair or replacing damaged or outdated features in your home. Americans battling the crippling cost of living crisis are fleeing to the South to more affordable states where there are favorable tax rates. Tens and thousands of people are moving across the country to escape higher expenses which have put the squeeze on residents to areas with lower overall costs. Florida is the most popular state people are relocating to with 16,259 looking to make the move this year, according to data from ConsumerAffairs. While eight of the 10 states with the largest influx of new residents are in the south due to their cheaper cost of living and lower tax rates. California is the state with the most people moving out this year with 17,824 followed by New York with 5,997 and Washington with 5,004. Americans battling the crippling cost of living crisis are fleeing to the South to more affordable states where there are favorable tax rates California is the state with the most people moving out this year with 17,824 followed by New York with 5,997 and Washington with 5,004 Florida remains the most popular state to move to as it boasts a better quality of life, lower cost of living and has no income taxes. The Sunshine State does not tax earned income or investment income which attracts those looking for financial advantages. Texas is the second most popular relocation destination with 10,602 people looking to live there this year. Its thriving economy, strong job market, affordable cost of living and good weather makes it an attractive place to live. The state gained over nine million residents between 2000 and 2022, according to census data. More than 160 companies including Tesla, AT&T and Toyota have relocated to Texas in the last three years to make the most of a combination of unique competitive business advantages. It also has no state income tax and simplifies taxes for businesses which helps them increase profits. North Carolina is third on the list of states people are moving to this year with 7,970 people contemplating the move. The state's lower cost of living and housing is attractive to Americans priced out of other markets and it is one of the most affordable places in the country. It boasts a strong economy and has low tax rates which attracts both individuals and businesses. The state offers scenic views and easy access to the outdoors as well as a mild climate which provides enjoyable weather all year round. Wilmington in North Carolina had the highest amount of people moving in last year. Arizona and South Carolina also make up the top five states Americans are flocking to with 5,614 and 5,585 considering the move this year. Arizona has been increasing in popularity in recent years with more and more retirees moving to the state. Florida is the most popular state people are relocating to with 16,259 looking to make the move this year, according to data from ConsumerAffairs. Pictured: Downtown Tampa North Carolina is third on the list of states people are moving to this year with 7,970 people contemplating the move. Pictured: Wilmington which had the highest amount of people moving in last year Arizona has been increasing in popularity in recent years with more and more retirees moving to the state. Pictured: Downtown Phoenix The cost of living is lower than most areas with cheaper housing, utilities and taxes compared to nearby California. It has no estate or inheritance taxes which are popular policies among elderly Americans. An increasing number of people are moving to South Carolina to take advantage of its lower cost of living which is six percent lower than the national average. It has lower housing, transportation and healthcare costs compared to other states. South Carolina also boasts a comfortable climate and easy access to outdoor activities as it is close to the Atlantic ocean and blue ridge mountains. California is the state people are leaving the most as almost 18,000 residents signified their intention to leave this year. They are leaving the Golden State in droves, citing the high cost of living and poor quality of life as driving factors. People have also citied politics, safety concerns and traffic as their reasons for leaving the state. The mass exodus began in 2019 and California's state population only rose again for the first time last year by 0.17 percent. New York was second on the list of US states seeing the most residents leave with 5,997. Its population has been declining in recent years with over 100,000 people leaving between July 2022 and July 2023. The state has some of the highest costs of living in the country and many are priced out of housing. Residents are put off by New York's high taxes while others are choosing to leave due to crime, safety concerns and wanting a slower pace of life. Washington came in third as 5,000 people signaled their intention to leave the state this year. High cost of living, unaffordable housing and public safety are some of the reasons why people are fleeing. More than 250,000 people moved out of Washington state between 2021 and 2022, according to census data. California is the state people are leaving the most as almost 18,000 residents signified their intention to leave this year. Pictured: A deserted Manhattan Beach New York was second on the list of US states seeing the most residents leave with 5,997 More than 250,000 people moved out of Washington state between 2021 and 2022, according to census data. Pictured: Homeless camp in downtown Seattle Inconvenient traffic and miserable weather are other reasons why people are looking to move out. Colorado and Illinois rounded up the top five states which are seeing the most people move out this year. People in Colorado have stated that they are looking for more affordable housing, lower taxes and all round higher quality of life. They also pointed to the high cost of living as well as high levels of crime and homelessness as their reasons for leaving. While Illinois has seen a population decline for 10 consecutive years as people continue to move out in their droves. Residents have complained about taxes, housing and crime in the state while others mainly cited better job opportunities or retirement as their reason for leaving. Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty hit their new closing lifetime highs on Friday, following buying in market heavyweights HDFC Bank, Reliance Industries and Mahindra & Mahindra amid encouraging export data. However, foreign capital outflows amid lack of fresh triggers capped sharp gains, traders said. Rising for the third straight session, the 30-share BSE Sensex climbed 181.87 points or 0.24 per cent to settle at a new closing peak of 76,992.77. During the day, it jumped 270.4 points or 0.35 per cent to 77,081.30. The NSE Nifty rallied 66.70 points or 0.29 per cent to hit a record closing high of 23,465.60. Intra-day, it rose 91.5 points or 0.39 per cent to hit a fresh all-time high of 23,490.40. On a weekly basis, the BSE benchmark climbed 299.41 points or 0.39 per cent, while the Nifty advanced 175.45 points or 0.75 per cent. "There is a temporary blip in the market momentum, due to a lack of fresh triggers after the hawkish commentary from the US Fed, lowering the plausibility of a rate cut in the short-term. A near-term consolidation seems probable as domestic investors await cues from the upcoming union budget," said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Financial Services. Among the 30 Sensex companies, Mahindra & Mahindra, Titan, HDFC Bank, Reliance Industries, UltraTech Cement, Bajaj Finance, Axis Bank, Tata Motors and Asian Paints were the biggest gainers. On the other hand, Tech Mahindra, Tata Consultancy Services, Wipro, HCL Technologies, Larsen & Toubro and State Bank of India were among the major laggards. India's merchandise exports in May 2024 rose by 9 per cent to USD 38.13 billion, from USD 34.95 billion in the year-ago month, according to government data released on Friday. Imports also increased by 7.7 per cent to USD 61.91 billion from USD 57.48 billion in May 2023. In the broader market, the BSE midcap gauge jumped 1.18 per cent, and smallcap index climbed 1.03 per cent. Among indices, industrials jumped 1.68 per cent, capital goods (1.62 per cent), telecommunication (1.31 per cent), auto (1.26 per cent), consumer discretionary (1.15 per cent) and realty (0.94 per cent). In contrast, IT and teck were the laggards. "Asian stocks were mixed on Friday as Japanese shares rose after the Bank of Japan surprised markets by signalling no near-term changes to its bond-buying programme, while Chinese markets were the worst performers for the day, hit by new European Union tariffs against the country's major electric vehicle makers," Deepak Jasani, Head of Retail Research at HDFC Securities, said. As Netanyahu faces mounting pressure, his future leadership hangs in the balance amidst growing calls for a more humane approach to the conflict In politics, symbolism matters. In the biblical-civilisational land of Palestine or Haaretz Hamuvtakhat (Promised Land) which birthed Abrahamic faiths, symbolism is even more significant. Therefore, Israels most extreme-right Prime Minister ever i.e., Benjamin Netanyahu, upped the incendiary rhetoric by invoking the Amalek narrative to appeal to the basest of instincts. Netanyahu provoked, You must remember what Amalek has done to you, says our Holy Bible referencing the Biblical Amalekites who were seen as the archetypal enemies of the Jews. It was suggestive of not sparing any of the so-called modern Amaleks (read, Palestinians). Many were horrified at the attempt to seek justification in holy scriptures, to defend the indefensible. Similarly, many are deeply concerned at the import and usage of the Palestinian expression From the river to the sea as the same finds mention in the terror group Hamass charter, which is construed as the complete extermination of the Israeli State and the Jews. The polemics are deeply symbolic. Israel is today conducting a brazen and no-holds barred retaliation (already accounted for over 35,000 Palestinian deaths) that remains unheeding and unconcerned to global calls for restraint. In some ways, the horrific 7th Oct attack by the terror group Hamas was serendipitously timed for the already unpopular, dictatorial, and tainted Benjamin Netanyahu. Expectedly, after the attack the opposition parties put their differences aside and joined the National Unity Government to stand together in the face of national crisis. It also distracted the attention from Netanyahus misgovernance till then and offered a much-needed distraction. Netanyahu grabbed the opportunity of the wounded moment to launch an unprecedented revenge that has now got his initial allies like the USA to rethink. After many supportive vetoes in the Security Council, the US was forced to agree with motions that called out the disproportionality of Israeli revenge. Netanyahu cared two-hoots and persisted with his onslaught, as he gambled that it allowed him time and space to do even more fear mongering, othering, and manufactured-outrage that could somehow justify his continuation. Already, Israel (especially under Netanyahu) has regularly cocked a snook at the United Nations by becoming the most sanctioned nation in the world. It also cares little about international condemnation. But perhaps it has overplayed its trademark belligerence for now, as the reactions from countries that were once clearly pro-Israel (e.g., the USA) or cautiously guarded (e.g. Western European nations) are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain their stand, as the global outcry over Israeli excess becomes louder. While typically it wouldnt have mattered to Israel under Netanyahu but perhaps now it does, given that it could backfire on the public mood in Israel which in any case is tiring of the bloodshed and even more wary of Netanyahus ability to lead the nation, hereinafter. Three Western countries i.e., Spain, Ireland and Norway have announced that they will now recognise a Palestinian State (with borders that existed prior to the 1967 war, with Jerusalem as the joint capital). It is a wholly symbolic move that comes with the rider that they are willing to change the contours of the sovereign borders after the final negotiated settlement of the two-nation formula, something Netanyahu has opposed tooth-and -nail. It is an attempt to defame Netanyahus stand and propel the national mood towards ceasefire and rapprochement. Given that these three countries are Western and have ostensibly no axe to grind with Israel (unlike any of the Arab Sheikdoms or Iran) and hence their action is only rooted in genuine concern and morality. A country like Norway, is in any case the beacon of ethics and humanity, in the global comity of nations hence that bears its own significance with such an action. It could therefore impact and galvanise public opinion within Israel to put internal pressure on Netanyahu. Such a development, if it were to accrue, is possibly Netanyahus worst nightmare come true. His survival and legitimacy are predicated on the still popular notions of extracting justifiable revenge, and the sudden siding of Western powers (once pro-Israel) towards his nemesis i.e., Palestine, deligitimises those notions. Even its staunchest ally, the United States of America, is facing consequences of affording an initial blank cheque onto Israel with rising protests across its campuses, something Joe Biden can ill-afford in the election year. Americans have now become mealy-mouthed and wishy-washy in their support towards Netanyahu and have started talking about ceasefire, reiterating the two-state formula as the way forward and talking about direct dialogue with the Palestinians. Whereas the United Kingdom, Malta, Australia, and Slovenia have gone one step further and threatened to follow suit with Norway, Spain, and Ireland in recognising the Palestine State. While all of this is still in the realm of symbolism without any concrete interference in the expanding Israeli footprint and flattening of the Gaza Strip it will be significant in checkmating Netanyahus amoral politics and untenable approach in Gaza Strip. Even Netanyahus instinctive reaction that such moves by one-time allies tantamount to rewarding Hamas will not have too many takers as truly neutral countries like Norway are not known to take sides in conflict one way or the other, or even to derecognize Israel, but only to drive peace with the insistence of the two-nation formula of Oslo Agreement and peace, as the only way forward. (The writer, a military veteran, is a former Lt Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Puducherry. The views expressed are personal) Women in Bihar thrive through mushroom cultivation, achieving financial independence and contributing significantly to local economies Mushrooms are rapidly gaining recognition and popularity in the culinary world for their unique taste and versatility. Dishes such as mushroom curries, pudding, pickles and snacks are becoming favourites on many peoples palates. Along with this growing culinary trend, mushroom farming is expanding swiftly across various States in India, including Bihar. According to National Horticulture Board data, Bihar produced approximately 28,000 metric tonnes of mushrooms in 202122, accounting for 10.82 per cent of the total mushroom production in India. In the previous year, the State produced a total of 23,000 metric tonnes of mushrooms. The Bihar Government is providing up to a 50 per cent subsidy to farmers engaged in mushroom cultivation, which is boosting production and increasing farmers incomes. Under the Integrated Horticulture Mission scheme, these subsidies have also raised farmers morale, leading to a surge of women farmers entering the field. In many districts of Bihar, women have established a distinct identity in mushroom production, often surpassing their male counterparts. For the past ten years, Manorama Singh, a farmer, has been recognised for her mushroom production not only in the Vaishali district but across the State. She cultivates mushrooms herself and also trains nearby farmers in mushroom farming. Manorama prepares mushroom seeds and makes the necessary compost. Mushroom farming has emerged as a powerful catalyst for financial independence among many women. Neelam Devi, a 34-year-old farmer from Bandra block in Muzaffarpur district, was married off at a very young age due to her familys poor financial condition. She always aspired to be self-reliant. One day, she learned about a mushroom farming training programme offered by an NGO called Atma. She joined the programme, received training and began cultivating mushrooms in a room of her house. Despite facing disapproval and opposition from her in-laws, Neelam remained steadfast and determined to pursue her goal. Gradually, she began to achieve success and earn significant profits from mushroom production. Today, she has become so proficient in this field that she is teaching 200 women how to cultivate mushrooms, supporting them in their journey to become self-reliant. For her commendable work, Neelam has been honoured as a successful farmer by Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa. Her reputation as a mushroom trainer and producer has spread far and wide. Those who once opposed her, including her in-laws, now take pride in her determination and passion. Like Neelam, dozens of women farmers in Muzaffarpur are creating a new identity through mushroom farming and earning substantial profits annually. 45-year-old farmer Lal Bahadur from Kothiya village in Kanti block, about 17 km from the Muzaffarpur district headquarters, believes that both women and men find mushroom cultivation beneficial because it is easy to grow. It can be cultivated easily at home, with low costs and high profits. The mushroom crop is ready in just 25 days. He shared that initially, he too lacked knowledge about mushroom farming. Then, in 2012, he met Dr. Daya Ram, a professor at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa. After training with him in mushroom farming, Lal Bahadur began raising awareness about mushroom cultivation among farmers in the surrounding villages. He explained that initially, due to a lack of proper information, people did not support him. They believed that mushrooms were wild plants, known in the village as gobar chhata, some of which are highly poisonous. After much explanation, people began to understand the difference between edible mushrooms and gobar chhata. Once this distinction was clear, the villagers started mushroom farming with him and women actively participated. Lakshmi Devi, another farmer from the same village, shared how Lal Bahadurs understanding of mushroom farming opened a new avenue for them in farming. Before we knew about mushroom farming, we would go to the city for labour work, but even then, it was difficult to make ends meet. Since we started mushroom cultivation, our household situation has improved. In recent years, the demand for mushrooms has increased significantly across various districts in Bihar. From hotels and restaurants to wedding functions and feasts, mushroom dishes are becoming a status symbol. Beyond the capital city of Patna, mushrooms are now easily available in the vegetable markets along the roadsides in cities like Hajipur, Samastipur and Muzaffarpur. As the mushroom market continues to grow, so does its demand. This increasing demand has opened new doors for farmers, allowing them to benefit from this trend. Not only are they gaining financially, but these women farmers are also contributing to strengthening Bihars economy. (The author is a rural writer from Muzaffarpur, Bihar. Charkha Features; views are personal) By fostering mutual support, effective communication, and shared goals, couples can build a resilient bond that withstands the test of time Fairytales and romantic comedies have long shaped our dreams of love, painting idyllic pictures of happily ever after. However, reality tells a different story. Long-term relationships in the real world are far messier and more dynamic than their cinematic counterparts. It is essential to understand that the happily ever after narrative may not be practically achievable. Instead, we must delve into a more nuanced perspective on what constitutes success and fulfillment in lasting partnerships. As we reimagine and reinvent the path to success in long-term relationships, we must remember that unrealistic expectations and ideals can only lead to disillusionment. Facing real-life challenges, including conflict, growth, and change, is an inevitable part of any enduring partnership. In this rapidly changing world, it is prudent to navigate these complexities, offering a more realistic and ultimately more satisfying vision of long-term relationship success. Healthy relationships are dynamic ecosystems, not static stalemates. They thrive on creating an environment where personal exploration and growth enhance the partnerships foundation. In such relationships, partners continuously evolve as individuals, with their passions, priorities, and goals shifting over time. Strong, lasting relationships develop on the foundation of good communication, creating a safe space for vulnerability where feelings, needs, and desires can be openly expressed. This openness enhances trust and emotional intimacy, leading to a deeper bond between partners. Acceptance is also crucial for lasting fulfillment. People, like relationships, are a beautiful mosaic of strengths and quirks. While individual growth is important, strong relationships benefit from a shared compass. Whether it's a passion for travel or a dream of building a family together, having common core values provides a sense of purpose and unity. It is also vital to develop skills for healthy conflict resolution, as disagreements are inevitable in a long-term relationship. Maintaining the spark in a deeply satisfying relationship involves creating space for individual pursuits outside of the partnership. This fosters a sense of self and helps in developing a personal identity, which can reignite the spark and reduce co-dependency. For long-term fulfillment, intimacy must go beyond the intense passion of the initial stages. Prioritizing quality time, focusing on physical affection, and creating shared experiences play essential roles in nurturing intimacy. Social media can put intense pressure on couples to maintain a Perfect Couple image, but real life cannot be perfect 365 days a year. The ability to weather storms together as a team is what demonstrates the strength of love. Prioritizing self-love is the foundation for a fulfilling relationship, as partners content with themselves can contribute positively to the partnership. If couples encounter endless challenges, seeking professional support from a counselor can be invaluable. A successful long-term relationship is not about achieving an unattainable state of bliss but about embracing the journey with its inevitable twists and turns. By focusing on communication, shared goals, and individual interests, partners can build a connection that evolves and deepens over time. The happily ever after may not be a permanent destination, but the journey of building a satisfying partnership can definitely be a deeply enriching experience. The essence of a successful long-term relationship lies in embracing the journey with all its complexities and imperfections. By appreciating each other's unique qualities and navigating conflicts with grace, couples can build a resilient and dynamic partnership. Real love is all about supporting each other through life's challenges and celebrating the moments of joy. (Author is Dubai-based award-winning Poet, Novelist, Writing Retreat Curator and Founder of TheWriteScene.com. Views expressed are personal) Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi on Saturday after concluding his day-long visit to Italy. In a social media post, the Prime Minister described the visit as productive and said, it was an important G7 Summit, where he presented Indias perspective at the world stage. He highlighted that the discussions were held with world leaders on various subjects. He further expressed a shared commitment to create impactful solutions that benefit the global community and create a better world for future generations. Ministry of External Affairs(MEA)said, this visit saw fruitful dialogues on key global issues under the G7 platform and the deepening of Indias partnership with countries participating in the Summit. During his visit, the Prime Minister attended the G7 summit and held bilaterals with several world leaders including his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni, United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Modi also met US President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Addressing the Outreach Session at the G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy on Friday, Modi elaborated on Indias energy transition pathway noting that its approach was based on availability, accessibility, affordability and acceptability. He mentioned that India was working towards achieving the target of NET ZERO by 2070. Talking of Indias AI Mission premised on AI for All, Prime Minister emphasised that this technology should be aimed at fostering progress and well-being of all. He underlined that India was fostering international collaboration as a founding member of Global Partnership for AI. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni reviewed the progress of the bilateral strategic partnership and agreed to strengthen cooperation in global fora and multilateral initiatives, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. The two leaders met late Friday towards the end of Prime Minister Modis day-long visit to Apulia, southern Italy, during which he thanked the Italian Prime Minister for the invitation to attend the G7 Summit. A MEA readout of the meeting said the leaders committed to fulfil their shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific and also discussed the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Both leaders look forward to joint activities to be implemented under the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative framework to fulfil their shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, the Ministry of External Affairs said, amidst Chinas aggressive actions in the region. They also discussed important regional and global issues and agreed to strengthen cooperation in global fora and multilateral initiatives, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, it said. Billed as a path-breaking initiative, the IMEC envisages a vast road, railroad and shipping network among Saudi Arabia, India, the United States and Europe to ensure integration among Asia, the Middle East and the West. The IMEC is also seen as an initiative by like-minded nations to gain strategic influence in the face of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which has faced increasing criticism over lack of transparency and disregard for sovereignty of the nations. The BRI is a mega connectivity project that connects China with Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Russia and Europe. The IMEC initiative was firmed up on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Delhi last year. The two leaders noted with satisfaction the regular higher political dialogue and reviewed the progress of the India-Italy Strategic Partnership. While expressing happiness at growing trade and economic collaboration, they called for expanding commercial ties in clean energy, manufacturing, Space, S&T (science and tech), telecom, AI and critical minerals to build resilient supply chains. In this context, they welcomed the recent signing of a MoU on Industrial Property Rights (IPR) which provides a framework for cooperation on patents, designs and trademarks, it said. The MEA said the two sides discussed bilateral defence and security cooperation and hoped to further enhance the defence-industrial collaboration. The leaders welcomed the forthcoming visit of the Italian aircraft carrier ITS Cavour and training ship ITS Vespucci to India later this year. Prime Minister Modi is said to have thanked the Italian government for recognising the Indian Armys contribution to the Italian campaign during World War II and informed that India will be upgrading the Yashwant Ghadge Memorial at Montone in Italy. The MEA statement added: Taking note of the coordination under the Global Biofuels Alliance, the leaders welcomed the signing of the Letter of Intent for Cooperation in Energy Transition which will boost bilateral cooperation in clean and green energy. They expressed happiness at the new Executive Programme of Cooperation for 2025-27 to promote joint research and development in Science & Technology. Earlier on Friday, Meloni welcomed the Prime Minister along with leaders of Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, India, Jordan, Kenya, Mauritania, Tunisia, Turkiye, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to address the Outreach session on Artificial Intelligence, Energy, Africa and the Mediterranean, along with Pope Francis. The G7 Summit to be concluded on Saturday was hosted under the presidency of Italy and attended by the Group of Seven Industrialised nations - the US, UK, Japan, Canada, Germany and France, and the European Union. Strong ties between India and Japan are important for a peaceful, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said as he met his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida on the sidelines of the G7 summit where the two leaders expressed a wish to advance bilateral ties across various sectors. The Prime Minister, who was on a day-long visit to Apulia, southern Italy on Friday to address the Outreach session on day two of the three-day G7 Summit, met Kishida after addressing the multilateral gathering on the topic of Artificial Intelligence, Energy, Africa and the Mediterranean. Strong ties between India and Japan are important for a peaceful, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific, Modi said in a social media statement following his talks with Kishida. His comments came amidst Chinas aggressive behaviour in the region as well as its efforts to expand its influence. Our nations look forward to working together in defence, technology, semiconductors, clean energy and digital technology. We also wish to advance ties in infrastructure and cultural linkages, he said. In a readout of the meeting, MEA said the Prime Minister thanked the Japanese counterpart for his congratulatory wishes on his re-election and affirmed that bilateral ties will continue to receive priority in his third term. The two leaders noted that the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership is in its 10th year and expressed satisfaction at the progress made in the relationship. They discussed ways to deepen cooperation further, adding new and emerging areas, and strengthening B2B and P2P cooperation, reads the MEA statement. India and Japan are collaborating on several important areas including the landmark Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project that will usher in the next stage in mobility in India, the targeted 5 trillion yen worth of Japanese investment in India in 2022-2027 period, and India-Japan Industrial Competitiveness Partnership aimed at transformation of our manufacturing cooperation. The meeting between the two Prime Ministers provided an opportunity to review some of these ongoing works of cooperation, it noted. The two leaders concluded their talks by stating that they looked forward to continuing their discussion at the next India-Japan annual summit. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday here reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of several terror incidents in the region recently and also took stock of the preparations for the annual Amarnath Yatra scheduled to commence from June 29 and will continue till August 19. The Home Minister was given a comprehensive briefing on the prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir where security forces are expected to intensify counter-terror operations in the coming days, it was learnt. The operations against the terrorists will be carried out in line with the Prime Ministers directive, sources said. Shah presided over the high-level meeting here at North Block, three days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a similar meeting where he directed officials to deploy the full spectrum of counter-terror capabilities after a spate of terror incidents, including an attack on a bus carrying pilgrims. Earlier at a meeting on Friday last, Shah was briefed about the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the deployment of forces along the International Border and Line of Control (LOC), infiltration attempts, the status of ongoing anti-terror operations. National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha, Army Chief General Manoj Pande, Army Chief-designate Lt General Upendra Dwivedi, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, Director of Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka, Director General of CRPF Anish Dayal Singh, DG of BSF Nitin Agarwal, Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police R R Swain and other top security officials attended the meeting. Terrorists struck at four places in Reasi, Kathua and Doda districts of Jammu and Kashmir within four days last week, killing nine pilgrims and a CRPF jawan and leaving seven security personnel and several others injured. Two suspected Pakistani terrorists were also killed in an encounter with security forces in Kathua district. On June 9, terrorists opened fire on a 53-seater bus carrying pilgrims when it was en route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra from the Shiv Khori temple. The bus, ferrying pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Delhi, plunged into a deep gorge following the gunfire, killing nine people and injuring 41 others. On June 11, terrorists fired at a joint check post of the Rashtriya Rifles and police at Chattergalla in Bhaderwah while a search party in the Gandoh area of Doda district was attacked on June 12, resulting in injuries to seven security personnel, including a policeman. On June 13, Modi spoke to the Home Minister and discussed the deployment of security forces and counter-terror operations. The Prime Minister also spoke to the Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor as well and took stock of the situation in the Union Territory. Sinha briefed him on the efforts being undertaken by the local administration. In the meeting, the Prime Minister was given a full overview of the security-related situation in the region and was apprised of the counter-terror efforts being undertaken. The attacks took place ahead of the annual pilgrimage to the shrine of Amarnath, located at a height of 3,880 metres in the south Kashmir Himalayas, which will begin on June 29 and will continue till August 19. The Amarnath pilgrims travel through two routes -- Baltal and Pahalgam -- in Jammu and Kashmir. Last year, over 4.28 lakh people visited the shrine and the figure could go up to five lakh this time. All pilgrims are expected to be given RFID cards so that their real-time location can be traced and everyone will be given Rs 5 lakh insurance cover. There will also be an insurance cover of Rs 50,000 for each animal carrying the pilgrims. Shah has been stressing on providing smooth arrangements on the route from the airport and railway station to the pilgrimage base camp and proper security of all pilgrims, sources said. In what could be the first sign of political uneasiness in the just formed Narendra Modi-led NDA Government, its partner JD(U)s Nitish Kumar-led Bihar Government has come down cracking by registering an FIR in the infamous NEET entrance paper leak though the Centre has been defending from day one and termed all the controversy an allegation a conspiracy by the Opposition to malign the Centre. A regular massive protests from the across the country, including Bihar which sees a large number of aspirants, is being reported on a daily basis ever since the expose giving the Opposition-led by the Congress an opportunity to attacking the Dharmendra Pradhan-led Education Ministry. After the things were getting murkier, Pradhan addressed the NEET controversy once again on Sunday reiterating the Governments commitment to accountability and fairness. He emphasised that strict actions will be taken against any officials found guilty of malpractice. On the recommendations of the Supreme Court, a re-test has been ordered for 1,563 candidates. Irregularities have been found in two places. The Government is taking this issue seriously. If any high-ranking officials of the NTA are found guilty, they will face strict consequences. Significant improvements are needed in the NTA. We are committed to ensuring that no wrongdoer escapes punishment, Pradhan said. The Centre and the NTA have told the Supreme Court they had cancelled the grace marks given to 1,563 candidates who took the examination for admission to MBBS and other such courses. They will have the option to either take a re-test or forgo the compensatory marks awarded to them for loss of time, the Centre has said. The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of Bihar, which is probing allegations that the paper of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) was leaked ahead of the exams held on May 5, has said they found evidence that suggests that some students knew the questions before they appeared for the examination. EOU said 13 people, including four students, have been arrested for their suspected involvement in the alleged leak and some have also been accused of receiving the question papers ahead of the test. According to Additional Director General of Police, EOU, NH Khan, during the probe they had asked a set of questions to the National Testing Agency (NTA), which organises the NEET exam, and while they might have some follow-ups to their questions, their investigation is very much suggestive of a paper leak. EOU Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Manavjeet Singh Dhillon said they recovered a list of the 13 people from a safe house located on the outskirts of Patna. Sources said around 30 medical aspirants had reportedly been summoned by people they described as the exam mafia to receive questions and answers ahead of the exam. Dhillon claimed that four arrested candidates had confessed during interrogation that the questions were identical to those they had received at the safe house on May 4. The NEET exam was held on May 5 in 4,750 centres across India and around 2,400,000 candidates took it. The results were expected to be declared on June 14 but were announced 10 days earlier since the evaluation of the answer sheets was completed earlier. The results sparked outrage and protests amid alleged irregularities after as many as 67 students scored a perfect 720. Since then students across India are demanding a re-examination. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said on Sunday said NEET, masquerading as a measure of merit, is a scam and the Centre must stop defending the national test as it went against the interests of students and it is also against social justice and poor. Congress on Sunday said there are serious questions on the integrity of NTA and the manner in which NEET is designed and administered. The opposition party hoped that when the new Standing Committees of Parliament gets constituted, it would take up an in-depth review of the NEET, NTA and NCERT. Congress has also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modis silence on the matter and asserted that only a Supreme Court-monitored forensic probe could safeguard the future of lakhs of young students. Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj too raised concern over irregularities in the NEET-UG examination and appealed to the public to come in support of the students demanding re-examination. The worlds highest steel arch rail bridge which is 1.315 metres long and 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris, over river Chenab in the Reasi district of Jammu division, is all set to bring Kashmir Valley one more step closer to the rest of the country with the commissioning of the 46-km long Sangaldan-Reasi section by the end of this month. Sources said in his first visit to the valley after taking over as Prime Minister for third consecutive time, Narendar Modi will also travel first when this is thrown open for the nation later this month. The Commissioner of Railways Safety (CRS) DC Deshwal is scheduled to visit the rail section for an on-the-spot inspection of the 46-km long railway track between Sangaldan-Reasi before giving its nod to extend the footprints of the rail network up to Reasi. Chief Public Relations Officer, Northern Railway, Deepak Kumar said the commissioning of this section depends on the CRSs inspection of this vital section of the ambitious Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail link (USBRL) on June 27 and 28. The works of Sangaldan to Reasi will be completed before the scheduled inspection of CRS, he said. The USBRL project, including the 48.1 km long Banihal-Sangaldan section, was inaugurated by Modi on February 20, 2024. With the commissioning of the 46 km Sangaldan-Reasi section, the work on a 17-km stretch between Reasi and Katra only remains pending which is likely to be completed by the years end to connect Kashmir with the rest of the country by train. Out of the total 272 km USBRL project, 209 km was commissioned in phases with the first phase of the 118 km Qazigund-Baramulla section commissioned in October 2009 followed by 18 km Banihal-Qazigund in June 2013, 25-km Udhampur-Katra in July 2014 and 48.1- km long Banihal-Sangaldan stretch in February, this year. Official sources said the flagging of the first train between Sangaldan-Reasi is scheduled on June 30, connecting the Reasi district in Jammu to Kashmir via railway line. The General Manager of Northern Railway Shobhan Chaudhuri had earlier inspected the Chenab Bridge up to Sangaldan station via Motor Trolley, assessing the track, Electrical and Mechanical system and signal telecom works in the Bakkal-Duggar-Sawalkote-Sangaldan section last month. Deputy Commissioner, Reasi Vishesh Paul Mahajan, who recently inspected the railway line, said the people of the district are eagerly waiting to listen to the trains siren and its chugging on the trek. Mahajan said when the train crosses the Chenab bridge, anytime soon it will be a proud moment for the country that our engineers have gifted the highest railway bridge to the world. This railway project is full of engineering marvels as most of the 111-km section between Katra and Banihal passes through tunnels and bridges. We have Indias first cable-stayed rail bridge (Anji Khad) also here, he said, saluting the railway for inching closer to completing the dream project. Back as Union Health Minister, Nadda has his task cut out for him: Climate-induced health threats, restoring NEET credibility, achieving Universal Health Coverage with reduced Out-of-Pocket Expenses for the poor, and harnessing tech to extend healthcare access to remote areas among others, experts tell ARCHANA JYOTI Cancer, and blood disorder patients need a healing touch By Dr Nita Radhakrishnan Associate Professor and HOD of pediatric haematology-oncology at Child PGI, Noida, UP All cancer patients and all aplastic anemia patients should be eligible for PMJAY scheme Patients with thalassemia should have access to NAT-tested safe blood Patients with hemophilia should have access to long-acting factors and non-factor replacement treatment that offers the advantage of prevention of bleeds Bone marrow transplantation (Allogeneic) should be covered under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. Weight-based packages should be made available under the Ayushman Bharat scheme for cancers and blood diseases Enhanced access and quality healthcare a key By Padmashiri Awardee Dr Mahipal S Sachdev, Chairman and Medical Director, Centre for Sight Group of Hospitals Strengthen Primary Healthcare: Expand and utilize Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) for comprehensive primary care, early disease detection, and preventive healthcare. Enhance Healthcare Access and Affordability: Refine the Ayushmanarat scheme for broader coverage and address service delivery gaps to maximize impact. Improve Immunization Coverage: Continue Mission Indradhanush to maintain high immunization rates, especially in low-coverage regions, and include new vaccines. Boost Eye Care Services:: Strengthen the National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB) to improve screening, treatment, and outreach in rural areas. Promote Public Health and Sanitation: Expand Swachh Bharat Abhiyan to enhance sanitation and hygiene. Address NCDs: Develop strategies to manage diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases, promoting healthy lifestyles and accessible treatments. Enhance Mental Health Services: Integrate mental health into primary healthcare, ensuring accessible and affordable mental health care for all. Ensure Health Workforce Development: Invest in training and capacity building for healthcare professionals, strengthening medical education and continuous professional development. Foster Innovation and Research: Support healthcare innovation through research and development, leveraging technology to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes. Expand Public-Private Partnerships: Utilize under-utilized private healthcare capacity through schemes like Ayushman Bharat, especially in underserved areas. Improve Government Healthcare Facilities: Focus on enhancing existing government healthcare infrastructure and service provision. Rationalize Service Charges: Streamline reimbursement processes for private hospitals under schemes like CGHS, ensuring good quality care for beneficiaries. Simplify Compliance Processes: Simplify statutory compliance for hospitals, particularly for smaller setups, and develop frameworks recognizing daycare and short-stay treatment services. Restore NEET Credibility: Ensure the credibility of NEET to maintain trust in the medical college entrance process and the quality of medical education. Prioritise prevention, support for cancer survivors, strengthen healthcare infrastructure By DS Negi, Chief Executive Officer, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre (RGCIRC), Delhi *Only 1% of female cancer patients in India undergo cervical cancer screening, highlighting a significant gap in preventive healthcare. Comprehensive nationwide screening initiatives are necessary to raise awareness and accessibility. Hence, educating women about the importance of regular screenings and ensuring healthcare facilities is the need of the hour. *Early Diagnosis and Treatment Advancements: Early diagnosis has led to an increase in cancer survivors. Emphasizing "prevention is better than cure" is crucial, advocating for regular health check-ups and awareness of available screening tests to detect cancers early when treatment outcomes are better. *Support Systems for Cancer Survivors: There's a need for comprehensive support systems post-treatment. This includes access to quality healthcare services such as rehabilitation, mental health support, and survivorship programs. Enhancing the overall well-being and quality of life for cancer survivors requires sustained government support and healthcare infrastructure. *Healthcare Coverage under Ayushman Bharat: Extending coverage to everyone above 70 years and potentially increasing coverage limits for critical illnesses like cancer is required. The current Rs. 5 lakh coverage is not adequate for extensive cancer treatments, which can cost significantly more. This adjustment would alleviate financial burdens on patients and their families during critical healthcare episodes. *Expansion of Healthcare Infrastructure: The healthcare sector needs substantial government support to expand primary healthcare facilities, incentivize private sector participation, and increase the availability of healthcare professionals. This includes policies to boost healthcare expenditure to 2.5% of GDP, aligning with global healthcare standards and enhancing overall healthcare access and quality Surging AMR demands urgent action By Dr Sangeeta Sharma, Professor & Head, Neuropsychopharmacology, IHBAS & President, DSPRUD, Delhi. The silent pandemic of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an urgent health priority, posing a significant threat to public health, food security, the environment, and the global economy. AMR arises from the excessive and irresponsible use of antibiotics, compounded by poor sanitation, inadequate diagnostics, and lack of regulation on over-the-counter antimicrobial availability. The National Action Plan to Combat AMR (NAPAMR), initiated in 2017, is currently under revision, with NAPAMR 2.0 in progress. The updated plan emphasizes a 'One Health' approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health to provide a comprehensive response. However, effective implementation demands robust efforts at both state and healthcare facility levels. Despite only five states having developed their State Action Plans (SAPs), there is an urgent need for nationwide enforcement. NAPAMR 2.0 must address the gaps identified in the initial plan, incorporating a triple shield strategy focused on Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), Diagnostic Stewardship (DS), and Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS). IPC aims to reduce the spread of infections through stringent hygiene protocols, while DS ensures accurate and timely diagnosis to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use. AMS promotes the responsible use of antibiotics, reducing the development of resistance and ensuring the effectiveness of treatments. As heatwaves sweep through a large number of pockets in India, the urgency of addressing AMR becomes even more pronounced. High temperatures can exacerbate health conditions, including those linked to AMR, highlighting the need for robust, climate-resilient healthcare strategies.To mitigate the impact of AMR, it is crucial to enhance policy frameworks, strengthen healthcare infrastructure, and promote education and awareness. Immediate and coordinated action is essential to combat this silent pandemic, safeguarding the health and ensuring the sustainability of our antimicrobial resources for future generations. Integrate Oral health into National Health Policy By Dr Mahesh Verma, Padmashri Awardee, Vice-Chancellor, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), Delhi Oral health has been significantly overlooked in India's National Health Policy (2017) and the Ayushmaan Bharat scheme, which currently only covers severe inpatient dental cases. This omission neglects a crucial component of overall health, as highlighted by the WHO in 2022, urging all countries to integrate oral health into their health policies. Oral diseases are more prevalent than mental disorders, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancers combined. These cost approximately USD 710 billion annually in treatment and productivity losses. Poor oral health also increases risks for NCDs Hence, incorporate comprehensive oral health care Policy in the National Health Policy, making it an essential part of health services and Ayushmaan Bharat scheme to cover preventive and routine dental care. Because dental care is not covered under Ayushmaan Bharat, people avoid going to doctors until they become life-threatening. Integrate oral health into the government's 100-day programme, with clear, actionable steps. Invest funds in collaborative upstream discovery By Dr Kavita Singh, Director, Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, South Asia The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical role of drug development. Many drugs were quickly developed globally but were not readily available to developing countries, including India. This underscores the necessity of investing in our drug development capabilities to prepare for future viral pandemics. Drugs are the first line of treatment for saving lives before vaccines can be widely administered. A crucial aspect of preparedness includes supporting upstream R&D, such as discovery research to identify promising novel antivirals. This is vital for building a pipeline for future viral pandemics. There is an urgent need to invest sustained funds into collaborative upstream discovery through our existing academia, research institutes, and their partners. This allows pooling of shared resources, experience, and expertise, accelerating innovation in drug development. Policies encouraging innovative pooled financing mechanisms, engagement with multilateral development banks, funds under CSR, and contributions from the pharma/biotech industries are important for this risky venture. To effectively mentor drug discovery groups, a call from the government encouraging experts to contribute would significantly enhance our capabilities and ensure the success of these initiatives. Finally, prioritizing R&D through collaborative efforts is needed. Volunteer docs for better healthcare By Dr Rahul Bhargava Principal Director & Chief of BMT, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram Anemia is a significant public health challenge in India. Hence we would suggest the new Minister to announce a National Anemia Day. This will ensure that all efforts are concentrated on eradicating anemia and improving public health outcomes across India. Also, addressing thalassemia effectively requires making it a notifiable disease so that by raising awareness, identifying hotspots, and promoting early detection and prevention, we can significantly reduce the prevalence of thalassemia in India. Our goal is to ensure that by 2030, India moves towards being free of thalassemia, improving the quality of life for future generations. At least one BMT Centre should be set up in the government hospital in each state. Here I would also suggest the new Minister to consider inviting volunteer doctors from the private sector for government healthcare projects which can have numerous benefits. Many rural and underserved areas in India lack access to specialist care. Volunteer doctors can fill this gap by providing essential medical services, including surgeries, consultations, and diagnostic care, which may otherwise be unavailable. Experienced volunteer doctors can train and mentor local healthcare staff, enhancing their skills and knowledge. This can lead to long-term improvements in healthcare quality and patient outcomes Enhance med edu, access, and ethics By Dr DS Rana Nephrologist, Chairman-Sir Ganga Ram Trust Society, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi Medical education standards and the quality of doctors must be prioritized. Among these, it's crucial to emphasize the significance of medical educators finding their profession attractive and fulfilling. However, when selecting individuals for teaching positions, there should be no compromises. Only the most competent and dedicated educators should be chosen, as the quality of teachers directly influences the caliber of students they produce. *Doctors from both private and public sectors should provide medical assistance in rural areas. This can enhance healthcare access and quality, ensuring that comprehensive medical expertise reaches underserved communities, including quick emergency response and ambulance availability, is crucial, even in rural areas. *The medical framework operates on an undeniable foundation. Despite the perception that all patients seeking medical care are being taken advantage of, only 5 percent encounter such exploitation. Whereas, The majority of doctors strive to save and improve patient health Advanced healthcare tech enhances access, efficiency By Mylswamy Annadurai, Former Director of ISRO also known as Moon Man of India Healthcare advancements developed for space missions have significantly influenced the medical field on Earth, particularly in enhancing accessibility, efficiency, and quality of care. Space-derived technologies, including robotic surgery and artificial intelligence, have helped transform healthcare, in remote and underserved areas in India, where access to specialized healthcare is limited. By bridging the gap between rural areas and urban medical facilities, these tech ensure that patients in distant locations receive timely and expert care from specialists located in metropolitan cities. Further, AI has a huge role in enhancing medical diagnostics and procedures. As AI can assist in real-time image analysis, anomaly detection, and decision support during surgery, integrating AI with medical expertise can lead to more accurate and timely interventions, even in the most remote parts of the country. Also, India's reliance on imported medical equipment poses challenges, including higher costs and supply chain vulnerabilities. To address this, there is a need for closer collaboration between Indian medical practitioners and technologists to develop cost-effective, indigenous medical solutions. By focusing on research and development within the country, India can produce affordable and innovative medical equipment tailored to its specific needs, reducing dependence on imports. Challenges in med education, healthcare, and emergencies By Dr Ajay Swaroop, ENT, Chairman- Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi There seems to be concern and legal challenges around a significant medical exam that young doctors must take. This is causing distress among students and parents alike. Resolving this issue promptly is crucial to alleviate anxiety and ensure fairness in the medical education system. There is an overwhelming presence of the private sector in healthcare (accounting for over 75%). Hence there is a need for stronger collaboration between the government and private entities. This partnership could improve healthcare access and quality, especially in underserved areas. There's criticism that the government healthcare infrastructure is not up to the mark, leading to the dominance of private healthcare providers. Auditing government expenditures on healthcare to set fair pricing benchmarks for the private sector, could promote transparency and affordability. It is time that we are prepared for Covid-19 like health emergencies. This includes adequate infrastructure (such as oxygen supply and hospital beds) and healthcare personnel to handle crises effectively. Issues such as overcrowding and communication gaps between doctors and patients in government hospitals and private hospitals need to be addressed to curb growing violence among patients/medicos. There should be high-level committees or experts to propose policies to ensure equitable healthcare delivery Restore the credibility of NEET, act against the culprits By Dr Rohan Krishnan Orthopedic Surgeon, MAMC, Delhi and Co-founder, Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) The piousness and transparency of the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) examination, a critical gateway for medical aspirants in India, has come under the shadow. It is facing numerous issues, including allegations of paper leaks and irregularities in results with so many toppers announced. This has led to a loss of trust among students and stakeholders. We want confidence in the examination process is restored, fairness, and accountability of those responsible for the mishandling of the examination. One important thing is that there should be an unbiased committee that examines where the fault has occurred. NTA should be held responsible for the catastrophe it has caused in the NEET UG exams. Their clarification in each aspect is not doing justice to the dreams of 24 lakh aspirants. Either they have yet not discovered their error which is sad, or they are trying to hide something sad and pathetic. It is high time that DG of NTA resigned and took moral responsibility for the mayhem and chaos. We are talking about 1500 students who will be given the chance to re-appear in the examinations, but not all those students who want to take re-exam and who believe that there has been some fault. We can give a chance to everyone who wants to re-appear and the best of the two marks will be considered for merit. Jamshedpur: In a significant stride towards the development of Rajnagar block, Chief Minister Champai Soren inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for a multitude of public welfare schemes and distributed assets to beneficiaries in a grand ceremony held at Matkambeda village. This event underscored the state government's commitment to infrastructure development, agricultural enhancement, and the overall socio-economic upliftment of the region. Chief Minister Soren laid the foundation stone for 160 new schemes amounting to approximately Rs 16709.805 lakh. These projects are expected to enhance various aspects of public infrastructure and services, ranging from road construction to water supply systems. Additionally, 22 schemes worth Rs 7000.759 lakh were inaugurated, signifying the completion of crucial development projects aimed at improving the living standards in Rajnagar. In a generous move to directly benefit the people, the Chief Minister distributed assets worth Rs 54 crore 42 lakh 46 thousand 498 rupees among the beneficiaries. These assets, encompassing financial aid, agricultural tools, housing materials, and more, are intended to support the livelihoods of the local population and promote economic stability. During his address, Chief Minister Soren reaffirmed the government's dedication to transforming Rajnagar into a drought-free region. He assured the gathering that every field in Rajnagar will have water for 12 months, enabling farmers to cultivate their land throughout the year. "Our goal is to ensure that the fields and barns remain green all year round," he said, highlighting the ongoing efforts in irrigation and water management. He emphasized the importance of strengthening infrastructure, stating, "Strengthening the infrastructure is the priority of the government; we are committed to enhancing the social, economic, and educational systems." Soren announced that the state government would soon provide 200 units of free electricity to domestic consumers, further easing the financial burden on households. The Chief Minister reiterated the government's commitment to providing homes for the poor through the Abua Awas Yojana. He warned that strict action would be taken against any irregularities found in housing allotments, ensuring transparency and fairness in the distribution process. "Every poor will have his own home," he declared. In a bid to improve healthcare access, Soren announced the implementation of a system that ensures the availability of medicines in every panchayat 24 hours a day. This initiative aims to address the healthcare needs of rural populations and reduce the burden on regional healthcare. Highlighting the Guruji Credit Card Scheme, Chief Minister Soren assured that financial constraints would no longer hinder children's education. The scheme is designed to benefit children from all classes and communities, including tribals, Dalits, laborers, farmers, and minorities. "Our government is constantly trying to strengthen the education system. A developed state can be built only from an educated society," he stated. Addressing the youth of Matkambeda, Soren urged them to stay away from drug abuse, emphasizing the destructive consequences of addiction. "Creating a drug-free society is the moral responsibility of all of us," he stressed, calling for collective efforts to eradicate this menace. He acknowledged the pivotal role of youth in the development of the home, society, and state, and appealed to them to contribute positively to the community. The event witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including Minister Satyanand Bhokta, Minister Deepak Birua, Commissioner Kolhan Division Hari Prasad Kesari, District Council Chairman Sonaram Bodra, Deputy Commissioner Ravi Shankar Shukla, and Superintendent of Police Manish Toppo, among other officials. Their participation underscored the administrative support and collective effort towards the region's development. The inauguration and foundation stone laying ceremony in Matkambeda village marked a significant milestone in Rajnagar's development journey. Chief Minister Champai Soren's announcements and initiatives reflected the government's unwavering commitment to public welfare, infrastructure development, and socio-economic upliftment. The event highlighted the comprehensive approach adopted by the state government to address the needs of its people and pave the way for a prosperous and self-reliant Jharkhand. Chief Minister Soren's visit to Matkambeda and the subsequent launch of numerous schemes underscore a new chapter of growth and development for Rajnagar, promising a brighter and more prosperous future for its residents. A 35-year-old ayurvedic technician committed suicide in Sarvadharma C Sector in Kolar, the landlord reported a foul smell from the room and reported to police; the body is around three days old. According to the police, Anjali Shukla (35) hanged 3 days ago. The police have also recovered a suicide note from the spot. It is being said that Anjali used to work as a Panchkarma technician in Khushilal Ayurvedic Hospital. The body has been handed over to the family after postmortem at Hamidia Hospital. According to Kolar police station, Anjali Shukla (35) was a resident of Rewa. She worked as a technician in Khushilal Ayurvedic Hospital in Bhopal, and lived in a rented house in Sarvadharma Colony in Kolar, Bhopal. The woman was living in Bhopal for the last 7-8 years. Anjali's father Ashok Shukla is a farmer in Rewa. Father said that Anjali was the eldest daughter among 6 siblings. She came to Bhopal from Rewa on 6th June. She last talked to the family on June 12. Talking to the daughter at that time, it did not seem that she was going to commit suicide. On Saturday information was received from Kolar police station, after which he reached Bhopal. Anjali got married in the year 2012. After this, she was living separately from her husband for a long time. Landlord Darshan Badge informed the police about the case by reaching the police station with his friend Imran and said that Anjali Shukla was living on rent on the first floor above at his house for 1 month. There was a foul smell coming from the house and later he knocked on the door of Anjali's house with other tenant Roshan. When she did not open, we broke the window glass and looked inside. She was found hanging from the pipe of the tin roof. Anjali's father Ashok Shukla sais that his daughter used to live in a rented room. The landlord Darshan Bagde's family also lived where she lived. Other tenants also lived in this house. How did no one know for 3 days that such an incident had happened? Ashok told that Anjali was married to Suraj Dwivedi in 2012. After two years, she got separated from her family. Later, she came to Bhopal. Anjali was harassed in many ways by her in-laws. Once, they even beat her up. Anjali complained about this to Kolar police. But, the police did not take any action. She was upset about this for a long time. That is why she has also written about the police in her suicide note. A 2-page suicide note was found in Anjali's room. In which Anjali has held Bhopal and Rewa police responsible for her death. She said - my report should be shown to the whole world. On the first page, she has written about some of her physical problems. She has talked about a person named Vijay treating her badly. Apart from this, Anjali has written the names of many people on the suicide note, but did not tell why she has written their names. At the same time, Anjali has written about her in-laws that she will not go there now and has written about her husband that he did a lot of drama in front of the Ganpati temple. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs visited the residence of Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil to address the issue of Haryanas BJP government withholding Delhi's rightful share of water on Sunday morning. Led by Chief Whip (ruling party) in Delhi Legislative Assembly and MLA Dilip Pandey, the delegation submitted a letter urging the Union Minister for Jal Shakti to facilitate immediate relief by ensuring Haryana supplies water to Delhi. Pandey emphasized the urgency of the crisis, noting that the water level in the Yamuna is declining, which is exacerbating the situation amid Delhi's scorching heat. He also criticized the political maneuvering surrounding the issue, asserting that the AAP and Delhi government are focused on practical solutions. The delegation included former minister Rajendra Pal Gautam, Rakhi Birla, Durgesh Pathak, and other MLAs. Pandey said that the water crisis inside Delhi is getting serious every moment. Due to the falling water level of Yamuna, the production of water in Delhi is decreasing. Due to this, the supply of water is being reduced in many areas. There is severe heat and in this scorching heat, water is life. Water crisis means life crisis. He said that all the MLAs of the AAP wrote a letter to Paatil on Saturday, emailed, and messaged all his public and personal phone numbers and told him that there is a serious water crisis inside Delhi. This problem can be solved with a little coordination from you. Pandey, while showing some videos and photos of Munak Canal, said that water mafias are stealing water by installing pipes in Munak Canal. Hiranki is near Burari. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav emphasized that the PM Shri Religious Tourism Heli Service signifies more than just facilitating travel to Mahakaleshwar and Omkareshwar. It stands as a commitment to unite devotees from across the country and the world towards the Jyotirlingas, the epitome of our faith. Today, we all partake in this momentous occasion with joy. Dr. Yadav extended his gratitude to the esteemed Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, as the Government of India has sanctioned the construction of an airport in Ujjain. Dr. Yadav said this during his address at the launch event of the PM Shri Religious Tourism Heli Service held at Police Lines in Ujjain. In the program, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav flagged off the helicopter under the PM Shri Religious Tourism Heli Service and intiated the air service. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav distributed tickets to the first passenger under the heli service, Smt. Disha Singh and her family, who came from Mumbai. In the first phase, this air service has been started from Bhopal to Ujjain and Omkareshwar and from Indore to Ujjain Omkareshwar routes. For the convenience of devotees, the facility of booking this service has been made available on IRCTC. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the expansion of air service in the state will continue. The number of helicopters will be increased further in the coming days with which 16 passengers each will be able to avail the air service. Maihar, Datia, Orchha, and other religious, tourist, and historical places of worship in the state will also be connected by air travel. During the program, MP Anil Firojia, MLA Ujjain North Anil Jain Kaluhera, MLA Satish Malviya, Mayor Mukesh Tatwal, Vivek Joshi, Bahadur Singh Bormundla, other distinguished citizens, public representatives, ACS Rajesh Rajoura, Principal Secretary Aviation Sandeep Yadav, Collector Neeraj Kumar Singh, Superintendent of Police Pradeep Sharma and other officers were present. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Ujjain has received many important development works in the last two days. The work of development will continue. He said that the people of Ujjain have presented a unique example of communal harmony for development. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav thanked the people of Ujjain for voluntarily shifting religious places for the widening of KD Marg. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Ujjain is continuously setting new dimensions in terms of development. To fulfill the resolve of Maa Kshipra purification, the Bhoomi pujan of Kanha Close Duct Project was performed in which the direction of the entire Kanha River will be changed through a big size line. Due to this contaminated water from Kanha will not enter the Kshipra. And its water will remain pure. Chief Minister Yadav announced the approval of the Indore-Ujjain six-lane road project, valued at around Rs. 6000 crore. Additionally, the construction of the Ujjain-Jaora road, estimated at approximately Rs. 5000 crore, is slated to commence soon. Simultaneously, ongoing projects totaling approximately Rs. 6000 crore are underway through the National Highway network. Industrial growth remains a priority in Ujjain, with around one thousand acres of land already allocated for industries in Vikram Udyogpuri Ujjain, alongside a proposal for an additional one thousand acres. Health of Indore is the worlds largest preventive health care survey conducted in any single city. Now preventive health care tests will be conducted for the youth of Madhya Pradesh. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, on Sunday, launched the Healthy Madhya Pradesh Initiative campaign. Under this campaign, preventive health tests will be conducted to protect the youth across the state from lifestyle-related diseases. If necessary, doctors consultation and guidance will be given to improve lifestyle. In praise of the campaign, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that spiritual progress is possible only when one is healthy. Earlier, under the Health of Indore campaign, tests of 2.5 lakh people in the city were conducted, out of which about half the population may become victims of serious diseases. In this context, a program was held in the presence of the then Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya in January 2024 and the Minister had talked then about taking Indores preventive health care model across the country. Urban Administration Development Minister Shri Kailash Vijayvargiya, who was present in the program, praised the campaign and emphasized staying healthy. Speaking on the occasion, MP Shri Shankar Lalwani said that to keep the youth of Madhya Pradesh healthy, preventive health care tests will be conducted across the state and the campaign is starting from Indore. Dr. Vineeta Kothari said that considering the results of the survey conducted in Indore, there is a need to take immediate action, especially on the health parameters of the youth. Therefore, now Healthy Madhya Pradesh Initiative has been launched. Out of 30 thousand of these 2.5 lakh people, every fourth youth was found to be pre-diabetic. Also, thyroid problem was found in 7.34 percent of youth. Creatinine level of about two percent of people was found to be high. More than 10 percent of the youth could be suffering from liver disease if their SGPT level is high. Cholesterol was high in 39.50 percent of people while blood pressure problem was found in 34 per cent of people. Also, body mass index i.e. BMI level was high in about 33 and a half percent of the youth and the problem of obesity was found in about 18 percent of the youth. Senior Cancer Surgeon Dr. Arun Aggarwal explained why cancer cases among the youth were increasing due to lifestyle. The Health of Indore campaign was jointly run by Sansad Seva Sankalp, Central Lab, Red Cross Society, and the Indian Medical Association. Water Resources Minister Shri Tulsiram Silavat, Mayor Shri Pushyamitra Bhargava, MLAs of Indore, members of the Mayors Council, corporators, senior citizens, and distinguished citizens of Indore were present in the program. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced the allocation of Rs. 20 crore to Indore district under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam program as part of the Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan. Of this amount, Rs. 10 crore will be contributed by the Municipal Corporation and Rs. 10 crore by the Forest Department for plantation initiatives. Addrssing the event held at the Brilliant Convention Center in Indore, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav commended the city's endeavors towards cleanliness, health, and greenery. He elaborated on the crucial role of trees in human life, emphasizing the significance of cleanliness and a healthy environment. Dr. Yadav likened the importance of plants and greenery to that of breathing and blood arteries for sustaining life. Under Prime Minister Modis Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative, Madhya Pradesh aims to plant 5.5 crore saplings, with Indore leading the charge by pledging to plant 51 lakh saplings, showcasing exemplary dedication to environmental conservation. Indore's commendable achievements in green initiatives, akin to its notable accomplishments in cleanliness, set a remarkable precedent for other regions to emulate. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav released the official logo, website, missed call number 8889995449, song, and social media campaign of Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign with a single click. He also launched the Seva Setu mobile app of the district administration. In his address, the Urban Administration Development Department Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya gave information regarding the detailed outline and preparations of the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign. He said that under the Jal Ganga Samvardhan Abhiyan, the renovation of ancient step wells, wells, and water structures across the state is a noble task. This campaign of environmental protection along with water will prove to be a milestone in nature conservation. He briefed on the digging of pits for the plantation, the availability of plants, the plantation program and efforts to be made for the conservation of plants in the future. He called upon every section of society to participate in the campaign and said that all possible support would be provided to those who come forward to plant saplings and conserve them by participating in the campaign. Water Resources Minister Tulsiram Silawat, MP Shankar Lalwani, Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava, MLA Madhu Verma, Ramesh Mendola, Mahendra Hardiya, Golu Shukla, Sawan Sonkar, Gaurav Randive, Chintu Verma, Additional Chief Secretary Rajesh Rajoura, Collector Ashish Singh and other dignitaries were present as well. MP Shankar Lalwani said that the survey and report of Health of Indore will prove to be important in future efforts for better health and awareness. He said that in the coming time, a survey of 10 lakh people will be conducted. In this effort, a special strategy is being made by the Central Government to work on preventive health. While giving the welcome address, Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava talked about the plantation and the arrangements made for their conservation under the plantation campaign. He said that by planting and preserving 51 lakh plants, a green cover will be created in Indore which will prove helpful in preserving nature, water, and the environment. In the program, a film related to health check-ups of 2.5 lakh people and its statistics was shown under Health of Indore. The Healthy Madhya Pradesh Initiative Program was launched through a single click in which Dr. Vineeta Kothari and Dr. Arun Aggarwal gave detailed information regarding preventive health care and the survey and report. The Delhi Metro Rail Academy (DMRA), India's first state-of-the-art training facility for metro rail professionals, has been granted dual recognition by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) as both an awarding body and an assessment agency. The NCVET is a regulatory body responsible for regulating and standardising the qualifications and assessment processes for vocational education and training in India. The NCVET aims to ensure high-quality education and training programmes that meet the needs of the industry and contribute to the nation's skill development initiatives. Delhi Metro's Principal Executive Director (Corporate Communications) Anuj Dayal said, the NCVET recognition signifies that DMRA meets the highest standards for delivering approved training programmes as per the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) and conducting rigorous assessments as per the National Credit Framework (NCrF).As an awarding body, the DMRA is now recognized for developing, delivering and certifying vocational training programmes, ensuring the trainees receive qualifications that are nationally recognized and valued across the industry. Additionally, as an assessment agency, the DMRA is entrusted with the responsibility of evaluating and certifying the competencies of professionals, Dayal said. The DMRA is a premier training institute dedicated to the development of skilled professionals in the metro rail industry. Established by the DMRC, the academy offers comprehensive training programmes encompassing various aspects of metro rail operations, maintenance and management. The DMRA can accommodate over 900 trainees on a given day and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and experienced faculty, he stated. The operator of a private hospital located in Kolar was cheated to the tune of Rs 1.5 crore by one of his employees by manipulating bank accounts. The police have registered a case against the accused and started investigating the matter. According to the Kolar police, the complainant Dr. Ranjit Chaudhary is the director of Arihant Kidney and Multispecialty Hospital in Vineet Kunj on Kolar Road. He runs this hospital with his wife Dr. Nidhi Jain. Dr. Ranjit Chaudhary needed a manager for his hospital. Dr. Ranjit was acquainted with Krishna Tiwari for a long time. Krishna told him that his father accused Rajkumar Tiwari (69) of having worked as a manager in MANIT, he will do all the work of hospital. Trusting him, Dr. Ranjit hired accused Rajkumar on 2 January 2021. The doctor gave the responsibility of all the work related to the hospital to the accused. Meanwhile, the accused started manipulating the bills of the goods used in the hospital. He gradually started manipulating the register maintained for bills in the hospital. Police said that the accused had also started embezzling the salaries of the employees working in the hospital. Along with this, he also started embezzling the expenses incurred in the maintenance of the hospital. From 2021 to 2023, the accused had embezzled about Rs 1.5 crore by manipulating the bank accounts of the hospital. This was revealed in the audit report of the hospital. On June 7, 2023, the accused fled from the hospital without telling anything. When the doctor asked for his money back, the accused refused to return it. Regarding this matter, the complainant doctor had complained to the police station by giving a written application. The police have registered a case of fraud against the accused and started investigating the matter. Purohit visits Gurudwara Paonta Sahib Paonta Sahib: Punjab Governor and UT-Chandigarh Administrator Banwari Lal Purohit on Sunday paid a visit to Gurudwara Paonta Sahib, to offer prayers and sought blessings for the welfare and prosperity of the people of Punjab. Purohit was warmly welcomed by the Gurudwara authorities and the Sikh Sangat. He participated in the religious rituals with great reverence. Gurudwara Ponta Sahib holds a special place in the hearts of millions. It is a beacon of spiritual guidance and moral strength, said Purohit, adding, I seek the blessings of the Almighty for the chardikala (ever-rising spirits) and welfare of the people of Punjab. May we continue to live in harmony and work towards the collective prosperity of our State. HP Governor, CM felicitates people on Eid Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday felicitated the people of the State, particularly the Muslim brethren, on the auspicious occasion of Eid (Bakrid). Extending his greetings on the occasion, the Governor hoped this festival to spread the message of peace and love among communities across the world. Sukhu hoped that this festival would further strengthen the bonds of peace, unity, and brotherhood. They prayed that the festival may spread the message of goodwill in the society and go a long way in strengthening the unity and integrity among people. HPSC announces final result of Haryana Civil Services Examination Chandigarh: Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) on Sunday announced the final result of Haryana Civil Services Examination on June 14, 2024. HPSC conducted the HCS main written examination on March 30 and 31, 2024. Notably, the Commission had invited applications for 121 posts of HCS (EB) and other allied services, for which total 87,092 candidates had applied. The preliminary examination was held on February 11, 2024, the result of which was announced on March 15, with a total of 1,706 candidates qualifying. Subsequently, the main examination was held on March 30 and 31. HPSC released the result of HCS main written examination on May 27. Total of 275 candidates were called for the interview for 121 posts, and interviews were conducted from June 10 to 14. HP Guv inaugurates 4-day International Summer Festival Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla inaugurated the four-day-long International Summer Festival at the historic Ridge on Saturday evening. Accompanied by Lady Governor Janaki Shukla, the Governor said that such events help in preserving and promoting the rich culture of Himachal Pradesh. The Summer Festival, organized during late evenings at the Ridge, also provide relief from the scorching summer heat to the locals as well as tourists and offers them grandeur spectacle of celebration, said Shri Shukla on the sideline of the function. PU CET (PG) Entrance Test-2024 held Chandigarh: Panjab University, Chandigarh, on Sunday completed the PU CET (PG) Entrance Test 2024 for admission to various courses. Total seven centres were created, four at Chandigarh and one each at Hoshiarpur, Ludhiana, and Sri Muktsar Sahib. Total 87.26 per cent candidates, 4026 out of 4614, appeared in the entrance test. Flying squad and observers were sent to every centre for routine checking and smooth conduct of the test. The test was conducted satisfactorily and no untoward incident was reported from any of the examination centres. Union Minister Rao Inderjit asks officers to prioritize resolving complaints related to cleanliness Gurugram: Union Minister and Gurugram MP Rao Inderjit on Sunday asked the officers concerned to prioritize resolving any complaints related to cleanliness and to obtain feedback after addressing them. Addressing the foundation stone-laying ceremony of Jat Bhavan organized by the Jat Welfare Association in Gurugrams Sector 10, he said that to alleviate traffic congestion in Gurugram, roads and underpasses have been constructed. Additionally, efforts to connect Old Gurugram with metro are progressing on the ground. The Union Minister assured that Gurugram, known globally as Millennium City, will have the facilities of an international city within the next five years. Rs 33L development works announced in Ballabgarh constituency Chandigarh: Haryana Minister of Industries and Commerce Mool Chand Sharma on Sunday visited Ballabgarh assembly constituency, conducted a surprise inspection of development works, and sanctioned development projects worth Rs 33 lakh. Sharma said that as Ballabgarh MLA, it is his moral responsibility to ensure comprehensive development in the constituency. He is making every effort to make Ballabgarh assembly constituency a model of development. He also laid the foundation stones for several roads. He mentioned that after approximately 35 years, the Faridabad Metropolitan Development Authority (FMDA) department is cleaning sewer lines using new technology in Ballabgarh. Kapoor delivers keynote at BRICS Academy Xiamen Event Chandigarh: Vineet Raj Kapoor, founder of SXILL, delivered a keynote address at the BRICS Auditorium of Skills Development and Technology Innovation Forum in Xiamen, China. The event, held by the BRICS Business Council, focused on cross-border e-commerce and industry-education integration. Kapoor emphasized the importance of BRICS nations collaborating to enhance talent quality, promote sustainable development, and alleviate poverty through skill development. He highlighted the crucial role of UI/UX design skills in addressing global challenges, underscoring the forum's aim to boost competitiveness and cooperation among BRICS countries. To raise awareness about public relations, marketing, and sustainability in startups and to empower them, "iStart Inspire Workshop" was organized by iStart Rajasthan (a flagship program by the Department of Information Technology and Communication, Govt of Rajasthan) in association with media partner YourStory. The event was held at the iStart Nest, Incubation Center in Kota on Friday. The officer in charge, Manoj Kumar Meena (Deputy Director, DOIT&C), stated that more than 100 startup entrepreneurs participated in the Workshop. The first session was led by Mrs. Neha Gaur, President of PR 24x7, where she provided detailed information on the necessity of PR and branding, the difference between PR and marketing, the optimal timing for PR activities, and the various types of PR. She also addressed the concerns of the startups. The second session was taken by Abhishek Gupta, Co-founder and CEO of the waste management startup WeVOIS, and Abhinav Shekhar Vashistha, CTO. Their startup collaborates with 14 municipal corporations and cities to manage municipal solid waste through technology and applications. They shared insights into their startup and personal entrepreneurial journey, discussed the challenges faced in waste management, and their strategies to overcome them. They also provided startups with various tips on product development and discussed how to make a business more sustainable, profitable, customer-friendly, and practical in accordance with market needs. The event was successfully coordinated by iStart mentors Mr. Ayush Tyagi and Mr. Kaustubh Bhattacharya. In a significant development, the Punjab Police on Sunday lodged a Zero FIR concerning an alleged assault on a Punjab-origin NRI Kawaljit Singh, who claimed that he was brutally beaten by a group of men over a parking dispute in Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh. The incident has triggered a political uproar and drawn attention to regional tensions. Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal reached out to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, urging a comprehensive investigation into the matter. Dhaliwal emphasized the need for swift and thorough action to ensure justice and maintain the goodwill between tourists and locals in Himachal Pradesh. The Zero FIR, a legal mechanism allowing complaints to be registered at any police station irrespective of jurisdiction, was filed under sections including 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 341 (wrongful restraint), 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 148 (rioting) of the Indian Penal Code at the Ranjit Avenue police station in Amritsar. Allegations of Assault and Discrimination Kawaljit Singh, who is currently receiving medical treatment in Amritsar hospital, alleged that he and his family were attacked by a mob of around 100 people after a parking dispute in Dalhousie. Singh, who has been residing in Spain with his Spanish wife for the past 25 years, recently returned to Punjab and was visiting Dalhousie with his wife and a relative when the altercation occurred. He claimed that the attack was fueled by regional discrimination, stating that he was targeted specifically because he is Punjabi. Political and Public Reactions The incident has prompted strong reactions from various political figures. Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, who visited Singh in the hospital, expressed grave concern over the assault. In his letter to Himachal Pradeshs Chief Minister, Dhaliwal highlighted the potential impact such incidents could have on tourism, especially during the peak summer season when many visitors from Punjab and other regions flock to Himachal Pradesh's scenic spots. Tourists from Punjab and across the world come to visit Himachal Pradesh. This highly condemnable and unfortunate incident shall impact tourism in the Hill State if we collectively do not take strict action against the culprits, Dhaliwal wrote. He requested that the Himachal Pradesh Government undertake a thorough investigation and take stringent action to prevent future occurrences. I shall be highly grateful if you look into the matter personally and please direct the authorities concerned to thoroughly inquire the matter. I would also request some of your precious time to personally discuss this unpleasant incident, he added. Dhaliwal said that thousands of people from Punjab visit tourist places such as Shimla, Manali, Kasauli, and Dalhousie every day and such incidents are not good for tourism. Himachal Pradesh Police's Response Contrary to Singhs allegations, the Himachal Pradesh Police had stated that the incident was not related to any inter-state or inter-community dispute. Inspector General of Police (Northern Range) Santosh Patial had, a day before, clarified that Singh was involved in a scuffle while performing palm readings for some women in Khajjiar, Chamba district, which offended some locals. The situation reportedly escalated into a scuffle, but both parties later reached a compromise in the presence of the police, and Singh chose not to pursue legal action. There is nothing like an interstate or inter-community dispute. Tourists are welcome in Himachal, Patial asserted, describing the altercation as a stray incident. He added, Thousands of tourists are coming to the State every day during the summer season and it is just an isolated incident that occurred as some people felt offended by Singhs actions. Broader Implications The incident has also drawn parallels to other regional disputes, including the recent controversy involving Bollywood actor and BJP MP from Mandi, Himachal, Kangana Ranaut, who was allegedly slapped by a CISF woman constable at Chandigarh airport. Amritsar MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla and Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia have suggested that these incidents reflect underlying regional tensions that need to be addressed to maintain harmony and mutual respect. As the investigation progresses, both the Punjab and Himachal Pradesh Governments face the challenge of addressing the immediate concerns of justice and accountability while ensuring such incidents do not mar the reputation of these tourist-friendly states. The emphasis remains on a fair and transparent inquiry to uphold the law and protect the interests of all parties involved. With residents of the national Capital facing water crisis in the continuing heatwave, the Delhi BJP on Sunday took to streets in various parts of Delhi to protest negligence by the AAP Government leading to shortage of water. Under the leadership of Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva, BJP MPs, MLAs, councillors, and provincial, district, and divisional officials protested at 14 major locations in Delhi. Delhi BJP leaders took to the streets as the voice of the people, exposing the dirty politics of the Aam Aadmi Party regarding water and demanding the resignation of Water Minister Atishi, who, along with tanker mafias, has left Delhi thirsty. MP Manoj Tiwari, Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Kamaljeet Sehrawat, Yogendra Chandolia, and Bansuri Swaraj addressed 'Matka Phod' protests at various locations, exposing the black market of water by the Aam Aadmi Party. Addressing the protest at Laxmi Nagar Chowk, Sachdeva stated that the water shortage in Delhi is due to the mismanagement and negligence of the Kejriwal government, not natural causes. Vice President Lata Gupta, District President Sanjay Goyal, MLAs O P Sharma, Abhay Verma, and Anil Vajpayee, and other officials were present. Sachdeva further stated that the water theft and mismanagement began when Arvind Kejriwal himself was the Chairman of the Jal Board, which has no accounts since his tenure. Kejriwal is responsible for bringing the Jal Board from a profit of Rs 600 crore to a loss of Rs 73,000 crore. Sachdeva also accused AAP MLAs Prakash Jarwal, Bhavna Gaur, Dinesh Mohangia, and others of turning water supply into a racket aligning with tanker mafias. BJP President highlighted that news reports reveal private water connections being given in AAP MLA Durgesh Pathak's area for Rs 35,000. The water crisis is a result of AAP's incompetence. MP Manoj Tiwari, addressing the protest at Durgapuri Chowk, criticized the Kejriwal government for its continuous birth of corruption. Tiwari recalled that while in jail, Kejriwal spoke about water and electricity for Delhiites, but failed to address these issues after coming out, causing increase in suffering for the people of Delhi. South Delhi MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, addressing the protest at Sangam Vihar, described the Jal Board under the Kejriwal government as the biggest center of corruption. BJP MLAs raising this issue in the assembly were expelled, but now the truth is being revealed. At Najafgarh, Kamaljeet Sehrawat, addressing the protest near a water tank, highlighted that the water crisis is evidence of Kejriwal's negligence. The Dwarka Jal Board officials were shown the leakage today, revealing the wastage of water. Yogendra Chandolia, addressing the protest at Jahangirpuri, pointed out that AAP leaders blame the Haryana government instead of controlling rampant water theft in Delhi. BJP leaders showed that Haryana supplies more than enough water to Delhi. Bansuri Swaraj, addressing the protest in front of the Delhi Jal Board office at R.K. Puram, stated that the water shortage in Delhi is an artificial crisis created by the AAP government. The AAP government has done nothing for the Jal Board's infrastructure in a decade, leading to 54% wastage or theft. Former MLA Anil Sharma and other officials were present. Media Head Praveen Shankar Kapoor, lead the protest by Chandni Chowk District BJP at Sadar Thana Road, accused the Kejriwal government of the biggest scam, involving Rs 73,000 crore loan and grant to the Delhi Jal Board, with no accounts maintained. On 16th June 2024, Sunday, on the occasion of the tenth International Day of Yoga, Yogoda Satsanga Society of Indias (YSS) Ranchi ashram hosted over 450 persons including many first-time visitors in a special programme introducing the basics of yoga meditation. Speaking on the theme Finding Balance and Calmness through Yoga-Meditation, senior YSS sannyasi Swami Ishwarananda Giri encouraged truth-seekers to explore the inner tranquillity that resides within each of us. Drawing many truth-seekers to this serene ashram on a pleasant Sunday morning, this International Day of Yoga programme began with an introduction to Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda the founder of YSS and author of the best-selling Autobiography of a Yogi. Offering the newcomers a taste of the peace that can be experienced through yoga, Swamiji led them into a guided meditation session in Hindi which included the practice of the correct posture, preliminary breathing exercises, an affirmation, and a visualization. Around 400 persons also joined the live-stream of this programme via YouTube from across the countrywide ashrams, kendras and mandalis of the spiritual organization. At the end YSS invited truth-seekers to explore these teachings of Kriya Yoga as offered on the YSS path through home-study lessons on the YSS website. For further info.: yssofindia.org The SDLPs Claire Hanna is hoping for a repeat of the tactical voting in Northern Irelands most diverse constituency which swept her to Westminster in 2019. However, due to boundary changes, the Belfast South constituency she has represented for the past five years has been enlarged and renamed Belfast South and Mid Down. While the last General Election was dominated by Brexit, rival candidates, including the DUPs Tracy Kelly and Alliances Kate Nicholl, are expecting that a new political landscape and environment will lead to a much closer race in the July 4 poll. In 2019 Ms Hanna unseated the DUPs Emma Little-Pengelly with a huge 15,401 majority after Sinn Fein and the Green Party did not run. While Sinn Fein will not contest the seat again, the Greens are in the running this time. Another factor which has changed since 2019 is that the increased constituency now stretches well outside Belfast to include Saintfield, Drumbo and Moneyreagh. However, as she hit the campaign trail, Ms Hanna was confident that the changed boundaries would not disadvantage her. She said: It is still more than 90% the same constituency, the core from Belfast city centre up to Carryduff, out to Finaghy and Forestside. It has brought in Saintfield, which I think is a really good fit. Ive spent a lot of time there over the last few months and again it is a shared neighbourhood, people of all fits and none. Ms Hanna said she believes people vote differently in a Westminster poll than in an election for the Assembly or local council. She added: South Belfast has always been a multi-way marginal vote. That is part of the beauty of the constituency, it is a melting pot, loads of different political traditions and ideas. The last time that was the case as well and I think people rallied around me as the candidate maybe even if I wasnt their first choice at Assembly election and I am hoping that will be the same again. I dont think people are as deeply party tribal as some might have you believe. I think people know there are different elections that do different things and they feel able to vote for the person they feel has the best experience to do the job for them. The DUP has gone for a new candidate in city councillor Tracy Kelly. She said she had been canvassing hard and believes that her work at grassroots level in the community would chime with voters. Ms Kelly said the concerns expressed by voters on the doorsteps varied across the constituency, with issues such as anti-social behaviour and illegal dumping, social housing and immigration raised with her. She said she also believes the boundary changes could help the DUP. She added: I am looking at it as a positive. We are bringing in more unionist voters. Those areas are traditionally unionist areas, I am hoping that will help me. We have been on the ground in those areas. Ms Kelly added: I think as a councillor, I dont have to introduce myself, I am already known in the constituency. I also have the advantage of working for the local MLA for the last eight years for the whole of South Belfast. Living in South Belfast, born and reared in South Belfast, working here for the last 20 years has given me the advantage of knowing quite a few people. I hope people can look at my track record of hard work. I am very reliable, I am on the ground, I know a lot of the issues, I live in the area. The cross-community Alliance Party came third in the 2019 poll, but since then has performed strongly in the area in the Assembly and local government elections. Their candidate, Zimbabwean-born former Lord Mayor Kate Nicholl, said voters on the doorsteps had been positive about the partys record in the Stormont Assembly. She said: It doesnt matter that its a Westminster election, people want to talk to their politicians about the issues they are facing. I think a lot of people know I have been working on childcare. They have been asking me what more I can do on this in Westminster. I have spoken about tax-free childcare. She said it would be a very different election from last time. Ms Nicholl said: When you think of 2019, it was just after Brexit. There was a DUP candidate who a number of people rallied around to get out of the race. I think we are just in a different place. I think what people really want are politicians who will be positive, who will be pro-active and who are going to sell Northern Ireland for the wonderful place that it is. We need our young people to have hope and to want to stay here. She added: It is a new constituency, it is not an extension, it is a brand new constituency and I am really excited about it. Also running in Belfast South and Mid Down are Aine Groogan for the Green Party, Michael Henderson for the UUP and Dan Boucher for the TUV. Dr Niamh Shaw recently visited the TY class in Scoil Ui Mhuiri Dunleer as part of the Dundalk Institute of Technology's DkIT loves STEM initiative. Dr Niamh Shaw, who is originally from Dundalk, is an Irish engineer, scientist, writer and performer who was recently voted one of Irelands leading science communicators. Niamh believes in Dreaming Big and is currently on a mission to get to Space. Ariyah Dunne from the TY class of Scoil Ui Mhuiri Dunleer, won this visit at the recent DkIT Loves STEM event that was held in DkIT which saw over 80 female Transitional Year (TY) students from across the region attend. This event was held in conjunction with iWish with the aim of highlighting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) subjects to female students. This on campus event was the follow up to the annual DkIT loves STEM roadshow, where leading female academics from Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths visit local and regional schools to ignite female TY students passion for STEM subjects. Amanda Gregor, teacher from Scoil Ui Mhuiri, Dunleer commented, We were absolutely delighted and so thankful to have Dr. Niamh Shaw visit our TYs and 1st year students in Scoil Ui Mhuiri, Dunleer. "All students and teachers who attended the talk found it to be highly engaging and inspiring. Thank you to Niamh and everyone at DkIT who facilitated this opportunity for us! For more information on DkIT Loves STEM visit the DkIT Health & Science Outreach Portal Above: Ian Snowden, Permanent Secretary, Department of the Economy NI, Emer Deane, Assistant Secretary, Department of the Taoiseach, Angela McGown: Regional Director CBI NI Podium, Danny McCoy, Ibec CEO, Dr. Adele Bergin, Associate Research Professor, Esri and Fergal O'Brien, Executive Director of Lobbying and Influence at Ibec Business leaders and stakeholders from across the island gathered in Dundalk on Thursday for the annual Ibec/CBI Northern Ireland All-Island Economy Conference. They discussed shared policy concerns including energy, infrastructure, investment, and the All-Island Labour Market. Delegates heard how the restoration of power-sharing in Northern Ireland, as well as the expected political changes in the UK and Ireland this year, can be harnessed to create greater economic opportunities for the island as a whole. Emer Deane, Assistant Secretary of the British and Northern Ireland Affairs Division, and Ian Snowden, Permanent Secretary of the Department for the Economy, were among the keynote speakers outlining the North and South governments' focus on all-island cooperation. Many aspects of the all-island economy have performed strongly, the conference hears, despite the challenges of Brexit but there are a number of areas which would benefit from further cooperation. In a statement from IBEC, it said that, in particular, it is clear to business leaders that there is an urgent need to progress North/South policy coordination to protect the Single Electricity Market, secure the islands energy supply and meet legally mandated Net Zero climate action goals. There is also a need to address obstacles to cross-border working to take full advantage of the All-Island Labour Market. Ibec CEO Danny McCoy said ahead of the conference: There is a lot of political change happening both on the islands of Ireland and Britain this year, and it is important we push forward with an all-island economic agenda that can deliver real opportunities on both sides of the Irish border. "With restored political stability in Northern Ireland and a functioning North-South Ministerial Council (NSMC), businesses across the island of Ireland are looking to policies that can maximise economic benefits from cross-border cooperation. Ibec, along with our partners at CBI, believes that constructive conversations and concrete actions are key to securing and propelling prosperity. "Collaboration across key areas such as infrastructure, the labour market and energy will underpin this effort, as will the new macroeconomic model for the all-island economy, which will inform future opportunities." Setting out the Ibec/CBI Joint Business Councils priorities for 2024, Angela McGowan, Director, CBI Northern Ireland, said: We are delighted to again support this joint annual conference, which comes at a pivotal time for the all-Island economy following the restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive and Stormont Assembly. Significant shifts in geopolitics, supply chains, energy sources and labour markets, make it even more important for business and policy makers to collaborate on the best way forward for the all-island economy. With good co-operation in a range of areas combined with high levels of ambition, we can maximize the economic benefits and build long term resilience for both economies. "The business community want to see good collaboration both North-South and East-West. Firms are hungry to reap all the potential advantages that a well-developed all-island economy can deliver. "These advantages include: a bigger market for sales and supply chains, a greater labour market pool, improved connectivity for trade, tourists and workers as well as access to a secure supply of cheaper green energy. By working together, we are much more likely to deliver that economic prize. The key priorities for the Ibec/CBI Northern Ireland Joint Business Council are: There is a waiting list of volunteers to join Courtmacsherry RNLI, which has been saving lives at sea for 200 years. Generations of locals have volunteered at the lifeboat station, which, along with the one in Arklow, is the oldest in the country. There are 30 lifeboat crew members, with several new additions. Importantly, we have five new people taken on in the last 12 months because, like everybody, were losing four this year that are retiring, station launch authority and press officer, Vincent O Donovan, told The Echo. Were one of the few stations that actually has a waiting list. Wed love to take on everybody whos interested. Theres something great about Courtmac, in that not alone is it going down from generation to generation, but a lot of new people, as well, express interest. Mr ODonovan said the station would typically be called out to incidents about 20 times a year, with crew members also training regularly. We take the boat to sea probably about 100 times: 80 of those would be exercises and 20 would be callouts. Thatd be our typical year. Were an all-weather lifeboat and, on both sides of us, then, we have very important lifeboats, the inshore lifeboat in Kinsale and in Union Hall, which are superb boats as well, he said. Bicentennial anniversary Next year will be a particularly special one for the station, as it marks its bicentennial anniversary. Were going all out to celebrate it, Mr ODonovan said. Weve lots and lots of ideas [for events] to do during the year, because its so special being the very first lifeboat station, along with Arklow, in 1825, and were planning numerous different events during the year. Micheal Hurley, who retired in 2021 after more than 44 years, served for almost a quarter of the lifeboat history. Author of Home from the Sea: The Story of Courtmacsherry Lifeboat 1825-1995, Mr Hurley republished the book last year to coincide with the arrival of the stations new lifeboat, the Val Adnams. His book opens with what is perhaps the stations most notable callout. Luisitania I didnt start the book in chronological order, I started with the Lusitania and then I went back to the beginning for chapter two, said Mr Hurley. On that fateful day on May 7, 1915, British ocean liner the Lusitania was on a passage from New York when she was torpedoed and sunk by a German U-boat south of Courtmacsherry Bay, with the loss of 1,201 lives. The Courtmacsherry RNLI volunteer lifeboat was alerted to the tragedy and the crew rowed the Kezia Gwilt 11 miles out to the wreck to help rescue survivors. In more recent history, Mr Hurley said a night spent at sea in search of a missing pleasure boat in atrocious conditions on the December 19, 1981 will long remain in his mind. In my 40 odd years Ive been out in four storms and that was one of them: Full-blown, it doesnt get any rougher. That night was horrendous. I actually thought I was going to die. I said theres no way a boat thats made of timber is going to stick this banging and belting. Penlee disaster The horror of that night would only intensify. Over the radio, the Courtmac RNLI crew began to hear of the unfolding Penlee RNLI lifeboat disaster: All eight crew members lost their lives attempting to rescue the crew and passengers of a stricken coaster, the Union Star. Sixteen people died in the English maritime tragedy. But the joyous moments also remain clear in Mr Hurleys mind. It was one of the first calls we got when I joined in 1977 there was a small angling boat broken down and maybe six or eight children there of the crowd on board, and when we came on board just to see the joy on their faces. KENT Stations car parking facilities are under fire again, as a Cork South-Central councillor has highlighted that a nearby business is encouraging their customers to park there. Fine Gaels Shane OCallaghan, who topped the poll at the recent elections, shared an email that had been sent to a woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, by the nearby Dean Hotel. It told her: We do not have a car parking facility at the hotel. We are right next to Kent Railway Station which offers two car parks at a rate of 9.50 for 24 hours. Once you park up you go into the station to get a ticket and just display this ticket on your car. It comes as Kent Station denied that the car park was being used by people other than train customers when Mr OCallaghan tabled a motion proposing a system to ensure that only people getting the train could park there. Capacity issues Kent Station car park is currently experiencing capacity issues on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in particular, Iarnrod Eireann told The Echo at the time. This can be attributed to more people travelling longer distances due to hybrid working practices. I first raised this issue in April because the carpark in Kent Station is almost always full by 6.30am every weekday, Mr OCallaghan told The Echo. As a result, many passengers are forced to park on the street and then get issued with a fine for parking on the street for longer than two hours. It is clear from the sheer volume of cars in Kent Station carpark every morning that not all of the people parking there are using the train. That a nearby hotel, the Dean, has been actively encouraging its customers to park in Kent Station carpark is unacceptable. The Dean is a private hotel that made a commercial decision not to build its own carpark. It shouldnt be encouraging customers to use a carpark that is only meant to be used by people getting the train. Challenge He has called on the Dean Hotel to not encourage its customers to park in the station in future. I would again ask that the Department of Transport to engage with Cork City Council with a view to resolving this issue as soon as possible, he added. As some customers pre-book train tickets, and some buy tickets at the station (and many OAPs will not have tickets either), it is not the case that all rail customers arriving at the station would necessarily have their train tickets when they do, an Iarnrod Eireann spokesperson said. Therefore, it is not a straightforward thing to put into practice. We will monitor this and examine options available to us, but it does represent a challenge. The Echo contacted the Dean Hotel for comment. EXCITEMENT levels around the halls of Togher Boys National School were said to be palpable ahead of the school's four performances of Oliver Twist recently. The stage adaptation of the literary classic was a whole school initiative, with every class from junior infants to sixth class taking part. Drama teacher, Chloe OLeary, went to the school every Monday to hold classes. We came up with the idea of [staging] Oliver. All the kids watched the film and we read the book and they were all very excited about it, deputy principal at the school, Sinead Moynihan said. We had auditions then for the main parts. There are boys obviously who got a main part, but then every child in the school is actually performing on stage. Every class has a song to do." It was the first time on stage for a lot of the boys." Lee O'Leary, Zak Hinchion and Jayden Morton Monahan who took part in the Togher National Boys School's production of Oliver. Picture: David Creedon Ms Moynihan said the idea of staging the play was in the pipeline for quite some time, but was scuppered by the covid pandemic. Commitment She said everyone in the school community had shown great commitment in ensuring the play became a reality this year, and paid particular thanks to the parents. The Artful Dodger played by Conor Sheehan meets Oliver played by Jamie Walsh for the first time in the Togher National Boys School's production of Oliver Picture: David Creedon. The school bought the outfits for the main characters and then the parents were asked to dress the kids up as orphans and they went to great effort. We want to really thank the parents for the great effort that they have made in dressing the boys as well. She also paid tribute to Cork artist Kevin OBrien who assisted with the set. Its amazing. He made a great job of it, she said. Lee O'Leary, Zak Hinchion and Jayden Morton Monahan who took part in the Togher National Boys School's production of Oliver. Picture: David Creedon A lot of our teachers helped out as well. Its really been a joint effort everyone in the school has contributed in some way. Ms Moynihan said, while there was the expected pre-show jitters during the dress rehearsal, the overriding mood in the school was one of great anticipation. Theyre really excited now and theyre really looking forward to their parents coming to see it as well. Theres a great feeling around the school, its very positive. The excitement is palpable. A Cork reflexologist, who received a penalty of 90,000; a Carrigaline consultant, who was fined 5,000 and sentenced to 160 hours of community service and a Fermoy company director, who was fined 5,000 and given an 18-month suspended sentence, are among tax defaulters named by the Revenue Commissioners. The list for the first three months of 2024 has been published, and a number of Cork residents are on it. Matthew Murphy, a reflexologist with an address at Tosnu, Ballinvarosig, Carrigaline, received a penalty determination of 89,690 for under-declaration of capital-gains tax of the same amount. JPAC Engineering Limited, with an address at Marian, Cork Road, Fermoy, was fined 5,000 for delivering incorrect corporation-tax returns, while Jonathon Cummins, a company director from Marian, Cork Road, Fermoy, received an 18-month suspended sentence for delivering incorrect Vat returns. Brian M Murphy, of 25 Garran Ferney, Carrigaline, whose occupation is listed as consultant, was fined 5,000 for claiming income-tax relief to which he was not entitled, and was given a two-year suspended sentence. Mr Murphy was also charged with one count of delivering incorrect Vat returns, for which he received a sentence of 80 hours of community service, in lieu of one year of imprisonment. Community service Mr Murphy was sentenced to a further 80 hours of community service, in lieu of one year of imprisonment, for producing an incorrect invoice or document. Kevin Barry, of Inchnagree, Buttevant, whose occupation is listed as PAYE employee, was fined 3,000 for the misuse of marked mineral oil. William Delaney, of 12 Meadow Park Lawn, Ballyvollane, occupation not known, was fined 3,000 for the misuse of marked mineral oil. Mary Dinan, of 400 Forest View, Goulds Hill, Mallow, PAYE employee, was fined 3,000 for the misuse of marked mineral oil. Arthur McDonagh, of 8 Cul Mona, Pike Road, Fermoy, PAYE employee, was fined 2,500 for the misuse of marked mineral oil. Kevin OBrien, of 14 Ard na Carraig, Doneraile, PAYE employee, was fined 2,500 for the misuse of marked mineral oil. Nikita OBrien, of 12 Meadow Park Lawn, Ballyvollane, occupation unknown, was fined 3,000 for the misuse of marked mineral oil. David Holub, of Apartment 3, Bunratty House, Flower Hill, Rushbrooke Manor, Cobh, PAYE employee, was fined 2,500 for tobacco smuggling. Sandra Kotlarova, of Apartment 3, Bunratty House, Flower Hill, Rushbrooke Manor, Cobh, occupation unknown, was fined 2,500 for tobacco smuggling. Andrejs Maksimovies, of Belrose, Innishannon, PAYE employee, was fined 2,500 for tobacco smuggling. Monika Szymczyk, High Street, Newmarket, PAYE employee, was fined 2,500 for the illegal selling of tobacco. Paul Moore, of 21 Willow Bank View, Fairhill, PAYE employee, was sentenced to 240 hours of community service in lieu of two years imprisonment, for two charges of possession of untaxed tobacco for sale. Neringa Sveilauskiene, of 57 Orchard Heights, Charleville, PAYE employee, was fined 2,500 for the possession of untaxed tobacco for sale. Nationally The list of tax defaulters, published in Iris Oifigiuil, covers the period from January 1 of this year and March 31. Nationally, there were five cases in which the courts determined penalties for defaulters, and the total amount of the five cases came to 517,063. There were 79 cases in which a fine, imprisonment, or other penalty was imposed in respect of tax or duty offences, and 178,215 was the cumulative total of the court fines imposed. The Revenue Commissioners published 11 cases in which settlements were reached with defaulters, and the cumulative amount of those cases was 4,002,820. In the three-month period to 31 March 2024, a total of 14,899 revenue-compliance interventions were settled, resulting in a total yield of 195,677,591. A 43-YEAR-old man due to go on trial on Monday, on charges including the making of a threat to kill a woman in Fermoy and causing damage to her home, has changed his plea to guilty. A jury panel was in place at Anglesea St Courthouse, in Cork, to be sworn in for the trial of Jason OCallaghan, of 4 Old Lachnalooha, Mallow, County Cork. However, as the jury was about to be sworn in, Brendan Kelly, barrister, asked to have the accused arraigned on five charges. When this was done, Jason OCallaghan pleaded guilty to the charges before Cork Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Helen Boyle thanked the jury panel and said that on the plea of guilty being entered, they were no longer required. Judge Boyle remanded Jason OCallaghan in custody until November 8 for sentencing and directed the preparation of a probation report and victim-impact statement. The judge was told that the accused had been in custody since January, when the offences were committed. Mr OCallaghan admitted causing criminal damage to the front door and three windows of a house at Baile Ard, Fermoy, County Cork, on January 16. He also admitted to making a threat to kill or cause serious injury to a woman living at that house. Additionally, he admitted causing criminal damage to a Garda patrol car and possession of a weapon, namely an axe on the same date. Finally, he pleaded guilty to resisting Garda Martin Murphy at Emmett St, Fermoy, on the same date. So far, the background circumstances to the case have not been outlined in court. That will be done at the sentencing hearing in November. As the local election has ended, it is time to feel relieved and extend my thanks to everyone who supported me during my campaign. I have an amazing support network I would like to thank, as without them, none of this would be possible. I would also like to thank everyone who voted for me, I assure you I will continue to work diligently for the people of Cork County and my area, Fermoy, as promised. I would also like to acknowledge the work of everyone who put a huge effort into recent canvassing in their constituencies, all the challenging work put in over the last few years. I congratulate those who will be taking up a seat for the next term on the council. I am looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that will come our way over the next few years, and I look forward to working alongside both new and familiar faces. While the election gained a lot of attention, County Cork Council was still as busy as ever. Kinsale Library Kinsale Library has recently been shortlisted for the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Architecture Awards and is competing to win the title of Irelands favourite building/public space 2024. The building is truly impressive, both inside and out, so over the coming summer months I encourage you to head to Kinsale and check it out. I am excited for the return of the Special Music Event Scheme in the West Cork and Bandon/Kinsale MD. This event boosts tourism in the county, but more importantly showcases the amazing musical talent hidden in West Cork, with events on right throughout the summer. Roads funding I am delighted to share that Cork County Council is due to receive an additional 3.7m for roads. Consistent wet conditions saw Cork county be one of the worst affected areas in the country, so receiving the largest allocation from the Regional and Local Roads Restoration Improvement Grants programme is welcomed. With over 12,200km of road networks, it is vital to maintain these at the highest standard possible. The council has also been granted over 2m for the revitalisation of Skibbereen and Clonakilty town centres. Together with input from locals, this funding will be put to effective use to help make these towns desirable places to live, work, and visit. On the topic of funding, Skibbereen has been awarded 1.8m for public realm enhancement under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF). The money will be used to reanimate the streetscape in Skibbereen town centre and install a new wayfinding scheme to make it easier for visitors and residents to navigate around the town. Our towns and villages are the lifeblood of rural Ireland. The Town Centre First Initiative will greatly impact rejuvenating our communities in County Cork. Irish Community Archive Network On another note, our Heritage Office joined with Kilshannig Heritage Society to host the annual gathering of the Irish Community Archive Network (iCAN) at Springfort Hall Country House Hotel recently, where a new publication by oral historian and author, Dr Tomas Mac Conmara was officially launched. The Irish Community Archive Network is an excellent initiative of the National Museum of Ireland, strongly supported by the Heritage Council, participating Local Authority Heritage Officers and community groups across Ireland. As Mayor I see firsthand the excellent work that Cork Countys iCAN groups undertake and wish to pay particular tribute to Kilshannig Heritage Society for hosting this event. The day was thoroughly enjoyed by the one hundred people in attendance and the excellent publication by Tomas MacConmara will be enjoyed by countless audiences far and wide. New Cork County Council chief executive There is lots of change to come in Cork County Council, with the election of a new council and the appointment of our new Chief Executive Moira Murrell. I am enthusiastic about the future of our great county. We all have the same goals of helping Cork County to reach its full potential, and I am excited for the work ahead. DATA provided by the HSE shows there was a difference of 2,678 patients seen between two Cork city Southdoc facilities in one month of this year. The documents, which were acquired through the Freedom of Information Act 2014 (FOI), show that in March, 265 patients were seen at the Southdoc Blackpool facility, in comparison to 2,943 seen at the treatment centre on the Kinsale Road. In April of last year, 665 patients were seen at the Blackpool location, which began to steadily decline month on month, with 633 seen in May; 549 in June; 499 in July; 543 in August; 322 in September; 317 in October; 195 in November; 222 in December; 235 in January of this year, and 267 in February of this year. This decline is reflected in the increase seen at Kinsale Road, which saw 2,080 people in April of last year; 1,946 in May; 1,838 in June; 1,822 in July; 1,789 in August; 1,707 in September; 2,564 in October; 2,741 in November; 2,874 in December; 2,343 in January of this year, and 2,400 in February of this year. The data also showed that more than 7.5m in funding is allocated to the 23 Southdoc facilities across Cork and Kerry annually, which is provided to the service in monthly instalments. Barrier Sinn Fein Cork City North West Ward councillor Michelle Gould said the HSE has failed to tackle the decline in patients seen at Blackpool, describing it as a barrier to healthcare for those living in the northside of the city. The HSE are continuing to pay Southdoc monthly instalments adding up to millions of euro every year. This is despite the fact that Southdoc Blackpool is effectively closed and has been for months now. We can clearly see that as the numbers of patients attending Blackpool have declined, the numbers going to Kinsale Road have increased," she added. People havent just left the northside, they are being told that they cant see a doctor in Blackpool. That is a real stress for people. [They] simply cannot afford to pay for taxis to the Kinsale Road. Ms Gould said she is deeply frustrated by the decline in services, and believes it is now time for the HSE and the government to intervene and instruct Southdoc to provide a full service in Blackpool. That is what they are being paid to do and it must happen now, she said. No reduction A spokesperson for HSE Cork Kerry Community Healthcare (CKCH) said that both Southdoc and the HSE have no plans to withdraw the availability of or access to services in Cork city for patients in the northside. It is important to emphasise that if an individual in Cork city requires care, that care will be provided by appointment in either the Blackpool or Kinsale Road treatment centre, or via home visit, the spokesperson said. There is no reduction in service to city patients and existing resources can meet the demand comfortably. The SouthDoc treatment centre facility in Blackpool continues to be by appointment. Asked if there was a reason for such a decline seen at the Blackpool facility, the spokesperson for HSE CKCH said: This is an operational question for Southdoc and we suggest you link in with them. Southdoc has been contacted for further comment on the matter. A middle-aged woman who suffered a campaign of harassment by a man who put covert cameras outside her home, burgled her house and took a photograph of her social calendar to see where she would be going said that her self-confidence had been destroyed. 56-year-old Richard Bermingham of Tankardstown, Kilmallock, Limerick, has been jailed for four and a half years with the last year suspended at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. He pleaded guilty to harassing the woman, who is aged around 60, from February 14, 2023 to September 2023, and burglary where he entered her property as a trespasser in June of that year. The facts of the case were outlined by Det Sgt James OShea who was later commended by Judge Helen Boyle for the professionalism of the investigation into this harassment. The victim had an ordinary workplace-type friendship with Richard Bermingham with no question of a relationship or anything of that sort before the harassment began and became even more serious with what the judge described as a litany of offences and a gross invasion of her privacy. Cameras Cameras associated with nature habitat observations were placed opposite her house by the accused. He stole her spare keys. He entered her home a number of times, although there was only one trespass/burglary charge. He took photographs of her calendar of upcoming personal events so that he would know where she would be going. You entered her home on a number of occasions without her permission. She found a head torch in her property which you later admitted belonged to you. She heard a noise coming from the engine of her car and when the bonnet was opened she found photos of a sexually explicit nature under the bonnet of the car, Judge Boyle said. On another occasion her way was blocked by his car, road signs near her home were pasted with cut out words which were put together to make messages that she found embarrassing. She vacated her home for a period to stay in a friends house and Richard Bermingham took photographs of her sitting in the friends kitchen. A traffic cone with eyeholes cut out of it was found near her home. Unsurprisingly, all of this had a very serious effect on this lady, Judge Boyle said. Victim impact statement Det Sgt OShea read the victim impact statement on her behalf: Before this all happened to me I had no fear living on my own. My life has changed. I have put in security camera in my home and alarms. I have missed work using sick leave and unpaid days I was never sick before all this. My self-esteem, my confidence has been shattered. I have fear of being followed if I go for a walk or there is a car close behind me. I lock the door of my house when I go out to the clothesline. Im afraid to open the windows in my house. I am scared that he was in my house. My privacy was invaded. Im afraid to sleep in case it would happen again. Any noise I get out of bed to see there is no one in the house. I am finding it hard to trust people I avoid people. This is not the way I was before this. I am constantly afraid that someone will break into my house again or hurt me. Me fear is if and when he comes out. I dont feel safe to live in my own home on my own. Defence senior counsel Alice Fawsitt presented reports on the accused in which he was described as having obsessive, compulsive tendencies. She said he misjudged the situation and developed this obsession with her and had not comprehension of the effect he was having on her. Regarding this, Sgt OShea said gardai intervened in June 2023 and told him to stop but the harassment continued. Ms Fawsitt said there was never a threat of violence, no sexual implications and he never made a pass at the woman, adding that it was acknowledged that nasty pictures were left in the car. Belters Only play a huge show in Virgin Media Park (Musgrave Park), on Friday, June 21, and I caught up with the acclaimed dance duo of Robbie G and Bissett for a chat ahead of their visit to Cork. They have made huge strides in recent years and have gone from playing small clubs to huge open air festivals, while keeping the integrity of their music intact. I was really impressed by their overall vision and determination and I came away from the chat realising that they will greatly help take dance music much further outside of Ireland in the next number of years. Both Robbie and Bissett put in major work as teenagers DJing prior to the pandemic and they credit this experience with helping them make the transition into playing big shows in 2024. With Virgin Media Park following a hugely successful outdoor show in Punchestown, I was curious how they have handled this progression. Lots of work goes on behind it with our team, making sure everything is right, they tell me. Both of us have the same vision, and we have a great crew involved, obviously including (manager) Evan too. We have a lot of pride and passion in what we do, and every aspect of it is taken into consideration. Robbie elaborates: Weve both come up the ranks in clubs so we have seen what to do and what not to do, while Bissett adds that to make the shows bigger we need to have the whole production on point, its more than just two DJs playing some tunes. I chatted in depth to the lads about the ceiling we sometimes impose on ourselves here. Its clear they remain very modest and determined despite their recent success, and I was particularly impressed by their vision for the future. We love it, its not work for us. We are in the studio all the time. We are in tune with the community, and are just normal people, bedroom producers who started in our bedrooms like anyone else, and are trying to spread that message that you can be what you want no matter where you are from. Robbie and Bissett both talk about hunger, ambition and determination, and crucially they see no ceiling in Ireland or elsewhere when it comes to success. The duo have acted on this hunger by creating their own label, We are Active, which is providing Irish young talent with a potential gateway to getting exposure here and elsewhere. It only seems like yesterday when Robbie and Bissett were doing shows here as kids in the likes of the Savoy and SG1, and they are building a platform for the next generation with the label, which is releasing loads of music by some of Irelands best young guns. We collectively have a vision and wanted to build this pathway for artists to go global through somewhere here, using our guidance and experience, rather than being thrown in at the deep end elsewhere. As youngsters themselves, they had to break down the walls by looking abroad, but we want the scene to grow, its not worth it otherwise if that doesnt happen; for years Ireland has had great talent that has been untapped. Evan McGee, Cameron Watson, Josh Dowdall, and Conor Thompson are just a few of the young dance producers who are dropping music on We Are Active, and there is no doubt that Belters Only are both inspiring and guiding the next generation of talent here. Dance music has always been about community and Robbie and Bissett are now making music and friendships with many of those that they grew up listening to, such as MK and Sonny Fodero. Helping nurture a pathway for young Irish kids is an obvious thing to do, but not everyone in their position would have been so selfless. The rising tide of Irish electronic music has already seen many others make some big strides, and with another of their crew, Jazzy, concurrently making huge inroads on radio and in the charts, its looking good for 2024 and beyond. Belters Only are living the dream right now, and have gone from teenage parties and bedroom beats to selling out the 3Arena and more in a matter of a few years. They are a pair of down to earth hardworking lads who are passionate about music and their show in Cork will be a great celebration of their journey so far. By Jonathan McCambridge, PA A future Labour government in Britain could be helpful for Ireland, former taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said. Mr Varadkar also said if the British Labour Party does form a government after next months election in the UK, he expects them to be more even-handed when dealing with Northern Ireland than the Tories. The former taoiseach was asked about the implications of the UKs July poll for the island of Ireland during an appearance at an event in Belfast on Saturday. He said: I think if it is a Labour government that could be helpful for Ireland. Certainly, they feel more of an attachment to the Good Friday Agreement than the Conservatives do. It was a Labour prime minister Tony Blair who negotiated it. They certainly will want a closer relationship with the European Union. Mr Varadkar added: I think they will be more even-handed when it comes to dealing with Northern Ireland. Whereas the Conservative Party is the Conservative and Unionist Party, I think the Labour Party is probably a bit more even-handed. Mr Varadkar also welcomed Labour pledges to repeal the controversial Act to deal with the legacy of the Northern Ireland Troubles. Labour has said it would restore legacy inquests and the ability for Troubles victims to bring civil cases if it comes to power. Mr Varadkar said: I think what they have said about legacy is very encouraging as well, that they will repeal and replace the legislation. Leo Varadkar spoke about the impact of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage on UK politics (James Manning/PA) He was also asked about the influence of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage on UK politics. Mr Varadkar said: Given the First Past The Post electoral system, they [Reform] still might not win any or many seats. I do think a lot of people in the Conservative Party, when they started to adopt Ukips policies, when they agreed to have a referendum on Brexit, they thought that all of that would make Farage and his ideology and philosophy go away. And werent they wrong? I think that is a lesson to centre-right parties and my party [Fine Gael] is a party broadly of the centre right that when you start copying the policies of the radical right, its a slippery slope. They dont go away, they often get stronger. The horse abattoir at the centre of an investigation into allegations of animal welfare abuse has been shut down. The Department of Agriculture is currently carrying out an inquiry into activities involving the supply of horses for slaughter following an expose by RTE Investigates. The plant operated by Shannonside Foods in Straffan, Co Kildare, is now fully suspended, the Department confirmed on Sunday. The abattoir was the focus of a number of protests on Saturday by members of the charity My Lovely Horse Rescue after RTE captured footage of horses allegedly being beaten and mistreated. The documentary, which was broadcast on Wednesday, also revealed that illegal methods were used to launder the identities of horses at the site in Irelands only equine abattoir. The Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue, said those responsible would face the full rigours of the law. Horse Racing Ireland said it would actively support the Department of Agriculture and Garda investigations, and urged anyone with information about mistreatment of horses to report it to gardai. Jonathan McCambridge, PA Casement Park will be built on my watch, Northern Irelands First Minister Michelle ONeill has said. Ms ONeill made the comments as she addressed a major rally on Irish unification in Belfast on Saturday. More than 2,000 people attended the Irelands Future Pathway to Change event in the SSE Arena. Ms ONeill referred to the ongoing uncertainty over funding for the rebuilding of Casement Park in west Belfast. Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald with former Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams (Brian Lawless/PA) The derelict ground has been earmarked as a venue for five Euro 2028 matches. However, the funding needed to build the stadium in time for the tournament is still not in place and there are concerns the delays will see Belfast missing out on a tournament being jointly hosted by Ireland and the UK. Ms ONeill said: Casement Park will be built on my watch. She also said she had a positive relationship with the Norths deputy First Minister, the DUPs Emma Little-Pengelly. Ms ONeill added: We have common ground, the common ground is prosperity for everybody. Our common ground is around trying to build our community. She said Westminster had shown it would never serve the interests of people in Northern Ireland, which demonstrated the need for constitutional change. Eleven political parties from across the island are taking part in the event on Saturday. Former taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald are also due to speak at the event, while former Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams is also in attendence. DUP founding member Wallace Thompson speaks at the Irelands Future event (Brian Lawless/PA) Opening the event, senator Frances Black, Irelands Future chair, said: It is undeniable that change is imminent. The Alliance Partys Nuala McAllister took part in a panel discussion after party leader Naomi Long withdrew. Ms McAllister said the priority for her party was to reform the Stormont powersharing institutions. She said: We do not want to create a divide here where we radicalise on either side. DUP founding member Wallace Thompson and loyalist paramilitary David Adams are also taking part in a panel discussion called The Protestant Perspective. The stated aim of Irelands Future is to promote debate and discussion about what a united Ireland would look like, and is campaigning for a referendum on reunification. The group says Brexit has created a fresh impetus for constitutional change, with more people looking at unification as a way to mitigate the consequences of the UKs departure from the EU. THE car scrapyard near Cobh was typically topsy-turvy, haphazard and random. Rusting car frames, ramshackle and dilapidated, tyres piled high, car doors stacked in rows. Remnants of all kinds of other discarded metal waste and junk also lay around. It was anything but neat and tidy, yet to the officer in charge of the Mobile Workshops Garrison Ordnance Company at Collins Barracks, Cork, it was perfect. His visit here in the early 1970s resulted in the acquisition of two second-hand wiper motors, a battery, two pram wheels and an assortment of 12-volt multi-pin connectors. Added to a supply of relays bought previously in Dublin, it came to a total cost of 18, which he paid himself. The parts purchased, with the enthusiasm of youth, and ignoring the amusement and amazement of his fellow officers, the man began the task of designing and building a bomb disposal robot. Fifty years ago, although many techniques in this area had been introduced by the Irish Army Ordnance Corps, a clear requirement remained for a remote handling device at a time when The Troubles were at their height across the island. The deployment of Wheelbarrow, a new bomb disposal robot, to Northern Ireland in June, 1972, had been a first for the British Army, having lost eight bomb disposal experts to an array of lethal booby-trapped Provisional IRA Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in the previous two years. The robots construction remained a closely guarded secret. Meanwhile, Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) retaliation bombings had begun in the Republic and by mid-1972 they presented a serious threat to Irish Army Ordnance Corps bomb disposal units. So, since all design details of Wheelbarrow remained secret, the construction of an Irish bomb disposal robot was to be an entirely bottoms-up undertaking, with the added difficulty that no facility existed to purchase the necessary parts, hence that trip to the car dump near Cobh. The prototype design involved an arm extended from the front carrying a small explosive charge which could be dropped beside a suspect device and detonated, with resulting disruption of the device. Car Bombs And Barrack Busters, by Dan Harvey, which tells the story of the Cork city robot in action in the 1970s The body of the robot resembled a miniature mobile crane. It was built with a half inch of ply, which was cheap, strong and most importantly, non-conducting. It worked! Simply by tapping the microswitches, the robot could be inched forward, backward, left or right with remarkable precision. A system of control had to be devised in order to place the charge in the correct position. This proved simple enough.A Non-Commission Officer (NCO) would stand at a safe distance to the side of the device, then call out the distance to travel as the robot approached the suspect device - 10ft, 5ft, 1ft, reverse a half foot, stop! We practiced this technique until we got it right every time. Crucially, the robot was light and compact enough to be carried in the back of our Land Rover. The robot and its handlers were now ready for action, but nobody else knew! ****** On a cold, wet night in Cork city in early 1974, a telephone call was received at Collins Barracks from the gardai, requesting an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team to deal with a suspect parcel on the footpath outside the city courthouse. The Land Rover was loaded with the usual EOD equipment and explosives, and it occurred to the officer in charge that this might be an ideal opportunity to deploy his new, privately produced innovation, so he had it duly lifted on board. I remember the scene well; deserted street, imposing facade of the courthouse, gardai huddled in the rain awaiting our arrival, and their usual look of relief when we did. The suspect parcel lay on the pavement at the bottom of the 11 courthouse steps. It seemed obviously out of place, and given the prevalence of bomb scares at the time, was an object to be treated with caution. As the EOD operator, I got to work, clearing the area, preparing a small charge, attaching it to a firing cable and detonator. I usually would then have to walk forward, playing out the firing cable as I went, and place the charge carefully beside the suspect parcel, making sure not to disturb it in any way. Then walk back to the selected firing point and, making sure the way was clear, carry out a controlled explosion. The eternal problem with this approach was - would my time in the vicinity of the suspect device coincide with the exact moment a timer in it would run out? However, that day I could deploy the robot, confident as ever I could be that this was a viable and safe alternative. I gave the order to unload the robot, fully conscious it would be the first time, to my knowledge, that a battery-driven EOD robot was ever used operationally, and should anything go wrong, a lot of questions would be asked. We carried out our well-practiced procedure and the controlled explosion went off without a hitch. The suspect parcel proved to be a hoax. It was only then that I could look at the assembled, bemused gardai, thinking to myself: There ye are now, fellas; and what do you think of that for a game of soldiers? ****** A YEAR later, in 1975, the robot designer transferred from Cork to RADIAC Workshops at the Ordnance Depot in Clancy Barracks, Dublin. His development work continued until the robot was fitted with the latest CCTV cameras - a significant step worthy of a christening. The name the officer chose for his robot was EL for electric and VIS for television - thus ELVIS was born. (Elvis had a brother - a second robot prototype, but subject to malfunction. He called it Smoky Joe!) With the facilities and expertise of the Ordnance Base Workshops, robot design progressed. Tracks replaced wheels and, painted olive green, the vehicle gradually took on a more military appearance. In a dramatic final twist to this tale, the existence of Elvis was leaked to the press, who sensationalised the story, with the result that the whole world, including the Taoiseach, the Minister for Defence and IDA chiefs descended on Clancy Barracks to witness the robot in action. It was decided not to display the more advanced version of the robot and instead show the original, early but reliable Cork model, for which the Department of Defence still owed its inventor 18 plus interest! An extract from Car Bombs And Barrack Busters, by Dan Harvey. A new campaign launched by NFU Cymru is seeking to drum up public support to help secure the future of food production in Wales. The unions Secure the Future of Welsh Food campaign is due to kickstart on Monday (17 June), when the third annual Welsh Farming Week begins. The initiative aims to encourage people across Wales to show their support for local food by adding their name to the online petition. NFU Cymru said it was hoping for significant numbers to back the petition to help underline to the government the high level of public support for Welsh food. The future of farm policy and the funding attached to it has been the subject of much debate in Wales over recent months. Farming groups have raised serious concerns over the impact of the Welsh government's current policy proposals on farmers ability to produce food. NFU Cymru President Aled Jones said the Future of Welsh Food campaign had an aim of bringing the Welsh farming industry together. He said: "Our consumer polling last winter highlighted that 82% of the Welsh public support government providing funding to farmers to produce food. "I also know that NFU Cymru members and staff were taken aback with the positive response from those passing the unions display of 5,500 wellies on the steps of the Senedd in Cardiff in March. "All of this points to the fact that the people of Wales hold Welsh food in high regard and they want to see farmers supported to continue producing that food." NFU Cymru Deputy President Abi Reader said that, ultimately, policy makers must listen to the public's demands for local, high-quality food production. "As farmers, its in our collective interests to make sure the voice of the public is heard when it comes to our efforts to Secure the Future of Welsh Food," she said. At a time when food production around the world is under pressure due to the impacts of climate change and global conflict, we simply cannot afford to hinder the production of safe, high-quality food made in a climate that is perfectly suited to producing milk, meat, eggs, potatoes, crops and vegetables. "We need as many people as possible to sign the petition on the NFU Cymru website over the next few months, in either Welsh or English, to mobilise this support for Welsh food." By Farooq Kperogi Twitter: @farooqkperogi Most Japanese words and names sound likeand actually appear inmost languages in west, central, e... By Farooq Kperogi Twitter: @farooqkperogi Most Japanese words and names sound likeand actually appear inmost languages in west, central, east, and even southern Africa. The reverse is also true: Japanese people find a curious phonetic correspondence between their language and most African languages. The most famous example of this is the name Obama, a Luo name from Kenya, which is also the name of a town in Japan. When Barack Obama was elected US president in 2008, the town shot to international prominence. We later learned that Obama means a small beach in the Japanese language. (Theres also a town called Obama in Nigerias River State). Until relatively recently, I used to think Ajinomoto, whose seasoning was omnipresent in Nigerian kitchens when I lived there, was a Nigerian company that derived its name from a Nigerian language. In fact, just yesterday, I asked my wife, who is half Nigerian (Igbo) and half American, to guess what language Ajinomoto came from. She said with cocksure certainty that it had to be Yoruba! (She spent three years in Ogbomosho and speaks some Yoruba). She was shocked to realize that Ajinomoto is Japanese. Japanese brands like Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki, etc. resonated with us when I was growing up in Nigeria because they sounded every bit African, even Nigerian. But it gets even more interesting. Japanese capital Tokyo used to be called Edo, the name of a state and people in midwestern Nigeria. The Japanese also bear personal names like Chika, an Igbo name; Aina, a Yoruba name; Fumi, a Yoruba name; Ikimi, an Edo name; Yaru, a Borgu name; Sambo, a Fulani name; Maitama, a Hausa name; Adachi, a Nupe/Igala name; and so on. Tutor-World identified several more Japanese personal names that are either also personal names, names of common things, or names of towns in Nigeria, including: Azuka, Baba, Duro, Eijiro, Emiko, Femi, Fuji, Gobe, Goro, Haruna, Imoko, Iyamu, Kano, Kwashi, Mabuchi, Maduka, Mai, Obi, Oba, Ogi, Okada, Osahon, Sada, Ta-Daura (even Buharis adopted hometown made the list!), Waka, and Zoro. Many people have pointed out that most words and names in Black African languages have a phonetic, and sometimes semantic, match in Japanese words or namesand vice versa. Take, for an example, the word Yoruba, the name of a major ethnic group in Nigeria. It also occurs in Japanese and can be translated as a night horse, according to the Sundaland Research Society, which says yoru means night and ba means horse in Japanese. Several random words in Japanese can also have meanings, often unrelated to the original, in several African languages. In spite of the uncanny congruence between the speech sounds of Black African languages and Japanese, there is no evidence that its anything more than a pleasantly giant phono-semantic accident. Its similar to the similarities in sound and rhythm between Plateau State languages and the Sino-Tibetan languages of China and its neighbors. Many Plateau State names can pass for Mandarin names. A former Plateau journalist I used to be fond of (because of the exotic musicality of his name) is called Shok Jok. That name could pass for a Mandarin or Cantonese name. Theres also a Professor Pam Dung Sha who teaches political science at the University of Jos. People who pay attention to politics are probably familiar with the late Senator Gyang Nyam Shom Pwajok. Names cant get more Chinese than that! How about Plateau State names like Chuwang and Vongkong that Chinese people actually bear? The popular Plateau State name Gyang sounds similar to a place in Tibet called Qungdogyang. Similarly, many Plateau State toponyms such as Qua'an Pan, Pankshin, Shendam, etc. sound distinctly Chinese. (This is also true of the toponyms, and sometimes personal names, in southern Kaduna and southern Adamawa.) The first time I visited Jos in the late 1990s, I stayed at a hotel called Kufang Chindi International Hotel. I honestly thought it was a Chinese-owned hotel, more so that it had international in its name, but its name is actually native to Plateau State! I read about a Japanese linguist who was intrigued by the sounds of Plateau State names and decided to map the glottochronology of the languages. His lexicostatistical analysis found that less than 30 percent of the similar-sounding words between Plateau State languages and Chinas Sino-Tibetan languages share similar meanings. Linguists call these kinds of similarities "accidental evidence." In other words, the researcher found that there was no evidence of even a remote common origin for Chinese and the Plateau State languages. It was merely a case of accidental similarities in sound. Interestingly, Chinese-sounding Plateau State languages and the Japanese language dont belong to the major language families of their locations. They are both what linguists call language isolates. Katie Price has "changed [her] mindset". Katie Price's mindset has changed in recent times The 46-year-old star believes she has a "fresh head" and a "strong mind" after going through so many ups and downs in her life. She told MailOnline: "I think things are changing now. I think, word of mouth, people are realising that I've changed. I've changed my mindset." Katie believes that her mindset shift is actually evident to anyone who meets her. The former glamour model shared: "I'm bored of [the negativity] and I think the public is starting to realise that. "It's just attack, attack and attack. When they meet me or hear my podcast, they see me as a different person." Katie resents how she's perceived in comparison to Peter Andre, her ex-husband. What's more, the TV star suggested that Peter and his inner circle don't really care about her. Katie - who was married to Peter between 2005 and 2009 - explained: "I don't think they really care what happens to me if I'm honest. "I don't think they care. They'd love to see me fall. But I'm not. I'm on the rise. "So be warned, everyone. She's back, back in control and in power. "It's about time because there's been too many years. I've been bopped and bopped and bopped and now it's like they've exhausted it. "Now I've come up with a fresh head, strong mind, hungry for it all and I'm back..." Katie has also been married to Kieran Hayler and Alex Reid, and she's accused them of being "obsessed" with her. She said: "I just call all my exes Mr. Prices. They all gang up together and then they all attack me. "Really, I should be flattered because they're that obsessed with me. "But they didn't complain when they were with me, did they? So that's what you've got to think about. I made them. "I wish they'd just get on with their own lives and just leave me alone. Because I'm getting on with mine." Stephen Fry feels "protective" of Lena Dunham. Stephen Fry has praised Lena Dunham The 66-year-old actor stars alongside Lena, 38, in 'Treasure' - a new film that centres on an American journalist who travels to Poland with her father to visit his childhood landmarks - and Stephen has admitted to relishing the experience of working with the 'Girls' creator. Asked if he was aware of her previous work, Stephen told The Observer newspaper: "Yes, because of 'Girls', which I think is such an amazing series to have created and performed in. We understood each other so instantly. "She called me 'daddy' a lot of the time, and although Ive never been a father, I felt very protective of her. We also have shared ancestry, as we both had Jewish family that were lost at Auschwitz." Stephen also revealed how his Jewish ancestry influenced his performance in the movie. The actor feels he was able to empathise with his on-screen character, Edek, because of everything his grandfather experienced after arriving in Britain in the 1920s. He shared: "My grandfather Martin, who moved to Britain in the late 1920s, was a character not unlike Edek. "His parents, sisters, nieces, nephews, were Hungarian Jews, and as you probably know, in 1944, the sweeping out of Hungarian Jews was complete. "You cant imagine how someone would face life after that loss. Some hid away, got angry, had their view of humanity forever tainted, naturally, but others embraced life, like my grandfather, who gobbled up music and women and food. "So I understood how, for Edek, going back home was a terrible thing." BEIJING, June 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Fifty-five years ago, a 15-year-old Xi Jinping, as an "educated youth," went to Liangjiahe Village in northwest China's Shaanxi Province. He later spent seven years in the countryside, working and living alongside farmers. Those years helped foster his unchanging belief in doing practical things for the people, Xi recalled. After being elected general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee in November 2012, he pledged his continuous dedication to serving the people. "The people's wish for a happy life is our mission." From a rural Party branch secretary to the general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, Xi Jinping always has the country in mind and sees himself as the people's servant. Man of the people Xi arrived in Liangjiahe as a slightly bewildered teenager and left as a 22-year-old man determined to serve the people. He later went to Zhengding, a poor county in north China's Hebei Province. Li Yaping, then a Zhengding County official, recalled that Xi said China had many things waiting to be done and needed some people to shoulder responsibility. From his early years, Xi seemed uninterested in the trappings of offices. He would travel for days, sometimes into the mountains, to talk with people at the grassroots, learn about their difficulties, and help solve their problems. In Zhengding, Xi rode an old bicycle all over the county and noticed that the annual grain procurement quota of 38 million kilograms by the state had left local people hungry. He wrote to the CPC Central Committee, suggesting local farmers' difficulties were caused by the high procurement quota. After the investigation team learned about the situation, they reduced the quota from 38 million kilograms to 24 million kilograms. Cheng Baohuai, then secretary of Zhengding County CPC Committee, recalled that people appreciated Xi's work, saying they finally had enough food. Xi really rooted himself in the people and took to heart the hardships of the people, Cheng said. 'For the good of my people' Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, Xi has made over 100 visits at the grassroots level, including to both urban and rural areas. He voiced concerns about the food markets' holiday supply sufficiency, residents' access to medical care and migrant workers' pay. Addressing people's pressing needs is on the agenda of the central authorities and has become the driving force behind reforms. "We are now practicing a people-centered development philosophy," Xi said during a symposium on eradicating extreme poverty on June 23, 2017. "People-centered development must focus on what the people need most." Under Xi's leadership, China has witnessed historic changes, with absolute poverty wiped out and moderate prosperity attained for the country's 1.4 billion people. China's per capita disposable income in 2023, for instance, increased by 6.1 percent year on year, and the income gap between urban and rural residents continued to narrow. The gains of poverty elimination were consolidated and expanded, with per capita income in rural areas that have been lifted out of poverty growing by 8.4 percent last year. "Chinese modernization aims to ensure that development is for the people and by the people and that its fruits are shared by the people," Xi said at a seminar in February 2023. Asked about his feelings on being elected president of China during a visit to Italy, Xi acknowledged the huge responsibility and arduous task to govern such a big country, but expressed his devotion to China's development. "For the good of my people, I will put aside my own well-being," Xi said. https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-06-15/-For-the-good-of-my-people-Xi-Jinping-s-devotion-to-service-1usxo5iapSo/p.html Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNUNgSGJpW8 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cgtn-for-the-good-of-my-people-xi-jinpings-devotion-to-service-302173631.html ELA026 demonstrated a high overall response rate (ORR) across a range of sHLH patients and a favorable safety profile in this life-threatening hyperinflammatory condition In patients with the poorest prognosis, those with malignancy-associated HLH, early treatment with ELA026 resulted in 100% ORR and improved survival Electra Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical stage biotechnology company developing antibody therapies against novel targets for immunological diseases and cancer, announced the presentation of clinical data for ELA026 in secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH), a life-threatening hyperinflammatory condition. The results were presented today as one of six abstracts selected for oral presentation in a late-breaking session at the European Hematology Association (EHA) Congress in Madrid, Spain. Results were reported for sHLH patients in the ongoing Phase 1b clinical study, which has enrolled a majority of patients with the deadliest sHLH subtype, malignancy-associated HLH (mHLH). In treatment-naive mHLH patients, ELA026 achieved a 100% overall response rate (ORR) by week 4 and improved survival at two months compared to natural history studies. ELA026 also demonstrated a high response rate across a range of sHLH patients and a favorable safety profile in this patient population. ELA026 is a first-in-class monoclonal antibody that targets signal regulatory protein (SIRP)-a/1/? on the cell surface of myeloid cells and T lymphocytes, the pathological immune cells that induce hyperinflammation in sHLH. The Phase 1b study is an ongoing open-label, multi-dose, single-arm, multicenter study designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ELA026, assess biomarkers, and identify a dose for Phase 2/3 testing (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05416307 "These data show very promising results for ELA026 as a potential treatment for sHLH, which is a challenging disease that is devastating for patients and has no approved treatment options," said Swaminathan P. Iyer, MD, Professor in the Department of Lymphoma/Myeloma at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. "Notably, the analysis reveals improved survival was achieved with ELA026 in treatment-naive mHLH patients, suggesting benefit from early treatment intervention for patients with this rapidly progressing disease." Study Results Presented at EHA 2024 Congress The oral presentation at EHA2024, entitled "ELA026 Targeting of SIRP(+) Immune Cells Results in a High Response Rate and Improved 2-Month Survival of Treatment-naive Malignancy-associated Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in a Phase 1 Study," was presented by the lead author, Abhishek Maiti, MD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Leukemia at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The data describe analysis of sHLH patients in three cohorts of the ongoing Phase 1b clinical study, including the following highlights: A majority of enrolled patients had malignancy-associated HLH (mHLH) which has the poorest prognosis, with a mortality rate of approximately 50% at two months. 1 ELA026 was observed to have a favorable safety profile, with manageable adverse events, in this patient population. In Cohorts 1 and 2, which have completed enrollment (n=12), ELA026 achieved an overall response rate (ORR) of 75% by week 4. Enrollment in Cohort 3 is ongoing (n=5 as of April 17, 2024). Across all cohorts, 8 patients had treatment-naive mHLH; in this group, ELA026 achieved an ORR of 100% by week 4 and survival was 88% at two months. In the study, pharmacodynamic and biomarker responses correlated with clinical responses. The Phase 1b study has expanded to include up to 20 patients in Cohort 3 and will continue to evaluate ELA026 in frontline treatment settings in patients with various subtypes of sHLH. "We are delighted that the results of the clinical study of ELA026 in sHLH were recognized and selected as a late-breaking presentation at EHA. This interim data is extremely encouraging, particularly with the high response rates and improved survival at two months achieved in treatment-naive mHLH patients, and suggests ELA026's promise as a first-line treatment. Survival at two months is a clinically meaningful benefit for this patient population and demonstrates the ability of ELA026 to rapidly extinguish the hyperinflammation in sHLH, enabling mHLH patients to pursue curative therapies for their underlying cancer," said Kim-Hien Dao, DO, PhD, Chief Medical Officer at Electra. "We look forward to continuing enrollment in this study and advancing the clinical program to further assess the safety and efficacy of ELA026 in sHLH patients who currently have no approved therapies." About Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH) Secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH) is a rare, life-threatening inflammatory disease for which there is no approved treatment. It can be triggered by cancer (malignancy-associated HLH, or mHLH), infection, autoimmune disease, or immunotherapy. sHLH is associated with a systemic inflammatory response for which patients require immediate intervention. Without treatment, patients may experience multiple organ failure and death. sHLH has a high mortality rate during the first months of diagnosis, with mHLH patients having the poorest outcomes. About Electra Therapeutics Electra Therapeutics is a clinical stage biotechnology company developing therapies against novel targets for immunological diseases and cancer. The company's lead product candidate, ELA026, is a first-in-class monoclonal antibody that targets SIRP on the cell surface of myeloid cells and T lymphocytes, and precisely depletes pathological immune cells. ELA026 is in clinical development for secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH), a rare, life-threatening hyperinflammatory condition for which there is no approved treatment, as well as additional disease indications. For more information, please visit www.electra-therapeutics.com and follow us on LinkedIn 1 Lofstedt A, et al. Blood. 2024 Jan 18;143(3):233-242. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240616038888/en/ Contacts: Kathryn Morris, The Yates Network LLC 914-204-6412 kathryn@theyatesnetwork.com First and only BTK inhibitor to demonstrate favorable overall survival trend vs. standard-of-care chemoimmunotherapy in this setting Positive results from the ECHO Phase III trial showed AstraZeneca's CALQUENCE(acalabrutinib) in combination with bendamustine and rituximab demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) and showed a favorable trend in overall survival (OS) compared to standard-of-care chemoimmunotherapy (bendamustine plus rituximab) in previously untreated patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). These results were presented today in a late-breaking oral presentation at the European Hematology Association (EHA) 2024 Hybrid Congress in Madrid, Spain (LBA3439). Results showed the CALQUENCEcombination regimen reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 27% compared to standard-of-care chemoimmunotherapy (hazard ratio [HR] 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57-0.94; p=0.016). Median PFS was 66.4 months for patients treated with the CALQUENCE combination (n=299) versus 49.6 months with standard-of-care chemoimmunotherapy (n=299). The secondary endpoint of OS showed a favorable trend for the CALQUENCE combination compared to standard-of-care chemoimmunotherapy, further supporting the clinical benefit of this combination (HR 0.86; 95% CI 0.65-1.13; p=0.2743). The OS data were not mature at the time of this analysis and the trial will continue to assess OS as a key secondary endpoint. The ECHO trial enrolled during the pandemic period, and a pre-specified analysis censoring for COVID-19-related deaths was conducted to assess the impact. PFS was further improved in both arms, with the CALQUENCE combination reducing the risk of disease progression or death by 36% (HR 0.64; 95% CI 0.48-0.84; p=0.0017). Median PFS was not reached among patients treated with the CALQUENCE combination versus 61.6 months for standard-of-care chemoimmunotherapy (HR 0.64; 95% CI 0.48-0.84; p=0.0017). A favorable trend was seen for OS in this analysis for the CALQUENCE combination (HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.53-1.04; p=0.0797). Michael Wang, MD, Puddin Clarke Endowed Professor, Director of Mantle Cell Lymphoma Program of Excellence, Co-Director of Clinical Trials at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, US and principal investigator in the trial, said: "For people living with mantle cell lymphoma, a typically aggressive form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, the ECHO results offer promise of a new, effective treatment option for adults older than 65, who represent the majority of MCL patients. The improved progression-free survival seen in patients treated with the CALQUENCE combination compared to chemoimmunotherapy demonstrate its potential to change the standard of care as the only BTK inhibitor in this first-line setting." Susan Galbraith, Executive Vice President, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, said: "The ECHO trial data demonstrate important progress in improving outcomes for patients with mantle cell lymphoma. The 16.8 months of additional time patients can live without their disease progressing is highly clinically meaningful, together with a trend to improvement in overall survival. We therefore believe CALQUENCE plus chemoimmunotherapy will be an important new option for patients living with this disease." Summary of Results: ECHO CALQUENCE plus bendamustine and rituximab (n=299) Placebo plus bendamustine and rituximab (n=299) Median PFS (months) 66.4 49.6 PFS HR (95% CI) 0.73 (0.57-0.94) PFS p-value 0.0160 OS HR (95% CI) 0.86 (0.65-1.13) OS p-value 0.2743 Censoring for COVID-19 deaths Median PFS NR 61.6 PFS HR (95% CI) 0.64 (0.48-0.84) PFS p-value 0.0017 OS HR (95% CI) 0.75 (0.53-1.04) OS p-value 0.0797 NR=Not reached The safety and tolerability of CALQUENCE was consistent with its known safety profile, and no new safety signals were identified. Grade 3 or higher adverse events (AEs) due to any cause occurred in 88.9% (n=264) of patients treated with the CALQUENCE combination and 88.2% (n=262) of patients treated with standard-of-care chemoimmunotherapy, including Grade 3 or higher atrial fibrillation in 3.7% (n=11) and 1.7% (n=5) of patients, Grade 3 or higher hypertension in 5.4% (n=16) and 8.4% (n=25), Grade 3 or higher major bleeding in 2.0% (n=6) and 3.4% (n=10), and Grade 3 or higher infections in 41.1% (n=122) and 34.0% (n=101), respectively. Serious AEs and Grade 5 events were balanced across arms (69% [n=205] versus 62% [n=184], and 12.1% [n=36] versus 10.1% [n=30], respectively). AEs leading to discontinuation were observed in 10.4% (n=31) and 6.4% (n=19) of patients for the CALQUENCE combination and placebo arms respectively. AEs related to COVID-19 were seen in the trial, including Grade 5 events which occurred in 9.4% (n=28) of patients treated with the CALQUENCE combination and 6.7% (n=20) of patients treated with standard-of-care chemoimmunotherapy. Additional AstraZeneca data at EHA In addition to these compelling data, AstraZeneca data at EHA 2024 shows how the Company is advancing a diverse and innovative pipeline spanning multiple modalities including next-generation T cell engagers, cell therapy and antibody drug conjugates, to enable the creation of novel combination regimens across a range of blood cancers. Results from the ongoing Phase I, dose-escalation trial of AZD0486, a novel CD19xCD3 T cell engager, showed durable responses in patients with heavily pretreated relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma with a median follow up of 11 months. Complete response rates of 84% were seen at doses of AZD0486 of 2.4 mg and above. Data also showed how cytokine release syndrome (CRS) events were effectively mitigated by the double step-up dosing schedule and no immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) events were observed. In an oral presentation, preliminary data was shared from an investigator-initiated trial of AstraZeneca's first hematology cell therapy, GC012F (AZD0120), in patients with transplant-eligible high-risk, newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. Early results showed that GC012F had an overall response rate of 100%, a minimal residual disease-negative stringent complete response rate of 95%, and was well tolerated. Grade 1-2 CRS was experienced by 27% (6/22) of patients and no ICANS or neurotoxicity was observed. GC012F is a novel BCMAxCD19 dual-targeting autologous chimeric antigen receptor T therapy (CAR-T) created using the next-day FasTCAR manufacturing platform pioneered by Gracell Biotechnologies, a wholly owned subsidiary of AstraZeneca. INDICATIONS AND USAGE CALQUENCE is a Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor indicated for the treatment of adult patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who have received at least one prior therapy. This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials. CALQUENCE is also indicated for the treatment of adult patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT CALQUENCE (acalabrutinib) tablets Serious and Opportunistic Infections Fatal and serious infections, including opportunistic infections, have occurred in patients with hematologic malignancies treated with CALQUENCE. Serious or Grade 3 or higher infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal) occurred in 19% of 1029 patients exposed to CALQUENCE in clinical trials, most often due to respiratory tract infections (11% of all patients, including pneumonia in 6%). These infections predominantly occurred in the absence of Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, with neutropenic infection reported in 1.9% of all patients. Opportunistic infections in recipients of CALQUENCE have included, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus reactivation, fungal pneumonia, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, Epstein-Barr virus reactivation, cytomegalovirus, and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Consider prophylaxis in patients who are at increased risk for opportunistic infections. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection and treat promptly. Hemorrhage Fatal and serious hemorrhagic events have occurred in patients with hematologic malignancies treated with CALQUENCE. Major hemorrhage (serious or Grade 3 or higher bleeding or any central nervous system bleeding) occurred in 3.0% of patients, with fatal hemorrhage occurring in 0.1% of 1029 patients exposed to CALQUENCE in clinical trials. Bleeding events of any grade, excluding bruising and petechiae, occurred in 22% of patients. Use of antithrombotic agents concomitantly with CALQUENCE may further increase the risk of hemorrhage. In clinical trials, major hemorrhage occurred in 2.7% of patients taking CALQUENCE without antithrombotic agents and 3.6% of patients taking CALQUENCE with antithrombotic agents. Consider the risks and benefits of antithrombotic agents when co-administered with CALQUENCE. Monitor patients for signs of bleeding. Consider the benefit-risk of withholding CALQUENCE for 3-7 days pre- and post-surgery depending upon the type of surgery and the risk of bleeding. Cytopenias Grade 3 or 4 cytopenias, including neutropenia (23%), anemia (8%), thrombocytopenia (7%), and lymphopenia (7%), developed in patients with hematologic malignancies treated with CALQUENCE. Grade 4 neutropenia developed in 12% of patients. Monitor complete blood counts regularly during treatment. Interrupt treatment, reduce the dose, or discontinue treatment as warranted. Second Primary Malignancies Second primary malignancies, including skin cancers and other solid tumors, occurred in 12% of 1029 patients exposed to CALQUENCE in clinical trials. The most frequent second primary malignancy was skin cancer, reported in 6% of patients. Monitor patients for skin cancers and advise protection from sun exposure. Cardiac Arrhythmias Serious cardiac arrhythmias have occurred in patients treated with CALQUENCE. Grade 3 atrial fibrillation or flutter occurred in 1.1% of 1029 patients treated with CALQUENCE, with all grades of atrial fibrillation or flutter reported in 4.1% of all patients. Grade 3 or higher ventricular arrhythmia events were reported in 0.9% of patients. The risk may be increased in patients with cardiac risk factors, hypertension, previous arrhythmias, and acute infection. Monitor for symptoms of arrhythmia (eg, palpitations, dizziness, syncope, dyspnea) and manage as appropriate. Hepatotoxicity, Including Drug-Induced Liver Injury Hepatotoxicity, including severe, life-threatening, and potentially fatal cases of drug-induced liver injury (DILI), has occurred in patients treated with Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitors, including CALQUENCE. Evaluate bilirubin and transaminases at baseline and throughout treatment with CALQUENCE. For patients who develop abnormal liver tests after CALQUENCE, monitor more frequently for liver test abnormalities and clinical signs and symptoms of hepatic toxicity. If DILI is suspected, withhold CALQUENCE. Upon confirmation of DILI, discontinue CALQUENCE. ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions (=20%) of any grade in patients with relapsed or refractory MCL were anemia,* thrombocytopenia,* headache (39%), neutropenia,* diarrhea (31%), fatigue (28%), myalgia (21%), and bruising (21%). The most common Grade =3 non-hematological adverse reaction (reported in at least 2% of patients) was diarrhea (3.2%). *Treatment-emergent decreases (all grades) of hemoglobin (46%), platelets (44%), and neutrophils (36%) were based on laboratory measurements and adverse reactions. Dose reductions or discontinuations due to any adverse reaction were reported in 1.6% and 6.5% of patients, respectively. Increases in creatinine to 1.5 to 3 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) occurred in 4.8% of patients. The most common adverse reactions (=30%) of any grade in patients with CLL were anemia,* neutropenia,* thrombocytopenia,* headache, upper respiratory tract infection, and diarrhea. *Treatment-emergent decreases (all grades) of hemoglobin, platelets, and neutrophils were based on laboratory measurements and adverse reactions. In patients with previously untreated CLL exposed to CALQUENCE, fatal adverse reactions that occurred in the absence of disease progression and with onset within 30 days of the last study treatment were reported in 2% for each treatment arm, most often from infection. Serious adverse reactions were reported in 39% of patients in the CALQUENCE plus obinutuzumab arm and 32% in the CALQUENCE monotherapy arm, most often due to events of pneumonia (7% and 2.8%, respectively). Adverse reactions led to CALQUENCE dose reduction in 7% and 4% of patients in the CALQUENCE plus obinutuzumab arm (N=178) and CALQUENCE monotherapy arm (N=179), respectively. Adverse events led to discontinuation in 11% and 10% of patients, respectively. Increases in creatinine to 1.5 to 3 times ULN occurred in 3.9% and 2.8% of patients in the CALQUENCE combination arm and monotherapy arm, respectively. In patients with relapsed/refractory CLL exposed to CALQUENCE, serious adverse reactions occurred in 29% of patients. Serious adverse reactions in >5% of patients who received CALQUENCE included lower respiratory tract infection (6%). Fatal adverse reactions within 30 days of the last dose of CALQUENCE occurred in 2.6% of patients, including from second primary malignancies and infection. Adverse reactions led to CALQUENCE dose reduction in 3.9% of patients (N=154), dose interruptions in 34% of patients, most often due to respiratory tract infections followed by neutropenia, and discontinuation in 10% of patients, most frequently due to second primary malignancies followed by infection. Increases in creatinine to 1.5 to 3 times ULN occurred in 1.3% of patients who received CALQUENCE. DRUG INTERACTIONS Strong CYP3A Inhibitors: Avoid co-administration of CALQUENCE with a strong CYP3A inhibitor. If these inhibitors will be used short-term, interrupt CALQUENCE. After discontinuation of strong CYP3A inhibitor for at least 24 hours, resume previous dosage of CALQUENCE. Moderate CYP3A Inhibitors: Reduce the dosage of CALQUENCE to 100 mg once daily when co-administered with a moderate CYP3A inhibitor. Strong CYP3A Inducers: Avoid co-administration of CALQUENCE with a strong CYP3A inducer. If co-administration is unavoidable, increase the dosage of CALQUENCE to 200 mg approximately every 12 hours. SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Based on findings in animals, CALQUENCE may cause fetal harm and dystocia when administered to a pregnant woman. There are no available data in pregnant women to inform the drug-associated risk. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. Pregnancy testing is recommended for females of reproductive potential prior to initiating CALQUENCE therapy. Advise female patients of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with CALQUENCE and for 1 week following the last dose of CALQUENCE. It is not known if CALQUENCE is present in human milk. Advise lactating women not to breastfeed while taking CALQUENCE and for 2 weeks after the last dose. Avoid use of CALQUENCE in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh class C). No dosage adjustment of CALQUENCE is recommended in patients with mild (Child-Pugh class A) or moderate (Child-Pugh class B) hepatic impairment. Please see full Prescribing Information, including Patient Information. Notes Mantle cell lymphoma MCL is a rare and typically aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), often diagnosed as a late-stage disease, resulting when B-lymphocytes mutate into malignant cells within a region of the lymph node known as the mantle zone.1,2 While MCL patients initially respond to treatment, patients do tend to relapse.3 MCL comprises about 3-6% of non-Hodgkin lymphomas, with an annual incidence of 0.5 per 100,000 population in Western countries; in the US, it is estimated that approximately 4,000 new patients are diagnosed with MCL each year.3,4 It is estimated that there are more than 27,500 people living with MCL worldwide.5,6 ECHO ECHO is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center Phase III trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of CALQUENCE plus bendamustine and rituximab compared to standard of care chemoimmunotherapy (bendamustine and rituximab) in adult patients at or over 65 years of age (n=635) with previously untreated MCL.7 Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either CALQUENCE or placebo administered orally twice per day, on 28 day treatment cycles, plus bendamustine on days 1 and 2 and rituximab on day 1 of each cycle. After six cycles of induction therapy, all patients continued CALQUENCE or placebo in combination with bendamustine and rituximab, patients receive CALQUENCE or placebo plus maintenance rituximab for two years and then either CALQUENCE or placebo only until disease progression.7 The primary endpoint is PFS assessed by an Independent Review Committee and key secondary endpoints include OS, overall response rate (ORR), duration of response (DoR) and time to response (TTR).7 The trial includes 27 countries across North and South America, Europe, Asia and Oceania.7 The ECHO trial enrolled patients from May 2017 to March 2023, continuing through the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients with blood cancer remain at a disproportionately high risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19, including hospitalization and death compared to the general population.8 CALQUENCE CALQUENCE(acalabrutinib) is a next-generation, selective inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK). CALQUENCEbinds covalently to BTK, thereby inhibiting its activity.9 In B-cells, BTK signaling results in activation of pathways necessary for B-cell proliferation, trafficking, chemotaxis and adhesion. CALQUENCE has been used to treat more than 80,000 patients worldwide and is approved for the treatment of CLL and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) in the US and Japan, approved for CLL in the EU and many other countries worldwide and approved in China for relapsed or refractory CLL and SLL. CALQUENCE is also approved in the US, China and several other countries for the treatment of adult patients with MCL who have received at least one prior therapy. CALQUENCE is not currently approved for the treatment of MCL in Japan or the EU. As part of an extensive clinical development program, CALQUENCEis currently being evaluated as a single treatment and in combination with standard-of-care chemoimmunotherapy for patients with multiple B-cell blood cancers, including CLL, MCL, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma. AstraZeneca in hematology AstraZeneca is pushing the boundaries of science to redefine care in hematology. Our goal is to help transform the lives of patients living with malignant, rare and other related hematologic diseases through innovative medicines and approaches that are shaped by insights from patients, caregivers and physicians. In addition to our marketed products, we are spearheading the development of novel therapies designed to target underlying drivers of disease across six scientific platforms. Our recent acquisitions of Alexion, with expertise in rare, non-malignant blood disorders, and Gracell Biotechnologies Inc., focused on cell therapies for hematologic malignancies, expand our hematology pipeline and enable us to reach more patients with high unmet needs through the end-to-end development and delivery of novel therapies. AstraZeneca in oncology AstraZeneca is leading a revolution in oncology with the ambition to provide cures for cancer in every form, following the science to understand cancer and all its complexities to discover, develop and deliver life-changing medicines to patients. The Company's focus is on some of the most challenging cancers. It is through persistent innovation that AstraZeneca has built one of the most diverse portfolios and pipelines in the industry, with the potential to catalyze changes in the practice of medicine and transform the patient experience. AstraZeneca has the vision to redefine cancer care and, one day, eliminate cancer as a cause of death. AstraZeneca AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal Metabolism, and Respiratory Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca's innovative medicines are sold in more than 125 countries and used by millions of patients worldwide. Please visit www.astrazeneca-us.com and follow the Company on social media @AstraZeneca. References Lymphoma Research Foundation. Mantle Cell Lymphoma. Available at: https://lymphoma.org/aboutlymphoma/nhl/mcl/. Accessed May 2024. National Organization for Rare Disorders. Mantle Cell Lymphoma. Available at: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/mantle-cell-lymphoma/. Accessed May 2024. Cheah C, Seymour J, Wang ML. Mantle cell lymphoma. J Clin Oncol. 2016;34(11):1256-1269. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2015.63.5904. MD Anderson Cancer Center. What to know about mantle cell lymphoma. Available at: https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/what-to-know-about-mantle-cell-lymphoma-symptoms-diagnosis-and-treatment.h00-159385101.html. Accessed May 2024. GLOBOCAN. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Available at: https://gco.iarc.who.int/media/globocan/factsheets/cancers/34-non-hodgkin-lymphoma-fact-sheet.pdf. Accessed May 2024. Lynch DT, Koya S, Acharya U, et al. Mantle Cell Lymphoma. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK536985/. Accessed May 2024. ClinicalTrials.gov. A Study of BR Alone Versus in Combination With Acalabrutinib in Subjects With Previously Untreated MCL. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02972840. Accessed May 2024. Dube S, et al. Continued Increased Risk of COVID-19 Hospitalisation and Death in Immunocompromised Individuals Despite Receipt of =4 Vaccine Doses: Updated 2023 Results from INFORM, a Retrospective Health Database Study in England. Poster P0409 at ECCMID 2024. Wu J, Zhang M, Liu D. Acalabrutinib (ACP-196): a selective second-generation BTK inhibitor. J Hematol Oncol. 2016;9(21). US-90789 Last Updated 6/24 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240616853829/en/ Contacts: Media Inquiries Brendan McEvoy +1 302 885 2677 US Media Mailbox: usmediateam@astrazeneca.com Kunstliche Intelligenz hat spatestens nach dem Raketenstart von Chat GPT das Leben aller verandert. Doch der Superzyklus steht nach Meinungen von Experten erst am Anfang. Wahrend Aktien wie Nvidia von der ersten Aufwartsentwicklung stark profitieren konnten, versprechen aussichtsreiche Player aus der zweiten Reihe noch enormes Aufwartspotenzial. Im kostenlosen, exklusiven Spezialreport prasentieren wir ihnen 5 innovative KI-Unternehmen, die bahnbrechende Entwicklungen in diesem Sektor pragen konnten. Warum sollten Sie dabei sein? Trotz der jungsten Erfolge steht die Entwicklung der kunstlichen Intelligenz noch am Beginn eines neuen Superzyklus. Experten gehen davon aus, dass der Sektor bis 2032 global auf 1,3 Billionen US-Dollar explodieren wird, wobei ein groer Teil auf Hardware und Infrastruktur entfallen wird. Nutzen Sie die Chance! Fordern Sie sofort unseren brandneuen Spezialreport an und erfahren Sie, welche 5 KI-Aktien das grote Potenzial zur Vervielfachung besitzen. Dieser Report ist komplett kostenlos und zeigt Ihnen die aussichtsreichsten Investments im KI-Sektor. Handeln Sie jetzt und sichern Sie sich Ihren kostenfreien Report! There have been multiple reports doing the rounds about her monthly salary and other perks read more She sparked a debate on nepotism in Bollywood, was given security when she compared the Maharashtra government to PoK and was banned from Twitter for comments on violence in West Bengal. Unabashedly political and outspoken, actor Kangana Ranaut is now headed for Parliament as the BJPs MP from Mandi. As she makes her political debut, Ranaut, who defeated the Congress Vikramaditya Singh by 74,755 votes from her home state Himachal Pradesh, will be the cynosure of many an eye in the Lok Sabha. Advertisement Will she be like some of her colleagues and be quiet in the lower house or keep to her reputation of speaking her mind? If her track record is anything to go by, it will be the latter. However, there have been multiple reports doing the rounds about her monthly salary and other perks. The MP is likely to receive one lac per month as Member of Parliament and will also be given 2,000 rupees as a daily allowance for food, lodging, and other expenses during parliamentary sessions and meetings. As constituency allowance, Ranaut will receive Rs 70,000 per month and 60,000 rupees as her office expenses. When trends indicated she was going to win her election, the four-time National Award winner said, Heartfelt gratitude to all the people of Mandi for this love and trust This victory belongs to all of you, this is the victory of your trust in Prime Minister Modi and BJP, this is the victory of Sanatan and in the honour of Mandi. The Queen star was not the only actor seeking votes. Along with her were fellow BJP debutant Ramayan star Arun Govil, elected from Meerut, two-time Mathura MP Hema Malini, and TMCs candidate Shatrughan Sinha from Asansol. Some experts have said that the birth of the white bison in the Yellowstone National Park in the US will mark a change of times in the world read more In a rare incident, the birth of a white American bison calf in Yellowstone National Park in the US has caused a stir among different groups of people. The birth of this calf fulfils a Lakota prophecy that portends better times but it also signifies that more must be done to protect the earth and its animals. The birth of the sacred calf comes after a severe winter in 2023 that drove thousands of Yellowstone buffalo, also known as bison, to lower elevations. More than 1,500 were killed, sent to slaughter or transferred to tribes seeking to reclaim stewardship over an animal their ancestors lived alongside for millennia. Advertisement Erin Braaten of Kalispell took several photos of the calf shortly after it was born on 4 June in the Lamar Valley in the northeastern corner of the park. Her family was visiting the park when she spotted something really white among a herd of bison across the Lamar River. Traffic ended up stopping while the bison crossed the road, so Braaten stuck her camera out the window to take a closer look with her telephoto lens. I look and its this white bison calf. And I was just totally, totally floored, she said. After the bison cleared the roadway, the Braatens turned their vehicle around and found a spot to park. They watched the calf and its mother for 30 to 45 minutes. And then she kind of led it through the willows there, Braaten said. Although Braaten came back each of the next two days, she didnt see the white calf again. What could make a baby bison white? In the wild, there are two genetic variations that may result in unusually light-coloured animals leucism and albinism. In both conditions, the animal inherits two copies of the gene mutation one from each parent, who usually appears normally coloured themselves. Leucistic animals lack some cells that otherwise produce melanin, a natural pigment that gives colour to fur, eyes, feathers and skin. Their bodies may appear almost entirely white, or only white in patches, and they generally have normal or dark-colored eyes. Albinism, which is more rare, results from the complete absence of melanin. Albino animals are nearly totally white, and they may have light pink or orange-coloured eyes and reduced vision. Albino bison will lack dark colours in their eyes, noses and hooves, said James Derr, a geneticist at Texas A&M University. Advertisement The Yellowstone calf, with its black nose and eyes, is not albino, said Jim Matheson, executive director of the National Bison Association. Theres a third possibility: A light-coloured calf could be the result of a bison crossed with a white domestic cow. In that case, the calf may be light tan-coloured, with brown eyes and a black or brown nose, said Derr. Matheson said that its unclear how often white bison calves are born in the wild. We just dont know how often it happens because weve never tracked this in history," he said. What does the birth of the white bison calf mean for Lakota? Advertisement For the Lakota, the birth of a white buffalo calf with a black nose, eyes and hooves is akin to the second coming of Jesus Christ, Looking Horse said. Lakota legend says about 2,000 years ago when nothing was good, food was running out and bison were disappearing White Buffalo Calf Woman appeared, presented a bowl pipe and a bundle to a tribal member, taught them how to pray and said that the pipe could be used to bring buffalo to the area for food. As she left, she turned into a white buffalo calf. And some day when the times are hard again, Looking Horse said in relating the legend, I shall return and stand upon the earth as a white buffalo calf, black nose, black eyes, black hooves. A similar white buffalo calf was born in Wisconsin in 1994 and was named Miracle, he said. Advertisement Troy Heinert, the executive director of the South Dakota-based InterTribal Buffalo Council, said the calf in Braatens photos looks like a true white buffalo because it has a black nose, black hooves and dark eyes. From the pictures Ive seen, that calf seems to have those traits, said Heinert, who is Lakota. An albino buffalo would have pink eyes. A naming ceremony has been held for the Yellowstone calf, Looking Horse said, though he declined to reveal the name. A ceremony celebrating the calfs birth is set for June 26 at the Buffalo Field Campaign headquarters in West Yellowstone. Which tribes respect white bison? Advertisement Many tribes have their own story of why the white buffalo is so important, Heinert said. All stories go back to them being very sacred. Heinert and several members of the Buffalo Field Campaign say theyve never heard of a white buffalo being born in Yellowstone, which has wild herds. Park officials had not seen the buffalo yet and could not confirm its birth in the park, and they have no record of a white buffalo being born in the park previously. Jim Matheson, executive director of the National Bison Association, could not quantify how rare the calf is. To my knowledge, no ones ever tracked the occurrence of white buffalo being born throughout history. So Im not sure how we can make a determination how often it occurs. Besides herds of the animals on public lands or overseen by conservation groups, about 80 tribes across the US have more than 20,000 bison, a figure thats been growing in recent years. In Yellowstone and the surrounding area, the killing or removal of large numbers of bison happens almost every winter, under an agreement between federal and Montana agencies that has limited the size of the parks herds to about 5,000 animals. Yellowstone officials last week proposed a slightly larger population of up to 6,000 bison, with a final decision expected next month. But ranchers in Montana have long opposed increasing the Yellowstone herds or transferring the animals to tribes. Republican Governor Greg Gianforte has said he would not support any management plan with a population target greater than 3,000 Yellowstone bison. Heinert sees the calfs birth as a reminder that we need to live in a good way and treat others with respect. I hope that calf is safe and gonna live its best life in Yellowstone National Park, exactly where it was designed to be, Heinert said. With inputs from AP The Election Commission of India (ECI) has refuted a media report that said a mobile phone used for unlocking electronic voting machines (EVMs) was being allegedly used by an aide of a Shiv Sena candidate read more The Election Commission of India (ECI) has junked a media report that alleged that a polling officers mobile phone used in unlocking the electronic voting machines (EVMs) was used by an aide of a Shiv Sena candidate. The report by Mid-Day newspaper had alleged that a mobile phone used to generate one-time password (OTP), which is used to unlock the EVMs at the time of counting of votes, was used by the aide of Shiv Senas Ravindra Dattaram Waikar, who defeated Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Amol Gajanan Kirtikar on Mumbai North West seat in Maharashtra. Advertisement In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Mumbai Suburban District Election Officer Vandana Suryavanshi said that no such OTP is used to unlock an EVM. Suryavanshi said that an EVM is a non-programmable machine and has no wireless communication capabilities. Irrespective to what has been insinuated by the newspaper, Suryavanshi said that the incident in Mumbai NW constituency concerns unauthorisedly using mobile phone of an authorised person by a candidates aide. She said that a criminal case has already been filed by ECI in the matter. EVMs are standalone devices without any wired or wireless connectivity with units outside EVM system. Advanced technical features and robust administrative safeguards are in place to rule out any possibility of manipulation. Safeguards include conducting everything in the presence of candidates or their agents, said Suryavanshi. The media report was used by the Opposition, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, to raise questions at the EVMs and the elections integrity. In recent years and through the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Opposition has levelled unfounded allegations on the credibility of EVMs and has called for voting via ballot papers as was the case before EVMs were introduced in 2004. Whats the Mumbai NW constituencys case? The ECI issued the statement after the Mid-Days report was used to raise questions at the credibility of EVMs. The newspaper reported the police are investigating the role of Mangesh Pandilkar, a relative and aide of Ravindra Waikar, and Dinesh Gurav on the day of counting of votes at the counting centre at NESCO Centre, Mumbai. The paper reported that the police have found that Pandilkar was using the phone that was used to generate OTPs used to unlock the EVMs. Advertisement The newspaper reported that the FIR on June 14 as the ECI in its statement on Sunday also mentioned was lodged by the ECI after receiving complaint of candidates. The paper further reported that the police had found that Gurav had used the same phone to generate the OTP to unlock the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) for service voter. In the elections on the Mumbai NW seat, the Shiv Senas Waikar lost on the EVM votes but won after the postal ballots were factored in. Kirtikar of Shiv Sena (UBT) got 4,51,095 EVM votes against 4,51,094 of Waikar. Then, as the postal ballots were counted, the situation flipped. Waikar got 1,550 votes via postal ballots via Kirtikar got 1,501. The final count stood at Waikars 4,52,644 and Kirtikars 4,52,596. Advertisement The ECI has now refuted that no OTP is used to unlock EVM or ETPBS as EVMs are non-programmable machines. The ECI has further said that, contrary to what the paper has reported, the case registered with the police is about the unauthorised use of a polling officers phone by a candidates aide. ETPBS counting happens physically, says ECI As for the ETPBS counting mentioned in the newspaper report, the ECI said that it is a physical process and does not involve machines. Counting of ETPBS happens in physical form (paper ballots) and not electronics as being spread through false narratives. Every counting sheet at every table for ETPBS and EVM counting and postal ballot counting (including ETPBS) is signed by all counting agents after due diligence, said the ECI. Advertisement Suryavanshi further said that the ECI is initiating proceedings against the newspaper for spreading rumours maligning Indian voters and the electoral system. Chandrasekhar countered Musks statement with a detailed explanation of Indias approach to EVM technology. He said that Indian EVMs are custom-designed with stringent security measures. They operate in an isolated environment without any connectivity to external networks or media, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or the internet read more In a recent exchange on social media platform X, Tesla CEO Elon Musk sparked controversy by vouching for the elimination of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), over the risk of hacking. Former Minister of State of IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar countered his statement saying that Indias EVMs are robustly secure, in fact very different from those used in other countries. Chandrasekhar countered Musks statement with a detailed explanation of Indias approach to EVM technology. He said that Indian EVMs are custom-designed with stringent security measures. They operate in an isolated environment without any connectivity to external networks or media, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or the internet. Advertisement This isolation ensures that the voting machines cannot be accessed remotely or reprogrammed, as they are equipped with factory-programmed controllers. Elon Musks statement is a sweeping generalization that does not apply to India, Chandrasekhar wrote in X. He went on to invite Musk in order to explore and understand the architecture of Indian EVMs, and how its design is specially tailored to meet the specific security needs of the electoral process of India. This is a huge sweeping generalization statement that implies no one can build secure digital hardware. Wrong. @elonmusk 's view may apply to US n other places - where they use regular compute platforms to build Internet connected Voting machines. But Indian EVMs are custom https://t.co/GiaCqU1n7O Rajeev Chandrasekhar (@RajeevRC_X) June 16, 2024 In his reply to Chandrashekhar, Musk again wrote anything can be hacked, in his tweet. This conversation was also joined by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi later who echoed Musks skepticism by raising questions about the transparency of EVMs in the Indian electoral process. Gandhi referred to EVMs as a black box and called for the accountability and trustworthiness in democratic elections. Advertisement EVMs in India are a "black box," and nobody is allowed to scrutinize them. Serious concerns are being raised about transparency in our electoral process. Democracy ends up becoming a sham and prone to fraud when institutions lack accountability. https://t.co/nysn5S8DCF pic.twitter.com/7sdTWJXOAb Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 16, 2024 The debate around EVMs in India is not new and has often been a topic of contention among political parties. Advertisement Opposition parties in India, including those aligned under the INDIA bloc, have repeatedly called for enhanced scrutiny of EVMs. They advocate for a system where the number of paper audit trails (VVPATs) should match the EVM counts in all constituencies to increse transparency and strengthen confidence in election outcomes. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi once famously called to EVMs Modi Voting Machine (MVM). Alongside him, former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and BSP leader Mayawati also called to bring back ballot system for voting in India. Despite these demands, the government has time to time clarified that no plans to reintroduce the traditional ballot system are in pipeline. This decision aligns with the Election Commissions position, which has always stoof by the reliability and efficiency of EVMs. Advertisement Addressing concerns raised by opposition parties regarding the effectiveness of EVMs, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar recently said that it is the responsibility of the Election Commission to address and alleviate these concerns among political parties. During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission dismissed reports alleging EVM discrepancies favoring the ruling BJP during mock polling in Kerala. The Commission assured the Supreme Court that such instances are rare, with only one confirmed case of mismatch between EVM and VVPAT counts reported in 2019 due to human error. Furthermore, the Election Commission rejected a demand from the opposition INDIA bloc to revert to the previous method of counting postal ballots before the final round of EVM counting. The Commission cited procedural integrity, affirming that counting rules cannot be altered midway through the electoral process. Following four terrorist attacks in Jammu within a week, Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting to review the situation read more Union Home Minister Amit Shah has instructed the security agencies to replicate Kashmir-like area domination plan and zero terror plans in Jammu region. Following four terrorist attacks in Jammu region within a week, Shah chaired a high-level meeting on Sunday to review the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir. National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande, Northern Army Commander Lt. Gen. Upendra Dwivedi, etc. attended the meeting. Advertisement The meeting was divided in two parts. While the first half focussed on the situation in Jammu, the second half focussed on the preparations for Amarnath Yatra. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Shah said that the Narendra Modi government was determined to provide all-round security and all other necessary facilities to the pilgrims of Shri Amarnath. Today, in a security review meeting on the Amarnath Yatra, had a thorough discussion with the agencies about the security of the pilgrims. Our government is determined to provide all-round security and all other necessary facilities to the pilgrims of Shri Amarnath. A safe and pic.twitter.com/j3sb9KVh54 Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 16, 2024 As for the situation in the Jammu region, Shah directed security agencies to replicate the successes achieved in Kashmir Valley through area domination plan and zero terror plan, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Whats expected to change in Jammu? It was decided in the meeting that the intelligence and counter-infiltration grids will be strengthened, according to The Indian Express. It is believed that the terrorists who carried out the recent wave of attacks in Jammu region, which coincided with swearing-in of the new government, had infiltrated from across the border in Pakistan. Advertisement Sources told The Express that the Modi government has chalked out the following steps to tackle the situation in Jammu region: strengthen the anti-infiltration grid, generate better intelligence, increase boots on the ground, and step up patrolling. A comprehensive plan has been prepared to increase boots on the ground and have more patrolling, said a senior official to the newspaper. Sources further told the paper that more than 400 companies of security forces may be deployed during the Amarnath Yatra. Wave of attacks in Jammu region The meeting by Shah comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a similar meeting to review the situation in J&K. Advertisement Following the meeting, it was said in a statement that Modi directed the security agencies to deploy full spectrum of counter-terror capabilities to tackle the situation. In the past week, four terrorist attacks were reported in Jammus Reasi, Kathua, and Doda. Ten people were killed in the attacks, included nine in the attack on Hindu pilgrims in Reasi, and seven security personnel were injured. The attack in Reasi on a bus carrying pilgrims to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra also injured more than 40 pilgrims. The bus fell into a deep gorge after the terrorists fired at the driver who lost control of the vehicle after being shot. Advertisement The wave of attacks in Jammu region, which targeted both the civilians and military installations in the region, have led to questions whether the Pakistan-fuelled terrorist movement in Kashmir is turning towards the Jammu region. Since taking oath, Modi has shown that he remains his own man and is in firm control of the levers of the coalition government read more They say a picture is worth a thousand words. In some cases, it could be even more. As the G7 Summit in Italy came to a close, one image stood out among many. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen taking the centre stage, flanked by world leaders in the family photo at a summit where India was a special invitee. That image alone, placing India at the heart of the G7 grouping, answered some questions that had been swirling ever since Modi returned for his third consecutive stint at power. What does BJPs diminished mandate signify? Will Modi, who has been caricatured as a strongman in global media, become vulnerable at home to strong-arm tactics by coalition partners on whom his government essentially depends? What will a coalition government mean for Indias foreign policy? Advertisement Will Modi who has enjoyed commanding majority in the Parliament for a decade and his team continue to pursue the major strategic goals, or will national security and foreign affairs fall prey to partisan politics? Will foreign policy see continuity, or will lesser number of seats in the Lower House affect Indias stability and eventually alter the countrys direction? Not all of these questions will or can be answered at once. But there are early indications. Modi has already chosen the same team that worked with him before India went to the polls. The Cabinet Committee on Security remains the same, with Amit Shah in charge of Home Affairs, Defence with Rajnath Singh, Finance portfolio with Nirmala Sitharaman and S Jaishankar trusted with the External Affairs ministry. The prime minister has even chosen to reappoint Ajit Doval as the national security advisor and PK Mishra as his principal secretary. These appointments suggest continuity, confidence, and maybe even defiance. It indicates that the prime minister has taken the losses in stride. He wants to project an image of determination and appears to be in firm control of the levers of the coalition government. Manmohan Singh used to lament over coalition compulsions harming the pace of reform. Modi is sending a memo that he remains steadfast in his goal of building a Viksit Bharat even if his party has come up short of the finishing line. Since the oathtaking ceremony on June 9 and subsequent visit to Italy, where India was the toast of the grouping of developed nations, the message has been sent out that the prime minister remains his own man in Modi 3.0, and whatever may have caused BJP to lose votes and seats, the results are not a personal rebuke or a comment on Modis leadership. Advertisement This is of course a battle of narratives, and a key debate in the unfolding public discourse. A buoyed Opposition is taking relentless potshots at the BJP-led NDA government, calling it illegal, unconstitutional, and Modi a one-third prime minister. The silliness of these barbs by the Opposition, whose combined strength falls short of BJPs number, is obvious but these high-octane rhetorical flourishes are aimed at testing the resilience of the NDA coalition and creating confusion in the minds of voters. Crucial state elections loom ahead. Interestingly, in lockstep with the Oppositions attack, foreign lobbies that have been accused of interfering in Indian domestic politics and general elections a charge levelled by the prime minister, the external affairs minister and borne out by data have taken on the task of certifying Indian democracy. Advertisement As Kanwal Sibal, the former Indian foreign secretary, writes in NDTV, In the lead-up to the 2024 election, western media, think tanks, foundations, human rights organisations and academics launched what seemed an orchestrated campaign against the Modi government. This campaign has closely mirrored the accusations of the opposition parties and sundry civil society organisations in India about negative developments in the country. Post the elections, in sync with the Oppositions narrative, there has been a deluge of commentary especially from abroad on how erosion in Modis power has restored the credibility of Indias democracy. The thrust of these pieces be it in Foreign Affairs magazine or The Atlantic is that the robustness of Indian democracy rests on BJPs defeat. Advertisement This Pavlovian reflex by foreign media, that typically chooses Indian or Indian-origin Modi baiters to sidestep charges of racism while pushing their narrative, has by now become quite predictable. Nobody expects balance or fairness from this lot. What is undeniable, however, is that western media still wields considerable discourse power, interpretive power and shapes public cognition. These narratives need to be engaged and countered, if only to expose the interventionist posture of US-led western media that sees itself as an actor in Indian domestic politics and seeks to shape electoral outcomes. It is being said that Modi has become a weakened and diminished figure, has suffered double personal blow and Indian democracy has stepped back from the brink. Advertisement The humbug that goes by the name of analysis overlooks the fact that Modi is the first non-Congress prime minister to get three terms, the first since Nehru to get three consecutive stints at the helm, and the BJP, even in an election which according to The Atlantic a victory that feels like defeat, has expanded its footprint in the South, increasing vote share in Tamil Nadu, achieving a breakthrough in Kerala, and sweeping to power in both Lok Sabha and Assemble polls in Odisha, not to speak of a clean slate in Madhya Pradesh where voters were seemingly unconcerned with growing Hindu nationalism and deepening authoritarianism and gave BJP 29 out of 29 seats while Uttar Pradesh next door took up the noble task of stopping the BJP juggernaut. According to the formidable Pratap Bhanu Mehta in Foreign Affairs, the BJPs humbling at the ballot box has saved Indian democracy. It is incredibly arrogant, disingenuous and duplicitous to suggest that the mandates in 2014 and 2019 that had given BJP the absolute majority were not a true reflection of popular will and somehow were examples of democratic backsliding and electoral autocracy. Not a shred of evidence has been provided to back up these bogus insinuations. It is also an affront to the collective intelligence of the electorate who seem to have redeemed themselves in the eyes of foreign observers and the comprador elites by making the right choice this time, because the results align with their ideological preference. Going by this specious argument, whos to tell foreign media and its cohort of opinion-makers that even a moderately competent dictator in a predominantly poor nation where institutions are apparently weak wouldve ensured at the very least that elections dont end up delivering adversarial results? To Lydia Polgreen in New York Times, the results uphold Indias glorious, messy tradition. Perhaps the American commentators have gotten so used to the mess at home where half the population is at loggerheads with the other almost to the point of civil war that they wish such chaos on democracies around the world. None of these takes makes even a passing attempt at rationality or logic when the fact is that when almost all the major democracies in the world has seen incumbents losing power or suffer massive erosion in popularity, India stands as the only exception. These dishonest assessments are as painstaking to read as chewing iron ball bearings and about as factually accurate as describing an elephant as a large animal with a long nose. This brings me back to the extraordinary picture from G7 in Italy where the Indian prime minister was the cynosure. Wishcasting ideological projections as analyses is one thing, world leaders understand geopolitics better than commentators. Regardless of the media-driven narrative that is being peddled, G7 Summit showed that the developed nations need India on their side the fastest-growing major economy in the world and they recognize the fact that under Modi, whose foreign policy has been a stellar achievement, Indias international stature has seen a marked rise. Modi has steered India through a world in flux, has resisted external pressures to keep the focus on national interest, all the while managing to secure energy at competitive prices to keep the wheels of Indian economy turning and ensuring fast growth amid expansive wars in twin theatres. Modis stress on multialignment while developing personal rapport with a number of world leaders has ensured better policy space and ability to punch above weight. At a time when the G7 is in decline, it was instructive to watch Modi, boosted by a fresh mandate in the worlds largest democracy, being one of the most sought-after leaders. During his short visit, Modi managed to meet 14 world leaders including Joe Biden and Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the summit. India is the fifth-largest economy in the world and may soon overtake Japan to climb to the fourth spot behind US, China and Germany. Given the fact that Germany is struggling through one of the slowest-paces of growth in history with a meagre 0.2 per cent expansion forecast for 2024, Indias economy will be bigger than all the G7 nations bar the United States. This hands India incredible leverage. Yet economy isnt the only arena were India pulls its weight. During his speech at the summits outreach session, Modi called the results of Indias just concluded elections a victory of democracy and a victory of the entire democratic world, placing India as a natural counterbalance to China in alignment with the democratic ethos of the West. Modi is also cognizant of the fact that G7 sees India as the voice of Global South and a bridge between the two halves. The developed countries are aware of their unpopularity in the zone of emerging economies, and that presents another point of leverage for India a position that Modi has carefully nurtured and developed. As German chancellor Olaf Scholz, sharing an image of animated conversation with Modi and Japanese PM Fumio Kishida on X (formerly Twitter), wrote: The G7 is not an exclusive club. That is why we continued here in Apulia what we started in Elmau and spoke with many representatives of the global south. It must remain this way in the future. It isnt surprising to note the prime minister mentioning that the countries of the Global South are bearing the brunt of global uncertainties and tensions. India has considered it its responsibility to place the priorities and concerns of the countries of the Global South on the world stage, pointing out that India has given high priority to Africa in these efforts. As a consensus builder, a solver of global problems and as a leader of the emerging bloc of nations, Modis reputation remains intact, and he has the chance to build on his legacy over the next five years. When a humbled, diminished and weak Modi is courted by the leaders of the rich and powerful, those writing his epitaph should take a long, deep breath. The author is Deputy Executive Editor, Firstpost. He tweets: @sreemoytalukdar. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Whether as mercenaries in the Russia-Ukraine war or forced into phishing jobs in Myanmar and Cambodia, Indians have suffered the severe consequences of risky migration read more Call it self-styled migration or export, the participation of Indian mercenaries in the Ukraine War in a distant land should be viewed with concern for multiple reasons. One, Indian lives and limbs are involvedas if they were or are up for a price. Two, they are not like the ideological types that joined Americas post-9/11 Af-Pak war, where they fought on the Al-Qaeda or Talibans side. Nor were or are they like the ones who fought for ISIS in Syria, again for similar reasons. Advertisement But most, if not all, of them, numbering around 100, seemed to have known that they were to be deployed somewhere along the war zone. That some of them were recruited as helpers but were sent to the warfront is only one part of it. Newspaper reports, quoting family sources in India, indicate that others had gone there knowing full well what their employment would be and how risky it would be too. At least one of them had reportedly told his family, supposedly from Russia, that he would be proceeding with military training. He is among half a dozen or so Indians who died on the Russian side of the war. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the recruitment of Indians as mercenaries for Russia was not in consonance with the India-Russia partnership. We have expressly told Russian officials that no matter how these Indians have reached the war front and under what circumstances, they should be returned, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra told newsmen in Delhi. Indians not alone India is not the only country from which Russia has recruited fighters for the Ukraine War, which it had once hoped to wrap up early on after launching it in February 2022. From neighbouring Sri Lanka, about a hundred ex-servicemen with military training had gone over to fight for Russia in the ongoing battle. They seemed to be aware of what they were expected to do. As veterans who had fought at least an internal war with the dreaded LTTE terror group that lasted close to three decades, they also knew the consequences. It can be argued that in nations like Sri Lanka, facing an unprecedented economic crisis, ex-servicemen knowingly became mercenaries in someone elses war to earn a few thousand or hundred thousand bucks. They were willing to risk their dear lives, though it is not known if their families back home knew the consequences or the risks. In a nation where body bags made a difference to every battle-front success and where desertions from the armed forces used to be a harrowing problem during the course of the four Eelam Wars, for retired personnel to be engaged in mercenary wars is simply unthinkable, let alone unacceptable to the government. Advertisement Like India, the Sri Lankan government, for instance, has taken it up with the Russian authorities directly. They engaged with the Russian Embassy in Colombo at the highest level. There has also been talk of the government dispatching a delegation under a relevant minister to Moscow to discuss and ensure that all Sri Lankans recruited for the Russian armed forces, directly or otherwise, should be sent back home safely and that no new Sri Lankan should be hired for the purpose. Interestingly, in the course of the discussions with the Sri Lankan authorities, the Russian Embassy in Colombo came up with two queries: How come only Russian hiring of Sri Lankans for its armed forces has come to light, and not those recruited for the Ukrainian cause? And why is that a powerful country is doing it only to Russia and not Ukraine? The reference, of course, was to the US, though the Russian Ambassador did not name the nation. Advertisement In India, too, there were early reports of Indian nationals signing up for the International Legion to fight the Ukraine War for Ukraine. Such reports stopped doing the rounds following reports of a couple of Indian deaths on the Ukrainian side of the war front. Indications are that the recruitment of Indians for Ukraines war efforts has stoppedor, at least, been suspended. Forced handiwork Also recently, independent reports emanated about IT professionals from India being recruited for data-operator jobs in Myanmar and Cambodia, promising fancy salaries, but being forced to do phishing jobs under threat to their lives. Some of the cyber crimes attributed to overseas-based groups may be the forced handiwork of our own boys. Advertisement Like many of those mercenaries who are fighting someone elses war without knowing what they were up to, some of these tech coolies too have been sent back messages home, rather stealthily, asking their families to get them freed. Of course, the Government of India has activated its officials to act on those complaints and also ensure that other Indians are not caught likewise. What can governments do under such circumstances, or under circumstances where Indians seeking overseas jobs find themselves compromised one way or another? Through the 80s and 90s in particular, semi-skilled and unskilled labourers from all across the country seeking a Gulf jobmostly in construction sites rather than corporate officesended up getting much less than what was promised as a monthly salary. Advertisement Even for obtaining those jobs, their families would have pledged and pawned whatever jewellery they had to pay a slimy tout passing off as a recruitment agent. Hence, they would not want to run away from their plight until at least the family had redeemed their goods from the pawnbroker or whoever. It meant facing the harshest realities of lifeliving in squalorthat too in unbearable summer heat and winter cold, alike. In states like Kerala, a whole new genre of literature, poetry, and cinema came to be woven around the state of affairs of the Malayali labourers working out there in the Gulf. Actor Prithvraj Sukumarans recent celluloid offering Aadu Jeevitham (Living a Goats Life), based on a Malayalam novel of the same title, speaks volumesthough much of it seems to be in the past, a past whose memories still linger. It used to be no different in tiny neighbourhood nations like the Maldives, where Indian labour, originally from the southern states, used to be taken for construction or other class four and five jobs in business offices or even private homes, promising a relatively respectable salary in the range of $ 400500 a month but paid only less than half, if not none at all. Most of those labourers would have travelled on a tourist visa; hence, the host government also knew who the victims were and who the culprit employers were. There was the other crop of skilled employees like teachers and nurses working for government schools and hospitals in distant islands, at least two of whom were denied their passports for going home on already-sanctioned holidays for their own weddings. Until about a decade ago, when the Government of India took it up with the host government, nothing much was achieved. These past years, the situation has improved, and more initiatives are being taken, both in individual cases and collective issues. Spreading the message Under the late former External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj, the MEA put technology to good use. Phone and mobile numbers and email addresses were shared with the public for anyone taking up their complaints and issues with government officials, 24x7. By publicising the outcome of the governmental initiatives in such matters, the MEA also spread the message that officials in Delhi and individual Indian missions in foreign countries were both responsible and responsive to every Indian worker overseas or his family back home. The good work has continued under the present EAM S Jaishankar too. Now that new kinds of menaces are occurring, technology too has improved vastly. Maybe the MEA should consider, in consultation with other ministries and agencies of the government, opening up separate desks for clearing the doubts of prospective job-seekers from India seeking jobs in foreign countries. This definitely involves additional responsibility and will also require additional personnel and maybe even office space, but this is the least that the nation can do for its citizens, rather than mourning their deaths and consoling the victims and their families, and also offering ex gratia payments from the central and state governments. Maybe the government can also insist on certain types of prospective expatriate labour and even tourist visa holders being tracked while in a third country. In the case of the former, at least, they could be required to have the antecedents of their prospective employer cleared by the Indian missions before being allowed to leave the country. Can the government insist on such employees being given insurance cover, especially by the prospective employee, for loss of job or maltreatment? Or, can the Government of India consider coming up with some insurance schemes or the like for their benefit? Better still, the government could find ways for them to be employed inside the country. That, of course, would depend not only on the availability of jobs but also on their own aspirations, at times bordering on greed. The writer is a Chennai-based policy analyst and political commentator. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. When India projects an election turnout in J&K topping 54 per cent, and also speaks of returning normalcy, its time for hackles to rise in Pakistan. Every hybrid function of war then comes into play read more In the last 35 years in Jammu and Kashmir, what Pakistan has indulged in is the sponsoring of a proxy hybrid war and not some predictable conventional operation. How does one characterise this type of war? There are no timelines, no declared victories and defeats, and the foot soldiers of the sponsor are all irregulars, many times supported by regulars out of uniform. This is the first and foremost thing that the common man in India must understand. Advertisement Hybrid operations are conceived to cause disruption, both in the civilian and military domains, with an intention to frustrate the adversary and force him to carry out responses which are irrational and do not fetch long-term dividend, just short-term reprieve from situations. They remain dynamic and progressively build on these successes. Setbacks are accepted and the return is with tweaking of strategy. In the case of Pakistan, the origin of the orders to conduct disruption and turbulence are mired in a grey zone because of the layers that exist in the decision-making process and a more than active deep state wanting to control things. The unfortunate and most regrettable targeting of civilian pilgrims travelling to a shrine in the Jammu region on June 9, 2024, which led to the death of nine pilgrims and injuries to 30 more obviously had a method in the madness. Pakistan and its deep state, over the last five years, have been rendered almost irrelevant in the narratives that matter in J&K and outside. However, despite having neutralised many networks comprising terror financing, narcotics, radical and ideological, media and over-ground workers (OGWs), the stakes for Pakistan continue to be high. Its capability to conduct effective acts of terror or control the population and the narratives remain limited, especially in the Kashmir Valley. However, its concept of proxy war being hybrid, it still remains a major stakeholder. Thus, when India projects an election turnout in J&K topping 54 per cent, and in the same breath speaks of returning normalcy, its time for hackles to rise in Pakistan. Every hybrid function of war then comes into play. Advertisement With the above backdrop, Pakistan watched the tide of Indias successful democracy on display, a coalition government formed and inaugurated within five days. One of the layers of decision-making in Pakistan probably decided that the June 9, 2024, inauguration event of the NDA 3.0 was an adequately significant event, riding on whose news worthiness the terrorists could strike and make their statement. The planning should have been for the Kashmir Valley but the targets there are far and few. A mass effect was the intent and that would mean a large number of fatalities. In Kashmir, due to the extra strong counter-infiltration grid and the distances from the LoC to the hinterland being 100 km and more, the potential to find targets that matter is difficult. Pakistan cannot plan for terrorists to ambush a bus on the Kupwara-Baramulla road, for example, because the victims will all be Muslim; that is not going to fetch any dividends and in fact will send a negative message to the Kashmiri population. The same action on the Reasi-Katra road will cause fatalities and injuries to Hindu pilgrims who travel to Vaishno Devi and other shrines in the region which has a mix of Hindus and Muslims in the population. That is the Pakistani intent; it will raise the communal temperature inside India. Its also easier to execute such an operation since infiltration is simpler here and the presence of the Army and other security forces (SF) is of a lower density. Advertisement Twenty-four years ago, on 19 March, 2000, then US President Bill Clinton readied himself to address a Joint Session of Indias Parliament. A night before the address 36 Sikhs were gunned down by the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in a village called Chittisinghpura, in Anantnag district. The idea was to convey that Pakistan was a relevant player in J&K, even as the source authorising such strikes remained in the grey zone. In the Reasi strike and three lesser intensity strikes thereafter, obviously Pakistan remains in denial while an abstract group (The Resistance Movement or TRM) with a name which is a euphemism for LeT, claims credit. The grey zone is intact and that is the strength of the hybridity of operations that Pakistan launches. Advertisement These operations are independent of the situation within Pakistan. The economy may be in shambles, its polity even worse, the internal security situation remains abysmal and the Afghanistan border is alive. In the midst of all this Pakistan seeks opportunities to ensure that its 35-year investment in J&K does not go waste due to the success of Indias five-year-old strategy (since August 5, 2019) under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It looks to re-establish its relevance in the eyes of the population of J&K and it perhaps believes that it can achieve that with patience and a long-term perspective. That is the bottom-line explanation for what has happened at Reasi and the area around. Advertisement There is only one other angle which needs to be factored in as a reason for the terrorist strike. The elections for the J&K Assembly are due to be held. The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission (EC) to conduct this election before 30 September, 2024. Already the Lok Sabha election proved a run-away success with average 54 per cent voting, a phenomenon not witnessed for long. Successful assembly polls will sound the death knell for Pakistan and its cohorts. They have to be disrupted and there are opportunities coming up in the short term, in the form of the Sri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY) commencing on June 29, 2024. The Yatra bears an ideological and a sentimental chord which is extremely sensitive. Such a situation had arisen in 1999 too, at the height of the Kargil War when a disruption of the Yatra was sought by Pakistan through induction of a large number of terrorists. In some areas of Kashmir even regular Pakistan Army officers from its Special Forces infiltrated and led operations in the Lolab and Handwara sectors. Clearly, we have a lot more on our plate than one could have anticipated. Perhaps its because of this that the experienced and highly respected former Army Chief, General VP Malik, has publicly recommended the postponing of the assembly polls. General Malik has obviously considered all the above and going by his experience of handling J&K in some of the most turbulent times one cannot wish away such opinion. However, given our success in J&K since August 5, 2019, a postponement may upset the conceptual momentum that has gathered over time and project weakness on our part especially at a time when Pakistan is considered strategically extremely weak. We may risk moving ahead with the assembly elections by ensuring we secure ourselves completely and issue a stern warning to Pakistan (all the layers that control it) that Indias threshold of tolerance has already lowered. Any further Pakistan sponsored actions will only attract a retribution which will remain unpredictable; most importantly that India was willing to bear the full consequences of its response and actions thereafter. A section of people in India may consider this a weak approach. That is not so; its the most pragmatic strategy that prioritises the development and integration route of J&K. This essay did not discuss any aspects of security and how India should focus on it. That is a separate domain which takes into consideration the inter se priority between regions and sub-regions within the UT, the current deployments and need for more if required. The 35-year experience of handling these operations gives us a lot to lean upon and the Indian Army will need the full energy of its new leadership to make things work the way it has always done in the past. The writer is a Member of the National Disaster Management Authority. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. The pilgrims who died from intense heat during Hajj in Saudi Arabia include 14 from Jordan and five from Iran, according to reports read more Nineteen Muslim pilgrims have died from intense heat during Hajj in Saudi Arabia, according to reports. The Hajj is the annual pilgrimage that Muslims undertake to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islams founder Prophet Muhammed. The Hajj is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world and around 1.8 million people are expected to undertake the pilgrimage this year. Of the deceased pilgrims, 14 are from Jordan and five are from Iran, according to DW News. Advertisement This year, temperature has frequently been above 40*C in Mecca and it is projected to reach 47*C on Monday, as per the report. As the Saudi Arabia is located in the hot West Asian region with deserts, the region is generally hot. Heat-related issues, such as heatstrokes, have been reported during Hajj over the years. To address the heat-related issues, the Saudi authorities have built climate-controlled areas and have deployed medical teams to provide healthcare services to pilgrims. What do we know of heat-related deaths on Hajj? The news of the deaths of 19 pilgrims came during the last major Hajj ritual of stoning the Devil. In the ritual, pilgrims threw seven stones at each of three walls in the Mina Valley outside of Mecca that symbolise the Devil, as per AFP. As per the agency, the ritual commemorates Abrahams stoning of the Devil at the site where it is said Satan tried to dissuade him from sacrificing his son at the command of the God. Jordans government was quoted as saying that 14 of its nationals died from sunstrokes. The Iranian Red Crescent was quoted as saying that five Iranians died in Mecca and Medina but did not attribute the deaths to any cause. Separately, The New York Times cited Jordanian authorities as saying that 17 pilgrims have gone missing. In the statement, they pledged to defend the institution and preserve its integrity from any political interference and pressure against the court, its officials and those cooperating with it read more (FILES) International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan speaks during a press conference at the San Carlos Palace in Bogota, on April 25, 2024. AFP In a significant public intervention, 93 nations released a joint statement in which they maintained that the International Criminal Court (ICC) must be allowed to carry out its work without intimidation. The group of nations issued a joint statement on the matter on Friday. In the statement, they pledged to defend the institution and preserve its integrity from any political interference and pressure against the court, its officials and those cooperating with it. Advertisement The show of support came days after a report from The Guardian revealed that Israeli intelligence agencies are involved in efforts to undermine, influence and intimidate the court as part of a nine-year campaign of surveillance and espionage. What does the letter say? The letter was written by states who were parties to the Rome Statute of ICC. We uphold that the Court, its officials and staff shall carry out their professional duties as international civil servants without intimidation, the statement reads. We reconfirm our unwavering support for the Court as an independent and Impartial judicial institution. In this regard, we reiterate our commitment to uphold and defend the principles and values enshrined in the Rome Statute and to preserve its integrity from any political interference and pressure against the Court, its officials and those cooperating with it. We renew our resolve to stand united against impunity, the group furthered. 93 States Parties have joined the following statement in support of the International Criminal Court, initiated by a cross-regional core group of 5 countries () pic.twitter.com/Z9O1TMXVnF Belgium UN New York (@BelgiumUN) June 14, 2024 The joint statement also followed recent warnings by the office of the ICCs chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, that it had been subjected to several forms of threats and hostile intelligence activity. Advertisement Last month, Khan stated that he had filed applications for arrest warrants against senior Hamas and Israeli officials for war crimes and crimes against humanity, which were allegedly committed during the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. What stirred the headlines was the fact that the list also included Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It is pertinent to note that Khans decision to seek an arrest warrant against Netanyahu and Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, is the first time an ICC prosecutor has taken such action against the leaders of a close Western ally. The move soon provoked a fierce response from Israel and its ally, the United States. Advertisement The statement in question was drafted by five courts of member states Belgium, Chile, Jordan, Senegal and Slovenia. It was presented to the other member nations for an endorsement last week. The nations maintained that the statement was not directed at Israel and they also touched upon other hostile activities against the ICC, such as a cyber-attack last year. The court is going after some very powerful people, not just in the Palestine investigation, and its time to send a message that the state parties are there to defend it, a source close to the ICC told The Guardian. Many lauded the show of support for the member states. Advertisement This is a unique moment of international solidarity, with 93 ICC states parties standing up for global justice and accountability for mass atrocities, Danya Chaikel, the International Federation for Human Rightss representative to the ICC, said. They are collectively opposing the egregious threats to the court from powerful countries including Israel, the US and Russia, and strongly rejecting their efforts to manipulate the rule of law for political gains, she furthered. With inputs from agencies. The anonymous letter, which claims to have been written by employees of Adidas China, names several Chinese Adidas employees including a senior manager involved with the marketing budget in the country, which the document said stood at 250 million euros ($267.5 million) a year, the FT reported read more Adidas has launched an investigation into allegations of large-scale bribery in China after the company received a whistleblower complaint that accused senior staff of embezzling millions of euros, the Financial Times reported on Sunday. The anonymous letter, which claims to have been written by employees of Adidas China, names several Chinese Adidas employees including a senior manager involved with the marketing budget in the country, which the document said stood at 250 million euros ($267.5 million) a year, the FT reported. Advertisement Adidas media officials at its headquarters in Germany did not immediately respond to request for comment on the report outside regular business hours. According to the FT, the letter alleges that Adidas staff received kickbacks from external service providers who were commissioned by the company that include millions in cash from suppliers, and physical items such as real estate. China sales of the German sportswear giant grew by 8% in the first-quarter, the company reported earlier. Amid tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, Chinese Premier Li Qiang has sought to stabilise the relationship with Australia during his visit to the country read more Even as visiting Chinese Premier Li Qiang appears to be seeking to stabilise relations after years of tensions, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has said that the two countries were in a permanent contest. In recent years, while the bilateral relationship has been tense over trade war and Chinese espionage and interference in Australian affairs, the two countries have also faced off in the Indo-Pacific region as China has been poaching countries in the region traditionally allied to Australia. Advertisement Flagging the tensions built up over the past decade and the mishandling of the previous government, Wong said it was a reality that the two countries were in a constant contest in the Indo-Pacific. That is the reality. I wish there was a rewind button to recover the last 10 years but we dont, we have to deal with what we have now which is a permanent contest in Pacific, said Wong to ABC News. On his part, Li has said that the twists and turns in the Australia-China relationship are over. Pitching Australia as the bridge between China and the broader Western world, he said that Australia was uniquely positioned to connect the West and the East and added that the bilateral relationship was back on track after a period of twists and turns. A more mature, stable and fruitful comprehensive strategic partnership will be a treasure shared by the people of both countries, said Li at the beginning of his four-day visit, the highest-level visit from China to Australia in seven years. Upon his arrival in Adelaide on Saturday, Li said that mutual respect, seeking common ground while shelving differences and mutually beneficial cooperation were key to the Australia-China relationship. Australia flags concerns from Indo-Pacific to Taiwan In a statement that marked the complexities of the Australia-China relationship, Wong said that while her government was working patiently to stabilise the relationship with China, they were indeed in a permanent contest. Advertisement Wong dubbed Lis visit really important and said it was the result of two years of very deliberate, very patient work by the Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses government. She went on to say that her government was undoing the damage of the previous governments policies. The reality is Mr Dutton and the Coalition abandoned the field in the Pacific and others have filled that space. We are now in a position where Australia is a partner of choice but the opportunity to be the only partner of choice has been lost by Mr Dutton and his colleagues and we are in a state of permanent contest in the Pacific, said Wong in a reference to Peter Dutton of the Liberal Party. Advertisement The Liberals were in power for nine years until Wong and Albaneses Labour Party defeated them in elections in 2022. The current government has been relatively softer in the approach to China. That is the reality. I wish there was a rewind button to recover the last 10 years but we dont, we have to deal with what we have now which is a permanent contest in Pacific, said Wong to ABC News. Wong also flagged Australias concerns regarding the self-ruled island of Taiwan. She said her government remained deeply concerned about Chinese military activities regarding Taiwan. She called the China-Taiwan tensions as one of the riskiest flashpoints in the world. Advertisement We are deeply concerned about the increased activities and the risk of miscalculation, the risk of mistake. And that is a view weve put publicly and we have put directly to China, said Wong, adding that Australia preferred for the maintenance of the status quo. We oppose any unilateral changes to the status quo. In terms of the military activities and in and around the Taiwan Strait. You have heard me and others speak very clearly about this. We are deeply concerned about the increased activities and the risk of miscalculation, the risk of mistake. And that is a view weve put publicly and we have put directly to China, said Wong. Advertisement Are Australia-China relations seeing a thaw? The Australia-China relationship was at its lowest in 2020 when Beijing imposed a series of trade restrictions and tariffs on Chinese imports. China is Australias largest trading party. It was the destination of Australias 30 per cent of exports last year, according to the Associated Press. In 2020, Australian exports of coal, timber, barley, beef, and lobsters were battered by Chinese sanctions. This happened amid broader tensions in the relationship over Chinas espionage and interference in Australia. Australias exclusion of Chinese telecommunications company Huawei from the roll out of 5G network due to security concerns and the call for an independent investigation into origin of the Covid-19 pandemic also triggered China. Now, however, China has rolled back sanctions except on lobsters. Earlier the same day, the armed wing of Hamas said that its fighters had ambushed an armoured personnel carrier, killing and wounding a number of Israeli soldiers, in the area in the west of Rafah read more Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said that at least eight Israeli soldiers have been killed in a blast that ripped through an armoured vehicle in Southern Gaza. The tragic incident marked the biggest loss of life for the IDF in a single incident since January. The IDF stated that the incident took place when combat engineers were in a convoy of half a dozen armoured vehicles returning from a mission at about 5 am on Saturday in the Tal al-Sultan area. During their arrival, a massive explosion destroyed one of the vehicles killing eight Israeli soldiers, The Guardian reported. Advertisement Earlier the same day, the armed wing of Hamas said that its fighters had ambushed an armoured personnel carrier, killing and wounding a number of Israeli soldiers, in the area in the west of Rafah, where Israeli forces have been advancing for weeks. Meanwhile, the news of the incident came shortly after the Palestinian side said that at least 19 Gazans died in the latest Israeli strikes in Rafah. The attack could fuel calls for a ceasefire As per the reports, the IDF is still investigating whether the vehicle involved in the incident was targeted or it was an accidental detonation since soldiers were carrying bombs inside the carrier. Interestingly, vehicles used by IDF usually carry explosives in their exteriors to avoid harm to the occupants in the event of detonation. Regardless, the latest incident is expected to fuel mounting calls for a ceasefire and heighten Israeli public anger over ultra-Orthodox exemptions from the military. It is pertinent to note that the IDF fatalities from the Gaza operation now stand at 307. But the growing death toll and injuries to the Israeli armed forces have taken greater prominence among Israelis, many of whom have been calling for a ceasefire. In January this year, at least 21 Israeli troops were killed in a single attack. The recent attack came amid news that Israels war cabinet is expected to discuss the increasing age limit of reserve duty for soldiers by a year. Advertisement There has been evidence that the IDF is being stretched out fighting two fronts for months with no end to the conflict in sight. In light of this, last month, 900 parents of IDF troops deployed in Gaza wrote a letter urging the military to call off its ongoing offensive in Rafah, calling it a deadly trap for their children. It is evident to anyone with common sense that after months of warnings and announcements regarding an incursion into Rafah, there are forces on the other side actively preparing to strike our troops, said the letter, sent on 2 May. Our sons are physically and mentally exhausted, the parents furthered in the letter which was addressed to the Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and the IDF chief of staff, Lt Gen Herzi Halevi. Advertisement With inputs from agencies Earlier this week, the only surviving son of US President Joe Biden, Hunter Biden, was found guilty of three felony gun-related charges read more Hunter Biden, President Joe Biden's son, accompanied by his mother, First Lady Jill Biden and his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, walks out of federal court after hearing the guilty verdict in Wilmington, Delaware. Hunter Biden has been convicted of all three felony charges in the federal gun trial. AP US First Lady Jill Biden said that her family had a rough week as she gave her first reaction to her step-son Hunter Bidens conviction. Prof. Biden commented on the matter for the first time on Saturday during a campaign swing. Earlier this week, the only surviving son of US President Joe Biden, Hunter Biden, was found guilty of three felony gun-related charges. The first lady said that the trial marked a tough week for my family, explaining that they had to relive the tough times, NBC News reported. Advertisement She went on to claim that she drew inspiration from Hunter Bidens conduct, throughout this difficult time. I think after the decision in the court, Hunter was strong, and so I have to take his example and just get out there and start fighting again, the first lady told NBC News. Jill Biden has marked the past few days travelling to states that could prove vital to her husbands shot at returning to the Oval Office. In the past few weeks, she has held public events in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Arizona. Biden family shows no mercy Shortly after Hunter was convicted, his father told reporters that he wouldnt use his presidential powers to pardon or commute his sons sentence. Im extremely proud of my son Hunter, Biden said when he was asked the question about Hunter during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the G7 Summit. He has overcome an addiction. Hes one of the brightest, most decent men I know, and I am satisfied that Im not going to do anything. I said I abide by the jurys decision. I will do that, and I will not pardon him, he added. During her comments, the First Lady expressed support for her husbands decision. Joe and I both respect the judicial system, and thats the bottom line, she said. Advertisement Interestingly, Hunter Bidens conviction came just weeks before Biden was scheduled to debate former President and his archnemesis Donald Trump. While reacting to the presidential race, Biden dismissed the notion that her husbands performance could be impacted by Hunters conviction. Oh, no, she answered, adding later, he is a strong man, and he is a resilient man, and hes going to do a great job. It is pertinent to note that Hunter Biden still does not have a sentencing date. The political scion faces up to 25 years in prison. However, it is unlikely that he will receive the maximum sentence since he has no prior conviction. Advertisement With inputs from agencies. While he is hated by parts of the radical left, even socialist leadership in the country considers him extremely suspicious read more Frances former Socialist President Francois Hollande announced on Saturday that he would run for the parliament again days after his successor, French President Emmanuel Macron called for a snap election in the country. Macrons decision to dissolve Frances National Assembly came shortly after the countrys far-right parties gave a stellar performance at the European parliamentary elections. The recent polls redrew the lines of French politics, with the countrys far-right parties ready to battle it out with a newly formed left-wing alliance. Advertisement Amid the chaos, police estimated that a quarter of a million people protested across France against the prospect of the far-right coming to power. Despite all this, the latest opinion polls still suggest that France might lean right this election season. A highly unpopular president Hollande served as the President of France from 2012-2017 and left office with record levels of unpopularity. While he is hated by parts of the radical left, even socialist leadership in the country considers him extremely suspicious. On Saturday, he announced that he will be standing as an MP for the southwestern Correze department for the New Popular Front, a left-wing grouping formed for the elections. An exceptional decision for an exceptional situation, Hollande told reporters in the departments main town of Tulle. I am not seeking anything for myself, I just want to be of service," he added. The remarks from the veteran French politician came after speculations started brewing that he is considering running for the presidency again after Macrons term ends. Officially, the Socialist Party reacted coolly to the move. The head of the partys election commission Pierre Jouvet simply said that the party is taking notes of the candidacy. However, a senior party member who asked to remain anonymous told The Guardian that they were devastated by the news while conceding: We said we wanted the broadest possible left wing. Advertisement The first round of polls is scheduled to be held in France on June 30 and the second round is scheduled to take place on July 7. With inputs from agencies. The proposed land connectivity between India and Sri Lanka is likely to be discussed during Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankars visit to the island nation next week read more Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said that the feasibility study on proposed land connectivity between India and Sri Lanka is in final stages. Wickremesinghe said that the preliminary work is over the final phase would also be completed soon, according to PTI. In July 2023, during a visit to India, Wickremesinghe had discussed the development of a land bridge between the two countries in a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The proposal for land connectivity had come from Sri Lanka, said New Delhi at the time. Advertisement The proposal includes making a land connection from India to Sri Lankas Trincomalee and Colombo ports, according to Deccan Herald. The PTI further reported that the proposed land connectivity is likely to be discussed during Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankars visit to the island nation next week. While Sri Lanka had said that Jaishankar would arrive in the country on a visit on June 20, there has been no confirmation from New Delhi so far. Officials in Sri Lanka confirmed to the news agency that all Indian projects in the island nation, including the Adani groups wind power project in Mannar in the countrys northeast and the creation of an industrial zone in the port of Trincomalee in the countrys east, would be discussed during Jaishankars visit. Separately, Fisheries Minister Sri Lankan Douglas Devananda told local media that the country would raise the issue what he said to be illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters by Indian fisherfolk. The issue of fishing in the waters between India and Sri Lanka has been a contentious one for a long time. The fisherfolk from both the countries are often accused of trespassing into others waters and are at times apprehended as well. The Palk Strait, the narrow strip of water between Indias Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka, is a rich fishing area thats used by fisherfolk from both the countries. The decision was taken as part of efforts to increase the volumes of humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip following discussions with the UN and other organisations, it said. Israel has long defended its efforts to facilitate aid deliveries, including through the Kerem Shalom crossing, but humanitarian groups have warned for months about a dire lack of food and other essentials in the besieged Palestinian territory read more The Israeli army announced Sunday that it would implement a daily tactical pause of military activity in part of the southern Gaza Strip during daylight hours to facilitate the delivery of aid. The army said in a statement that a local, tactical pause of military activity for humanitarian purposes will take place from 08:00 until 19:00 every day until further notice along the road that leads from the Kerem Shalom Crossing to the Salah al-Din Road and then northwards. Advertisement The decision was taken as part of efforts to increase the volumes of humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip following discussions with the UN and other organisations, it said. Israel has long defended its efforts to facilitate aid deliveries, including through the Kerem Shalom crossing, but humanitarian groups have warned for months about a dire lack of food and other essentials in the besieged Palestinian territory. The World Health Organization has said more than 8,000 children under five have been treated for acute malnutrition in Gaza. International mediators have been pressing Israel and Hamas to agree to a ceasefire deal laid out by US President Joe Biden to allow for hostage-prisoner exchanges and increased aid deliveries, but progress has stalled in recent days. World Food Programme deputy executive director Carl Skau said recently that with lawlessness inside the Strip and active conflict, it has become close to impossible to deliver the level of aid that meets the growing demands on the ground. The incident took place on Saturday in the suburbs of Rochester Hills, while families were frolicking in the water to beat the heat read more Police respond to the scene of a shooting at the Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad in Rochester Hills. Source: AP As many as 10 people were injured after a shooting incident rocked a city-run water park near Detroit. Police noted that the incident took place on Saturday in the suburbs of Rochester Hills while families were frolicking in the water to beat the heat. It sounds like we have nine, maybe 10 victims with gunshot wounds, victims of varying kinds of injuries," Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard told reporters. While speaking to the media, the authorities also notified that a handgun and three empty magazines were recovered. The possible suspect of the incident was reportedly hiding in a home nearby. Advertisement So, preliminarily, it looks like the suspect fired potentially 28 times, reloading multiple times, Bouchard said. The authorities went on to urge people to avoid the area since it is still an active crime scene. Matter under investigation The officials are yet to provide additional information on the matter and the conditions of the victims still remain unclear. The police noted that a man got out of the vehicle in front of the Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad park at around 5:00 pm (local time) He fired multiple shots from a 9mm semiautomatic Glock, reloading several times, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard told a press conference, Reuters reported. Its a gut punch, obviously, for us here in Oakland County, Bouchard said. Weve gone through so many tragedies, you know. Were not even fully comprehending what happened at Oxford. Meanwhile, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also took to X, formally known as Twitter, to express discontent over the tragic incident. I am heartbroken to learn about the shooting in Rochester Hills, she wrote. We are monitoring the situation as updates continue to come in, and are in touch with local officials, the Michigan governor furthered. I am heartbroken to learn about the shooting in Rochester Hills. We are monitoring the situation as updates continue to come in, and are in touch with local officials. Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) June 16, 2024 Advertisement Rochester Hills is located about 50 km north of Detroit. The neighbouring community Oxford Township, also in Oakland County, was the victim of a mass school shooting incident in 2021. A student named Ethan Crumbley, then 15, killed four students and wounded six other students and a teacher at Oxford High School. With inputs from Reuters. The hostages at the pretrial detention center in Rostov-on-Don were uninjured, Russias Federal Penitentiary Service said in an official statement. It said that the hostage takers had been liquidated, but did not comment further. A number of local news outlets, including RT, reported that at least some of the prisoners had been killed read more Russian law enforcement officers and Rosguardia servicemen converge near a pretrial detention center in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, on Sunday. AP Security forces stormed a detention center in southern Russia on Sunday, killing inmates accused of links to Islamist terror cells who had taken two staff members hostage, state-funded news channel RT reported. Journalists on the scene reported the sounds of gunfire, while multiple ambulances were seen arriving at the prison in footage on social media. The hostages at the pretrial detention center in Rostov-on-Don were uninjured, Russias Federal Penitentiary Service said in an official statement. Advertisement It said that the hostage takers had been liquidated, but did not comment further. A number of local news outlets, including RT, reported that at least some of the prisoners had been killed. Earlier, state news agency Tass, citing unnamed sources in law enforcement, had said that six hostage takers were in the central courtyard of the Rostov regions Detention Center No. 1, armed with a penknife, a rubber baton and a fire ax. The prisoners include men accused of links to the Islamic State group, it said. Images posted on social media appeared to show at least two of the hostage-takers wearing a headband that resembled the Islamic States flag. Other images showed prisoners wielding knives. RT reported that three of the hostage-takers had already been sentenced on terrorism charges, including disseminating extremist information and plotting to blow up a Russian courthouse. IS have carried out a number of attacks on Russian soil in recent years. An affiliate of IS claimed responsibility for the most recent attack in March, when gunmen opened fire on a crowd at a concert hall in suburban Moscow, killing 145 people. Russia was not part of the Ukraine Peace Summit held in Switzerland and its principal partner China also skipped at the conference read more Eighty countries on Sunday came together to issue a statement that called for territorial integrity to be the basis for any peace agreement to end the Russian war on Ukraine. India did not join these countries in the statement. The statement was issued at the conclusion of a two-day Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland that began on Saturday. Russia was not part of the conference, formally called the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, and its principal partner China also skipped it. Advertisement Stressing that peace in Ukraine will come from peace and diplomacy, the joint statement said, The United Nations Charter, including the principles of respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states, can and will serve as a basis in achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. #PathToPeace #UAPeaceSummit The vast majority of countries that participated in this weekends Summit on Peace in Ukraine support the joint communique. Press release:https://t.co/cgix8WDkoB Joint communique:https://t.co/q0VKmGMACi pic.twitter.com/5wkoPKtMfK Swiss Federal Government (@SwissGov) June 16, 2024 While most of the Western countries rallied behind Ukraine in signing the joint statement, the countries that skipped the signing included India, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Only solutions acceptable to both parties can bring peace: India India was represented at the summit by Pawan Kapoor, who holds the Secretary (West) designation in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). In a statement from Switzerland, he said that India will not be part of the joint statement as it is being issued without the participation of both the parties to the conflict. In our view, only those solutions acceptable to both parties can lead to abiding peace. In line with this approach, we have decided to avoid association with the joint communique or any other document emerging from this summit, said Kapoor. Advertisement India's participation in the summit and continued engagement with all stakeholders is with a view to understanding different perspectives, approaches and options to find a way forward for a sustainable resolution of the conflict: Pavan Kapoor, Secretary West, MEA #Ukraine https://t.co/ogH3nPhXJz pic.twitter.com/kTr2nDu53e Dinakar Peri (@dperi84) June 16, 2024 While Kapoor called the summit an important gathering to seek the way forward to a negotiated settlement to the Ukraine War, he stressed the need for the presence of both the parties in any initiative for peace. Kapoor further said, We continue to believe that such a peace requires bringing together all stakeholders and a sincere and practical engagement between the two parties to the conflict. Accordingly, we will continue to engage with all stakeholders as well as two parties to the conflict to contribute to all earnest efforts to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine. Our participation in the summit and continued engagement with all stakeholders is with the view of understanding different perspectives, approaches, and options to find a sustainable way forward for a sustainable resolution of the conflict. What was Ukraine peace summit about? Without Russias participation, the Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland was always unlikely to produce any breakthrough. Advertisement The only major outcome is in the form of consensus of 80 countries that the peace in Ukraine must not come at the cost of giving up territorial integrity. From the onset, there were three areas that the summit had sought to address: Nuclear safety, including at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant under Russia control Humanitarian assistance and an exchange; of prisoner of war (PoWs) Global food security which has been disrupted as food exports from Ukraine have been affected from the fighting Ahead of the summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had said that the summit would mark the historic first steps towards peace in Ukraine. Advertisement We have succeeded in bringing back to the world the idea that joint efforts can stop war and establish a just peace. I believe that we will witness history being made here at the summit, said Zelenskyy. Following the summit, European Union (EU) chief Ursula von der Leyen said that the summit was not a peace conference as Russian President Vladimir Putin is not serious about peace. Referring to his recent demands for entering into ceasefire talks that demand the surrender of four border regions of Ukraine in its entirely, she highlighted that Putin is demanding the surrender of territories it does not even occupy at the moment. It was not a peace negotiation because Putin is not serious about ending the war. He is insisting on capitulation. He is insisting on ceding Ukrainian territory even territory that today is not occupied by him. He is insisting on disarming Ukraine, leaving it vulnerable to future aggression. No country would ever accept these outrageous terms, said Von Der Leyen. Ukraine and Russia were engaged in talks for a ceasefire in the first months of the war in 2022, but the talks broke down and have not been renewed since read more Ukraine and Russia were engaged in peace talks in 2022 but the talks collapsed (Photo: Agencies) Even as Ukraine and Russia have both laid out maximalist conditions for the end of war today, the two countries were negotiating in the early months of the war. The New York Times has reported that the two countries were willing to make compromises in the negotiations held during February-April 2022. In February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine in what Russian President Vladimir Putin dubbed a special military operation. The idea was to score sweeping military victories across Ukraine and topple Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyys government within days and replace it with Moscows proxy. As that did not happen as Ukrainians mounted a fierce defence and Russians suffered setbacks after setbacks, the Russian war-efforts shifted the focus from capturing Kyiv to focussing on the countrys east. Since then, the war has been raging in the eastern parts where Russia has captured vast swathes of land. Advertisement Within days of the outbreak of the war, talks began between the two countries, according to The Times. Even as the talks led to the creation of two drafts of a peace treaty between the two countries, the talks eventually collapsed as the conditions of the countries hardened and common ground could not be found, according to the newspaper. The sticking points that failed Ukraine-Russia talks The sticking points were around Ukraines future membership of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the territory that Ukraine would cede to Russia, the security guarantee guarding Ukraine from a future Russian invasion, etc. 1. Ukraines neutrality Russia demanded that Ukraine must never join NATO or other alliances, host foreign military bases or weapons, or conduct military exercises. On its part, Ukraine said it would be permanently neutral state and to terminate international treaties and agreements that are incompatible with permanent neutrality. Eventually, the draft agreement included that that Ukraine could join the European Union (EU) but not NATO and would declare itself permanently neutral, according to The Times. 2. Security guarantees One of the biggest sticking points was issue of security guarantees sought by Ukraine in case Russia attacked it again after making peace this time. Ukraine wanted a collective defence-like clause under which Ukrainian allies would come to its aid in case Russia attacked it again, according to The Times. That was unacceptable to Russia. Advertisement The collective defence is the foundation of the NATO. Under NATOs principles, an attack on one member is an attack on all and allows for a collective defence of the member being attacked. The Times reported that Russia agreed to the idea of security guarantees but with the condition that Russia will also be one of the guarantors. It also said that a unanimous decision would be needed to for the intervention of guarantors. This meant that Russia as one of the guarantors would get a veto on the intervention against its own invasion of Ukraine. There was also disagreement on which countries could be guarantors, as per the newspaper. Advertisement 3. The question of territory While it was certain that Ukraine would need to cede territory to Russia to end the war, the question was how much and in what manner. While Ukraine agreed to not make any military efforts to retake Crimea that Russia had annexed in 2014 and solve the issue over 10-15 years in talks, it refused to recognise Russian control over the territory, according to The Times. Similarly, for other parts in the countrys east to be ceded to Russia, Ukraine agreed to accept Russian occupation without recognising Russian sovereignty over those territories. 4. The nature of ceasefire How any ceasefire would be implemented was also an issue of disagreement. Advertisement Under Russian terms, its own forces would have more flexibility in withdrawal from the frontlines while Ukrainian soldiers would withdraw at once, according to The Times. The paper reported that Ukraine insisted that the ceasefire was dependent upon the Russians as the war could stop anytime the Russians stopped fighting. 5. Russias insistence on shaping Ukrainian identity One of the strange sticking points was the Russian insistence that Russian language be declared as one of the official languages of Ukraine as per the terms of the peace deal, according to The Times. Ukraine balked at the idea and said it was not related to the subject matter of the treaty, as per the paper. Advertisement Russia also wanted specific laws on Ukrainian culture and language to be repealed. 6. Limits on Ukrainian military forces As per the terms of the peace deal, Russia wanted to impose limits on the size of the Ukraines military and the kind of its weapons and the range of weapons. The Times reported that Russia sought to limit Ukraines military to 100,000 personnel, 147 mortars, 10 combat helicopters, and missiles to be limited t0 25 mile (40 kms) range. While Ukraine was willing to accept the limits on its militarys size and weapons, what they proposed was as follows: military of up to 250,000 personnel, 1,080 mortars, 60 combat helicopters, and missiles of range of up to 174 miles (280 kms). What was biggest sticking point? The biggest sticking point was the question of security guarantees. Ukraine wanted guarantees that Russia would not attack once the treaty has been signed. In case Russia attacked Ukraine after the signing of the treaty, then a bunch of countries, who would have been guarantors of the treaty, would come to the aid of Ukraine. This was the biggest problem for Russia, as per The Times. Moreover, while Russia started negotiating with maximalist positions, its demands fell a notch with every battlefield reversal in the initial weeks of the war, according to the paper. Even though the talks eventually failed, one of the members of Ukraines negotiating team said last year that they were very close to a deal in April 2022. We managed to find a very real compromise. We were very close in the middle of April, in the end of April, to finalize our war with some peaceful settlement, said Oleksandr Chalyi, a member of the Ukrainian negotiating team, at a discussion in Geneva in December 2023. Sat Saturday 85 /53 More sun than clouds. Highs in the mid 80s and lows in the low 50s. Update on M/V Tutor and M/V Verbena U.S. Central Command Press Release | June 14, 2024 USCENTCOM June 14, 2024 Release Number 20240614 - 03 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TAMPA, Fla. -- On June 12, Iranian-backed Houthis struck M/V Tutor, a Liberian flagged, Greek owned and operated bulk cargo carrier, with an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) resulting in severe flooding and damage to the engine room. One civilian mariner remains missing following the attack. The crew abandoned ship and were rescued by USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) and partner forces. M/V Tutor remains in the Red Sea and is slowly taking on water. Yesterday, Iranian-backed Houthis struck M/V Verbena, a Palauan flagged, Ukrainian owned, Polish operated bulk cargo carrier, in two separate missile attacks resulting in fires on board. One civilian mariner was medically evacuated due to severe injuries. The crew of M/V Verbena extinguished the fire and have resumed their transit in the Gulf of Aden. This continued malign and reckless behavior by the Iranian-backed Houthis threatens regional stability and endangers the lives of mariners across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The Houthis claim to be acting on behalf of Palestinians in Gaza and yet they are targeting and threatening the lives of third country nationals who have nothing to do with the conflict in Gaza. The ongoing threat to international commerce caused by the Houthis in fact makes it harder to deliver badly needed assistance to the people of Yemen as well as Gaza. The United States will continue to act with partners to hold the Houthis accountable and degrade their military capabilities. CENTCOM will continue to act with partners to hold the Houthis accountable and degrade their military capabilities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint Statement in support of the International Criminal Court Global Affairs Canada 2024-06-15 Statement "As States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), we uphold that the Court, its officials and staff shall carry out their professional duties as international civil servants without intimidation. In line with the May 17, 2024, press release of the President of the Assembly of States Parties and the May 3, 2024, statement by the Office of the Prosecutor, we reconfirm our unwavering support for the Court as an independent and impartial judicial institution. "In this regard, we reiterate our commitment to uphold and defend the principles and values enshrined in the Rome Statute and to preserve its integrity from any political interference and pressure against the Court, its officials and those cooperating with it. We renew our resolve to stand united against impunity. "The ICC, as the world's first and only permanent international criminal court, is an essential component of the international peace and security architecture. We therefore call on all States to ensure full cooperation with the Court for it to carry out its important mandate of ensuring equal justice for all victims of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression; grave crimes that threaten the peace, security and well-being of the world. "By giving our full support to the ICC and promoting its role, we contribute to ending impunity for such crimes and preventing their recurrence while defending the progress we have made together to guarantee lasting respect for international humanitarian law, human rights, the rule of law and the enforcement of international criminal justice." The following countries have endorsed this statement: Afghanistan, Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Benin, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cabo Verde, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kingdom of the Netherlands, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Montenegro, Namibia, New Zealand, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Norway, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, State of Palestine, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, The Gambia, Timor-Leste, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Uganda, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Vanuatu NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemen: Verbena ship hit by missiles, sank in Gulf of Aden IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jun 15, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The Yemeni army has announced that one of the ships targeted in its latest military operations in international waters has sunk, while the other is at risk of sinking. In a statement on Saturday, Army Spokesman Yahya Saree said that the ships, named Verbena and Tutor, were targeted in the past 72 hours. Verbena has sunk in the Gulf of Aden after it was hit by several missiles, he said, adding that Tutor was struck by several missiles and drones, and is at risk of sinking "within the coming hours". Saree did not say where Tutor was hit. The Yemeni army official said that both vessels were heading towards Israeli-occupied ports and thus violated Yemeni warnings against approaching those ports. Meanwhile, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Sunday morning that the crew of Verbana left this bulk carrier due to the continued fire and inability to contain it. CENTCOM wrote in a statement on the X social network that "On June 13 Iranian-backed Houthis struck the M/V Verbana, a Palauan-flagged, Ukrainian-owned, Polish-operated bulk cargo carrier in two separate missile attacks." The statement added: Today (Saturday), at approximately 1:45 p.m (Sanaa time), the crew of the ship issued a distressed call indicating they were abandoning the ship. M/V Anna Meta responded to render assistance. Anna Meta has recovered the marines is transporting them to safety. The crew abandoned the ship due to continued fires and inability to contain them". CENTCOM also claimed without providing proof that "the Iranian frigate IRIN Jamaran was eight nautical miles from M/V Verbana and did not respond to the distress call". The statements from CENTCOM followed the announcement by the Yemeni army spokesman about the fate of the two ships bound for occupied Palestine and were targeted on Saturday night. Yemen launched its military operations in the high seas in mid-November in an effort to force the Israeli regime to stop its war on Gaza and lift its blockade of the Palestinian territory. The Yemeni army says its operations only target Israeli ships or any vessels that head towards ports in the occupied territories, rejecting Western allegations that the operations pose a threat to international shipping. Yahya Saree reiterated that the Yemeni armed forces will continue to expand their operations and enhance military capabilities in support and defense of the Palestinian people in Gaza. Separately, Head of Yemen's Supreme Political Council Mahdi al-Mashat said on Saturday night that the country's armed forces will continue their land, sea and air operations against the Zionist regime. "We condemn all the crimes committed by Zionists, Americans and Westerners against the Palestinian people," he said. Al-Mashat once again emphasized on continuing to fully support the Palestinian people in their resistance until the complete liberation of the occupied land, the expulsion of the aggressors and the liberation of Al-Aqsa Mosque. 4194**4399 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Qassam Brigades launch rocket attacks against Zionist targets IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jun 15, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Qassam Brigades have carried out rocket attacks against Zionist targets within Gaza and beyond, regional media reported. Al Mayadeen said on Saturday that Qassam Brigades hit a Zionist command base in Netzarim, southwest of Gaza, with short-range rockets. Zionist military machinery has also been attacked in an ambush by Qassam Brigades while they were advancing towards western Rafah. Reports earlier today said that another Zionist base around Gaza Strip came under Qassam attacks which caused fire in the base. The attacks take place as the Zionist regime continues its crimes in Gaza more than eight months after it began its invasion of the tiny besieged area. 9341**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah using AI in drone attacks against Israel: Reports IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jun 15, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah is using artificial intelligence in its drone attacks against Israeli military positions, according to Israeli media reports Hezbollah is using artificial intelligence to better enable its drones to evade the Israeli military's missile systems in the northern occupied territories, reports said on Saturday. Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters have been exchanging fire on an almost daily bases since the occupying regime launched the ongoing aggression against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Israeli military experts have acknowledged that Hezbollah has only used a small part of its massive air power against Israeli targets. Tamir Hayman, a retired Israeli general who served as the head of the regime's military intelligence, warned about the erosion of the military's deterrent power in the face of intensified cross-border attacks by Hezbollah. He also warned that an escalation of the conflict with Hezbollah into a full-scale war would have grave consequences for the regime, at a time when its military resources have been stretched thin in the war on Gaza. 4353**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran to react if Israel conducts broad raid on Lebanon: Israeli media IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jun 15, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Media outlets of the Israeli regime warned their leaders in Tel Aviv that if the regime launches a full-scale attack on Lebanon, Iran is likely to get involved. A news presenter of Channel 12 (Keshet 12) said that the war against Gaza has taught Israel that reaching the phase of concluding the war takes a long time and that fast-ending the situation in this region is not feasible. The presenter went on to say that if Israeli officials are thinking about a war in the north (occupied Palestine bordering Lebanon), it would be better to raise the question, if we are supposed to go to war, do we have the ability to end it and how much time is needed for this and what will be the cost? The anchor added that the Israeli army is worn out and completely reliant on US weapons, and its internal front is completely defenseless, so the authorities should think well before deciding to expand the war. Dana Weiss, a political analyst of the Channel 12, referred to the extensive operations by Hezbollah against the Israeli military bases and settlements in northern occupied Palestine and the usurped Golan Heights, noting that the images we saw this week in the north have greatly concerned us, and the White House officials are also concerned because they do not want to see a full-scale war in the north. Weiss argued that if the extensive war kicks off on the northern front, it is more likely that this time Iran will not remain silent but will get involved and this will completely change the equation of the battle. The Kan 11 TV channel of the Zionist regime also reported that the number of reserve forces in the Israeli army increased to 300,000, and the army is seeking to increase the numbers in case of a wide-ranging war in the northern front. Moreover, the Radio Israel reported earlier that the cabinet of this regime decided to call up another 50,000 reserve soldiers to be ready in case of any increase in engagement in the Lebanese front. Meanwhile, deputy secretary-general of Hezbollah Sheikh Naim Qassem had previously warned that if the Israeli regime seeks to engage in a full-scale war, Hezbollah is prepared to confront it. 4208**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah says destroys part of Israel's Meron air base IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jun 15, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Lebanon's Hezbollah has announced it annihilated part of Israel's Meron air control base in the north of occupied Palestine through guided missiles. Islamic Resistance's fighters made the move to support Palestinian people and to respond to the Zionist regime's attack on Jouya in southern Lebanon, IRNA reported from Hezbollah's statement on Saturday. From the start of the Al Aqsa Storm operation against the Israeli regime in October 2023, Hezbollah began broad operation against the occupying regime in northern occupied Palestine. Hezbollah's state-of-the-art equipment and its precision weaponry have terrified the occupiers. Since the onset of war in Gaza, more than 37,000 people, mostly women and children, have been killed in the enclave. 1483**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran dismisses US allegations of aiding Yemeni armed forces IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jun 15, 2024 New York, IRNA -- Iran's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York has dismissed Western allegations that the Islamic Republic has aided the Yemeni armed forces in their anti-Israel operations in the high seas. The mission issued a statement on Friday after The Associated Press published a report alleging Iran's support to "Houthi rebels", a term Western officials and media use to refer to Yemen's ruling Ansarullah resistance movement that has led the Arab country's maritime operations against Israel-linked ships since mid-November in a bid to stop the regime's war on Gaza. The report, citing American officials, alleged that Iran provides financial and intelligence support as well as training to Yemen in its military operations against Israel-linked ships and US warships in international waters. The officials also accused Iran of continuing to send arms to Yemen in violation of existing UN sanctions. "The US supposes that it can isolate and defeat the resistance movement in Yemen through using its military power and political dominance on the UN Security Council (UNSC), with the aim that either Iran is frightened and cuts its ties with Ansarullah or violates UNSC resolutions to put itself in the non-compliant position," the Iranian mission said in its statement. "Iran knows how to thwart the US strategy in a way that not only strengthens Ansarullah but also ensures compliance with the pertinent resolutions", the mission further said. In January, the UNSC adopted a resolution proposed by the US and Japan to put sanctions on Ansarullah over its maritime operations which the movement has stressed will continue until the Israeli regime stops its Gaza war and lifts its blockade of the Palestinian territory. A month later, the United States also blacklisted Ansarullah as a terror organization, several weeks after it launched joint airstrikes with the UK against Yemeni positions over the maritime operations against Israel-linked vessels. Yemen sees the ongoing airstrikes as an act of aggression against its soil and has hit US and British ships in response. Yemen also rejects the two Western states' claims that their airstrikes are aimed at protecting international shipping, saying that its maritime operations, carried out so far in the Red and Arabian seas as well as the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean, only target Israeli vessels or those heading toward ports in the occupied territories. 4194**4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Navy faces most intense combat since WWII against Yemen: Report IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jun 15, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The ongoing combat against Yemen is considered the most intense running sea battle the US Navy has faced since World War II, media outlets have reported. Near-daily attacks by the Houthis since November have seen over 50 vessels clearly targeted, while shipping volume has dropped in the vital Red Sea corridor that leads to the Suez Canal and into the Mediterranean, AP reported on Saturday. Nearly every day aside from a slowdown during the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan the Houthis launch missiles, drones or some other type of attack in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the narrow Bab el-Mandeb Strait that connects the waterways and separates Africa from the Arabian Peninsula, added the source. "This is the most sustained combat that the U.S. Navy has seen since World War II easily, no question," said Bryan Clark, a former Navy submariner and a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute. "We're sort of on the verge of the Houthis being able to mount the kinds of attacks that the U.S. can't stop every time, and then we will start to see substantial damage. If you let it fester, the Houthis are going to get to be a much more capable, competent, experienced force." In support for the Palestinian resistance movement and people, the Yemeni Army initiated attacks on ships affiliated with the Israeli regime, the US, and the UK in order to push them halt the ongoing aggression against the Gaza Strip. From the outset of war in Gaza in October 2023, over 37,000 mostly women and children have been killed in the enclave. 7129**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah rockets damaged 35% of Israeli settlements in Metula town: Mayor IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jun 15, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The rocket attacks of the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah have damaged 35% of Israeli settlers' houses in al-Metula town in northern occupied Palestine, according to the town's mayor. The Israeli regime's Channel 12 quoted the mayor as saying that more than 190 houses in this settlement, that is, about 35% of its houses, were damaged in Hezbollah's missile attacks. He said that the Zionist regime's cabinet has lost the northern region and apparently does not care about it. Hezbollah's missiles have caused heavy damage to the infrastructure, electricity network and agricultural lands of Metula town, he added. Meanwhile, The Zionist Army Radio announced that Lebanon's Hezbollah fired more than 60 rockets into occupied Palestine on Friday. Earlier, Hebrew sources reported a massive fire in the Baram area in northern occupied Palestine following Hezbollah's rocket attacks and the efforts of four firefighting teams to control the fire. 9376**4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iraqi resistance launches drone attack on Haifa port in occupied Palestine IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jun 15, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The Islamic Resistance of Iraq announced on Friday night that it had carried out a drone attack on the port of Haifa in occupied Palestine. According to Sama Palestine news agency, the Islamic resistance of Iraq announced that it targeted the port of Haifa in occupied Palestine this morning (Friday) with several drones. No further details have been reported. The Islamic Resistance Group of Iraq had previously warned the occupied territories in past operations that if the Zionist regime continues its attacks on the Gaza Strip, it will intensify its operations against the positions of this regime. 2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Palestinian resistance rocket attacks Zionist settlement of Sadirot IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jun 15, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- News sources announced on Friday night that the rocket attacks by the Palestinian resistance from Gaza towards the Zionist settlement of Sadirot. From Shahab Palestinian news agency, Saraya al-Quds resistance group announced that the Zionist settlement of Sadirot in the Gaza Strip was targeted by rocket attacks. According to this report, the alarm of a missile attack has sounded in the Zionist settlements bordering Gaza. According to IRNA, after more than seven months have passed since the Zionist regime invaded the Gaza Strip without any results and achievements, this regime is sinking more and more into its internal and external crises. During this period, the Zionist regime has not achieved anything other than crime, massacre, destruction, war crimes, violation of international laws, bombing of relief organizations and famine in this region. The Israeli regime has lost this war regardless of any gains in the future, and even after seven months, it has not been able to force the resistance groups to surrender in a small area that has been under siege for years, and the support of the world public opinion for committing obvious crimes in Gaza. 2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah drone attacks against Israeli crew ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency Sat / 15 June 2024 / 09:49 The Islamic Resistance in Lebanon - Hezbollah released footage of their operations targeting the settlements of Kiryat Shmona, Kfar Sold, and Margaliot in northern occupied Palestine with dozens of Katyusha and Falaq missiles. Tehran -ISNA- Additionally, the Islamic Resistance published footage of operations conducted against the Israeli occupation's military sites of Misgav Am and Ramtha, as well as the settlement of Manara along the southern Lebanese border. These actions come as the Islamic Resistance continues its operations against Israeli occupation sites "in support of the steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and in solidarity with their brave and honorable Resistance", as well as in response to repeated Israeli aggression on Lebanese villages and towns. Moreover, after monitoring and tracking Israeli occupation forces, and upon identifying them as the drone launching crew, Hezbollah targeted the Metula site with artillery shells, resulting in confirmed hits. The Islamic Resistance fighters also targeted the Ramim barracks with rocket-propelled weapons, achieving a direct hit. Furthermore, the Islamic Resistance confirmed that their fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli occupation soldiers in the Khallet Warde area with rocket-propelled weapons, resulting in a direct hit. The Islamic Resistance further announced that their fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli occupation soldiers in the Karantina Hill area using artillery shells. The Islamic Resistance in Lebanon, Hezbollah, has intensified its attacks on Israeli positions in support of the Palestinian people in Gaza and in response to repeated Israeli aggressions against Lebanese villages and towns. End Item NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Gaza pier to be removed, relocated to Isdud due to 'high seas' ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency Sat / 15 June 2024 / 09:49 The US Central Command has announced that the floating pier will be relocated due to expected high seas, marking another hit for Washington's supposed aid delivery efforts. Tehran-ISNA-The United States military's Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that the floating pier positioned on the Gaza Strip's coastline will be towed back to Ashdod (occupied Isdud). CENTCOM said that the expected high seas were behind the decision to remove the floating pier from its anchor position in the Gaza Strip. "The safety of our service members is a top priority and temporarily relocating the pier will prevent structural damage caused by the heightened sea state," CENTCOM stated. Moreover, the statement indicated that sea-based aid deliveries to the Strip will be halted, as CENTCOM said that the decision has been made to "the temporary pier can continue to deliver aid in the future." It said that after the period of high seas, the pier will be re-anchored to the coast of the Gaza Strip. Earlier on May 10, deployed US troops in the region faced difficulties when attempting to anchor to the floating pier, known as the Joint Logistics Over the Shore (JLOTS), in the eastern Mediterranean. This forced US forces to relocate the JLOTS to the occupied port of Isdud, while CNN reported that even when operational, the pier's effectiveness may be hindered by weather and sea conditions. Later on May 25, the pier was crushed under turbulent waters, as compartments floated all the way to the coast of Isdud, where video footage emerged of US and Israeli troops attempting to collect pieces that broke off from the main compartment. As per a report published by Israeli broadcaster Channel 12, the Israeli Navy was deployed to retrieve the pieces that broke off from the JLOTS. It is worth noting that the Pentagon allocated $320 million and deployed 1,000 soldiers and sailors to establish the pier, which was only brought up on May 15. Today's announcement cuts short its longest deployment to only 31 days. The mission reportedly involved fourteen ships from the US and other countries. The project has been criticized by humanitarian and international organizations. Concurrently, Washington continues to ignore traditional land routes for aid delivery into the Gaza Strip, in favor of unconventional and ineffective methods, such as airdrops and JLOTS-based deliveries. JLOTS has even failed to meet the expectations of the Pentagon, which expected the pier to deliver an average of 90 truckloads of aid per day to the Gaza Strip. Moreover, the US has been accused of facilitating an Israeli operation in Nuseirat, that led to an unprecedented massacre of Palestinian civilians in the area on June 8. The pier continues to be plagued with operational difficulties, as well as accusations of its intended value, as critics continue to question its viability as an effective mode of aid delivery and the underlying motives behind its establishment. End Item NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran warns Israel of 'hell with no return' if Lebanon invaded ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency Sat / 15 June 2024 / 09:46 Iran's interim Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani has cautioned Israel against waging a war on Lebanon, saying any such aggression is like going to "hell with no return". Tehran-ISNA-He made the remarks during a press conference alongside Iraqi National Security Adviser Qasim al-Araji in Baghdad on Thursday as fighting on Lebanon's border with the occupied territories is threatening to erupt into a full-scale war. "Lebanon will be hell with no return for the Zionists, and if they are wise, they will not try Lebanon again," Bagheri Kani said. Israel's "unbelievable defeats" began in Lebanon in 2000 and 2006, he added, referring to the two wars in which fighters of Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement the Israeli military. The top Iranian diplomat said the balance of power has changed since October 7, when the Gaza-based Hamas resistance group carried out a surprise operation against the occupying entity in retaliation for the regime's intensified atrocities against Palestinians. "The Zionists want to return conditions to those before October 7 by killing the people of Gaza, but to no avail," he said. Hezbollah and Israel have been exchanging deadly fire since early October, shortly after latter launched a genocidal war on the Gaza Strip following the Hamas operation. The attacks intensified on Tuesday after Israel killed a senior Hezbollah commander in an strike on the southern Lebanese town of Jwaya. Member of Knesset Benny Gantz said in an interview with Israel's Channel 12 News on Thursday that "Lebanon should burn", if Hezbollah does not stop attacking Israel. Gantz resigned from prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet on Sunday citing, among other reasons, the absence of a post-war plan for Gaza. Gantz said that despite his resignation from the coalition, his party will back the regime on action against Lebanon, Haaretz reported. Hezbollah has vowed to keep up its retaliatory operations as long as the Tel Aviv regime continues its brutal Gaza onslaught, which has so far killed at least 37,232 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 85,037 others. Additionally on Thursday, Bagheri Kani met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani. During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on regional an international issues, among them Israel's aggression against Gaza and its barbaric crimes in the besieged Palestinian territory. They also discussed the need for serious efforts by the international community to stop the Israeli invasion and prevent the expansion of the conflict in the region. They further called for the implementation of agreements signed between Tehran and Baghdad in the fields of energy, education, transportation, etc. Sudani reiterated condolences for the martyrdom of Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and their companions in a helicopter crash last month. He emphasized that Iraq will keep strengthening relations and constructive cooperation with Iran. Bagheri, for his part, thanked Iraq for its message of sympathy over the martyrdom of Iranian officials. The interim Iranian foreign minister praised the pivotal role played by Iraq in the region and the country's attempts to boost stability there. He further expressed Iran's readiness to cooperate on the Iraq Development Road, an undergoing project aiming to connect Asia with Europe by establishing a network with railways, roads, ports and cities. End Item NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Navy says faces most intense combat since World War II against Yemen ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency Sat / 15 June 2024 / 09:40 The US-led campaign to protect Israeli interests in the Red Sea has escalated into the "most intense" running sea battle the Navy has faced since World War II, according to an AP report quoting American military commanders and experts. Tehran-ISNA- The report says the US Navy has been exhausted after confronting non-stop naval operations by Yemen's Armed Forces for over seven months, with commanders warning that the situation there is perilously dangerous for them. "I don't think people really understand just kind of how deadly serious it is what we're doing and how under threat the ships continue to be," Cmdr. Eric Blomberg told the AP aboard the USS Laboon warship in the Red Sea. "We only have to get it wrong once," he said. "The Houthis (Yemen's Ansarullah movement) just have to get one through." Bryan Clark, a former Navy submariner and a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, told the AP, "this is the most sustained combat that the US Navy has seen since World War II." "We're sort of on the verge of the Houthis being able to mount the kinds of attacks that the US can't stop every time, and then we will start to see substantial damage. If you let it fester, the Houthis are going to get to be a much more capable, competent, experienced force," he said. "It is every single day, every single watch, and some of our ships have been out here for seven-plus months doing that," said Capt. David Wroe, commodore overseeing the guided missile destroyers. Yemen initiated its naval operations in the Red Sea in October to help bring the US-Israeli genocide in Gaza to a halt. Nearly every day, the Yemenis have launched missiles, drones or some other type of attack in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the narrow Bab el-Mandeb Strait that connects the waterways and separates Africa from the Arabian Peninsula. The Arab nation says its operations are meant to prevent the passage of Israeli-linked ships through waters around Yemen, a campaign to make Israel pay a cost for its brutal bombing campaign against Gaza, which has so far killed over thirty-five thousand people, including over 15 thousand children. Yemen has also targeted American and British vessels and warships in January as a response to the strikes conducted by the UK and US on Yemen in defense of Israel. The AP report mentioned that one round of fire on Jan. 9 saw the Laboon, other vessels and F/A-18s from the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower shoot down 18 drones, two anti-ship cruise missiles and a ballistic missile launched by the Yemenis. The report noted that the US Navy experienced periods of combat during the "Tanker Wars" of the 1980s in the Persian Gulf, but that largely involved ships hitting mines. The Yemeni assaults involve direct attacks on vessels and warships. Yemen's Ansarullah leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi said on Thursday they've attacked 145 ships linked to Israel, the US and UK as part of their retaliatory naval operations so far. The Yemeni leader vowed that they will continue to target American warships in the Red Sea and beyond, including the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. End Item NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemen announces 'sinking' ship in fresh anti-Israeli operation Iran Press TV Saturday, 15 June 2024 9:20 PM Yemen's Armed Forces announce sinking one ship and putting another one at the risk of sinking for violating the country's ban on using the waters within the forces' range to travel to the ports of the occupied Palestinian territories. The forces' spokesman, Brigadier General Yahya Saree, announced the operations on Saturday. "The ship 'Verbena' sinks in the Gulf of Aden after being targeted by a number of missiles," he said. "The ship 'TUTOR,' which was targeted by a naval drone and a number of ballistic missiles and drones, is at risk of sinking in the coming hours," the official added. The Armed Forces have been applying the ban since October 7, when the Israeli regime launched a genocidal war against the Gaza Strip. At least 37,296 Palestinians have been killed, most of them women and children, and another 85,197 individuals sustained injuries as a result of the war so far. "The Yemeni Armed Forces renew their warning to all companies against the consequences of dealing with the Israeli enemy and the arrival of their ships to the ports of occupied Palestine," Saree stated. "They (the vessels) will be targeted in the area of operations of the Armed Forces," he asserted. The official concluded his statement by pledging that the forces would keep up their operations as long as the Israeli regime sustains the war and retains a crippling siege that the regime has been simultaneously enforcing against Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iraq's Nujaba asks Israeli settlers to evacuate or face attack Iran Press TV Saturday, 15 June 2024 6:13 PM A major Iraqi resistance group has warned Israeli settlers on the northern side of the 1948 occupied territories to immediately evacuate the region or face a full-scale attack in coordination with Yemeni armed forces in response to the regime's ongoing genocidal war on Gaza. Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba, in a video clip published online, cited its Secretary General Sheikh Akram al-Kaabi as saying: "We can reach out to more strategic and critical facilities [across the Israeli-occupied territories]. The operations will expand, and will be more innovative, qualitative and rapid." The video clip went on to quote the spokesman for the Yemeni Armed Forces, Brigadier General Yahya Saree, as saying: "Yemen's military has carried out two joint operations with [fighters from] the Islamic Resistance in Iraq. The operations have successfully accomplished their objectives." The clip also showed the leader of Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement, Abdul-Malik al-Houthi, saying that the Zionist enemy must expect much greater strikes as future retaliatory operations will be much more painful in every sense of the word. The two Hebrew-language phrases published alongside the video clip called upon the residents of the occupied lands to leave the area and save their lives before it was too late. The Nujba movement finally vowed an imminent Yemeni-Iraqi retaliatory operation against the Zionist regime. On Friday, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of anti-terror fighters, claimed responsibility for a drone strike against the Port of Haifa It said the drone strike was carried out as part of the struggle against the occupying Israeli regime in support of Palestinians in Gaza, and in retaliation for the massacres that the Zionist entity is perpetrating against Palestinian women, children and the elderly. The coalition noted that it will continue to target and destroy important installations across the occupied lands. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has been launching several attacks on Israeli targets ever since the occupying regime started the genocidal war on Gaza in early October. Israel has been waging an atrocious onslaught against the Gaza Strip, targeting hospitals, residences, and houses of worship after Palestinian resistance movements launched a surprise attack, dubbed Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, on October 7. At least 37,296 Palestinians have been killed, most of them women and children, and another 85,197 individuals have sustained injuries in Gaza so far. More than 1.7 million people have been internally displaced during the war as well. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Eight Israeli troops killed in blast in southern Gaza Iran Press TV Saturday, 15 June 2024 5:56 PM Eight Israeli soldiers have been killed in a blast in the southern city of Rafah in Gaza, amid the occupying regime's ongoing offensive against the besieged strip. The Israeli military said the troops were killed on Saturday morning, as they were driving in an armored personnel carrier after having taken part in an attack on the Tal al-Sultan neighborhood in the west of Rafah overnight. Earlier in the day, al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Hamas resistance movement, said its fighters had ambushed an armored vehicle in the area, killing and wounding a number of Israeli soldiers. The deaths of these eight soldiers bring the total number of Israeli military casualties in recent ground operations to 307. The latest development comes as Israeli tanks have been advancing in Tal al-Sultan for weeks, shelling the coastal area where thousands of displaced Palestinians have sought refuge despite growing international pressure for a ceasefire. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes have struck several areas across Gaza, killing at least 19 Palestinians. According to residents, at least 15 people were killed after Israeli airstrikes targeted two houses in Gaza City suburbs. Medics also said that four Palestinians were killed in separate attacks in the south. Israel waged the atrocious onslaught against the Gaza Strip after Palestinian resistance movements launched a surprise attack, dubbed Operation al-Aqsa Storm, against the usurping regime on October 7, 2023. At least 37,290 Palestinians have been killed, most of them women and children, and another 85,102 individuals have sustained injuries. More than 1.7 million people have been internally displaced during the war as well. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Palestinians: Complete withdrawal of Israeli troops only way to free captives Iran Press TV Saturday, 15 June 2024 3:59 PM The military wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad resistance movement has reiterated that Israel has to end its offensive and withdraw all its forces from the Gaza Strip if it wants the release of the remaining captives held by Hamas. The spokesman of al-Quds Brigades posted a video on Telegram on Saturday, saying that the only way is to end the hostilities in Gaza and reach a deal to exchange Israeli detainees for Palestinian prisoners. Israel says there are 116 detainees left in Gaza out of 250 taken captive during Hamas's unprecedented operation against the occupied territories on October 7. More than 100 were released in exchange for about 240 Palestinians held by the regime during a temporary ceasefire in November. Hamas spokesperson and political bureau member Osama Hamdan told CNN on Friday that "no one has an idea" how many of them are alive. Hamdan also made it clear that any deal to release the captives must include guarantees of a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Hamas needed "a clear position from Israel to accept the ceasefire, a complete withdrawal from Gaza, and let the Palestinians determine their future by themselves, the reconstruction, the (lifting) of the siege and we are ready to talk about a fair deal about the prisoners' exchange." The Israeli military said it freed four captives during a raid against the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza last Saturday. The regime's forces directly targeted civilians, including children, during "a barbaric and brutal aggression" against the refugee camp, killing at least 274 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials. Israel launched its bloodiest-ever military campaign against Gaza in October. It has so far killed more than 37,290 people in the Palestinian territory. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lebanon's Hezbollah targets Israeli military positions in fresh retaliatory strikes Iran Press TV Saturday, 15 June 2024 11:32 AM Hezbollah has carried out a fresh round of strikes against Israeli military positions in the north in response to the recent Israeli assassination of a top commander in southern Lebanon. Sami Abdallah, better known by the nom the guerre Abu Taleb, was assassinated along with three other people in the Israeli strikes that targeted a residential building in the southern Lebanese town of Jwaya on Tuesday. Hezbollah said in separate statements on Saturday that its forces had targeted "with guided missiles" Israel's spying equipment and radar systems on Mount Meron as well as a gathering of the occupying regime's soldiers in support of Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip and in response to the killing of Abdallah. "In support of our steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and in support of their brave and honorable resistance, and as part of the response to the assassination carried out by the Zionist enemy in the town of Jwaya, the fighters of the Islamic Resistance, targeted the headquarters of the Air Surveillance and Operations Management Unit at the Meron base with guided missiles, hitting and destroying part of its equipment and radars," the Lebanese resistance movement said. Hezbollah said it also "targeted a position of Israeli enemy soldiers at the Hadab Yaroun site with a guided missile, achieving a direct hit and causing those among them to be killed and wounded." The Israeli regime has repeatedly attacked southern Lebanon since October 7, 2023, when it launched a ferocious war on the besieged Gaza Strip that has so far killed about 37,300 Palestinians, most of them women and children. In retaliation, Hezbollah has launched near-daily rocket attacks on Israeli positions in support of Palestinians in Gaza. In its biggest attack since October 8, Hezbollah fired on Wednesday around 30 drones and 150 rockets at Israel in reprisal for the assassination of Abdallah. Hezbollah has already fought off two Israeli wars against Lebanon in 2000 and 2006. The resistance forced the regime to retreat in both conflicts. 'Hezbollah's top achievement' Major General Ori Gordin, the head of the Israeli military's Northern Command, on Friday said the evacuation of dozens of settlements in the north was Hezbollah's "greatest achievement." "Looking back, I would have prevented the evacuation of settlements in the north like Ya'ara, Batsat, and Lehman. Hezbollah's greatest achievement is the fact that there are tens of thousands of displaced people in the north," Gordin said. The Israeli media stressed that after eight months of living in an area that has turned into a "security belt," settlers express "feelings of anger and disappointmentdue to the long time that has passed without their needs and crisis being addressed." Yiftah Ron-Tal, a major general reserve in Israel's occupation army, said a day earlier that Hezbollah had established a "security zone" at the northern border with Lebanon. Ron-Tal added that Israel had lost control over the Galilee region adjacent to the Lebanese border, and Kiryat Shmona, a populated town in the north, had been evacuated by settlers. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lebanon's Hezbollah warns of 'decisive' response to Israeli expansion of war Iran Press TV Saturday, 15 June 2024 8:50 AM A senior official of Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement has warned the Israeli regime of a "decisive" response in case of expanding the scope of its war on Lebanese soil. Sheikh Naim Qassem, deputy secretary-general of Hezbollah, issued the warning in a ceremony in the capital Beirut on Friday as fire exchanges between the Lebanese resistance movement and Israeli troops intensified over the week following the targeted killing of a senior Hezbollah commander in the country's south. Sami Abdallah, better known by the nom the guerre Abu Taleb, was killed along with three other people in the Israeli strikes that targeted a residential building in the southern Lebanese town of Jwaya on Tuesday. Sheikh Qassem said the Lebanese resistance had struck several sites in the occupied territories in retaliation for Abdallah's assassination, and would also respond to any expansion of the Israeli aggression against Lebanon, no matter how limited. The resistance movement, he said, "targeted barracks, military personnel, and combat sites within a distance of between three and five kilometers and avoided targeting civilians" and engaging in direct military action. "With the Israeli fear of exceeding the limits that could lead to war, it is trying to seize opportunities and work on limited expansion, but we have a decision that any expansion, no matter how limited, will be met with a decisive response that will inflict great losses on the Israelis," Sheikh Qassem added. The senior Hezbollah official cautioned the Israeli regime against any further actions and said, "You saw how we responded to the assassination of Commander Abu Taleb and his companions." The Israeli regime has repeatedly attacked southern Lebanon since October 7, 2023, when it launched a ferocious war on the besieged Gaza Strip that has so far killed about 37,300 Palestinians, most of them women and children. In retaliation, Hezbollah has launched near-daily rocket attacks on Israeli positions in support of Palestinians in Gaza. In its biggest attack since October 8, Hezbollah fired on Wednesday around 30 drones and 150 rockets at Israel in reprisal for the recent killing of Sami Abdallah. Hezbollah has already fought off two Israeli wars against Lebanon in 2000 and 2006. The resistance forced the regime to retreat in both conflicts. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address WHO voices concern over escalating health crisis in West Bank Iran Press TV Saturday, 15 June 2024 1:38 AM The World Health Organization (WHO) has voiced concern over the escalating health crisis in the occupied West Bank. In a statement, the WHO called for immediate and active protection of civilians and health care in the Palestinian territory. It said over 520 Palestinians, including 124 children, were killed and another 5,200, including about 800 children, injured there since the war in Gaza began. WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, "WHO calls for the immediate and active protection of civilians and health care in the West Bank." "International humanitarian law must be respected, which means the sanctity of health care must be observed at all times," Tedros said on X. According to the international organization, Israel has attacked 480 healthcare facilities in the West Bank since late May. Israel has increased restrictions on movement across the occupied territories and obstructed access to health care. The regime has also detained health workers and at times arbitrarily closed checkpoints while laying siege on entire towns and communities. Israel has been waging an atrocious onslaught against the Gaza Strip, targeting hospitals, residences, and houses of worship after Palestinian resistance movements launched a surprise attack, dubbed Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, on October 7. At least 37,232 Palestinians have been killed, most of them women and children. More than 1.7 million people have been internally displaced during the war as well. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iraq resistance conducts retaliatory strikes on Israeli positions Iran Press TV Saturday, 15 June 2024 1:17 AM The Islamic Resistance in Iraq says it has conducted new retaliatory strikes on Israeli positions in the occupied territories. In a statement, the umbrella group of resistance factions said on Saturday morning it used drones to attack the Israeli port city of Haifa on Friday. The group said the operations were in response to the Israeli massacre of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, including women, children and the elderly. The Iraqi group has vowed to continue attacks on Israeli targets. It has previously hit American military bases in Iraq and neighboring Syria in retaliation for Washington's support for the Israeli genocide in Gaza. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has been launching attacks on Israeli targets ever since the occupying regime started the genocidal war on Gaza in early October. The resistance has been also hitting American military bases in Iraq and neighboring Syria in retaliation for Washington's support for the Israeli genocide in Gaza. Israel has been waging an atrocious onslaught against the Gaza Strip, targeting hospitals, residences, and houses of worship after Palestinian resistance movements launched a surprise attack, dubbed Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, on October 7. At least 37,232 Palestinians have been killed, most of them women and children. More than 1.7 million people have been internally displaced during the war as well. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China's dependency on potash imports could give tiny Laos rare leverage Laos' supply to China would be critical if conflict that cuts Chinese access to Western imports of potash. A commentary by David Hutt 2024.06.15 -- Let's start with the good news - potentially great news, in fact - for Southeast Asia: Laos could be sitting on 10 billion tons of potash, one of the three main fertilizers used in global agriculture. In 2022, a subsidiary of the Chinese company Asia-Potash International announced a $4.3 billion investment in a potash mining venture in Khammouane province. This deal grants exploration rights to 48 square kilometers for potassium ore. The company reckons it can start with producing 1 million metric tons of potash annually, scale up to 5 million tons by 2025 and eventually reach 7 to 10 million tons. For a comparison, Canada, the world's largest potash producer, exported around 23 million metric tons, valued at approximately $6.6 billion, in 2023. In 2022, Laos's potash exports were valued at approximately $580 million, representing about 1.7 percent of global supply. It isn't inconceivable that Laos will become a global player. Location helps Laos Geography is key. Next door is China, the world's largest importer of food and food inputs, and the world's third-biggest purchaser of potash. China imports around 8 million metric tons each year, about half of its demand, although that is increasing. China is the world's biggest producer of potatoes, which are very reliant on potassium. China's potato heartlands - Yunnan, Guizhou and Sichuan provinces - are on Laos' doorstep. Guangdong province, China's main banana producer, isn't too far away. There's ample room for Laos to expand potash exports in Southeast Asia, too. Indonesia, the world's fourth-largest potash importer, bought around $2.1 billion worth in 2022, with Laos holding a 6 percent market share. Malaysia, the sixth-largest importer, spent around $1 billion on potash, with Laos having a 2 percent share. Laos is already the largest supplier of potash to Vietnam, with exports worth about $82 million in 2022. If, for instance, Laos was to replace suppliers like Jordan and Israel and capture a 20% share of China's potash import market, its exports could rise to around US$750-800 million, making potash Laos' second-largest export product, after energy. Right now, the spot price for potassium chloride is US$307 per metric ton. So, loosely, 10 million tons exported a year would bring in around US$3 billion. Expectations shouldn't be that high, though. It's one thing for a Chinese investor to promise to produce 10 million tons a year and it's another thing for it to actually deliver it. And because it's a Chinese firm selling the goods, most of the money won't stay in Laos. And there are already the same complaints as with every Chinese investment: Asia-Potash International isn't hiring local workers. Geopolitics Nonetheless, estimates vary, but there still could be between $30 million and $300 million in annual revenue for the Lao state. Almost certainly it will be towards the lower end, but it's not to be sniffed at by the badly-indebted government. However, consider the geostrategic implications. Up until now, China hasn't really needed Laos. It lacks the strategic importance of Cambodia, with its naval base on the Gulf of Thailand, or the trade routes offered by Myanmar, where China is developing a $7 billion port to access the Indian Ocean for oil and LNG imports from the Gulf. In 2022, Laos accounted for a mere 0.1 percent of China's total imports; food makes up less than a tenth of that, so Laos isn't a solution to China's future food insecurity. China's primary import from Laos is pulped paper, not energy. Instead, China constructs hydropower dams and coal-fired stations in Laos, which generate electricity sold to Thailand and Vietnam. Geostrategically, Laos is a useful ally for Beijing to have because of its ASEAN membership, but Vientiane holds little weight in the regional bloc. Should something drastic occur in Laos - such as the fall of the ruling communist party or the emergence of an anti-China government - Beijing would be displeased and Chinese investments would be at risk, but China's national security would be unaffected. That situation changes if Laos becomes a significant supplier of potash. If projections are correct and Laos can produce between 7-10 million tons of potash annually, it could theoretically more than meet China's entire import demand. That makes Laos a national security interest for Beijing. Food security The Chinese government is preparing itself for military conflict. It knows that in the event it launches an invasion of Taiwan or attacks a rival state in the South China Sea, the West will hammer it with economic sanctions so damaging it would make the retribution reaped on Russia look like a slap on the wrist. Self-sufficiency and diversification are the buzzwords. But it's doubtful that China - arguably the country most dependent on world trade and on U.S. protection of shipping routes - could survive such sanctions. Even short of war, food security has long been a major concern for China., for reasons too long to go into. According to Xi Jinping, the supreme leader, food security is the "foundation for national security." Beijing is also concerned that its reliance on imported fertilizer inputs "could pose a major threat to its food security". There's no way China can achieve the food self-sufficiency that Xi wants, as was spelled out in a detailed study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a U.S. thinktank. China can domestically produce enough nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers, the latter essential for phosphate-hungry rice. But almost all of China's phosphate is produced in Xinjiang and Tibet, far away from the rice-growing Han heartland and where the local population is largely hostile to rule by Beijing. China will remain dependent on imports of potash, which accounts for more than four-fifths of all China's fertilizer imports. That's why it has been trying to diversify away from Canada towards countries like Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan - and now Laos. In the event of a conflict and Western sanctions, China would immediately lose access to potash from Canada, the U.S., Israel and Jordan - countries that accounted for over half of China's import supply in 2022 . Sourcing Belarussian and Russian supplies has become more unreliable since the Ukraine War, and both are in competition with one another on that front. That would leave Laos. Possibly, this could give Vientiane leverage with Beijing. Knowing how important food inputs would be to China in the event of global sanctions, Vientiane might push for major write-offs off part of its high national debt of 130 percent of GDP, most of which is owed to China. More likely, this would incentivize Beijing to exert a stronger hand over Laos; it means Beijing couldn't tolerate anything that might affect the flow of potash. That makes the relationship much more imperial. David Hutt is a research fellow at the Central European Institute of Asian Studies (CEIAS) and the Southeast Asia Columnist at the Diplomat. He writes the Watching Europe In Southeast Asia newsletter. The views expressed here are his own and do not reflect the position of RFA. Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content June not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU Considering Visa Restrictions, Sanctions In Response To Georgian 'Foreign Agent' Law By Anton Kokaia June 15, 2024 The European Union will consider reimposing visa requirements for Georgians, according to a leaked document, in response to a widely criticized "foreign agent" law passed by parliament despite street protests and international warnings. In addition to suspending the visa-free EU regime in place since 2017, the document, seen by RFE/RL's Georgian Service, also calls for considering sanctions on top Georgian government officials, the suspension of financial assistance and other measures. Georgian government officials could not be immediately reached by RFE/RL for comment. Georgia's parliament, which is controlled by the Georgian Dream party, last month gave final passage to the so-called foreign agent law, overriding a veto by President Salome Zurabishvili. The law requires nongovernmental organizations and media groups that receive at least 20 percent of their funding from outside the country to register as organizations "pursuing the interests of a foreign power." Violations could result in fines of the equivalent of more than $9,000. The law is modeled on a similar measure in Russia, which was initially passed in 2012 and has been gradually expanded and toughened to encompass civil society groups, human rights activists, media organizations, and others. The law has forced the closure of dozens of organizations and individuals in Russia, and forced activists and reporters to flee the country. RFE/RL, its Russian-language TV network Current Time, and specific parts of its editorial services were designated foreign agents by the Russian Justice Ministry in 2017. RFE/RL closed its Moscow bureau in 2022. In Georgia, lawmakers pushed through the legislation in the face of increasingly dire warnings from the European Union and the United States. Protesters staged near nightly demonstrations outside parliament building in Tbilisi, often clashing with riot police. According to the document, the European Commission, the EU's executive body, will consider initially reimposing visa rules on Georgian government officials and diplomats. In case of "further deterioration of the situation," such as "use of violence against protesters" or "intimidation or major irregularities in the electoral process," the document proposes other harsher measures, including imposing visa rules for all Georgians. The initial measure will be considered more seriously later this fall ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for the end of October. Georgian Dream will be seeking to hold onto or expand its hold in parliament. The additional measure will be considered "in case of election falsification and serious misconduct of the electoral process," according to the document. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/eu-georgia-foreign- agent-law/32994138.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Armenia Proposes 'Joint Mechanism' With Azerbaijan To Investigate Cease-Fire Violations By RFE/RL's Armenian Service June 15, 2024 Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian has proposed the establishment of a mechanism to investigate allegations of cease-fire violations with Azerbaijan. His suggestion for a "joint mechanism" on June 15 came days after the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry claimed Armenian soldiers had opened fire on Azerbaijani troops in Baku's Naxcivan exclave. The Armenian military dismissed the allegation, describing it as "misinformation," and EU observers in Armenia said they had not recorded unusual activities along the border. Addressing members of his Civil Contract party, Pashinian said allegations of cease-fire violations were either true or meant to escalate tensions between the neighbors. The embattled prime minister said the launch of a joint investigation committee could help determine whether claims of cease-fire violations were true. Azerbaijan on June 13 accused Armenian troops of targeting Azerbaijani positions in the village of Khavush in the Sharur region, the village of Nurgut in the Ordubad region, and Guney Gyshlag village in the Shahbuz region. Baku said it had responded. The Armenian premier's popularity has taken major hits in recent years, in large part because of the loss to Azerbaijan in the 2020 Second Nagorno-Karabakh War and the subsequent Azerbaijani military recapture of Karabakh in 2023. Protests have gripped Yerevan since April, when authorities agreed to hand back to archrival Azerbaijan territory that Armenia had controlled since the 1990s. Residents of nearby settlements say the move cuts them off from the rest of the country and accuse Pashinian of giving away territory without getting anything in return. Pashinian has defended the move as part of efforts to secure peace with Azerbaijan. Led by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanian, protesters have been calling for Pashinian's resignation as his government nears a controversial peace deal with Azerbaijan. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/armenia-azerbaijan- investigate-ceasefire-violation/32994456.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pentagon Awards Combined $982Mln to 49 Firms to Maintain Sea Drone Fleet Sputnik News 20240615 WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The US Defense Department awarded a combined $982 million to 49 different companies to maintain the US military's fleet of sea drones, the Pentagon said in a press release. "A multiple-award contract to support current and future unmanned surface vehicle family of systems and subsystems is awarded to the following 49 industry partners...The maximum dollar value for all (total number) contracts combined is $982,100,000," the release said on Friday. Through the contract, the Defense Department will procure payloads, non-payload sensors, mission support systems, autonomy and vehicle control systems, ashore and host platform elements, and logistics and sustainment for its sea drone fleet, the release said. Work is expected to be completed by February 2025 but could extend into 2030, the release added. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 15 June 2024 - Day 843 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that so far, 91 combat encounters have taken place. The hottest situation today during the day remained in the Pokrovsky direction. During the day, Russian forces made on the territory of Ukraine two missiles and 39 aviation strikes with the application of 48 cabiv, took 423 kamikadze drones. Conducted more than 3,000 shelling on the positions of Ukrainain troops and settlements using different types of weapons. In the Kharkiv direction during the day, Ukrainian defenders successfully stopped six Russian attempts to improve their position in the areas of vovchansk and Pacific. In Kupiansky and Lyman directions, the number of combat clashes increased to 15. Russian forces tried to push away the Defense Forces from positions in the areas of Petropavlivka, Pi any, Andriyivka, Grekivka, Makiyivka, Nevsky and Serebryansky forest. 12 attacks have so far been repelled, three clashes continue in the areas of Grekivka and Nevsky. The situation is under the control of Ukrainian defenders. Heading to the north. Four times unsuccessfully Russian forces tried to attack Ukrainain positions in the areas of verkhn okamans kogo and rozdolivki. Also, four attempts to push out Ukrainain defenders in the areas of Grigorivka, Chasovoye Yar and Klishchievka in the Kramators komu direction. It's still hot in the Pokrovsky direction. Since the beginning of the day, the number of fighting has increased to 33. The greatest activity of the Russian opponent is kept from the area of ocheretynogo. Russia does not abandon trying to infiltrate Ukrainain combat orders near Novooleksandrivka, Evgenivka, Vozdvizhenka, Kalinovoye, Sokola, Novoselivka the First, Karlivka and Umansky. The Defense Forces have already repelled 25 attacks of the aggressor, eight fights are still ongoing. Previously, in the current 24 hours the occupants losses in this direction amounted to 232, 86 of them are irreversible. Destroyed one combat armored car, two mortars on five vehicles. Three cannons, a mortar and a car were damaged. In the Kurakhiv direction, Russian forces carried out 11 assault actions in the districts of Nevelsky, Krasnogorivka, Georgievka, Pobeda, Paraskovievka, Novomikhailivka and Konstantinivka. So far, nine attacks have been successfully repelled. Tense remains the situation in the area of krasnogorivki, where are currently two combat encounters. Defense Forces are taking measures to prevent invaders from moving deep into Ukraine. Compared to the past day, the activity of Russian occupiers in the Vremivsky direction has tripled. For today, Russian forces has stormed the front edge of defense ten times in the areas of Vodanogo, Urozaynogo and Staromayorskogo. The situation is intense. Measures are being taken to stabilize the environment. In the orihivs komu direction, three Russian attacks did not have success in the areas of small tokmacki and robotinogo. Loss of positions and territories is not allowed. In the Pridniprovsky direction, another Russian attempt to attack the positions of Ukrainain soldiers in the Krynyok district has failed. In the rest of the directions, there were no significant changes in the environment. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the units of the Sever Group of Forces continue to advance deep into the enemy defences. The AFU 71st Jaeger Brigade and the 125th Territorial Defence Brigade have been hit close to Volchansk and Ternovaya (Kharkov region). Russian troops have repelled seven counterattacks by assault detachments from the 36th Marine Brigade and the 13th National Guard Brigade. The enemy losses were up to 350 troops, two tanks, three motor vehicles, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer. and two Bukovel-AD electronic warfare stations. The units of the Zapad Group of Forces have taken more advantageous lines and defeated formations of 14th, 63rd, 116th mechanised brigades of the AFU, the AFU 117th Brigade and the 13th Brigade of the National Guard close to Sinkovka, Petropavlovka (Kharkov region), Dronovka, Grigorovka (Donetsk People's Republic), and Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk People's Republic). The AFU losses were up to 495 troops, three armoured fighting vehicles, and nine motor vehicles. In addition, during counter-battery fire, two 155-mm U.S.-made M777 howitzers, one 155-mm British-made FH-70 howitzer, one 152-mm 2A65 Msta-B howitzer, one 122-mm 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, one 122-mm D-30 howitzer, and one 122-mm Grad MLRS combat vehicle have been hit. The units of the Yug Group of Forces have improved the position along the front line and also defeated manpower and hardware of 56th motorised infantry, 41st mechanised, 79th air assault, and 46th airmobile brigades of the AFU close to Elizavetovka, Kalinina, Orekhovo-Vasilyevka, Chasov Yar, Stupochka, and Gornyak (Donetsk People's Republic). Russian troops have repelled one counterattack of the 10th Mountain Assault Brigade of the AFU. The enemy losses were up to 630 troops, one infantry fighting vehicle, and five motor vehicles. In the course of counter-battery warfare, one UK-made 155-mm FH-70 howitzer, one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, one U.S.-made 155-mm M198 self-propelled artillery system, one 155-mm AS-90 Braveheart self-propelled artillery system, one 152 mm D-20 howitzer, 122-mm 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system, four 122-mm D-30 howitzers, two U.S.-made 105-mm M119 guns, one 122-mm Grad MLRS combat vehicle, and one U.S.-made AN/TPQ-37 counter-battery station. In addition, three AFU field ammunition depots have been destroyed. The units of the Tsetr Group Forces have improved the tactical position and defeated formations of 47th and 110th mechanised brigades of the AFU close to Vozdvizhenka, Novoaleksandrovka, Voskhod, Novopokrovskoye, and Yevgenovka (Donetsk People's Republic). Russian troops have repelled five counterattacks by assault detachments of 23rd and 24th mechanised brigades of the AFU. The enemy losses were up to 320 troops, three infantry fighting vehicles, two motor vehicles, one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, three 152-mm 2A65 Msta-B howitzers, three 122-mm D-30 howitzers, and one U.S.-made 105-mm M102 howitzer. The units of the Vostok Group of Forces have taken more favourable lines and also defeated manpower and hardware of the 58th Motorised Infantry Brigade of the AFU, 102nd and 125th brigades of the AFU, and the 21st Brigade of the National Guard near Novoukrainka, Neskuchnoye, Oktyabr (Donetsk People's Republic), and Gulyai Pole (Zaporozhye region). The AFU losses were up to 140 servicemen, one tank, one armored fighting vehicle, three motor vehicles, two Polish-made 155-mm Krab self-propelled artillery systems, and one 152-mm 2A65 Msta-B howitzer. The units of the Dnepr Group of Forces have defeated manpower and hardware of formations of the 23rd Brigade of the National Guard near Vyshetarasovka and Dobraya Nadya (Dnipropetrovsk region). The enemy losses were up to 75 troops and three motor vehicles. In addition, U.S.-made MLRS M142 HIMARS and M270 MLRS launchers, as well as one 122-mm 2C1 Gvozdika self-propelled artillery system have been destroyed. Operational-Tactical Aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have neutralised manpower and military hardware in 106 areas. Air defense facilities have shot down 54 unmanned aerial vehicles, four French-made Hammer guided aerial bombs, as well as ten U.S.-made HIMARS projectiles. In total, 613 airplanes and 276 helicopters, 25,845 unmanned aerial vehicles, 529 air defence missile systems, 16,340 tanks and other armoured combat vehicles, 1,341 combat vehicles equipped with MRLS, 10,491 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 22,567 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address HMCS Charlottetown deploys to become flagship of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 National Defence News release June 15, 2024 - Halifax - National Defence/Canadian Armed Forces Today, His Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Charlottetown departed Halifax, Nova Scotia, to join and assumeflagship duties ofStanding NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) as part of Operation REASSURANCE in the Mediterranean Sea. Over the next six months, HMCS Charlottetown will execute missions and participate in international exercises in support of regional maritime security in the Mediterranean. The Royal Canadian Navy's involvement in SNMG2 demonstrates Canada's continued participation in NATO and strengthens military cooperation with our allies and partners in the region. This iteration of Canadianparticipation in SNMG2 coincides with the 75th anniversary of NATO and the 10th anniversary of Operation REASSURANCE. As one of the twelve founding members of NATO, Canada has consistently been instrumental in trans-Atlantic defence, and since 2014, Canada has been a key partner in the defence of NATO's Eastern flank. Quotes "As a founding member of NATO, Canada is steadfastly committed to Euro-Atlantic security - and that is why we regularly deploy Royal Canadian Navy warships to sail under the NATO flag. I am especially proud that HMCS Charlottetown will soon be the flagship ofStanding NATO Maritime Group 2, which is a testament to the confidence that our Allies have in Canada's Navy. To the ship's company: thank you for your service to Canada. I wish you fair winds and following seas." The Honorable Bill Blair, Minister of Defence "I am incredibly proud of the crew of HMCS Charlottetown, who worked tirelessly the past few months and are now in all respects ready for their unique deployment as Flagship for Standing NATO Maritime Group 2. An operation of this magnitude is a significant commitment for the Royal Canadian Navy and demonstrates our ability to adapt to evolving operational environments while assuming leadership at sea. HMCS Charlottetown, you are the forefront of that commitment, and we look forward to witnessing your success throughout your mission. Fair winds!" Rear-Admiral JosAe Kurtz, Commander of Maritime Forces Atlantic and Joint Task Force Atlantic Quick facts SNMG2 is one of four Standing Naval Forces that operate under NATO Allied Maritime Command. These groups provide NATO with a continuous maritime capability for operations and other activities in peacetime and in periods of crisis and conflict. They help to establish alliance presence and deterrence, demonstrate solidarity, conduct routine diplomatic visits to different countries, support transformation and NATO interoperability, and provide a variety of maritime military capabilities to ongoing missions. HMCS Charlottetown's deployment under Operation REASSURANCE supports the military activities undertaken by the CAF to support NATO assurance and deterrence measures. Through training, exercises, demonstrations, and other assigned NATO tasks, Canada demonstrates its commitment to security and stability in the region. HMCS Charlottetown is a Halifax-class frigate. Halifax-class frigates have a crew of approximately 240 including Royal Canadian Navy sailors and Royal Canadian Air Force aviators to fly and support the ship's embarked CH-148 Cyclone maritime helicopter. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni Prime Minister of Canada - Justin Trudeau June 15, 2024 Apulia, Italy Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni. Prime Minister Trudeau congratulated Prime Minister Meloni on hosting a productive G7 Summit and thanked her for Italy's continued focus on ongoing G7 priorities, including supporting Ukraine, advancing the clean energy transition, and promoting the responsible use and development of artificial intelligence. The two leaders highlighted the strong and growing relationship between Canada and Italy, and officially launched the Italy-Canada Roadmap for Enhanced Cooperation. The Roadmap sets out ambitious, concrete plans to collaborate over the next three to five years in shared priority areas ranging from energy security, climate change, and biodiversity to migration, sustainable economic growth, and research and innovation. The leaders discussed current geopolitical crises, including the conflict in Ukraine. They reiterated their commitment to stand with Ukraine, and stressed the importance of G7 unity and global solidarity in supporting a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine. As Canada prepares to assume the G7 Presidency from Italy in 2025, Prime Minister Trudeau reaffirmed the importance of a practical but ambitious G7 agenda to address global challenges and deliver concrete results. Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Meloni agreed to remain in close contact, particularly as the Italy-Canada Roadmap for Enhanced Cooperation is implemented. They looked forward to seeing each other again soon. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan Prime Minister of Canada - Justin Trudeau June 15, 2024 Apulia, Italy Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of Jordan, on the margins of the G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy. The Prime Minister and the King expressed their deep concern over the ongoing crisis in Gaza as well as the humanitarian implications of Israel's military offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. They underscored the importance that all parties uphold international humanitarian law, ensure humanitarian access to the affected areas, and protect civilians. They also stressed the urgent need for a humanitarian ceasefire and the release of hostages. The two leaders spoke about the importance of promoting peace and security in the Middle East. The Prime Minister thanked the King for Jordan's leadership in securing humanitarian assistance for Gaza, promoting dialogue and stability in the region, and securing a path toward lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians. Prime Minister Trudeau and His Majesty King Abdullah II noted the strong partnership between Canada and Jordan and looked forward to advancing co-operation on international peace and security. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese premier kicks off Australia visit, as bilateral relations 'get back on normal track after frosty years' Global Times By Cui Fandi Published: Jun 15, 2024 10:36 PM Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Adelaide on Saturday to kick off his official visit to Australia, following his trip to New Zealand. The visit, which is the first in seven years by a Chinese premier, shows that the bilateral relations have returned to a normal track following frosty years, analysts said. Arriving in Adelaide, Li said on Saturday that the exchanges between China and Australia have a long history, and the friendship between the two peoples remains ever new over time. A more mature, stable and fruitful China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership will be a shared asset for both peoples, Li said, adding that China is willing to work with Australia to that end. Last year, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid a successful visit to China, getting bilateral relations back to the right track after twists and turns, the Chinese premier said. History has proven that mutual respect, seeking common ground while shelving differences, and mutually beneficial cooperation are valuable experience in the development of China-Australia relations, and need to be upheld and carried forward, he noted. Noting that his visit came on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership, Li said he looks forward to having in-depth exchanges of views with Australian leaders and friends from all walks of life on China-Australia relations and issues of common concern, as well as jointly discussing cooperation, development and friendship. This is the second leg of Li's three-nation tour following his official visit to New Zealand. During his four-day stay, Li and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will co-chair the ninth China-Australia Annual Leaders' Meeting and jointly attend a China-Australia CEO Roundtable Meeting. The attendance of both leaders at the roundtable meeting reflects the importance both sides attach to economic and trade exchanges, Chen Hong, director of the Australian Studies Center at East China Normal University, told the Global Times. "In the meantime, avoiding misjudgment, increasing trust and dispelling doubts will also be an important topic of discussion during this visit," Chen added. As important countries in the Asia-Pacific region, China and Australia need to seek common ground and jointly promote peace and development in the Asia-Pacific region, Chen said. Chen noted that the Chinese Premier's visit to Australia symbolizes that China-Australia ties have returned to a normal track after frosty bilateral relations under the government led by Scott Morrison. Albanese's visit to China last year and Li's current visit indicates that the annual meeting mechanism between the two countries' prime ministers has been fully restored, and that bilateral relations are developing and warming up once more. The current Australian government has demonstrated willingness to improve bilateral relations and has made an effort to bring ties back onto the right track, which can be seen from the meetings between the leaders of both nations in Bali, Indonesia in 2022 and then again during Prime Minister Albanese's visit to China in 2023, Chen said. Premier Li's visit has also received high expectations from the Australian officials. "Premier Li Qiang's visit to Australia is an important opportunity to engage directly on key issues for both our nations," Albanese said, as quoted by AP News. "Australia continues to pursue a stable and direct relationship with China, with dialogue at its core." At the same time, Australia's Assistant Defense Minister Matt Thistlethwaite stressed the importance of having a stable relationship with China, while Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell said that there's a willingness on both sides to remove all of impediments to the relationship, according to local media reports. The current Australian government has recognized that the previous government went too far in handling Australia's relations with China, ultimately damaging the interests of the Australian people. Within Australia, there is a growing call for the government to improve dialogue with China. From the current situation, it appears that the new government has taken a series of proactive measures to stabilize the relationship between the two countries, Yu Lei, a professor at the Department of International Politics and Economics at Shandong University, told the Global Times on Saturday. Both sides will continue to engage in dialogue, with economic and trade relations placed on a path to recovery. This will play a role in boosting all aspects of the relationship between the two countries, he noted. However, Yu believed that it is still early to judge whether the relationship between the two countries can return to its previous high point. On the one hand, as an important member of the Western camp, Australia may face pressure from allies, especially the US. On the other hand, there are still certain differences in security concerns between the two sides, especially in the advancement of AUKUS. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hypocritical G7 communiquA targets China, aiming to lay groundwork for camp confrontation: experts Global Times By GT staff reporters Published: Jun 15, 2024 06:43 PM The fact that G7 Apulia Leaders' CommuniquA mentioned China over 20 times is no surprise to Chinese analysts, who said the elaborately crafted hypocritical declaration reveals the US-led West's attempts to shift blame to China, while the US aims to lay the groundwork for future camp confrontation. At the same time, the G7 summit had invited countries from the Global South to the summit, including Argentina, South Africa, Brazil, and India. Experts pointed out that it will be difficult for the US and Western powers to divide the Global South with their ambitions for hegemony. Within the G7 Apulia Leaders' CommuniquA which was published on the White House website on Friday, China featured as one of the major targets. The G7 baselessly laid accusations at China in several areas, including the Ukraine crisis, climate crisis, cyber security, the Taiwan question, the South China Sea, and human rights issues, mentioning China more than 20 times throughout the document. The G7 vowed to counter "the wave of cheap high-tech products" from China and take action against Chinese financial institutions that "support Russia." The G7 also expressed concerns about China's "overcapacity," and threatened to retaliate China through export restrictions. This shifting-responsibility declaration once again proves that the G7 has become a tool for the US to engage in global geopolitical competition, Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Saturday. The US is trying to promote its fabricated international consensus that "China should be held accountable for all crises," in order to lay the groundwork for its more intense present and future competition. G7 member countries, out of geopolitical considerations, have followed the US in accusing China, showing no independent strategy in front of the US, Li noted. This is detrimental to the future security environment for the G7 members and for the wider international community. Observers pointed out that the leaders of the countries participating in the G7 summit are all facing domestic support rate crises or election pressure, with some having recently suffered defeats. The G7 is trying to shift blame and scapegoat China in a number of ways, in attempt to redirect the dissatisfaction of the public and voters in their own countries toward China, Li said. "This is a very typical and insidious political maneuver." At the same time, many countries from the Global South were invited to participate in the G7 summit. It is obvious that the G7 is trying to win over Global South countries and sow division within them, Li noted. However, these emerging countries can see through the selfish alliances led by the US and the West. It will be difficult for the US and the G7 to divide and conqueror when it comes to the Global South, he said. Among the various issues addressed in the joint declaration, the Russia-Ukraine conflict was the most important element. Following the conclusion of the G7 summit, some leaders will immediately travel to Switzerland to participate in the Ukraine Peace Summit on Saturday and Sunday. Interconnecting the two summits demonstrates the dominant camp, confrontation, and alliance thinking of the West in handling international affairs, Li said. "They are trying to divide the world into different camps using the Ukraine crisis as an opportunity. In fact, this approach not only fails to solve the Ukraine crisis itself, but also poses a threat to global security in a broader region. Such an arrangement by the West is actually very inappropriate." Zhang Hong, an associate research fellow from the Institute of Russian, Eastern European and Central Asian Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, pointed out that the G7's attempt to smear China in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict is a tactic employed by the US to gain a competitive edge globally. "It is completely unreasonable to attribute the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict to normal China-Russia trade when all countries around the world continue to engage in trade with Russia," he told the Global Times on Saturday. "This overlooks the fact that irresponsible actions by Western countries have exacerbated the losses suffered by Ukraine." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Cuba Does Not Approve of US Submarine's Presence - Deputy Foreign Minister Sputnik News 20240615 MEXICO CITY (Sputnik) - The Cuban government was notified of the USS fast attack submarine Helena visiting the US naval base in Cuba's Guantanamo, but Havana does not approve of such visits, Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio said. "We were aware of their presence because, in accordance with the procedures that we have followed for years, the United States informed us in advance. But obviously we do not like the presence on our territory and the transit through our waters of vessels of this kind belonging to a power that is conducting an official and practical hostile policy towards Cuba," Fernandez said, as quoted by Cubadebate. The Russian Northern Fleet's naval strike force, which includes the nuclear-powered Yasen-class Kazan cruise missile submarine, the Admiral Gorshkov frigate, the Akademik Pashin supply tanker and the Nikolai Chiker rescue tug, entered the port of Havana on Wednesday as part of a long voyage. The official visit of the Russian delegation under the command of Vice Adm. Mikhail Neupokoyev will last from June 12 to 17. US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) said Wednesday the USS fast attack submarine Helena made a pre-planned deployment to the US naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The deployment followed the Russian naval force's arrival in Cuba for naval exercises. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said on Wednesday that Washington has seen such visits before and expects to see them again in the future. US officials previously noted that the Russian naval deployment to Cuba does not pose a threat to the United States. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Mokhber calls for speeding up implementation of Iran-Russia comprehensive cooperation deal IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jun 15, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's Acting President Mohammad Mokhber has called for speeding up the implementation of a comprehensive cooperation agreement between the Islamic Republic and Russia. Mokhber was speaking on Saturday as he hosted Chairman of Russia's State Duma Committee on International Affairs Leonid Slutsky and presidential aide Igor Levitin. The expansion of cooperation between Tehran and Moscow created the foundation for new equations in the region, the Iranian acting president said, adding that relations between the two countries are based on securing long-term interests of both sides. The comprehensive cooperation agreement between Russia and Iran is of great importance as well and should be implemented as soon as possible, he further said. The chairman of Duma's Committee on International Affairs once again expressed condolences over the martyrdom of president Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage. He said that Iran and Russia have expanded their relations based on the will and determination of President Vladimir Putin and the late Raisi. Therefore, Slutsky added, the agreements reached between the two presidents should be implemented as soon as possible. 4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Securing release of Hamid Nouri demonstrated Iran's strong diplomacy: Spox IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Jun 15, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has said that securing the release of Hamid Nouri demonstrated Iran's strong diplomacy in safeguarding its national interests and strong support for the rights of the Iranians. Kannani made the remarks on Saturday hours after the news of the release of Hamid Nouri, an Iranian national, who has served 1680 days in Sweden's solitary confinement in what he said went against the basic principles of human rights. He said that the release of this Iranian citizen was a result of continuous political, legal and consular efforts of the diplomatic system, the judiciary and other relevant authorities of the country. He also recalled efforts for the release of Hamid Nouri by late President Ebrahim Raisi and his late foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian who lost their lives in a helicopter crash last month. The foreign ministry spokesman hailed the role of the Sultanate of Oman in helping facilitate the release of the Iranian national, adding that the foreign ministry would do its best to secure the release of other Iranian citizens who are being held in prisons abroad. 9341**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran urges speedy implementation of comprehensive cooperation agreement with Russia Iran Press TV Saturday, 15 June 2024 6:19 PM Interim President Mohammad Mokhber says Iran and Russia should make necessary decisions to implement a comprehensive bilateral cooperation agreement as soon as possible. In a meeting with Chairman of Russia's State Duma Committee on International Affairs Leonid Slutsky in Tehran on Saturday, Mokhber said mutual ties are based on long-lasting and sustainable interests. He added that enhanced cooperation between Iran and Russia has formed a new equation in the region. He stressed the importance of completing the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a project that will facilitate transportation and greatly reduce transportation time. In 2002, Russia, Iran, and India signed an agreement for the INSTC, a 7,200 km multi-mode network of ship, rail, and road route for moving freight between India, Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia and Europe. Mokhber further expressed Iran's full readiness to implement an agreement on the construction of the Rasht-Astara railway, a strategic transport corridor that connects the existing railways of the two countries and Azerbaijan. The 162-kilometer railway will connect the Iranian city of Rasht, near the Caspian Sea, to Astara on the border with Azerbaijan. The project, which is aimed at integrating the transport and information routes of Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran and India, is carried out within the framework of the INSTC. Slutsky, for his part, said Iran and Russia are resolute on strengthening cooperation and implementing agreements previously clinched between the two countries as soon as possible. He added that Iran's membership in the BRICS group of emerging economies has opened a new page in the expansion of relations between Tehran and the countries in the region. Iran officially became a member of the BRICS at the beginning of 2024, five months after it announced its acceptance as a full member into the group along with Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. BRICS was formed by and initially consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, which collectively represent around 40% of the global population and a quarter of the world's gross domestic product (GDP). Iran was among dozens of countries that sought membership in BRICS and had submitted a formal application to join the body. In a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, Mokhber pointed to strategic and established bilateral relations based on unchanging principles and said complete implementation of all the agreements, including in the areas of trade, transit, and energy, forms the principal agenda of mutual ties. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran at peak of its power, says IRGC chief Iran Press TV Saturday, 15 June 2024 3:42 PM Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Major General Hossein Salami says Iran has reached the peak of its military and political power and has become a key element in international equations. "We are at the best power position in the course of the past decades. Iran is today a country with global stretch of influence which no one can ignore or eliminate from any important political and security equations in the world," said Salami on Saturday. The general made the remarks in a ceremony to commemorate the late Iranian foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, who lost his life alongside president Ebrahim Raeisi in a helicopter crash in northwestern Iran last month. He said that Amirabdollahian had played a major role in elucidating Iran's military power in the region and in the world through his diplomatic endeavors. Salami said the late foreign minister's diplomatic work was key to preparing the conditions for an Iranian military operation, dubbed the True Promise, against Israel in mid-April, which came after Israel bombed Iran's consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus earlier that month. "We fired missiles in the True Promise Operation but it wasn't enough because there was a need for a powerful diplomacy which could relate these missile firings to the legitimacy of an attack," he said. In a first of its kind, Iran fired more than 300 missiles and drones on Israeli targets during the True Promise operation. The operation came amid heightened regional tensions due to the conflict in Palestine, with many expecting the Israeli regime to respond to the Iranian attacks in order to escalate the war in Gaza by spreading it to other parts of the region. Experts say Iran's anti-Israel operation changed the military equations in the region and further weakened the position of the Israeli regime and their allies in their ongoing war against Gaza. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ex-Iranian official Hamid Nouri returns home after long incarceration in Sweden Iran Press TV Saturday, 15 June 2024 12:17 PM Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan'ani has confirmed that Hamid Nouri, a former Iranian judiciary official who had been illegally imprisoned in Sweden on politically motivated charges, has been released from prison and returned to Iran. Kan'ani described Nouri's release from detention in Sweden as another manifestation of the Islamic Republic's diplomacy in realizing and securing national interests and also firmly supporting the rights of Iranians. He noted that Nouri's detention was based on a wrongful order by the Swedish court and that his release was achieved as a result of continuous political, legal and consular efforts of the diplomatic system, the judiciary and other relevant authorities in Iran. The spokesman further noted that Nouri has returned to Iran after enduring 1,680 days of indescribable detention contrary to the basic principles of human rights. The official also appreciated the continuous efforts of the late president Ebrahim Raeisi and foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian towards securing Nouri's release. Kan'ani also thanked the role of Oman in helping to facilitate the process, emphasizing that the Foreign Ministry will continue to work diligently for the release of other Iranian citizens abroad. Nouri was arrested upon arrival at Stockholm Airport in November 2019 and was immediately imprisoned. He was illegally jailed for three and a half years in solitary confinement in Sweden. He was put on trial on unfounded allegations staged against him by elements representing the Mujahedin-e-Khalq Organization (MKO) terrorist group that has openly boasted about carrying out terrorist operations against Iranian officials and civilians perceived to be supporters of the government. Message to MKO terrorists from home "I'm finally back in Tehran together with my family. Where are you taking refuge now?" Nouri said while addressing members of the MKO upon arrival at Mehrabad airport. "It was a fairly challenging, complicated and dreadful case. It was alleged that not even God can help Hamid Nouri get free, but it came about at last just like Khorramshahr was liberated," he added, referring to the liberation of the southwestern city from former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein's invading army back in May 1982. Earlier in the day, Iran's top human rights official had announced that Nouri has been released from prison. Kazem Gharibabadi, who serves as head of the Iranian Judiciary's High Council for Human Rights, announced Nouri's release in a post on his X account on Saturday. "I am delighted to inform the esteemed nation of Iran that Mr. Hamid Nouri, who has been under detention in Sweden since 2019, has been released and will be returning to our country within a few hours," Gharibabadi said. He also attributed this success to the efforts of his colleagues in the Judiciary, the Ministry of Intelligence, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, particularly the late foreign minister. A Swedish court had sentenced Nouri to life imprisonment in 2022. The court, which was described by Iran as illegitimate in the first place, convicted Nouri of "war crimes and crimes against humanity" entirely based on claims made by MKO terrorists living in exile across Europe. Sweden's Appeal Court then upheld the verdict in December 2023. Nouri himself has vehemently denied the charges brought against him in the case while calling them fabricated. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iranian border guards thwart terrorist plot ahead of snap presidential election Iran Press TV Saturday, 15 June 2024 10:46 AM The commander of the Iranian border police says his forces have foiled a terrorist plot before the June 28 snap presidential election, forcing the militants to flee the country and confiscating a significant amount of ammunition. Brigadier General Ahmad Ali Goudarzi said on Saturday that the counter-terrorism operation was carried out in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan close to the border with Pakistan. He said members of a terrorist group were trying to infiltrate into the country through the frontier of Saravan County but they were identified and confronted, thanks to the vigilance and surveillance of Iranian border guards. The Iranian forces engaged the terrorists in a heavy exchange of fire, leaving a number of them injured and forcing them to eventually flee the country, he added. A sizable cache of munitions, including C-4 high-velocity explosive material, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), electronic fuses, AK-47 assault rifle bullets and cartridges, US-made grenades, and a radio system were confiscated, Goudarzi said. The general stressed that Iranian border guards would not hesitate to decisively confront any terrorist group trying to sneak into the country to carry out acts of sabotage and terror. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Former Iranian Prison Official, Swedish EU Diplomat Released In Prisoner Exchange By RFE/RL's Radio Farda June 15, 2024 A former Iranian prison official who was sentenced to life in a Swedish prison for crimes committed during the mass execution of political prisoners in 1988 was released by Sweden, officials said, in a prisoner swap that also saw Tehran release an EU diplomat. A third man, a dual Iranian-Swedish citizen, was also released as part of the June 15 deal, which was hailed as a breakthrough in long-strained relations between Tehran and Stockholm. Hamid Nouri was arrested at a Stockholm airport in 2019 and was charged with the mass execution and torture of political prisoners at Iran's notorious Gohardasht prison. The killings targeted members of a political-militant organization known as the MKO that advocated the overthrow of Iran's clerical regime. Sweden's prime minister, Ulf Kristersson, meanwhile, said in a video posted to social media that Johan Floderus and Saeed Azizi were en route to Sweden "and will soon be reunited with their families." All three returned to their countries on June 15. The exact conditions or circumstances of the swap were not immediately clear, although it appeared to have been negotiated with the help of the Gulf state of Oman, according to a statement published by the Oman state news agency. Floderus, a Swedish national, had been visiting Iran in the spring of 2022 on a private trip. He was detained at Tehran airport on April 17, 2022, as he prepared to leave the country. He was later accused by Iranian prosecutors of espionage. He had been employed as a diplomat with the EU's External Action Service, the bloc's foreign policy arm. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell hailed the release of Floderus and Azizi, adding that the bloc "will continue to work" to secure the release of other EU citizens "arbitrarily detained in Iran." Azizi, a dual Swedish-Iranian national, was taken into custody on November 12, 2023, at his residence in Tehran shortly after arriving from Sweden. He was convicted of "colluding to act against national security" and sentenced to five years in prison. Azizi's lawyer, Reza Shefakhah, wrote on X that neither he nor his client's family had been made aware of the prisoner exchange. At least three other Swedish citizens are currently held in Iran. Amnesty International welcomed the release of Floderus and Azizi but questioned why Ahmadreza Djalali, an Iranian-Swedish doctor and academic who is sentenced to death in Iran, was not among the prisoners released. "The circumstances confirm our earlier fears that Iran is holding Swedish citizens hostage to use in a prisoner swap," the rights group said in a statement posted to X. Djalali was detained in 2016 and subsequently sentenced to death for allegedly spying for Israel -- a charge that his family denies. Simon Kasper Brown and Stephen Kevin Gilbert, who were detained in 2021 and later convicted of drug trafficking, receiving eight and five years in prison, respectively. Other Europeans held in Iran include French citizens Cecile Kohler and her partner, Jacques Paris, as well as a man identified only by his first name Olivier. Kohler and Paris are accused of spying, but no details have been released about Olivier's case. The Islamic republic is also holding German-Iranian Nahid Taqavi, who was sentenced to more than 10 years in prison, and Jamshid Sharmahd, a German citizen of Iranian descent sentenced to death. An unnamed Austrian national was sentenced to 7 1/2 years in jail in Iran last year for spying, according to Vienna. With reporting by AFP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-sweden-nouri-prisoner- swap/32994252.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran: joint statement by France, Germany and United Kingdom Joint statement by the spokespeople for the Foreign Ministries of France, Germany and the United Kingdom on the Iranian nuclear programme. 15 June 2024 Statement by the governments of France, Germany and the United Kingdom: We, the governments of France, Germany and the United Kingdom, condemn Iran's latest steps, as reported by the IAEA, to further expand its nuclear programme. Iran has taken further steps in hollowing out the JCPoA, by operating dozens of additional advanced centrifuges at the Natanz enrichment site as well as announcing it will install thousands more centrifuges at both its Fordow and Natanz sites. These steps will further increase Iran's enriched uranium stockpile and enrichment capacity, which already significantly exceed JCPoA limits. This decision is a further escalation of Iran's nuclear programme, which carries significant proliferation risks. Iran's decision to substantially increase its production capacity at the underground Fordow facility is especially concerning. Presenting such steps as a reaction to the IAEA Board of Governors' adoption of a resolution calling for Iran's long overdue cooperation on safeguards is not acceptable. Iran is legally obliged under the Non-Proliferation Treaty to fully implement its safeguards agreement, which is separate to the JCPoA. We remain committed to a diplomatic solution preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Junta troops destroy roads in northern Myanmar as renewed fighting looms Bulldozers have made several major roads impassable amid a buildup of insurgent forces in the area. By RFA Burmese 2024.06.14 -- Military junta troops have destroyed major roads that connect several towns and cities controlled by rebel forces in northern Myanmar's Shan State in what could be preparation for renewed fighting in the area, residents told Radio Free Asia. Junta forces used bulldozers on Wednesday to damage a road connecting Namtu township and Namsang Man Ton, which has been under the control of the Ta'ang National Liberation Army, or TNLA. On Thursday, junta bulldozers made a section of the Lashio-Hsenwi road impassable. That part of the road, which leads to Hsenwi, Kun Long and Chinshwehaw townships, is an area controlled by the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, or MNDAA. The TNLA, MNDAA and Arakan Army together make up the Three Brotherhood Alliance, which in October launched an offensive that has dealt the military a series of defeats, pushing government forces back. Residents of Lashio told RFA that security has been tightened at the entrance to the strategic town, which is home to the military's northeast command headquarters. That's likely a reaction to a nearby buildup of forces by the Three Brotherhood Alliance, a resident told RFA on condition of anonymity for security reasons. "It's been apparent that the junta has also been gathering its forces and weapons near the area controlled by the ethnic armed organizations," the resident said. "Moreover, insurgent forces have been seen near Lashio," the resident. "And now the roads to Lashio have been cut off. It is expected that conflict will occur very soon." Ceasefire violation A resident of Moe Meik township, who requested not to be named, told RFA that people are already fleeing to safe areas ahead of expected armed clashes between the junta and the alliance. "We have learned that the ethnic alliance force is headed to this area," he said. "Almost all the people have left the town now." The destroyed roads have led to a rise in the price of rice and other goods, a Namtu township resident told RFA. Gasoline has increased from 3,600 kyat (US$1.72) to 4,000 kyat (US$1.91) per liter and is being sold on a limited basis, he said. In nearby Kutkai township, the price of rice has risen by 50,000 kyat (US$24) per bag as people rush to buy supplies, a resident there said. Three Brotherhood Alliance and junta representatives agreed to a Chinese-brokered ceasefire during a round of talks in January. Less than a week after the agreement, both sides were accused of violating the deal. Junta forces carried out artillery shelling on June 9 on a TNLA outpost between Pang Tin and Man Pying villages, which is located about 32 kilometers (20 miles) away from Moe Meik. Troop movements and other preparations by the TNLA are in response to the shelling, several residents said. TNLA spokeswoman Lway Yay Oo told RFA that the junta is violating the January ceasefire agreement, and they will carry out retaliatory attacks if junta troops conduct more military action. "It was found that the junta has sent more drones and forces in northern Shan state. They are also cutting off routes," he said. "It is deliberately creating fear in the public." Calls by RFA to junta spokesperson Major Gen. Zaw Min Tun for a response to the TNLA spokeswoman's remark went unanswered. It's unlikely that members of the Three Brotherhood Alliance would accept another ceasefire, military and political commentator Hla Kyaw Zaw said. "Even if China tries to prevent it again, the TNLA will not stop its mission," he said. "Now that the junta has cut through the roads, the TNLA has reason to attack." Translated by Aung Naing. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster. Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content June not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ships of Russian Pacific Fleet and Egyptian Navy hold joint exercise in Mediterranean Sea 15.06.2024 Earlier, a detachment of Russian ships comprising of the guards missile cruiser of the Order of Nakhimov Varyag and the frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov left the port of Alexandria, where the ships were on a business visit. The joint exercise of a detachment of Russian warships with the Egyptian Navy has become another practical step in the sphere of strengthening Russian-Egyptian naval cooperation. The frigate Al-Qadir was involved from the Egyptian Navy. The participants of the exercise worked out the formation of a squad of warships in the designated area, joint tactical manoeuvring in various formations, conducted communications training, and provided flights for deck helicopters. The joint exercise ended with a farewell ceremony, during which the ships of the two countries parted on opposite courses to the sound of sirens. Press Service of the Eastern Military District NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian-Egyptian naval exercise takes place in Mediterranean Sea 15.06.2024 A detachment of Pacific Fleet warships comprising of the guards missile cruiser of the Order of Nakhimov Varyag and the frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov has left the Egyptian port of Alexandria to take part in a joint exercise with the Egyptian Navy. During the bilateral exercise, the Egyptian Navy will be represented by the frigate ENS Al-Qadeer. The exercise will take place in the 'PASSEX' format with the practice of elements of joint manoeuvring, communication drills., and inspection actions. The day before, Russian ships called at the port of Alexandria in honour of Russia Day. The crews of the Russian ships had a rest after long performance of the tasks of the long-range campaign and familiarised themselves with local sights. The call of the detachment of Russian warships to the port of Alexandria became another practical step in the sphere of strengthening Russian-Egyptian naval cooperation. Press Service of the Eastern Military District NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement from President Joe Biden on South Africa Elections June 15, 2024 I congratulate Cyril Ramaphosa on his re-election as president of the Republic of South Africa, and commend all the political parties for working together to form a Government of National Unity. I also send my warm wishes to the people of South Africa. This yearaas South Africa celebrates 30 years of all citizens having the right to voteathey have demonstrated the enduring power of government of the people, by the people, and for the people. I look forward to the United States and South Africa continuing our work together, to expand economic opportunity, invest in clean energy solutions, and demonstrate that democracy delivers. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Coast Guard's 4,000-tonne patrol vessel enters service ROC Central News Agency 06/15/2024 04:49 PM Kaohsiung, June 15 (CNA) A new Coast Guard patrol vessel, the "Yunlin," will enhance Taiwan's maritime patrol capabilities in the south, President Lai Ching-te (ea) said at a ceremony held to commission the 4,000-tonne vessel in Kaohsiung on Saturday. The Yunlin, one of the four Chiayi-class offshore patrol vessels ordered from Taiwan's CSBC Corp., will join the Coast Guard's Southern Sector Flotilla based in Kaohsiung, strengthening the unit's ability to conduct patrols along with searches and rescues, Lai said. The ship is equipped with three high-pressure water cannons with a range of 120 meters to perform dispersal tasks, according to the Ocean Affairs Council. But it is also built to contribute to the country's humanitarian missions, as it features an operating room, a negative pressure ward, and medical equipment and compartments comparable to those of a field hospital, Lai said. The president thanked Coast Guard personnel for working tirelessly to maintain maritime order, combat smuggling and other illegal activities, and safeguard the lives and property of Taiwanese at sea. In the face of "increasing pressure from regional powers," the Coast Guard's workload will be even heavier, he warned, but said he had confidence in the agency's ability to fulfill its duties. It was the third 4,000-tonne Chiayi-class Coast Guard patrol ship that has entered service, following the "Chiayi" and "Hsinchu" vessels. The fourth one, named "Taipei," had its ceremonial launch in March. The Chiayi-class ships can withstand level-10 winds and have a range of 10,000 nautical miles. They also have a helicopter landing pad, allowing them to work alongside the National Airborne Service Corps under the Ministry of the Interior. (By Huang Yu-ching, Chang I-lien and Teng Pei-ju) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Majority of Taiwanese supports peace with China: KMT vice chair ROC Central News Agency 06/15/2024 06:51 PM Taipei and Shanghai, June 15 (CNA) Most people in Taiwan are supportive of peaceful cross-Taiwan Strait relations, an official with Taiwan's main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) said Saturday while in China for the annual Straits Forum. The two sides of the Taiwan Strait should continue many of the positive practices of the past, KMT Vice Chairman Sean Lien () told Wang Huning (), chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, before the event. Later, in his speech at the forum being held in Xiamen, Lien reiterated the KMT's commitment to cross-strait peace and exchanges on equal footing, and stressed the party's adherence to the "1992 consensus" and opposition to Taiwan independence. Also at the forum, Wang said the "1992 consensus" and the "one-China principle" are important to ensuring peace across the Taiwan Strait. The 1992 consensus is a tacit understanding that the KMT said was reached in 1992 by the then KMT government and the Chinese government. It has been interpreted by the KMT as an acknowledgement by both sides that there is only "one China," with each side free to interpret what "China" means. The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) rejects the consensus and refuses to use it as a basis for dialogue with China, as the KMT did when it was in power from 2008 to 2016, because it implies that Taiwan is a part of China, as Beijing claims. The one-China principle even more clearly states that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, and is also rejected by the DPP. The 16th Straits Forum, an annual conference between China and Taiwan since 2009, featured grassroots, youth, cultural and economic exchanges this year. In Taiwan, the Mainland Affairs Council, Taiwan's top government agency in charge of cross-strait affairs, said earlier this week that the forum is a united front platform of the Chinese Communist Party and that it was not favorable to see personnel from local governments in Taiwan attending such an event. (By Liu Kuan-ting, Lee Ya-wen and Lee Hsin-Yin) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Terrorist attacks likely before China invasion: Ex-Japanese officer ROC Central News Agency 06/15/2024 08:10 PM Taipei, June 15 (CNA) Terrorist activities within Taiwan and attempts to assassinate the country's president would be likely ahead of a Chinese military invasion of Taiwan, a retired vice chief of the Japanese ground staff predicted Saturday. The terrorist activities would involve bombs being planted on presidential vehicles and at major metro stations in Taipei, retired Japanese Lieutenant General Hirotaka Yamashita said at a press event in Taipei to pitch the new Chinese-language version of his book on how China might invade Taiwan. Yamashita, who formerly served as the vice chief of staff of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, was referencing a chapter in the book, which includes several tabletop wargames exploring invasion scenarios based on Yamashita's assessments. Drawing on Japan-North Korea relations, Yamashita said three types of people could carry out attacks in Taiwan: people politically aligned with China, mercenaries, and Chinese who seem to have assimilated with Taiwanese but who secretly engage in spying. Although precautions should be taken to prepare for these potential scenarios, neither Taiwan, Japan nor the United States would be able to entirely eliminate the possibility, Yamashita said. These terrorist activities would be aimed at shaking the Taiwanese public's faith in its government and influence public opinion, he said. The government, in turn, should publish factual and up-to-date information, and the public, no matter how politically polarized, should do their best to trust the government during such times, he said. In his book, Yamashita included a time frame of a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan, which he said is likely to take place between 2035 and 2050. By then, Yamashita argued, China's nuclear arsenal would likely rival that of the U.S., and the gap in nuclear deterrence between the two countries will likely have been eliminated. Until then, China is resigned to adopting a "peaceful re-unification" stance on Taiwan, he believed. Citing the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, Yamashita said it was evident that an aggressor with nuclear weapons is "unstoppable." Unlike in the Russia-Ukraine war, however, in which Russia would be using nuclear force against a foreign country, China would be able to frame its use of nuclear weapons on Taiwan as a way to tackle "domestic affairs," he said. Yamashita presented one scenario in which he foresaw China potentially using nuclear weapons against Taiwan. It would happen after the People's Liberation Army has imposed a blockade around the island of Taiwan but its East Theater Command is dragged into a protracted war by Taiwanese forces in eastern Taiwan fighting back from behind the Central Mountain Range using drones. With the Central Mountain Range serving as a barrier, U.S. troops would be able to replenish Taiwanese forces from the east coast, but this could cause them to be targeted by Chinese nuclear attacks, Yamashita suggested. (By Sean Lin) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US diplomat warns China's provoking of Taiwan risks conflict By Yang An June 15, 2024 Outgoing director of the American Institute in Taiwan, Sandra Oudkirk, has warned China against aggressive moves in the region that could spark a larger conflict. Oudkirk made the comment in response to a question at a June 14 farewell news conference. "The United States is profoundly devoted to a status quo in the straits and in the region ... that is one of peace and stability. And that is why we have consistently urged the PRC [People's Republic of China] to avoid coercive or provocative actions both in the Taiwan Straits and in other areas like the South China Sea and off Japan, because provocative actions are almost by definition dangerous," she said. "They run the risk of a miscalculation or an accident that could spark a broader conflict." During Oudkirk's three-year term, China conducted three island-circling military exercises against Taiwan, causing an unprecedented level of tension in the history of the American Institute in Taiwan, or AIT, which serves as Washington's de facto embassy. China considers self-governing Taiwan a breakaway province that must one day be reunited with the mainland, by force if necessary. The U.S., like many countries, does not recognize Taiwan as a country in order to have relations with China. But Washington maintains informal diplomatic relations with Taipei through the AIT, along with direct trade and defense ties, and supports Taiwan as a self-governing democracy. Oudkirk reiterated U.S. support for Taiwan's defense capabilities against Chinese aggression, saying that bolstering Taiwan's ability to defend itself was AIT's "top priority." "We look forward to the delivery of the military capabilities" from the long-awaited U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, she said. Worth nearly $20 billion, they were purchased over the past several years but have seen delays in delivery. Oudkirk blamed the COVID-19 pandemic for affecting supply chains but said the delays were gradually unwinding and to "watch this space." The U.S. in early June approved an $80 million sale of F-16 fighter jet spare and repair parts to Taiwan. China's defense ministry declared Beijing's strong opposition to the arms sales on June 7 and urged Washington to withdraw them immediately. Amid concerns about a potential defense vacuum in Taiwan, some analysts have suggested the U.S. move some arms and ammunition production to Taiwan. In response, Taiwan's Defense Minister Wellington Koo said on June 11 that the two countries are moving toward "possible joint production," reported Taiwanese media. Meanwhile, Oudkirk noted that Taiwan is looking at becoming a component supplier for the U.S. defense industry. "We have had a variety of delegations come through Taiwan looking at cybersecurity, looking at unmanned systems, drones. I can tell there is a lot of interest there but there are still some steps in terms of meeting the standards that the U.S. puts down for its defense industrial base that Taiwan's private companies would have to meet." Tzu-yun Su, an associate research fellow at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research in Taipei, told VOA the technical issues for Taiwan and U.S. defense companies to expand cooperation are not big, but a major hurdle is corporate governance. "The confidentiality of the companies, personnel safety control and information network security will be the three major factors," said Su. "At the same time, the government laws must be connected. If Taiwanese companies can keep up with these regulations and management aspects, they will have a relatively good chance of entering the U.S. defense supply chain." Asked about concerns that U.S. policy to Taiwan could change if President Joe Biden is not reelected in November, Oudkirk said, "In the United States, unlike on almost any other issue of foreign policy or domestic policy, there is a broad-based, bipartisan consensus on policy towards Taiwan. So, I do not think an election would necessarily change that." The American Institute in Taiwan announced in late May that Raymond Greene will succeed Oudkirk as head of the office in Taipei sometime this summer. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Readout of President Biden's Pull Aside with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the United Kingdom June 15, 2024 President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. met with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Friday, June 14 in Puglia, Italy on the margins of the G7 Summit. They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine as it faces Russia's continued aggression. They also discussed the latest developments in Gaza, including reiterating the need for increased humanitarian assistance. President Biden and Prime Minister Sunak discussed the importance and value of strong U.S.-UK bilateral relations as the two countries face global challenges together. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S., Ukraine sign bilateral security agreement on sidelines of G7 People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 15:56, June 15, 2024 FASANO, Italy, June 14 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky jointly signed a ten-year bilateral security agreement on Thursday after meeting on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Italy. Ukraine agreed to a similar deal with Japan earlier in the day also on the sidelines of the summit, which kicked off on Thursday and will last until Saturday. The agreements announced on Thursday bring the total number of bilateral security agreements that Ukraine has signed since the start of the country's conflict with Russia in 2022 to 17, including those with Britain, France, Germany, and Italy. Analysts said that the U.S.-Ukraine security agreement could be undone before its term expires, since Biden is expected to face a tough election battle later this year against former President Donald Trump, whose support for Ukraine is not as strong as Biden's. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address World Leaders Converge For Ukraine Summit Shadowed By Putin's Hard-Line Demands By RFE/RL June 15, 2024 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed a large gathering of world leaders at a Swiss alpine resort, tasked with developing a roadmap to end Europe's biggest war in eight decades, as a historical moment. However, the absence of Russian and Chinese officials dampened prospects for a major breakthrough. Zelenskiy told reporters that representatives from 101 countries and international organizations have gathered in Burgenstock, a mountain resort near the Swiss city of Lucerne, for two days of talks about how to end Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine that has killed or wounded hundreds of thousands of people on both sides. "We have succeeded in bringing back to the world the idea that joint efforts can stop war and establish a just peace," Zelenskiy, flanked by Swiss President Viola Amherd, said in remarks on June 15 opening up the talks. In holding the summit, Zelenskiy is seeking to rally a greater number of countries behind Ukraine's cause, especially those from the so-called Global South, and maintain world attention on Russia's brutal invasion. That has become more urgent amid some global fatigue with the 28-month war, fighting in the Middle East, and growing concern about Chinese aggression toward Taiwan. Swiss officials hosting the conference said more than 50 heads of state and government, mostly from Europe, would attend the gathering. Other nations were sending lower-level delegations. European bodies and the United Nations were also expected to send representatives. Vice President Kamala Harris and White House national-security adviser Jake Sullivan are representing the United States as President Joe Biden returned home to hit the campaign trail following a week in Europe, where he met with Zelenskiy twice. China, whose economic and political ties with Russia have flourished over the past decade, driven in part by their opposition to the U.S.-led global order, declined to participate with Moscow's presence. India and Brazil, who along with China and Russia are members of BRICS, sent nonministerial officials. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, who is attending the summit, said getting the Global South onboard is crucial to forging a roadmap toward peace and called the participation of Indian and Brazilian representatives a "first glimmer of hope." Nehammer said that "without parts of Asia, Africa, and South America, we will not be able to get the Russian Federation to change its mind." Russia has turned for support to countries in the Global South, a bloc that makes up the majority in the UN General Assembly, amid isolation from the West and parts of Asia following its invasion of Ukraine. In a possible attempt to undermine the Swiss gathering to which his nation was not invited, Russian President Vladimir Putin promised on the eve of the event to "immediately" order a cease-fire and begin negotiations if Kyiv gave up territory seized by Moscow and renounced plans to join NATO. In an interview with RFE/RL on June 15, Mykhaylo Podolyak, an adviser to Zelenskiy, called Putin's statement "an attempt to hijack" the summit's agenda. He said Putin's plan was "nothing new" and "unrealistic." The June 15-16 summit is the culmination of Zelenskiy's efforts over the past 19 months to engage global leaders in helping end the biggest war in Europe since World War II. Switzerland agreed to host the summit with the hope it would pave the way for a future peace process that includes Russia. Zelenskiy did not want Russia to participate at this stage. The Ukrainian leader first presented his 10-point peace formula virtually at the Group of 20 meeting held in Indonesia in November 2022. That was followed by four meetings between national security advisors of several nations, including Ukraine. Zelenskiy's plan calls on Russia to end hostilities, withdraw its troops from occupied Ukrainian territory, including Crimea, and restore Ukraine's 1991 borders, something many experts say is ambitious considering Russia appears to have the upper hand on the battlefield. But with Russia not present, only three themes will be on the table at this summit: nuclear safety, including at the Russia-controlled Zaporizhzhya nuclear plant; the exchange of prisoners of war and the return of Ukrainian children taken by Russia, which has resulted in International Criminal Court charges against Putin; and and global food security. Russia's invasion of Ukraine, one of the world's largest exporters of grain, caused food prices to surge, hurting impoverished countries, especially in Africa and the Middle East. Ihor Zhovkva, Zelenskiy's deputy chief of staff, told reporters on the sidelines of the summit that Kyiv decided to focus on those three issues "because the majority of the international community is united around these positions today." In response to a question by RFE/RL, Andriy Yermak, head of Zelenskiy's administration, told reporters on June 15 that the two-day gathering will conclude with a joint statement that would be presented to Russian representatives invited to the next summit. The next summit could be held in Saudi Arabia, a nation that maintains good ties with Russia. Zelenskiy visited Saudi Arabia in the days leading up to the summit. As summit participants gathered in Switzerland, Russia's all-out war on Ukraine showed no signs of abating despite Moscow losing at least 350,000 troops to death or injury since 2022. Ukraine's General Staff said on June 15 that there had been more than 60 clashes with Russian forces over the past 24 hours. Last month, Russia launched a small-scale offensive in the northern Kharkiv region, seeking to stretch Ukraine's outgunned and outmanned forces across the roughly 1,200-kilometer front line. The effort has slowed, as Ukraine rushed new units to the area, and reinforced positions. But a lack of weaponry from the United States -- whose supplies stalled for months due to congressional infighting -- gave Russia a battlefield advantage, along with Ukraine's inability to bring large numbers of fresh troops into the fight. The recent battlefield setbacks have made Zelenskiy's peace proposal look increasingly ambitious, experts have said. Ahead of the summit, leaders from the Group of 7 major industrial nations announced a $50 billion loan package for Kyiv that will leverage interest and income from the more than $260 billion in frozen Russian assets. Biden and Zelenskiy this week signed a security agreement that commits the United States over 10 years to continued training of Ukraine's armed forces. Biden, who will not be attending the summit despite pleas from Zelenskiy, also approved sending Ukraine a second Patriot missile system and imposed another round of financial sanctions on Russia. The White House also eased restrictions that kept Ukraine from using American weaponry to strike inside Russia, allowing strikes into Russia for the limited purpose of defending Kharkiv. Analysts say that is a contributing factor for Ukraine's recent efforts in halting the Russian offensive there. With reporting by AP, Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-peace-summit- switzerland/32994039.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Needed for Talks on Ukraine Peace, Saudi FM Tells Swiss Summit Sputnik News 20240615 Any credible peace process aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine requires Russia's participation, Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud told the Ukraine conference at the BArgenstock in Switzerland. "We believe it is important that the international community encourage any step towards serious negotiations which will require difficult compromise as part of a road map that leads to peace," Prince Faisal said. The minister stressed that Saudi Arabia is ready to support efforts to end the conflict. He urged the international community to take responsibility for "encouraging peace and negotiations, rather than further escalation." Switzerland is hosting the conference to discuss Volodymyr Zelensky's 10 -point "peace plan" at the exclusive BArgenstock resort near Lucerne on June 15 and 16. Delegations from 92 countries eight organizations including the European Union, Council of Europe and UN confirmed their participation, with 55 heads of state attending. But US President Joe Biden, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz InAcio Lula da Silva will not attend the conference. Switzerland did not invite Russia to the summit. The Kremlin stated that seeking solutions to the Ukrainian conflict without Russia's involvement was illogical and futile. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Scholz Says Putin's Peace Proposal 'Not Meant Seriously' Sputnik News 20240615 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Saturday that Russian President Vladimir Putin's new peace proposal on Ukraine was "not meant seriously." On Friday, Putin said that Russia would immediately cease fire and declare its readiness for negotiations with Ukraine after Kiev withdraws troops from the territory of new regions of Russia. Other conditions for the talks included Ukraine's official statement that it abandons plans to join NATO and formalizes its neutral, non-aligned, nuclear-free status. "Everyone knows that this [Putin's] proposal was not meant seriously, but just somehow relates to the peace conference in Switzerland," Scholz told German broadcaster ZDF when asked whether the Russian president's proposal had been discussed at the G7 summit in Italy. The chancellor said that this was not a proposal that "would work," adding that Ukraine should have the opportunity not to sign such proposals, but instead "to act out of its own interests." Switzerland is hosting a high-level conference on Ukraine at the Buergenstock resort outside of Lucerne from June 15-16. Around 90 countries and organizations have confirmed their participation, according to the Swiss hosts. Russia has not received an invitation, but even if it had, it would not attend the conference, Vladimir Khokhlov, spokesperson for the Russian Embassy in Bern, told Sputnik in April. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine Peace Process May Start Only If All Sides Take Part - Indonesian Foreign Ministry Sputnik News 20240615 JAKARTA (Sputnik) - A peace process on Ukraine is possible only if all parties to the conflict are represented, Indonesian Foreign Ministry spokesman Rolliansyah Soemirat told Sputnik ahead of the Swiss conference coming up this week. "A peace process can only be initiated when all parties to the conflict are involved," Soemirat said. Indonesia attaches importance to all efforts toward a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine crisis, including Switzerland's effort, but will be represented at the Swiss-hosted summit on Ukraine only at the level of ambassador, the diplomat continued. "The Indonesian Government has conveyed that it will task the Indonesian Ambassador in Bern as a special envoy of the Indonesian Foreign Minister," Soemirat said. He added that Indonesia has been consistent in advocating respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations. Switzerland will host a high-level conference on Ukraine at the Buergenstock resort outside of Lucerne from June 15-16. Around 90 countries and organizations have confirmed their participation, according to Swiss hosts. Russia has not received an invitation, but even if it had, it would not attend the conference, Vladimir Khokhlov, spokesperson for the Russian Embassy in Bern, told Sputnik in April. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Head of State met with the President of Argentina President of Ukraine 15 June 2024 - 22:47 In the framework of the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of Argentina Javier Milei. The Ukrainian leader thanked Javier Milei for attending the Peace Summit and noted the broad representation of Latin American countries. "I am very pleased to see you here. I know that your journey to the Summit was long. But I am confident that history will remember this long path to peace. I am grateful to you," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. The Presidents discussed the next steps in implementing the specific points of the Peace Formula. "We support Ukraine. We believe that nobody has the right to attack another country. Now we have only one aggressor - it is Russia, and a state that has been invaded - it is Ukraine. We strongly support Ukraine, as we emphasized in our speech (Ed. note: at the Peace Summit)," Javier Milei said. Volodymyr Zelenskyy also thanked Argentina for recently joining the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. The leaders discussed bilateral cooperation, including trade, and progress in implementing previous agreements; they emphasized the need to continue international contacts at various levels. The Heads of State also noted the importance of the visit of the Ukrainian government delegation led by First Deputy Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko in May. Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the President of Argentina with the Order of Freedom. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The President of Ukraine Met with the U.S. Vice President President of Ukraine 15 June 2024 - 18:33 On the sidelines of the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, who is heading the U.S. delegation to the Summit. The Ukrainian leader thanked U.S. President Joseph Biden and his team for the bilateral security agreement signed in Italy, as well as the U.S. Congress, both parties and chambers, for approving an assistance package for our country this April. "Putin is trying to expand the war and make it more bloody. But together with America and all our partners, we protect the lives of our people and open up new opportunities for diplomacy," the President noted. Volodymyr Zelenskyy also thanked the United States for supporting the Peace Summit and Kamala Harris for attending the event. "Ukraine has always believed in the power of diplomacy. War is not our choice. It's Putin's choice. At the peace summit today, we will do everything we can to start moving towards real peace through diplomacy. It is indeed vital that the United States is helping to bring peace closer. Thank you," he said. During the meeting, the parties discussed the dynamics of the supply of weapons from the announced aid packages to the battlefield, the manning of brigades, the situation on the front, particularly in the Kharkiv region, and the progress of the implementation of agreements on additional Patriot systems. Kamala Harris emphasized that the United States would continue to defend democratic values and stand up to dictators. "I am here in Switzerland to stand with Ukraine and leaders from around the world in support of a just and lasting peace for Ukraine," the U.S. Vice President said. Kamala Harris also announced that the United States will provide more than $1.5 billion for the humanitarian and energy needs of Ukraine. In particular, $824 million to address the most urgent challenges in the energy sector, including infrastructure repairs; $379 million to provide food, water, shelter and other humanitarian services; and another $300 million for civilian security assistance, including law enforcement support. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Bilateral Cooperation and Security Challenges: Volodymyr Zelenskyy Met with the President of Georgia President of Ukraine 15 June 2024 - 17:14 On the sidelines of the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili. The Head of State spoke about the Russian aerial terror against Ukraine's energy system and emphasized that our country is making every possible effort to restore electricity generation. "Thank you for your participation in the Summit, it is very important for us. We are together. Thank you for your support and best wishes to your country and your society. I am confident that the day will come when Ukraine and Georgia will be in the European Union - together and forever," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. During the meeting, the parties discussed bilateral cooperation and security challenges for both countries. The heads of state emphasized that there is no alternative to European integration for Ukraine and Georgia. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Head of State Discussed the Implementation of the Peace Formula with the President of Chile President of Ukraine 15 June 2024 - 16:57 On the sidelines of the inaugural Peace Summit in Switzerland, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President of Chile Gabriel Boric. The Head of State praised Gabriel Boric's personal participation in the Global Peace Summit and broad representation of Latin American countries at the level of leaders. "Thank you for your decision to participate in the Summit. We are very pleased to see such important partners," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. The leaders discussed expectations from the Global Peace Summit and further steps to implement the Peace Formula. "It is very important for us to support Ukraine and its territorial integrity. We are here, we will continue to strongly support your position," the Chilean President said. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Gabriel Boric exchanged views on the possibility of organizing a meeting on the further implementation of the Peace Formula and bilateral cooperation. The heads of state noted the effectiveness of the visit to Chile by the Ukrainian government delegation headed by First Deputy Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko last month. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Presidents of Ukraine and Switzerland Started Working at the Inaugural Peace Summit President of Ukraine 15 June 2024 - 15:30 The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, met with the President of the Swiss Confederation, Viola Amherd, before the beginning of the inaugural Peace Summit. The Ukrainian leader thanked Switzerland and Viola Amherd personally for their leadership and cooperation in organizing the inaugural Global Peace Summit. During the meeting, they discussed the final preparations and technical details of the Summit organization, finalized the summary communiquA, and paid special attention to the future action plan. The leaders noted that the inaugural Peace Summit had succeeded in bringing together an unprecedented representation of participants - 101 countries and international organizations from all continents: Latin America, the Middle East and Asia, Africa, Europe, the Pacific, Australia, and North America. Two-thirds of the participating countries are represented at the highest level. "Some other countries and leaders have shown interest in our Summit and responded to the peacemaking impulse of the Peace Formula. And even if they are not here today at the first Summit, we have succeeded in bringing back to the world the idea that joint efforts can stop war and establish just peace. This idea will definitely work because the world has power," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. The President of Ukraine presented the Peace Formula at the G20 Summit in Indonesia in November 2022. This was followed by four meetings of national security advisors: in Copenhagen, Jeddah, Malta and Davos. After the latter of these meetings and Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Switzerland this January, the preparations for the inaugural Peace Summit began. During the Summit, participants will discuss three issues: nuclear safety, food security, and the release of all prisoners and deportees. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Zelenskyy presses world leaders to support 'a just peace' for Ukraine By VOA News June 15, 2024 World leaders came together in Switzerland on Saturday in a show of support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's 10-point peace plan and to apply pressure on Russia to end the war in Ukraine. "I believe that we will witness history being made here at the summit. May a just peace be established as soon as possible," Zelenskyy said on the first day of the two-day summit, which drew more than 90 nations. Zelenskyy saw the wide attendance as a success and expressed hope that declarations stemming from the talks would shape the peacemaking process. But China's reluctance to participate has subdued expectations that Russia will be isolated on the international stage. Russia was not invited to attend. "Ukraine never wanted this war. It's a criminal and absolutely unprovoked aggression by Russia," he said at a news conference alongside Swiss President Viola Amherd, who said the conflict had brought "unimaginable suffering" and violated international law. According to a draft text obtained by Reuters, the summit communique blames Russia's war in Ukraine for large-scale human suffering. It also makes three points: Ukraine's nuclear power plants "including Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, must operate safely and securely under full sovereign control of Ukraine." The world's food security depends on "free, full and safe commercial navigation, as well as access to seaports in the Black and Azov Seas. ... Attacks on merchant ships in ports and along the entire route, as well as against civilian ports and civilian port infrastructure, are unacceptable." All prisoners of war must be released and "all deported and unlawfully displaced Ukrainian children, and all other Ukrainian civilians who were unlawfully detained, must be returned to Ukraine." The final communique is subject to change and is to be issued Sunday at the summit's end. US pledges support, aid Earlier Saturday, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris stood in for U.S. President Joe Biden. During a meeting with Zelenskyy, Harris pledged America's unwavering support for Ukraine and announced more than $1.5 billion in aid for Ukraine's energy infrastructure and its humanitarian needs after Russia's 27-month invasion. "This war remains an utter failure for [Russian President Vladimir] Putin," Harris said. "It is in our interest to uphold international norms." The $1.5 billion pledge includes $500 million in new funding for energy resources and the redirecting of $324 million in previously announced funds toward emergency energy infrastructure repairs and other needs in Ukraine, the vice president's office said. Harris also announced more than $379 million in humanitarian assistance from the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development to help refugees and others affected by the war. On the eve of the summit, Putin offered terms to end the war: Ukraine must drop its ambition to join NATO and give up the four provinces Russia now claims: Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. On Saturday, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni slammed Putin's demands as "propaganda." "It doesn't seem particularly effective to me as a negotiation proposal to tell Ukraine that it must withdraw from Ukraine," she said at the end of a G7 summit in Italy, and as the international conference on ending the conflict opened in Switzerland. "Let's say it seems more like a propaganda initiative ... to create a narrative that wants to provide counter-information on where the responsibilities for the conflict lie." The United States, Ukraine and NATO dismissed Russia's conditions. "He is not calling for negotiations, he is calling for surrender," Harris said. "I must also note that this summit could have been more result-oriented if the other party to the conflict, Russia, was present in the room," said Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. NATO defense ministers approved a new plan Friday for reliable long-term security aid and military training for Ukraine. Ukraine also signed a bilateral 10-year security agreement with the U.S. on the sidelines of the G7 meeting. Russian officials, including Putin, denounced the agreement as "null and void." Meanwhile, the war continued in Ukraine, where at least three civilians were killed by shelling that wounded 15 others late Friday and overnight into Saturday, according to regional officials. The governor of Russia's southern Belgorod region, Vyacheslav Gladkov, said in a social media post Saturday that Ukraine was behind shelling Friday that killed five people in a five-story apartment building in the town of Shebekino. Kyiv has not commented on the strike. Some information for this report was provided by Reuters, Agence France-Presse and The Associated Press. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Remarks by Vice President Harris at Summit on Peace in Ukraine Opening Plenary June 15, 2024 BArgenstock Resort ObbArgen, Switzerland 6:06 P.M. CEST VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: Thank you. Thank you, President Amherd and President Zelenskyy, for hosting this summit. It is my honor to be here with all of the leaders today. I first met President Zelenskyy in February of 2022, just five days before Russia invaded Ukraine, an outrageous attempt to subjugate a free people and an attempt to wipe a sovereign state off the map. On that same day, I addressed the Munich Security Conference and made clear that the United States of America is a steadfast supporter of the principles that people have a right to choose their own form of government, nations have a right to choose their own alliances, there are inalienable rights governments must protect, the rule of law must be cherished, sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected, and national borders should not be changed by force. And nearly two and a half years later, I am here to reaffirm the commitment of the United States to these principles and our unwavering commitment to support the people of Ukraine as they defend themselves against Russia's brutal aggression. As I discussed with President Zelenskyy earlier today, President Biden and I have made clear over the past three years we are committed to uphold international rules and norms, to defend democratic values and stand up to dictators, and to stand with our allies and partners. This approach has provided for our security and prosperity for generations, and it continues to do so today. This approach makes America strong, and it keeps Americans safe. And this approach bolsters global stability. Russia's aggression is not only an attack on the lives and the freedom of the people of Ukraine, it is not only an attack on global food security and energy supplies. Russia's aggression is also an attack on international rules and norms and the principles embodied in the U.N. Charter. Russia is a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. Nevertheless, for nearly two and a half years, it has shamelessly violated the core tenets of that charter. If the world fails to respond when an aggressor invades its neighbor, other aggressors will undoubtably become emboldened. It leads to the potential of a war [world] of conquest and chaos, not order and stability, which threatens all nations. President Joe Biden and I will continue to support Ukraine and continue to impose costs on Russia. And we will continue to work toward a just and lasting peace, based on the principles of the United Nations Charter and the will of the people of Ukraine. President Zelenskyy, the United States shares your vision for the end of this war and an end to the suffering of the Ukrainian people. And let us all then commit to the imperative of returning innocent children kidnapped by Russia a returning them to their homes. Let us also agree, a practical benefit of the work of this peace summit is to increase global food and energy security. And let nothing about the end of this war be decided without Ukraine. By contrast, however, yesterday Putin put forward a proposal. But we must speak truth: He is not calling for negotiations, he is calling for surrender. America stands with Ukraine not out of charity but because it is in our strategic interest. We stand with delegations from more than 90 nations who also have a strategic interest in a just peace in Ukraine. Among us, no doubt, exists a diverse range of views on many of the global challenges and opportunities we face. We don't always agree. However, regarding Putin's unprovoked, unjustified war against Ukraine, there is unity and solidarity in support of international norms and rules. For President Joe Biden and me, it is one of our defining missions to uphold the international rules-based order to defend it, strengthen it, and promote it. And no doubt, it must be a priority for us all. Thank you. (Applause.) END 6:11 P.M. CEST # # # NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Remarks by Vice President Harris and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine Before Bilateral Meeting June 15, 2024 BArgenstock Resort ObbArgen, Switzerland 3:42 P.M. CEST PRESIDENT ZELENSKYY: Thank you so much. Happy to see you a VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: And you. PRESIDENT ZELENSKYY: a Madam Vice President, and to see your team. Thank you so much. First, I would like to thank the United States and the President Biden, his team for our security agreement a thank you so much a between Ukraine and America. We signed it in Italy. And today we can already say that our teams have started to implement it. And these are truly historic steps that strengthen the security of Ukraine and, therefore, of the whole Europe and, therefore, of America. And I also want to thank the U.S. Congress a both parties, both chambers a for passing a package. That is really very important for us, our people. And Putin is trying to expand the war and make it more bloody. But together, with America and all our partners, we protect the lives of our people and open up new opportunities for diplomacy. Actually, we are here today for the sake of diplomacy. And Ukraine has always believed in the power of diplomacy. War is not our choice; it's Putin's choice. At the peace summit today, we will do everything we can to start moving towards real peace through di- a diplomacy. And I am grateful to America for its support. I thank you, Madam Vice President, for your participation in the summit. And it is indeed vital that a that the United States is helping to bring peace closer. Happy to see you. Thank you very much. VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: Thank you. Thank you, President Zelenskyy. It is good to see you again. I a by my count, I think this is our sixth meeting together in person. And a PRESIDENT ZELENSKYY: Not the last. VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS: And a for sure not the last and hopefully in better times. It is good to see you again. And President Biden was very happy with the time that you spent together over the last couple of weeks and in a most recently in Italy. You and I last met in person four months ago at the Munich Security Conference. Since then, Russia has continued its brutal aggression against the people of Ukraine, including opening a new front outside of Kharkiv and relentlessly attacking Ukraine's energy system. Yet the people of Ukraine, so admirably, stand firm. President Biden and my support for the people of Ukraine is unwavering. We support Ukraine not out of charity but because the people of Ukraine and their future is in our strategic interests. It is in our interest to uphold international rules and norms, such as sovereignty and territorial integrity and the international system we helped create following World War Two, which bolsters America's security and prosperity. It is in the interest of the United States to defend democratic values and stand up to dictators. It is in our interest to stand with our friends, such as Ukraine. As a demonstration of that support, President Joe Biden recently signed into law, as you mentioned, $60 billion in funding to support Ukraine. Since then, we have rapidly delivered weapons to Ukraine, and our support is having a significant impact on the battlefield. And just this week, you and President Biden, as you mentioned, signed a bilateral security agreement, a demonstration of our long-term commitment to Ukraine's defense. President Zelenskyy, your military remains a resilient and effective fighting force, so admirably a one that has and will continue to impress the world. And this war remains an utter failure for Putin. I am here in Switzerland to stand with Ukraine and the leaders from around the world in support of a just and lasting peace. As we look forward to that peace and work toward that, the United States is committed to helping Ukraine rebuild. To that end, today I am pleased to announce that the United States will provide more than one and a half billion dollars to address Ukraine's humanitarian and energy needs and to help relieve the suffering of the people of Ukraine. This number includes $824 million for critical ener- a energy needs, including repairing energy infrastructure; $379 million in humanitarian assistance, including food, water, shelter, and health services; and $300 million for civilian security assistance, including support for law enforcement. President Zelenskyy, this support is a demonstration of the fact a the indisputable fact the United States stands with the people of Ukraine. And I look forward to our discussion today. Thank you. END 3:48 P.M. CEST # # # NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Readout of Vice President Harris's Meeting with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine June 15, 2024 Vice President Kamala Harris met today with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine in Lucerne, Switzerland, on the margins of the Summit on Peace in Ukraine. The Vice President underscored the United States' unwavering support for the people of Ukraine as they defend themselves against ongoing Russian aggression. The Vice President emphasized the U.S. support for Ukraine's efforts to secure a just and lasting peace, based on Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, consistent with the UN Charter, and she commended widespread international support for Ukraine's efforts. The Vice President condemned Russia's attacks on Ukraine's civilian energy infrastructure, and the Vice President announced more than $1.5 billion in additional assistance for Ukraine's emergency energy needs, humanitarian requirements such as food, water, shelter and health services, and civilian security. The Vice President also highlighted a range of efforts that the Administration has undertaken in recent weeks and months to support Ukraine, including the provision of new security assistance following President Biden's signing of the national security supplemental law, the signing of a Bilateral Security Agreement, G7 agreement on unlocking the value of Russia's immobilized sovereign assets, and efforts to help enhance Ukraine's air defense capability, particularly in light of the continuing threat to Ukrainian cities from Russian airstrikes. # # # NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Vice President Kamala Harris Announces Over $1.5 Billion to Bolster Ukraine's Energy Sector, Address Humanitarian Needs, and Strengthen Civilian Security June 15, 2024 Today, as part of the Summit for Peace in Ukraine and her sixth meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Vice President Kamala Harris is announcing that the United States will provide over $1.5 billion through USAID and the State Department to support the people of Ukraine. From USAID, this includes $500 million in new funding for energy assistance and redirecting $324 million in previously announced funds towards emergency energy needs in Ukraine. This funding will repair energy infrastructure damaged in the war, expand power generation, encourage private sector investment, and protect energy infrastructure. These efforts will help Ukraine respond to Russia's latest attacks on Ukraine energy infrastructure by supporting repair and recovery, improving Ukraine's resilience to energy supply disruptions, and laying the groundwork to repair and expand Ukraine's energy system. Additionally, the Vice President is announcing more than $379 million in humanitarian assistance from State and USAID to help address urgent needs of refugees, internally displaced persons, and conflict-affected communities impacted by Russia's brutal war against the Ukrainian people. This support entails food assistance, health services, shelter, and water, sanitation, and hygiene services for millions of vulnerable Ukrainians inside the country and in the region. The assistance also includes support for comprehensive protection activities, including case management and psychosocial support services, as well as agriculture and livelihoods assistance to enable families to restore income and meet their basic needs. Vice President Harris is also announcing that, working with Congress, the State Department plans to provide an additional $300 million in Ukrainian civilian security assistance to support lifesaving equipment for Ukrainian border guards and law enforcement. This support will help them safely operate on the front lines of the war to defend Ukraine's territory, rescue civilians targeted by the Kremlin's attacks, protect critical infrastructure, and investigate the over 120,000 registered cases of war crimes and other atrocities. These funds come as part of a larger foreign aid package spearheaded by President Biden to support the people of Ukraine as the Russian Federation continues its attacks against civilians and critical infrastructure that have killed nearly 11,000 people and displaced millions more, cutting them off from electricity, heat, water, and other essential utilities. Despite this, Ukrainians persist in pushing back against Putin's brutal invasion both on and off the battlefield. Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, the United States has devoted more than $3.2 billion in humanitarian assistance funding and nearly $1.5 billion to help the recovery of the energy sector, enable clean and reliable energy, and strengthen transparency in the sector. # # # NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Apple held its developer conference this week and introduced the upcoming iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 that will seed in their final versions in the fall. Apple users will be able to move icons freely around an iOS homescreen, but the biggest story was Apple Intelligence, available for devices powered by the A17 and all M series chips. It's all about personalized AI tools that help with your daily tasks - things like prioritizing notifications. There are also writing tools, available in all apps, for rewriting (with multiple versions), proofreading, or summarizing text. The Mail app also gets Smart Reply suggestions, and the ability to surface priority emails at the top of your Inbox. Apple was keen to point out its AI is "grounded in your personal information and context" and it can reference what you're looking at on your screen. But with Apple AI comes "powerful privacy", thanks to on-device processing - this means the AI is aware of your personal data but not collecting your data. Apple's AI also lets you create images, fitting for your conversations based on your friends' profile pictures. Sketch, illustration, and animation are the three styles in which you can create images using Apple's Image Playground, which is built into many native apps but also available as a standalone tool. Every image is created on the device. A big leap forward is coming to Siri, which was definitely in dire need of one. The assistant has a new look, and it promises to understand more natural language. Siri also remembers the context of your conversation, and you can now type to it. You can ask it questions about iOS features too. Apple's rumored deal with OpenAI is real too, so now you get ChatGPT in iOS 18, which you can access through Siri. ChatGPT is also integrated into the systemwide writing tools. All currently supported iPhones will get iOS 18, but most will miss on AI That means that if your phone is running iOS 17, you can update it to iOS 18. You might not get all the features, though. HTC is back with another phone announcement. The HTC U24 Pro comes with a 6.8-inch 1080x2436 OLED touchscreen with 120 Hz refresh rate and an unknown type of Gorilla Glass on top, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 SoC at the helm, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of expandable storage. It runs Android 14 and has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. It has a 50 MP main camera with OIS and f/1.88 aperture, an 8 MP f/2.2 ultrawide, a 50 MP f/2 2x optical zoom telephoto, and a 50 MP f/2.45 front-facing camera with autofocus. The U24 Pro is priced at 564 in the EU, which doesn't make it an easy sell for sure considering all the competition from various Chinese brands in the space. An image of the Nothing CMF Phone 1 surfaced, showcasing a phone in CMF's signature color. The device is now rumored to cost INR 19,999 in India for the base model with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Keep in mind that this is the "box price", which means deals and discounts are likely to take it down to INR 17,000 to INR 18,000. That would make it an interesting proposition for that market, considering the fact that it should come with the Dimensity 7300 SoC, Android 14 on board from day one, and support for 33W fast wired charging. Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S24 FE will use the exact same main camera as the Galaxy S24, S23, and S23 FE, a new report claims. It will have 50 MP resolution and a 1/1.57" sensor size with 1.0m pixels. Meanwhile, the Xiaomi 15 Pro will bring a 50 MP main camera with a 1"-type OmniVision sensor - OV50K - a notable improvement over the OVX9000 inside the 14 Pro. The OV50K variation is not yet officially launched by the US-Taiwanese imaging company, but it should succeed the already impressive OV50H we've seen in the Honor Magic6 Pro, vivo iQOO 12 series and Motorola Edge 50 Ultra. The telephoto shooter will be powered by Sony IMX882, which is a step forward from the dated Samsung ISOCELL JN1. The 1/1.95" Sony imager is considerably bigger than the 1/2.76" Samsung sensor. Samsung Galaxy S24 FE camera details leak It is rumored to arrive towards the end of the year. vivo X Fold3 Pro first impressions We got our hands on vivo's first foldable to launch in international markets. Attorney General Douglas Moylan is asking the Supreme Court of Guam to rehear the case on its role after justices issued a declaratory judgment on May 31. In their judgment, the justices said the Office of the Attorney General may not take information gained while advising government officials and then turn around and prosecute those same officials. They also said that the AG may not completely withdraw from legal representation of any executive branch agency. Justices also said Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero may appoint attorneys to represent government agencies when the attorney general has refused to act, is incapable of acting, or is unavailable. That includes the temporary withdrawal from representing 22 agencies under active investigation by the AGs office, including the governors office. Parties had 14 days after the issuing of the judgment to file a petition to rehear the case. The AG filed his offices petition on June 14. In its Friday petition, the AGs office said particular points of law were overlooked, clarification of which would facilitate proper function of the government of Guam in the future. The expedited nature of the proceeding risks potential oversights that can be mitigated through rehearing such would allow for a refined opinion which greatly impacts the elected, Organic Act Office of the Attorney General and its dual function as chief legal officer and public prosecutor, the AGs office petition states. The AGs office argues in its petition that Guam law limits confidential communications between agencies and their attorneys. The Guam Legislature adopted legislation providing that formation of public policy and decisions is public, and not secret, the AGs office argues. To qualify as privileged, a communication between an agency and its attorney must meet several requirements. The AGs office also argues that confidential communication by the government cannot exist without written approval of the agency attorney, often the attorney general. In such context, the attorney general is a holder of the right to the privilege. Therefore, the attorney general may waive the attorney-client privilege of a government organization when such waiver is necessary for the enforcement of the laws of Guam, the preservation of order, and the protection of public rights and interests, the petition states. The AGs office also argues that communications to its office evidencing impropriety are not confidential and must be reported to the attorney general. The attorney general is the chief legal officer and public prosecutor of Guam and represents the interests of Guam, of its people, generally, the petition states. If an assistant attorney general working with a Guam agency official learns through conversation that a particular contract was given priority due to a previously undisclosed financial relationship with the official, then the attorney is duty bound to report it to the attorney general or other law enforcement, the petition states. In its petition, the AG's office also argues that the Organic Act doesnt authorize the governor to appoint an attorney with the powers of the attorney general. It argues that such an appointment violates the separations of powers. Nothing at law authorizes the governor to delegate the powers and duties of the attorney general to an independent attorney. Such a power is ultra vires and is solely within the Guam Legislatures province, the AG's office petition states. Rulings The court rulings run contrary to legal arguments that AG Moylan put forward, namely that communications with individual government officials are not protected by attorney-client privilege, because the AGs office does not represent individuals, but agencies. Justices found that while the AG does have an attorney-client relationship with the agencies, as an inanimate entity, an agency must act through its agents as it cannot speak directly to its lawyers. When an attorney from the AGs office advises a person in their official government capacity, the communication is confidential, justices said. The AG must not use information relating to the AGs representation of an agency to the disadvantage of the agencyincluding prosecutions of government officials, the declaratory judgment stated. If such information is confidential or privileged, the agencyand not the AGmust make the decision whether to disclose it," it added. Moylan argued before the court that case law is unclear on how his office is supposed to balance the duty to both prosecute government corruption and represent agencies, where a divided loyalty was present. There was no inherent conflict in that dual role, justices found. However, a conflict of interest could arise for the AG or individual attorneys at the AGs office prosecuting a case, and those matters should be decided on a case-by-case basis. The Superior Court of Guam has already disqualified the AG from prosecuting alleged government corruption in one case, against former Guam Regional Transit Authority board chairman Alejo Sablan. Supreme Court justices did find that the AG must make reasonable efforts to ensure that the lawyers under his direct supervisory authority conform to the Guam Rules of Professional Conduct, which govern ethical behavior. Whether that is recusing from a prosecution, erecting conflict walls, or appointing a special assistant attorney general is within his discretion, justices found. Faced with such a conflict, the AG cannot simply choose to do nothing, the judgment stated. A 53-year-old man was charged in a gun threat incident in Inalahan on June 10, according to a magistrate's complaint filed in the Superior Court of Guam. Glenn Aguon Meno was charged with two counts of terrorizing and two counts of family violence with special allegations of possession and use of a deadly weapon in the commission of a felony as third-degree felonies, the complaint states. Police responded to a house in Inalahan on June 10 to a disturbance. They met a woman who said Meno was yelling outside her house accusing her family of stealing his property. Meno is known to the woman. The woman said she saw Meno touching her personal belongings and she told him to leave because he was trespassing. Meno then yelled that he was going to smash her face, the complaint states. The woman's son then confronted Meno, who then walked to his truck and retrieved a long rifle, the complaint states. Meno fired four shots in the air and the woman, her son and other family members ran inside and hid in a bedroom, documents state. She heard Meno call his kids to the house and then heard things being thrown inside the house followed by three gunshots. People outside were yelling for the people in the house to "get the (expletive) out of the house." The woman said she feared for herself and her family's safety when shots were fired. The woman's son confirmed the statement and added he was scared that they were all going to get shot, the complaint states. Another woman who lives in the house with her infant said she heard commotion outside of the house. She saw Meno look in from outside the window and heard him yell for all of them to get out of the house. He threw a brown plastic object that was part of a playhouse into the house, documents state. The woman blocked the object with her arm to protect her baby and when she yelled Meno pointed his rifle at the window towards them and she ran into another bedroom where other family members were hiding, the complaint states. While she was there, she heard things being thrown around and heard several gunshots outside of the house. Police interviewed Meno two days after the incident and he told them that he and the family staying at the house had a dispute. He believed someone living in the house had stolen some parts and went to the house. The woman told Meno to not touch their property and an argument ensued and someone had thrown an object at him. Meno admitted he was in possession of a firearm, and he said it was dark and he was alone, so he retrieved his rifle from his vehicle, loaded it, and chambered a round, the complaint states. He admitted to calling his children to come to the residence to his aid and he didn't intend to shoot anyone and claimed he never fired a shot, documents state. A new, temporary home for Simon Sanchez High School could be opened by December, putting an end to the double sessions at John F. Kennedy High School that were prompted by severe damage to Sanchez by Typhoon Mawar last May. A public hearing was held Friday on Bill 313-37, by Sens. Joe San Agustin and Roy Quinata, to use about 15 acres of Guam Housing Corporation property just down the street from the existing Sanchez high school for a new temporary campus. Sanchez students have been clamoring for an end to the double sessions at JFK. They voiced their concerns with loud chants during an emotional town hall meeting at the JFK campus on May 1, and most recently on May 30 during graduation ceremonies. Sanchez students have actually been complaining for years about the need to replace the more than 50-year-old school. But various funding and environmental hurdles have delayed the long-promised construction of a new Sanchez High school for more than a decade. According to Bill 313-37, the property is the best location for temporary classrooms and administrative offices for a temporary Simon Sanchez High School while the permanent Simon Sanchez High School is being constructed. Lot 10119-12-R2 Municipality of Dededo is in very close vicinity to the existing Simon Sanchez High School. Officials testified at the hearing that the Guam Department of Education and the Guam Housing Corporation have been in discussions, but a proposed memorandum of agreement has not yet been drafted. The estimated total cost for the temporary school to house some 1,600 students is $25 million. GDOE Superintendent Erik Swanson said fabrication and installation of the temporary classrooms is estimated at $17 million, and infrastructure will cost another $8 million. Swanson said they plan to still use the cafeteria, gym, and a few classrooms at the existing Sanchez high school. GDOE has been seeking funding from FEMA, the conversations we had with FEMA is that this project is within the range of the 90% FEMA reimbursable, Swanson said. However, FEMA still must review and approve the project. Swanson estimates that once the civil work is done the fabrication and installation of the modular-type classrooms will take about two to three months. Officials have discussed that the temporary classrooms will be turned over to GHC once the permanent Sanchez high school is completed. The ultimate use by GHC still needs to be determined. Swanson said he estimates construction of a new permanent Sanchez high school could take another three to four years. Del. James Moylans proposals to authorize the president to award the highest U.S. military award, the Medal of Honor, to three sons of the Marianas for their heroism during the Vietnam War six decades ago, moved a bit closer to reality on June 14. But the process is far from over. This still includes a discussion in the House-Senate conference, and the White House. Moylans proposals seek a Medal of Honor for retired Army Sgt. Maj. Juan Ogo Blaz, retired Army Command Sgt. Maj. Martin Manglona, and retired Army Spc4 Joseph Meno Perez, now deceased. Perez, Manglona and Blaz each received the Distinguished Service Cross, which is the U.S. Armys second highest award, for their acts of bravery during the Vietnam War in the 1960s. Others who showed similar acts of valor such as Perezs selfless act of seizing an enemy grenade and used his body to shield his fellow soldiers from the blast were given the Medal of Honor, but not Perez or anyone from Guam or the Marianas, because of their ethnic background. Moylans Medal of Honor proposals for the three men came in the form of three amendments to the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, which passed the House of Representatives on Friday. The NDAA, which seeks to authorize $895 billion in defense spending, passed the House by a vote of 217-199, with six Democrats in support and three Republicans voting against it. But thats just the Republican-led House proposal. Its got partisan riders pushed by Republicans, including hot-button issues such as abortion access for service members, setting the stage for a likely showdown with the Democratic-controlled Senate. The Senate Armed Services Committee also on June 14 cleared its version of the 2025 NDAA, which does not have the Medal of Honor proposal, and is now headed to the Senate floor. Moylan, however, celebrates the House passage of the NDAA with his amendments intact. This is certainly historic in nature, and I thank my colleagues for their support, Moylan said in a statement. The NDAA still must go through a process, which includes a discussion in the House-Senate conference, and of course eventually to the White House. ...the fact that we are one huge step further from fixing this long-awaited injustice, is something I am very ecstatic about. We will continue to advocate to ensure all amendments we successfully submitted remain in the final bill, Moylan said. The Guam delegate said the process of getting a direct authorization for the Medal of Honor through the NDAA is not common, as it requires waivers. This is why Moylans efforts in 2023 were ruled out of order, he said. However, we shared our story with various offices we have built relationships with over the years, particularly with the injustice these veterans faced, received support from leadership, and we are glad we are at this phase, Moylan said. The work is far from over, and we are committed in continuing the fight until CSM Manglona, SGM Blaz, and SPC4 Perez are recognized with the highest of distinctions in the U.S. military. Shortly after the last of the amendments were voted on, the House successfully passed the NDAA, which included many other victories for Guam, Moylan said. The delegates office said it will provide these details in the coming days. During the Vietnam War, Blaz made five solo charges to save his fellow soldiers when they came to the aid of 15 others from a different platoon who stumbled upon a base camp with 500 to 800 enemies. Manglona, during the Vietnam War, spotted something in the Vietnamese jungle and realized it was an AK-47 hanging in a tree. By the time the fight ended, more than half of his men were dead but everyone could have died without his heroic actions that day. Perez, who seized the enemy grenade and used his body as a shield for his fellow soldiers, survived the May 26, 1967 explosion but suffered dismemberment. He passed away in 2006 without consideration to receive the Medal of Honor. There are so many to thank in this endeavor for not only supporting the efforts, but also providing historical data, and valuable input. This includes former Congressman Robert Underwood, U.S. Marine Col. Danny Santos Jr., and U.S. Air Force CMS Bill Cundiff, Moylan said. I also appreciate the supportive letter led by Vice Speaker Tina Muna Barnes and several senators of the 37th Guam Legislature, along with letters from various veterans organizations. Haiti - FLASH : Attack by the Ti-Bwadom Gang in Artibonite at least 11 dead On the evening of Friday June 14, 2024, heavily armed members of the "Ti-Bwadom" Gang operating in Bassin-Bleu, attacked the commune of Terre-Neuve and Lagon (3rd municipal section), with the aim of seizing the territory , sowing destruction, death and terror around them. In Terre Neuve these individuals took a school principal hostage who they subsequently executed and killed 6 other citizens. In Lagon, the population tried in vain to resist, 5 courageous citizens fell under murderous bullets. The bandits then paraded on motorcycles from Terre Neuve to Lagon, terrorizing the population with their weapons and burning several houses, according to Joanel Raymond, the interim mayor of the Municipal Commission who recalls that the police station only includes 2 police officers who work alternately. On Saturday, agents from the Departmental Law Enforcement Unit assigned to Gonaives attempted to regain control of the situation. Reacting to this new outbreak of indiscriminate violence, the Democratic and Popular Sector (SDP) "condemns with all its strength the criminal attack of these murderous bandits from the 'Ti-Bwadom' base against the population of Newfoundland in the department of Artibonite where around 10 people lost their lives and many houses were burned. The SDP expresses its sympathy to the population of Artibonite. [...] These actions show once again the need for the international force to come to the country to help the PNH destroy all the gangs [...]" PI/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Politic : There is no time to lose says the Minister of Agriculture Raphael Hosty, the Minister of Public Works, this week installed the new Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development, the agricultural engineer, Vernet Joseph... In his appropriate intervention, after the usual thanks, he presented the three main areas of intervention which will guide his roadmap, recalling "there is no time to lose; every second is counted." 1 - Agricultural infrastructure and the development of watersheds, aimed firstly at the control and valorization of water in the plains and in the mountains, the protection and conservation of biodiversity and the promotion of climate-smart production systems; 2 - The development of plant, animal and fishing production, including a set of direct supports for increasing production in the different sectors; 3 - Agricultural governance, creating a favorable environment for investment and institutional strengthening for the improvement of agricultural public services and their greater efficiency. Several priorities will arise from these axes, indicated the Minister, mentioning among others : The recovery of inoperative agricultural areas for various reasons; The extension of support programs for planters for the next agricultural seasons; Restoration of hydro-agricultural systems into working order; Improving fishing efforts to reduce our food imports; Supervision of agricultural production and processing companies; The establishment of a support program for producers for the next 18 months; Support for egg and broiler production units. Minister Joseph recognizes that the task is immense and says he is aware that the administration in place is inheriting a calamitous situation. He is counting on participation, multi-stakeholder involvement including other national institutions, technical and financial partners, the private sector, peasant production organizations, the University, the press and grassroots community organizations to produce conclusive results. "It is certain that the effort to develop productive and positive partnerships will permeate all of our strategies. As such, I continue to believe that we can move in the right direction. It is enough that we combine our efforts, that we pool our energies and our resources, that we are realistic and pragmatic in our choices and success will be within our reach." Learn more about Vernet Joseph : Vernet Joseph has in-depth knowledge of the Ministry of Agriculture, acquired through his previous roles as an agricultural engineer and natural resources expert within the institution. He has extensive experience in public administration, notably as Secretary of State for Agricultural Recovery under President Martelly, and served as chief of staff at the Ministry of the Environment. HL/ TB/ HaitiLibre The recent European parliamentary elections were covered in an article by The Guardian on June 11. Here is a selection of what the international press has published about Finland in the last week: The article focuses on the surprising surge in support for left-leaning and Green parties in Nordic countries, specifically Finland, Sweden, and Denmark. This development contrasts with the increasing popularity of rightwing parties in larger European nations like France and Germany. In Finland, the ruling liberal-conservative party remained the largest, but the Left Alliance saw a significant increase, going from one seat to three in the European Parliament. This surge was unexpected and highlighted by the exceptional performance of Li Andersson, the Left Alliance leader, who received a record number of votes. The far-right Finns party, part of Finland's ruling coalition, lost one of their seats. The article sheds lights on the Finlands political landscape, which has been marked by the presence of both liberal-conservative and far-right parties. However, the recent elections saw the Left Alliance making significant gains, reflecting a shift in voter sentiment. This party, led by the charismatic Li Andersson, managed to capture a larger portion of the vote, indicating growing support for their progressive platform. The Finns party, known for its far-right stance, is part of the ruling coalition but experienced a decline in the European elections. The article points it out as a result of possible fatigue or dissatisfaction among voters with their performance in government. Original story was published by The Guardian on 11.06.2024 and can be found here. Free contraception helps Finland reduce teenage abortions by 66% This article about the reduction in teenage abortions in Finland by 66% was published in Reuters on June 3. The article underscores Finlands proactive measures in sexual health education and contraception access. Between 2000 and 2023, the number of teenage abortions in Finland fell by 66%, as per a report by THL, a reduction attributed to the provision of free contraception and compulsory sex education in schools In response to a rise in teenage abortions during the 1990s, Finland made morning-after pills available without prescription from age 15 and mandated sexual education in all schools at the start of the 2000s. The statistics showed a drop from 2,144 abortions among teenagers under 20 in 2000 to 722 in 2023, with an even more significant 78% decrease among those under 18. The decline was further supported by the introduction of free contraception in many welfare regions during the latter half of the 2010s. In 2022, Finland liberalized its abortion laws, allowing abortions on request during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy without needing to provide a reason. This change came into effect in September 2023. While the overall number of abortions among Finnish women of all ages saw only a modest decline over the past two decades, there was a slight increase of 2.9% from 2022 to 2023. Original story was published by Reuters on 03.06.2024 and can be found here. Finland beefs up artillery capability for coastal defense Finlands efforts to enhance its coastal defense capabilities with the planned acquisition of over a dozen self-propelled artillery systems, was covered in an article by Defense News on June 4. The article explores the operational readiness by The Finnish Navys Coastal and its focus on mine warfare and maritime combat service support. The Finnish Logistics Command announced a tender for up to 20 artillery systems, aiming to create a mobile artillery capability dedicated to coastal defense to engage vessels and hostile forces in Finnish territorial waters, including the archipelago. These artillery systems must have high mobility and compatibility with NATOs Joint Ballistics Memorandum of Understanding. An option for acquiring six additional systems between 2029-2031 is also included. This move follows Swedens recent procurement call for anti-aircraft guns to intercept drones and helicopters on its Combat Boat 90. These initiatives by Nordic countries are a response to growing concerns over Russias activities in the Baltic Sea region, particularly its intentions to expand sea borders around its islands in the Gulf of Finland and around Kaliningrad, which could lead to territorial disputes with NATO countries. Original story was published by Defense News on 04.06.2024 and can be found here. Finland offers vaccination against bird flu to those working with poultry, or on fur farms Finland becoming the first EU country to vaccinate against the H5N1 avian flu, which is currently spreading among U.S. cattle, was covered in an article by Euronews on June 7. Finland will use the Sequirus vaccine, procured at the EU level. The article gives details of the initiative, aiming to preemptively protect those working with poultry and on fur farms. The initiative is led by Finlands Infectious Diseases Control and Vaccines Unit under the Institute for Health and Welfare. In 2023, avian flu was widespread in birds and outbreaks occurred among farmed foxes, minks, and raccoons in Finland. Professor Ian Brown from the OFFLU network highlighted that while H5N1 does not easily infect humans, its presence in mammals could pose a greater transmission risk. This year has been more calm, but we know from the US that the virus is still around, so we want to protect those who are working with animals that might be affected, Hanna Nohynek, Finlands chief physician with the Infectious Diseases Control and Vaccines Unit in the Institute for Health and Welfare said. The Finnish Food Authority has instructed farms to enhance biosecurity measures, and the Finnish National Immunisation Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) has endorsed vaccination for workers in high-risk environments. Despite a calmer situation this year, precautionary measures remain due to the viruss persistence. The European Commissions Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) has prioritized avian flu, supporting the development of medical countermeasures, including vaccines. This marks the first deployment of the H5N1 vaccine. Meanwhile, the Lancet editorial criticized the US Department of Agriculture for its slow response to the H5N1 outbreak, calling for urgent actions including improved testing, surveillance, and reporting, and the development and stockpiling of human vaccines. Original story was published by Euronews on 07.06.2024 and can be found here. Court summons Mandago in Sh1b Finland education scandal The summoning of Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago and two others, Meshack Rono and Joshua Lelei, to the Nakuru Law Courts over the Sh1.1 billion Finland education programme scandal, was covered in an article by The Standard on June 13. The article provides details of the scandal on the alleged theft of Sh1.1 billion from a KCB Bank account in Eldoret, funds designated for the countys education overseas university fees. Only Rono and Lelei appeared before Senior Principal Magistrate Peter Ndege, while Mandago was absent. The scandal involves allegations of conspiracy to steal, abuse of office, and forgery related to an education programme purportedly meant to fund overseas university fees for students. Mandago is accused of abusing his office by entering into agreements with universities in Finland and Canada without county assembly approval. Rono and Lelei are specifically charged with stealing Sh56.5 million from the same bank branch. The accused were Initially scheduled to appear in court on July 1 for a four-day trial. However, they received a notice from the prosecution, dated June 3, to appear on Wednesday. The prosecution, led by David Okach, was instructed to make an application, but no further instructions were provided by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP). Consequently, Okach requested an adjournment until July 1. Original story was published by The Standard on 13.06.2024 and can be found here. HT Edwards's constituent service office on wheels coming to Historic Courthouse Tuesday The Carolina Cruiser, U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards's constituent service office on wheels, will be at the Henderson County Historic Courthouse from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 18. "My staff and I will be parked outside with the Carolina Cruiser ready to meet with constituents and assist with casework," Edwards said in a newsletter announcement. "I hope you can stop by to share your thoughts on issues that matter to you or ask for assistance with federal agencies." AN aspiring comedian who has been undergoing cancer treatment for three years says he went to hell and back to meet his favourite stand-up. Lewis Goodall, 25, from Nettlebed, was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2020 and has undergone four operations to remove the disease, which spread to his stomach, lungs and heart. He was being treated at St Bartholomews Hospital in London on the day he was due to meet Fern Brady and feared he would not be able to make it. But thanks to the efforts of staff and members of his family, Mr Goodall was able to attend the HLTH is WLTH comedy gala at Henley Rugby Club to ask the comedian to sign a copy of her autobiography. Mr Goodall, who is also autistic and has heightened sense to sounds, went outside for some air when he bumped into Ms Brady. I was genuinely starstruck, he said. Autism affects people in different ways but it makes me quite sensitive to sound and it was a lot louder in there than I had expected. The speakers were facing in my direction and I was distracted a lot of the time but I kept thinking, This will be all worth it when I get to meet Fern. I was trying to pull myself together when I ran into her and it made me forget all about it in that brief moment when she signed the book for me. When she asked me what to write, I said, Write whatever comes to mind and when I read it afterwards she had said she was really glad to have met me because she had heard about my story and thanked me for making it there. She wished for me to get better soon. It was exactly what I was hoping for and more. Mr Goodall thanked the health practitioners who helped make his dream become a reality. He said: All the doctors and nurses knew that I wanted to see her that day, even though I was having treatment done, and they kept encouraging me to see it through so I could make it. It was more difficult than I realised going to the gig because I was feeling a bit uneasy and tired, so I basically went to hell and back that day to meet her. Im glad I did. Mr Goodall said he had hit rock bottom when he was given his cancer diagnosis. He said: In a moment like that you panic and dont really know what to do. I was at my lowest point. I remember it as clear as day, when they told me I nearly fainted and felt so lightheaded. I didnt know what to do, I was inconsolable. It was a really dark time in my life because I didnt think cancer could affect people like me. It made me realise and re-evaluate everything that was important to me and one day it suddenly hit me that if I was going to survive this then what was I going to live for? I realised I love to make people laugh and smile and it made me think of my favourite comedians, such as Fern, and if they could do it for a living, then why couldnt I? I was so down and very sad but people like Fern enabled me to laugh again. Mr Goodall performed for doctors and nurses at Barts. It was a lot of fun, he said. I was having a blood transfusion at the time and halfway through my set the machine that I was connected to suddenly started bleeping, which was its way of saying it was nearly done, but I wasnt expecting that to happen. I stopped doing my set, looked at the machine and said, Ive never been heckled by a machine before and everyone was hysterical. Mr Goodall has undergone intensive chemotherapy since his diagnosis at Barts and the Churchill Hospital in Oxford. He said: Its hard to explain but recovering from the treatment isnt the hardest part, its the fact I cant go anywhere. I live in the countryside and cant do things I enjoy like walking, so knowing I cant leave the ward, just staring at four walls, can be draining. His operations included one to remove one of my boys, as Mr Goodall puts it, due to a tumour, which took 13 hours, and two lung operations. He said: I have had surgery not just down there, but on both sides of my back which have left me with scars, as well as the one from my heart surgery, where they put a plastic clip around one of my ventricles. Funnily enough, they say the valve will live longer than I will, which is a strange prize. Im trying to get comfortable with my body because for months after my operation, I didnt know I had scars and didnt have the courage to look. Mr Goodall feared he would die when he suffered a blood clot in his leg but then found the funny side. He said: I was enduring the worst pain you could ever imagine and I panicked and said, Well, thats it, Im going to die here. I know it was a stupid thing to say but it made me realise how comedy can get you through it all. Mr Goodall, who studied at the Berkshire College of Agriculture, is being supported by his parents, George, 52, a painter and decorator and Joanne, 56, who works for Tesco. He said: My parents have been with me every step of the way but, despite that, there have been moments where it does get on top of me and I do feel quite lonely. One thing that does keep me down a lot of the time is thinking about my ex-girlfriend, Marci. I have been single now for seven years after we broke up before I left college. I want to find a new girlfriend and look for love again. After the pandemic and the diagnosis and being in hospital, even though I want to start dating again, Im in no position to do so. All throughout my illness, people have been supporting me but I wish there was one special lady to reassure me and get me through it. Mr Goodall praised Ms Brady, saying she encouraged him to continue pursuing his dream and not let his illness stop him. He added: Fern is my favourite because she is relatable. A lot of comedians talk about subjects which you have experienced and can relate to but whenever she talks about things on stage it makes me so immensely happy and I realise that its not necessarily easy doing what Im doing. Fern has made me feel a lot better about my illness, even the impossible. After meeting her it made me feel like I could do anything, which is pursuing my dream of being a comedian. Paytm is in talks with Zomato to sell its movie and events ticketing business, according to people familiar with the matter, as the beleaguered fintech company carves a revival strategy as sales weaken, Bloomberg reported. The interface of payments app Paytm is seen in front of its logo displayed in this illustration picture (Reuters) The discussions are in advanced stages with no final decision made so far, the people told Bloomberg, adding that there are other suitors also for the business. Also Read | Zomato appeals amid heatwave: Don't order in peak afternoon; food delivery executives react Paytm, run by billionaire founder-CEO Vijay Shekhar Sharma, last month reported its first sales decline on record, and vowed to trim non-core assets, according to the report. It also warned of job cuts from regulatory action on Paytm Payments Bank that curtailed much of the business and forced it to forge new partnerships with lenders, the report read. Paytm does not control the bank but relied on it for digital wallets and payments traffic before the central banks move earlier this year. Also Read | Zomato is more confident than ever about Blinkit's success. Proof: 300 crore fresh capital Paytm, which doesn't disclose standalone numbers for its movie and events ticketing business, reported total annual sales of 1,740 crore in the financial year 2023-24 in its marketing services business, which includes movie and events as well as credit card marketing and gift vouchers, according to Bloomberg. The sale, if successful, will allow Paytm to sharpen its focus on travel, deals and cash backs - businesses that are important to broaden its merchant base and grow its own sales, according to the report. The purchase could help Zomato to expand its digital business into a new high-growth area, Bloomberg wrote. Also Read | Blinkit warehouse raid in Hyderabad: Expired food, infested flour and daal found Religious tourism is expected to generate a revenue of 5,900 crore by 2028, creating 140 million temporary and permanent jobs by 2030, according to a Financial Express report. The illuminated Ram Mandir premises after its consecration ceremony, in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India on January 22. (PTI) Daniel Dsouza, president & country head, holidays, SOTC Travel, told Financial Expess that they have seen 5 times year-on-year demand increase for pilgrimage tours to Ayodhya and other places associated with the life and times of Lord Ram. We have witnessed regional Indias tier 2 and 3 cities emerge strongly and these high growth markets are driving demand for our Ramayana trails portfolio, he said. Also Read | Visiting Hawaii's famous beaches? Here are tips to prevent theft during your vacation Ayodhya, which now has 24 daily flights has witnessed massive tourist influx, Prakhar Mishra, director of tourism, Uttar Pradesh, told Financial Express. Similarly, At Varanasis Kashi Vishwanath Temple, donations in March broke all records with contributions amounting to 11.14 crore, the highest for any single month, Mishra added. This year in March, Varanasi saw a record-breaking influx of 9.56 million pilgrims, the article read. An average spend per person at any pilgrim location has been around 2,500, which is likely to surge even more, Giresh Vasudev Kulkarni, founder of Temple Connect, a platform which provides information on darshans, told Financial Express. Also Read | Uttarakhand: 14 tourists killed as tempo traveller from Noida falls into Alaknanda river in Rudraprayag | 10 updates Thomas Cook (India) sees a growing interest from younger travellers, millennials and Gen Zs, for whom they have launched pilgrimage plus tours coupled with darshans, local experiences such as cuisine trails and outdoor adventures such as river rafting/ bungee jumping, besides a guide-cum-story teller and satvik food, according to the article. Searches for destinations with or around religious spots growing 97% in the last two years (2023 vs 2021), data from the India Travel Trends Report by MakeMyTrip showed. Searches for Ayodhya grew by 585%, Ujjain by 359%, Badrinath by 343% in 2023, Amarnath by 329%, Kedarnath by 322%, Mathura by 223%, Dwarkadhish by 193%, Shirdi by 181%, Haridwar by 117%, and Bodh Gaya by 114%.compared with 2022, according to the report. Also Read | Singapore travel alert: Sentosas Tanjong, Palawan, Siloso beaches closed after oil spill This is also true for NRIs. A lot of NRIs like to visit Char Dham from the US and the UK in charters, Santosh Sharma, founder of BookMyJet, and co-founder & CEO of Foresee Aviation which offers private air charters, told Financial Express. Places in demand are Varanasi, Ujjain and Hampi. The Char Dham yatra in Haridwar and Rishikesh have already seen 1.4 million visits, with average registrations a week crossing 25,000, according to the article. Union minister for petroleum and natural gas Hardeep Singh Puri slammed the Karnataka government for the recent hike in petrol and diesel prices by 3 in the state. He compared the fuel prices in Karnataka with those in other BJP-ruled states and claimed that the prices are lower in BJP-ruled states. Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri slams Karnataka govt for hiking fuel prices. Also Read - To fund public transport: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah defends fuel price hike In an X post, the union minister said, After this decision, people of Karnataka would be forced to pay higher amounts for food items, clothing, medicines and all items of necessities as fuel prices directly impact prices of all goods. Just after elections have been concluded , such a decision exposes the hypocrisy of the Congress, which talks about lehenga but levies approximately 8litre- 12/litre additional VAT compared with BJP-ruled states. He also claimed that petrol in Karnataka is now more expensive than in Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, where BJP is in power. With this hike, petrol in Karnataka is now 8.21/litre more expensive than both BJP-run governments in UP and Gujarat. The price gap is even more staggering if Karnataka is compared with BJP-governed Arunachal Pradesh, where the party has strongly returned to power. The petrol prices in Karnataka are over 12/litre higher than in Arunachal. The price gap for diesel is 8.59/litre between the two states, with Arunachal being much less expensive, he added. Meanwhile, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said that the fuel price in Karnataka is less than in many states like Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. The Government of Karnataka has increased VAT on petrol to 29.84% and on diesel to 18.44%. Even after this hike, our states taxes on fuel remain lower than most South Indian states and similar economy-sized states like Maharashtra, Siddaramaiah said on Monday. In Karnataka, petrol has surged by 3, bringing the rate in Bengaluru to 102.84 per litre, up from the previous rate of 99.84. The price of diesel has increased by 3.02, raising the cost per litre from 85.93 to 88.95 Local police on Sunday arrested at least 6 individuals and recovered a total haul of 1 kg heroin during a cordon and search operation in the Shimlapuri area of the city. Police teams during a surprise checks in Shimlapuri area of Ludhiana on Sunday. (HT Photo) A team led by joint commissioner of police (DCP) Jaskiranjit Singh Teja cordoned off a pocket of the Shimlapuri area, which is known as a hot-spot for drugs and initiated a search operation. The police teams conducted checks at over 100 houses. Bike impounded, drug money seized The DCP said that during the check, the police teams scanned at least 28 suspects. The police arrested six accused of possessing drugs and registered three separate cases against them. The police have recovered 1.033 kg heroin, one bike and 36,000 drug money from their possession. The DCP added that the police also conducted checks at the houses of people who were facing serious charges. The police searched the houses of the accused who are facing trials in drug peddling cases, officials said. The DCP added that raids were a surprise for the people involved in criminal activities. Such raids will continue in other parts of the city, he said. Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal said on Sunday that the residents of villages located on the banks of the Sutlej River should protect the water body. He was addressing an event to mark the martyrdom day of Sikh guru Arjan Dev at Khasi Kala village of the district. Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal (HT Photo) He said that during the first phase of service at the Buddha Nullah, saplings were being planted to increase greenery around it. He said that the process of planting saplings will be accelerated during the rainy season. Paying tributes to the Sikh guru, Seechewal said that planting trees was important to get rid of the rising global warming. Referring to the effect of climate change, Seechewal said that 310 districts of the country have come under its effect, due to which agriculture was getting affected. These include nine districts of Punjab, eight of Himachal Pradesh and 11 districts of Haryana, he said. Citing a six-year-old report of the Central Ground Water Board, Seechewal said that by 2039, water in Punjab would go down to a depth of over 1,000 feet. Referring to the report of Fund War Nature, he said that the 30 cities of the country will face a water crisis by 2050, including Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar and Chandigarh. Gurdwara Dhakki Sahib chief sewadar Bhagat Singh took the responsibility of taking care of the saplings being planted on the banks of Buddha Nullah and said that ever since the campaign to clean the water body was launched, there has been some relief from the pollution. He appealed to the devotees to adopt plants on the banks of the river. Later, Seechewal checked the working of common effluence treatment plants on the Tajpur Road and shared the information with the chairperson of Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB). New Delhi, The Delhi Traffic Police has booked over 2.4 lakh violators for improper parking this year so far which is an increase of nearly 35 per cent as compared to the last year, officials said on Sunday. HT Image The traffic police has reported a significant surge in prosecutions related to improper parking violations in the current year, they said. The officials said this marked increase in enforcement is part of a broader initiative to improve traffic flow and ensure the safety of all road users within the city. Over the past several months, the Delhi Traffic Police has intensified its efforts to address the widespread issue of improper parking, which has been identified as a major contributor to traffic congestion and accidents. This crackdown has resulted in a noticeable increase in the number of challans issued for parking violations, they said. The police have deployed additional personnel to monitor instances of illegal parking more effectively. This measure has been instrumental in identifying and prosecuting offenders, leading to a more disciplined parking culture among motorists in the city, the officials said. "The statistics for the current year showed that police have booked 2,40,152 violators for improper parking, while the numbers were 1,77,800 in 2023. This marks an increase of nearly 35 per cent in prosecutions compared to the previous year," they stated. Furthermore, the Delhi Traffic Police have conducted a comprehensive analysis of the ten traffic circles, where the highest number of challans were issued in 2024 due to improper parking. This investigation has identified specific areas where these violations are most frequent. By pinpointing these locations, targeted enforcement measures can be implemented to improve adherence to traffic rules, the officials said. In addition to issuing challans, the Delhi Traffic Police has also been actively towing vehicles that are parked illegally, especially in areas that are prone to heavy traffic or are designated as no-parking zones. This immediate removal of improperly parked vehicles has helped in maintaining smoother traffic flow and reducing the risk of accidents, they said. The officials said that public awareness campaigns have been launched to educate the drivers about the importance of adhering to parking regulations and the potential consequences of violations, adding these campaigns aim to foster a greater sense of responsibility among drivers and encourage compliance with traffic laws. The Delhi Traffic Police is dedicated to ensuring the safety and convenience of all road users. The recent increase in prosecutions serves as a reminder for motorists to park responsibly and adhere to designated parking guidelines, they said. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. The ongoing water crisis in Delhi has sparked protests, vandalism, and heated political exchanges across the capital. On Sunday, unidentified individuals vandalised the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) office in Chhatarpur amid the severe water shortage, reported ANI. The footage shared by ANI showed shattered window pane and broken earthen pots at the DJB office. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) shared another video of the incident alleging that the vandals were BJP leaders and workers. In the video, a man was seen wearing the BJP's scarf. Delhi Jal Board office vandalised in Chhatarpur area (L), 'Matka Phod' protest against water shortage. See how BJP workers are breaking the office of Delhi Jal Board while shouting slogans of BJP Zindabad, AAP wrote on X. On one hand, the BJP government of Haryana is withholding Delhi's rightful share of water, while on the other hand, the BJP is damaging the property of the people of Delhi, it added. BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri said, It is natural. The people can do anything when they are angry. I am grateful to BJP workers who controlled those people...It is the government's and people's property. There is no benefit in damaging this property. Tensions also flared in the Dwarka district, where a dispute over access to water from a common tap resulted in three people being injured and hospitalised at Indira Gandhi Hospital. The Delhi Police confirmed that two PCR calls were made regarding the incident, and cross-cases have been registered based on statements from both parties. They clarified that there was no communal angle to the conflict and that an investigation is underway. BJP MP Harsh Malhotra accused the AAP government of corruption and mismanagement, claiming, Delhi government is receiving enough water for the public of Delhi. The shortage that we are facing today is because of their corruption, non-planning, and non-action. In response to the escalating crisis, Delhi water minister Atishi wrote to Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora, requesting the deployment of personnel to protect major water pipelines from potential sabotage. She said a recent incident involved deliberate damage to a key pipeline in South Delhi, exacerbating the water shortage. Read: Before blaming Haryana, Delhi should improve its water distribution system: Saini BJP MP from North East Delhi, Manoj Tiwari, who led a 'matka-phod' (earthen pot breaking) protest, said, "Every year water crisis happens... Who is Atishi cheating? These are lazy people, they neither have any work policy nor any intention, they just want to loot the treasury...I want to tell Atishi that there is a limit to lying...The people of Delhi will punish them," he said. Echoing these sentiments, Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva blamed the crisis on water theft, tanker mafias, and neglected infrastructure. He slammed the Delhi government for not having a summer action plan and for failing to address issues with the water supply system over the past decade. BJP MP Kamaljeet Sehrawat and other party workers held a Matka Phod protest in Delhi's Najafgarh. She also inspected a water pipeline in Dwarka and reported significant water wastage due to broken pipes. "Private water tankers are costing them a lot of money and they are unable to avail government tankers...," Sehrawat said, urging the Delhi government to address these infrastructural issues. Bansuri Swaraj, BJP MP from New Delhi, accused the AAP government of fabricating the crisis, saying, Delhi has an ample amount of water, and Haryana is discharging more water than the agreement. However, the AAP government in its one-decade-long governance brought Delhi Jal Board into 7,300 crore of loss...They made no repairs in Delhi Jal Board's infrastructure and 40 per cent of water gets wasted or stolen by illegal tanker mafias, backed by the AAP government. Kolkata: A North 24 Parganas district-based businessman, whose car was fired at from close range by two motorcycle-borne men on the busy B T Road on Saturday afternoon, claimed on Sunday that notorious Bihar-based criminal Subodh Singh called him at least seven times after the incident owning responsibility for the attack. Five bullet holes were found on the left side of Bengal-based businessman Ajay Mondals car on Saturday. (Representative Image) Ajay Mondal, the businessman, told the media that Singh, who has been accused in the past of running inter-state extortion and dacoity operations even when lodged in jail, called him five times on Saturday while he was giving his statement to the North 24 Parganas police. District police superintendent Alok Rajoria said on Saturday that police had gathered some information, but it could not be shared with the media in view of Mondals safety. Singh said he saved my life, and he would protect me if I cooperated with him. The attack, he said, was a warning because I was not taking his calls. He said if he wanted me dead then his men would have shot me 50 times inside my office, Mondal, who owns several two-wheeler showrooms and a real estate business, told local news channels on Sunday afternoon. Several police officers were in front of me when Singh made the WhatsApp calls from various numbers. He called me twice this morning as well. He mentioned the dates on which I met the police on earlier occasions. He tracks my whereabouts. To stay alive, I have to pay up, said Mondal, admitting that he had paid some extortionists in the past. On Saturday, Mondal scrambled out of his black Sedan and took shelter inside a temple till police arrived. As many as five bullet holes were found on the left side of the vehicle. The bystanders could not describe the attackers since they were wearing helmets. The two shooters could not be traced till Sunday afternoon. We are questioning some people for possible leads, a district police official said on condition of anonymity. The gangland-style operation triggered a political row on Sunday with the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party accusing the Trinamool Congress of shielding criminals. Whats happening in Bengal now is no different from what Mumbai witnessed when Dawood Ibrahim and Chhota Shakil used to run their gangs, said Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar. An effort is being made to malign Bengal. Police have arrested some criminals from Bihar who raided two jewellery shops a few days ago. Police are doing their duty, TMC state general secretary Kunal Ghosh said. Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet 21 farmers and hold a dialogue with 50,000 farmers in Mehandiganj area in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi on June 18. After taking oath as Prime minister for the third time, Modi will visit Kashi for the first time. The PM will release the 17th installment of Kisan Samman Nidhi before holding dialogue with the farmers . (HT FILE) According to a senior BJP leader, PM Modi will meet 21 farmers in person at the Kisan meet venue and will also have a look on the agricultural products produced by the farmers. He will release the 17th installment of Kisan Samman Nidhi before holding dialogue with the farmers . Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan will also address the farmers. Kashi region BJP president Dilip Patel said that PM Modi would be warmly welcomed and greeted with the slogan of Har Har Mahadev. The farmers from distant villages will reach the Kisan Sammelan by buses, tractors and four-wheelers, whereas the farmers from nearby areas will join the Kisan Sammelan by marching on foot with drums. MLC Ashwani Tyagi said that after taking oath as Prime Minister for the third consecutive time, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was coming to Kashi for the first time. Whenever Prime Minister Narendra Modi did any big work, he started it from Kashi. LUCKNOW: A 35-year-old woman hanged herself to death after killing her two children, aged around 4 and 2 years, in a village under Lalganj police station limits in Rae Bareli district on Sunday afternoon, confirmed senior police officials. They said that the woman took this drastic step following an argument with her husband over a petty issue. (Sourced) They said that the woman took this drastic step following an argument with her husband over a petty issue. Sharing details with the media, Rae Bareli superintendent of police (SP) Abhishek Kumar Agarwal said that the deceased was identified as Soni Yadav of Lodhipur, Utarawa village, and her two children, Raunak and Rimjhim. He said the womans husband, Rati Bhan Yadav (40), informed that the incident took place when he had gone to drop her sister at her house on Sunday morning. Rati Bhan said that when he returned home, he first discovered his wifes body hanging from the ceiling fan in one room and the dead bodies of the two children in another room. The SP further said that the dead bodies had been sent for post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death. Mumbai: The mortal remains of Denny Baby Karunakaran, one of the 45 Indians killed in Kuwait building fire on June 12, arrived in the city in the early hours of Saturday and will be buried beside his mother on Sunday in the Christian Cemetery, Charkop. Denny Baby Karunakaran, 33. At least 49 foreign workers, 45 of them Indians, were killed and 50 others injured in the fire at a seven-storey building in Kuwaits Mangaf city on June 12. 33-year-old Denny had left the city to work in Kuwait as a sales coordinator at NBTC two years after he was shaken by his mothers death in 2016. On Saturday, his family was back at the site of their residence for almost all of Dennys life, Malvani in Malad, preparing for his funeral at the Peniel Assemblies of God Church at 3pm on Saturday. Despite having sold their house in Malad for one in Virar, due to the lower property costs, the funeral is to be held there due to the presence of their friends and families in the area. The burial would follow. Dennys body had arrived in Mumbai at around 3am on Saturday morning after dropping the bodies of the fires other victims in Kerala and Delhi and was kept in the morgue at Shatabdi Hospital. Dennys father, Baby Karunakaran, had arrived from their village in Kerala where he is settled for the most part. Dennys brother-in-law, Manoj Peter, also working in Kuwait, was called by NBTC to identify Dennys body, which turned out to be a mismatch. The family was then only given confirmation about Dennys demise on June 13 from the official deceased list, a day after the fire. His body was not burnt, the family suspecting he died of smoke inhalation. This was a tragedy. Its understandable that they only released all the information after following the countrys rules as per procedure, said Peter. The family, explained Thomas Varghese, a longtime family friend who had known Denny and his sister Daisy since they were children, and were from Kerala and migrated to the city for work. We are a part of the same church, follows the Presbyterian denomination of Christianity, he said. Even though their father, Baby, is Hindu, the family was very religious and would attend church every Sunday. Denny was a good boy. After his schooling, Denny got his Bachelor of Arts at Wilson College. Wanting to enter the priesthood, he then ventured to a bible college in Kerala, and then returned to Malvani. There he continued his studies. It is then that his lifes trajectory turned on his head, after his mothers demise due to natural causes. Denny retreated from everyone. He was very close to his mother, said Peter. When she died, his father would leave for work and hed be left all alone at home. His faith took a hit too. Varghese reiterated the sudden shift in Denny after his mothers death. Some financial difficulty led him to interview for a clerical position at NBTC in Kuwait where he eventually rose up the ranks to become a sales coordinator. According to Peter, Dennys interest lied in the stock market; he eventually wanted to start his own business one day back in his home city. He was waiting to establish himself and build a home to consider marriage and children. He was shy and liked his alone time. We did not live nearby in Kuwait, but when I once visited him to celebrate his birthday, he refused to allow his picture to be taken. We could only take a picture of the cake, recounted Peter. He was a good man, his character was good, repeated both Peter and Varghese, still making sense of the loss of the young man with a whole life ahead of him. Noida: Over 80 workers were evacuated after a massive fire broke out at a three-storey garment factory in Sector 67, Noida, on Saturday afternoon which soon spread to an adjacent pharmaceutical factory, fire officers said, adding that it took 28 fire tenders about five hours to control the blaze. No injuries were reported, they added. Thick black smoke billowing out of the building was visible from nearby areas, prompting several residents to share videos of the same on the social media websites. (Sunil Ghosh/HT Photo) The blaze was fullyextinguished around 8.30pm, officials said. According to chief fire officer (Gautam Budh Nagar district) Pradeep Kumar Chaubey, the fire department received a call about the blaze at around noon from SJR Garments factory. Also Read | Ghaziabad: 5, including 2 children, killed as house catches fire in Loni area Immediately, seven fire tenders were pressed into service from the Phase 3 fire station. The fire had broken out at the periphery of the factory in an open area, where a pile of garment scrapes had been stored under a tin shade, he said, adding that the cause of the blaze was yet to be ascertained. There were around 80 factory workers at the factory at the time who were immediately evacuated from the three-storey building, said Chaubey, adding that workers from nearby factories were also asked to evacuate as a precautionary measure. The fire soon spread to the first, second and third floors of the building. Because of the wind speed and high heat, the fire spread to all floors of the building. Once it reached the top floor, it also spread to the next-door pharmaceutical factorys third floor. While the factory was closed, the medicine stock kept inside was immediately gutted. However, it has not spread to the lower floors of the building so far, said Chaubey. Fire tenders were called from Hapur, Bulandshahr, Mathura and Aligarh. Thick black smoke billowing out of the building was visible from nearby areas, prompting several residents to share videos of the same on the social media websites. On June 3, a short circuit in the air conditioning system of a private company in Sector 10, Noida, had triggered a fire. In a similar incident, a fire broke out in an IT company in Sector 63, Noida, on June 1 due to a blast in the indoor unit of an air conditioner. According to the fire department data, 805 fire incidents were reported from January to April 2024 in Gautam Budh Nagar and 121 cases were reported in January, 136 in February, 182 in March, and 366 in April. Fire department officers said that the data from the month of May is yet to be compiled. The Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Museum in Gujarats Bhuj has earned global recognition by being listed as one of the worlds seven most beautiful museums by the prestigious Prix Versailles Award, presented annually by UNESCO. The Smritivan Earthquake Memorial Museum stands as a symbol of Gujarats resilience and transformation in the face of adversity. (File Photo) The memorial museum, dedicated to the devastating 2001 Bhuj earthquake, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022. It stands as a symbol of Gujarats resilience and transformation in the face of adversity. Situated on Bhujio Hill and spanning 470 acres, Smritivan features the worlds largest Miyawaki forest with 500,000 trees. The site pays tribute to the 12,932 victims of the earthquake, with their names engraved on plaques across 50 check dams. Other highlights of the museum complex include a restored 300-year-old fort, a solar power plant, extensive tree plantations, and a dedicated museum building spanning 11,500 square meters. The museum offers insights into earthquakes as natural disasters through exhibits and a special theatre that simulates the 2001 quake experience. This global recognition is a matter of immense pride for every Gujarati. Smritivan exemplifies our states commitment to preserving cultural heritage while promoting environmental conservation, Gujarat chief minister Bhupendra Patel said in a statement. Notably, Smritivan is the first Indian museum to receive such a prestigious international honour for its adherence to local culture and sustainable practices. The Prix Versailles Awards, established in 2015, are presented annually at UNESCO headquarters to honour exceptional architecture and design projects worldwide. This year, the museum category was introduced, and Smritivan found itself among esteemed company, including the A4 Art Museum in Chengdu, China; Simose Art Museum in Hiroshima, Japan; Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, Egypt; Paleis Het Loo in Apeldoorn, Netherlands; Oman Across Ages Museum in Manah, Oman; and the Polish History Museum in Warsaw, Poland. Gujarat has consistently aimed to elevate its cultural heritage under Modis leadership, with initiatives like the Statue of Unity and the recognition of Garba dance and Dhordo village by UNESCO and UNWTO, respectively, according to the government release. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials visited two manufacturing units associated with Yummo Ice Cream firm after a police complaint was filed by a Mumbai-based doctor for allegedly finding a piece of human finger in the ice cream cone he ordered via a quick commerce platform, officials said on Saturday. A police complaint was filed by a Mumbai-based doctor for allegedly finding a piece of human finger in the ice cream cone he ordered via a quick commerce platform. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO) The officials visited the companys third-party cream manufacturing unit in Indapur and its premises in Hadapsar on Friday and collected samples and raw materials for tests. Yummo Ice Cream is under scanner after the incident was reported at Malad police on June 13. FSSAI issued an improvement notice to the third-party manufacturing unit in Indapur and FDA will send it to the unit in Hadapsar. The company confirmed that the ice cream was manufactured at Fortune Dairy Industries Pvt Ltd at Indapur and is yet to receive notices from authorities. While we have sent samples for laboratory tests, the police to forensic labs as part of their probe, a senior woman FSSAI official of west region said on condition of anonymity. Malad police on Wednesday had registered the offence under Sections 272, 273 and 336 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against Yummo Ice Cream company officials based on the complaint filed by Dr Brendon Ferrao, 26. The police have sent the piece of flesh suspected to be a human finger for forensic examination. Suresh Annapure, joint commissioner, FDA, Pune region, said, We have five samples from the Hadapsar unit. Yummo Ice Cream spokesperson stated, We received the customer complaint on June 12. Product quality and safety are our highest priority. The customer has filed a police complaint. We have stopped manufacturing at the third-party facility and will extend support to authorities probing the case. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee researchers have discovered a molecule that may battle against drug-resistant infections. IIT Roorkee researchers have discovered a new molecule, IITR08367, with the potential to fight pathogens like Acinetobacter baumannii which is highly antibiotic-resistant. As per a press release issued by the IIT Roorkee, the molecule has been named IITR08367, which may have the potential to fight pathogens like Acinetobacter baumannii which is highly antibiotic-resistant. IIT Roorkee, through the release, explained that antibiotic resistance is a pressing global concern, with the World Health Organization suggesting that by 2050, millions of lives could be lost annually to resistant infections. It added that pathogens like A. baumannii often render the antibiotic fosfomycin ineffective by deploying robust defense mechanisms, including the production of biofilms and specific efflux pumps like AbaF, which expel antibiotics from bacterial cells. Also read: IIT Madras launches BTech in AI and Data Analytics to equip students with key skills To that end, the new molecule acts as a potent inhibitor of the AbaF efflux pump, reducing the expulsion of fosfomycin from bacterial cells, making the antibiotic effective against A. baumannii, the release added. As per IIT Roorkee, the molecule is safe and effective in preclinical studies. Interestingly, the findings have also been published in the American Chemical Society Journal - ACS Infectious Diseases. The latest breakthrough, the release states, has the potential to transform treatment options for urinary tract infections caused by multidrug-resistant A. baumannii. Notably, the breakthrough has been made by the Prof. Pathania Group at IIT Roorkee. Also read: IIT Madras boosts academic flexibility and entrepreneurship opportunities for students Prof. Ranjana Pathania, lead researcher on the project highlighted that the discovery represents a significant milestone in the fight against antibiotic resistance. She said, By targeting bacterial defense mechanisms, we can enhance the effectiveness of existing antibiotics and pave the way for the development of new treatment strategies." The research team also includes Mahak Saini, Dr Amit Gaurav, and Arsalan Hussain who are further developing TR08367 into a potential therapeutic agent for clinical trials. This critical phase will assess the molecule's safety, efficacy, and potential side effects in human patients. Also read: IIST 2024 rank list released for BTech courses at admission.iist.ac.in, direct link to download list here Lauding the discovery, Prof. K.K. Pant, Director of IIT Roorkee said that the IITR08367 opens new horizons in the battle against antibiotic resistance. He added that the latest findings underscore IIT Roorkees commitment to cutting-edge research with real-world impact. Think of director Imtiaz Ali, and you cant help but remember his iconic love stories tinged with angst and love ballads that will make you bawl your eyes out. Who doesnt love the relationship between Ved (Ranbir Kapoor) and Tara (Deepika Padukone) in Tamasha or Aditya (Shahid Kapoor) and Geet (Kareena Kapoor) in Jab We Met? (Also Read: Imtiaz Ali says he was moved when he read Rig Veda and Bhagavad Gita as a child: I understand people better) Imtiaz Ali might not understand love, and yet he excels at showing romance on-screen. While you might be convinced that Janardhan's (Ranbir) journey to becoming Jordan in Rockstar was due to a broken heart, Imtiaz has often admitted in interviews that he doesnt fully understand what love means. And despite making numerous films exploring love, the director hasn't changed his stance. On his birthday, looking back at five times, he poignantly spoke of love. I dont use the word love in my personal life or movies In 2009, Imtiaz told Hindustan Times that he didnt think his films are romantic. He also said that when he was young he thought love was constant and unchanging - a sentiment that changed as he grew older. I feel that there are so many aspects to it: what is love for one person is not the same for the other and love at one point for someone may change at a later time for another. So, I just got confused by this word, and so I do not even use it in my personal life or in my movies; you will never see any of the characters saying 'I love you' really seriously. The absence of love stories in my life While promoting Highway in 2013, Imtiaz told PTI that the absence of love in his life is what drives him to make unconventional love stories. The director was separated from his wife Preety then and was dating actor Iman Ali. When he was asked by the publication how he came up with ideas to explore love in his films, he quipped, The absence of love stories in my life. Highway, while being a travel film, explored the idea of love through Stockholm syndrome. I used to feel guilty about it In 2015, while talking to Open Magazine, Imtiaz admitted to being obsessed with love. He even blushed when the interviewer pointed out that he looks like someone whos in love most of the time. He said, Ive always been fascinated by men and women. Perhaps because I grew up in a household with no sisters, Ive always felt like women are special. They are not regular and ordinary like us. As a young boy, I was very eager to get on with the first one I liked. Earlier I used to feel very guilty about it. Now, I am old enough to admit it. Thats the only difference. The universe moves because of love While promoting Love Aaj Kal 2 in 2020, Imtiaz spoke about love at the trailer launch of the film and said, I dont know what the relevance of love is, but I feel everything in the universe somehow moves because of it. I feel that if a man and a woman are in love, it is through their love that the universe is moving around. I want to explore these things more. The film explored relationships between youngsters who want to focus on their career instead of personal relationships. I still dont use the term love, I dont know what it means Talking to Indian Express ahead of the release of Amar Singh Chamkila, Imtiaz admitted that he still doesnt know what love means despite exploring the emotion in his films. He said. I dont know what this word means, honestly. Being a director, I can never instruct an actor that, You love her, because it manifests in nothing. I can say that, You want to be with her and as an actor that guy will understand. Oh, I want to be with her. He can act that. Or that You miss her or him or it. But Id never use the term love at all. SYDNEY, - U.S. hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan's one-of-a-kind album "Once Upon A Time in Shaolin" began playing at an Australian museum on Saturday, organisers said, with fans in attendance describing the music as "very special" and "amazing". Tang Clan's 'very special' album played at Australian museum All timeslots for the twice-a-day sessions at Tasmania's Museum of Old and New Art are sold out, with about 5,000 people on a waiting list. The museum is showcasing the single-print album from June 15 to 24. "They're small sessions, they're about 30 people," said a museum spokesperson, who confirmed the start of the first listening session on Saturday afternoon. The album, which has just one physical copy in the world, has a storied history, having been bought by the convicted pharmaceutical executive Martin Shkreli in 2015 for $2 million. Shkreli gave it up to as part of a $7.4 million forfeiture order after his 2017 conviction for defrauding hedge fund investors and scheming to defraud investors in a drugmaker. It is now owned by non-fungible token collectors PleasrDAO who purchased the album for $4 million from the U.S. government. PleasrDao is also suing Shkreli for making copies of the album and releasing the music to the public. Music fan Cameron McBryde, who had travelled from Queensland capital Brisbane, described hearing the album as "very special". "I dont know another song or album anywhere else in the world that holds that same value that this one does like that," McBryde told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. Another attendee, Hayden Kovacic, from Hobart, said it was "amazing" to be one of so few to get to listen to the album. "It was actually hectic," Kovacic told the ABC. "The production was off its head". The album consists of 31 new tracks recorded and produced by the New York-based group over six years from 2007 "in the original Wu-Tang style of the 90s", according to the album's official website. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Kannada actor Darshan and Pavithra Gowda are the main accused in the alleged murder of Renukaswamy. The duo was said to have been in a relationship for a decade, but now, Darshans lawyer denied claims that Pavithra is Darshans second wife or partner in an interview to India Today. Lawyer Anil Babu claimed theyre just friends. (Also Read: Kannada actor Darshan arrested for fan's alleged murder: Timeline of a murder mystery straight out of movies) In January, Pavithra Gowda shared a reel with Darshan on Instagram, writing, "Its been 10years of our relationship." Vijayalakshmi is Darshans only wife Anil spoke to the publication and denied reports suggesting Pavithra was Darshans second wife or partner. He stated that Vijayalakshmi was Darshans wedded wife and Pavithra was just a co-star and friend. He told them, Pavithra Gowda being the second wife, that is utterly false. She is just a friend. They used to be co-stars and now they have a friendly relationship, nothing else. The only wife (of Darshan) is the first wife, Vijayalakshmi. No second marriage happened at any point of time. Darshan not present at scene of crime Whats more, Anil also claimed that Darshan had nothing to do with Renukaswamys murder. Talking about CCTV footage of the actors Jeep being present at the crime scene, the lawyer claimed that the police are yet to provide evidence of his presence there as he supposedly wasnt in the car. Anil stated that Darshan knows nothing about the matter at-hand. He said, The first question is whether that car belongs to Darshan, that is yet to be established. Secondly, the police have to say that Darshan was present inside the car, that is the most important. Darshan is not at all involved in this case. So no question arises whether he paid anyone or how much was paid. He doesn't know anything about that matter. Darshan and Pavithra Darshan has been married to Vijayalakshmi since 2003 and they have a son, Vinish. In January this year, Pavithra shocked fans when she shared a reel of pictures clicked with Darshan, writing, One decade down; forever to go. #10year Its been 10years of our relationship. Thank you @darshanthoogudeepashrinivas @khushigowda_7. #forever #loveforever #hardtimestogether #10years. When the post went viral, Vijayalakshmi threatened legal action against Pavithra. In response, TOI reports that Pavithra claimed that she is not here for any own personal needs and agenda. It's all about pure love and care for 10 years its not all that easy in a note she shared on social media. Pavithra also stated that Vijayalakshmi knew about them so it pained her to see her pose threat now. She ended the note with, I have decided to be happy with the man who loves me. The murder case Renukaswamy was found dead in a drain near Sumanahalli by a food delivery boy, according to PTI. Two men initially surrendered to the police, claiming they killed him over a financial dispute. However, the police soon found out Darshan and Pavithras alleged connection to the murder and took them into custody. Renukaswamy had allegedly sent abusive messages to Pavithra, angering Darshan. Darshan and his associates were supposed to be custody till June 16, but will now remain in custody till June 20. Amy Jackson is celebrating her upcoming wedding to Gossip Girl star Ed Westwick in style. The actor, who got engaged to Ed in January, is currently on her bachelorette trip with friends in Paris, France. She took to Instagram to share pictures and videos from the fun trip. (Also Read: Amy Jackson channels femme fatale in white suit. See pics) Amy Jackson is celebrating her bachelorette with friends in France. Amy Jacksons bachelorette Amy shared a bunch of pictures on Instagram, sharing that she was heading on a bachelorette trip with her friends to France. She wrote, On y va #bachelorettefrancaise. The pictures see her dressed in a white skirt suit with a large hat and a sash reading bride to be. She completed the look with lace gloves and pearl earrings. She also shared pictures with her friends inside a private plane, with one pic reading I do crew. Draw me like one of your French girls. DAY ONE #BacheloretteFrancoise, wrote Amy, sharing another set of pictures which see her in a white lace dress, reclining on a sofa at the Plaza Athenee. One of the videos sees a ring-shaped cake adorned with fresh roses, a croquembouche tower, and a chocolate cake with Ed and Amys picture on it. She also took to Instagram stories to thank Ed for sending her and her friends custom-made bathrobes. Ed commented under one of the posts, The most epic trip, the most epic woman, the most epic love. (heart emoji) You so much. He wrote Special in another post. Amy and Eds love story Amy and Ed started dating in 2022 after reportedly meeting at a game and falling in love. They got engaged in January this year. Amy and her former partner, George Panayioto, have a son, Andreas, together. Amy told India Today that Andreas has known Ed since he was two and wanted her to marry him. After her engagement, she told the publication, He (Andreas) was delighted. It was so funny, because a few months ago, I had a ring, and it was on this finger. And he was like, Mummy, you're not married? And he asked, Why are you not married to Eddie mummy? I said, He hasnt asked me, and he said well, I am going to tell him. Recent work Amy starred in Mission: Chapter 1 in Tamil and Crakk in Hindi this year. Ed was seen in the English film DarkGame. Mumbai, Documentary films play a vital role in showcasing human emotions in a true way, Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L Murugan said at the inauguration ceremony of the 18th edition of the Mumbai International Film Festival . L Murugan inaugurates MIFF, filmmaker Subbiah Nallamuthu receives lifetime achievement award Organised biennially by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and executed by the National Film Development Corporation , the festival celebrates documentaries, short fiction and animation films. MIFF was launched in 1990. Murugan, who declared the gala open on Saturday night, said the ministry is focused on transforming the country into "a content hub of the world". "The Mumbai International Film Festival is a celebration of documentary, short and animation films. Documentary films play a vital role to showcase the unique abilities, emotions and human bonds in a true way. "Our Bharat is the hub of content creation. In our Bharat, storytelling is our tradition from our grandmothers and mothers, in the story we are picking content for cinema, novels," he said. The minister also highlighted the efforts made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to facilitate the single-window system for film shooting in India. Our ministry is also giving a platform under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, giving facility to the Film Facilitation Office to offer a single-window system, wherein film producer can get various department and state approval from a single platform, so that film producers can get easy access and permissions to shoot in India. Film producers worry is piracy. There are some producers who are selling property and putting it into making cinema. Recently, our government brought an amendment in the cinematograph act to prevent piracy, he added. At the opening ceremony, renowned wildlife filmmaker Subbiah Nallamuthu was named the recipient of the V Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award, instituted in the memory of the legendary filmmaker. Nallamuthu, best known for his tiger-centric documentaries including Tiger Dynasty, Tiger Queen, and The Worlds Most Famous Tiger, received a cash prize of 10 lakh, a trophy and a citation. An alumnus of the Film and Television Institute of India , the filmmaker gained prominence with his work on "Living on the Edge", Indias longest-running award-winning environment series. His expertise extends to his tenure with the Indian Space Research Organisation as a high-speed cameraman. Nallamuthu expressed gratitude to the government and the jury for the honour. It has been a long journey. I dedicate the award to my parents and family who supported me, he said. Film personalities like Aanand L Rai, Madhur Bhandarkar, Divya Dutta, Randeep Hooda, Abhishek Banerjee, Sonali Kulkarni, Sharad Kelkar, Taha Shah Badussha, Rahul Rawail, Vineet Singh, Avinash Tiwary, and Adil Hussain also attended the MIFF opening ceremony. FTII student Chidananda S Naik's short film "Sunflowers Were The First Ones To Know", which won the first prize in the La Cinef section at the 77th Cannes Film Festival last month, was also screened at the event. The ceremony featured a cultural performance by a group of dancers from Sri Lanka, which was followed by a captivating presentation by a Mumbai-based dance crew Krazzy Kings showcasing the history of Indian animation through popular characters like Chhota Bheem and Honey Bunny. MIFF, a seven-day long festival, will be held at the Films Division-National Film Development Corporation complex in Mumbai, with parallel events in Chennai, Kolkata, Pune and New Delhi. A total of 314 films will be screened during this edition of MIFF from 59 countries across 61 languages. It includes eight world premieres, five international premieres, 18 Asia premieres and 21 India premieres. There will be masterclasses and panel discussions with filmmakers such as Santosh Sivan, Audrius Stonys, Ketan Mehta, Richie Mehta, T S Nagabharana, and Georges Schwizgebel. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Sometime back, Show Stopper director-producer Manish Harishankar accused actor Digangana Suryavanshi of making false promises and taking money from the team. Now, the actor has reacted to it by taking legal action against the makers of the web show. (Also read: Complaint filed against Digangana Suryavanshi for trying to extort money from show producers) Digangana Suryavanshi will be seen sharing screen space with Zeenat Aman in the web project. Digangana has sent a defamation notice to director Manish Harishankar and filed a police complaint against him under IPC section 420, 406, 509, 499, 500, 503, 506, 63, 199, 211. Legal route Digangana has rubbished the allegations levelled against her by Manish, the producer and director of the web show Show Stopper. Manish had earlier accused Digangana with extortion and criminal breach of trust. MH Films, the production house behind the show, had filed a police complaint against Digangana, alleging cheating and criminal breach of trust under IPC Section 420 and Section 406. According to the complaint, Digangana falsely claimed to secure actor Akshay Kumar and his company as presenters for the project. Digangana speaks up Talking about the claims, Digangana said, "Manishs narrative is his twisted imagination, its all untrue. A cheap publicity stunt of simply dragging names, clearly hes trying to find a bakra so he can bail out from not being able to sell the show even after more than two years. I dont want to waste any more time explaining further, Ive already wasted too much time trying to help him". Her lawyer hits back Her lawyer claims that Digangana had gotten Akshay Kumars approval to come on board as a presenter for showstopper under a business deal which Manish could not honour after committing. We would like to officially quote that all the allegations made against our client Digangana are absolutely baseless and an outcome of someones criminal intention and trying to cover up their own shortcomings. Our client has known Manish for 7 years and is an actress on his series showstopper, when Manish was in a situation where he clearly couldnt help himself , he asked for help from our client and proposed a business deal where his team had executed an MOU between him and our client, said Digangana's lawyer Rajendra Mishra. Rajendra added, Strangely, Manish Harishankar doesn't understand that extortion doesn't happen in legal binding; it's called business. Under the terms of the MOU. Our client had gotten a presenter on board, and honoured her side of the commitment. The lawyer also stated that the client got the episodes viewed by the presenter, the episodes werent liked by the presenter but then Manish proposed to our client that hell make all creative changes to presenters satisfaction. Which is when our client further requested the presenter and after re-editing the show (for which our client invested 4 days at the edit suit) the presenter watched the episodes and agreed to present the show, although a lot of changes were still required, but Manish promised to fix them after their agreement, he said. The actor's legal team claims that Manish was given a rough draft contract as confirmation of the deal, which had to undergo many changes. Manish committed payment timeline and failed the timelines trice! Our client along the way realised that Manish had issues in the money to honour the deal, his financier had asked him to provide NOC or contracts of all the other financiers if he needed any more funding, and Manish could not provide that to his financier which is why no money was released and the deal was called off." Talking about the accusation that Digangana took money from the producers, the lawyer said, Our client hasnt taken a single penny from Manish for the presenter deal. He claimed that our client had only travelled with his editor, again false, our client had travelled with her mother and Manishs editor. The episodes were viewed in the presence of our client , her mom, presenter and presenters team. Any claims otherwise are simply made with the intention to malign our clients reputation, he said, adding, Manish has spread false quotes in the name of our client, tarnished her reputation, made false claims in the media, leaked a business deal proposal, signed a false MOU with a commitment of having money when there was none, cheated by not returning/cancelling the MOU he has , didnt pay our clients actors fee yet while he falsely claims that he has, in fact our clients staff hasnt been paid, defamed our client, leaked out clients home address, trapped her in a situation voluntarily. Controversy around the show Recently, there were reports indicating that Zeenat Amans OTT debut project has hit a roadblock and paused because of financial issues, with some reports claiming that investors have not got their payment back. Some insiders claimed that the actors and the support staff are yet to receive their payments. Only a percentage of their amount was paid by the producer. Besides the actors, many people from the crew have complained about this, a source told Hindustan Times earlier. Earlier this month, MH Films had also issued a defamation notice to actor Rakesh Bedi and Digangana's fashion designer Krishan Parmar. They have been accused of making false public statements about the show maker's unwillingness to collaborate, which allegedly damaged the project's reputation. As per the complaint, they also misled the media by stating that the project was shelved and payments were withheld The series, shot across Bhopal, Indore and Mumbai, is based on the subject of bra fittings and how almost 80 percent of women in the world end up wearing the wrong sized bra for the entire duration of their life, which leads to serious health concerns. The show also stars Zarina Wahab, Shweta Tiwari and Sourabh Raaj Jain. The internet is ever-eager to catch glimpses of their favourite celebrities off-duty, spending time with their loved ones. While Father's Day is as much an occasion for celebration for stars who have grown up within the industry per se due to their celebrity parents, let's take a look at actors who came from normal non-celebrity parents, and still made it big in the industry. Father's Day special: Kriti Sanon, Shah Rukh Khan and Kiara Advani with their fathers Shah Rukh Khan 'The king of Bollywood', Shah Rukh Khan is the son of the late Meer Taj Mohammed Khan. Meer Taj could never see his son's mammoth success with his own eyes, having passed away in 1981, several years prior to SRK getting his big break. Same was the case with his mother Lateef Fatima Khan who passed away in 1991 shortly after SRK debuted in Fauji. Glimpses from Shah Rukh Khan's childhood The world-renowned actor however, has kept the memory of his parents, particularly his father, well and alive. Every so often SRK will fondly share a heartening anecdote from the limited time he had with his parents. In the 2004 BBC documentary The Inner World of Shah Rukh Khan, the actor shared, "My father was a very sweet, soft-spoken man. He was the youngest freedom fighter for India, actually". The actor further revealed how his profession is essentially what helped him get over the sudden death of his parents. As shared by Shah Rukh himself, he makes it a point to spend as much time as he possibly can with his children, because he knows what it feels like to not have one's parents around. Kriti Sanon The newest entrant on Bollywood's exclusive lineup of A-listers, Kriti Sanon comes from a simple, stayed background. She is the daughter of Rahul Sanon, a Chartered Accountant, and Geeta Sanon, a Physics professor. In a 2019 interview, Kriti opened up about how though there is a perception about men not being able to express love, she has never had that issue with her father after all he is the 'first man she has ever loved'. She has also revealed how though he had his reservations about giving her permission to model, when her advertisements started appearing on television, he was the first to jump up and spread the word. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Aishwarya Rai is the daughter of Krishnaraj Rai, who was an army biologist by profession. Though Krishnaraj was able to witness his daughter's meteoric rise to global fame, he breathed his last on March 18, 2017. Aishwarya however, still makes it a point to celebrate her father's birthday, year on year expressing her love and appreciation for him. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Aaradhya Bachchan and Brindya Rai pictured with a photograph of Krishnaraj Rai She recently commemorated his death anniversary via an Instagram post. The caption to it read, "Love you eternally, dearest darling Daddy-Ajjaaa. Thank you for all your Blessings". Priyanka Chopra Jonas Priyanka Chopra Jonas comes from a dynamic household with both her parents being doctors. Her father Ashok Chopra in particular, served as a physician in the Indian Army. He passed away in 2013 losing his battle with cancer. Priyanka is a self-proclaimed 'daddy's lil girl', as sealed in with the tattoo across her wrist. On his 11th death anniversary, the actor penned a heartfelt note remembering her father. "The light of every room. Youre still our brightest light dad. 11 years without you and it still doesnt feel real. Thinking of you today and everyday", she wrote. Kiara Advani Kiara Advani is the daughter of Sindhi businessman Jagdeep Advani. Like any concerned father, Jagdeep too was apprehensive about allowing Kiara to dive into the world of showbiz, attempting to make it big. However, it was their collective love for films 3 Idiots (2009) to be specific, that convinced him to let her pursue her dreams. On June 13, Kiara completed a glorious 10 years in the industry. Sidharth Malhotra Sidharth Malhotra is the son of Sunil Malhotra, a former captain in the Merchant Navy. Sidharth has always been rather tight-lipped when it comes to his personal life, wanting to keep it away from the limelight. His beautiful bond with his father however, still manages to shine through. Sidharth Malhotra with his father Sunil Malhotra In a Father's Day post from some time back, Sidharth wrote, "Happy Fathers Day to the captain of our ship, for smoothly sailing us through thick and thin. I love you Boatloads Dad". Anushka Sharma A true and blue Army brat, Anushka Sharma is the daughter of Colonel Ajay Kumar Sharma. In a 2012 interview, Anushka had shared how her father had been part of every major war since 1982. She was all of 11 years old when he was fighting in the Kargil War. Not truly understanding the gravity of the situation, she shared how she would keep going on about school and boyfriends for the limited time she got on the phone with him. Several decades on, their relationship still remains the same. Kangana Ranaut Kangana Ranaut is the daughter of Amardeep Ranaut, a businessman. Kangana has been rather candid in the past, with regards to her parents' initial disapproval when it came to her pursuing the arc lights. As a matter of fact, their relationship has seen many rocky days. In Kangana's own words, she was the 'unwanted girl child'. However, over the years, looking at her achievements and her conviction in her self, Amardeep has come around to accepting his daughter's decisions and is now a proud and supportive father. John Abraham John Abraham's father, Abraham John, is an architect by profession. In a 2018 interview with Hindustan Times, John had shared how his father's staunch and straightforward nature greatly inspires him. He said, "My dad is my hero, [and] not just because hes my father...He has been a straight man, has always helped society, and never screamed about it like we do as actors". He also shared how while his mother will love his worst films, his father will always give him direct advice, no matter how bitter. He added, "He speaks like an audience member. With some films, he has even said, 'This is a waste of time!' Hes my most vocal critic". Ayushman Khurrana Ayushmann Khurrana is the son of P Khurrana, a renowned astrologer. P Khurrana passed away in 2023. Following his prayer meet, Ayushmann penned an emotional note, detailing all that he had learnt from his father. "Thank you for your upbringing, love, sense of humour and the most beautiful memories. Jai jai ", he concluded. How will you be celebrating Father's Day this year? Six of the eight Maoists killed in the Narayanpur encounter on Saturday were senior-rank cadres with a cumulative cash reward of 48 lakh as most-wanted insurgents, Chhattisgarh Police said on Sunday as they identified the six men. A security official who suffered injuries during an encounter with Maoists being treated, on Saturday. (PTI) Three of the Maoists were divisional committee members of the CPI (Maoist) and three others were members of the Maad division of the Peoples Liberation of Guerrilla Army (PLGA) company number 3 of the Maoists, the officials said. Six of the eight killed cadres were identified as Sudru, Vargesh, Mamta, Samira, Kosi and Moti, who were active at different capacities and carrying a reward of 8 lakh each on their heads, inspector general of police, Bastar range Sundarraj P told the media. The identity of two other Maoists was yet to be ascertained, he said. An operation under the security forces anti-Maoist Maad Bachao Abhiyan was launched late on June 12 after inputs about the presence of Maoist cadres in Kutul, Farasbeda, Kodtameta and Adingpar villages of the district, the IG said. Personnel from the state polices District Reserve Guard (DRG) and STF, along with the 53rd battalion of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and 135th battalion of the Border Security Force (BSF) took part in the operation, he said, adding that women commandos also delivered a key role. Around 7am on Saturday, armed Maoists opened fire on security personnel in a forest near Kutul-Farasbeda and Kodtameta villages leading to the gunbattle. Police immediately took position and called for surrender, but the Maoists ignored and started firing, he said, adding: The police party took position on the spot for self-defence and retaliated by firing. Thereafter, intermittent encounters took place with different teams throughout the day. After seeing themselves surrounded, the Maoists ran to save their lives by taking cover of dense forests and hills. After the encounter ended, the bodies of eight uniform-clad Maoists, including four women, were recovered from different places, the IG said. Several other Maoists escaped taking cover of dense forest and hills, he said. The forces recovered one INSAS rifle, two .303 rifles, three .315 bore rifles, one barrel grenade launcher (BGL) and large quantities of explosives, medicines and other daily-use items. Bloodstains at the site indicate that several other Maoists might have been injured or killed in the gunfight, he said. STF constable, Nitesh Ekka (27), was killed in the encounter and two of his colleagues, Lekhram Netam (28) and Kailash Netam (33), were injured. They have been admitted to a hospital in capital Raipur. A day after the encounter, Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai met one of the injured soldiers. The encounter which took place yesterday in Narayanpur district claimed the life of one jawan, constable Nitesh Ekka... In the same encounter, two other jawans were injured. I met one of them who got hit by a bullet in his stomach. The other one is being operated upon. I pray to God for his well-being, Sai said. Since December, 2023, there has been a clear uptick in aggression from security forces, which have created 17 new forward camps in what were thus far thought to be core Maoist-controlled areas. This includes areas inside Abhujmaad, a 4,000-square-kilometre expanse of forests that straddles Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra. Abhujhmaad is an amalgamation of the Gondi words Abujh and Maad that translates to the hills of the unknown an area that is yet unmapped by the government of India. Several attempts at conducting preliminary surveys in the region have taken place since 2017, but each has been stymied by the extremely difficult geography, complete lack of infrastructure, and heavy Maoist fortification. It is because of this administrative vacuum, that most security officers in Bastar refer to the area as the last bastion of the Maoists, where the senior-most cadre, including the politburo and the central committee, of the CPI(Maoist) take refuge through the year. With Saturdays incident, 131 Maoists have been killed so far this year in separate encounters with security forces in Chhattisgarh, much higher than 2023 when 22 ultras were killed. On June 7, seven Maoists were killed in Narayanpur in an encounter with security forces while on May 23, seven Maoists were killed in an encounter in a forest on Narayanpur-Bijapur inter-district border. On May 10, 12 Maoists were killed in an encounter with security forces in Bijapur district. Ten Maoists, including three women, were killed in an encounter with security personnel in a forest along the border of Narayanpur and Kanker districts on April 30. Before that, 29 Maoists were gunned down in an encounter with security forces in the states Kanker district on April 16, according to police. Union home minister Amit Shah on Sunday directed the army, paramilitary forces and intelligence agencies to replicate the successes achieved in Kashmir valley against terrorism in the Jammu region as he chaired a high-level meeting to review the security situation in the Union territory in the wake of four terror attacks last week and preparations ahead of the Amarnath Yatra. Union home minister Amit Shah at the review meeting in New Delhi on Sunday. (PTI) The home minister stressed on the importance of using modern technology to strengthen local intelligence networks, locate tunnels used by terrorists and deal with the drone intrusions, underlining that security forces and intelligence agencies need to work on mission mode and streamline coordination. The five-hour long meeting was held at North Block and attended by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Jammu & Kashmir lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha, Army chief General Manoj Pande, Army chief-designate Lt General Upendra Dwivedi, Union home secretary Ajay Bhalla, Intelligence Bureau (IB) director Tapan Deka, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) director general Anish Dayal Singh, Border Security Force (BSF) director general Nitin Agarwal, J&K police chief RR Swain and other top security officials. The Union home minister directed security agencies to replicate the successes achieved in Kashmir valley through area domination plan and zero terror plan in Jammu division. He asserted that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is committed to set an example by cracking down on terrorists through innovative means. The home minister directed all security agencies to work in a mission mode and ensure quick response in a coordinated manner, said a statement issued by the ministry of home affairs. The meeting comes on the back of a spate of attacks that roiled Jammu last week. In four back-to-back terror attacks in Reasi, Kathua and Doda districts since June 9, highly trained foreign terrorists from Pakistan have targeted civilians and security forces. The first was an attack on a bus carrying pilgrims in Reasi on June 9, when armed terrorists opened fire on the vehicle, causing it to lose control and plunge into a gorge, with nine people dead and 42 others injured. On Tuesday night, another gunbattle began in Kathua, continuing into Wednesday morning, leaving one Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan dead, six security personnel and one civilian injured, and two terrorists neutralised. Then, two attacks took place on Wednesday. In one, a group of three to four militants opened fire on a joint check post of the 4 Rashtriya Rifles and the Jammu & Kashmir Police in Chattargala area in Doda on the Bhaderwah-Pathankot road at 1.45am on Wednesday. The ensuing gunbattle lasted several hours, leaving five army personnel and a special police officer injured. The second attack was in the Kota Top area, 150km away from Chhattargala, when a second group of terrorists attacked a police team and injured head constable Fareed Ahmed. The string of attacks have sent ripples through the region fast becoming the hotbed of cross-border terrorism in the restive Union Territory. Prime Minister Modi chaired a high-level review meeting on Thursday and asked security forces to deploy the full spectrum of counterterror capabilities to deal with the spate of attacks. On identifying vulnerable areas and dealing with the latest terror threat, Shah in Sundays meeting emphasised on seamless coordination amongst the security agencies, identifying vulnerable areas and addressing the security concerns of such areas. Assuring that the Centre will leave no stone unturned in rooting out terrorism, the home minister said that the fight against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir is in its decisive phase. Recent incidents show that terrorism has been forced to shrink from highly organized acts of terrorist violence to a mere proxy war. We are determined to root it out as well, added MHA, quoting Shah. A senior counterterrorism official who asked not be named said that following the meeting, counterterrorism operations will intensify in the coming days to trace absconding foreign terrorists and their local supporters. Intelligence agencies have estimated that 70-80 foreign fighters have infiltrated from across the border over the past few months. Along with a review of terror incidents in Jammu, Shah also discussed the preparations for the annual Amarnath pilgrimage, which is scheduled to begin on June 29. Shah instructed security agencies to be vigilant and ensure sufficient deployment of security personnel, and underlined the need to follow perfect inter-agency coordination for effective security arrangements, including a well-established standard operating response mechanism. Shah said that the government is committed to ensure a convenient and hassle-free experience for devotees. Currently, 70 battalions (approximately 70,000 personnel) of central paramilitary forces are deployed in the Union territory. Officials, who asked not to be named, said the home minister has for adequate security arrangements along the entire Yatra route as well as on the routes from the airport and railway station to the yatra base camp. Although meetings are underway to finalise deployment, it is expected that like previous years, around 450-500 additional companies of central forces may be sent exclusively for securing Amarnath Yatra this year as well. New Delhi: Union home minister Amit Shah on Sunday directed the army, paramilitary forces and the intelligence agencies to replicate the successes achieved in Kashmir Valley against terrorism in the Jammu region as well by working in mission mode and a coordinated manner. Union home minister Amit Shah chairs a high level meeting to review security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and preparedness for Amarnath Yatra at North Block in Delhi on Sunday. (PTI) The home minister stressed on using modern technology to strengthen the local intelligence network, locating the tunnels used by terrorists and dealing with the drone intrusions. The directions were given at a high-level meeting chaired by Shah at North Block on Sunday to review the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of four terror attacks last week and preparedness for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. The five-hour long meeting was attended by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, lieutenant governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha, Army chief General Manoj Pande, Army chief-designate Lt. General Upendra Dwivedi, Union home secretary Ajay Bhalla, director of Intelligence Bureau (IB) Tapan Deka, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) director general Anish Dayal Singh, Border Security Force (BSF) director general Nitin Agarwal, J&K police chief R R Swain and other top security officials. Union home minister directed security agencies to replicate the successes achieved in Kashmir valley through area domination plan and zero terror plan in Jammu division. He asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is committed to set an example by cracking down on terrorists through innovative means. The home minister directed all security agencies to work in a mission mode and ensure quick response in a coordinated manner, a statement issued by the ministry of home affairs (MHA) said. On identifying vulnerable areas and dealing with the latest terror threat, Shah emphasised on seamless coordination amongst the security agencies, identifying vulnerable areas and addressing the security concerns of such areas, it added. He further asked the forces to use modern technology to strengthen local secret network, locate the tunnels (used by terrorists who enter India) and deal with drone intrusions. While assuring the Centre will leave no stone unturned in rooting out terrorism, Shah said the fight against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir is in its decisive phase. Recent incidents show that terrorism has been forced to shrink from highly organised acts of terrorist violence to a mere proxy war. We are determined to root it out as well, MHA added, quoting Shah. A senior counter-terrorism official, who didnt want to be named, said after Shahs meeting counter-terrorism operations will intensify in coming days, to trace absconding foreign terrorists and their local supporters. Intelligence agencies have estimated that 70-80 foreign fighters have infiltrated from across the border in the last few months. Along with review of terror incidents in Jammu, Shah also discussed the preparations for the annual Amarnath pilgrimage, which is scheduled to begin on June 29, at the meeting. Currently, 70 battalions (approximately 70,000 personnel) of central paramilitary forces are deployed in J&K. Officials who didnt want to be named said the home minister has asked to make adequate security arrangements on the entire Yatra route and provide smooth arrangements from the airport and railway station to the yatra base camp. Although meetings are taking place to finalise the deployment, it is expected that like previous year, around 450-500 additional companies of central forces may be sent exclusively for securing Amarnath Yatra this year as well. Terrorists struck at four places in Reasi, Kathua and Doda districts of Jammu and Kashmir within four days last week, killing nine pilgrims and a CRPF jawan and leaving seven security personnel and several others injured. Two suspected Pakistani terrorists were also killed in an encounter with security forces in Kathua district and a huge quantity of arms and ammunition were recovered from them. Union home minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting on Sunday to assess the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and the preparations for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. Union home minister Amit Shah (File Photo) NSA Ajit Doval, Home Secretary, Army Chief Manoj Pande, Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha, Army Chief designate Lt General Upendra Dwivedi, Director IB Tapan Deka, BSF DG Nitin Agarwal, CRPF DG Anish Dayal, and other officers of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Union Territory attended the meeting. On Friday, Amit Shah held a high-level meeting with senior Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officers in the national capital to discuss the situation in J&K. He then scheduled another detailed meeting for June 16 to continue addressing the issue. The meeting was organised in the wake of recent terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, which have sparked worries about the union territory's law and order situation. During the meeting, the home minister also instructed for another detailed meeting on June 16 at North Block. According to Home Ministry officials quoted by ANI, the meeting will include the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, National Security Advisor, Union Home Secretary, and senior officers from the Army, police, Jammu and Kashmir administration and the MHA. As reported by ANI, officials briefed Amit Shah about the current security conditions and readiness to respond to terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. Since June 9, there have been terrorist attacks in Reasi, Kathua, and Doda, resulting in the deaths of nine pilgrims, one CRPF jawan, and injuries to a civilian and at least seven security personnel. Increased security measures are focused on protecting the people of J&K, including pilgrims of the Amarnath Yatra, and keeping peace and order in the state. On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi headed a top-level meeting to discuss the security situation in the region after the spate of terrorist incidents. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and other senior officials were present at the meeting. During the meeting, Modi received a detailed update on the current efforts to fight terrorism in the area. He was informed about the plans and actions being taken to address terrorist threats and safeguard the region's security. PM Modi also talked with home minister Amit Shah about deploying security forces and continuing counter-terrorism actions. He also spoke with J-K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to assess the situation and received updates on the measures taken by the local government. Satyendra Das Maharaj, the chief priest of Ayodhya's Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, said on Monday that he was dissatisfied with the commission of crucial events related to the Ayodhya movement in the newly revised Class 12 political science textbook of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). According to him, there are some shortcomings in the new NCERT textbook regarding the Babri Masjid issue. "They do not mention how the three-domed structure was removed on December 6, 1992, they are only starting to narrate the issue from November 9, 2019, when the Ayodhya verdict was given," the chief priest told ANI on Sunday. The consecration ceremony of Ayodhya's Ram Janmabhoomi temple took place on January 22 this year.(HT File) Satyendra Das Maharaj's remarks come after the NCERT's revised textbooks hit the market with numerous deletions and changes. In the Class 12 political science textbook, the Babri Masjid has been referred to as a three-dome structure. The section on Ayodhya has been pruned from four to two pages and the textbook focuses on the 2019 Supreme Court judgment that paved the way for the temple's construction. According to a PTI report, the ommissions in the textbook includes references to the BJP's 'rath yatra' from Somnath to Ayodhya in 1990, the role of kar sevaks, the demolition of Babri Masjid, President's rule in the BJP-ruled states and BJP's expression of regret over the happenings at Ayodhya. The Ram temple chief priest added that the chapter reportedly does not provide details of the events on December 6, 1992 when the Babri Masjid was demolished or December 22, 1949 when Lord Ram Lalla's statue reportedly appeared at the mosque premises. Earlier in the day, NCERT director Dinesh Prasad Saklani rejected charges of saffronising curriculum. He also defended the commission of 2002 Gujarat riots and Babri Masjid demolition, asking why should riots be taught in school textbooks. (With ANI, PTI inputs) Patna: At least five people are feared drowned after a boat carrying 17 passengers capsized at river Gangas Umantha ghat under Barh sub-division of Patna district in Bihar, officials said. The incident took place Sunday morning. A boat carrying 17 people capsized at Umantha ghat in Bihar (Twitter/video screengrab) Officials said several teams, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), began their operations and rescued 12 people. A large number of devotees had come to Ganga to take a dip in the holy river on the occasion of Ganga Dussehr. The incident took place at Umanath Ghat in Barh when the people were crossing the river by boat and it lost balance and overturned, said officials. Bunty Kumari, an eyewitness, said that the mishap took place at around 9.15am when the boat carrying 17 people overturned midway. The boat overturned and sank in the middle of the Ganga river. However, 12 people were either rescued or swam to safety while six are still missing, said Kumari. Upon knowing the incident, district administration officials and police personnel reached the spot and started rescue operations with the help of SDRF. ...We soon reached the incident spot and started rescue operations to trace missing persons. The search operation is on to trace the six missing persons, said Shubham Kumar, sub-divisional magistrate (SDM), Barh. We are also engaging SDRF personnel and are trying to ascertain the identity of the missing persons. The rescue operation is going to trace the whereabouts of the missing occupants of the ill-fated boat, he added. BJP leader and former Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Sunday strongly rebutted tech mogul Elon Musk's call to eliminate electronic voting machines (EVMs), arguing that secure digital hardware is indeed achievable. Musk sparked a debate over the security of EVMs, suggesting that they should be eliminated due to the risk of being hacked by humans or artificial intelligence. Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla and owner of X, formerly known as Twitter.(REUTERS) We should eliminate electronic voting machines. The risk of being hacked by humans or AI, while small, is still too high, Musk posted on X while reacting to American politician and conspiracy theorist Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s concern over the issues with EVMs in Puerto Rico's recent primary elections. Read: Why does vote count not equal votes cast on few seats? ECI gives 2 reasons Chandrasekhar, who served as the Minister of State for the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in the previous government, characterised Musk's assertion as a "huge sweeping generalization" that fails to recognise the possibility of creating secure digital hardware. "This is a huge sweeping generalization statement that implies no one can build secure digital hardware. Wrong," Chandrasekhar wrote. The BJP leader said Musk's concerns might apply to countries where voting machines are built using standard computing platforms with Internet connectivity, they do not apply to India. Indian EVMs are custom designed, secure and isolated from any network or media - No connectivity, no bluetooth, wifi, Internet. ie there is no way in. Factory programmed controllers that cannot be reprogrammed. Read: Modi attacks opposition for raising doubts about EVMs Chandrasekhar also offered to provide a tutorial on how to properly design and build secure electronic voting machines. "Electronic voting machines can be architected and built right as India has done. We would be happy to run a tutorial Elon." Musk responded to Chandrasekhar saying, Anything can be hacked. Kennedy, who is running for the US presidential elections as an independent candidate, had cited an Associated Press report on "hundreds of voting irregularities" and stressed the importance of a paper trail to identify and correct such issues. Luckily, there was a paper trail so the problem was identified and vote tallies corrected. What happens in jurisdictions where there is no paper trail? RFK posted. US citizens need to know that every one of their votes were counted, and that their elections cannot be hacked. We need to return to paper ballots to avoid electronic interference with elections. My administration will require paper ballots and we will guarantee honest and fair elections. Union minister Suresh Gopi on Sunday issued a clarification over his reference to former prime minister Indira Gandhi as the mother of India, reported PTI. BJP MP from Kerala's Thrissur constituency Suresh Gopi.(PTI) After his remarks garnered widespread attention, Gopi, the Bharatiya Janata Party's first Lok Sabha MP from Kerala, clarified that he called the late leader the mother of the Congress party in the country. He also claimed that the media misinterpreted his remarks. "What did I say? As far as the Congress is concerned...whether anyone likes it or not... K Karunakaran is the father of the Congress party in Kerala. In India, its mother is Indira Gandhi. I said this from my heart," Suresh Gopi said, according to PTI. However, the minister of state for petroleum and tourism continued to lavish praise on Indira Gandhi. Also Read | Kerala's fading red and the blooming lotus "Indira Gandhi is the real architect of India post-independence and until her demise. I have to make these attributions anyway. I cannot forget a person who had worked sincerely for the country only because she belonged to the political rival party," he added. On Saturday, while visiting the memorial of late Congress chief minister K Karunakaran in Thrissur, Gopi had described Indira Gandhi as the "mother of India" and Karunakaran as a "courageous administrator". Gopi said as he viewed Indira Gandhi as "bharathathinte mathavu" (mother of India), and that Karunakaran was the "father of the Congress party in the state" for him. Also Read | MoS Suresh Gopi thinks he will be given the space to do films by the government He, however, clarified that bestowing such a title to Karunakaran was not a disrespect to the founders or co-founders of Congress in Kerala. The BJP leader had also said that he considered Karunakaran and Marxist veteran E K Nayanar his "political gurus". Gopi won the Thrissur Lok Sabha seat recently, opening the BJP's electoral account in Kerala. He defeated the Communist Party of India (Marxist) candidate VS Sunilkumar by a margin of nearly 75,000 votes. A massive fire broke out in a factory in Delhi's Mundka Industrial Area on Sunday morning. The city's fire department sent 35 fire tenders to douse the blaze. A fire engine of the Delhi Fire Service. (File photo by Sanchit Khanna/ Hindustan Times) Visuals show firemen trying to control the massive blaze with water cannons. Efforts are underway to douse the fire. So far, there is no information about any casualty. More details are awaited. Delhi and its surrounding areas are witnessing an increased number of fire-related accidents due to intense heat and dry weather. On Saturday, a fire broke out in Ghaziabad's Tronica City industrial area. The fire had engulfed a packaging factory in the city, adjacent to the national capital. Around 24 fire tenders brought the blaze under control. Also read: Delhi: Five shops gutted in massive fire at Vasant Vihar market "At the time of the fire, three employees were present in the factory, who were evacuated safely," Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Rahul Kumar told ANI. He told the media that the fire had spread on the upper floors of the Tronica factory. "The fire, due to winds, had also spread to the nearby factories, after which fire vehicles were called from nearby districts. Water tankers were also taken from the municipal corporation to douse the fire," he said on Saturday. On Saturday, a fire broke out in a garment factory in Noida. The incident took place in B-Block of Sector 67. The fire was doused after an eight-hour-long operation. Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Pradeep Kumar said no one was injured in the incident. "We immediately sent eight vehicles to the spot but found that it was a major fire, which had spread from the garment factory to the adjoining pharmaceutical factory. This pharma factory was shut for the past two years but the items which were stored inside caught fire and intensified the blaze," Kumar said. "We had to deploy 28 vehicles and by 8.30 pm we were able to completely extinguish the fire. Fortunately, there was no injury to any person and no loss of life in the incident," the CFO said. With inputs from PTI, ANI This is a developing story. Amid a crippling water crisis in the national capital, Delhi water minister Atishi has written a letter to the city's police demanding protection for its pipelines against potential sabotage attempts. Meanwhile, the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday launched a protest against the AAP government over paucity of water. People wait to collect drinking water from a tanker of Delhi Jal Board on a hot summer day as water crisis continues, at a slum in Geeta Colony area, in East Delhi. (PTI) Atishi claimed Delhi Jal Board's patrolling team found signs of sabotage of pipelines at several spots. In a letter to Delhi police commissioner Sanjay Arora, Atishi wrote: "I am writing to request deployment of police personnel to patrol and protect our major pipelines for the next 15 days to stop miscreants or people with ulterior motives from tampering water pipelines which have now become Delhi's lifelines. At this juncture any foul play and sabotage will worsen the already difficult water shortage being faced by the people of Delhi." She claimed the DJB teams found that water supply pipelines were damaged at some places. "Yesterday our ground patrolling team reported a major leakage in our South Delhi Rising Mains, the main water pipeline that carries water from Sonia Vihar WTP) to South Delhi. This was near the DTL sub station in Garhi Medhu. Our patrolling team found that several large 375 mm bolts and one 12 inch bolt had been cut from the pipeline causing the leakage. The fact that several large bolts had been cut seems to indicate foul play and sabotage," she claimed. She said a large quantity of water couldn't be supplied to the people of Delhi, exacerbating the crisis. Atishi demanded that the police protect Delhi's major pipelines for the next 15 days. "I am writing to request deployment of police personnel to patrol and protect our major pipelines for the next 15 days. This would be very important for putting a stop to miscreants or people with ulterior motives from tampering with our water pipelines which have now become Delhi's lifelines. At this juncture any foul play and sabotage will worsen the already difficult water shortage being faced by the people of Delhi," she added. Meanwhile, BJP MP from West Delhi, Kamaljeet Sehrawat and other party workers held a protest in Najafgarh against the Delhi government. "We have been receiving calls from Dwarka RWAs and they have been coming to meet us with complaints of water shortage. Private water tankers are costing them a lot of money and they are unable to avail government tankers... The pipes that I inspected today are broken and a lot of water is being wasted... The Delhi government is blaming other state governments for the water shortage whereas the problem lies within their department... I request Atishi not on humanitarian grounds, but as a minister in the Delhi government that she needs to take care of her department," she said. Also read: Delhi water crisis: Himachal Pradesh makes U-turn in Supreme Court; AAP-BJP blame game on amid heatwave AAP MLAs today reached the house of union Jal Shakti minister, CR Patil, to request him to resolve the crisis. "We wrote a letter to him yesterday. We tried to reach out to him through mail, SMS, and WhatsApp and asked for an appointment. Someone received our letter yesterday but when we came here today, we were told that he is not here at his residence. We dont know whats the truth. However, we want the Central government to intervene in this situation and give the responsibility of interstate coordination to CR Patil, said AAP MLA Dilip Pandey. Last week, Atishi appealed to Haryana to discharge additional water into the Yamuna river on humanitarian grounds. She claimed there was a shortage of 70 million gallons per day (MGD) in the national capital due to the scarcity of raw water. The normal water production of around 1,002 MGD in Delhi on June 6 went down to 932 MGD on Friday because of a lack of raw water, she added. BJP claims Arvind Kejriwal responsible for water crisis Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and the AAP government are responsible for the water crisis. He attributed the crisis to water theft and wastage. BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj said she is forced to pressure DJB officials for water tankers. "Every single day I get a call from the constituency. I have to incessantly put pressure on officials of DJB to send tanker and make sure water is available to people. AAP doesn't have the intent to work. In their rule of last 10 years, they have reduced the DJB of 600 crore profit to loss of 73,000 crore. The IMD had warned of heatwave in March itself, but they did nothing. No repair in infrastructure was made," she claimed. With inputs from PTI, ANI A poll official on Sunday dismissed rejected a news report that claimed a kin of the winning Shiv Sena candidate in Mumbai had a phone that unlocked EVM. Vandana Suryavanshi, returning officer of Mumbai North West Lok Sabha constituency, said that an EVM is a standalone system that does not need an OTP to unlock it. Vandana Suryavanshi, returning officer of Mumbai North West Lok Sabha constituency.(ANI) The poll officer was responding to a report in Mid-day newspaper about a kin of Shiv Sena candidate Ravindra Waikar, who emerged victorious from the seat by a margin of just 48 votes, using a mobile phone connected to an EVM during vote counting on June 4. There is no OTP (one-time password) on mobile for unlocking EVM as it is non-programmable and it has no wireless communication capabilities, Suryavanshi said. It is a complete lie being spread by a newspaper, which is being used by some leaders to create false narrative. She also said that a notice has been issued to Mid-day newspaper under sections 499, 505 of the Indian Penal Code for defamation and spreading false news. The polling official maintained that EVMs are standalone devices without any wired or wireless connectivity with units outside its system. Advanced technical features and robust administrative safeguards are in place to rule out any possibility of manipulation, she said. Safeguards include conducting everything in the presence of candidates or their agents. Mangesh Pandilkar, brother-in-law of Waikar, was booked on Wednesday for allegedly using a mobile phone at a counting centre on June 4, when results of the general elections were announced. A police official said the mobile phone has been sent to forensics to examine call records and verify if it was used for other purposes, according to the Mid-day report. Pandilkar was booked on the complaint of polling personnel Dinesh Gurav. An independent candidate noticed the former using a mobile phone despite a ban on such devices at the counting centre and alerted the returning officer, an unidentified police officer told PTI. "The RO in turn approached Vanrai police," he said. Pandilkar has been booked under Indian Penal Code section 188 (disobeying official order)." Opposition questions EVMs Citing the Mid-day report, several leaders of the Opposition raised questions regarding the transparency in India's electoral process. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that EVMs in India are a "black box" which nobody is allowed to scrutinise. "Democracy ends up becoming a sham and prone to fraud when institutions lack accountability," he wrote on X. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi termed the incident as fraud at the highest level and questioned the Election Commission over it. "This is a fraud at the highest level and yet the @ECISVEEP continues to sleep If ECI doesnt step in this will be the biggest election result scam after Chandigarh Mayor election and will see this battle in the courts. This brazenness has to be punished," Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi posted on X. Sena UBT leader Aditya Thackeray said: Surprisingly, or not, the Entirely Compromised- election commission, has refused to share CCTV footage of the counting centre. I guess its trying to avoid another Chandigarh moment. To this, Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde said that he wonderes if doubts were being raised over EVMs sanctity only because the winner belongs to his party. Why are questions being raised about the outcome of only Mumbai North West constituency and not any other result in the state? Is it because my candidate, Waikar, won and theirs lost, Shinde asked. Meanwhile, separately, Tesla chief Elon Musk sparked a debate by questioning the security of EVMs. We should eliminate electronic voting machines. The risk of being hacked by humans or AI, while small, is still too high, he posted on X. BJP leader and former Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, however, responded to Musk's tweet arguing that securing digital hardware is achievable. He even offered Musk a tutorial on how to design and build secure electronic voting machines. Musk, however, doubled down on his concerns saying: Anything can be hacked. Heat wave to severe heat wave conditions are likely to continue over many parts of North India during next 3 days and gradually abate thereafter, India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Sunday. Heat Waves are a period of unusually high temperatures as compared to what is normally expected over a region. (Representative Image) A fresh western disturbance is impacting the Western Himalayan region. Under its influence; light to moderate isolated to scattered rainfall with thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) are likely over Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan during June 18 to 20, IMD said. Isolated to scattered light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds (40-60 kmph) is very likely over Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh during next five days. Heat wave to severe heat wave conditions are likely in many/most parts of Uttar Pradesh during June 17 and 18 and Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi on June 17; in isolated/some parts of Bihar and Jharkhand on June 17 and decrease in intensity thereafter over above regions, IMD said. Also Read | Blistering heat sweeps Punjab, Haryana; Fazilka records 47.1C There is a red category warning for Punajab, Haryana, Delhi Uttar Pradesh on Sunday and Monday owing to very high temperatures. A red warning implies that local authorities should act to prevent disasters and exigencies arising out of extreme heat. The monsoon has nearly not progressed since June 11 as per bulletins issued by IMD. The Northern Limit of Monsoon continues to pass through Navsari, Jalgaon, Amravati, Chandrapur, Bijapur, Sukma, Malkangiri, Vizianagaram and Islampur. Conditions are favourable for further advance of Southwest Monsoon into some more parts of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Northwest Bay of Bengal, some parts of Gangetic West Bengal remaining parts of Sub Himalayan West Bengal and some parts of Bihar during next 4-5 days. Monsoon is delayed by a few days now. It should have covered Odisha, West Bengal, parts of Bihar and Jharkhand by June 15. Also Read | Delhi: Night temperature still in the 30s, respite likely on Wednesday Heat wave conditions are very likely in isolated to some pockets of Jammu Division, Himachal Pradesh, north Rajasthan during June 17 and 18; Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh & Gangetic West Bengal on June 17 and abate thereafter. Warm night conditions are very likely in isolated pockets of Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh on June 17; Delhi during June 17 and 18. The upcoming western disturbance may bring some relief from extreme heat over Delhi and neighbouring areas. On June 20 we can expect light rainfall over Delhi and moderate rainfall over Punjab, Haryana. So, until June 23 there may be marginally less heat. Thereafter easterly winds may penetrate the region and monsoon may reach Delhi and neighbouring areas around June 27, said Mahesh Palawat, vice president, climate and meteorology, skymet weather. Heat wave to severe heat wave conditions were observed on Saturday in most parts over Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, western parts of Gangetic West Bengal, southwest Bihar; many parts of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh and Odisha and in some parts over north Rajasthan and East Madhya Pradesh. Heat wave conditions in isolated pockets of Jammu-Kashmir, West Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha. Warm night to severe warm night conditions were observed in most parts of Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi and Warm night conditions observed in some parts of Punjab; in isolated pockets of Madhya Pradesh. Maximum temperatures were in the range of 44-46 degree C over most parts of Haryana-Delhi; many parts of Punjab, East Uttar Pradesh, north Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand; in some parts of north Rajasthan, West Uttar Pradesh and in isolated pockets over north Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal on Saturday. These are above normal by 4-8 degree C over these regions. The highest maximum temperature of 46.3 degree C was reported at Kanpur IAF (East Uttar Pradesh) over the country. Heat Waves are a period of unusually high temperatures as compared to what is normally expected over a region. Therefore, the temperatures at which Heat waves are declared differ from place to place based on the temperature climatology (historical temperatures) of that region. The impact of heat waves gets aggravated by supportive meteorological factors such as high humidity, high wind speed, duration of heat wave events, etc. A heat wave is declared when the maximum is over 40 degrees C over the plains, over 37 degrees C over coastal areas, and over 30 degrees C in the hills with the deviation from normal between 4.5 and 6.4 degrees C above the average maximum. If these conditions persist for two consecutive days, a heat wave is declared on the second day. A severe heat wave is declared when the deviation is more than 6.4 degrees C above normal. Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday announced that he and the chief secretary will start paying their electricity bills from July 1. We are ending the #VIPCulture rule of paying electricity bills of Government officials using tax payer money. Myself and the Chief Secretary will set an example and start paying our power bills from July 1 onwards, Sarma announced on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma (File Photo) Beginning July 2024, all public servants will have to pay for their own electricity consumption, the Assam chief minister added. We usually find that the electricity bills of the residences of our ministers and senior government officers or the residences of the secretariat were being paid by the government for so long. This is a legacy of 75 years, not a new system, the Assam chief minister said in a video shared by him on X. No government, no chief minister, no chief secretary, the electricity bill used in everyone's house was being paid by the state government so far from the budget, he added during an event. Earlier in the day, Sarma unveiled the Janata Bhawan Solar Project, a 2.5-Megawatt power generation capacity grid-connected rooftop and ground-mounted solar PV system, at a ceremony held at the state Secretariat Complex in Guwahati. "The state government had been paying around Rs. 30 lakh to Assam Power Distribution Company Limited every month for traditionally produced electricity consumption. The transition to green energy will help the government utilise its resources for the welfare of the socially and economically disadvantaged sections of society," ANI quoted Sarma as saying. The chief minister asked every government office to adopt solar power in a gradual and phased manner. In the initial phase, Sarma called upon medical colleges and universities to make a transition to solar energy. (With ANI inputs) IMD weather forecast: Most parts of Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi region, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, western parts of Gangetic West Bengal, southwest Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha have experienced heatwave to severe heatwave conditions in the last 24 hours leading up to 8.30am. Isolated pockets of Jammu-Kashmir, West Madhya Pradesh, and Vidarbha also reported heatwave conditions. Temperatures soared between 44-46C in many parts of Haryana-Delhi, Punjab, East Uttar Pradesh, north Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and other regions. These temperatures are 4-8C above normal for this time of year. Kanpur IAF in East Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest maximum temperature at 46.3C across the country. New Delhi: Women cover themselves under umbrellas during heatwave, in New Delhi, Saturday, June 15, 2024.(PTI) The IMD has issued warnings for continued heatwave conditions over the next five days. Uttar Pradesh is expected to experience widespread heatwave to severe heat wave conditions till June 18, with Punjab and Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi facing similar conditions on June 16-17. Isolated areas of Bihar and Jharkhand will also witness heat wave during this period, with a gradual decrease in intensity thereafter. Read: When can Bihar, Bengal, other states expect rain relief? IMD provides monsoon update Other regions slated for heatwave conditions include isolated pockets of Jammu Division, Himachal Pradesh, north Rajasthan(June 16-18), Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gangetic West Bengal (June 16 & 17), and Vidarbha (June 16). Warm night conditions are expected in isolated pockets of Punjab, Haryana-Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh on June 16 & 17, with Delhi experiencing warmer nights from June 16-18, along with Vidarbha on June 16. The IMD has forecasted favourable conditions for the southwest monsoon to advance into some more parts of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Northwest Bay of Bengal, some parts of Gangetic West Bengal, remaining parts of Sub Himalayan West Bengal and some parts of Bihar during next four to five days. A cyclonic circulation over northeast Assam and another over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, along with an east-west trough spanning from northwest Bihar to Meghalaya, are influencing weather patterns. This setup is expected to bring widespread light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam & Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram & Tripura, and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim over the next five days. Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over these regions, with isolated extremely heavy rainfall predicted for Assam & Meghalaya on June 18. A fresh Western Disturbance is likely to affect northwestern parts of the country, including Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and neighbouring states from June 18-20. This disturbance will bring light to moderate isolated to scattered rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (30-40 kmph). Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh are expected to experience isolated to scattered light to moderate rainfall with similar weather conditions persisting over the next five days. A cyclonic circulation over the northeast Arabian Sea near Saurashtra and a trough extending from this system to the east-central Arabian Sea off the Maharashtra coast will influence weather over western and southern India. Gujarat, Konkan & Goa, Madhya Maharashtra & Marathwada are likely to experience scattered to fairly widespread light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning during the next five days. Isolated heavy rainfall is expected over Konkan & Goa on June 16 and June 18-20, Madhya Maharashtra on June 16 and June 19-20, and Saurashtra & Kutch on June 16. How many of you know who Ramtanu Pandey is? I think very few do. But, perhaps, most would be familiar with the name Mian Tansen, the Hindustani classical music genius, who was also called Sangeet Samrat, or the monarch of music. Actually, the two are the same. I have met legions of people who believe that because of the honorific Mian, Tansen was a Muslim. The truth is that he is one of the best examples of the ganga-jamuni tehzeeb, the syncretic culture combining the best of Hindu and Islamic traditions, which became dominant around the 15th and 16th centuries CE. Ramtanu Pandey was born by most accounts in 1500 CE, possibly in Varanasi, where his father, Mukund Pandey, an established poet and musician, lived and worked as the pundit at a local Shiva temple. Legend has it that Ramtanu was born mute and did not utter a syllable until the age of five. At the age of six he began to learn classical music from Swami Haridas, the legendary composer-musician who lived at Vrindavan, and was part of the court of Raja Mansingh Tomar (1486-1516 CE). Swami Haridas, in whose memory a major music festival is still held every year in Vrindavan, was the guru who influenced young Ramtanu the most. Haridas was a specialist in the Dhrupad form of classical music, and Ramtanu imbibed this form of singing first. It was in recognition of his musical excellence, which was second only to Haridas, that Raja Mansigh Tomar conferred on him the title Tansen, the one Learned in Music. But here is where history and biography merge. Around the 16th century, the Bhakti movement was at its peak. The Hindu faith, under attack from the Turkic Islamic invaders, found a new lease of life by moving away from the hitherto elite Sanskrit forums, to the language of the common masses. This remarkable phenomenon happened all across IndiaNorth, South, East, Westand Vrindavan was no exception. The musicians and poets here composed deeply moving bhakti songs, in the local language Brajbhasha and Hindi, and Tansen too began to sing his Vaishnav bandishes or compositions in them. This is important, since otherwise, especially as one who originally learnt Dhrupad, the ancient form of Indian classical music, he would have possibly restricted himself to Sanskrit, thereby reducing his mass appeal. Tansen came into his own in the Hindu court of Raja Ramchandra Singh (1555-1598) of Rewa. There he had the full patronage of the sovereign, who was himself adept at classical music. It was at Rewa that Tansen spent most of his adult life, and also wrote two books on Hindustani music, Sri Ganesh Stotra, and Sangeetsara. His fame spread far and wide, and soon reached the exalted court of the great Mughal emperor, Akbar (1556-1605). Also Read: Gwalior, the creative city of music, celebrates a new Guinness record This is again where we witness the genius of Indias syncretic culture unfolding. Akbar was married to a Hindu princess; his mother was Hindu too. In his court, his leading counsellors were Hindus, like Todar Mal and Raja Mansingh. In this milieu, Akbar requested Rewa king, Raja Ramchandra Singh to send Tansen to his court. Tansen was reluctant. He was by now nearing sixty, and wanted to retire, but Ramchandra Singh was persuasive, and Tansen moved to Akbars court at Fatehpuri Sikri at Agra. Akbar gave him the full respect he deserved, adding Mian or Learned to the name Tansen. Mian Tansen became one of the navaratnas or nine jewels of the Emperors Court. It is known that Akbar, a lover of Hindustani classical music himself, built a pool next to the Diwan-i-Aam, of his palace. In the centre of the pool is a platform, where Tansen would perform for the monarch. It was in Akbars court too that his Sufi leanings, first imbibed when he came in contact with a Sufi saint, Shaikh Muhammad Ghaus, in Gwalior, found full expression. While he continued to sing classical compositions in praise of Krishna and Shiva, and many other Hindu deities, he also composed Sufi pieces, and some in honour of Akbar. According to some biographies, including references in Abu Fazls Akbarnama, Mian Tansen married a Muslim lady. Other accounts say that he was married to Akbars daughter, Mehrunissa. The known fact is that he had five children, four sons and a girl. Typical of this remarkable and mili-juli eclectic legacy, is the fact that their names were: Surat Sen, Sarat Sen, Tarang Khan, Bilal Khan, and Saraswati. Tansen died in Delhi in 1586. It is said that the Mughal monarch, and leading members of his court, attended his funeral. Some traditions aver that he was buried according to Islamic rites, while others maintain that Hindu customs prevailed. His mortal remains are buried in the mausoleum complex of his Sufi master, Shaikh Muhammad Ghaus in Gwalior. Tansens legacy continues. A prestigious annual classical music festival, Tansen Sammelan, is held every year at Gwalior. In Hindi, the hit film, Tansen was made in 1943, starring KL Saigal. Films on his life were also made in 1958 and 1962. But the moot point remains: how much about this legendary genius is known to the younger generation today? Bharat Rashtra Samithi president and former Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Saturday questioned the credibility of the judicial inquiry by the Justice L Narasimha Reddy Commission into the alleged irregularities in purchase of power from Chhattisgarh and construction of two thermal power plants 1080MW Bhadradri power plant and 4000MW Yadadri power plant during the BRS regime. Bharat Rashtra Samithi president lambasted the judicial probe into alleged irregularities in power sector during his regime. (PTI) In a 12-page reply to a notice served to him last week by Justice Narasimha Reddy, KCR, as the BRS chief is popularly known, alleged that despite being a legal luminary, Justice Reddy had made unfounded comments against the previous government even before completing the investigation. I believe you have crossed the limits beyond the terms of reference, which shows your determination to discredit the erstwhile government. You have lost the moral standing to head the commissioner of inquiry ground to inquire and you should recuse yourself from your responsibility and withdraw from the commission, KCR said. On March 13, the Congress government constituted a judicial commission headed by Justice Reddy, a retired high court chief justice, to probe into the alleged irregularities in the power sector during the KCR regime. The Congress government had alleged that the then government signed the power purchase agreement (PPA) with Chhattisgarh for supply of 1,000MW of power in 2014 without inviting tenders, resulting in huge financial loss to the state exchequer. Justice Reddy told reporters on Tuesday that apart from KCR, notices were served to as many as 25 officials and non-officials involved in the process of signing the PPA with the Chhattisgarh government. He noted that when the PPA was signed, the power plant in Chhattisgarh from where the power was supposed to flow to Telangana was still under construction. The works on the power plant in Chhattisgarh commenced only in 2017, Justice Reddy observed. The Commission chairman also said that due to the sub-critical technology used in the Bhadradri thermal power plant, the additional expenditure incurred for extra coal was 250-300 crore per year. Similarly, there is an inordinate delay in the completion of Yadadri power plant due to non-laying of a dedicated railway line for supply of coal. Stating that the PPA with Chhattisgarh was done only with the approval of the state electricity regulatory commission, the former chief minister said if the Congress government had any objections, it should have approached the Electricity Appellate Tribunal and later the Supreme Court. It is unfortunate that Justice Reddy lacks basic knowledge that inquiry commissions cannot be constituted against the orders of the Electricity Regulatory Commission (ERC) decisions, he said. The former chief minister said in view of the severe power crisis in Telangana, there was no other go for the government but to have a PPA with Chhattisgarh. Regarding the setting up of Bhadradri power plant with sub-critical technology, KCR said 90% of the thermal power plants were being run only on this technology. The concept of super-critical technology was introduced in 2015. Since Telangana (formed in 2014) was facing a massive power crisis, we decided to set up the thermal power stations at the earliest with sub-critical technology with the equipment supplied by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). Moreover, there was no restriction or ban on use of sub-critical technology till 2017, he pointed out. However, ignoring the crucial fact, you made unreasonable comments that state was put to great financial loss. Any person having some knowledge of power sector would not agree to your contentions, the BRS chief added. He also found fault with the Justice Reddy Commission for questioning the location of the Yadadri power plant at Damaracherla. Stating that selection of the plant site is the prerogative of the state government, KCR said all the major thermal power plants are located on the banks of the river. Damaracherla area of Nalgonda district is a backward area where sufficient lands are available even for future expansions or even setting up a solar plant also, he said. He attributed the delay in the completion of Yadadri power plant to the delay in granting environmental clearance and also the Covid-19 pandemic. KCR alleged that Justice Reddy was delivering the judgement even before conducting the inquiry. There is no point in deposing before the Commission, which has already come to a conclusion on its findings, he said. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday claimed the Opposition's INDIA bloc will support N Chandrababu Naidu's TDP if it fields its candidate for the Lok Sabha Speaker's election. Reacting to his remark, Nitish Kumar's party, Janata Dal (United), said the right to nominate the Speaker of the lower House of the Parliament rests with the Bharatiya Janata Party. Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar, Samajwadi Party (SP) Chief Akhilesh Yadav and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut.(ANI file photo) Sanjay Raut claimed TDP wants to field its candidate for the upcoming Speaker's election. "I hear the TDP wants to field its candidate. If that happens, INDIA bloc partners will discuss the issue and will try to ensure that all the INDIA alliance partners extend support to the TDP," he said. Also read: Who will be the Lok Sabha Speaker? Modi 3.0 'kingmakers' JD(U), TDP differ on key issue Sanjay Raut claimed if BJP gets the Speaker's post, it will break its allies. "We have the experience that BJP betrays the people who support it," Raut claimed. The BJP, which won 240 seats in the Lok Sabha, is dependent on TDP and JD(U) for a simple majority in the House. With 16 and 12 Lok Sabha seats, N Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar's parties are indispensable to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third government. Cognizant of the new reality, the Bharatiya Janata Party has ensured better representation of its allies in Modi's new Cabinet. However, the four main portfolios home, defence, finance and external affairs were allocated to BJP leaders. Also read: Lok Sabha Speaker elections on June 26; Opposition urges NDA members TDP, JD(U) to push for post While TDP has demanded that the nominee for the Speaker's post be decided by the National Democratic Alliance partners after achieving a consensus, JD(U) has vowed to back the Bharatiya Janata Party's decision. "The position of a Lok Sabha Speaker is the most dignified post of the House... The ruling party has the first right on that seat. The demands and statements of the INDI alliance are objectionable. BJP or NDA have first right on that post. We believe that BJP is the big party of the NDA... I have been in NDA for the last 35 years... BJP never tried to break any party... TDP and JDU played a crucial role (in government formation). We will never try to weaken the NDA," said JD(U) leader KC Tyagi. With inputs from PTI, ANI The INDIA bloc's victory in the recently-held Lok Sabha polls was historic as the BJP could not form the government on its own, according to Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin. Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin (File Photo/ANI) Narendra Modi became Prime Minister only due to the support extended by N Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar. This was a defeat for Modi as he had to depend on allies to form the government, Stalin, who heads the DMK, an INDIA member, said at an event in Coimbatore. Under DMK, its largest constituent in Tamil Nadu, the Congress-party led opposition alliance won all 39 Lok Sabha seats in the southern state, and the lone parliamentary segment in the neighbouring Puducherry Union territory. Therefore, restricting BJP to only 240 seats nationally, is INDIA's 41st victory, Stalin stated. It is not an ordinary win for us, but a historic onea win for your (DMK workers) hard work and unity. Now the BJP government cannot do all that it wants, he added. Stalin also exuded confidence that the DMK would decimate the opposition AIADMK in the 2026 state polls. The BJP, in its first two terms under Narendra Modi had 282 and 303 parliamentarians of its own in the 543-member Lok Sabha. Now, though he won his third consecutive term, PM Modi required support from allies in the NDA, the saffron party-led coalition, to form the government at the Centre. Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu's TDP and the JD(U), headed by his Bihar counterpart Nitish Kumar, bagged 16 and 12 Lok Sabha seats, respectively, making their support crucial for the BJP. Together, the NDA has 293 representatives in Parliament's Lower House, while INDIA has 234 members. INDIA constituents Congress (99 seats), Samajwadi Party (37), Trinamool Congress (29) and DMK (22), are the largest parties in the House after the BJP. (With PTI inputs) All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) supremo Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday raised his concerns over the future of Muslims, tribals and Dalit people who are being held under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). Taking a jibe, the Hyderabad MP said he hoped that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would learn something from the Lok Sabha election results, but they poured cold water on his expectation AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi (HT File Photo)(HT_PRINT) "The UAPA law is in the news again today. This is an extremely ruthless law due to which thousands of Muslim, Dalit and tribal youth were imprisoned and their lives were ruined," Owaisi said in a post on X. The AIMIM chief further claimed that the stringent law became the reason for the death of 85-year-old Stan Swamy. Swamy, a tribal activist, died in judicial custody in 2021. He was arrested under the UAPA in connection with the 2018 Bhima-Koregaon violence case. Owaisi objected to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act Bill 2019 in the Lok Sabha and blamed Congress for enacting the UAPA law. "This law was made even more stringent by the Congress government in 2008 and 2012, I had opposed it even then. In 2019, when the BJP again brought more stringent provisions and exemptions, the Congress supported the BJP. I had opposed this law even then," he said. "We hoped from Modi 3.0 that he would learn something from the election results but they poured cold water on our expectations. This series of atrocities and excesses will continue," he added. Earlier this week, Delhi lieutenant governor VK Saxena has approved the prosecution of Booker-winning author Arundhati Roy and former Professor of international law at the Central University of Kashmir, Sheikh Showkat Hussain, in a case relating to their alleged provocative speeches at a public function in 2010. The first information report (FIR) in the case was registered on November 28, 2010 on the directions of the metropolitan magistrate for the offences of sedition, promoting enmity between different groups on the grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence and language, with imputations and assertions prejudicial to national integration, officials at the LG secretariat said. Roy and Hussain had allegedly made provocative speeches at a conference organised under the banner of "Azadi - The Only Way" on October 21, 2010 at LTG Auditorium, Copernicus Marg, New Delhi. The issues discussed and spoken about at the conference allegedly propagated the "separation of Kashmir from India". Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha results came as a setback for both alliances as BJP this time failed to cross the majority mark of 272 seats, unlike 282 and 303 in the previous two terms in 2014 and 2019, respectively and INDIA bloc couldn't make to the throne. According to the Election Commission of India, the BJP won 240 seats, significantly lower than its 2019 tally of 303. The Congress made substantial gains, winning 99 seats. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured 293 seats, while the INDIA bloc crossed the 230 mark, posing stiff competition and defying predictions. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath arrived in Gorakhpur on Saturday but is yet to meet RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, who has been here since Wednesday for a four-day RSS volunteers' camp in the city. Nagpur, Jun 10 (ANI): Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Dr Mohan Bhagwat addresses the Valedictory Ceremony of Karyakarta Vikas Varg-2, at the National Level Cadre Training Camp in Nagpur on Monday. While there was much speculation on a likely meeting between the two, Bhagwat remained at the camp venue, and Adityanath, who is on a three-day visit to his bastion, spent time at a local zoo. The Uttar Pradesh chief minister and BJP leader released an Asiatic lion, 'Bharat', and the lioness 'Gauri' into their enclosure at the Shaheed Ashfaq Ullah Khan Prani Udyan, and held a meeting with officials. There was no announcement of any scheduled meeting, Sangh sources told news agency PTI. In the recent Lok Sabha polls, the saffron party won just 33 of the 80 seats in the country's most populous state, down from 71 in 2014 and 62 in 2019. The Samajwadi Party-Congress combine bagged 43 seats, of which 37 went to the SP and six to the grand old party. The BJP, which governs Uttar Pradesh and formed its third successive government at the Centre after the national polls, was expected to put up a good show in the state in the wake of the January 22 opening of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. However, the JP Nadda-led outfit also lost the Faizabad seat, which covers Ayodhya; its two-term MP, Lallu Singh, was defeated by Awadhesh Prasad of the SP. Also, unlike its previous two terms, when it enjoyed an individual majority, the BJP, which won 240 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha the Congress came second with 99 required support from its allies in the NDA, the coalition it leads, to form government. On June 9, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was sworn-in for his third consecutive term. The Sangh is the ideological mentor of the BJP. Mumbai, A poll official on Sunday said an EVM was a standalone system with "robust administrative safeguards" to protect it from any kind of manipulation and that there was no need of an OTP to unlock it. Vandana Suryavanshi, returning officer of Mumbai North West Lok Sabha constituency, was reacting to a report in Mid-day newspaper about a kin of Ravindra Waikar, the Shiv Sena candidate who emerged victorious there by a wafer thin margin of 48 votes, using a mobile phone connected to an EVM during vote counting on June 4. "The EVM is a standalone system and there is no need for an OTP to unlock it. It is not programmable and has no wireless communication capabilities. It is a complete lie being spread by a newspaper. We have issued notice to Mid-day newspaper under sections 499, 505 of the Indian Penal Code for defamation and spreading false news," Suryavanshi said in a press conference on Sunday. As per Vanrai police, Mangesh Pandilkar, brother-in-law of Waikar, was booked under Indian Penal Code section 188 on Wednesday for allegedly using a mobile phone at a counting centre in Goregaon on June 4, when results of the general elections were announced. Speaking at the press conference, Suryavanshi said the personal mobile phone of one Dinesh Gurav, the data entry operator of Jogeshwari assembly constituency, was found in the hands of an unauthorised person and action is being taken in this regard. "Data entry and vote counting are two different aspects. An OTP enables the ARO to open the encore login system for data entry. The counting process is independent and has nothing to do with unauthorised use of mobile phone, which is an unfortunate incident and is being probed," Suryavanshi added. "Advance technical features and robust administrative safeguards are in place to rule out any possibility of manipulation. Safeguards include conducting everything in the presence of candidates or their agents," she said. The official said neither Waikar or losing candidate Amol Kirtikar of the Shiv Sena had sought a recount but verification of invalid postal ballots was demanded and it was done. Suryavanshi said CCTV footage in connection with the issue cannot be given unless there are orders from the competent court. Mumbai poll official refutes media report, says EVM fully safeguarded against manipulation The Congress on Sunday said that there were serious questions on the integrity of the National Testing Agency (NTA), under fire for alleged irregularities in the NEET (UG) 2024 exam. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh (File Photo/PTI) There are serious questions on the integrity of the NTA itself and the manner in which NEET is designed and administered. NCERT itself has lost all professionalism in the last decade, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Calling for the issue to be given highest priority, the Rajya Sabha member hoped that immediately after the formation of the Parliament's new Standing Committees, an in-depth review of the NEET, NTA, and NCERT would be taken up. Ramesh also demanded a proper analysis of the 'CBSE issue. I was a member of Parliament's Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare between 2014 and 2019 and recall broad support for NEET. But there were MPs, especially from Tamil Nadu, who had raised concerns that NEET would privilege CBSE students and disadvantage students from non-CBSE schools, he wrote. I do think now that this CBSE issue needs proper analysis. Is NEET discriminatory? Are students from poorer backgrounds being denied opportunities? Other states like Maharashtra also have expressed deep doubts on NEET, he added. This year, the all-India medical entrance examination for undergraduates was held on May 5 and its results were declared on June 4. However, the results generated controversy due to an unprecedented number of candidates (67) securing the first rank. Additionally, a few aspirants who scored 720 out of 720 marks, were among 1563 candidates given grace marks to make up for their 'loss of time.' The date of result declaration also raised eyebrows as it coincided with the counting day of the recently concluded national elections. That some candidates scored 718/719 marks despite a marking scheme of +4 for each correct answer and -1 for every wrong response, was questioned as well. Rajya Sabha MP and former Union minister Kapil Sibal, demanded a Supreme Court-monitored probe into the NEET-UG examination row. Rajya Sabha member Kapil Sibal (Ravi Kumar/HT) He further called on the Centre to have consultation will all states as to how this medical entrance examination is to be held in future, amid allegations of irregularities in the marking system. Sibal said a CBI inquiry will protect the administration and so an inquiry is needed through an independent agency or independent officers selected by the Supreme Court and not by the government in power. While speaking to PTI, the former Congress leader attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the NEET UG 2024 row, saying that if the testing system in any examination becomes corrupt then it is "not really neat for the PM to remain silent". Sibal said, The present National Testing Agency (NTA) has really bungled and corruption has been brought to light on media platforms, such as providing solutions for question papers for something like becoming a doctor. He further urged all political parties to raise the NEET UG issue in the Parliament, but was not optimistic on it being given priority. The Rajya Sabha MP also took a dig at education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, after the latter rejected all allegations of a paper leak or rigging in the medical entrance test. Let him go on social media and see how this is happening in Gujarat itself. The state of Gujarat is one of the progressive states, even in respect of corruption it seems to be somewhat progressive," Sibal said. He further alleged that corruption during examinations is not only rampant in one state, but across the country. Sibal added, If 67 students have maxed and some of them belong to the same centre, I think the minister should be worried about it instead of saying there is nothing wrong. In this government, there would not be any minister who will admit that something wrong has been done. The NEET UG 2024 examination was held on May 5 across the country, and over 24 lakh students appeared for the same. Students raised allegations of irregularities when 67 students topped the NEET exam this year, with claims of question paper leaks in Bihar. (With inputs from PTI) The Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of Bihar Police has recovered post-dated cheques suspected to have been issued in favour of a mafia which had demanded over 30 lakh from each candidate seeking the alleged leaked question paper ahead of National Eligibility cum Entrance Test- Undergraduate (NEET-UG) held last month, PTI reported, citing the police. Students holding placards protest against the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, at Shashtri Bhawan in New Delhi on Friday.(ANI) Deputy Inspector General (EOU) Manavjit Singh Dhillon told the news agency that six such post-dated cheques have been recovered. "During the course of the investigation, EOU sleuths recovered six post-dated cheques that were issued in favour of criminals who reportedly facilitated question papers to the aspirants ahead of the examination," Dhillon said. Investigators are ascertaining details about account holders from the banks concerned, he added. The EOU has so far arrested 13 people, including four examinees and their family members, in connection with the alleged NEET-UG 2024 paper leak case, according to PTI. All of the 13 accused belong to Bihar. The police have issued notices to nine candidates seven from Bihar and one each from UP and Maharashtra to join the probe. The NEET-UG 2024 was conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) at 4,750 centres in 571 cities for more than 24 lakh candidates. The result of the NEET-UG 2024 was declared on June 4. However, as soon as the result was declared, students raised allegations of irregularities when 67 students topped the NEET exam this year, with claims of question paper leaks in Bihar. A group of candidates has approached the Supreme Court demanding a fresh exam due to alleged paper leaks and concerns about the test's integrity. NEET-UG row: 'Question paper received at a safe house in Patna' According to a PTI report, it is suspected that nine aspirants, along with four other examinees from Bihar who have already been arrested by the EOU, allegedly received the exam's question paper and answers at a 'safe house' near Patna a day before it was conducted on May 5. During interrogation, the aspirants disclosed that their parents had paid more than 30 lakh for every candidate for the question papers. The evidence of the transaction has also been found and six post-dated cheques have also been recovered during investigation, the DIG said, according to PTI. The EOU sleuths also recovered partially burnt question papers from the safe house. Also Read | Economic Offences Unit of Bihar Police springs into action, new revelations come to fore He added: "We have sought reference question papers from the NTA. It has not responded to this so far. Once we get reference question papers from the NTA, we will send the burnt question paper to the appropriate forensic laboratory for its examination," the DIG said. Sources in the EOU further said that investigation has revealed NEET-UG question papers and their answers were provided to around 35 aspirants before the exam. The candidates, who belonged to different places in Bihar were brought to a rented accommodation at Ramkrishna Nagar in Patna, where they were provided with the question papers and answers. The police have conducted a search at the rented premise and recovered mobile phones, admit cards and other incriminating documents, the sources said. While the education ministry has dismissed the allegations of a paper leak in the NEET-UG 2024 exam and had said that the government would not tolerate malpractice and irregularities in the conduct of the exam, the Opposition has been demanding a Supreme Court-monitored probe in the matter. India's first circus was started in 1880 by Vishnu Pant Chhatre, a horse trainer and riding master in charge of the stables of the king of Kurduwadi in present-day Maharashtra, but it was only when his circus company reached Thalassery in the far south a few years later that daredevilry became its hallmark. Located in northern Keralas Kannur district, the state's eighth most populous city, the coastal town of Thalassery was back then a British cantonment. Thalassery's famed gymnastic expert, Keeleri Kunhikannan, offered to train the artists of Chhatre's Great Indian Circus in trapeze, acrobatics, and other high-risk performances by incorporating the best of the local martial art form, Kalaripayattu. India's first circus training academy was born under Kunhikannan in 1888, with the blessings of Chhatre. The first training academy was a failed experiment but Kunhikannan didnt give up and a full-fledged academy started functioning in Thalassery in 1901. The poor, jobless youth of Thalassery and the nearby regions turned up in large numbers to get trained in the difficult performances involving trapeze, acrobatics, horizontal bars, and foot juggling. Thalassery soon became India's circus capital by 1910, home to 26 large companies with a pan-Indian presence, according to Sreedharan Chambad, a trapeze performer who later ran his own circus company before graduating as an author-screenwriter. Chambad wrote extensively chronicling the history of Indian circus. His book, An Album of Indian Big Tops (History of Indian Circus), which he wrote after authoring 20 books in Malayalam on the topic, remains the most comprehensive volume tracking the origin and evolution of the Indian circus. Chambad, 86, who also wrote the script and screenplay for the widely-acclaimed G Aravindan's Thambu and KG George's Mela revolving around the circus, died on June 15 in Patyam near Thalassery. Chambad was considered the right hand of India's circus legend, `Gemini' Sankaran, known for his circus companies Gemini and Jumbo, when he sought to modernise the circus over the years and get personalities such as Jawaharlal Nehru to be patrons of the circus. But in his final days, Chambad was unhappy over the plight of circuses due to multiple restrictions imposed on them. Even a much-hyped circus academy established by the Kerala government at Chirakuni in Thalassery was a failed project due to a lack of funds, infrastructure, and trainees. He always believed the court-led ban on using wild animals in circuses had dealt the biggest blow to the industry. When Sankaran died in April last year, Chambad predicted that the death of the Indian circus, too, was imminent. Already, India has just about 30-odd circuses, down from the 300 in the 1980s and 1990s. There was a time, wrote Chambad in his book, when getting admission to Keeleri's training centre itself had ensured three square meals to children when poverty was at its peak in the neighbourhoods. Apart from acrobatics and clowns, a major attraction in the circus ring was animal shows, which were a huge hit in those towns without zoos. The circus was the only place to see a tiger, lion, chimpanzee, or hippopotamus. When the ringmaster got them to perform (like lions jumping through a ring of fire or a pretty girl riding a hippo), the crowds went delirious, Chambad wrote. But the Supreme Court imposed a ban in 2001 after animal rights activists accused circus companies of sedating and starving animals to get them to perform. A subsequent ban on hiring performers before they turned 18 also hurt the circus. Chambad reasoned that it was not easy to make a profit, given that each circus was like an army that needed to be moved from place to place, fed, and cared for. For the older generation, the circus troupes of Thalassery form part of a great sense of nostalgia. They remember the old days when artists swung on the trapeze high above the ground, enslaved the big cats on the ring, played with fire and tickled audiences with their clowning. The Thalassry circus created a great aesthetic sensibility across the nation, and Sreedharan Chambad played a significant role in it, said veteran artist Paris Mohankumar. Television gave one of the hardest knocks to the Indian circus. Why should you get into a hot and humid tent to watch acrobatics or animal shows? We even tried air-conditioned tents. They were impractical, and we incurred huge losses, Chambad wrote in his book. With Chambad's death, the legacy of performers who became operators of circus companies in Thalassery also ends. India believes only a sincere and practical engagement between Russia and Ukraine can lead to enduring peace, a top Indian diplomat on Sunday told a peace summit hosted by Switzerland that was attended by more than 90 countries. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrives for a photograph with heads of states and country representatives during the Summit on peace in Ukraine at the luxury Burgenstock resort, near Lucerne, in Switzerland on June 15, 2024. (AFP) Secretary (West) Pavan Kapoor of the external affairs ministry further said India wouldnt associate itself with the joint communique or any document emerging from the peace summit because of its position that options acceptable to both Russia and Ukraine alone can lead to abiding peace. The Indian delegation attended only the opening and closing plenary sessions. Russia wasnt invited to the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, which was hosted by Switzerland at the resort of Burgenstock at the request of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Ukraine and several Western states lobbied for the participation of Indias top leadership, but the Indian side had concerns about being seen as signing up to an initiative that completely excluded its strategic partner Russia. In a brief address to the gathering that lasted less than two minutes, Kapoor said Indias participation in the peace summit and several earlier meetings of senior officials based on Ukraines peace formula was in line with our clear and consistent approach that enduring peace can be achieved only through dialogue and diplomacy. He said: We continue to believe that such a peace requires bringing together all stakeholders and a sincere and practical engagement between the two parties to the conflict. While India will continue to engage with all stakeholders and the two parties to the conflict to contribute to all earnest efforts to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine, it decided not to endorse any joint communique emerging from the summit, Kapoor said. In our view, only those options acceptable to both parties can lead to abiding peace. In line with this approach, we have decided to avoid association with the joint communique or any other document emerging from this summit, he said. Since the beginning of Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, India has refrained from publicly criticising Moscows actions. India was initially criticised when it ramped up purchases of discounted Russian commodities such as oil and fertilisers after the imposition of Western sanctions, but this has eased over the past year. The Indian side has defended its long-standing strategic relationship with Russia, on which it relies for almost 60% of its military hardware, and said the energy purchases were aimed at ensuring the best deal for Indian citizens. India has consistently pushed for dialogue and diplomacy to find a resolution to the Ukraine conflict, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Russian President Vladimir Putin during a 2022 meeting that todays era is not of war. Kapoor said India felt it was important to join the peace summit to explore the way forward to a negotiated settlement of a very complex and pressing issue. India shares the global concern at the situation in Ukraine and supports any collective desire to facilitate a peaceful resolution of the conflict, he added. Besides India, Indonesia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates were among the countries that didnt sign the final communique. A total of 92 countries, including the US, the UK, Germany, Italy and Japan, and eight organisations, including the United Nations and the European Commission, participated in the two-day summit. Eighty countries backed the communique that called for Ukraines territorial integrity to be the foundation of any peace agreement to end Russias war. The communique, which also focused on issues such as nuclear safety, food security and the exchange of prisoners, said the UN Charter and respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty...can and will serve as a basis for achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. While China decided not to attend, Russia, which wasnt invited and made it clear it didnt want to attend, described the summit as a waste of time and instead put forward rival peace proposals. Switzerlands foreign ministry said the aim of the summit was to initiate a peace process and to frame steps leading to such a process. Switzerland is contributing to the preparation of possible future peace forums by hosting the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, it said in an official statement. All states present at the summit can contribute ideas for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, and by hosting the summit, Switzerland is facilitating discussions that can lead to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, the statement said. In a social media post, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Sunday claimed that the AIADMK's decision to boycott the Vikravandi assembly by-election was due to instructions from the top. File Photo: Congress leader P Chidambaram. (ANI) The Edapaddi K Palansiwami-headed party has been asked to skip the by-poll to 'facilitate' the chances of the BJP-led NDA, the ruling coalition at the Centre, alleged Chidambaram. Also Read: Lok Sabha poll outcome fans rumblings in Tamil Nadu BJP The decision is a clear evidence that it (AIADMK) has received instructions from the top to facilitate the electoral chances of the NDA candidate (PMK). Both the BJP and AIADMK are fighting the battle through a proxy. The INDIA bloc must ensure the resounding victory of the DMK candidate, the ex-Union minister posted on X (previously Twitter). The PMK, a Tamil Nadu-based constituent of the NDA, has fielded C Anbumani as the alliance's joint nominee, for the July 10 by-poll, which was necessitated by the demise of N Pugazhenthi, the assembly seat's sitting legislator from chief minister MK Stalin-led DMK. The counting of votes will be conducted on July 13. AIADMK, a former ally of the BJP, on Saturday declared that it will not contest the by-election, saying that the exercise would not take place in a free and fair manner. In the recently-concluded Lok Sabha polls, the INDIA bloc won all 39 parliamentary seats of Tamil Nadu, of which the DMK and Congress contributed 22 and nine seats, respectively. Additionally, V Vaithilingam of the Congress party defeated BJP's A Namassivayam in the lone Lok Sabha seat in the neighbouring Puducherry Union territory. Meanwhile, the BJP said that the AIADMK is scared of being exposed. It is very clear that BJP has pushed the AIADMK to third position. They know that we are very strong and they are afraid that they will be exposed in these mid-term polls. As an opposition party, they should have contested this election. In politics, you need to fight. It is clear that you (AIADMK) have lost the will to fight, asserted state BJP vice-president Narayanan Thirupathy. New Delhi, The city police have told the Delhi High Court that smaller teams from their existing strength of five bomb disposal squads and 18 bomb detection teams can be formed to meet the requirement of more such units in case of an emergency. Smaller disposal, detection teams can be formed for bomb threats, Delhi HC told The Delhi Police said there are also 23 BDS/BDT units of the Central Armed Police Forces stationed in the national capital, which can be deployed after due approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs. It further said five batches of BDS/BDT, having 15 personnel in each batch, will also be trained in this regard. The stand of the police, which has earlier said there are a total of five BDS and 18 BDT for over 4,600 schools here, came on an additional affidavit filed in a 2023 petition by Arpit Bhargava, a lawyer by profession, in the wake of a hoax bomb threat in Delhi Public School , Mathura Road here. "There are 18 Bomb Detection Teams working in Delhi Police located at base stations with the objective of minimizing response time and to ensure coverage of the geographical area of the concerned District. "There are five Bomb Disposal Squads presently working in Delhi Police located at base stations," said the police in its latest affidavit. "There are provisions to form smaller teams in case of emergency to meet the requirement of more BDS/BDT teams. During the G-20 Summit we have formed 33 teams using existing resources and staff of above mentioned teams and met our objective efficiently," it said. It further said the trained staff of BDS/BDT undergo refresher courses periodically to update the changing scenario and technology. The response added that as per the standard operating procedure, BDS is pressed into action only after the BDT concerned has inspected the spot and reported something suspicious in the nature of an IED/explosive, which requires the intervention of BDS. AI movement command for a BDS is under the control of the district DCP concerned where the said BDS is stationed and on the demand of the BDS by the BDT, the district control room makes available the nearest available BDS for responding the call, the affidavit added. In an earlier report, the police had stated that there was one BDS each in Central, East, New Delhi and South "ranges", having 1,764, 1,032, 76, 1,762 schools, respectively. There is one squad with railways and metro unit range, it had said. "There are 18 Bomb Detection Teams, one each stationed in all 15 districts and one each for IGI Airport, Railway Unit and Metro Unit. The reporting authority for the BDT is the concerned district DCP or Unit DCP. A total of 120 mock drills have been conducted in schools from 01.01.2023 till 06.05.2024," the earlier report had stated. It had further said that a detailed Standard Operating Procedure for Bomb Disposal Squads & Bomb Detection Teams was already issued in 2021 and the nodal officers would respond to threat calls accordingly. The Directorate of Education , in its status report, earlier said that it has a "zero-tolerance policy" in matters of safety in schools and its officials are doing their best to ensure the effective implementation of the guidelines for dealing with disasters, including bomb threats. The DoE said it has issued several directions to the institutions to "step up" their safety and security measures, including a circular dated April 16 on precautionary measures and the role of the school authorities in cases of bomb threats. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Silchar: The Border Security Force (BSF) in collaboration with the Assam Police on Saturday night busted and arrested two alleged drug peddlers near the India-Bangladesh international border along Assams Karimganj district, officials said. Border Security Force (BSF) and Assam police arrest two drug peddlers in Karimganjs Ramkrishna Nagar on Saturday night. (HT Photo/Sourced) Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma shared the information through social media. Taking to X, he wrote, In a joint operation by Karimganj Police and BSF-G Branch, Karimganj, 30,000 YABA tablets valued at 9cr was seized from a vehicle. Two people have been apprehended in this connection. Good job Assam Police and BSF. Assam Against Drugs. BSF officials said they received information from their intelligence and launched an operation in collaboration with the local police on Saturday evening at the Chorarpar area under Ramkrishna Nagar police station. Police said they intercepted an auto-rickshaw in that area and recovered the Yaba tablets kept under the seats. The arrested accused, identified as Saharul Islam and Atiqur Rahman, are local residents, said police. They have been arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, and they will be produced before the court on Sunday, an official said. Karimganj superintendent of police (SP) Partha Pratim Das said they are investigating the matter further and trying to find the source from where the narcotic products were supplied. Karimganj Police, meanwhile, in two similar raids on Saturday, arrested five suspected drug peddlers with 177 grams of heroin. In Karimganj town, police recovered six packets of suspected heroin and arrested three persons identified as Sahjahan Ahmed, Niyaz Uddin and Hasan Uddin. From the Sarisha area, police arrested two drug peddlers with 106 grams of heroin, officials said. Women cover themselves under umbrellas during heatwave, in New Delhi Weather Updates highlights: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an "orange" alert for the next three days in Delhi after the maximum temperature settled six notches above the season's average at 44.6 degrees Celsius on Saturday. The weather office has predicted mainly clear skies and heatwave conditions in several parts of Delhi on Sunday....Read More Meanwhile, amid a water crisis in the national capital, the Delhi Congress, under the leadership of its chief Devender Yadav, held 'matka phod' protests across the city on Saturday, with its members smashing earthen pots to the ground. In Himachal Pradesh, Shimla has been witnessing record temperatures over the past few weeks amid extensive heatwave with the town breaching the 30-degree Celsius mark on a few occasions. The average temperature here during the summer season used to earlier stay between 19 to 28 degrees Celsius, according to the Meteorological Centre, Shimla. The centre has issued an extensive heatwave warning for the next three days in few pockets of Shimla, Kullu, Sirmour, Bilaspur, Hamirpur, Chamba, Una, Kangra, Mandi and Solan. In midst of a severe diplomatic strain between Canada and India over the murder of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia, the country's prime minister, Justin Trudeau met Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a courtesy interaction on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy. A day after the brief exchange, the Canadian PM on Saturday said there was a commitment to work together with India to deal with some "very important issues". Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the G7 summit, in Apulia, Italy. (PTI)(HT_PRINT) PM Modi held bilateral meetings with the leaders of several countries, including Italy, France and Japan. However, he held only a courtesy interaction with the Canadian PM. PM Modi later wrote a one-line post informing the masses that he met Canadian PM Justin Trudeau at the G7 Summit. The courtesy meeting comes amid strain over Canada's allegation that New Delhi's agents were involved in the murder of Nijjar, who had been declared a terrorist by India. The Canadian allegations were strongly rejected by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) as absurd and motivated. India has accused Canada of fostering anti-India elements. On Saturday, Trudeau didn't reveal what transpired during his courtesy meeting with PM Modi. Also read: Modi, Trudeau briefly interact at G7 summit amid tensions over Nijjar killing allegations "I'm not going to get into the details of this important, sensitive issue that we need to follow up on, but this was a commitment to work together, in the coming times, to deal with some very important issues," Trudeau told reporters, per PTI. The Canadian Prime Minister's Office said the leaders had a "brief discussion on the bilateral relationship", during which Trudeau also congratulated Modi on his re-election. "Of course, there are important issues between our two countries right now. You can appreciate that we won't be making any further statements at this time," spokesperson Ann-Clara Vaillancourt was quoted by the Canadian Press news agency as saying. Also read: G7 Summit: What top world economies, PM Narendra Modi discussed? Key takeaways India, however, didn't release a separate statement over PM Modi's interaction with Trudeau. New Delhi has maintained that the main issue between India and Canada is that the latter has been giving space to pro-Khalistan elements. New Delhi expects Ottawa to take strong action against those elements. Also read: Political space to anti-India forces in Canada is main issue: Top Indian diplomat At the summit, PM Modi held bilateral meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Japanese PM Fumio Kishida, German Chancellor Olaf Scholtz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. He also met with US President Joe Biden. Days after the Opposition's INDIA bloc insisted that the Lok Sabha Speaker's post must be allocated to the BJP's National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners, the Janata Dal (United) and the Telugu Desam Party appear to have different opinions on the vexed topic. While Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) said it will back the BJP's decision, N Chandrababu Naidu's TDP said the partners of the ruling alliance must finalise a consensus candidate. Bihar chief minister and JDU chief Nitish Kumar and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu at Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony. (PTI file photo) Janata Dal (United) leader KC Tyagi said on Saturday that JD(U) and the TDP are NDA allies, and they will support the candidate nominated by the Bharatiya Janata Party. "JDU (Janata Dal-United) and TDP (Telugu Desam Party) are strongly in NDA. We will support the person nominated (for Speaker) by the BJP," Tyagi told ANI. TDP national spokesperson Pattabhi Ram Kommareddy, on the other hand, told The Indian Express that the candidate must be jointly decided by NDA partners. "The NDA partners will sit together and decide who our candidate for the Speaker is going to be. Once a consensus is reached, we will field that candidate and all partners, including the TDP, will support the candidate, he told the newspaper. The BJP won 240 Lok Sabha seats in the Lok Sabha 32 short of the majority mark. With 16 and 12 Lok Sabha seats, N Chandrababu Naidu and Nitish Kumar emerged as the kingmakers as they became indispensable for the formation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third government. AAP, an INDIA bloc ally, said earlier this month that the post must be allocated to either JD(U) or TDP. Also read: 'Leftovers': INDIA bloc takes potshots at BJP allies after portfolio allocation Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot claimed if the BJP gets the Speaker's post, it will start horse-trading of JD(U) and TDP MPs. "Not just TDP and JD(U), but the people of the entire country are eagerly watching the election to the post of the Lok Sabha Speaker. If BJP does not have the intention to do anything undemocratic in the future, it should give the Speaker's post to one of its allies," Gehlot said in Hindi on 'X'. "Now if the BJP keeps the post of the Lok Sabha Speaker with itself, the TDP and JD(U) should be ready to see horse-trading of their MPs," he added. BJP's NDA partners got several berths in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Cabinet. However, all the plum posts were allocated to BJP MPs, the largest NDA partner. Several INDIA bloc leaders claimed the BJP handed over "jhunjhuna" to its allies. The election for the post of the Lok Sabha Speaker will be held on June 26. With inputs from ANI National Council of Educational Research Training (NCERT) director Dinesh Prasad Saklani on Sunday rejected charges of saffronisation of school curriculum, after revised textbooks with numerous deletion and changes hit the market. For example, the Class 12 political science textbook does not mention Babri Masjid but refers it as a three-domed structure. Saklani, who took over as NCERT director in 2022, said references to Babri Masjid demolition and 2002 Gujarat riots can create violent and depressed citizens, a PTI report added. National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) director Dinesh Prasad Saklani during an interview with PTI, in New Delhi.(PTI) Why should we teach about riots in school textbooks? We want to create positive citizens not violent and depressed individuals, he told PTI. ALSO READ: NCERT chief denies dropping chapters on Mughals, says rationalisation Saklani added,"Should we teach our students in a manner that they become offensive, create hatred in society or become victim of hatred? Is that education's purpose? Should we teach about riots to such young children ... when they grow up, they can learn about it but why school textbooks." Let them understand what happened and why it happened when they grow up. The hue and cry about the changes is irrelevant, the NCERT director told PTI. While the NCERT has pruned the section on Ayodhya from four to two pages, it does focuses on the 2019 Supreme Court judgment that paved the way for the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. ALSO READ: UP schools to adopt revised NCERT books; No lessons on Mughal courts The NCERT director said,"If Supreme Court has given a verdict in favour of Ram temple, Babri masjid or Ram janmabhoomi, should it not be included in our textbooks, what is the problem in that?" Rejecting charges of saffronising education, Saklani said,"If we are telling about Indian Knowledge System, how can it be saffronisation? If we are telling about iron pillar in Mehrauli and saying Indians were way ahead of any metallurigical scientist, are we saying wrong? How can it be saffronisation?" The NCERT chief said that updation of textbooks is a global practicing and revising them is an annual exercise. He added that the changes are decided by subject experts and he does not dictate or interfere in the process. Saklani ruled out attempts to saffronise curriculum and everything is based on facts and evidence. The NCERT is revising the curriculum of the school textbooks in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Eid Ul Adha 2024: A plate of Mutton Biriyani is the star of Eid celebrations. Eid-special dishes are usually prepared at home on the auspicious day of Eid Ul Adha. The festivities were observed all over the world by the Muslim community on June 16. India will celebrate the festival on June 17. Eid Ul Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is referred to as Bakrid in India. On this day, Muslim worshippers start the day with morning prayers by visiting the mosque. Eid-special get-togethers are planned at home. Delicious dishes such as Sheer Korma, Kheer, Biriyani and Kebabs are prepared and relished with loved ones. As we gear up to celebrate the special day, here is an easy recipe for making Hyderabadi Mutton Biriyani at home because let's face it, no Eid celebrations are complete without a steaming hot plate of Mutton Biriyani. Make Hyderabadi Mutton Biriyani at home with this easy recipe.(Kunal Kapur) Ingredients: For marination: Mutton 500 gms Salt to taste Shahi jeera 2 tsp Cardamom 4-5 no Cinnamon 1 small piece Turmeric 1 1/2 tsp Chilli powder 1tbsp Mace (javitri) powder tsp Cardamom powder 1 tsp Garlic paste 1 tbsp Ginger paste 1 tap Green chilli- 2 nos Browned onion 3/4 cup Mint leaves 1 cup, Curd 1 1/2 cup Oil 1/4 cup For rice: Water 3 lts Salt 3 tbsp Cardamom 3-4 nos Green chilli- 1 no Basmati rice (soaked) 2 cups Water from Blanched Rice 1 cup Saffron a very small pinch Desi ghee 2 tbsp Dough for sealing ALSO READ: Muslims worldwide gather for Eid ul Adha 2024 celebrations Method: For marinating the mutton, mix all the marination ingredients and place them in a vessel. Then cook the meat on low flame till it gets tender. In case the meat dries up, add a little water. In a separate vessel, boil water and add salt, cardamom, and chilli. Skim the chilli and spices, and add the soaked rice. Cook the rice till it is half cooked. At this stage, strain the rice, and add it over the cooked meat. Spread the rice over the meat with a ladle and add a ladle of hot water strained from the rice. Add two tablespoons of ghee, and drizzle soaked saffron along with browning onions. Seal the vessel with a dough and a tight-fitting lid. Cook it on high flame for a minute, and then lower the heat and cook on dum for about fifteen minutes. Remove from heat, and let it sit for ten minutes before opening the lid. Serve hot with raita. (Recipe: Kunal Kapur, Chef) The number of visitors to Goa has increased in the just-concluded tourist season and touched the one crore-mark, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte has said, dismissing perception of the footfall going down in the coastal state. (Also Read | Visiting Hawaii's famous beaches? Here are tips to prevent theft during your vacation) The official tourist season ends in Goa in June with the onset of monsoon and resumes in September. There has also been a rise in the number of international tourists, which is 150 per cent more than the pre-COVID-19 figures, Khaunte told PTI in an exclusive interview here on Saturday. He, however, admitted there was competition to Goa from other states in the country as well as international players. The official tourist season ends in Goa in June with the onset of monsoon and resumes in September. The state has continued to receive tourists even during the monsoon season, the minister said. "In the monsoon, there is 80 per cent occupancy of hotels in Goa. People flock to Goa during the monsoon as they have realised that Goa is not only about the beaches, he said. Asked about the perception of there being a dip in the number of tourists to Goa, Khaunte said. "The footfall has increased. We have touched the mark of 10 million, which is more than the earlier figures," he said. Goa still needs to improvise by connecting to new markets, the minister said. "We have prepared a vision document for the tourism industry which can be implemented only with the active participation of the tourism stakeholders. We have started working towards it," he said. Khaunte conceded there is immense competition from various other players, including other Indian states after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Dekho Apna Desh' initiative. "We have to look at this challenge of competition with other states and also international players," he said. The minister said one of the challenges is to ensure Goa is not an expensive destination during months like December. "The cost of hotels in Goa in December is so high that tourists start looking at other destinations like Thailand, where they can travel with the same budget and still save money," he said. The minister said discussions would be initiated with various airlines and the hotel industry to put a cap on their tariffs during the tourist season, including the month of December. The state has continued to receive tourists even in the rainy season, he said. "The monsoon is about waterfalls, lush green villages, forests, rural tourism. Monsoon is about going on nature trails," he said. Tourists visit villages and realise Goa is much more than its beaches. "This also helps to boost the rural economy," he added. A couple hiking in the desert south of Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California was rescued after running out of water, authorities said. Two hikers were lying on the ground as Riverside County Sheriff's Aviation Unit's Rescue 9 was dispatched to the Ladder Canyon Trail. (AP) On Sunday, the man called 911 and reported that his girlfriend was dehydrated and weak, according to a statement from the Riverside County Sheriffs Office posted Monday on social media. A search and rescue helicopter crew was dispatched on June 9, when temperatures reached triple digits, to the area known as Painted Canyon and found the couple huddled in a dry creek bed, the office said. A video posted online by the Sheriff's Office shows the helicopter hovering above the couple lying on the desert floor, with the man trying to shield her with his body from the blazing sun and wind. The man and woman were then hoisted into the helicopter one by one. The couple was flown to a landing zone where an aeromedical helicopter rushed the woman to a hospital due to her severe condition, according to Riverside County Sheriffs Office Aviation Units Rescue 9 post. The man was transported to a local hospital by ambulance, the sheriffs office told SFGATE. The deserts of Southern California are among the hottest areas in the state. On June 9, weather stations near the Painted Canyon area saw highs ranging from 100 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 to 40.6 Celsius), according to the National Weather Service. Please remember as the temps increase take more water than you think you will need, have a hiking plan, and tell two people where you are going, the Sheriffs Department said. A man took to X to share about his recent journey with Air India on a business-class flight from New Delhi to Newark. He claimed that he encountered a series of issues during his journey and labelled it as a horror story. The man, whose X bio says he is an investor, further added that his flight was no less than a nightmare. He claimed he was initially assigned a brtrisoken seat and woke up to uncooked food kept in front of him. A man shared these pictures, claiming that they show the poor condition of an Air India flight. (X/@DealsDhamaka) The man later shared a screenshot of a reply from Air India. He claimed that the airline shared this reply but later deleted it. Why did you delete the post? he asked while posting the screenshot. He also posted pictures of his broken luggage. Take a look at the post below: The photo that man claims shows Air India's now-deleted reply: The X user claimed that Air India shared this reply and deleted it later. (X/@DealsDhamaka) A photo of the mans broken luggage: Screengrab of the X post. (X/@DealsDhamaka) What did X users say about his post? As a policy, I always avoid AI for international flights and keep it as the last option for domestic flights. Cant spoil the trip, wrote an individual. This is really bad! Its really unfortunate that Vistara will become the same in their hands, joined another. A third quipped, Air India is facing too many complaints these days, including the suffocation it subjected to flyers on board aircraft from Delhi to SFO for several hours. A fourth added, They also broke my luggage. I was on a holiday trip, Goa. Got slip filled with damage from Air India ground staff in Goa. But Air India never provided compensation for damage. I think AI was better with the government. Earlier in April, a passenger accused Air India of throwing his musical instruments while loading luggage. Just a month later, in May, another passenger shared a post claiming that during his journey with Air India from New York to New Delhi, he had encountered several issues - from a broken headphone jack to a seat with scratches to a malfunctioning sliding table. (HT.Com has reached out to Air India for a comment) New Delhi, India on Sunday was among the countries that did not sign a joint communique at a Switzerland-hosted summit for peace in Ukraine even as New Delhi called for "sincere and practical engagement" between Moscow and Kyiv for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. India refrains from signing joint communique at Swiss Peace Summit; pushes for 'sincere' engagement between Russia, Ukraine Pavan Kapoor, Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs , represented India at the summit in the Swiss resort of Burgenstock that was attended by delegates from more than 100 countries and organisations, including several heads of state. Russia was not invited to the summit while China decided not to attend it. India said it did not associate itself with any communique or document emerging from the summit, asserting only those options acceptable to both parties can lead to abiding peace. In a brief address, the senior Indian diplomat said New Delhi's participation in the summit and several earlier meetings of senior officials based on Ukraine's peace formula was in line with "our clear and consistent approach that enduring peace can be achieved only through dialogue and diplomacy." "We continue to believe that such a peace requires bringing together all stakeholders and a sincere and practical engagement between the two parties to the conflict," he said. "Accordingly, we will continue to engage with all stakeholders as well as the two parties to the conflict to contribute to all earnest efforts to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine," Kapoor said. The senior diplomat said India's participation in the summit and continued engagement with all stakeholders is aimed at understanding different perspectives, approaches and options to find a way forward for a "sustainable resolution of the conflict." "In our view, only those options acceptable to both the parties can lead to abiding peace. In line with this approach, we have decided to avoid association with the joint communique or any other document emerging from this summit," he noted. The key objective of the 'Summit on Peace in Ukraine' that concluded on Sunday was to inspire a future peace process. The Indian delegation attended the opening and closing plenary sessions of the summit. In his remarks, Kapoor said India deemed it "important to join the gathering that seeks to explore the way forward to a negotiated settlement of a very complex and pressing issue". "India shares the global concern over the situation in Ukraine and supports any collective desire to facilitate a peaceful resolution of the conflict," he said. "India's participation in the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, as well as in the preceding NSA/Political-Director level meetings based on Ukraine's Peace Formula, is in line with our clear and consistent approach that enduring peace can be achieved only through dialogue and diplomacy," Kapoor added. In the joint communique issued at the end of the Peace Summit, the signatories reaffirmed their commitment to "refraining from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state" and the principles of sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of all states, including Ukraine, within their internationally recognised borders. A Swiss foreign ministry statement said 83 states and organisations approved the joint communique at the end of the "High-Level Conference on Peace in Ukraine". "We believe that reaching peace requires the involvement of and dialogue between all parties. We, therefore, decided to undertake concrete steps in the future in the above-mentioned areas with further engagement of the representatives of all parties," the joint communique said. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on multiple occasions. India has not yet condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and it has been maintaining that the crisis must be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue. At the summit, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy sought support for his 10-point peace plan that he first outlined in 2022. "The peace formula is inclusive, and we are happy to hear and work on all proposals, all ideas of what is really needed for peace and what is important to you dear friends," Zelenskyy said. "I urge you to be as active as possible and I am proud all parts of the world, all continents are now represented at the peace summit," he said. The peace summit was built on the previous discussions that have taken place based on Ukraine's Peace Formula and other peace proposals Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met the Ukrainian president on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Italy's Apulia. In the talks, Modi conveyed to Zelenskyy that India would continue to do everything within its means to support a peaceful solution to the Ukraine conflict and that the way to peace is through "dialogue and diplomacy". The prime minister also told the president that India believes in a "human-centric" approach. "The prime minister conveyed that India continues to encourage peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, and reiterated that India would continue to do everything within its means to support a peaceful solution," the MEA said after the meeting. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Toronto: Indias missions in Canada are bracing for protests on Tuesday, which will mark the anniversary of the killing of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18 last year. A photo of Hardeep Singh Nijjar is seen during a news conference providing an update from the Sikh community about Nijjar's homicide from June 18, 2023, in Surrey, British Columbia on May 3. (AP) The secessionist group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) has already called for a Citizens Court of Canada in front of the Indian Consulate in Vancouver on that day. Nijjar was SFJs principal organiser for the so-called Khalistan Referendum. The Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, where Nijjar was the head till his death, has also announced special prayers to commemorate that day. India has already sensitised Canadian authorities about the requirement for enhanced protection for its missions on Tuesday, a senior official said. Both the diplomatic security personnel and local law enforcement have, so far, prevented any major disruptive event from occurring during the several protests that have been held outside the High Commission in Ottawa and the Consulates in Vancouver and Toronto, since the killing. It has, in fact, been almost a year in a state of siege for Indias diplomats, who have been targeted by name and their posters displayed in connection with the killing. That started soon after the killing, when on July 8 last year, the so-called Khalistan Freedom Rally was held to protest the death and posters were circulated with the images of Indias High Commission to Ottawa Sanjay Kumar Verma and the then Consul Generals in Vancouver and Toronto. The poster carried the words Kill India along with violent imagery and the photographs of Indias seniormost diplomats in Canada, describing them as the Faces of Shaheed Nijjars killer. Various iterations of such posters have since appeared at the multiple protests that have been over the months since, later targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other Ministers in his Cabinet and senior Government officials as well. This version, the Wanted banners, are being placed in Surrey by SFJ supporters ahead of June 18. Canadian authorities have ensured increased security measures for the diplomats from the time the threats first emerged against them. Israel's military announced on Sunday that it would pause fighting throughout daytime hours along a route in southern Gaza to free up a backlog of humanitarian aid deliveries destined for desperate Palestinians enduring a humanitarian crisis sparked by the war, now in its ninth month. Palestinians attend Eid al-Adha prayers by the ruins of al-Al Rahma mosque destroyed by Israeli air strikes, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. (Reuters) The tactical pause announced by the military, which applies to about 12 kilometers (7.4 miles) of road in the Rafah area, falls far short of a complete cease-fire in the beleaguered territory that has been sought by the international community, including Israel's top ally, the United States. If it holds, the limited halt in fighting could help address some of the overwhelming needs of Palestinians that have surged even more in recent weeks with Israel's incursion into Rafah. The army said the pause would begin at 8 a.m. (0500 GMT) and remain in effect until 7 p.m. (1600 GMT). It said the pauses would take place every day until further notice. The pause is aimed at allowing aid trucks to reach the nearby Israel-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing, the main entry point for incoming aid, and travel safely to the Salah a-Din highway, a main north-south road, the military said. The crossing has suffered from a bottleneck since Israeli ground troops moved into Rafah in early May. COGAT, the Israeli military body that oversees aid distribution in Gaza, said the route would increase the flow of aid to other parts of Gaza, including Khan Younis, Muwasi and central Gaza. Hard-hit northern Gaza, which was an early target in the war, is being served by goods entering from a crossing in the north. The military said the pause came after discussions with the United Nations and international aid agencies. Aid agencies, including the U.N., did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The pause along the southern route comes as Israel and Hamas are weighing the latest proposal for a cease-fire, a plan that was detailed by President Joe Biden in the administrations most concentrated diplomatic push for a halt to the fighting and the release of hostages taken by the militant group. While Biden described the proposal as an Israeli one, Israel has not fully embraced it and Hamas has demanded changes that appear unacceptable to Israel. Israels eight-month military offensive against the Hamas militant group, sparked by the group's Oct. 7 attack, has plunged Gaza into a humanitarian crisis, with the U.N. reporting widespread hunger and hundreds of thousands of people on the brink of famine. The international community has urged Israel to do more to ease the crunch and has said the ongoing fighting, including in Rafah, has complicated aid deliveries throughout the war. From May 6 until June 6, the U.N. received an average of 68 trucks of aid a day, according to figures from the U.N. humanitarian office, known as OCHA. That was down from 168 a day in April and far below the 500 trucks a day that aid groups say are needed. The flow of aid in southern Gaza declined just as the humanitarian need grew. More than 1 million Palestinians, many of whom had already been displaced, fled Rafah after the invasion, crowding into other parts of southern and central Gaza. Most now languish in ramshackle tent camps, using trenches as latrines, with open sewage in the streets. COGAT says there are no restrictions on the entry of trucks. It says more than 8,600 trucks of all kinds, both aid and commercial, entered Gaza from all crossings from May 2 to June 13, an average of 201 a day. But much of that aid has piled up at the crossings and not reached its final destination. A spokesman for COGAT, Shimon Freedman, said it was the U.N.s fault that its cargos stacked up on the Gaza side of Kerem Shalom. He said the agencies have fundamental logistical problems that they have not fixed, especially a lack of trucks. The U.N. denies such allegations. It says the fighting between Israel and Hamas often makes it too dangerous for U.N. trucks inside Gaza to travel to Kerem Shalom, which is right next to Israels border. It also says the pace of deliveries has been slowed because the Israeli military must authorize drivers to travel to the site, a system Israel says was designed for the drivers safety. Due to a lack of security, aid trucks in some cases have also been looted by crowds as they moved along Gazas roads. The new arrangement aims to reduce the need for coordinating deliveries by providing an 11-hour uninterrupted window each day for trucks to move in and out of the crossing. It was not immediately clear whether the army would provide security to protect the aid trucks as they moved along the highway. Canada will host the next year's G7 Summit in Alberta, its prime minister Justin Trudeau announced on X. Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Canadian PM Justin Trudeau at the G7 summit in Apulia, Italy. (ANI) When asked whether Canada will invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the meet, Trudeau said that he can say only about the summit once Canada assumes presidency. I can appreciate the keenness with it with which Canadians are looking forward to next year's G7. However, Italy continues to be the President of this G7 for the rest of this year and I look forward to working with Prime Minister Meloni and all my G7 Partners on the broad range of issues that we've talked about," PTI quoted Trudeau as saying. I will have more to say about next year's G7 when we assume the G7 Presidency next year, he added about the summit to be held in Alberta's Kananaskis in 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was invited to the G7 Summit by Italian premier Giorgia Meloni. The event included the seven member countriesthe US, UK, Canada, Japan, Italy, Germany, and Francealong with the European Union. At the summit in Italy's Apulia, Modi held bilateral meetings with United Kingdom's Rishi Sunak, Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French president Emmanuel Macron. Read more: Ukraine war may erupt again as G7 backs Zelensky with hardware Modi also briefly interacted with Trudeau during the G7 summit. Met Canadian PM @JustinTrudeau at the G7 Summit, the prime minister's one-line caption on X read. The relations between India and Canada are strained after Trudeau at the Canadian parliament claimed credible allegations of a potential link between Indian agents and the killing of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia last June. The Canadian prime minister is yet to submit an iota of proof to substantiate his accusations over Nijjar's killing. India has repeatedly voiced its protest before the Canadian government over the pro-Khalistani elements taking refuge in the North American country, but Trudeau looks the other way. MINA, Saudi Arabia Masses of pilgrims on Sunday embarked on a symbolic stoning of the devil in Saudi Arabia. The ritual marks the final days of Hajj pilgrimage and the start of the Eid al-Adha celebrations for Muslims around the world. Pilgrims commence the final rites of Hajj as Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha The stoning is among the final rites of the Hajj, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It came a day after more than 1.8 million pilgrims congregated on a sacred hill in Mount Ararat outside the holy city of Mecca, which Muslim pilgrims visit to perform the annual five-day rituals of Hajj. The pilgrims left Mount Arafat on Saturday evening to spend their night in a nearby site known as Muzdalifa, where they collected pebbles they have used in the symbolic stoning of pillars representing the devil. The pillars are in another sacred place in Mecca, called Mina, where Muslims believe Ibrahims faith was tested when God commanded him to sacrifice his only son Ismail. Ibrahim was prepared to submit to the command, but then God stayed his hand, sparing his son. In the Christian and Jewish version of the story, Abraham is ordered to kill his other son, Isaac. Pilgrims will spend the next three days in Mina, where they walk long distances on pedestrian-only streets toward a multi-story complex housing large pillars. There, they cast seven pebbles each at three pillars in a ritual meant to symbolize the casting away of evil and sin. While in Mina, they will visit Mecca to perform tawaf, circumambulation, which is circling the Kaaba in the Grand Mosque counterclockwise seven times. They will make another circumambulation, known as Farewell Tawaf, at the end of Hajj and as they prepare to leave the holy city. The rites coincide with the four-day Eid al-Adha, which means Feast of Sacrifice, when Muslims with the financial means commentate Ibrahims test of faith through slaughtering livestock and animals and distributing the meat to the poor. Once the Hajj is over, men are expected to shave their heads and remove the shroud-like white garments worn during the pilgrimage, and women to snip a lock of hair in a sign of renewal and rebirth. Most of the pilgrims then leave Mecca for the city of Medina, about 340 kilometers away, to pray in Prophet Muhammads tomb, the Sacred Chamber. The tomb is part of the prophets mosque, which is one of the three holiest sites in Islam, along with the Grand Mosque in Mecca and the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. All Muslims are required to make the Hajj once in their lives if they are physically and financially able to do so. Many wealthy Muslims make the pilgrimage more than once. The rituals largely commemorate the accounts of Prophet Ibrahim and his son Prophet Ismail, Ismails mother Hajar and Prophet Muhammad, according to the Quran, Islams holy book. More than 1.83 million Muslims performed Hajj in 2024, Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minister Tawfiq bin Fawzan al-Rabiah said in a briefing, slightly less than last years figures when 1.84 million made the rituals. Most of the Hajj rituals are held outdoors with little if any shade. It is set for the second week of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month in the Islamic lunar calendar, so its time of the year varies. And this year the pilgrimage fell in the burning summer of Saudi Arabia. The heat soared to 47 C at Mount Arafat on Saturday. This years Hajj came against the backdrop of the devastating Israel-Hamas war, which has pushed the Middle East to the brink of a regional conflict. Palestinians in the Gaza Strip werent able to travel to Mecca for Hajj this year because of the closure of the Rafah crossing in May, when Israel extended its ground offensive to the city on the border with Egypt. And they will not be able to celebrate the Eid al-Adha as they used to do in previous years. There is also the conflict between rival generals in Sudan that has raged unabated for 14 months. The confiding killed thousands and created the worlds largest displacement crisis with over 10 million forced to flee their homes. Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The is solely responsible for this content. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. The UN on Sunday welcomed an Israeli decision to "pause" fighting around a south Gaza route daily for aid deliveries, but urged more "concrete measures" to unblock the humanitarian response. UN agencies and aid groups have repeatedly sounded the alarm of dire shortages of food and other essentials in the Gaza Strip (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg, File)(AP) Israel's military announced Sunday a "local, tactical pause of military activity" during daylight hours in an area of Rafah to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance in the war-torn Palestinian territory. ALSO READ: Heartbreaking loss of civilian lives: India on Israeli airstrike on Rafah camp "We welcome this announcement," UN aid agency OCHA's spokesman Jens Laerke said in an email to AFP, noting though that "this has yet to translate into more aid reaching people in need". "We hope this leads to further concrete measures by Israel to address longstanding issues preventing a meaningful humanitarian response in Gaza." UN agencies and aid groups have repeatedly sounded the alarm of dire shortages of food and other essentials in the Gaza Strip, exacerbated by overland access restrictions and the closure of the key Rafah crossing with Egypt since Israeli forces seized it in early May. Israel has long defended its efforts to let aid into Gaza including via its Kerem Shalom border near Rafah, blaming militants for looting supplies and humanitarian workers for failing to distribute them to civilians. Catastrophic hunger "The UN and our humanitarian partners are ready to engage with all parties to ensure life-saving assistance reaches those in need across Gaza, where catastrophic hunger is widespread," Laerke said. "Living conditions for affected and displaced families in Gaza are dire. They urgently need food, water, sanitation, shelter, and healthcare, with many living near piles of solid waste, heightening health risks." The UN was insisting, he said, that "humanitarian operations in Gaza must be fully facilitated, and all impediments must be lifted". "We need to be able to deliver aid safely throughout Gaza." ALSO READ: 8 Israeli soldiers killed as fighting rages in Gaza Laerke said that meant ensuring the movement of aid within Gaza, including through checkpoints, "is predictable and expedited". "It means all roads are operational. It means allowing the regular entry of fuel, which is in critically short supply in Gaza. It means providing the necessary communications equipment and logistical materials, which have long been denied by Israeli authorities," he said. "And importantly, the issue of rule of law must be addressed immediately," he said, warning that "desperation and scarcity of aid have led to a near-total breakdown in law and order" in Gaza. ALSO READ: Hezbollah fires scores of rockets at northern Israel as Gaza cease-fire talks hang in the balance Gaza's deadliest war erupted with Hamas's unprecedented October 7 attack inside Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,194 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures. The militants also seized 251 hostages. Of these, 116 remain in Gaza, although the army says 41 are dead. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 37,296 people in Gaza, also mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-ruled territory. Kate Middletons return to the public eye was a major relief for the entire nation. They rallied behind their beloved princess with love and blessings as she continued her battle with cancer. On June 15, during the Trooping of the Colour celebrations, the Princess of Wales arrived at Buckingham Palace with her children and husband. Meanwhile, King Charles was observed beaming with pride and happiness as he saw his brave daughter-in-law take charge. According to experts, he regarded Kate as "on par with him," and his "respect and thankfulness" for his daughter-in-law are "clear." Britain's King Charles, Queen Camilla, William, Prince of Wales, Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace as part of the Trooping the Colour parade to honour Britain's King Charles on his official birthday in London, Britain, June 15, 2024. (REUTERS) King considers Kate Middleton an equal King Charles, Queen Camilla, William, and Kate finally made their much-awaited balcony appearance at Buckingham Palace as they greeted the gathered crowd. They watched a flyby of military aircraft, which marked the official birthday ceremonies of the monarch. Alongside other royal members, they were accompanied by Kate and Williams childrenGeorge, Louis, and Charlotte. Amid everyone's attention on the Princess of Wales, King Charles's obvious admiration for her did not escape notice. Also read: Prince Harry and Meghan eye UK return: Sussexes may start living part-time claims Royal butler Speaking to the Mirror, body language expert Judi James claimed, "Kate was treated by Charles as both a status equal and a cherished relation. Placed directly next to him in the line-up, it was Kate who was given the majority of the Kings attention. Kings sweet gesture towards Kate Middleton Unfazed by the excitement, Catherine appeared calm and composed as she rode in a carriage down a legendary London avenue. Her expressions greeted the crowds gathered along the sidewalk with polite gestures and smiles. Accompanied by her children, she navigated the celebratory chaos with ease. Later, back at Buckingham Palace, the family continued their years-old tradition. Kate and the King were spotted standing side by side, both looking happy. There was a moment when Kate leaned towards the King, sharing a mumble that sparked laughter between them. Also read: Bridgerton 3 rule-breaking mirror scene: Luke Newton and Nicola Coughlan open up about the characters' feelings Kate relaxed as the chats went on and by the end of the appearance her wide, fun, dimpled smile had returned. Charles also seemed grateful for the empathetic bond with Kate as by the singing of the anthem he was looking brought close to tears by the crowds support for them both, the expert further claimed. Earlier, the Princess herself released a statement detailing her health and ongoing chemotherapy sessions. She personally informed the King of her intention to attend the major royal event despite her health battles. Meanwhile, Prince William pledged to support his wife and take care of their children to ensure Kates smooth return to royal duties. A shooter opened fire at a splash pad in a Detroit suburb, leaving nine people injured, including two children and their mother, on Saturday. According to authorities, the suspect, tracked by law enforcement to a home, was found dead by a self-inflicted gunshot. Evidence markers indicate the position of spent shell casings following a mass shooting at the Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad in Rochester Hills, Michigan, U.S. June 15, 2024. (via REUTERS) The Associated Press reported that the authorities initially believed that at least 10 people were afflicted by gunshot wounds during the Rochester Hills shooting. However, the number was later revised after authorities consulted with the hospitals in the area. Among the victims, an 8-year-old boy who was shot in the head was found in critical condition, Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard said. In addition, the young boy's mother was wounded in the abdomen and leg, with his 4-year-old brother in stable condition, but afflicted with a leg wound. Also read | Texas Juneteenth shooting leaves 3 dead, multiple injured in round rock Where did the Michigan shooting happen? Reports claim that the incident took place at a splash pad in the Detroit suburb of Rochester Hills just after 5 pm. Families were gathered there to beat the heat as the city park, where the shooting happened, featured a recreation area with a nonslip surface where sprays and fountains of water could be turned on for amusement. Per the Oakland County Sheriff, the attack was seemingly random, as the shooter drove up to the park and fired around 28 times after walking up to the slash pad area. Additionally, a witness reportedly informed the authorities that the shooter appeared to have used two handguns. However, the sheriff later noted that this has yet to be confirmed. Bouchard said that amid the chaos, people were falling, getting hit, trying to run, basically all terrible things that unfortunately all of us in our law enforcement business have seen way too much. After the seemingly random onslaught, the shooter reportedly just calmly walked back to his car. He was apparently in no rush. First responders instantly heeded the emergency 911 call as police heard it as the report of the shooting came in. Bouchard said that an officer was on the scene within two minutes. Also read | USA braces to roast in record heatwave, creative measures implemented to protect vulnerable populations Was the shooter apprehended? Deputies appeared to have tracked the man and surrounded his home. At first, they tried to reach out to the suspect inside, but they received no response. Eventually, they sent a drone inside the residence. The authorities soon found him dead inside the house. They discovered another weapon, which the sheriff later displayed in a photo featuring a semiautomatic rifle. As the investigation proceeded, the authorities revealed that the suspect did not live in the area. They're yet to find out what motivated him to go to the splash pad. The suspect's name hasn't been released yet either, but the Sheriff described him as a 42-year-old white man who purportedly lived with his mother. In addition to locating a semiautomatic rifle, investigators found another handgun, which they believed was used by the man to kill himself. At the scene of the crime, authorities had previously recovered a handgun, three empty magazines and 28 spent shell casings. Rochester Hills Mayor Brayn Barnett also commented on the case, signalling the fragility of our times: When I got on scene I started to cry because I know what a splash pad is supposed to be. Even Bouchard branded it a gut punch for the nation, especially since they didn't anticipate going into Fathers Day weekend with this kind of tragedy that families will be deeply affected by forever. A shooting marred a Juneteenth festival in Round Rock, Texas, on Saturday night. A gunman opened fire with an automatic weapon into the crowd, injuring at least six people, including two children. All victims are reported to be in serious condition. While unconfirmed reports suggest there may be fatalities, not been confirmed by authorities yet. The Round Rock Police Department is investigating the incident that occurred at Old Settlers Park. Texas mass shooting leaves multiple injured at Juneteenth event Also read: Michigan splash pad shooting injures 9, including 8 year old child; Gut punch Texas mass shooting at Juneteenth event "This is an active scene, and the investigation is ongoing. Please avoid the area," the police department wrote on X earlier. Law enforcement and emergency responders are at the scene. Austin-Travis County EMS confirmed they responded to a request for aid and transported six people, including two children, to local hospitals. All victims are reported to have sustained potentially serious injuries. Also read: USA braces to roast in record heatwave, creative measures implemented to protect vulnerable populations 3 killed, multiple injured in shooting According to KVUE ABC, at least two individuals were killed and several others injured. However, subsequent reports suggest the number of fatalities has risen to three. The suspect in the shooting is still at large. The incident reportedly occurred when two groups became involved in an altercation near the vendor area while the Juneteenth festival was in full swing. Witnesses claim that in the fight, someone pulled out a gun and started firing. Round Rock Police are uncertain whether multiple individuals were involved in the shooting. The tragedy was reported hours after Michigan splash pad shooting, where a gunman shot and injured 10 people including children. According to Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, the incident occurred when a person left a car at the Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad in Rochester Hills, Michigan, around 5 p.m. (2100 GMT), and shot approximately 30 rounds from a 9mm semi-automatic Glock, making multiple reloads, as explained in a press conference. LANSING, Mich. One of Donald Trumps emissaries to Arab Americans is a Lebanese-born businessman who moved to Texas as a teenager, speaks Arabic, English and French, and recently joined the Trump family when his son married the former presidents younger daughter. Trump allies hope his daughter Tiffany's father-in-law can help flip Arab American votes in Michigan Massad Boulos has taken on the challenge of trying to convince a politically influential community angry at President Joe Biden that Trump is a better option. But many Arab Americans also note Trump has positioned himself as more pro-Israel than Biden and has made a series of comments and policy announcements that critics blast as Islamophobic. Trump has long put family members and their relatives in key roles in his campaigns and the White House. Boulos, whose son Michael married Tiffany Trump two years ago, is the latest relative to rise in Trump's political orbit as he uses long-standing connections in an effort to build support for the presumptive Republican nominee's 2024 campaign. Some Trump allies think they can capitalize on dissension within Biden's Democratic base over his support for the Israeli offensive in Gaza, where more than 37,000 people have died since Hamas' Oct. 7, according to health officials in the Hamas-run territory who do not give the breakdown of civilians and fighters. Biden faced a significant protest vote during the Michigan primary February in areas with high numbers of Arab Americans, who are an important Democratic bloc. Obviously the No. 1 point that is of high priority within the Arab American community is the current war in the Middle East, Boulos said in an interview. And the question is, who can bring peace and who is bringing war? And they know the answer to that. Several of the people who have met with Boulos also point to Trump's statements about Arabs and Muslims. While president, Trump banned immigration from several majority-Muslim countries and questioned the loyalty of Muslim lawmakers serving in Congress. Now, as he campaigns for a second term after losing in 2020, Trump has at times criticized Biden for being insufficiently supportive of Israel and has threatened to deport pro-Palestinian protesters he labels as supporters of Hamas. I told Massad, This isnt about you being Lebanese and me being Lebanese, said Osama Siblani, a publisher of the Arab American News in Dearborn. You cant just buy votes. You have to give something substantial to the community. And Trump hasnt done that yet. A scion moves into U.S. politics Boulos, who is of medium stature with graying black hair, square glasses, and a warm, friendly smile, is often complimented for his calm demeanor and humility qualities not always associated with someone overseeing a billion-dollar conglomerate. Born in Lebanon, Boulos moved to Texas shortly before attending the University of Houston and obtaining a doctor of jurisprudence degree. Boulos said he actively participated in Republican politics as a student. After graduating, he eventually joined his family's business of three generations and became the managing director and CEO of the conglomerate SCOA Nigeria, which specializes in the assembly and distribution of motor vehicles and equipment. Boulos has a background in politics in his home country, having run unsuccessfully for a parliamentary seat in Lebanon in 2009. He describes himself as a friend of Sleiman Frangieh, a Christian politician allied with the Shiite party and the militant group Hezbollah. Frangieh is currently Hezbollahs endorsed candidate for Lebanons presidential vacancy. A supporter of Trump from afar since his first campaign, Boulos became more directly involved after meeting Trump at a White House Christmas party in 2019. At the time, Michael Boulos was dating Tiffany Trump. Massad Boulos has given no recent donations, according to campaign finance records. But in a trip to Michigan this month, he attended what he described as a private fundraising event with U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., and about 50 Arab Americans. Boulos assisted with the 2020 campaign, but his role has significantly expanded since his son married Tiffany Trump in 2022, especially as Arab American dissatisfaction with Biden presented what Trump allies think is a larger political opportunity. One less vote for Biden is a vote for Trump, said Bishara Bahbah, chairman of the group Arab Americans for Trump. Boulos maintains a very close working relationship with the group, Bahbah said. The group, which says it is independent of the Trump campaign, has established operations in Michigan and Arizona, states identified as priority areas by people close to Trump, Bahbah said. A May meeting held in Troy, Michigan, included Massad and Michael Boulos as well as Richard Grenell, who was Trumps ambassador to Germany and is a key foreign policy adviser to the former president. Approximately 40 Arab American activists from across the country attended. While Arab Americans for Trump was involved in the event, Boulos said that it had primarily been initiated by Grenell. The gathering received mixed feedback, with some attendees saying it lacked substance and failed to address their concerns regarding Trump. Grenell didnt say what they would do, but he kept reminding us that when Trump was president, there was no war whatsoever and that he launched the biggest peace effort in the Middle East. But most Arabs and Muslims dont consider the Abraham Accords a peace agreement," said Khaled Saffuri, an Arab American political activist who was in attendance. Grenell tried to call Trump to have him address attendees by phone, according to multiple people at the meeting. The former president did not answer. Grenell and the Trump campaign declined to comment. Inside the outreach Just over a week later, Boulos returned for another round of engagements. This time, he had several meetings with nearly 50 members of the Arab American community, alongside one-on-one sessions with individuals identified as high-target leaders by Mike Hacham, the coordinator for Arab Americans for Trump in Michigan. Boulos said his efforts so far have been more of a personal effort to reconnect with friends. He said he typically begins meetings by speaking for close to 20 minutes, laying out the records of the Biden and Trump presidencies. He then opens the floor for any questions. Siblani had a nearly two-hour meeting with Boulos, who was accompanied by Bahbah, the chair of Arab Americans for Trump. According to Siblani, Boulos argued that things were better for Arab Americans under Trump and that the world saw less conflict and fewer wars during his presidency, suggesting Trump could help resolve the Gaza conflict. But when Siblani pushed back, he said that Boulos lacked facts to prove his claim that Trump is better. Massad is unable to convince people to come to Trump's side because he hasn't offered anything substantial to the community, except that his son is married to Trumps daughter and he has access, Siblani said. That is fine, but what we need is policy and what Trump will do." In interviews, Boulos said that Trump respects and admires the Arab American community. He denied the existence of a Muslim ban, which is how many Trump opponents refer to his ban on immigrants from several majority-Muslim countries. Boulos argued it was actually extreme vetting from certain parts of the world." The key messages arising from these meetings, Boulos said, are communicated to Trump. Boulos highlighted a recent social media post from Trump that promised to bring peace in the Middle East if reelected, as evidence. Boulos asserted that the timing of the post wasnt a coincidence but rather a response to listening to the communitys concerns. Trumps statement, posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, on June 4, did not go far enough for multiple community leaders who met with Boulos. In a statement, Trump campaign spokesperson Brian Hughes said the campaign is "grateful that supporters of President Trump are working to communicate with this community." We share the belief that Bidens failed Middle East policies have brought death, chaos and war to the region. That failure led tens of thousands of Democrats to vote uncommitted in Michigans Presidential primary. The Trump campaign has and will continue to communicate to those voters and remind them that President Trumps policies in the Middle East brought that region historic levels of peace and stability," Hughes said. Just the beginning Some in the community still feel that there are other options than just Trump and Biden. Green Party candidate Jill Stein visited Dearborn this year to meet with leaders and recently had conversations with the citys mayor, Abdullah Hammoud, about the possibility of him becoming her running mate. Hammoud, at 34 years old, is ineligible to serve as vice president. The U.S. Constitution requires both the president and vice president to be at least 35. Officials in Bidens administration have also visited Dearborn to meet with local leaders and have maintained ongoing contact with them, including Siblani. Ammar Moussa, a spokesperson for the Biden campaign, criticized Trump allies' outreach, saying in a statement that Trump is the biggest threat to the Muslim and Arab community. He and his allies believe we don't belong in this country and Trump is openly speaking about allowing Israel to bomb Gaza without regard, said Moussa, who is Arab American. "Trump and his campaign are racists and Islamophobes. Period. President Biden, on the other hand, is working tirelessly towards a just and lasting peace. Until the November election, Boulos said he will continue to divide his time between managing his company and meeting with the Arab American community. He stressed that he is solely driven by being a concerned citizen and a Republican. He has not contemplated a role in Trump's administration if the Republican were to win. I honestly dont have any thoughts about that at this time. I didnt give this any thought whatsoever, but definitely I do not aspire for anything, he said. Associated Press reporters Jill Colvin in Washington, Abby Sewell in Beirut, Lebanon, and Chinedu Asadu in Lagos, Nigeria, contributed to this report. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. The upcoming heatwave will break records of high temperatures in the geographical area of the USA. Forecasters have warned people residing in the central and eastern regions to prepare for the hot streaks in the upcoming weak. The year has been recorded as the hottest year so far and the 12-month global heat record is evident proof of global warming. But the officials have been preparing for such extreme weather and keeping residents in vulnerable positions such as the elderly, children, and people with underlying health issues cool, for a while across the States. Next week will signify the success or failure of this preparation. Heatwaves to hit the central andeastern regions of the USA. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)(AP) US areas that will be severely affected by the heatwave While the heatwave will spread from Texas to New England, the Southwest experienced a heatwave this week with temperatures rising 113 degrees in Phoenix, Arizona. The heatwave in the USA is far from over. The National Weather said, a high risk of heat stress or illnesses for anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration regarding the areas warned. As reported by AP, the expected temperature is expected to go higher than 90 degrees. The states that need to pay extra attention to keep the cool include Ohio Valley and Northeast with Detroit in focus. The region may face extreme heatwaves daily with temperatures hitting 96 degrees on Monday. Similarly, regions of Boston and Philadelphia will also experience extreme heat strokes rising up to 95 degrees and 97 degrees, respectively, mixed with humidity. Also Read: Elon Musk raises concerns over EVMs as US heads to presidential polls, says 'there's risk of...' Preventive measures implemented by officials The traditional solutions to alert regions at high risk of heatwaves and enforcing care reminders for pets, children and elders are essential. However, with record-breaking heatwaves, officials have opted for creative measures this summer. According to USA Today, spokesperson Amy Palmer informed, along with a preventive action plan, the California Office of Emergency Services has activated text and social media messages to alert people, especially those working outdoors or ones that lie in the vulnerable bracket, about the heatwaves instantly. In Portland, Oregon, learning from the bad experiences of a heat dome in 2021, the government has made arrangements where people can dial 311 and request for AC units ahead of extremely hot conditions in the state. Whereas, in Phoenix, first responders are using the ice immersion method for people affected by the heatwave. They carry plastic bags with water and ice and submerge people who are sick and burning at 104 degrees, to cool them down, before reaching the hospital. New Delhi: With the G-7 countries committed to stand with Ukraine at Apulia, the Ukraine-Crimea front is all set to reignite with Russia threatening to long -range weapons to adversaries of the west. It was quite evident in the G-7 that the US led EU was standing behind Zelensky in the fight against Russia. According to authoritative officials, the Ukraine front will become heated in the coming days with France ready to put troops on ground, UK supplying 300 km range Storm Shadow missiles and US supplying and operating High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) to target the Russian front in Crimea. At the G-7 meeting in Apulia this week, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky managed to get the big western powers on his side with a US-led EU USD 50 billion aid package and USD 225 million in US Congress approved military hardware. The target is the Russian logistics base in Crimea, which may turn out to be the proverbial Achilles heel for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a good meeting with President Zelensky with the latter sharing insights of war in Ukraine and the Russian aggression. In his brief interaction with US President Joe Biden on the side-lines of the G-7 summit, India was assured of Washington's commitment to a deep relationship with New Delhi and the mutual challenge in rising China in the Indo-Pacific. It was quite evident in the G-7 that the US led EU was standing behind Zelensky in the fight against Russia and was willing to help Ukraine to step up the offensive into Russian territory through stand-off long range cruise missiles and over the horizon weaponry. The UK-France developed Storm Shadow or SCALP missile is an air launched weapon with precision guidance to hit the target at 300 to 500 km range, while HIMARS is being used to suppress Russian anti-aircraft defences. With Russian President Putin countering the western supplies to Ukraine by stating that he will supply weapons to nations and asymmetrical forces opposed to the US led coalition, the global situation is looking increasingly unstable as the Israeli war on Gaza is still on. Putin has also not ruled out use of nuclear weapons if Russian sovereignty comes under threat. Yemen's Houthis said on Sunday that they had attacked two civilian ships along with an American destroyer in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea, their latest effort to disrupt shipping in what they say is support for Palestinians in Gaza. Early on Sunday the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said that a vessel 40 nautical miles south of Yemen's al Mukha had reported two explosions nearby. (Pic used for representation)(Bloomberg) In a statement, the Houthi military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, said the militant group fired ballistic missiles at the American destroyer, naval missiles at a ship called the Captain Paris, and drones at a ship called the Happy Condor. It was not clear whether any of the targets were hit. Early on Sunday the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said that a vessel 40 nautical miles south of Yemen's al Mukha had reported two explosions nearby. The vessel and its crew were safe and continuing their journey, it said, without identifying the ship. The Iran-aligned Houthis, who control Yemen's capital and most of it populated areas, have launched dozens of attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea region since November in solidarity with Palestinians. The attacks have upended global trade by forcing ship owners to reroute vessels away from the Suez Canal, and drawn retaliatory U.S. and British strikes since February. The Group of Seven industrialized nations warned China to stop aiding Russia's war against Ukraine and threatened to step up sanctions if it fails to comply. The stark admonitions came in a 36-page statement released Friday during the G7's annual summit meeting in Italy. In its official communique, the organization accused China of providing "ongoing support for Russia's defense industrial base." That assistance is "enabling Russia to maintain its illegal war in Ukraine and has significant and broad-based security implications," the statement said. "We call on China to cease the transfer of dual-use materials, including weapons components and equipment, that are inputs for Russia's defense sector," the G7 said. The G7 also vowed to "continue taking measures against actors in China and third countries that materially support Russia's war machine." The sanctions would target "financial institutions, consistent with our legal systems, and other entities in China that facilitate Russia's acquisition of items for its defense industrial base," the statement noted. The U.S. has been pushing the G7 to take a harder line against China, with President Joe Biden telling the summit on Thursday that the communist country "does not supply weapons, but the ability to produce those weapons and the technology available to do it," according to CNN. "So, it is, in fact, helping Russia," he said. In addition to the U.S., the G7 members are Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom. During closed-door discussions, there was "strong language" about China's support for Russia and its role in helping Moscow get around western sanctions, a source familiar with the talks told the Financial Times. A second person familiar with the talks also told the FT: "The era of naivety toward Beijing is definitely gone now and China is to blame for that, honestly." Chinese state media attacked the G7 summit, with government news agency Xinhua citing protests in a nearby city over climate change and the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, the FT said. Last month, Biden announced new tariffs on $18 billion worth of a broad range of Chinese imports over the next two years, including a 100% tariff on electric vehicles. One day before the G7 summit, the European Union also increased its tariffs on Chinese EVs, bringing the top rate to nearly 50%, according to CNN. A quarter of Americans view both President Joe Biden and his rival former President Donald Trump as unfavorable in the highest share of so-called "double haters" over the last 10 elections, according to a new poll. A Pew Research Center survey released Friday found that 25% of Americans hold negative views of both the major party candidates. The next highest percentage was during the 2016 contest between Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton, when 20% of Americans held unfavorable opinions of both candidates at this period in the campaign. The negative attitudes oward Biden, 81, and Trump, 78, have nearly doubled since they ran against each other in 2020. "Prior to 2016, no more than about 1-in-10 Americans had held unfavorable opinions of both major party candidates at this stage of any of the seven previous presidential campaigns," the poll noted. "And during several campaigns - most recently George W. Bush versus John Kerry in 2004 - no more than about 5% did," it added. Only 3% feel favorably toward both Biden and Trump. Thirty-six percent have a favorable view of Trump than Biden, and 34% see Biden as more favorable than Trump. Americans' opinions of the two candidates have remained steady since March, the poll said. Pew noted that the poll was conducted between May 13-19, before Trump was convicted in Manhattan criminal court on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up a $130,000 hush money payment to former porn star Stormy Daniels. He was convicted on May 30. An NYPD deputy inspector was indicted Thursday for allegedly allowing his drunken girlfriend to drive his police vehicle, then attempting to cover up an accident she had. Paul Zangrilli, 44, is charged with tampering with physical evidence, falsifying business records, official misconduct and operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, among other offenses, according to the Manhattan District Attorney's Office. The woman, Nikole Rupple, 35, was charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and leaving the scene of an incident with personal injury. According to the indictment, Zangrilli, who was the commanding officer of the 5th Precinct in Manhattan's Chinatown at the time, and Rupple drove to a bar near Penn Station one evening in August 2022. Over the course of approximately three hours, Zangrilli consumed five shots of alcohol and seven beers, while Rupple consumed seven shots and three beers, the indictment said. When they left, Zangrilli allowed Rupple to drive his unmarked department-issued vehicle, while he rode in the passenger seat. Minutes later, Rupple allegedly crashed into a livery cab at a Manhattan intersection soon afterward, injuring the cab driver's back and neck, and damaging his car. Rupple allegedly then sped away from the scene, then pulled over a few blocks away to switch seats with Zangrilli. But the cab driver pursued the couple in his car and flagged down a patrol officer for help when he caught up to them at a red light. When the uniformed officer pulled Zangrilli's car over, Zangrilli allegedly "repeatedly" offered $500 and $1,000 to the victim to not report the accident "both in the uniformed officer's presence and after she left," according to the indictment. Zangrilli also allegedly lied to a duty captain who arrived on the scene, insisting the accident had occurred while he was driving to work. Later, Zangrilli also allegedly called the owner of the bar where the couple had been drinking, and asked him to delete surveillance video from that night. The owner deleted the video, but investigators were later able to recover it, according to the indictment. "This alleged behavior was incredibly dangerous, leading to injuries for one cab driver and putting the safety of many other drivers and pedestrians at risk," Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement. Zangrilli then went to "great lengths to cover up the incident to avoid responsibility. We will continue to hold public servants accountable when they violate the public trust," Bragg added. Just days after the U.S. Supreme Court shot down a ban on rapid-fire gun bump stocks as on infringement on gun-owners' constitutional rights, two people were killed and least 15 were injured in mass shootings at a children's splash park in Michigan and a park in Texas. "In my worst nightmare, I couldn't imagine standing up here again talking about another active shooter," Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard Bouchard said at a news conference Saturday evening after nine were injured in the shooting in Rochester Hills, Michigan, just north of Detroit. Two people were killed and at least six were injured Saturday at a Juneteenth festival in Round Rock, Texas, north of Austin. A fight erupted between two groups during the event at Old Settlers Park, and "someone produced a gun and began to fire," Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks said at a news conference. "Multiple victims were hit" in the large crowd on the scene, the chief added. Six people, including two children, "all with potentially serious injuries," were rushed to local trauma centers, police said. "It breaks your heart for a family that was coming out to enjoy their evening and now their life is forever changed as a result of somebody who could care less about somebody else's life," Banks said. No suspect was in custody as of Sunday morning in the Texas shooting, and the motive was unknown. Police identified the shooter in Michigan as 42-year-old Michael William Nash, who was found dead later in a nearby home, apparently from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, said Bouchard. No motive has been determined in what police called a "random" attack. Nash, who has no criminal history, has no known connection to any of the victims. Other guns wer found in his home. Nash drove up to Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad, stepped out of his car and opened fire at random "potentially 28 times," reloading multiple times, said the sheriff. Three of the victims in the Michigan shooting were two young brothers and their mother. The mother and her 8-year-old son, who was shot in the head, were in critical condition. The other child and the rest of the victims were in stable condition. Bouchard called the incident a "gut punch" just three years after a high school shooting in the nearby town of Oxford when four students were killed. "We're not even fully comprehending what happened at Oxford, and now we have another complete tragedy that we're dealing with," he said. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement on X that she was "heartbroken" by the violence in her state. About 1,200 people were evacuated from a California state park after a wildfire erupted near a major highway about 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles. The blaze was burning out of control and covered 11,000 acres as of Sunday morning, according to an update from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, known as Cal Fire. "Currently crews are working to construct perimeter fire lines around the flakes of the fire," Cal Fire said on its website. "Aircraft are working to stop forward progress but have limited visibility." The flames broke out around 1:45 Saturday in Gorman, California, an area along Interstate 5, which stretches the length of the state and connects cities including San Diego, Los Angeles and the state capital of Sacramento. Authorities haven't yet determined the cause. The blaze, dubbed the Post Fire, prompted workers to clear out the nearby Hungry Valley park, which features 130 miles of trails for off-road vehicles. The fire was moving southeast toward Pyramid Lake, where a recreation area was closed as a precaution, Cal Fire said. The weather forecast called for slightly higher temperatures and lower humidity, and Cal Fire warned residents to "remain vigilant and be prepared to evacuate if fire activity changes." Israel's military said Sunday it would begin a daily "pause" in combat operations against Hamas along a road in southern Gaza to help humanitarian aid reach beleaguered Palestinian civilians. The decision followed discussions with the United Nations and international relief organizations, the Israel Defense Forces said in a message posted on social media. The route leads from the Kerem Shalom border crossing with Israel to a hospital in the embattled city of Rafah, according to a map the IDF posted on X. The daily "tactical pause" will run from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time "until further notice," the IDF said. The announcement coincided with the start of a major Muslim holiday, Eid Al-Adha, the Associated Press noted. The road covers about 7 1/2 miles of territory, according to AP. Israel's move fell far short of the complete ceasefire called for by the international community, including key ally the United States. The pause is intended to allow aid trucks to safely travel between the Kerem Shalom crossing and the Salah al-Din highway, a major north-south road. The crossing has been plagued by bottlenecks since Israeli ground troops moved into Rafah in early May, AP said. The Biden campaign and allies raised $28 million from a high-profile celebrity fundraiser, setting a new record for the Democratic Party's largest fundraising event, the campaign announced. The impressive total was revealed just hours before President Joe Biden appeared at the Los Angeles event at the Peacock Theater Saturday alongside former President Barack Obama, actors George Clooney and Julia Roberts, and comedian Jimmy Kimmel. "The enthusiasm and commitment for Biden/Harris couldn't be stronger. We all understand this is the most important election of our lifetime," said campaign co-chair Jeffrey Katzenberg. The new funds will be used to open offices, hire organizers, and launch media campaigns. Clooney remained a key draw of the event, even though he called a White House official earlier this month to complain about Biden's response to the International Criminal Court announcement that it was seeking arrest warrants for war crimes for both Israeli Perime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas' leadership over the attack on Gaza. Clooney's wife, Amal Clooney, an international human rights attorney, served on a panel of experts which recommended filing the arrest warrant. Biden denounced the ICC for its "outrageous" implication that the actions by Hamas, reponsible for the death of some 1,200 Israelis in the current conflict, and Israel, which has killed some 37,000 Palestinians, were not equivalent. As part of the bash Kimmel moderated a conversation between Biden and Obama, who touched upon a number of policy issues, and Donald Trump. "What has happened over the last several years is that we've normalized behavior that used to be disqualifying," Obama said of Trump, referring to his recent conviction on 34 felony counts in his hush-money campaign case. Saturday's fundraiser included performances and appearances by celebrities such as Jack Black, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jason Bateman, and Kathryn Hahn. Barbra Streisand was also on hand to introduce First Lady Jill Biden, praising her work on education and women's health. The Trump campaign says that it, along with supporters, has raised more than $34 million since the former president's conviction on 34 felony counts in his hush-money trial last month. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) has announced that he will not attend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's joint address to Congress next month, along with several other Democrats who have also pledged to boycott the speech. "I will not attend that. I said that if he wants to come speak to members of Congress about how to end the war and release hostages, I would be fine doing that. But I'm not going to sit in a one-way lecture," Khanna explained on NBC's "Meet the Press." Khanna's decision not to attend the address scheduled July 24 comes on the heels of Rep. James Clyburn's (D-S.C.) recent stance on the matter. Clyburn had cited Netanyahu's treatment of Barack Obama as his reason for skipping the address. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) has also vowed to attend the speech by "war criminal" Netanyahu. In 2015, Netanyahu and former President Obama clashed over Israel's position on Palestinian statehood and U.S. efforts to negotiate a nuclear deal with Iran. Over 50 Democrats boycotted Netanyahu's address to Congress after then-Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) invited him without informing the White House. "And I agree with Representative Clyburn. Based on how he treated President Obama, he should not expect reciprocity. That said, I think it should be polite, and we're not going to make a big deal about it. He's obviously addressing the Congress, and there has to be decorum," Khanna continued. More Democrats are refusing to attend Netanyahu's upcoming speech next month. Some are pointing to Netanyahu's 2015 speech to Congress, while others are citing the ongoing conflict in Gaza with Hamas, The Hill reported. Mount Greylock Committee Accepts ARPA Offer, Sets Vote on Latin WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. The Mount Greylock Regional School Committee on Thursday moved forward with a proposal to fund a consultant with about $66,000 of Williamstown's American Rescue Plan Act funds. Meanwhile, it held off on a decision about whether to resuscitate the middle-high school's Latin program, scheduling a special meeting for Tuesday, June 18, to make that call. The 4-0-1 vote on the DEI consultant work came after the Select Board earlier in the week affirmed its support for the idea, which was brought to both the town and school district by parents concerned about the school district's policies about and response to "bias-based, hate, bullying and Title IX incidents." The parents are asking the district to hire a consultant to review the district's current policies and how it measures progress in making the schools more equitable and inclusive. The parents group also hope the consultant can advise the district on its communications practices, hiring and retention of staff and implementation of restorative justice. "The deliverables from this review should include actionable best practices updates to policies and protocols and sustainable recommendations for measurable change," according to a memo from the parents to the School Committee. Interim Superintendent Joseph Bergeron, who has consulted with the parents group, told the School Committee that the next step following Thursday's vote would be to assemble a committee to draft a request for proposals to find a consultant. In the meantime, Bergeron said, the district would not wait for the consultant but continue to do its own internal review of its policies and procedures to address concerns raised by, among others, the district's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging/Parent Caregiver Action Network. "The value of having a third party do that [review] is they have experience and vision into many different school districts," Bergeron said. As for the cost of that review, that will become more clear if and when the district receives proposals in response to the RFP it issues. "We're hoping the Williamstown Select Board's ARPA funding would be available in full," Bergeron said. "If there was a gap, we would need to identify other possibilities for funding. It could come from a different grant or from the School Committee allocating funds from other sources." Williamstown has, more or less, $66,257 in uncommitted ARPA funds, according to town officials. The town received about $2 million originally from the pandemic-era federal program. The Select Board has agreed not to allocate any more ARPA funds until it has a formal request from the School District. School Committee member Steven Miller abstained from the vote to move forward with an RFP. "We all agree this work is important and that this is something that needs to be done," Miller said. "My main concern is whether we spend the money in ways that lead to results. I have seen numerous times experts being brought in and things being done where it almost feels like we're checking a box that something has been done rather than putting something in place that's going to make real progress. "That's my biggest concern about how this is done, especially who is brought in. Do the people who end up coming in have an agenda? Do the people coming in have a real track record of making a difference they can point to?" Carolyn Greene disputed the notion that the district has "wasted" money on "ineffective" measures to address its diversity, equity and inclusion issues. "We've been investing in this work in ways that have been thoughtful," Greene said. "Our faculty has been working with consultants for several years now gaining insight, gaining experience, gaining knowledge about this work that is very new to many of our faculty and to many of our students, as well. Our students have engaged in deep conversations with people we've brought into the district. "I see it all as foundational to the work we're trying to set ourselves up to do going forward." Greene framed the consultant work as another step in a long road to address bias issues in the district. "Progress is not fast, it's never fast enough," she said. "But we are grateful the funds are being made available so we can invest in the work in ways we haven't been able to do before." On Tuesday, the School Committee will decide whether to make its own funds available to keep Mount Greylock's Latin program fully operational for another year at least. Earlier this spring, since departed Superintendent Jason McCandless announced that the school would be phasing out Latin and moving to offer only one world language, Spanish, in future years. On Thursday, the School Committee heard from nearly a dozen people former and current Latin students, parents of former and current Latin students and Latin teachers about the value of instruction in the classical language. More than 500 people also signed a petition encouraging the district to continue to support instruction in the language. As far back as March , McCandless had indicated that the foreign language offerings were one area of potential budget cuts in an increasingly difficult budget environment But the decision not to offer Latin to seventh-graders starting in September was made after the fiscal year 2025 budget was finalized. On Thursday, Bergeron explained the move by telling the committee that the district did not see the "retirements and departures" it forecast for FY25 staff exits that would have meant cost reductions. "When various pieces fell into place, it forced us to say, 'Do we need to accelerate those difficult conversations that we projected needing to have over the course of this coming year,' " Bergeron said. "As we presented the budget, we talked about we might need to accelerate change, we might need to consider program of study choices that's what we were starting to allude to so that we hoped we would have gradual discussions and community discussions around priorities and how to make sure our students' needs were met." In answer to a question from Miller, Bergeron said it would cost about $65,000 to keep the Latin program fully operational in 2024-25. Miller then suggested that the district could take money from its School Choice and excess and deficiency accounts to cover the shortfall and allow the "community discussions" that Bergeron referenced during the coming year. Jose Constantine joined Miller in supporting that approach. But Miller expressed hesitancy to call for a vote on a School Choice allocation without a specific vote being warned on the meeting's agenda. Not everyone on the committee appeared ready to follow Miller's lead "I do want to have Latin this year, next year, forever," Curtis Elfenbein said. "I also want to have a DEIB coordinator for the district and a dedicated art teacher in the middle school. My shopping list is way longer than you can imagine." Chair Christina Conry, who mostly stayed out of the debate, did offer thoughts toward the end of the discussion. "I do feel like we may be creating a bigger sword to fall on next year," Conry said, referring to the financial impact of digging more deeply into the district's reserve accounts for a one-year fix for the world language program. "I would like to hear more of a representation from both towns. I'd love to hear from community members who are on a fixed income and don't necessarily have kids in school. "We want to do everything for the kids, want to give everything to the kids. But we have limited funds." Greene, a member of the School Committee's Finance Subcommittee along with Miller, sounded the alarm about depleting the reserve accounts, especially after the district used more of those reserves than customary to fund the FY25 budget in the first place. "We're not allowed to run a deficit, and we're currently, without adding Latin, running a deficit," Greene said. "The administration did the responsible thing, which was to find the money in the budget. Finding more money after the budget has been voted is another approach. It's not one I'm comfortable doing." The committee decided to meet virtually at 5 p.m. on Tuesday to decide whether to dip into the reserve accounts to fund full Latin instruction for the 2024-25 school year. In other business on Thursday, the School Committee: Appointed Noelle Sullivan to serve as the district's director of special education services. Finalized a contract with Bergeron to serve as interim superintendent while continuing in his role as the district's business manager. Conducted a first read of a new policy banning personal electronic devices, like cell phones, for students in the district's three schools. BHeard a report on the district's ongoing "Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging" initiatives. And reminded residents of the three seats on the ballot in November for positions on the seven-person School Committee. Conry said members Julia Bowen (Williamstown) and Ursula Malloy (Lanesborough), who did not attend Thursday's meeting, have told her they plan to pull papers for the race. Constantine (Williamstown) announced at Thursday's meeting he would do the same. Nomination papers are available in the district office on the Mount Greylock campus. Candidates need 45 signatures from registered voters in either Lanesborough or Williamstown (or some from each town) in order to get on the ballot. The deadline to submit nomination papers with signatures is Tuesday, July 23, at 5 p.m. The Historical Commission is looking to use up funds in its supplies account for brochures for the Fitch-Hoose House. Dalton Historical Enters First Phase of Establishing 2nd Historic District DALTON, Mass. The Historical Commission has embarked on the first phase of establishing its second historical district. During last week's meeting, co-Chair Louisa Horth brought three maps of the proposed district, which would run from the cemetery on Park Avenue down to Depot Street. She recommended dividing the proposed district into multiple sections and assigning each section to specific commissioners. The commission is responsible for taking pictures of every building within the district that meets historical status. On the back of each photo, they need to include the building's historical significance, the year it was built, and the type of architecture, Horth said. The commission can use the state's Cultural Resource Information System map , which shows some of the area's historic buildings, to help during the process, Commissioner Nancy Kane said. Once this phase is complete, the commission sends all of this information to the Massachusetts Historical Commission to review and continue with the next phase where it can hire a preservation specialist. Horth forewarned that this phase will take some time, so members may need to request an extension for the $5,000 state cultural grant. The Cultural Council awarded the commission the grant so it could hire a preservation specialist. It also has funding from a $15,000 matching grant that was approved during a town meeting in May 2022 for the establishment of the second and a third historic district. At the town meeting, the Historic Commission estimated that establishing the next two districts would cost $30,000. When the commission decided to lower the scope of the project in June, it was determined it would cost $10,000 to establish each district. The commission originally planned on establishing the Main Street Corridor Historical District and the third district, East Main Street, simultaneously but decided it would be easier to establish them one at a time. Using the $5,000 from the state cultural grant will allow for a matching amount of $5,000 from the town, which will be used to establish the Main Street Corridor Historical District, The commission can not hire a preservation specialist until Massachusetts Historical reviews what it gathers in its first phase and determines that the district has a substantial enough historical significance to be considered a district. In other news: The commission voted to appropriate $484 from the town account to be utilized for 500 Fitch Hoose-House brochures. It hopes to distribute the brochures at various locations, including the libraries and the Du Bois Freedom Center. The funds could come from supplies line item in the commission's budget, Horth said. She will communicate with Town Accountant Sandra Albano to ensure the purchase can be made using the town account. The commission has $2,923 left in this year's budget, which needs to be spent by July 1. Kane also noted that the more the commissioners promote the Fitch-Hoose House, the more donations they may receive from visitors because of the increased traffic. SteepleCats Earn Narrow Win on Road LYNN, Mass. -- Caden Dulin hit a sacrifice fly in the top of the sixth inning to drive in the winning run as the North Adams SteepleCats beat the North Shore Navigators, 6-5. Warren Holzemer homered, and Lanesborough's Derek Paris went 2-for-3 with a double in a nine-hit attack for North Adams. Pittsfield High grad Cam Sime went three innings on the mound in the win. Andrew Rubayo earned the win with two innings of one-hit relief. North Adams (2-5) hosts Danbury, Conn., on Sunday at 4 p.m. at Joe Wolfe Field. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Brian Cox shared his unfiltered views about the effects of Brexit and the impact of Nigel Farage ahead of the General Election. The Succession star was a guest on BBC One politics programme Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg this morning (16 June). Sitting alongside Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and former Tory MP Nadine Dorries, the Dundee-born actor shared his opinions about a range of political topics, including Scottish independence, his fears about the Conservative Party and Nigel Farage. One of Coxs main focal points was about Brexits effect on the UK economy. He said: My main thing is that theres still the demon that we dont talk about, which is Brexit, and why we are so broke. The Emmy Award-winning actor then shared various figures about the cost of Brexit, including a February report that claimed Brexit is costing 100bn a year in UK exports. Analysis from Goldman Sachs found that Brexit is directly responsible for the UK economy growing 5 per cent less since the vote in 2016, Cox added. In response, Kuenssberg noted that the Covid pandemic and the Ukraine war are additional factors that make it very difficult to pull out actual strong conclusions. She then asked Cox about what hed like politicians to acknowledge more during the campaign process. open image in gallery Brian Cox on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg ( BBC / screengrab ) We talk about lack of cash, we talk about lack of money. But I didnt realise that real wages are expected to fall by 1.8 per cent, and thats 470 per worker per year, he claimed. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free It seems to me that we are still suffering from that, and weve not done anything about it. So when we talk about other things, we cant really talk in terms of where we are, because we are suffering from Brexit. Cox also turned his attention to the Reform party leader and Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage, stating that he worries about the Conservatives due to Farages appeal to their potential voters. Nigel Farage is not doing any good at all, Cox said. I mean hes really ruining that party [the Conservatives] and if I was a Conservative voter I would really be worried about whats happening to my party. He added: Im not a Conservative and I never will be a Conservative voter, I want to state that first and foremost, but I do worry about his influence and I find him slightly fascist quite frankly. Cox is no stranger to sharing his political views, and previously criticised former Prime Minister Liz Truss during a 2022 edition of Question Time. You can keep up with The Independents coverage of the General Election here. 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 SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Clive Myrie has revealed details of the death threats he has received, including messages talking about the kind of bullet that hed use in the gun to kill me. Speaking to Lauren Laverne in a new edition of Radio 4s Desert Island Discs, Myrie, 59, opened up about an unexpected pitfall of becoming more visible to audiences: racial abuse and death threats. Myrie said he had received faeces and cards in the post with gorillas on, as well as emails that read: You shouldnt be on our TV; you dress like a pimp. Though Myrie has been at the BBC since the 1980s, the journalist and presenter has steadily become more of a familiar face on the network with high-profile presenting roles such as leading Mastermind since 2021. He continued: But one chap issued death threats, and he was tracked down and prosecuted, and his death threats involved talking about the kind of bullet that hed use in the gun to kill me and this kind of stuff. I was shaken for a while after Id been told. I thought, Its just someone showboating. Its just bravado. And then they tracked down this character, and it turned out that he had previous convictions for firearms offences. So [I] thought, Oh my God, what, if anything, might this person have been planning? open image in gallery Clive Myrie shaken after death threats detailed type of bullet to kill me ( Tyler Hall/BBC ) Myrie, who was born to Jamaican parents in Farnworth, near Bolton, also spoke at the Hay Festival last month about this harrowing experience. He noted that the 2017 incident was a reminder of the lengths to which some people might go with racial hatred. Next month, he and political journalist Laura Kuenssberg will lead the BBCs election night coverage for the first time. They are taking over from Huw Edwards, who resigned from the network in April on medical advice after he was accused of paying a teenager thousands of pounds for sexually explicit images. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Elsewhere on the long-running radio show, Myrie told host Laverne about his hopes for the overnight election coverage after Britain heads to the polls on Thursday 4 July. While admitting there is a lot of pressure on the broadcast, Myrie also embraces the adrenaline and nervous energy involved in such essential coverage. Ive never presented an election programme in the UK before. Im getting my head around a lot of statistics, he said. open image in gallery Clive Myrie has hosted Mastermind since 2021 ( BBC/Hindsight/Hat Trick Productions/William Cherry/Press Eye ) But you know, we want to try and make it fun too; it is not just going to be a night for geeks. I hope its not just a night for political geeks. I want people to be able to tune in and get a sense of where this country is going and the buzz of being on the front line. This is the front line of what it means to be British regarding the elections. You can follow The Independents coverage of the General Election here. 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 SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A true crime documentary focusing on a deadly car crash has become the No 1 film on Netflix in the UK and Ireland. Car Crash: Whos Lying? was originally produced for the BBC back in 2018, but has been an unexpected hit since arriving on the streaming service this month. The documentary has leapfrogged films such as the acclaimed crime-comedy Hit Man, and Jordan Peeles western-influenced horror Nope, to claim the No 1 spot in the rankings, updated daily. The official BBC synopsis for the programme describes it as a a compelling single narrative documentary that tells the story of an unlikely group of friends in a close-knit community in Hampshire, who find themselves at the centre of an intense police investigation. With access to never-before-seen police bodycam footage of the crash site, viewers are taken directly into the heart of the aftermath of a catastrophic collision between a car and a tree on a dark country road, it reads. The crash in question ocurred near Southwick, Hampshire in January 2016, and claimed the life of one passenger. On social media, viewers have described the special as raw, with some one person writing: Just watched Car Crash: Whos Lying on @netflix. Its a stark reminder of the trauma that bad decisions & dangerous driving can cause. It begins with an alarming stat from @Brakecharity: Young people are 3 times more likely to die in a car crash than from guns, knives & alcohol. open image in gallery Stills from the BBC documentary Car Crash: Whos Lying?' ( BBC ) Another wrote: Watch Car Crash: Who's Lying? on Netflix. Be warned, it's a bit raw. In a review of the special around the time of its original airing, The Independents Sean OGrady praised the production. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Car Crash: Whos Lying? is a gem, and I highly recommend you catch it on BBC iPlayer if you missed it, he wrote. It takes a single fatal road traffic accident and tells the story of how the police managed to determine who was responsible, and why. Its a mundane, if tragic, tale, but given such a suspenseful and delicate treatment that you just have to watch. There will, I predict, be many more true-life dramas like this one with the rich new harvest of police and CCTV footage. Car Crash: Whos Lying? sets a high standard for the emerging genre. Car Crash: Whos Lying? is available to stream now on Netflix in the UK and Ireland. If youre travelling abroad and want to stream Car Crash: Who's Lying? then you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help: get the best VPN deals on the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider. 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 SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The cast of The Walking Dead are paying tribute to the shows canine star. It was announced by the AMC series, which ended in 2022, that Seven, who played Daryls imaginatively named loyal companion Dog, had died. The social media post, which hailed Belgian shepherd Seven as The Walking Deads best boy, inspired tributes from several of the shows stars, including Daryl actor Norman Reedus. Gonna miss u seven, the actor, who currently stars in his own spin-off series, called Daryl Dixon, wrote on Instragram. After sharing several photos of himself with Seven, he posted a broken-heart emoji and added: Best TV buddy ever. Other actors who paid tribute to Seven included Khary Payton, who played Ezekiel, and Lynn Collins, who starred as the villainous Leah. Meanwhile, the series former showrunner Angela Kang re-shared the original post, adding a crying-face emoji. Seven made his first appearance in the shows ninth season. He appeared in 25 episodes in all. Speaking to ComicBook.com about working with the canine star, Reedus said in 2018: We just did a scene the other day that ended up being the opposite of what it was supposed to be because the dog just wanted to do something else, and it came out so much better. Hell probably be running the show. Its great! I love it. He loves me, too. open image in gallery Norman Reedus and Seven as Daryl and Dog in The Walking Dead ( AMC ) The Walking Dead drew to a close in 2022 after 11 seasons. To date, the series has had six spin-offs, one of which, The Walking Dead: Dead City, focuses on the characters Maggie (Lauren Cohan) and Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan). The most recent spin-off, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, reunited lead characters Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and Michonne (Danai Gurira); its currently available to stream in the UK on NOW. In The Ones Who Live, viewers find Rick and Michonne still trying to find their way back to each other after being physically separated for years (or since the shows ninth season finale, when Lincoln departed). Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Lincoln is best known for his role as Mark, who is in love with Keira Knightleys Juliet, in the 2003 romcom Love Actually. Director Richard Curtis has since opened up about the famous scene in which Mark turns up at Juliets door with cue cards to reveal his feelings, telling The Independent: I think its a bit weird. I mean, I remember being taken by surprise about seven years ago, I was going to be interviewed by somebody and they said, Of course, were mainly interested in the stalker scene, and I said, What scene is that? And then I was, like, educated in it, he said. All I can say is that a lot of intelligent people were involved in the film at the time, and we didnt think it was a stalker scene, he added. But if its interesting or funny for different reasons [now] then, you know, God bless our progressive world. Season two of Daryl Dixon titled The Book of Carol will star Reedus alongside Carol actor Melissa McBride. Read The Independents ranking of The Walking Deads best characters here. 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 SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Indian authorities have bulldozed the homes of 11 people in the central Madhya Pradesh state after police found beef in their refrigerators and cows in their backyards. Slaughter of cows, which some Hindu people worship as a deity, and their progeny is banned in most of India, as is the consumption of their meat. In Madhya Pradesh, cow slaughter is punished by seven years in jail, and the burden of proof is on the accused. There is no legal provision to destroy the property of a person accused of cow slaughter, let alone before they have been tried. Yet, states run by Narendra Modis Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party in particular routinely raze homes as punishment for suspected crimes such as cow slaughter and incitement to sectarian violence. The victims are overwhelmingly Muslims. The minority religious community has long been at the receiving end of a campaign of violence by Hindu nationalist groups that accuse them of hurting religious feelings by slaughtering cows. Many Muslims have been lynched by Hindu mobs over suspicion of transporting cows for slaughter. It is not yet clear if those whose homes have been destroyed in Madhya Pradesh are Muslim, though some reporters have identified them as such. We found 150 cows tied in the backyards of the accused. Cow meat was recovered from the refrigerators in the homes of all the 11 accused. We also found animal fat, cattle skin and bones which were stuffed in a room, Rajat Saklecha, superintendent of police in Mandla, told news agency PTI. A local vet confirmed that the meat in the refrigerators was beef, Mr Saklecha said, and samples were sent to the southern city of Hyderabad for DNA analysis. Police claimed as they generally do in such cases that the houses were demolished not because their owners were suspected of cow slaughter, but because they were illegally built on public land in Mandla town. They did not provide any evidence. Mr Saklecha posted photos of the homes being bulldozed on social media. Although states have the authority to demolish illegal structures, Madhya Pradeshs high court ruled earlier this year that they cannot do so without following due procedure. As observed repeatedly by this court, it has become fashionable now for local administration and local bodies to demolish any house by drawing up proceedings without complying with the principle of natural justice and publish it in the newspaper, the court said after it was petitioned by a person whose house had been bulldozed. Demolishing property should be the last resort even though the law prohibits building a house without proper permission, the court added. While Indian authorities claim their demolition drives do not discriminate on the basis of religion, critics point out that the victims are overwhelmingly Muslims, who make up 14 per cent of the countrys 1.4 billion population, and such wanton destruction of their property is emblematic of the communitys marginalisation. 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 SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A mother of four has detailed her frustration with her parents after she paid for their trip to Hawaii only for them to complain about the cost of food. In a viral Am I The A**hole post shared to Facebook, the woman explained that she sent her parents on a vacation to Kauai to thank them for watching her children. I sent my parents on a vacation to Kauai as a thank you basically for my mom helping me so much with all of my kids when I had my fourth baby, she began the post, which has received more than 4,000 comments. Their five-day island vacation also happened to take place during their 36th wedding anniversary, according to the mother, and she and her husband paid for their airfare, hotel, and rental car. However, the woman claimed that shes only heard complaints from her parents over the cost of their food since they touched down in Hawaii. All Ive pretty much heard from them is how expensive their food is. Not a thank you or even an appreciate [sic] or positive remark, she wrote. Alongside the post, she included a screenshot of her messages with her father. In the text exchange, he sent her a photo of the total cost of their restaurant meal, which came to be $104.31. Quit your complaining youre in paradise on a free vacation, she replied to the photo, to which her dad wrote back: Our CHEAPEST meal was $40. Pretty much $50-60 everywhere. In a cheeky response, the woman said: Ok then noted Ill send you to Arkansas for your next trip. A condo would be smarter here, then you could cook a few meals, her father added. open image in gallery Woman shares frustration over parents complaints during paid Hawaii vacation ( Facebook / Am I The A**Hole? ) Taking to the Facebook forum, she asked whether she was in the wrong for being so irritated by the messages from her parents complaining about the cost of their meals. Unsurprisingly, it didnt take long for fellow Facebook users to share their thoughts on the mothers frustrated reaction. Some people defended her response and called her parents entitled. One user wrote: I would feel exactly the same. That is the most entitled, selfish thing Ive seen in a while. I would be texting non-stop how appreciative I was of that trip. What you did was SO kind. Im really sorry you are getting this reaction. I wouldnt be doing it again if all theyre going to do is complain, another person agreed, while a third commented: I literally cant imagine receiving such a nice gift and doing nothing but complaining about it. If they were going to be that concerned youd think theyd look some things up about food cost and stuff beforehand and politely decline if they didnt want to spend that money. Ridiculous. Others wondered if the price point of the vacation was out of her parents price range, and if she had considered whether they could afford going out for meals. Yes, this is beyond generous but if they cant afford to eat while there, that would be pretty crappy, one person noted. Did you ask them before buying the vacay to make sure they could afford the food and whatever else they wanted to do there? another user asked. Can they afford the meals? Or is this really breaking the bank for them? someone else asked. If they can afford it, they need to just enjoy and be grateful. If its a struggle for them financially, then you could be the a**hole. 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 Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A missing Dutch tourist was found dead early Saturday on the eastern Greek island of Samos, local media reported, the latest in a string of cases in which tourists on Greek islands have died or gone missing. Some, if not all, had set out on hikes in blistering hot temperatures. Two Americans and two French tourists have also recently been reported missing. Dr Michael Mosley, a noted British TV anchor and author, was found dead last Sunday on the island of Symi. A coroner concluded that he had died the previous Wednesday, shortly after going for a hike over difficult, rocky terrain. Samos, like Symi, lies very close to the Turkish coast. Click here for our latest updates on the search for missing tourists The body of the 74-year-old Dutch tourist was found by a Fire Service drone lying face down in a ravine about 300 meters (330 yards) from the spot where he was last observed on Sunday, walking with some difficulty in the blistering heat. Temperatures across Greece on Saturday were more than 10 degrees Celsius (18F) lower than on Thursday, when they peaked at almost 45C (113F). They are expected to rise again from Sunday, although not to heatwave levels. Authorities were still searching for four people reported missing in the past few days. British TV presenter, Dr Michael Mosley, was found dead on the island of Symi last weekend ( AP ) On Friday, two French tourists were reported missing on Sikinos, a relatively secluded Cyclades island in the Aegean Sea, with less than 400 permanent residents. The two women, aged 73 and 64, had left their respective hotels to meet. A 70-year-old American tourist was reported missing on Thursday on the small island of Mathraki in Greeces northwest extremity by his host, a Greek-American friend. The tourist had last been seen Tuesday at a cafe in the company of two female tourists who have since left the island. The friend returned to his home on Thursday only to find the front door open, the lights, and air conditioning on, and their friend missing as well as his ID and travel documents. Mathraki, population 100, is a 3.9-square-kilometer (1.2-square-mile) heavily wooded island, west of the better-known island of Corfu. Mathraki doesnt have a police station or a coast guard station, meaning that Corfu officials were called in to aid with the search but strong winds had prevented police and the fire service from reaching the island as of Saturday afternoon. Dr Michael Mosley, a noted British TV anchor and author, was found dead last Sunday on the island of Symi ( BBC ) On Thursday, the search crews looked in the waters around the island, only to pause on Friday because of rough weather. On the island of Amorgos, authorities were still searching for a 59-year-old tourist reported missing since Tuesday, when he had gone on a solo hike in very hot conditions. US media identified the missing tourist as retired Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff Albert Calibet of Hermosa Beach, California. Amorgos, the easternmost of the Cyclades islands, is a rocky 122-square-kilometer (47-square-mile) island of less than 2,000 inhabitants. A couple of years ago the island had a record number of visitors, over 100,000. Popi Despotidi, the islands deputy mayor of tourism, told CNN: Its unlikely he got lost as he has been coming here for 10 years and has walked all over Amorgos. Calibet retired from the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department in 2018. Robin Leon, a friend of the Calibet family, told NBC News: He knows this path, he knows this island. The mayor knows him, every cafe knows him, people know Albert on that island. They love him, Leon added. The municipality of Amorgos wrote on Facebook that the 59-year-old had followed the path from the Asphontylite region toward the village of Katapola. When he vanished, he was wearing Bermuda shorts and a dark shirt. Calibets sister-in-law Sandrine Cutwright told NBC News that every minute, every hour that passes it gets more sad. Some media reports have suggested on the need to inform tourists of the dangers of setting off on hikes in intense heat. 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 Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Bear Grylls has stepped down as chief scout after photos emerged of him baptising Russell Brand. The adventurer, who has been in the role for 15 years, said being chief scout was the honour of a lifetime. In the statement issued to members of the Scouts, he said he will continue as chief ambassador of World Scouting. Hours before Mr Grylls announced he is stepping down, a spokesperson for the Scouting Association told the Independent the organisation is extremely proud that Bear Grylls is their Chief Scout. Bear Grylls has stepped down as Chief Scout after photos emerged of him baptising Russell Brand ( Nat Geo ) Mr Grylls wrote in his statement: To all my friends and family in Scouts, this September will mark the end of my time as Chief Scout after three 5 year terms as Chief and a total of 15 years in the role. Being Chief Scout has been the greatest honour of my life. The kindness and commitment of our young people and volunteers is incredible. And Im so proud that since 2009 when I joined, over 2 million people have been through Scouts in the UK. Together we accomplished everything we set out to do grow our movement and help millions of young people gain skills for life and access to adventure and the outdoors but like every volunteer in our movement, our roles evolve and nothing stays the same forever. I will of course continue as Chief Ambassador of World Scouting, helping support the global movement of some 65 million international scouts. Bear Grylls said being Chief Scout was the honour of a lifetime ( AFP via Getty Images ) Concerns emerged about Mr Grylls relationship with Mr Brand, less than a year after a Channel 4 Dispatches documentary reported allegations of sexual assault by Mr Brand. Mr Brand denies all the allegations against him. The unlikely friendship seemingly began when the YouTuber appeared last year on Running Wild, filmed in the Hebrides. Mr Brand later shared a video to social media detailing how Mr Grylls was one of two men who flanked him during the baptism ceremony close to where he lives in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. The 48-year-old podcaster had called baptism an opportunity to leave the past behind. Week one as a Christian has been amazing, Brand said in the video. The ceremony itself was incredible. I want to thank Bear Grylls and my mate Joe, the two men that stood either side of me and flanked me for the baptism itself. At the time Mr Grylls confirmed his attendance to the Daily Mail and described assisting in Brands baptism as a privilege after the comedians tough time. Faith and spiritual moments in our lives are really personal, he told the publication. But it is a privilege to stand beside anyone when they express a humble need for forgiveness and strength from above. He added: Friendships when we go through tough times are worth so much. 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 Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The governments troubled flagship super-prison has now seen its third leadership change in just two years after its governor was sent to take over at another struggling jail in a situation likened to rearranging deckchairs on the Titanic. Repeated leadership changes have caused disruption since HMP Five Wells opened in March 2022, inspectors warned in April, with nearly two-thirds of staff having left already, and drug use reported to be rampant. The jails new governor, Will Styles, was praised for bringing some stability to the prison. But Mr Styles has now been sent to take over at a different G4S jail instead, HMP Parc, where 10 prisoners have died in the space of three months resulting in protests and disorder. Staff need leadership, not Titanic deckchairs, said Professor John Podmore, a former governor of Belmarsh, Brixton and Swaleside. The creation of six new super-prisons is central to Tory and Labour plans to fix the crisis engulfing Britains prison system by creating 20,000 new prison places. But Professor Podmore said the difficulties evidenced at Five Wells show that the policy of building their way out of a crisis is failing and doomed to failure. The first inspection at Five Wells, carried out in December, alarmingly highlighted that just 272 of the nearly 750 staff hired since the prison opened less than two years prior still remained in post leaving it dependent on officers loaned from other jails. And inspectors warned that the flood of illicit drugs at the new G4S-run jail had the potential to undermine the stability of the prison, with around a third of inmates found to be using drugs in random testing. Super-prisons are central to Tory and Labour plans to fix the overcrowding crisis ( Getty/ The Independent ) Rates of violence and self-harm had reduced from the turmoil reported in the prisons first two years of operation, but the rate of self-harm was still very high, with 1,256 incidents recorded in a year. Prof Podmore told The Independent: If youve spent a quarter of a billion pounds [building Five Wells] [and] two years in [theres] bugger all in the way of education, training and employment, a third of the prisons on drugs, and 500 staff have left... Shouldnt we be doing a bit better than that? If your house is falling off a cliff, you dont build a conservatory on it this is what theyre doing. You cant add to a failing system, he said, adding: Theres no point building places people dont want to work in and that people dont want to lead. Yes, theres a money problem; yes, theres an overcrowding problem but look at drugs, look at staffing, he said. Thats not about overcrowding, thats about how the Prison Service is run. Expressing concern about the situation at HMP Parc, Prof Podmore warned that the Bridgend prison is ground zero for a crisis of lethal new synthetic opioids about to engulf our prisons. Members of the Welsh parliament have warned of a scandal unfolding at Parc, which has already suffered more deaths in a single year than any Welsh prison on record. Four are believed to have involved synthetic opioids, with another death potentially also drug-related, police said in April. One 19-year-old recently recalled to the prison had been on suicide watch when he took his own life, having struggled with addiction, his aunt told ITV Wales in late May during a protest held outside the prison by bereaved families. The situation at HMP Parc has sparked calls for justice to be devolved in Wales ( Alamy/PA ) Just days after the protest outside the jail, riot officers were called to HMP Parc on 31 May in response to disorder involving 20 prisoners on a wing housing 100 inmates. In a simultaneous incident, an altercation between three prisoners left each requiring hospital treatment. G4S said the two short-lived incidents were resolved by onsite G4S staff, with all 20 prisoners returned to their cells by the time riot officers arrived at the jail, and no prisoners or staff injured. And on Monday night, an inmate was rushed to hospital with facial injuries following an altercation involving a weapon, just days after G4S told Wales Online that a prisoner had been taken to hospital as a precaution and another assessed by onsite medics in two suspected drug-related incidents. The firm said it is strengthening security measures to prevent drugs entering Parc, that it carried out a prison-wide lockdown search as soon as synthetic opioids were detected, and that it has trained more than 500 frontline staff in administering the overdose-reversal drug naloxone, in a move praised by experts. Mr Styles who has been praised for bringing stability to Five Wells has now taken over at HMP Parc after Heather Whitehead, appointed only last August, left by mutual agreement, G4S said. He will be replaced at Five Wells by Pete Small, whose approach at HMP Rye Hill was lauded by inspectors in a recent report highlighting innovation and best practice, G4S noted. The report concluded that consistency in leadership roles is required to maintain a positive culture in prisons. A G4S spokesperson said Mr Styles had been instrumental in bringing Five Wells to full occupancy and establishing the foundations of a safe, respectful and purposeful environment for prisoners and staff, adding that violence and self-harm had continued to fall since the December inspection. G4S said it was pleased inspectors had highlighted examples of good practice at Five Wells around prisoner support, adding: We are committed to developing a stronger and broader purposeful activity, skills and education programme to enhance employment opportunities for prisoners. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The general election campaign has seen another damaging week for Rishi Sunak as Labour is racing ahead in the latest weekend polls. The latest voting intention from Savanta for the Sunday Telegraph shows Labour take a 25-point lead on the Conservative Party- with Sir Keir Starmers party on 46 per cent of the vote, and the Conservatives on 21 per cent. This is the largest gap in a Savanta poll since the end of Liz Truss premiership, and the lowest-ever vote share for the Tories under Rishi Sunak. Labour is on course for a 262-seat majority, the data suggests. The analysis and modelling based on more than 40,000 surveys indicate Labour is ahead in 456 seats, with the Tories taking just 72. Labour is racing ahead according to the latest weekend polls ( PA Wire ) The last time the Tories vote share was this low was in May 2019, when Theresa May announced her resignation as party leader. Chris Hopkins, political research director at Savanta said the polling shows this election could be nothing short of electoral extinction for the Conservative Party. He added: The hopes of Conservative candidates are being shot to pieces by poll after poll showing the Conservative Party in increasingly dire straits and were only halfway through the campaign. Rishi Sunak has suffered another damaging week in the campaign trails ( PA Wire ) Theres a real sense that things could still get worse for the Conservatives, and with postal votes about to drop through millions of letterboxes, time is already close to running out for Rishi Sunak. The party chasing the heels of the PM, Reform UK has recorded their highest vote share in a Savanta poll since partys official creation in January 2021 with 13 per cent of the vote. The Liberal Democrats also increased their share by two-points since Savantas last poll. Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer launched his partys manifesto this week ( PA Wire ) A poll by Opinium also records a heavy blow for Mr Sunak, with Labour leads 17 points ahead, taking 40 per cent of the vote while the Tories have 23 per cent. In terms of who would make the better prime minister, Sir Keir has retained a 14-point lead over Mr Sunak with the Labour leader at 33 per cent and the PM at 19 per cent- but neither comes out as top choice at 38 per cent. The weekends polls come after a tumultuous week on the campaign trail, which saw Sir Keir beat Mr Sunak in their second live TV debate on Wednesday night. Both leaders were given a real grilling by Beth Rigby on Skys Battle for Number 10, and took a number of tough questions from the audience in Grimsby. A YouGov survey after the debate had Sir Keir the easy winner on 64 per cent, with the prime minister trailing on 36 per cent. This week, Labour launched its manifesto which focused on economic growth and making Labour the party of wealth creation. As part of this plan, he revealed that he intends to raise 8.6billion in new taxes. 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 Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Penny Mordaunt has issued a rallying call to beleaguered Tories across the UK that the election result is not a foregone conclusion but conceded that her party is now very much the underdog. With many seeing Ms Mordaunt as a leader in waiting after a Tory defeat, she admits she felt let down by Rishi Sunak over the D-Day fiasco, which hit the headlines just hours before she was due to take part in a televised debate. But she also made it clear that she wants to see tax cuts, in a message to her party as well as the country. The Tory cabinet minister gave a wide-ranging interview to The Independent from her bellwether constituency of Portsmouth North. Ms Mordaunt won the seat from Labour on her second attempt in 2010, and has increased her majority in each election since. In the interview, she addressed: The inside story of how she reacted when she learnt that the prime minister had left the D-Day commemorations early Why she believes the Tories need to be pushing tax cuts Why the polls could be wrong How she deals with misogyny in politics How she prepared for the TV debates Penny Mordaunt is seen by many as a leader in waiting ( ITV ) Apart from Mr Sunak, Ms Mordaunt has been the only cabinet minister the Tories have trusted to stand front and centre in the election campaign with her two appearances in the seven-way party debates. When news broke on 6 June that Mr Sunak had left the D-Day events in Normandy early, Ms Mordaunt was campaigning in Portsmouth, the home of the Royal Navy, where the liberation of Europe was planned and launched. She had attended the events in Portsmouth the day before, and was getting ready for the first of the two televised debates, which was due to take place the following day. Her first statement on the debate that Friday was extraordinary, declaring that the prime minister had been wrong. Ms Mordaunt shares a moment with Angela Rayner after the first televised debate ( BBC ) I felt the same as every one of my constituents, she told The Independent. And that was that we were let down, and I think the prime minister rightly apologised for that. Portsmouth prides itself on being Britains most patriotic city and is full of Royal Navy veterans who have served around the world as well as being home to current serving personnel. Ms Mordaunt, who is in the Royal Navy Reserve herself, described her reception when she met veterans a few days later. Ive been out at a veterans event since, because we had the 42nd anniversary of the Falklands war [on Friday], she said. And so I was out with a lot of them then, and I got a very warm response from them. I think it is what it is. Im sure that the prime minister, if he could turn back time, would do something different. Its done, and he was just right to apologise. Theres nothing else that he could have done, I think, in that circumstance. The campaign has seen many setbacks for the Conservatives right from the start, when the nation watched the prime minister get drenched as he announced a snap election in a rain-sodden Downing Street. But with less than three weeks to go, Ms Mordaunt still believes her party can turn its fortunes around. We are the underdog, yes, she said. There are lots of pundits, and some politicians, saying its all a foregone conclusion. Of course, its not. Its going to come down to what people do with their votes and Im fighting for my city, and Im going to carry on fighting until the polls shut. Were getting a really good response from people [on the doorstep in Portsmouth]. Weve helped a lot of people, and they know who I am, and what Ive done, and what I stand for. The D-Day 80th anniversary in Portsmouth, Ms Mordaunts constituency ( AP ) She added: A poll is a poll. Its just statistics, but its not reflected from our experience on the doors here. Ms Mordaunt laughed at the idea that she is a celebrity politician, but admits that fame has its advantages. People know me, she explained. I dont have to introduce myself, but its been great. And its just been really pleasant, actually chatting to people, and I think weve been offering the right things. She is also clear that taxes are the way for the Tories to turn things around, even though a Techne UK poll for The Independent revealed that trust in her party over the issue has collapsed. In an apparent message to her party leadership, she also pushed for tax cuts after reports that cabinet ministers had pushed for more in the manifesto. There are some blue skies ahead, and nows the point where we need to go further on those tax cuts, she said. As the campaign has gone on, people have been raising concerns back to me. Theres distrust there, because of Labours previous record of being in government and what theyve done elsewhere. [Labours] taxes thats always bitten this city hard. With fuel duty, [there are] traders here, freight is important here, and people remember Labours fuel duty escalator and weve frozen fuel duty for 14 years because we understand that is critical, not just to motorists and freight, but to peoples supermarket bills as well. Ms Mordaunt says Rishi Sunak rightly apologised for leaving the D-Day commemoration early ( Sky News ) She insists that her citys experience of a Labour government before 2010 is why she believes that her party needs to keep fighting to the end. I feel really strongly about stopping a Labour government. Last time they were in power, it meant, here in Portsmouth, we had the worst MRSA infections in a hospital in the country; [we had the] worst maths results. We had raw sewage running off Portsdown Hill. We had terrible flooding. Cosham town centre was underwater in the winter. We had 600 kids playing truant for more than six months out of the school year. It was terrible, and taxes were high. We had tax-credit maladministration. It was awful. She is less willing to address the future beyond 4 July though, including her own potential leadership ambitions or the possibility of Nigel Farage joining the Tories. It really isnt about us, you know, as individual politicians. Its about the country, and its about my community. While Ms Mordaunt is not pencilled in for any more TV debates, she said she is willing to go into battle again if there is a Deploy! Deploy! Deploy! command from CCHQ (Conservative Campaign Headquarters). She insists there was little preparation ahead of her appearances, which saw her dominate both debates with ferocious attacks on Labours deputy leader Angela Rayner. Im not particularly precious, she said. I know what I want to say and just go for it. And Ms Mordaunt has sought to quash speculation that her hair which became a social media phenomenon during the first debate was a deliberate tactic. Im afraid no thought went into it whatsoever, she explains. On both occasions, someone else did my hair. I had other things to concentrate on. After her second debate, The Independent revealed some of the misogynistic comments made on a Tory members Facebook group about her. But Ms Mordaunt shrugs such comments off. I tend not to worry about these kinds of things, she said. But look, Im a 51-year-old woman, Ive had a fair deal in my lifetime, but it shouldnt stop you doing anything. I dont give it a second thought. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} With less than three weeks until Britains election day, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is running out of time to change an ominous tune for his Conservative Party. The U.K. leader who in recent days traveled to a Group of Seven summit and a Swiss conference on the Ukraine war has been dogged by questions about whether voters are about to bring his time in office to an abrupt end on July 4. Polls continue to give the left-of-center opposition Labour Party under Keir Starmer a double-digit lead over Sunaks Conservatives, who have been in power for 14 years under five different prime ministers. Sunaks attempts to close the gap have had little apparent impact. The biggest splash he's made in the campaign so far was a gaffe the prime ministers decision to skip an international ceremony in France on June 6 marking the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. He has been apologizing ever since. Commentators are starting to talk about doomsday scenarios for the Conservatives, who have governed Britain for almost two-thirds of the past 100 years and won 365 of the 650 seats in the House of Commons in the 2019 election. University of Strathclyde politics professor John Curtice, one of Britains most respected polling experts, said Conservative support is at its lowest point in U.K. polling history, and Sunak must be beginning to doubt his decision to call the election early. In the past week, both Conservatives and Labour have released their election manifestos, the detailed packages of promises that form the centerpiece of their pitch to voters. The Conservatives focused on reducing immigration and lowering taxes, pledging 17 billion pounds ($22 billion) in tax cuts by 2030, to be paid for largely by slashing welfare costs. Labour promised to get the economy expanding after years of sluggish growth by establishing a new industrial policy, investing in infrastructure, cutting planning red tape and building 1.5 million new homes. It has promised not to increase personal taxes, but the Conservatives say the tax burden will rise under Labour. Critics say neither party is being upfront about the tax increases that would be needed to repair public services left threadbare after years of Conservative-led spending cuts, Brexit, a global pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis triggered by Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The gaping hole in both parties manifestos is a reckoning with the scale and severity of the fiscal problems that will confront whoever wins the election, said Hannah White, director of Independent think-tank the Institute for Government. The Conservatives electoral prospects worsened when populist firebrand Nigel Farage entered the race at the helm of the right-wing party Reform U.K. Though it is unlikely to win many seats in Parliament, Reforms vote share appears to be rising, largely at the expense of the Conservatives. In recent days, the Conservative message has shifted from aiming at victory to warning that voting Reform could help Labour win a landslide. If you vote for anybody else other than a Conservative candidate, youre going to get a Labour government with a large majority, Transport Secretary Mark Haper told the BBC on Sunday. Labour is concerned that its supporters will think the election is in the bag and stay home on polling day. Health spokesman Wes Streeting cautioned Sunday that there was breathtaking complacency in the media about the Labour Partys poll lead. Sunak, who has been in office for less than 20 months, insists he is still fighting to win. Britains first Hindu prime minister told the Sunday Times he was guided by the concept of dharma, which he said roughly translates as doing your duty and not having a focus on the outcomes of it. Work as hard as you can, do what you believe is right, and try, and what will be will be, he said. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Rishi Sunak has insisted he is the original Brexiteer and boasted of the Tories record on international trade since the UK left the European Union. With polls predicting a Tory defeat in the election, and with Nigel Farages Reform UK attracting Leave voters, under-fire Sunak maintains it is the Conservatives who have delivered Brexit freedoms. As was said in last weeks debate by [Sky News presenter] Beth Rigby, I am the original Brexiteer, he told the Times. I was proud to support Brexit and it was the right decision for our country because we can take advantage of the opportunities that are now ahead of us. Were signing free-trade deals around the world, which have now led to Brexit Britain overtaking France, the Netherlands and Japan, to become the fourth largest exporter in the world. We were able to cut alcohol duty or beer duty in pubs, which was something we couldnt do inside the European Union. The industries of the future, where were regulating them in a flexible way, thats about growth and innovation, whether its artificial intelligence, whether its agritech, whether its financial services, whether its digital, all of those areas. We are embracing innovation and growth and competitiveness. Thats why were the technology superpower of Europe and only growing in that regard. Were cutting red tape for businesses. Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty offered prayers at the Akshardham Hindu Temple in New Delhi last year ( Getty Images ) Sunak, 44, also spoke candidly about how his Hindu faith has guided him through the choppy waters of his death spiral election campaign. Hitting back at Nigel Farages assertion that Sunaks D-Day blunder that he is not a patriotic leader and does not understand our culture, Sunak said: My grandparents emigrated to the UK and then two generations later Im sitting here talking to you as prime minister. I actually dont think my story is possible in pretty much any other country in the world and what it shows is, in our country, if you work hard, if you integrate, if you subscribe and adhere to British values, then you can achieve anything. So thats what patriotism means to me: its having pride in our incredible country for everything that its done for me and my family. Sunaks team requested interview on same day as D-Day commemorations, ITV claims ( ITV News ) Mr Sunaks general election campaign has seen another damaging week, with Labour racing ahead in the latest polls. The latest voting intention from Savanta for the Sunday Telegraph shows Labour take a 25-point lead on the Conservative Party, with Sir Keir Starmers party on 46 per cent of the vote, and the Conservatives on 21 per cent. He added: The only poll that matters is the one on 4 July. But if that poll was to be replicated on polling day, that would mean handing Keir Starmer a completely blank cheque, which would mean everyones taxes going up. Your home, your work, your car, your pension, you name it, taxes are going up. Zelensky and Sunak are said to be friends ( PA Wire ) The interview came as the prime minister warned Russias allies they are on the wrong side of history and said Vladimir Putin has no interest in genuine peace in Ukraine, at a major international summit on Ukraine in Switzerland with Volodymyr Zelensky. If he were to lose the election he admitted he would besad not to continue his work supporting Ukraine after developing a close bond with Zelensky. He said: We have a strong personal friendship, which I value, but also its built on tangible action at all the critical moments over the last year and a half that Ive been prime minister. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Wes Streeting has appealed to junior doctors to abandon their plans to go on strike during the election and wait to see what the result will be. It comes after the shadow health secretary made clear he will not agree to their demands for a 35 percent pay rise branding them unaffordable. But the row came as the respected health think tank the Nuffield Trust warned that both Labour and Tory plans for the NHS are worse than the peak of the austerity era under David Camerons premiership after the financial crash. The Nuffield Trust think tank warned Labour and Tory pledges on the NHS would leave the health service with lower annual funding increases - at 1.1 percent and 0.9 percent respectively - than during the austerity era. Wes Streeting declined to rule out council tax hikes ( Jeff Overs/BBC/PA Wire ) Mr Streeting suggested there could be greater spending increases for the NHS than committed to in the Labour manifesto, saying this could happen "only if the conditions allow". The Conservatives seized on this, with a party spokesman saying: "Labour's manifesto is just window dressing for the election campaign and they are planning to spend and tax more than they are telling the public." Earlier the shadow health secretary had declined to rule out a hike in council taxes. But Mr Streeting made clear that he believes his first major task as health secretary if, as expected Labour wins the election, is to deal with the junior doctors strike. He has urged junior doctors to call off their upcoming strike and said he would be on the phone to them "on day one" of a Labour government to settle the long-running pay dispute. He said he was "beyond furious" the industrial action is ongoing as he blamed the Tories for failing to resolve them. Junior doctors on the picket line outside St Thomas Hospital in central London in February (Aaron Chown/PA) ( PA Wire ) Junior doctors in England are preparing to stage a full walkout for five days starting from 7am on June 27. The strike is set to end just two days before voters go to the polls. Mr Streeting told Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips on Sky News: "This Government is incapable of resolving the dispute before polling day on July 4. "I don't think there's anything to be achieved by having strikes in the election campaign. The only thing we will see is more untold misery inflicted on patients who see their appointments and procedures delayed and also junior doctors out of pocket." He continued: "I've called on them to call off the strikes in the election campaign, give change a chance on July 4 knowing that if there is a Labour government on July 5, I will be phoning them on day one and asking the department to get talks up and running urgently... "I'm beyond furious that this is still happening." But he reiterated that "the money isn't there" to give junior doctors a 35% pay rise, which would restore their pay in real terms to their 2010 levels. When the British Medical Association announced the strike, it said that if Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made a "concrete commitment to restore doctors' pay" during his campaign "that is acceptable to the BMA's junior doctors committee, then no strikes need go ahead". In May, the Government and the BMA entered mediated talks to try to resolve the dispute. But they failed to reach agreement before parliamentary business was concluded in the run-up to the election. The last strike by junior doctors, from February 24 to 28 this year, led to 91,048 appointments, operations and procedures being postponed. 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 Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Nearly half of shootings investigated by Britains biggest police force go unsolved, figures show. The proportion of Metropolitan Police cases that end with an offender facing prosecution has hit 52 per cent, which is the highest rate in 11 years, but leaves 48 per cent unsolved. Detectives believe this is partly due to fear preventing witnesses from coming forward or sharing vital evidence including doorbell footage, and the fact that some victims want to get revenge themselves rather than co-operate with the police. Commander Paul Brogden said: It comes down to trust within our communities, we need the communities to trust us with evidence, trust us with handling Ring doorbell footage, CCTV access. People are worried, people are frightened, victims are frightened and often are reluctant to come forward. We encourage them to trust us, we will keep them safe. While our outcome rates have improved, there are 48% that we havent managed to solve. He said detectives have long memories and will investigate for years, especially if there is a linked series of shootings. Detective Superintendent Victoria Sullivan, a specialist crime officer based in south-east London, said: Often the victim themselves whos been shot do not want to divulge to police and that might be because theyre seeking retribution themselves. So potentially todays victim could be tomorrows suspect. And thats why its really important that we act really, really quickly to try and dissolve that situation. Around half of shootings in London are believed to be linked to gang crime. Gang links are a key line of inquiry in the shooting of a nine-year-old girl in Hackney last month who remains critically ill in hospital after she was caught in a hail of bullets while out for dinner with her parents in Hackney. The Met says the number of incidents where a gun is fired, termed lethal barrelled discharges, is at its lowest for 15 years, having dropped from 196 to 145 since March 2023. Firearm killings have also fallen year on year for the last three years from 12 in 2021/22 to 10 in 2022/23, eight in 2023/24, and there have been two so far this year. An increasing proportion of the shootings that do occur involve converted blank firearms, originally designed for non-lethal purposes such as bird-scaring, that are converted into deadly weapons. Around 46 per cent of the 386 weapons seized by the Met last year were converted blank firers. 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 Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} An American has been found dead on the small island of Mathraki on Sunday, the latest tourist who has died or been reported missing in Greece this summer. Authorities are still searching for three missing tourists across the Greek islands. Another tourist found the mans body on a beach close to Mathrakis old port, according to AFP. Mathraki is located close to the more populous island of Corfu. The American, who had not been identified, was reported missing on Thursday, and was last seen alive at a tavern on Tuesday with two female tourists who later left the island. The tourist was on Mathraki for a vacation, and staying with a Greek-American who contacted police after finding his home with the front door open, lights and air-conditioning on, but no trace of his friend or his ID or travel documents. The 1.3 square-mile island has a population of only about 100 people and is heavily wooded. Law enforcement were called in from Corfu as Mathraki has no coast guard or police station. A landscape photo showing the Greek islands of Mathraki and Othoni ( Filippos Parginos / Wikimedia Commons ) A coroner was traveling to Mathraki on Sunday to begin a preliminary investigation. Officials said the body is set to be taken to Corfu for an autopsy, according to ABC News. It is the third tourist death on Greek islands in a matter of weeks. Last Sunday, British TV personality, Dr Michael Mosley, was found dead on the island of Symi. A coroner found that he had died four days earlier while on a hike in hot conditions across rocky terrain. A Dutch tourist was found dead early on Saturday on Samos. The 74-year-old man was located by a fire service drone facedown in a ravine around 1,000ft from where he was last seen on Sunday, struggling to walk in the heat. Samos and Symi are both located close to the Turkish coast. Eric Calibet, 59, had been vacationing on the island but was reported missing by a friend on Tuesday afternoon ( Municipality of Amorgos ) Three tourists remain missing on Greek islands. Retired Los Angeles County Sheriffs deputy Albert Calibet, 59, from Hermosa Beach, California, was reported missing after he didnt return from a hike on the island of Amorgos. Were sick to our stomachs, knowing hes out there somewhere, his girlfriend Debbie Leshane told KABC. She said that Calibet called her just before he left to go on a hike. At about 9.20am local time on Tuesday, he had sent an image from the trailhead sign. That was the last time she heard from him. Two French tourists were reported missing on the 400-person island of Sikinos in the Aegean Sea on Friday, CBS News reported. The two women, aged 73 and 64, had left their hotels to meet up. 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 Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} At least eight people have been injured, including an eight-year-old boy who was shot in the head, after a gunman opened fire at a splash pad in the Detroit suburb of Rochester Hills in Michigan. Law enforcement followed the suspect to his home where he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The eight-year-old was in critical condition on Saturday night, Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard said. The childs mother was also in critical condition after being struck in the leg and abdomen while his four-year-old brother was in stable condition after being struck in the leg. The other victims are all over the age of 30, the sheriff said. Among those shot were a husband and wife as well as a 78-year-old man. The shooting took place just after 5pm on Saturday. The shooting seemed to be random as the gunman drove up to the park, made his way over to the splash pad, and began firing, discharging as many as 28 rounds, reloading on several occasions, according to law enforcement Police investigate the scene of the shooting at the Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad in Rochester Hills, Michigan on Saturday ( Getty Images ) At least one witness said the gunman used two handguns but that hasnt been confirmed, the sheriff noted. People were falling, getting hit, trying to run, Bouchard said. Terrible things that unfortunately all of us in our law enforcement business have seen way too much. The gunman also appeared to be in no rush, the sheriff added, and that he just calmly walked back to his car. Following the 911 call, first responders were sent to the scene, and a police officer was at the park within two minutes. First responders began providing first aid, including tourniquets, and the police were able to locate a possible address for the suspect where a car matching the vehicle used by the gunman was seen. Bouchard said officers surrounded the home and attempted to speak to the suspect but were unsuccessful. After sending a drone into the home, police entered the residence, finding the suspect dead. Oakland County Sheriff evidence technicians document the scene where the shooting took place ( AFP via Getty Images ) The sheriff said that finding the suspect quickly may have stopped a second chapter to the shooting as another weapon was found inside. Bouchard showed an image of a semiautomatic rifle on a table in the home. He added that the suspect didnt live in Rochester Hills and it remains unclear why he chose to target the splash pad. The suspects name has not been released. The sheriff said that he was a 42-year-old white man, likely living with his mother, who has been made aware of what happened. In terms of the why, I dont know, the sheriff said. Officers found a handgun, three empty magazines, and 28 shell casings at the splash pad. They found a semiautomatic rifle at the home as well as a second handgun, believed to have been used by the suspect to take his own life, the sheriff said. Officials secure the scene of the shooting at the splash pad ( AP ) Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett said, When I got on scene I started to cry because I know what a splash pad is supposed to be, adding the shooting served as a reminder that we live in a fragile place. Rochester Hills is about 15 miles south of Oxford where a 15-year-old shot and killed four students at a high school in 2021. Our most fervent hope, at least at his point, is that all of the injured victims have speedy recoveries, the sheriff said said. None of us ... anticipated going into Fathers Day weekend with this kind of tragedy that families will be deeply affected by forever. Weve gone through so many tragedies, he added. You know, were not even fully comprehending what happened at Oxford. And, you know, now we have another complete tragedy that were dealing with. Also on Saturday, two people died and six others, including two children, were injured when a shooting took place during the Round Rock Juneteenth Celebration in Texas. Police Chief Allen Banks said that an altercation broke out between two groups at about 10.50pm. During that altercation, someone produced a gun and began to fire, he added. Multiple victims were hit. The two people pronounced dead were not part of the altercation. Banks said there was no one in custody, adding that the suspects fled the scene. Four adults and two children were take to local hospitals, all with potentially serious injuries, Austin-Travis County EMS said. The Associated Press contributed to this report 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 Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Two people were shot dead and multiple were hurt when gunfire erupted at a Juneteenth celebration in Texas. Around 10.50pm Saturday, two groups got into an altercation in Old Settlers Park when the shooting started, according to Round Rock police. There was no word on what led to the shooting. Two people were killed in the incident and multiple people were taken to the hospital, police said. The victims, who have not been identified, were not part of the groups fighting. Police and firefighters at the scene helped provide aid and Rock Rock Police Allen Banks applauded their efforts. Id like to thank the police officers and the Fire Department for their quick actions, he said. I have no doubt that their quick actions in rendering aid to the victims saved lives. The people involved in the shooting fled and no arrests have been made in the case, Banks said. It is unfortunate that we were here celebrating a wonderful event and we have a tragedy that happens, he said. My thoughts and my prayers go out to the victims. My condolences go out to the families of the deceased. The event was billed as a free family gathering, according to CBS Austin. Performers at the concert included DJ Hella Yella and Paula Wall. Wall posted on Facebook after the shooting saying Prayers up for Round Rock! This truly hurts my heart. 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 Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Nearly a year after a mom-of-five was killed on a Maryland hiking trail, police said they have made an arrest in the case. On Saturday, the Harford County Sheriffs Office announced the arrest of Victor Martinez Hernandez, 23, in connection with the death of Rachel Morin. The suspect is from El Salvador and was arrested Friday at a bar in Tulsa, Oklahoma, according to the Baltimore Banner . Rachels murderer is no longer a free man, Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler said during a news conference streamed online. Hopefully hell never have the opportunity to walk free again. Morin, 37, was found dead in August 2023 along the Ma and Pa walking trail in Bel Air, Maryland. Police said Morin was taken from the path and dragged into the woods. Her remains we found in a culvert the next day. Rachel Morin was murdered in August 2023 along the Ma and Pa walking trail in Maryland. Police have now arrested Victor Hernandez in connection to the killing. ( Harford County Sheriffs Office ) An investigation found DNA at the scene of Morins killing. That same DNA profile was linked to an assault and home invasion in California. However, police were not able to catch the suspect and the case lingered, until Friday. "Im here to tell you Rachels murderer is no longer a free man. Hopefully, he will never have the opportunity to walk free again," Gahler said. "The lead we received was related to DNA evidence and allowed investigators to finally put a name to the image of the suspect in the video from Los Angeles, which we released two weeks after Rachels death." Police revealed that Hernandez had been living illegally in the US since February 2023, according to WBAL-TV . He is believed to have killed a woman in El Salvador before crossing into the US, according to WBAL-TV. A month later, he attacked a nine-year-old girl and her mother during a home invasion in Los Angeles, police said. Police revealed that Hernandez had been living illegally in the US since February 2023, months before he allegedly killed Morin ( Tulsa police ) Gahler revealed that three weeks ago, on the day that would have been Morins 38th birthday, police got a lead in the case. They then used that lead and genetic genealogy to identify the suspect. He was found sitting in a bar in Tulsa last week. "We are 1,800 miles from the Southern border here in Harford County. This is the second woman in our county to be killed by illegal suspects. In both cases, they are suspects from El Salvador with ties to criminal gangs," said Gahler. "(This) should not be happening. Victor Hernandez did not come here to make a better life for himself, or for his family, he came here to escape a crime he committed in El Salvador." 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 Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A 42-year-old man who lived at home with his mom has been identified as the suspected shooter at the Rochester splash pad that left eight people hurt, police said. Michael William Nash opened fire at the park in the Detroit suburb of Rochester Hills in Michigan, authorities said. He has been described by authorities as a white man who lived with his mother. Nash had no criminal history, but its thought that he had mental health problems, Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard said, according to the Detroit Free Press. While investigators are looking into Nashs motive, Bouchard said he had no links to the victims. Law enforcement followed the suspect to his home where he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Bouchard said Nash died by suicide after being contained at the Shelby Township home for several hours. An eight-year-old was in critical condition on Saturday night, Bouchard said. The childs mother was also in critical condition after being struck in the leg and abdomen while his four-year-old brother was in stable condition after being struck in the leg. The other victims are all over the age of 30, the sheriff said. Among those shot were a husband and wife as well as a 78-year-old man. The shooting took place just after 5pm on Saturday. Nash drove to the park, made his way over to the splash pad and began firing, discharging as many as 28 rounds, reloading on several occasions, police said. Police investigate the scene of a shooting at the Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad on June 15 in Rochester Hills, Michigan. Police have now identified the suspect as a 42-year-old man. ( AFP via Getty Images ) At least one witness said Nash used two handguns but that hasnt been confirmed, the sheriff noted. People were falling, getting hit, trying to run, Bouchard said. Terrible things that unfortunately all of us in our law enforcement business have seen way too much. Nash also appeared to be in no rush, the sheriff added, and that he just calmly walked back to his car. Following a 911 call, first responders began providing first aid, including tourniquets, and the police were able to locate a possible address for the suspect where a car matching the vehicle used by the gunman was seen. Police investigate the scene of the shooting at the Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad in Rochester Hills, Michigan on Saturday. One victim, an eight-year-old boy was shot in the head. ( Getty Images ) Bouchard said officers surrounded the home and attempted to speak to Nash but were unsuccessful. After sending in a drone, police entered the residence and found Nash dead. The sheriff said finding the suspect quickly may have stopped a second chapter to the shooting as another weapon was found inside. Bouchard showed an image of a semiautomatic rifle on a table in the home. He noted Nash didnt live in Rochester Hills and it remains unclear why he chose to target the splash pad. In terms of the why, I dont know, the sheriff said. Officers found a handgun, three empty magazines, and 28 shell casings at the splash pad. They found a semiautomatic rifle at the home as well as a second handgun, believed to have been used by Nash to take his own life, the sheriff said. Officers found a handgun, three empty magazines, and 28 shell casings at the splash pad ( AP ) Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett said, When I got on scene I started to cry because I know what a splash pad is supposed to be, adding the shooting served as a reminder that we live in a fragile place. Rochester Hills is about 15 miles south of Oxford where a 15-year-old shot and killed four students at a high school in 2021. Our most fervent hope, at least at his point, is that all of the injured victims have speedy recoveries, the sheriff said. None of us ... anticipated going into Fathers Day weekend with this kind of tragedy that families will be deeply affected by forever. Weve gone through so many tragedies, he added. You know, were not even fully comprehending what happened at Oxford. And, you know, now we have another complete tragedy that were dealing with. The Associated Press contributed to this report 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 Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} An Arizona sheriffs deputy shot and killed seven starving and abandoned dogs at a rural property in September after giving them water, shocking footage shows. While the Apache County Sheriffs Office argues the deputy did nothing wrong, the incident has outraged local animal rights groups that argue the area needs to address animal hoarding. Body cam footage shows the deputy approach the group of starving dogs behind a chain-link fence where some are sleeping and others are barking and wagging their tails. He lays out food and water for the dogs. He then proceeds to shoot and kill seven of them, the video shows. An incident report states that he subsequently dumped the remains near railroad tracks. Oh God. This is gonna suck, the deputy says as the dogs follow him inside. He then shoots seven dogs as two flee for their lives. The shooting was pre-planned, and the deputy had told a supervisor. The deputy - who works in a county that lacks an animal care and control department - said the dogs had to be down due to their condition and lack of kennel ability. Seven starving and abandoned dogs were shot by an Arizona sheriffs deputy, after the officers gave them water. Shocking body camera footage shows the incident. ( Screenshot / the Mountain Daily Star / Apache County Sheriffs Department ) Apache County Chief Deputy Roscoe Herrera said deputies can handle animal issues as they deem necessary as the county has no animal control service, according to The Washington Post. But animal advocates argue the shooting was not the right solution and that animal hoarding and abandonment need to be addressed in the area. The founder of the nonprofit Northern Arizona Animal Search and Rescue, Teresa Schumann, told The Post, The Apache County Sheriffs Office wont do anything to fix the problem. Animals are dying everywhere in the county, she added. The footage was originally obtained by the Mountain Daily Star. The deputy, Jarrod Toadecheenie, wrote in the incident report the dogs were owned by a couple who were getting divorced and who had abandoned the property, adding he visited the home on a number of occasions during the course of three weeks following neighbors complaints about the dogs going after the lifestock. They were also left without food and water. During the initial visit, he counted 10 dogs, which seemed to be in good health. He was later called to the scene after the dogs chased a neighbors donkey. Toadecheenie got in touch with Schumann, who said she was having a hard time locating new owners for the dogs when the deputy called saying that he would take care of the situation. In his report, the deputy said Schumann told him that if the dogs were aggressive, they may have to be euthanized. I told him if the dogs were feral, we were going to have to try and find somebody that would be willing to work with these dogs, Schumann told KPNX 12 News. I said it takes a lot, but no, I never said they needed to be shot. Toadecheenie told his supervisor he planned on shooting the dogs. He bought dog food and a tray and got water from a fire station. He then went to the property, gathered the dogs using the food and water, and put on headphones before starting to shoot the dogs, according to the body cam footage. Two of the dogs ran away unharmed, hiding under a shed, and were later taken to an animal shelter by Schumann. One died of a virus and the other was adopted. According to the report, the deputy said he tried to contact the owners, with one saying it would be OK to shoot the dogs. He also said he tried to work with an animal shelter to find a home for the dogs, but one wasnt available. The deputy wrote in the incident report that the couple should be charged with animal cruelty. The deputy - who works in a county that lacks an animal care and control department - said the dogs had to be down due to thier condition and lack of kennel ability ( Apache County Sheriffs Office ) Herrera told The Post, This tragic decision was made under extremely difficult circumstances due to a combination of limited resources, the willful neglect and abandonment of the dogs by their original owners, and the considerable amount of time spent seeking assistance from outside resources. A spokesperson for the Sheriffs Office told KPNX 12 News earlier this month, The Deputy involved acted in a professional and most humane manner given the circumstances. He exhausted all other alternatives available to him at the time and acted under the approval of his immediate supervisor. Apache County does not have an animal care and control department, the spokesperson added. In the unincorporated areas that responsibility is left up to the deputies and actions taken vary and are considered on a case-by-case basis. We do not have the infrastructure or budget to support such a department. The humane society told The Post that This awful incident lacked all compassion and judgment. And what is most clear is that establishing an animal care and control service in Apache County is an absolute necessity to prevent something like this from happening in the future. The Independent has contacted the sheriffs office for 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 Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A woman whose husband was electrocuted to death in a Mexican resorts hot tub is suing for more than $1million. Lizzette Zambrano, 35, filed a lawsuit against the parent companies of Sonoran Sea Resort in Puerto Penasco, Mexico, over the death of her husband Jorge Guilllen, 43. Zambrano filed the lawsuit while she remains in critical condition in the hospital, according to KFOX. Guillen died while the couple was on vacation from their El Paso, Texas, home. Around 8:30pm on June 11, Guillen was shocked by an electric discharge in the water, The Independent previously reported . Video footage showed the aftermath of the incident with people rushing to the hot tub to help Guillen. A witness, who spoke to Telemundo, said bystanders made frantic attempts to pull the couple out of the water but were stymied by the electrical current. Zambrano said that she was shocked when she tried to help her husband out of the water, according to the lawsuit filed in a Texas court. Jorge Guillen, 43, died and Lizette Zambrano, 35, was injured after they were electrocuted in a jacuzzi in Sonora, Mexico this week. Now, Zambrano has filed a lawsuit against the resorts parent companies ( GoFundMe ) It took resort staff ten minutes to respond - while Guillen was being electrocuted and drowned, the suit claims according to KFOX. The wife claims the resort should have known of the fault electric warning and placed signs to warn visitors about the dangers. There is no reason this should have happened, attorney Tej Paranjpe said, according to KFOX. Hotels and resorts have a duty to ensure guest safety. At no point did resort staff think to engage an emergency shut-off, not to mention warn guests of a faulty, dangerous amenity." The lawsuit asks a court to stop the resort from fixing the jacuzzi to preserve the evidence. Zambrano is seeking more than $1m in the lawsuit. The Independent has reached out to the resort for comment on the lawsuit. 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 Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The images were almost hauntingly romantic underwater windows to one of historys most famous shipwrecks, captured more than a century after RMS Titanic and the 1,517 souls aboard sank tragically to a deep-sea North Atlantic grave. The new 2022 pictures were the highest resolution ever taken of the doomed ship; its sinking 110 years earlier had quickly become a global fascination that has endured for generations. The ships victims were among the richest and poorest on the planet at the time, the circumstances of their deaths among the most terrifying imaginable. OceanGate Expeditions, the Washington-based companyresponsible for the photos, had shrewdly tapped into that public obsession. Founded in 2009 to make deep-sea exploration possible for commercial, scientific, and exploration travel expeditions, the company recorded the 8,000 pixels footage on a submersible dive and then publicly released them. They promptly and unsurprisingly went viral. OceanGate team Expeditions, a Washington-based company which began sending the manned Titan sub to Titanics graevesite in 2021, also captured the most high-res images of the wreck that had been taken at the time ( OceanGate Expeditions ) OceanGate was sleek and media savvy, helmed by a swashbuckling CEO whod once aspired to be an astronaut. Stockton Rush was excellent at promotion and pushing boundaries, and the enterprise simultaneously mixed science with tourism, zeroing in on the Titanic wreck as the ultimate exploration destination. The company pumped out press releases and held scientific research media briefings about its efforts to chronicle the wrecks decay and its surrounding ecosystem while dangling trips for civilians who could cough up six figures for a place as mission specialists on OceanGates submersible, Titan. And when the submersible carrying Rush and four others on a Titanic tour ceased communications less than two hours into its June 18, 2023 dive, the world tuned in. After four days of frantic searching by international authorities, recovered debris confirmed a second tragedy near the Titanics gravesite. Titan had suffered a catastrophic explosion around the time communications ceased and mercifully, it likely occurred with no warning to those aboard. OceanGates submersible an underwater vehicle that is not self-propelled, unlike a submarine, and requires a support ship was made of carbon fiber and titanium; it held five people ( OceanGate Expeditions ) Declared dead were British-Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood, 48, and his son, Suleman, 19; British adventurer Hamish Harding, 58; French deep sea explorer Paul-Henri Nargeolet, 77, whod been on Titans maiden voyage in July 2021; and Rush, 61, who was piloting the submersible. In another wry Titanic twist, the great-great grandparents of Rushs widow had been among the 1912 sinkings most famous victims: retail magnate Isidor Straus and his wife, Ida. According to Titanic legend, the elderly pair were pictured standing arm in arm on the deck of the ship as it went down, devoted until the very end. Rush exhibited a similar adoration albeit a reckless one to deep-sea exploration and innovation, and his push-through-at-all-costs philosophy at OceanGate has come under fierce scrutiny since the Titan implosion. But the tragic loss of life has also shone a spotlight on the high-risk high-reward nature of exploration and the attitudes of those who undertake it. Rush, himself, had seemed cavalier about the dangers from the outset. Stockton Rush, co-founder of OceanGate ( OceanGate ) I mean, if you want to be safe, dont get out of bed, he told CBS News Sunday Morning in 2022, the year after Titans first Titanic visit. Dont get in your car. Dont do anything. At some point, youre going to take some risk, and it really is a risk-reward question. I think I can do this just as safely by breaking the rules. Princeton-educated Rush, descended from Declaration of Independence signatories and oil and shipping magnates, founded OceanGate in 2009 with Guillermo Sohnlein, who left the company in 2013 but retained a minority share. If you were a researcher and had to explore the ocean, you had to get into one of the governments subs, Sohnlein told Rolling Stone last year, regarding the hurdles explorers faced at the time of OceanGates founding. Your only other option was to pay to build one We wanted to show the world it was possible to go down to 4,000 meters. I believe Stockton realized the best way to do that was to prove it ourselves. OceanGates high-res Titanic images and swashbuckling CEO helped cement its media presence and reputation; the disappearance of Titan in June 2023 prompted round-the-clock international coverage ( YouTube/OceanGate Expeditions ) Rush threw himself headlong into the effort, spearheading OceanGate efforts that eventually led to a model called Cyclops, followed by Cyclops 2, renamed Titan. Made from aerospace-grade carbon fiber and titanium, the company boasted, it was named after the watery moon of Saturn. OceanGate touted Titan as the worlds only privately-owned, 5-crew member submersible capable of reaching Titanic depths. Rush and Nargeolet were among the five on the maiden July 2021 dive, the CEO proclaiming success at the time after OceanGate had to overcome tremendous engineering, operational, business and finally Covid-19 challenges to get here. The high-res images from that expedition gave OceanGate newfound recognition and media attention. Rush bragged a few months later, as he announced plans for a 2022 trip, that civilians aboard the inaugural voyage helped our crew gather and review terabytes of the highest resolution still images and video of Titanic and the debris field ever collected referring to the digital preservation initiative. Behind the buzz though, was an apparent house of cards at OceanGate as Rush forged ahead and reportedly cut corners. Former employees have alleged the CEO ignored warnings, fired those who raised concerns and outright lied about Titans safety, according to a Wired investigation published this week. Rush, however, was committed and a great salesman who fully believed so much in his own creation and innovation that he wasnt willing to even consider that he might be wrong about something, camera operator Brian Weed, who took a scary test dive on Titan in the months before its inaugural Titanic journey, later told Insider . Renata Rojas, centre, poses with members of her July 2022 dive down to the wreckage of Titanic ( Renata Rojas ) Detailing constant communication, mechanical and logistical problems on the aborted dive, Weed told Insider that Rush was blinded by his own hubris, for lack of better word blinded by his own confidence. That confidence, however, was winning over other intrepid explorers and Titanic enthusiasts hoping to realize life-long dreams and willing to pay through the nose for it, handing over $150,000 for the privilege of being a mission specialist. Chicago filmmaker David Waud, who was aboard Titans fifth exploration in summer 2021, told The Independent last year hed signed up for the trip quite a few years ago when it was a little bit less. Rush, hed reasoned, wouldnt have been down there piloting it almost every single trip, every single dive, if he hadnt had 100 per cent confidence that submersible was okay. Renata Rojashad dreamed of visiting the wreck since the age of 12, saved for decades and worked every contact she had before boarding Titan in 2022 to become the first ever Mexican woman to visit Titanic, she told The Independent that September. She recalled hurtling towards the ocean floor and being too busy helping on the five-person submersible to become overwhelmed with emotion as she realized her lifes ambition. Until she could actually see the ship materializing before her, Rojas later told The Independent prophetically I didnt want to get all my hopes up, because anything can happen until you get to the bottom. Officials from the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) of Canada board the Polar Prince, the main support ship for the Titan submersible; International rescue crews searched for four days before debris confirmed the fate of the sub and its occupants ( PA ) That reality would hit hard nine months later, after the Titan began its doomed final descent carrying Rush, Nargeolet, Harding and the father-son Dawood duo. The submersible stopped communicating with the ship about an hour and 45 minutes into the dive; OceanGate waited about eight hours to alert authorities. Once that happened, however, the eyes of the world were on a possible race against time. Experts calculated that around 96 hours of oxygen remained; round-the-clock coverage followed as an international rescue effort launched ships, planes and equipment to search an area twice the size of Connecticut in waters two and a half miles deep. Reports dissected possible banging heard underwater as experts and talking heads across the globe queried whether those aboard from Sundays dive could be frantically signaling their adrift location. All hope evaporated by Thursday as the allotted oxygen hours crept to a close. That same day, the Coast Guard announced debris had been found roughly 1,600 feet from the Titanic. It was also revealed that the US Navy, in analyzing acoustic data from around the time Titan ceased communicating, found an anomaly consistent with an implosion or explosion in the general vicinity of where the submersible was operating, an official told AP. It was a tragic end to yet another ill-fated voyage in the North Atlantic waters. David Waud, of Chicago, traveled in 2021 on Titan to the Titanic wreckage alongside OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, who was again piloting the doomed mission last year ( Waud Family ) The president of the Explorers Club, which counted Harding and Nargeolet among its members and where Rush had spoken, lamented the deaths in a June 22, 2023 letter, writing: Their memories will be a blessing and will continue to inspire us in the name of science and exploration. Within weeks, however, OceanGates significant online presence had nearly vanished, and its office closed indefinitely. The disastrous end to Titans story is a blow to risk-taking adventuring as the merits of the venture continue to be debated, although some smaller competitors continue to grow. Even the most reliable technology can fail, and therefore accidents will happen, Nicolai Roterman, a deep-sea ecologist and lecturer in marine biology at the University of Portsmouth, England, told AP last year. With the growth in deep-sea tourism, we must expect more incidents like this. But the Titan disaster also made those who were willing to sign up think twice. Filmmaker Waud said he had felt so safe while journeying to Titanic to 2021 but conceded last summer that he and his family now know that it was a lot more dangerous than I thought it was and that I made it out to be. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trump may be on the verge of setting aside another grudge within the Republican Party and elevating a former rival to be his running mate in 2024. The former president is reportedly considering three names as his current top choices to be the GOPs vice presidential nominee as he gears up for a rematch with President Joe Biden this fall. With his last vice president, Mike Pence, refusing to endorse him, Trumps list of potential choices has shrunk to include only Republicans who the former president is sure will serve as a loyal yes-man in a hypothetical second administration. And one of the three is a longtime sparring partner: his former 2016 primary opponent, Florida Senator Marco Rubio. The senator, famously dubbed Lil Marco by then-candidate Trump, bowed out of the race after a crushing defeat in his home state eight years ago. Trump has spoken to confidantes and advisers repeatedly in recent weeks about his latest top choices, according to The Washington Post, and earlier in June joined the conservative outlet Newsmax for an interview in which he mentioned Rubio specifically. Governor Burgum from North Dakota has been incredible. Marco Rubio has been great. J.D. Vance has been great. Weve had so many great people out there Ben Carson, Trump said. Burgum and Vance, the governor of North Dakota and senator from Ohio respectively, are thought to be the other two names at the top of his list. Rubios inclusion is notable in part due to his reversal on his view of Trump, the man. In 2016, he repeatedly attacked his opponents character and even made one crude remark which appeared to reference Trumps manhood. Have you seen his hands? he said in 2016. [Y]ou know what they say about men with small hands? Trump, in return, insulted Rubio (as well as his other GOP opponents) mercilessly. Marco Rubio is seen on Capitol Hill. The Florida senator is thought to be near the top of Donald Trumps shortlist for VP ( Getty Images ) Trump has yet to schedule a formal announcement of his running mate. The Post has reported that Trump may even wait until the week of the GOP convention in July to make his pick. Carson, too, ran for the GOP nomination in 2016, and Burgum ran against Trump earlier this year. But neither man took any sort of antagonistic tone towards the ex-president, and have instead become some of his most vocal allies. Burgum said in 2023 that he would not serve as Trumps vice president if asked, making his appearance on the ex-presidents shortlist one that would present an awkward about-face for him. Rubio, who has become a vocal supporter of Trump since his 2016 defeat, has taken the opposite position as Burgum. He has said that he would be honored to accept an offer to be Trumps vice president in a second term. Anybody who would be offered the chance to serve their country as vice president should consider that an honor, the senator told NBC News in March, while stressing that he had not been lobbying for himself within Trumpworld. Donald Trump speaks at a Turning Point USA conference on June 15, 2024 ( Getty Images ) The Biden campaign has indicated that they view the state of Florida, where Democrats have suffered resounding defeats in recent election cycles, as winnable or at the very least worth contesting in 2024. The president and his team have made abortion rights a central issue of Bidens re-election bid as they seek to press Trump on his home turf. But the addition of Rubio to Trumps ticket could be a backstop against those efforts. I happen to think that hes the candidate the Biden campaign probably fears the most, Florida-based Republican strategist Justin Sayfie told The Hill of Rubios potential inclusion on the Trump 2024 ticket. Of all the people that President Trump can pick to be his running mate, I think that the Biden campaign probably would not like to see Marco Rubio on the ticket. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trump talked openly about executing people while he was president, a former White House aide has claimed. Alyssa Farah Griffin, director of strategic communications at the White House from April-December 2020, made the claim on Mediaites Press Club podcast on June 14. According to the former aide, Trump had called for the execution of a staffer who leaked a story, among others. Griffin said that Trump made the comments about the staffer during an Oval Office where she and former Attorney General Bill Barr were present. Griffin said: [CNN host] Kaitlan Collins, to her credit, interviewed Bill Barr and asked about an anecdote that I had shared about a meeting he and I were both in the Oval Office where Trump straight up said a staffer who leaked a story should be executed. And Bill Barr kind of danced [around] it and said I dont recall that specific instance, but there were others where we talked about executing people. How do you rationalize that is a person fit in sound judgment to be president of the United States? Bill Barr says Trump would 'threaten execution' when he was angry The Independent has contacted Trumps campaign for comment. Griffin has frequently voiced her opposition to a second Trump term since leaving the White House as her boss was in the full throes of attempting to overturn the 2020 election results. In the aftermath of the January 6 attack, she would call on him to resign. Trump has used increasingly dehumanising language about his political opponents. At a rally in Ohio ahead of the states Senate primary in March, he told his supporters that Democrats were not people in some cases. In some cases, theyre not people, he told a cheering crowd in Dayton. In April, Barr told CNN that he didnt recall Trump demanding a political opponents execution but admitted that such statements were not out of character for the ex-president. I actually dont remember him saying executing but I wouldnt dispute it, you know, said Barr. The president would lose his temper and say things like that. I doubt he wouldve actually carried it out. Alyssa Farah Griffin, former White House director of strategic communications, joins Mediaites Press Club podcast on June 14, 2024 ( YouTube: Mediaite ) I dont think the threat is there. The thing that I worry about president Trump is not that hes going to become an autocrat and do those kinds of things. Having worked for him and seen him in action, I dont think he would actually go and kill political rivals and things like that. The ex-president has used increasingly dehumanising language about his political opponents in recent years, in particular since launching his 2024 campaign for the president. At a rally in Ohio ahead of the states Senate primary in March, he told his supporters that Democrats were not people in some cases. In some cases, theyre not people, he told a cheering crowd in Dayton. Griffin previously served as press secretary for the Department of Defense under Trump and in former vice president Mike Pences office from 2017-2019. Since leaving the White House, she has joined CNN as a political contributor and become a co-host on The View. She also testified before the bipartisan House committee which investigated the January 6 attack. Earlier this year, she claimed in an interview that Trumps mental capacities are slipping, an allegation that Republicans frequently level at Joe Biden. "I have said this before, he is not as sharp as he was in 2016 and not even as sharp as he was in 2020, she said. For some reason, that doesnt necessarily come across to voters. 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 Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} While the tragic death of Dr Michael Mosely made headlines in the UK, at least four other visitors have died in recent weeks on the idyllic Greek islands, in the grip of a heatwave meteorologists say will go down in history. In some areas, people have been told to stay indoors between 11am and 3pm in the scorching early-summer weather over fears of heat-related deaths. Experts believe the heatwave could be a devastating sign of summers to come, with the country set to be on the front line of global warming. Greeces longest heatwave on record, lasting 16 days, was recorded in July last year. Click here for our latest updates on the search for missing tourists Michaely Mosley was found dead on Symi after going on a hike in blistering heat ( BBC ) The Acropolis in Athens was closed by the authorities during some afternoons last week, as were schools and nurseries, as temperatures soared to 43C in places. Meteorologist Panos Giannopoulos told Greek state television channel ERT: This heatwave will go down in history. In the 20th century, we never had a heatwave before 19 June. We have had several in the 21st century, but none before 15 June. Several cases of tourists dying or going missing have come after people set out on hikes in soaring temperatures. According to the National Observatory of Athens, the highest temperature in the country (43.2C) was registered at Lefkochori in Fthiotida, central Greece, followed by Sparta, in southern Peloponnese, with 43.1C. Dr Mosley was found dead on the island of Symi earlier this month following an extensive search. A coroner concluded that he had died shortly after going for a hike over difficult, rocky terrain on 5 June. Rescue teams search a cave network on the island of Samos ( Hellenic Rescue Team of Samos ) His death sparked an outpouring of tributes back home in the UK but he is not the only victim of this months heatwave. On Sunday, search teams found the body of a 55-year-old American tourist on the small Greek island of Mathraki. He was transferred to the island of Corfu where an autopsy will be carried out, a police official told Reuters on Monday. Meanwhile, the remains of a missing Dutch tourist were found on Saturday on the eastern Greek island of Samos. The 74-year-old had recently moved to the island and was reported missing by his wife. A body was found in a gorge, around 800 meters away from Limnionas. The as-yet-unnamed tourist had been seen walking with some difficulty in the blistering heat by a local resident. On 5 June, another Dutch tourist, 67, collapsed and died of a heart attack while crossing the Mylon gorge in Rethymno, Crete as temperatures reached 40C. People on Samos search for a mising Dutch tourist ( Hellenic Rescue Team of Samos ) The next day, on the same island, a 70-year-old French tourist died while walking on a deserted beach between Kouremenos and Zakros in Sitia. Paramedics managed to reach her but were unable to save her life. There is a common pattern they all went for a hike amid high temperatures, Petros Vassilakis, the police spokesman for the Southern Aegean, told Reuters. According to Dimitris Kalatzis, who heads up the Samos rescue team, missions are often made more difficult because tourists, frequently unaware of the risks, veer off track to see sites and get lost. He told local media: Yesterday we saw a couple [of foreigners] walking a trail in 41C without hats. It defies logic. An ambulance and a fire brigade on a Symi beachfront on Sunday ( AP ) Rescue teams are still looking for the two French women, aged 64 and 73, who stayed at different hotels on Sikinos island in the Cyclades. The women are believed to have known each other. There are two search operations in progress on other islands. Police, firemen and volunteers have been deployed assisted by a drone and a rescue dog, Mr Vassilakis said. Dubbed The Island of Wine, Sikionos is one of the less touristic islands of the Aegean with a population of only 386 people. Firefighters who put out several wildfires on Wednesday remained on high alert as strong winds were expected to hit several parts of the country. The ancient Acropolis, in Athens, was closed by authorities when temperatures hit 43C ( AP ) Athens, a city of five million people which sits in a coastal bowl jammed with apartment blocks and flanked by mountains, is one of the hottest cities in Europe. Scientists warn that summer temperatures there could rise by an average of two degrees by 2050. City mayor Haris Doukas has tried to create more shade by planting 2,000 trees. Temperatures across the country began to ease on Friday, with forecasters saying the heat will return to average for this time of year at 31 to 33 degrees. The Foreign Office has said travellers heading to Greece should be cautious if you are in or near an area affected by wildfires. It added that tourists should: 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 Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A former Iranian official jailed in Sweden for his alleged role in mass executions in the 1980s has been released in a prison swap. Hamid Noury arrived at the Tehran airport on Saturday where he was greeted by his family, footage released by the official IRNA news agency showed. The prisoner exchange was mediated by Oman. Sweden freed Mr Noury while Iran released Johan Floderus and Saeed Azizi. Mr Floderus, 33, was arrested on spying charges in 2022 while he was in Iran on holiday and was facing the death penalty. Mr Azizi, a dual national in his early 60s, was arrested last November and given a five-year prison sentence after being held guilty of assembly and collusion against national security. The exchange was mediated by Oman. Omani efforts resulted in the two sides agreeing on a mutual release as those released were transferred from Tehran and Stockholm, the Gulf countrys foreign ministry said. Mr Noury, 63, was arrested from a Stockholm airport in 2019 and subsequently sentenced to life in prison for alleged war crimes related to the execution of prisoners at the Gohardasht jail in 1988. He was assistant to the deputy prosecutor at the prison in Karaj at the time, according to the Swedish prosecutors. The prisoners who were allegedly killed were associated with the armed group Mujahedin-e Khalq, which was accused of siding with the enemy when Saddam Husseins Iraq launched a war on Iran in the 1980s. Iran has never acknowledged the executions. Mr Noury pleaded not guilty and denied involvement in the alleged crimes, but the Swedish court found him guilty of grave breaches of international humanitarian law and murder. He was tried under the principle of universal jurisdiction which allows any country to prosecute a foreigner for serious crimes against international law war crimes, genocide, torture, and crimes against humanity even if they took place abroad. Speaking about the exchange, Swedish prime minister Ulf Kristersson said Tehran made Mr Floderus and Mr Azizi pawns in a cynical negotiation game with the aim of getting Iranian citizen Hamid Noury released from prison in Sweden. Irans foreign ministry said Mr Nourys imprisonment was the result of an illegal Swedish court decision that lacked legitimacy and described him as a hostage. After landing in Tehran, Mr Noury called his case complicated and sensitive. They said even God cannot free Hamid Noury, but he did, he told reporters. In Sweden, Mr Nourys release sparked criticism from opponents of Irans government such as the National Council of Resistance of Iran, which accused Stockholm of yielding to hostage-taking tactics in a move that would bolster Tehran. It was also condemned by Kenneth Lewis, lawyer for a dozen plaintiffs in the case against Mr Noury. He said his clients, who were not consulted by the Swedish government about the exchange, were "appalled and devastated". "This is an affront to the entire justice system and everyone who has participated in these trials. Mr Lewis said his clients sympathised with the Swedish government for working to get its citizens home, but Mr Nourys release was "totally disproportionate. Mr Floderus and Mr Azizi arrived home late on Saturday. 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 Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Ukraine would hold peace talks tomorrow if Russia pulls out of all Ukrainian territory, Volodymyr Zelensky has said at a peace summit in Switzerland. The two-day summit was held to accelerate efforts to end the war in Ukraine, and came to a close on Sunday with dozens of countries committing to Ukraines territorial integrity. It comes as three civilians were killed by Russian forces in a strike on the Donetsk region as Vladimir Putin is accused by some of seducing the West. Vadym Filashkin, head of the Donetsk Regional Military Administration, said on Telegram that Russian soldiers killed three residents and injured five others in Ulakly. He added: Total number of victims of Russia in Donetsk oblast doesnt include killed and injured in Mariupol and Volnovakha. #StopRussia #RussiaKillsCivilians. War analysts have called Mr Putins purported interest in peace negotiations merely a hollow attempt to seduce the West. Russian president Mr Putin mocked the summit as just another ploy to divert everyones attention, reverse the cause and effect of the Ukrainian crisis [and] set the discussion on the wrong track. World leaders at the peace summit in Switzerland on Sunday ( Getty ) China, the countrys biggest ally, declined to attend, which assured the summit would fail to achieve Ukraines goal of persuading major countries from the global South to join in isolating Russia. Despite 90 countries attending the two-day conference, they failed to persuade major non-aligned states to join their final statement, and no country came forward to host another meeting. Still, the conference provided Kyiv with a chance to showcase the support from Western allies that it says it needs to keep fighting against a far bigger enemy. We are responding to Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine not only with a full-scale defence of human life, but also with full-scale diplomacy, Mr Zelensky said. He told the BBC: Russia can start negotiations tomorrow if they pull out of our territories. Zelensky prepares for a meeting on Sunday ( AFP ) The event included presidents and prime ministers from France, Germany, Britain, Japan, Poland, Argentina, Ecuador, Kenya and Somalia. The Vatican was also represented, and vice president Kamala Harris spoke for the United States. India, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates which were represented by foreign ministers or lower-level envoys were among countries that did not sign the final document, which focused on issues of nuclear safety, food security and the exchange of prisoners. Brazil, an observer, did not sign on, but Turkey did. Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Unions executive Commission, said the conference was rightly titled Path to Peace because peace wont be achieved in a single step. It was not a peace negotiation because Putin is not serious about ending the war. He is insisting on capitulation. He is insisting on ceding Ukrainian territory even territory that today is not occupied by him, she said. He is insisting on disarming Ukraine, leaving it vulnerable to future aggression. No country would ever accept these outrageous terms. Canadian PM Justin Trudeau in Switzerland on Sunday ( AP ) It comes after Mr Putin promised on Friday to immediately order a ceasefire in Ukraine and start negotiations if Kyiv began withdrawing troops from the four regions annexed by Moscow in 2022 and renounced plans to join Nato. Mr Zelensky rejected what he called an ultimatum by Mr Putin to surrender more territory. The summits final declaration called for Ukraines control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and its Azov Sea ports to be restored. But in line with the conferences more modest stated aims, it omitted tougher issues of what a post-war settlement for Ukraine might look like, whether Ukraine could join the Nato alliance or how troop withdrawals from both sides might work. The more allies that can be found to say Things cant go on like this, This is too much, Thats overstepping the mark, that also increases the moral pressure on the Russian Federation, said Austrian chancellor Karl Nehammer. Viral Irish drum and bass group Kabin Crew had the chance to join Becky Hill on stage at her concert in Cork this weekend, and sing their hit track The Spark to over 15,000 people. The youngsters, who are all of primary school age, racked up over 350 million views online after they recorded a music video to their upbeat track, all about positivity and believing in yourself. Produced at a youth centre in the local area, the kids were all music enthusiasts who were initially just taking part in a rap workshop. 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 SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy If Labour wins with a majority bigger than Tony Blairs, Keir Starmer will be hailed as a colossus. He will deserve to be. It doesnt matter how lucky he has been, or how much the Conservative Party appears to be run by secret agents of the opposition, the Labour leader has positioned himself astutely and not messed up. It is surprising to me, anyway that the range of uncertainty about the likely outcome of the election now runs from a solid Labour majority to what Grant Shapps, the defence secretary, calls a supermajority. Much of the debate among pollsters in the remaining 19 days of the campaign will be less about how to predict peoples votes than how to calculate how votes will translate into seats. You can feed current opinion polls into different models to produce anything from a Labour majority of 144 to one of 336. I suspect that the consensus view will narrow towards the lower end of this range, although as the Nigel Farage Tory-wrecking drama unfolds, it might edge up a bit. In which case, Blairs post-war record of a majority of 179 is likely to be broken. There will be articles and later books written about the inside story of how the election was won. Morgan McSweeney, the campaign manager for the Labour Party, will be justly praised for seeing a way forward for Starmer as leader even as the party was heading for crushing defeat five years ago. Starmer himself will become a case study in how centre-left parties can rebuild an electoral coalition of working-class patriots and middle-class liberals and take advantage of divisions on the right. His government will become a towering, self-fulfilling success: a euphoric fresh start for the self-effacing virtues of integrity, service and trying to make peoples lives slightly better. Imagine the shiny happy faces of Labour MPs, more than half of them newly elected, making up two-thirds of the new House of Commons. If 1997 is any guide, many people who were hesitant about Labour before the election, complaining that it wasnt offering much different from the Tories, will be swept along by the euphoria of the democratic catharsis afterwards. After a change election, many more people remember voting for the new government than actually did. Just as Blair did, Starmer will enter an imperial phase. Before we are all swept along too far, however, it is worth listening to one voice of warning. James Kanagasooriam, the political analyst who identified the much-misunderstood red wall before the last election, now says: Labour is building a monumental sandcastle. He says that many people made the mistake in 2019 of thinking that Boris Johnson had put together a lasting coalition, built on the foundation of Brexit, making deep inroads into Labours working-class base while retaining Tory support in the middle class. But that coalition was wide and shaky, Kanagasooriam says. Ever since he coined the term red wall, it has been used to mean almost the opposite of what he meant. He identified a swathe of seats across the north of England and the Midlands that ought to have been more Tory than they were, by demography and home ownership. They were places that voted Labour out of cultural inertia and they were ripe for the picking by an effective Tory campaign. Their fall to the Tories was foreseeable not some mysterious and fundamental shift. We didnt spend enough time thinking how temporary and transactional the 2019 result was, says Kanagasooriam. Johnson borrowed votes from those who were ambivalent about his politics. As for Brexit, he says, that too was misinterpreted as a lasting realignment: People did it with Brexit as well. Just after the 2016 vote, 10-15 per cent of people swapped sides. That should have been a sign of the impermanence of politics. The divisions in Johnsons coalition were reflected in the MPs who were elected then, Kanagasooriam says. Without economic delivery and growth, the tide washed it all away rather suddenly. The same, he thinks, could happen to Labour: With pressures from the green left on foreign policy and climate change, liberals on tax and business, Reform on immigration and the Conservatives eventually on leadership. Campaigning with a union jack saying its time for change will work for six weeks. Thats it. I think he is right. Public opinion is more volatile than it used to be; this Labour government is less well prepared for office than Blairs; and it will inherit ruined public finances at a time of economic stagnation. It may be that the Conservative opposition will wander off the stage but, as I wrote last week, the Labour Party will provide its own opposition and Angela Rayner will be adept at putting herself at the head of it. Let us admire Starmers imperial sandcastle in all its glory while we can, before the next big wave washes in and knocks it down. One of the UKs largest hospitality groups has earmarked a long list of locations across Dublin and the country Matt Gent, development manager for Whitbread in Ireland, said the brands confidence in the country was driven by its performance in Dublin and Cork The company currently operates a network of six Premier Inn hotels in Dublin and Cork The owner of hotel brand Premier Inn, one of the UKs largest hotel businesses, has upgraded plans for Ireland as it targets 5,000 bedrooms in the country, 30pc more than its previous ambition. Whitbread Plc, one of the UKs largest hospitality companies, has announced on its website plans to expand its presence in Ireland in response to high demand and an undersupply of branded hotel rooms. The new 5,000 medium-term growth target is up on its current target of 3,500 bedrooms. Matt Gent, development manager for Whitbread in Ireland, said the brands confidence in the country was driven by its performance in Dublin and Cork The UK-listed company, with a valuation of over 5.4bn (6.4bn), said it had a list of target locations where it wishes to run a hotel. These included additional sites across Dublin city centre and five new locations around Dublin. Across the country, it was targeting locations with strong leisure and business economies and that were likely to experience a growth in visitor numbers. These included Killarney, Kilkenny, Kinsale, Sligo, Westport and Tralee, alongside the larger towns and cities of Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford, and Wexford. Towns targeted include Killarney, Kilkenny, Kinsale, Sligo, Westport and Tralee, alongside the larger towns Whitbread also said it is seeking new hotel locations for Premier Inn in Dublin city centre at Heuston and Connolly stations, South Docklands, and Dublin 2. In addition, Whitbread is seeking new spots around the capital to build on the success of other sites around the country, including one at Dublin Airport. In the announcement, Matt Gent, development manager for Whitbread in Ireland, said the brands confidence in the country was driven by its performance in Dublin and Cork. Whitbread said the move was driven by Irelands strong economy, low unemployment and a predicted rise in international visitors We believe there are many further opportunities for Premier Inn in inner and outer Dublin and are confident the brand will perform well in towns and cities across Ireland with strong local business economies and drivers of year-round tourist demand. It continues to be an exciting time for us in the country. Whitbread has predicted that total consumer demand for hotel accommodation in Ireland will surpass 20 million bedroom nights towards the end of the decade. It said this was driven by the countrys strong economy, low unemployment rate and a predicted rise in international visitors. The uplifted requirement forms part of Whitbreads established medium-term growth plan of 125,000 Premier Inn rooms across the UK and Ireland. Ireland contributed 16m, to its 2.96bn recorded revenue for its 2024 financial year to date up from 10.3m the previous year Whitbread launched Premier Inn in Ireland in 2018 after acquiring a development site in Dublin city centre. It now operates a network of six Premier Inn hotels in Dublin and Cork and employs more than 200 people across the country. Whitbread has over 850 hotels across the UK and Germany. In those markets, it counts over 85,000 rooms in the UK and 10,500 in Germany, employing over 38,000 people. According to Whitbreads results for its 2024 financial year to date, it recorded revenue of almost 2.96bn. The results show Ireland contributed 16m, up from 10.3m the previous year. New hotel rooms are in high demand. According to a study by Mitchell McDermott, nearly 2,600 new hotel rooms were added in the Dublin region during 2023 but multiples of that number are needed. Retail The retail group behind Petmania has recorded a 4m plus surge in sales boosted by the opening of two new stores. OKeeffes Group, the Co Kilkenny retail firm behind retail brands including Petmania and homeware brand Meubles, recorded sales of almost 38.3m for the financial period ended July 30, 2023. The group also recorded a 27pc uplift in operating profit to over 2.5m for 2023. Commenting on the results, Shane OKeeffe, managing director of Petmania, said new stores had helped to bolster the companys performance. We had a strong financial year 2022/23 in which we experienced double-digit sales growth across the business, he said. Petmania has 16 stores employing 260 people across the country This was supported in part by two new Petmania store openings, though their contribution was for the latter half of the year only, and like-for-like sales were steadily ahead of the previous year. Our positive sales growth throughout the business is reflected in our trading profits for the year, putting us in a strong position for continued growth and development. Our strategy within Petmania continues to focus on the development of grooming, health, nutrition, wellness and dog training. This continues to deliver strong like-for-like growth. Petmania has 16 stores employing 260 people across the country and also has a fast-growing e-commerce business. The expansion of the pet retail business could create 100 new jobs In an interview earlier this year, OKeeffe said he is looking to open five more PetMania outlets as part of an investment worth up to 4m over the next two years. The expansion of the pet retail business, which will push further into Dublin and Cork, could create up to 100 jobs. OKeeffes Group was founded in the 1960s and is now owned by Edmund OKeeffe. Aside from Petmania and Meubles, it also owns The Wine Centre in Kilkenny and has backed Sullivans Tap Room. Enterprise Ireland programme is centred around UN Sustainable Development Goals We are all on a journey towards a more sustainable future, and it is now a pivotal time for businesses to progress sustainability plans as they too have an important role to play in driving sustainable growth and contributing towards a better future for all. Global climate challenges require action from everyone, and business leaders have an important contribution to make. As well as it being the right thing to do, there is also an increased focus on addressing regulatory compliance requirements, as well as meeting the expectations of customers, partners and employees. Many investors are re-orienting towards greener businesses For those interested in being the sustainability lead for their organisation, the Sustainability Leaders Programme can equip them with the knowledge and capability to drive change effectively within their business. The programme has been developed in partnership by Skillnet Ireland and Enterprise Ireland to help build sustainable business capabilities in Ireland. To date, more than 100 Irish business chiefs have completed this fully subsidised programme, which involves six two-hour workshops over 12 weeks. The programme has been designed to enable Enterprise Ireland client companies drive environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance within their business. While there are responsibilities, regulatory compliance issues and expectations as an organisation, learning how to run a business more sustainably also makes financial sense. As investors re-orient towards greener businesses, Irish companies must raise their ambition and make the most of the opportunities open to them. Centred on UN Sustainable Development Goals, the programme helps broaden the understanding of the idea itself going beyond energy use, to include water, waste, biodiversity, human rights and more. Up to 30 business leaders participate in each course, and get the chance to deep dive into what sustainability means for their own organisations. Each individual emerges from the programme with a sustainability charter for their business. This charter includes relevant KPIs and is designed to act as a year-long sustainability roadmap. Each participant presents their charter to their fellow participants and the programme lead to get feedback, but also to the senior leadership team where they work. Up to 30 business leaders participate in each course Those who complete the programme typically become the sustainability lead for their organisation. Businesses that are not so advanced in their sustainability journey, or firms which are not yet Enterprise Ireland clients, can avail of a three-hour online Sustainability Kickstarter workshop before or instead of applying to the Sustainability Leaders Programme. For those interested in further sustainability learning and skills development, Enterprise Ireland is developing a detailed training directory that will capture the extent of the sustainability training landscape, and EI-supported companies can secure funding for related training from approved external providers. The next Sustainability Leaders Programme will take place in September and October. To apply, contact your Enterprise Ireland development adviser or email Joanne.Sheahan@enterprise-ireland.com. Joanne Sheahan is a senior executive on the sustainability and renewable energy team at EI Elon Musk said making likes private was important to allow people to like posts without getting attacked for doing so (PA) Social network X has made likes of posts private, meaning people cant who has liked what. This week were making Likes private for everyone to better protect your privacy, the Xeng accounted posted. Like counts are still visible, but only the person making that like and the posts author can see if a person has liked a post. Xeng explained the shift in a post: You will still be able to see posts you have liked (but others cannot). Like count and other metrics for your own posts will still show up under notifications. You will no longer see who liked someone elses post. A posts author can see who liked its posts. Important to allow people to like posts without getting attacked for doing so, Elon Musk said ahead of the change. Musk has previously voiced an interest in far-right organisations and figures including Germany's AfD and conspiracy movement Qanon on the platform. The social networks user base in general has also become more right-wing since it was bought by Musk in 2022, according to a recent Pew Research Center report. Musk posted that the change saw a significant increase in the overall volume of likes on X, although its too early to tell whether this will prove a long-term change. Some X users who are not fans the switch have noted it makes it impossible to tell whether a posts engagement is largely fuelled by bots X announced a purge of bot accounts on the platform in April, while Musk has posited the idea of charging new users who want to register an account to deter bot-makers. Unfortunately, a small fee for new user write access is the only way to curb the relentless onslaught of bots, Musk posted in April. X has trialled a $1 annual fee for user of the platform in New Zealand and the Phillippines, the charge required to post or interact with other posts. The trial began in October 2023. However, Musk has also suggested a future charge may only apply for three months after an account is created. The securitisation deal will allow the UK-based home services company to offer financing for domestic green energy installations such as solar panels and heat pumps Hometree, the UK-based home services company led by Irishman Simon Phelan, has signed a 250m (297m) debt financing deal with Barclays to put in place payment plans for householders who want to install sustainable energy systems such as solar panels or heat pumps but cant afford the steep upfront costs. The move, Mr Phelan said, is the UKs first ever residential renewable securitisation using low-cost bonds to fund the growth of residential solar, batteries and heat pumps. Hometree lets household customers pay over the lifetime of the energy systems. The company says it hopes that financing for sustainable home energy systems will follow the path of low-cost car finance for new motor vehicles. Mr Phelan, a Dubliner who founded the company in 2016, is a former private equity executive with listed venture capital firm Better Capital. Earlier this year, Hometree announced it received backing from financial giant Blackrock to acquire the UK-based renewable energy installation companies Geowarmth and The Little Green Energy Company. Many homeowners naturally want to invest in renewable technologies but are put off by the extraordinarily high upfront costs, said Mr Phelan. Thats why were focused on removing barriers to help more households take control of their energy bills and carbon emissions. Were delighted to be working with Barclays to help us develop and scale flexible finance solutions with all-inclusive cover built-in, to enable homeowners to make the switch to clean, green energy with confidence. He said that such private sector financing bonds could bridge the gap between state-backed schemes, such as the 500m energy efficiency scheme launched by the Irish government and the European Investment Bank in April, and a more advanced state of decarbonisation in the home energy sector. Last year, Hometree raised $46m (43m) and acquired the green financing platform BeWarm. The average price to install home solar and battery systems is typically over 10,000, with air source and ground source heat pumps often a multiple of that cost. The guitarist on the catharsis his new book brought, life in The Smiths, his Irish roots and his clean-living regime Ireland has always represented a kind of homecoming for Johnny Marr. This summer he will take to the stage twice here, first at the Dreamland Ballroom in Athy, where his Kildare-born parents met in the early 1960s, and then, the following night he will be back onstage at the National Concert Hall where, in conversation with Phil Taggart, he will discuss Marrs Guitars, a new book which delves into the lore of his storied instruments. My Cultural Life UK-based Irish clarinettist and presenter Jessie Grimes teaches at the Royal College of Music, and has been announced as the first Learning and Participation Artist-in-Residence at Irelands National Concert Hall 2024-25. BOOK: A Thousand Mornings Much to my poor secondary school English teachers chagrin, only in the past few years the penny has finally dropped... I think Im starting to get poetry. Ive been deep diving into the world of Mary Oliver, and A Thousand Mornings is my latest companion. I adore how she combines a giddy sense of humour with the breathless, spiritual sense of amazement which can be felt in deep connection with nature. Just this morning, she consoled me over the idea that a song thrushs music never lasts: Imagine Verdi or Mahler every day, all day. It would exhaust anyone. FILM: All of Us Strangers Andrew Haighs film moved me deeply the nuanced, profound portrayal of newfound love, the question of how we navigate past trauma and particularly how beautifully and devastatingly it dealt with the difficulty so many queer people had (and have) in sharing their identities with family. The theme of loneliness in a big city like London, even when surrounded by many other humans, really resonated too. PODCAST: Song Exploder Im big into Song Exploder and have been burning through Hrishikesh Hirways back catalogue. Ive particularly geeked-out over the Kae Tempest, Raye and St Vincent episodes iconic artists explaining the nitty-gritty of how they created some of my favourite songs. That kind of insight into the creative process is so inspiring the realisation that all art starts from tiny, tender, often unsure shoots and has to be nurtured into greatness. FESTIVAL: Wild Fields Im looking forward to the socially conscious Wild Fields festival in Norfolk in August. The line up is a bit like someones hacked my listening algorithm, with headliners Ezra Collective, Sampa The Great, Nubya Garcia, Kae Tempest. It also puts climate action and carbon neutrality at its heart, so it feels like a great festival to support. Fr Fergal Cummins, an Offaly-based priest, published a series of controversial posts on social media A selection of the anti-government, conspiracy theory and anti-immigrant memes that Tullamore priest Fr Fergal Cummins posted on his Facebook page A bishop has apologised for the hurt caused by an Offaly-based Catholic priest who posted a series of right-wing memes and conspiracy theories that advocated for right-wing parties on his Facebook page. Fr Fergal Cummins, a curate in the Tullamore parish, last month posted pictures propagating conspiracy theories including that there is a UN Agenda 2030 whose goals include creating a one-world government, the end of the family unit, the end of all private property, world depopulation and fertility control, the end of private farms and an end to animal ownership. Teenage disability rights campaigner Cara Darmody is gearing up for weekly protests outside the Taoiseachs Department, as she calls for improved autism services and assessments. Cara (13) from Ardfinnan, Co Tipperary, will start her first protest outside the Department of The Taoiseach on Tuesday at 8am. And shell return to the most famous doorstep every week alternating between Simon Harris department and the front of Leinster House. Cara told the Irish Independent she intends to keep going right up until the General Election to keep the issues on the agenda. Cara Darmody, 13, disability rights campaigner, with a placard she will hold while protesting outside the Department of the Taoiseach from Tuesday weekly, as she calls for better services, quicker assessments and free care for autistic children. Credit: Mark Darmody. The Government routinely makes announcements about funding for services, Cara said. But for some reason, the backlog just seems to fluctuate between improving and actually getting worse. "Theres a constant yo-yo factor in the stats and caught in the middle are children whose conditions deteriorate on a monthly basis. "The promises from senior ministers over the years are one thing, but what we need is action. "We don't need any more reports, or studies or whatever further stalls tackling the elephant in the room here, which is quite simply this: the need to fund and properly manage autism services in this country once and for all." Todays News in 90 Seconds - 16th June 2024 The schoolgirl has been campaigning for autism and disability rights for a number of years. Though she isnt neurodiverse, her two younger brothers, Neil, 11, and John, 7, are autistic and have significant intellectual disabilities. And the teenager has witnessed first hand the struggles her parents, Mark and Noelle, have had in accessing services. Cara is looking for four things from the Government a firm commitment and timeline for needs assessments for children within six months. These assessments must be paid for by the State, whether directly or indirectly, via reimbursement from the HSE, Cara stated. Secondly, she wants a timeline for access to relevant services within months rather than years. The childrens care must also be paid for by the State, whether directly or indirectly, via reimbursement from the HSE, she added. Thirdly, shes calling for a commitment and timeline to hold to the Government's legal obligations under the terms of the Disability Act 2005 (in particular Assessments of Needs), which states the Government must assess and give access to assessments/services to children with special needs in a timely manner. Cara said this means in months, rather than years. And lastly, shes calling for a Government commitment to produce monthly progress reports, filed two months in arrears like the National Maternity Patient Safety Statements published by the HSE to state how many children get needs assessed and how many have started accessing services. As well as protesting with her father Mark, Cara will attend Leinster House on Wednesday morning to mark the first anniversary event of the Joint Committee on Autism's launch of their final report. She will then again protest outside Leinster House on Wednesday afternoon from 1pm to 4pm. Then the schoolgirls weekly protest will get underway outside the Dail main entrance every Thursday from 12pm to 3pm, with appearances on various Tuesday mornings at the Taoiseach's Department. The focus now turns to the general election and how many right-wing candidates will contest it Standing in front of a flag carried by his supporters at the count centre in the RDS, newly elected Independent Dublin city councillor Gavin Pepper declared: The Government needs to wake up and send them home. The comment from the anti-immigrant activist-turned-politician was very much on-brand. Pepper, a taxi driver and father of six, has made his name on social media by pushing an anti-immigrant agenda. Now he is an incoming councillor for the Ballymun-Finglas ward. He has been front and centre at protests in locations around Dublin, opposing the arrival of asylum-seekers. He describes himself on social media as pro-Irish, pro-family, pro-life and pro-free speech. A security source told this newspaper that Pepper is a person we have an interest in over various comments he has made online. Gavin Pepper is hoisted high by Hermann Kelly, left, of the Irish Freedom Party. Photo: Eamonn Farrell In a video posted on social media after gardai raided his home last summer, Pepper said he is the subject of garda inquiries. The raid followed an encampment in Sandwith Street, Dublin, being burnt after refugees who had been seeking shelter there were forced out by protesters. There is no suggestion Pepper was responsible, but he has admitted being present at a protest shortly before the blaze. He has also been repeatedly named in the Dail by Solidarity-People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy over his links to the far right and anti-immigration movements. In response, he confronted the TD in a video he later posted on social media. For the first time, we have a handful of candidates elected on the basis of ethno-nationalism Pepper is one of the far-right candidates who won seats in the local elections. In total, more than 100 people stood for far-right parties or as far-right Independents in the elections. Other successful candidates with hardline views on immigration were Independent Malachy Steenson (Dublin City Council); the National Partys Patrick Quinlan (Fingal County Council); Glen Moore of the Irish Freedom Party, who was elected on to South Dublin County Council; and Tom McDonnell of Eire Saor in Newbridge, who was elected on to Kildare County Council. McDonnell filled the countrys last council seat and later defended remarks he made following his win, in which he called for women to breed more. Ciaran OConnor, of the Institute of Strategic Dialogue, which monitors the far right as well as disinformation, said he wasnt surprised by the results. It wasnt the revolution that was promised, but the election of a small number of candidates who I would consider to be far-right is still significant, he said. There were also many others who came close. For the first time, we have a handful of candidates elected on the basis of ethno-nationalism. Much of the far right in Ireland grew as an on-street movement Mr OConnor said the rise of the far right in Ireland has its roots online. Many of these individuals have spoken about foreign plantations in Ireland. Such language has deep historical connotations here. Much of the far right in Ireland grew as an on-street movement, going around to various locations, protesting about the arrival or suspected arrival of immigrants into communities, he said. Now well see how people move from that kind of activity to working as councillors, because its an entirely different environment. Can they perform and adapt in this new environment, separate it from their anti-immigration agenda? It is a different test for them. Another notable takeaway from the rise of the right is the impact it had on Sinn Fein at the ballot box. At various immigration protests over the past 18 months, a strong anti-Sinn Fein sentiment was evident. Traditionally, Sinn Fein has attracted support in working-class areas, but the far right has taken some of this vote and managed to smear Mary Lou McDonalds party. Weve seen that anti-Sinn Fein sentiment is strong at many of these anti- immigration protests, Mr OConnor said. The far right has been seeking that vote. At many of these demonstrations, Sinn Fein, and Mary Lou McDonald in particular, have been branded traitors. Theres been posters and signage to that effect. Sources point out that being aligned to the far right is not a crime This strategy seems to have had a certain level of success. All eyes will now be on the general election and the number of far-right candidates who run. Sources point out that being aligned to the far right is not a crime. For some it is simply an ideology. At the same time, if the Dublin riots taught us anything, its how quickly things can escalate, one source said. In recent months, several files have been submitted to the DPP over threats from far-right individuals to politicians. Officers within the Garda National Crime and Security Intelligence Service have a number of other live investigations into threats to public figures from members of the far right. Sources said an increase in hate crimes is indicative of a rise in support for the far right. Theres a small number of so-called members of the far right who are involved in committing hate crimes or inspiring others to commit these crimes, a source said. This isnt happening in a vacuum in Ireland. The far right are on the rise worldwide. An Garda Siochana is only concerned if such ideology impacts crimes rates. There is no doubt that right now it is. Gardai have informally spoken to a convicted fraudster at the centre of an investigation by the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) as the probe nears completion. Denyse OBrien, originally from Cork, is under investigation by the specialist national garda unit after several people made statements of complaint, claiming she ripped them off. OBrien set up a human resource business called Watch Your Back Ireland. Some of her former clients have contacted gardai, alleging she was hired and paid to do work on their behalf that was not carried out. A detective at the GNECB was appointed to lead the investigation after a pattern of complaints to gardai across the country, including in Dublin, Louth and Meath. The Sunday Independent understands OBrien was recently spoken to in some capacity by investigators. Gardai have not yet arrested her. A file is due to be sent to the DPP. Today's News in 90 Seconds - June 17th The investigation into her activities is now at an advanced stage. It made sense for fraud investigators to spearhead the probe and get an overarching sense of the allegations, rather than officers in various stations investigating individual complaints. The website for Watch Your Back Ireland has been taken down. The company had purported to assist employees who believed they had been mistreated in the workplace. OBrien set up Watch Your Back Ireland in 2019. She changed the spelling of her first name to Denise for the business venture. In 2015, OBrien, then of Sruthain an Padraig, Rhebogue, Limerick, pleaded guilty to fraud amounting to 3,000. At the time, she was an organiser of a major charity event in Limerick, which collapsed after it emerged she admitted to defrauding a woman of 3,000 on her debit card. OBriens solicitor told the court the fraud had coincided with a very difficult period in OBriens life. At the time, she was the organiser of The 26 Miles for 26 Heroes baton relay event in Limerick. The idea was to have heroes representing 26 local good causes cover a mile each in the event. After it emerged she had a conviction for fraud, the event collapsed. It was revealed afterwards that OBrien had also tricked dozens of people who enrolled on a bogus healthcare course she set up, as reported by the Limerick Leader. Trinity will consider adopting IHRA definition of antisemitism after meeting with scholarship founder The son of a prominent Jewish man, who withdrew a 10-year bursary for disadvantaged students at Trinity College Dublin after becoming concerned that the university was becoming a no-go zone for Jews, has held a private meeting with the provost of the university. Dr Edwin Abrahamson, a UK-based consultant paediatrician, met with Dr Linda Doyle and Sioban OBrien Green respectively the provost and head of equality, diversity and inclusion to discuss how Trinity will respond to potential future acts of antisemitism on the campus, and by students on social media. Dr Abrahamson described the meeting as respectful and constructive and said a number of pledges have been made by Trinity to strengthen its messaging against antisemitism. Trinity was alerted to offensive graffiti earlier this month and it was removed As part of the discussions, Dr Abrahamson said the university told him it will consider adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliances (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. This is a definition which the Irish Government has not committed to. According to the IHRA definition: Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities. The definition has been accepted by the US, several European governments, including the UK and Germany. However it has caused controversy within some UK universities, with claims that it has led to unreasonable accusations. Dr Abrahamson said: Ireland is one of the few countries who have not adopted that definition of antisemitism. However any institution can adopt it. Dr Edwin Abrahamson In recent days, Dr Abrahamson, who is a cousin of Irish film director Lenny Abrahamson, said the Union of Jewish Students in the UK alerted him to a photo taken of a sign which was allegedly posted in TCD. The sign read: Jews shall not replace us. Describing the messaging as violently antisemitic, Dr Abrahamson contacted TCD to report the offending material. He said the college acted incredibly fast, and instructed campus security to search the premises and locate the poster. They found it in the mens toilet in the Buttery, where students meet to socialise, Dr Abrahamson said. He added that afterwards he received a lengthy email from a senior representative at Trinity, saying they were horrified at what had taken place. They were very grateful that I had raised it, because they hadnt been aware, he said. Dr Abrahamson and his mother set up the Maurice Abrahamson Bursary last year in memory of his father, a Trinity law graduate who went on to become a successful stockbroker in Dublin. This weekend, Dr Abrahamson said the door has been left open with Trinity to the possibility of using the money in another way to honour his father, specifically in the area of raising awareness around antisemitism. Dr Abrahamson had initially made the decision to withdraw the bursary after seeing the apparent open tolerance of antisemitic rhetoric and images at Trinity College, including the display of the flag of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) a group which the EU has designated a terrorist organisation. The flag was reportedly waved by students during the encampment organised by Trinitys students union, who were protesting over the colleges ties to Israeli institutions in light of the countrys invasion of Gaza. Dr Abrahamson said he also reached the decision after hearing first-hand the lived experiences of Jewish students at Trinity, who told him that they were deeply distressed over their treatment since October 7 last year the date when Hamas attacked Israel. He said their experiences included a Jewish student who had been isolated in a lecture room and other students had refused to sit beside her and Jewish students who were intimidated walking around the college and had been accused of supporting genocide. He stressed that he is against the idea of sides when referring to the Israel-Palestine conflict. The equality, diversity and inclusion office is looking into how to raise awareness of the reporting process It adds to further division and polarised views where any sense of value of the lived experience of others is automatically considered invalid. When contacted, a spokesperson for Trinity College said: Trinity was alerted to this offensive graffiti earlier this month after an image circulated on social media. The message was found in a toilet in the Buttery and immediately removed. We wish to emphasise that we take this matter very seriously and there is no place for antisemitic behaviour at Trinity. Since nobody had reported having seen this in person, the equality, diversity and inclusion office is looking into how to raise awareness of the reporting process regarding concerns about this kind of material. In relation to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliances definition of antisemitism, the spokesperson added: As part of its work on race and ethnic equality, Trinity is exploring definitions and declarations that could be supportive to our work on dignity and respect. Journalist and author Joe Joyce, who has died at the age of 76, was a prominent figure on the media scene for many years. He covered major news stories and brought fresh information and insight with his reporting and analysis which won him major awards. He was born on August 1, 1947, in Ballinasloe, Co Galway, the eldest of three children to Martin and Meta (Margaret, nee Glennon). When he was 10 the family moved to nearby Aughrim, where Martin Joyce had become principal of the local primary school. Young Joe was one of his pupils and the family lived in a house across from the school building. He received his secondary education at Garbally College in Ballinasloe and went on to study English and sociology at the University of Galway where he edited Unity, the student newspaper. After graduating in 1968, he joined the staff of The Irish Times, one of the first university graduates along with Conor Brady and the late John Armstrong (1946-2012) to be hired directly by an Irish newspaper. I cant recall him ever being cruel or unkind to anyone, including politicians In March 1969, he met Frances ORourke who had arrived from the Canadian city of Montreal six months before and was working for Business and Finance magazine. Their paths crossed at a party and he was very interested to meet a Canadian in Ireland, not an everyday occurrence at the time. She had been planning to travel around Europe but changed her mind and the couple got married in 1974. Along with colleagues Don Buckley and Renagh Holohan, he was involved in an investigation of An Garda Siochanas so-called heavy gang in 1976-77. Conor Brady, who was the papers news features editor at the time, recalls in his 2005 memoir Up with the Times how he was approached separately by two gardai who were deeply concerned about the physical and psychological treatment of suspects during crime investigations. One of his sources said: The situation is getting out of control. Joyce, Buckley and Holohan carried out an investigation lasting about six weeks and then-editor Fergus Pyle (1935-97) gave approval to publish the results, which received a major public and political reaction. As Brady wrote: The brakes were put on the activities of the heavy gang and there were long-term reverberations throughout the criminal justice system. In a tribute last Monday at Mount Jerome Crematorium, Joyces former colleague Peter Murtagh said the large attendances at the funeral and the previous days lying in repose were evidence of the esteem in which his late colleague was held. He was a true and seasoned professional a reporters reporter. But I cant recall him ever being cruel or unkind to anyone, including politicians, he said. Joyce left The Irish Times in 1978 and joined the freesheet local newspaper Southside as well as working freelance for The Guardian as Dublin Correspondent (or stringer) and the Reuters news agency. Peter Murtagh started in journalism in 1979 and got a job at Southside where Don Buckley was news editor. Murtagh later moved to The Irish Times and, in early 1983, began writing a book on Charles Haughey in co-operation with Joyce, which eventually acquired the title The Boss. Joyce acquired office space on Clare Street in Dublin where the pair set about their task. Murtagh recalled: I can say with hand on heart that there was never a cross word between us, much less a row. The work was shared on a chapter-by-chapter basis. The project took four to five months and all of the interviews were conducted on a no-name basis. Joes understanding of politics, his insight into how the system operated, his nous for how politicians worked and operated among themselves infuses every page, Murtagh recalled. In a foreword written for a subsequent edition, broadcaster John Bowman said: Typically, the authors of this book received no co-operation from their main subject ... The notion that the media should render him accountable seems to have been regarded by him as a preposterous irritant. He turned his attention to writing books, completing four spy thrillers set during World War II In his book titled Haugheys Forty Years of Controversy, T. Ryle Dwyer wrote that, when it was published in late 1983, The Boss caused a major political stir. He continued that it was probably the most interesting and provocative book ever published on contemporary Irish politics and became a runaway bestseller, setting unprecedented sales records in the country for a book on a political topic. It was particularly good on the politicisation of the police and the wiretapping of journalists. Joyce worked briefly with Hibernia magazine under the editorship of John Mulcahy. He also worked on another big news story with Don Buckley for the Sunday Independent which, as Murtagh said in his eulogy, revealed the Kerry Babies story, in all its awfulness. In 2020, the State apologised after 36 years to Joanne Hayes for wrongly accusing her of the murder of a newborn baby found dead in April 1984 on a beach in Kerry with a broken neck and 28 stab wounds. However, regarding the coverage by Joyce and Buckley, Murtagh told mourners at the funeral that, Not a single line of their expose in the Sunday Independent came unstuck. Joyce took up a staff job in 1994 with the Sunday Tribune after Murtagh became editor. In 1997 he was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy/disease of the heart muscle which left him without sufficient energy to work full-time as a journalist. He turned his attention to writing books, completing four spy thrillers set during World War II and the historical novel 1691, where the story of the Battle of Aughrim is told through the eyes of opposing commanders Patrick Sarsfield and Hugh Mackay. Previous non-fiction books included The Guinnesses, the story of the famous brewing family, and before that, Blind Justice, the story of the Sallins mail train robbery, co-authored with Peter Murtagh. In the 1980s and 1990s, two novels of his were published, entitled Off the Record and The Trigger Man. He also wrote plays. In another tribute at the funeral, Joyces daughter Molly said: Underneath Dads commitment to journalism was his absolute belief in questioning the accepted narrative and following the facts, wherever they might lead. Even as kids, he never shied away from explaining the complexities of whatever current affairs or historical topic we were debating, teaching us the importance of critical thinking. Her tribute concluded: In the days before he died, my Mum and Dad were talking and reflecting on their 56 years together, with Dad telling her We were lucky. Speaking for me and my sisters, we want to say we were lucky to have had such a wonderful Dad and to have had so many years with him. While we would have liked more time, we will keep him close always and we wont forget the last piece of advice he gave us to take care of each other. We will take care of each other, just like he always took care of us. Joe (Joseph) Joyce of Sandycove, Co Dublin, passed away peacefully on June 6 . He is sadly missed by his loving wife Frances, daughters Catherine, Joanna and Molly, sons-in-law Glyn, Bryan and Niall, grandchildren J.J and Eala, sisters Marie and Cepta, brother-in-law Brendan, nephew Michael and his extended family and friends. John Kearney was an erudite sub-editor who spent many years on the Sunday Independent, working closely with a succession of editors ensuring the newspaper got out in presentable shape and on time. Always perfectly dressed, with a throaty, indefinable accent and a groomed white beard, he carried a well-worn brown leather briefcase and was a familiar figure making his way along Middle Abbey Street to and from his desk in the Dickensian warren of Independent House. A gentleman in every sense of the word, he queried news or feature copy that crossed his desk when required, or sought clarification in a calm, unruffled fashion. He was well-read with a deep and broad knowledge of current affairs, history (including military) and literature and was a repository of great wisdom which he shared in an unassuming manner. It was these qualities which made him invaluable under successive editors of the Sunday Independent over a period of 40 years Hector Legge, Conor OBrien, Michael Hand and Aengus Fanning. He used to joke that he was one of the few people to emigrate to Ireland in the mid-1950s In a throwback to former times, he smoked incessantly and was known to join convivial companions in the newspaper pubs in the vicinity the Oval, Higgins, the Bachelor Inn, and the Horse & Tram. There he enjoyed a Glenfiddich, although he was often first to leave the company to get the train and later the Dart home to Greystones, Co Wicklow, where he lived most of his life. John Kearney was born to Irish parents in Northwood, Middlesex, a suburb of London. His father, an anti-Treaty IRA man from Dunmanway, Co Cork, left Ireland after the Civil War and his mother was from Dublin. Ironically, although he was regarded as a quintessential Englishman he was anything but, said his daughter, Liz, who followed him into journalism and is now group head of features at Mediahuis Ireland. He was an only child and a seminal moment of his life occurred in 1944 when his street was hit by a German V2 bomb. The roof was blown off the Kearney house and a neighbour killed as well as extensive damage caused to other houses on the street. It was an event that remained with him for the rest of his life. He was educated in nearby Pinner, did his national service and later graduated from university with a degree in English and French. He then went to art college and attained a high degree of skill as a draughtsman. He used to joke that he was one of the few people to emigrate to Ireland in the mid-1950s, when most people were going in the other direction. He came back with his elderly parents and cared for them until their deaths. John was often happiest in the company of fellow subs He and his future wife, Annette, were living in flats in Idrone Terrace, Blackrock, when they met. By that time, he had worked in the advertising department of The Irish Times and Castle Publications, before applying for a job in the Sunday Independent. Office lore had it that his smart appearance, particularly his cuff links, impressed the then editor Legge, who hired him as a sub-editor in 1965, a position he retained until his retirement in 2005 at the age of 72. During that time he also contributed cartoons to the newspaper and occasional articles. His great friend, the legendary journalist Joe MacAnthony, who was best man at his wedding, enjoyed telling the story that before the ceremony Annette asked the priest if they could read a poem during the service. The reverend demurred, until she astonished him by saying, sotto voce: We wont tell the Pope, will we? The couple moved to Greystones in 1975 and had two daughters, Emma and Liz. Through Johns long tenure at the paper, he came to know many of its journalists and writers well, but was often happiest in the company of fellow subs, discussing newspaper production, great events of the day and telling stories of the conflicts in the caseroom, where the final newspaper product was assembled. Johns main focus was drawing (laying out) the pages of the Sunday Independent and, in the era of hot metal when the newspaper type was set in slugs of lead seeing that this work translated into the finished product. He had a good working relationship (which often was not easy) with the compositors who carried out this task and worked with them at a big metal table in the caseroom, known as the stone. The printers were quick to down tools if they felt someone from the journalism side had overstepped the mark, and this could lead to delays in the printing press and even put production of the paper at risk. It often required delicate diplomatic skills, such as Johns, to avert such a catastrophe with deadlines looming. John was trenchantly left wing and a committed member of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ). He was elected father of the chapel, the rather quaint journalistic term for union shop steward, on several occasions at important junctures in the development of the newspaper group, then owned by Tony OReilly. Outside of the newspaper, John was described as a loving husband and family man who liked his own company, his books and right up until the time of his death continued to be a voracious reader of newspapers, also completing the crosswords. Although he was within a month of reaching the age of 92, he never lost interest in current affairs and enjoyed good company and a glass of wine. John Kearney, who was born on July 21, 1932, died at home on Tuesday, June 11. He is survived by his wife Annette, daughters Emma and Elizabeth, son-in-law Carl and grandchildren Oisin and Conor. His funeral was private and a service in his memory, for friends and colleagues, will be held at a later date. More than 850 seriously ill or injured patients had to wait at least an hour for an ambulance to turn up during the second half of last year, with one high priority call not dealt with for more than three hours and 15 minutes. Figures from the National Ambulance Service (NAS) show that Cork and Wexford were the counties worst affected by prolonged delays in providing urgent emergency services between July and December 2023. However, the ambulance service said it had been close to meeting its targets for responding to Purple and Red calls, where there is a life-threatening illness or injury, cardiac arrest or respiratory arrest. Figures for the last six months of 2023 show that an ambulance did not arrive at a total of 732 calls for a period of between 60 and 90 minutes. There were a further 110 emergency calls that took between 90 and 120 minutes to respond to, data released under Freedom of Information revealed. Response times for another 20 Red calls which are classified as life-threatening illnesses other than cardiac and respiratory arrest ranged between two and three hours. There were two Red calls, one in Carlow and one in Wexford, where an ambulance did not arrive at the location of a call for over 180 minutes, with response time for the emergency in Carlow logged at three hours, 15 minutes and five seconds. However, the NAS said some of the longer-wait calls may have started out as a lower priority but were later reprioritised depending on the circumstances. It said it was not possible to say for certain in which cases this had happened and that it could account for some of the bigger delays. Response times for life-threatening illnesses other than cardiac and respiratory arrest ranged between two and three hours An information note said: Therefore, some of the higher response times may be attributed to the fact the call was a low acuity call for the majority of time and was upgraded to the higher acuity category. Of the 864 calls that were not responded to within an hour, nearly 14pc or 118 calls in total were in Cork, the county worst affected due at least in part to its large size. The county next most impacted was Wexford where it took at least an hour to deal with 96 separate emergency calls made about sick or injured patients. Other counties with relatively high numbers of one-hour-plus delays were Donegal at 61, Mayo at 46, Tipperary at 58 and Waterford at 49, all of which are geographically sizeable. Counties with an extremely low level of lengthy delays included Longford with just five cases, Sligo with four and Westmeath where there were just seven calls that went over 60 minutes in response time. In the main urban centres, there were 37 calls in Limerick not responded to within an hour, 23 in Galway and 16 in Dublin. The Dublin figure may be slightly understated, however, as some ambulance services are provided by the fire brigade rather than the NAS. In an information note, the NAS said its national response target times were responding to 75pc of Purple calls within 19 minutes and 45pc of Red calls within 19 minutes. For Purple calls, the NAS hit its 75pc target in both August and October of last year and were above 70pc in five of the six months that were listed. In September 2023, the figure achieved was 67pc and 8pc below the standard that had been set. For Red calls, where the target response is within 19 minutes in 45pc of cases, the figure for each of the six months in 2023 was above 40pc. Colleagues told to act as former university president Professor Kerstin Mey was under pressure to answer key questions University of Limericks chief commercial officer (CCO) Andrew Flaherty asked colleagues to intervene when the then university president Professor Kerstin Mey bungled answers during a Public Accounts Committee meeting he failed to attend, according to text messages seen by the Sunday Independent. The messages suggest he was watching this meeting, despite the committee being told he was unavailable for it due to a long-standing engagement. TDs accused Mr Flaherty of trying to avoid their questions on recent controversies at the university. He was central to the universitys 12.56m purchase of 20 homes near its campus. A review said the homes are worth about half this amount. University of Limerick (UL) provost Professor Shane Kilcommins has since admitted there is an inconsistency in the reason given for Mr Flahertys failure to attend a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting in May last year. Mr Flaherty sent a message to the universitys human resources director Bobby OConnor during this meeting, saying: Ye need to help her. Mr OConnor was in the Leinster House committee rooms front row as part of ULs delegation. The University of Limerick campus The timing of this text message appears to coincide with questions from Independent TD Verona Murphy to Prof Mey about Mr Flaherty, his whereabouts, his promotion to a senior role without a competitive process and whether or not the UL team received public relations training before meeting the committee. The latter question was asked more than 20 times before Ms Murphy was given a straight answer. Prof Mey told Ms Murphy that Mr Flaherty was unable to attend the meeting because it clashed with a prior engagement. This narrative was drawn into question at a follow-up PAC meeting this year when Prof Kilcommins told politicians Mr Flaherty was with ULs delegation either side of the 2023 meeting. Professor Shane Kilcommins Prof Kilcommins said he was told Mr Flaherty was unable to attend because of an investigation into the housing deal. I do not know whether the CCO had a long-standing engagement or not. All I can relay to the deputy is that what I was told, in coming to the PAC, was that he could not attend because of an investigation into the transaction, Prof Kilcommins told the committee this year. I do not know whether he had or had not a long-standing commitment. The issue I raised, on my return from PAC, was that there was an inconsistency. On the one hand, I was told one thing and, on the other, PAC was told another thing. What I raised with the president and the CCO was that if there was an issue in terms of what they told PAC that needed to be corrected and that they should do so. This is like an episode of Hamlet without the prince Labour TD Alan Kelly later accused Mr Flaherty of being across the road in some establishment texting people here. This is like an episode of Hamlet without the prince, Mr Kelly said at this years meeting with UL. Ms Murphy accused Prof Mey of telling the committee a blatant lie about Mr Flahertys failure to meet with TDs. The text messages, obtained by the Sunday Independent under Freedom of Information laws, show Prof Kilcommins and Mr Flaherty were in contact immediately before the 2023 PAC meeting. Prof Kilcommins asked Mr Flaherty to share planning reports for the controversial housing purchase on an internal management system. Mr Flaherty responded with words of encouragement ahead of the meeting. Good luck. You have this. Thank you, Mr Flaherty said. Prof Kilcommins later said he was only presented with a full picture of matters regarding the controversial housing deal around the time of the 2023 PAC meeting. He questioned it afterwards. This year he told the PAC of suggestions he made after last years meeting with TDs. These were aimed at improving governance and included a realignment of roles so responsibilities for corporate governance and buildings and estates would not be part of the same portfolio. Drominbeg Square, Rhebogue, Limerick, which was purchased by UL for student housing These were assigned to Mr Flahertys former role as chief corporate officer, a title he was promoted to in 2021 without a competitive process. A realignment last year saw Mr Flaherty move to the new position of chief commercial officer. The 2023 PAC appearance is likely to be synonymous with Prof Meys time leading UL. Her resignation as president was announced last Friday but staff were angered by the news she will take up a new professorship role in September. They questioned if she will now be held to account for her role in the Rhebogue housing deal, and openly doubted if she will be able to teach in UL given it does not offer courses in line with her area of expertise visual art. Staff also asked why her new job was not advertised and objected to a lack of transparency just weeks after chancellor Professor Brigid Laffan heralded a new era of openness at UL. Two senior sources said they feared a mass walkout of staff had Prof Mey returned from extended sick leave to lead the university, given her role in multiple controversies during her tenure. ULs 12.56m purchase of the homes in Rhebogue is currently the subject of a statutory review headed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), a criminal investigation around intimidating letters sent to the university, a preliminary garda assessment examining a potential fraud and a planning issue being considered by An Bord Pleanala. A spokesman for the university said it was working with the HEA on its review. The review is focused on specific issues in relation to the acquisition of the Rhebogue properties and the general governance and culture of the university. It would not be appropriate to comment on these matters at this time, he added. Simon Harris fired board by press release, SFI chair allegedly complained Issue was taken with plans that Philip Nolan says ultimately cost him director general role at state body Philip Nolan was dismissed by the SFI board. Photo: Collins Mark Tighe Sun 16 Jun 2024 at 03:30 The chairman of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) allegedly complained repeatedly that his board was fired by press release issued by Simon Harris when he was Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science last year. Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni and Taoiseach Simon Harris at the plenary session of the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, in Switzerland. Photo: Reuters Taoiseach Simon Harris has said the international community needs to do more than simply raise awareness of the war crimes Ukrainian children are experiencing at the hands of Russia, which include torture, electric shocks and interrogation. The Taoiseach was attending an international peace summit on Ukraine which was held in Switzerland over two days. Over 100 leaders attended the summit this weekend in the Swiss Burgenstock resort, which overlooks Lake Lucerne, including US vice-president Kamala Harris. During the summit, Mr Harris addressed those gathered at a session on Sunday and spoke about a report by the Ombudsman for Ukraine, which detailed how 20,000 Ukrainian children had been abducted and taken into Russia. Before we even get to action, we do define the situation, that we do call out the situation that we have seen 20,000 children snatched from their parents, snatched from their towns or villages, their country, and forcibly deported, the Taoiseach said. Todays News in 90 Seconds - 16th June 2024 Mr Harris also said the report should be compulsory reading. Two things from it that really jumped out I think, at a glance is that if Ukraine returns at least one child every day, it will take 55 years to get all of their children back, Mr Harris said. Secondly, when you read the evidence, and the narrative of what's actually happening to children, interrogations, electric shocks, tortures, these are the horrors the boy experienced in the temporary occupied territories of Ukraine. The child found himself there, after the Russian occupation, constantly interrogated, electrocuted, tortured, forced to sign a confession to a crime he had nothing to do with. While the Taoiseach said the contents of the report needed to be shouted about from the rooftops, he said it wasnt enough to just raise awareness of the war crimes against children in Ukraine. We must do more than just raise awareness and just define the situation. We need to be restless to take action, he said. I really want to commend Canada and Norway for the leadership you've shown on the global coalition. I want to thank Qatar, for the incredible work you've done in trying to get children back to Ukraine back to their parents. However, he said the world was not doing enough in relation to this details contained in the Ombudsman report. If we're being honest, the world as a collective is not doing nearly enough and we must challenge ourselves and stretch ourselves to do more, and to ask ourselves what practically, can we do more, and I do think that will be different for different countries, the Taoiseach said. Some of this support, the Taoiseach said, would include the psychological support countries can provide to children once they have returned to Ukraine and he said Ireland would dig deep to do more. I think as we leave today, it's not enough to be just absolutely disgusted and repulsed by this behaviour by Russia, we have to actually ask ourselves, what practically are we going to do and for my part, for the parts of the Irish people, we will dig deep in terms of doing more in a practical way to assist the global coalition, the Taoiseach said. The Taoiseach says the world cannot allow this to go unchecked and reports of Russias plans for more so-called child vacations this summer must be resisted. I should have gone to my GP sooner, but I put it off because I knew it was MS mum urges people with symptoms to seek help immediately The teenager has been named locally as Reece Donohue (17) who was from Upper Main Street, Kilnaleck, in Co Cavan Tributes have been paid to a teenager who lost his life in a tragic work incident in County Cavan on Thursday afternoon. The teenager has been named locally as Reece Donohue (17) who was from Upper Main Street, Kilnaleck, in Co Cavan. The fatal incident occurred at the Wilton site at Kifagh, near Ballyjamesduff shortly after 4.30pm on Thursday June 13th. Gardai and emergency services attended, but the 17-year-old worker was pronounced deceased at the scene. His body was removed from the scene to the mortuary in Cavan General Hospital and a post-mortem examination was subsequently carried out. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) were also notified, and a file will be prepared for the Coroner's Court. Todays News in 90 Seconds - 16th June 2024 In a statement, a spokesperson for Wilton Waste said: The company offers their deepest condolences to the employee's family at this very sad time. "As a mark of respect, the company has decided to close the gates until further notice." Local Fine Gael Councillor Trevor Smith said the people of the wider Kilnaleck area are shocked and saddened by this awful tragedy. He described the deceased was a popular young lad, and that the local community in Kilnaleck and surrounding areas were reeling in shock from the news. He added I'm sure the local community will support Reeces family in any way they can, said Cllr Smith, who also expressed his deepest sympathies to the teenager's family. Another local who knew the family described Reece as A lovely young man who never caused a fuss. While another described him as a lad that any mother would be proud to have as your son. Reece, who was a pupil at Saint Clares College in Ballyjamesduff in Cavan, is survived by his parents Mary and Brian and siblings Jade, Amber and Niall. His funeral is planned for Tuesday at St. Patrick's Church, Kilnaleck at noon. A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said they will now prepare a file for the Coroners Court. Gardai and emergency services were alerted to a fatal workplace accident at a premises in Cavan yesterday afternoon, 13th June 2024 shortly after 4.30pm. A 17-year-old male was pronounced deceased at the scene. His body has been removed from the scene to the mortuary in Cavan. A post-mortem will take place in due course. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has been notified. A file will be prepared for the Coroner's Court. Deirdre Curran, vice-dean for equality, diversity and inclusion at the University of Galway Professor John Waddell, former professor of archaeology at University of Galway A former professor of archaeology at University of Galway has criticised the college over the number of unfilled posts in humanities and claimed there was management bloat at the institution. Prof John Waddell also said a recent unofficial poll of staff identified a terrible distrust of bureaucracy and unhappiness in the university. The University of Galway has denied his claims. The unofficial confidential survey, which drew responses from 153 members of staff, identified concerns about excessive workload. Conducted by Deirdre Curran, vice-dean for equality, diversity and inclusion, it highlighted workload, job insecurity, incivility and a belief that students were suffering. The university has almost 3,000 staff and more than 19,000 students. Professor John Waddell, former professor of archaeology at University of Galway Almost half (46pc) of the staff who replied said they were owed money in unclaimed or rejected expenses; 53pc felt like they belonged in the university but 47pc said they did not. Respondents identified top-down management, lack of consultation, constant juggling and feeling undervalued. Positive factors cited included the opportunity to teach and conduct research, flexibility, variety of work and the opportunity to support students. Asked to name one factor they would like to see changed, respondents said less bureaucracy and less precarity in contracts. They also identified a revised promotion scheme and a need to put the student back at the centre as priorities. They listed a need to trust staff and listen, deal with bad behaviour and ensure better leadership and less public relations. They referred to a disconnect with management. Deirdre Curran, vice-dean for equality, diversity and inclusion at the University of Galway Dr Curran said she conducted the survey in her own time after an all-staff meeting with the university president in which she raised frustrations. . Dr Curran said she was contacted by colleagues after she spoke at the meeting and felt she had struck a nerve. More than 80pc of the 153 who responded to her survey have worked for more than five years at the university. Acknowledging the survey was a snapshot, Dr Curran said she presented the findings to university president Prof Ciaran O hOgartaigh. Prof Waddell said he was not surprised by the survey findings. Many decisions about academic appointments, financial matters and course offerings are now more centrally controlled and are taken by management and not by academic bodies or committees, he said. Universities do need good administrators, but the notable growth in management numbers in recent years has not been accompanied by a corresponding increase in permanent academic staff. In Galway, management bloat has been accompanied by an increase in some subject areas of numbers of teaching-only/part-time staff and a corresponding failure to fill teaching and research positions. Undoubtedly universities in Ireland are under-funded, but it also appears that their priority has been to spend more on tiers of management and less on teaching and research personnel. Notable growth in management numbers has not been accompanied by a corresponding increase in permanent academic staff University of Galway said it was rated independently by Ibec as one of the top 100 employers in Ireland for leading in wellbeing. A survey open to all staff found widespread support for our value of respect, with almost two-thirds of those who replied feeling that we have made some or significant progress in that regard over the last five years, a university spokesman said. This is in stark contrast to responses from a selected, ad hoc group of 150 people 4pc of our staff about half of whom raised issues over expenses. We operate an appropriately robust policy and process for approving expenses, as the taxpayer would rightly anticipate and as we should do when responsible for public funds. The claim of significant academic vacancies simply isnt true. All of the disciplines referred to have favourable staff-student ratios, and French and Spanish in particular have had new posts created in the last year. In a resource-constrained environment, University of Galway allocates lecturing posts to discipline areas based on student numbers, to best serve the needs of our students, the spokesman said, saying 23 new posts had been approved. An increase in core funding by Government in the last two budgets has been eroded by new public sector pay awards. A video recorded by someone interfering with the ancient remains of a child found buried in Ballyfermot during an archeological dig has been blasted by a local councillor. Local People Before Profit Councillor Hazel de Nortuin said peoples ideas of what is right and wrong when it comes to social media have gone out the window. The skeleton of the child, thought to have been buried around 600AD, was recently uncovered during archeological works at the site of the former De La Salle monastery in the Dublin suburb which is being examined prior to a private development. In the video, posted on social media last week, a person recorded the small skeleton and can be seen touching its teeth. Todays News in 90 Seconds - 16th June 2024 There have since been calls from the National Museum of Ireland for people to stop sharing and remove the video. As part of archaeological testing in advance of the construction of a strategic housing development within the grounds of the former Mount Le Salle Monastery and the De La Salle Boys School, a number of Early Medieval burials were identified, a Museum spokesperson said. "These are in a low burial mound, within a shallow-ditched enclosure. The majority are aligned west to east. A full understanding of the significance of the site must await the excavation, analysis, radiocarbon dating and subsequent reporting by the licensed archaeologist. Cllr de Nortuin said: I was shocked when I saw it. Where peoples minds go and what they think is right or wrong for a social media post has just gone out the window. Why would anyone interfere with the dead? Ballyfermot doesnt have much when it comes to evidence of archeology because everything has been knocked and gone for development over the decades, and this find is very significant for the people of the area and it could give them a sense of their history. Archeologists are trying to sketch and record the remains so they can determine how they were buried, and under what circumstances, and this was being interfered with by someone touching it. The site is a secured building site with a security presence, leading to speculation that the person who made the recording had permission to be on the site rather than being a member of the wider public. It is understood more remains could yet be found in the dig which was started after a Section 26 licence was issued by the National Monuments Service to ensure the site is examined by archeologists and recorded before for development can occur. It is understood the remains were found behind the site of the old De La Salle monastery. Ken Larkin, a member of the local Ballyfermot Heritage Group, said the site may uncover more finds from the period between 400 and 800 AD. I heard other finds like buckles have been located, and any other finds will have to be noted. I think what happened last week was disgraceful and I hear the matter has been reported to gardai, he told the Irish Independent. Palestinian children walk amid the debris in Rafah as the conflict between Israel and the militant group Hamas continues. Photo: AFP via Getty Images By October 7, when Hamas militants invaded Israel, massacring civilians and kidnapping 250 people, the war in Sudan had been ongoing for six months. Thousands of people had been killed and seven million had fled their homes. In that time, Sudan was mentioned on 12 separate occasions in the Dail; 10 of these focused on the risks to Irish citizens there. Since then, the media has reported daily on the news from Gaza, keeping a running total of those killed. For Sudan, however, there has been no running total, because news has been so sparse. The total killed in Gaza is now between 30,000 (according to Israels estimate, as of last month) and 37,000 (according to figures produced by the Hamas-run health service, last week). Estimates of deaths in Sudan have ranged from 15,000 to 30,000, but the US special envoy to Sudan, Tom Perriello, told the Senate recently that those estimates could be out by a factor of 10 or 15 and that some had estimated a death total of 150,000. Two-year-old Aida is screened for malnutrition at a Unicef aid centre in River Nile State, Sudan. Photo: Ahmed Elfatih Mohamdeen So the level of fatalities in Sudan is comparable with that in Gaza, or worse - but deaths in Sudan have provoked nothing like the outrage amongst the Western (and Irish) public at deaths in Gaza. Other consequences of war which have rightly been newsworthy in Gaza have barely been newsworthy in Sudan. The allegation of genocide against Israel has been a mainstay both of commentary and protest; genocide has also been alleged against one of the parties in the Sudanese civil war, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), to little international response. In Gaza, three quarters of the population 1.7 million people have been displaced. Almost 10 million are displaced within Sudan, with a further two million Sudanese having fled to neighbouring countries. In Gaza, more people are at immediate risk of famine than anywhere else in the world, according to the global monitoring standard known as the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). However, Sudan is the second-most food-insecure place and the numbers ultimately at risk in Sudan are far greater. So the level of fatalities in Sudan is comparable with that in Gaza, or worse A collective of UN agencies warned recently the people of Sudan were at imminent risk of famine, with 18 million already acutely hungry, including 3.6 million children who are acutely malnourished. Coverage of the threat of famine in Gaza has been constant since Israel first blocked aid deliveries, last October. That threat in Sudan has barely broken through to the mainstream news. This disproportion in attention is evident internationally and domestically. Since October 7, Gaza has been mentioned hundreds of times in Dail debates, with multiple mentions at leaders questions and dedicated debates on recognition of the state of Palestine and the International Court of Justice genocide case against Israel. In the same period, Sudan has been discussed once, for barely a few minutes. (It has also received a few brief discussions at the foreign affairs committee.) Palestinian children walk amid the debris in Rafah as the conflict between Israel and the militant group Hamas continues. Photo: AFP via Getty Images (That anti-semitism may be a factor at the aggregate does not mean any individuals outrage or protest is anti-semitic. I think protest an appropriate response to Netanyahus war on Gaza; I just wish it could be protested without endorsing the apparent obliteration of Israel from the river to the sea.) But anti-semitism is far from the only cause of this disproportion. Identity is a factor: the Western left (and Irish republicans) have long identified with the Palestinian cause (as they once did with the anti-apartheid movement), while conservatives (and Northern unionists) have often championed Zionism. Tribal identify has only room for so many inflections; the Middle East crowds out other causes. The media, too, has room for only so many narratives: after Ukraine and Gaza, there is little bandwidth left. Complexity is another factor. Though the Middle East is itself endlessly complex, those who seek to do so can reduce it to a satisfying binary of good and evil. There have been no calls for a boycott of the UAE, no pressure on our politicians to speak out and precious few editorials This Sudanese civil war, meanwhile, is a bewildering new permutation in a country long riven by post-colonial dysfunction and resource-fuelled corruption. This time, the factions are based neither on ethnicity nor geography but on a personal power struggle between the head of the army, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and his former deputy, Hemedti, a one-time Janjaweed warlord who heads the paramilitary RSF. So there may be multiple reasons why any one producer or consumer of news, or politician, chooses to focus on Gaza rather than on Sudan. But if the causes at the individual level are opaque, the effects at the aggregate are transparent. Sudan needs $2.26bn (2.1bn) in humanitarian funding this year (according to OCHA); less than one dollar in eight has been provided. Political capital is a scarce resource, too; leaders have to choose where to spend it. Madeleine Albright was the US ambassador to the United Nations during the Rwandan genocide. Asked, later, to explain why the US had failed to intervene to stop the genocide, she said the phones werent ringing: there was insufficient pressure on the administration to make it a priority. Sudan may seem remote and obscure to us but, like any other country with sought-after resources (gold) and a strategic location, it is bound into the global economy and regional geopolitics, in particular through the United Arab Emirates. Dubai is the hub for the gold exports helping to fund the RSF, and the UAE is believed to have supplied the RSF with weapons. (The UAE has denied this.) The US could exert greater direct pressure on the warring sides and indirectly via the UAE. The Biden administration has pushed for a ceasefire in Sudan, but has done so merely through a special envoy, while the attention of that envoys boss, secretary of state Antony Blinken, is focused elsewhere on a ceasefire in Gaza. Ireland, too, could choose to exert influence, via trade links: our exports to the UAE, at roughly half a billion euro, are comparable to our exports to Israel. But there have been no calls for a boycott of the UAE, no pressure on our politicians to speak out, no protests, precious few editorials. The phones arent ringing. A scene from the film 'Kiss Of The Con Queen', currently in production, showing Irish actor Eoin O'Brien, who fell victim to the con queen and wrote the film. Photo: De Warrenne Pictures/PA For Eoin OBrien, a Dublin expat living in Bangkok, securing a part in a blockbuster film was the dream of a lifetime. But the Hollywood producer who he thought was giving him that opportunity was not who they said they were. Convinced he was in the running for a breakthrough role in a DC Justice League film, Mr OBrien, who is from Dublin, said he was pressured to go all out in a one-way video audition. I was coerced into performing simulated sex acts over Skype by the con queen in the guise of an audition, he said. When I discovered it wasnt who he claimed and also a male, I felt violated. Mr OBrien flew to Jakarta at his own expense having been promised a $5,000 (4,600) fee before handing over thousands of dollars for shooting permits, which he was assured would be reimbursed. But after four days of being driven to remote locations, Bangkok-based Mr OBrien realised he had been scammed and fled Indonesia in the middle of the night. His story echoes the experiences of victims of Hargobind Tahilramani, also known as the Con Queen of Hollywood, accused of being behind an elaborate scam, taking over $1million from more than 300 victims. On todays The Indo Daily: Revisited Fionnan Sheahan speaks to Eoin OBrien about his own story of being scammed by a supposed Hollywood producer and turning that experience into a film. Tralee band Aftershock will perform at the Anam Festival in July. There is an exciting addition to the arts scene in Tralee with the announcement of the first ever arts and cultural festival Anam from July 12 to14. The inspiration behind the inaugural event is to harness and promote Tralees rich contribution to arts and culture by giving it its own platform. Anam 2024 will see a variety of artistic acts from writers, poets, and playwrights including musicians, to name a few. Events will take place at different venues around Tralee where guests can expect a family friendly vibe with a diverse line-up of local emerging talent and established Irish artists. Approximately 12 events in total are planned with tickets already on sale. A group of likeminded people in Tralee came together with the idea for Anam. This included Ash Maguire and Rebekah Wall of Maddens, Sinn Fein TD Pa Daly, Frank Houlihan, and Anne ONeill. Were starting small to begin with. A lot of people in Tralee were just saying there is a demand for this, so a few of us came together and decided we would set up a small festival promoting local writing, musicians, book readings, etc, Pa Daly said. Among the line-up is Noel ORegan and Victoria Kennefick who will be in conversation with Edel Brosnan. Kit de Waal in conversation with Clodagh Finn. Tralee band Aftershock will perform, while the Hy-Breasal Players present Clutch a unique production of six short plays performed in the setting of six different cars. For the full festival line up, visit www.anamtralee.com Gorey resident, Sadie Harpur, author of the book The Hidden World of a Foster-Girl and her co-author, Jackie Hayden from Killinick, were guest speakers at an event in the Mansion House in Dublin recently. The event was hosted by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daithi de Roiste and was organised by Natasha Partridge. Tuslas network of Foster Care Workers were also in attendance and praised Sadies honesty in outlining the details of her life in foster-care. Before the event started Sadie lit candles in memory of her foster-brother Gary who committed suicide, one for her birth father Henry and one for all care workers. As a further reminder of Gary, Sadie played a recording by the Cantabile Choir from Gorey of the song Iris. In her book, The Hidden World of a Foster-Girl, Sadie outlines how she has suffered from learning difficulties as a result of undiagnosed dyslexia. Growing up she was described as mentally below average and endured bouts of depression, suicidal thoughts and was repeatedly bullied. Her serious teenage problems included self-harming, violent outbursts and zero self-esteem. Since then, she has overcome these challenges and found happiness with her husband, their young family, her new-found career as a Special Needs assistant and in becoming a foster-parent. Sadie has recorded podcasts for the IFCA and one with Niamh Barrett is available on Spotify and Apple entitled Stories From Foster Care. Another was for the Being Brilliant series hosted by Mairead Vaughan. Her book has been described as inspirational by The Irish Foster Care Association and is available to buy from bookshops and on Kindle. Active Retirement arts and crafts group presented 3,000 to local groups in the Brandon House hotel. Presentations were made to Geraldine O'Hanrahans GAA, New Ross sea scouts and New Ross & District Pipe Band. Photo; Mary Browne Members of the the New Ross Active retired Arts & Crafts have been very successful in donating another 3,000 to three groups in New Ross who need funding. The group meet regularly and are always crafting something. As much a social occasion, as anything else, they use their time positively and clearly for the benefit of the community, following such a generous series of donations. With growing numbers over the years, the group welcome new members. The groups who received the 1,000 were:; The Geraldine OHanrahans; The Sea Scouts; New Ross & District Pipe Band The Art & Craft class have donated 10,000 in the last few years The names of those who attended were: Chairperson Cellie Irwin; Secretary Joan Foley; Nancy Sheehan.; Marie Collier.; Maureen Corcoran.; Rose Ryan.; Joan Monaghan. and Bunny Gladney. Actor Brian Cox has said he is worried that the SNP will not make securing an independence referendum a clear goal in its General Election manifesto (Ian West/PA) Actor Brian Cox has said he is worried that the Scottish National Party (SNP) will not make securing an independence referendum a clear goal of the General Election. The 78-year-old Succession star has been very vocal about his support for Scotland breaking off from the UK and in his criticism of Brexit. Asked on BBC Ones Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg about the political parties manifestos, the Dundee-born actor said the SNP could be backing away from the notion of independence ahead of it announcing its election pledges. He added: I dont know if Scotland (has) backed off, but I think that its something that worries me, because I still believe in independence. Cox said he believes that if Scotland was independent it should be part of these islands and co-operative with the rest of the UK. He added: I do believe we need a new kind system. I dont believe in the United Kingdom I believe that we should have a sort of united federation with these islands, that each country should be independent, but come together to support the whole, instead of things being dictated, as we find in Scotland (things are done) on our behalf, that we have very little say. (L to R) Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, former cabinet minister Nadine Dorries and actor Brian Cox on the BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg (Jeff Overs/BBC/PA) He referred to the referendum in which Scotland voted to stay in Europe while the majority of the UK voted to leave. Cox also said his main thing is still the demon that we dont talk about, which is Brexit before citing economic figures. He added: It seems to me that we are still suffering from that, and weve not done anything about it. So when we talk about other things, we cant really talk in terms of where we are because we are suffering from Brexit. Brian Cox has been very vocal about his support for Scottish independence and in his criticism of Brexit (Ian West/PA) Cox said if he was a Conservative voter, he would be concerned by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage as he claimed the parliamentary candidate for Clacton is really ruining that party. He called the other manifestos that were launched last week the same old, same old. Cox added: My feeling is just we need to get rid of the present Government. Thats the most important thing as far as Im concerned. And I think at the moment its a very I dont know, I just wish I could be clearer about whats going on and Im not. And Im not getting a sense of whats what and whos who; Im getting a sense of whos against but Im not getting enough of where were supposed to be going, particularly in relationship to poverty, particularly in relationship to the care of the working class, and I feel the working class (has been) a systematic sidestep for a very, very long time. An SNP spokesman said: As the largest political party and pro-independence party in Scotland, the SNP will continue delivering for people across the country and making the case for a better Scotland with independence. In the face of yet more cuts to public services, Brexit and a cost-of-living crisis, voting SNP at the General Election is a chance for people in Scotland to make their voice heard which is why page one, line one of the SNP manifesto will read vote SNP for Scotland to become an independent country. Paddy Agnew: G7 admirers might look up to Meloni, but the legacy of Il Duce is still not forgotten Giorgia Meloni won 28.8pc of the vote in Italys elections, but her pedigree is far right Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni at the G7. Photo: Reuters Paddy Agnew Sun 16 Jun 2024 at 03:30 Perhaps the abiding image of the first day of this weekends G7 summit in Puglia, southern Italy, was that of the diminutive and dynamic Italian hostess, Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni, greeting the worlds shakers and makers. Iran and Sweden have carried out a prisoner swap that saw Tehran release a European Union diplomat and another man in exchange for an Iranian convicted of committing war crimes over his part in 1988 mass executions in the Islamic Republic. The arrest of Hamid Nouri by Sweden in 2019 as he travelled there as a tourist likely sparked the detention of the two Swedes, part of a long-running strategy by Iran since its 1979 Islamic Revolution to use those with ties abroad as bargaining chips in negotiations with the West. LATEST | We will evaluate it when it comes closer Tanaiste responds to soldiers concerns they may not be able to come home at end of Lebanon tour Photo courtesy: X/Narendra Modi Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Saturday said there is a commitment to work with India on some "very important issues" amid a massive diplomatic row. Justin Trudeau's remarks come a day after he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Italy on Friday. "I'm not going to get into the details of this important, sensitive issue that we need to follow up, but this was a commitment to work together, in the coming times, to deal with some very important issues," Trudeau told reporters. PM Modi's meeting with his Canadian counterpart took place amid strained ties after the country's authorities alleged India's involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. The two leaders earlier met at the G20 Summit hosted by India in September last year. Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen who was wanted in India on various terror charges, was shot dead outside a Gurdwara in Surrey on June 18, 2023. Canada's charge against India sparked a massive row with both countries expelling diplomats of the other country. Three Indians were arrested in Canada in May in connection with Nijjar's murder. India has said there are "political interests at work" in the matter and reiterated its position that separatists and extremists have been given political space in the country. Photo courtesy: PIB New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah presided over a high-level meeting in Delhi on Sunday to assess the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir following recent terror attacks, media reports said. Shah was expected to provide broad directives to enhance counter-terror operations during the meeting, reported news agency PTI. The meeting was attended by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha, Army Chief General Manoj Pande, Army Chief-designate Lt. General Upendra Dwivedi, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, Director of Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka, Director General of CRPF Anish Dayal Singh, Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police RR Swain, and other senior security officials. The Home Minister will also review preparations for the annual Amarnath pilgrimage, which is scheduled to commence on June 29. According to PTI, Shah is expected to be briefed on the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, force deployments along the International Border and Line of Control, infiltration attempts, ongoing anti-terror operations, and the number of terrorists active in the Union Territory. Over the past week, terrorists targeted four locations in Reasi, Kathua, and Doda districts of Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of nine pilgrims and a CRPF jawan, and injuring seven security personnel and several others. In Kathua district, security forces killed two suspected Pakistani terrorists and recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition from them. These incidents come just before the annual Amarnath pilgrimage to the cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas, which will run from June 29 to August 19. Pilgrims travel via two routes -- Baltal and Pahalgam -- in Jammu and Kashmir. Last year, over 428,000 people visited the cave shrine, and this number could rise to 500,000 this year, the news agency said. All pilgrims will be issued RFID cards for real-time tracking, and each will receive Rs 5 lakh in insurance coverage. Further, each animal carrying pilgrims will be insured for Rs 50,000. Shah is expected to lay emphasis on ensuring smooth arrangements from the airport and railway station to the pilgrimage base camp, as well as proper security for all pilgrims. Photo courtesy: Facebook/Narendra Modi New Delhi/IBNS: Opposition leaders have targeted the Centre over the massive row surrounding the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), the all-India examination for admission to medical courses, that has sparked protests by aspirants in various parts of the country. MK Stalin's DMK, which has been opposing NEET ever since it was introduced, has slammed the National Testing Agency for destroying the exam's sanctity. The Congress has questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "silence" and demanded a Supreme Court-monitored probe. Results for the medical entrance examination, in which 24 lakh students appeared on May 5, were declared on June 4, the same day of the 2024 Lok Sabha election's counting. Following the declaration of the results, allegations of paper leak surfaced with as many as 67 students scoring the perfect score of 720/720. The cut-off has gone up exponentially, leaving many wondering if they would get a medical college seat at all. The Supreme Court earlier issued notice to the central government and the National Testing Agency (NTA) on a batch of pleas seeking a probe into the alleged paper leak by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The top court also issued a notice hearing a plea filed by NTA seeking the transfer of various cases pending in high courts on NEET-UG 2024 to the apex court. Responding to the allegations, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has said there is no evidence of paper leaks and claims of corruption in NTA are unfounded. "All the facts related to this are before the Supreme Court and are under consideration. The kind of politics being done on this issue is only an attempt to spread confusion and it affects the mental peace of the students," Pradhan said. Targeting the Centre over the raging issue, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said grace marks are not the only problem. "There has been rigging, papers have been leaked, and corruption has taken place. The future of 24 lakh students appearing in the NEET examination is at stake due to the actions of the Modi government." Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has said the "scam in NEET" has devastated more than 24 lakh students and their families. The party's general secretary, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, has said the Education Minister's "arrogant response" ignores the concerns of 24 lakh students and their parents. Other INDIA allies have also joined the protest against the exam. RJD leader and Leader of Opposition in Bihar Assembly Tejasjwi Yadav said paper leaks are "inevitable" whenever the BJP is in power at the Centre or in the state. Photo Courtesy: PIB Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has triggered a debate by saying that the world should eliminate the use of electronic voting machines since they are vulnerable to hacking. "We should eliminate electronic voting machines. The risk of being hacked by humans or AI, while small, is still too high," he posted on X. He shared his opinion while referring to an X post by Robert F Kennedy Jr, nephew of former US President John F Kennedy and an independent hopeful for the 2024 US Elections, who said Puerto Ricos primary elections just experienced hundreds of voting irregularities related to electronic voting machines. "Puerto Ricos primary elections just experienced hundreds of voting irregularities related to electronic voting machines, according to the Associated Press.Luckily, there was a paper trail so the problem was identified and vote tallies corrected," he wrote on X. This is a huge sweeping generalization statement that implies no one can build secure digital hardware. Wrong. @elonmusk 's view may apply to US n other places - where they use regular compute platforms to build Internet connected Voting machines. But Indian EVMs are custom https://t.co/GiaCqU1n7O Rajeev Chandrasekhar (@RajeevRC_X) June 16, 2024 "US citizens need to know that every one of their votes were counted, and that their elections cannot be hacked. We need to return to paper ballots to avoid electronic interference with elections. My administration will require paper ballots and we will guarantee honest and fair elections," he said. In India, third-generation EVMs are used. Former Indian Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar was quick in countering Musk and said he made a 'huge sweeping generalization statement'. " This is a huge sweeping generalization statement that implies no one can build secure digital hardware. Wrong," Chandrasekhar posted on X. "@elonmusk 's view may apply to US n other places - where they use regular compute platforms to build Internet connected Voting machines," he said. "But Indian EVMs are custom designed, secure and isolated from any network or media - No connectivity, no bluetooth, wifi, Internet. ie there is no way in. Factory programmed controllers that cannot be reprogrammed," he said. "Electronic voting machines can be architected and built right as India has done. We wud be happy to run a tutorial Elon," Chandrasekhar said, Musk made the comment at a time when India had just concluded its seven-phased general polls which was won by Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA alliance, marking the third straight term return of Narendra Modi as the Prime Minister of the world's largest democracy. Indian politician Rahul Gandhi later joined the debate and posted on X: "EVMs in India are a "black box," and nobody is allowed to scrutinize them. Serious concerns are being raised about transparency in our electoral process.Democracy ends up becoming a sham and prone to fraud when institutions lack accountability." In image Uddhav Thackeray, Sharad Pawa and Prothiviraj Chavan/ couurtesy: Videograb from X Mumbai/IBNS: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) founder Sharad Pawar has "thanked" Prime Minister Narendra Modi after Maharashtra's opposition alliance, the Maha Vikas Aghadi - consisting of his party, ex-Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena faction, and the Congress won 30 of the state's 48 Lok Sabha seats in the recently concluded general election. Pawar, who lost the NCP symbol and name to the faction led by nephew Ajit Pawar following a rebel by the latter, who teamed up with the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Sena group, said: "We thank PM Narendra Modi for making the political atmosphere conducive for the MVA." The jibe comes after the BJP's dismal showing in Maharashtra, where it managed only 9 seats as against 23 in 2019. In fact, data suggests Modi and the BJP did not win 15 of 18 seats in which it campaigned widely like Mumbai North and North West, and Satara among others. Meanwhile, Thackeray, whose Sena faction won nine seats while the breakaway group managed seven, seemed to shut the door to those looking to return after jumping ship. He said those who stayed loyal after the split in 2022 will stay, amid rumours at least two MPs are ready to move. "All those who supported me will stay. We will move forward with all those people who stayed and struggled with us..." he said, but then said, "If some people want to join us, we will see..." He also rubbished talk about a reverse switch - that he could merge his Sena group with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's 'original' and return to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. Thackeray, Pawar, and the Congress' Prithviraj Chavan addressed a presser to thank voters for the poll results. "This press conference is to express gratitude to the people of Maharashtra. The people voted for the MVA and rejected attempts of religious polarisation," Chavan said. "Recently, a meeting of the three parties was held to prepare for the Assembly election. The way we fought the Lok Sabha election, we will fight the Vidhan Sabha poll," he continued, "Our victory will be certain and there will be a change of power in the state." Thackeray, meanwhile, underlined the fact the central government is no longer run solely by the BJP like the scenarios in 2014 and 2019, but is dependent on allies. "It was 'Modi government' but now it is 'NDA government'. How long will it last?" He also said the Lok Sabha result in the state had exposed the "myth" of the BJP's electoral invincibility. "There was an atmosphere in the whole country... everyone thought no one could fight against the BJP. But people of Maharashtra showed this is hollow," he said. Photo courtesy: Pavithra Gowda Instagram profile Bengaluru: Pavithra Gowda is not Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepas second wife or partner, his lawyer has said, reported media. Darshan Thoogudeepa and Pavithra Gowda are currently in jail along with 14 others in connection with the murder of one Renukaswamy, a resident of Karnatakas Chitradurga, who wrote derogatory comments on Pavithras social media account. According to media reports, Darshan Thoogudeepa was urged by Pavithra Gowda to punish Renukaswamy for the comments. In an interview with India Today TV, Anil Babu firmly denied reports claiming that Pavithra Gowda is Darshan Thoogudeepas second wife or partner. He clarified that Vijayalakshmi is the actor's legally wedded wife and that Pavithra Gowda is merely a co-star and friend. Pavithra Gowda being the second wife, that is utterly false. She is just a friend. They used to be co-stars and now they have a friendly relationship, nothing else. The only wife [of Darshan] is the first wife, Vijayalakshmi. No second marriage happened at any point of time, Anil Babu was quoted as saying by India Today TV. Babu added that Darshan had no links to Renukaswamy and was not implicated in the alleged murder. Regarding the CCTV footage showing Darshan's car near the crime scene, Babu clarified that the actor was not in the vehicle and that the police have not presented any evidence proving his presence there. According to India Today, CCTV footage revealed a red Jeep owned by the actor at the murder site. The footage showed the Jeep trailing a Scorpio car, which was allegedly used to dispose of the body. Both vehicles have been seized by the police. Anil Babu said, "The first question is whether that car belongs to Darshan, that is yet to be established. Secondly, the police have to say that Darshan was present inside the car, that is the most important." Anil Babu also denied police charges that Darshan tried to pay other people money to get rid of Renukaswamy's body and bury the matter for good. "Darshan is not at all involved in this case. So, no question arises whether he paid anyone or how much was paid. He doesn't know anything about that matter," Babu was quoted as saying by India Today. In a fresh development, two more people, Jagadish and Anukumar, were apprehended on Friday in relation to the Renukaswamy murder case. Photo Courtesy: PIB Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting on Sunday to review security and logistics arrangements for Amarnath Ji Yatra, in New Delhi on Sunday amid the recent spike in terror incidents in Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was attended by National Security Advisor AjitDoval, Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Manoj Sinha, Union Home Secretary, Director, Intelligence Bureau, Senior Army Officers including Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pandey and Chief of Army Staff (Designate) Lt. General Upendra Dwivedi, Director General of CAPFs, Chief Secretary & DGP of J&K and other senior officers. During the review meeting, Union Home Minister instructed the security agencies to be vigilant and ensure sufficient deployment of security personnel for the AmarnathYatra. He instructed establishing perfect inter-agency coordination for effective security arrangements including a well-established standard operating response mechanism. Also Read: Jammu Kashmir terror attacks: Home Minister Amit Shah holds high-level meeting over security situation ahead of Amarnath Yatra Amit Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Government is committed to ensure a convenient and hassle-free experience for the devotees and adopt eco-friendly measures in management of the Amarnath Yatra. He said that it is Modi Governments priority to ensure that devotees of Shri Amarnath Yatra can have Holy Darshan with ease and they do not have to face any difficulty. The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has undertaken significant initiatives to make the Amarnath Yatra safe and comfortable for the devotees. Chaired a security review meeting on Jammu and Kashmir with all the heads of the agencies and Lt. Governor Shri Manoj Sinha Ji. Issued directions to replicate the success achieved in the Kashmir Valley through the Zero Terror and Area Dominance Plans in the Jammu area. Also pic.twitter.com/otjwFwuQtt Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 16, 2024 Last year more than 4.5 lakh devotees took the holy darshan. This year the Yatra would commence on 29th June. The Jammu and Kashmir Administration has made elaborate arrangements for smooth conduct of Yatra including seamless registration, convoy movement, camping facilities, medical facilities, upgrading the tracks, providing power and water supply and mobile phone connectivity. Photo Courtesy: PIB Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday directed security agencies to replicate the successes achieved in Kashmir valley through Area Domination Plan and Zero Terror Plan in Jammu division during his high-level meeting with officials amid the recent spike in terror activities in the region. Shah asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is committed to set an example by cracking down on terrorists through innovative means. Amit Shah directed all security agencies to work in a mission mode and ensure quick response in a coordinated manner. Union Home Minister said that the fight against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir is in its decisive phase. He added that recent incidents show that terrorism has been forced to shrink from highly organized acts of terrorist violence to a mere proxy war. He stressed that we are determined to root it out as well. Amit Shah emphasised on seamless coordination amongst the security agencies, identifying vulnerable areas and addressing the security concerns of such areas. Reiterating Zero Tolerance Policy against Terrorism under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister said that the government will leave no stone unturned in rooting out terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir. Also Read: Amit Shah chairs a high-level meeting today to review security for Amarnath Yatra amid recent terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir Union Home Minister said that efforts of the Government of India have yielded great positive results in Kashmir Valley with significant reduction in terror-related incidents. He noted that the improvement in law-and-order situation is reflected in record flow of tourists in Kashmir Valley. Shah appreciated security agencies and J&K administration for successful conduct of the Lok Sabha elections, which witnessed record voter turnout in Jammu and Kashmir. Photo Courtesy: Unsplash A Karachi man was arrested after he was found allegedly selling sacrificial goats with plastic teeth in the Gulberg Chowrangi area in the Pakistani city, media reports said. A video of a customer removing what appears to be plastic teeth from he mouth of a goat has gone viral. Police arrested the man after the video went viral and seized seven other goats as evidence. Police clarified that they received information about the sale of goats with artificial teeth through the viral video, prompting their intervention, reports ARY News. Police have launched further investigation into the case. Support Our Journalism We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news. Support objective journalism for a small contribution. Photo Courtesy: Wallpaper Cave Pakistan's Counter Terrorism Department in Pakistan's Bannu killed a key terrorist commander belonging to banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) during an Intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Lakki Marwat region in the country, media reports said. The operation was conducted in Tajuri Road near Malang Adda following which the armed terrorists hidden there opened fire on the police, reported The Express Tribune. The key TTP commander Waliullah was gunned down by the CTD in retaliatory firing, while others managed to escape the scene, the newspaper reported. Security personnel recovered arms and two hand grenades from his possession. Wali was a local commander of the banned TTP Tipu Gul group and was the son-in-law of Commander Atiqur Rahman alias Tipu Gul Marwat, reported The Express Tribune. Photo Courtesy: Unsplash At least two people died in a shooting incident during Juneteenth celebration in the US city of Round Rock in Texas on Saturday. An altercation broke out between two groups during the event at Old Settlers Park, and someone produced a gun and began to fire, Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks was quoted as saying by CNN at a news conference. A large number of people were present at the venue when the shooting occurred. People have so far not taken a person in custody. The exact number of people who opened fire during the event is still not clear. This is an ongoing investigation, Banks said. In a statement, Round Rock Police Department said: "Round Rock police are investigating a shooting incident Saturday night that left two people dead and multiple others injured during a Juneteenth celebration at Old Settlers Park, located at 1371 Harrell Parkway in Round Rock." As per the official Facebook page of the Round Rock Parks and Recreation Department, several artists were due to perform during the event. As Bakrid 2024 approaches, Muslims around the world prepare to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha, also known as Eid-al-Adha or Bakra Eid. This significant Islamic festival falls on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah, marking the conclusion of the Hajj pilgrimage and commemorating Prophet Ibrahim's unwavering faith and willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. It is a time of deep reflection, gratitude, and unity within the Muslim community. Eid-ul-Adha, often referred to as the Feast of Sacrifice, underscores the importance of faith and obedience in Islam. According to tradition, as Prophet Ibrahim prepared to sacrifice his son, Ismail, God intervened by providing a ram to be sacrificed instead. This event symbolises profound faith, submission to divine will, and compassion towards others. The date of Eid-ul-Adha varies annually based on the sighting of the moon, following the Islamic lunar calendar. In 2024, Eid-al-Adha will be observed on 17 June in India and 16 June in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other Arab nations. This difference in dates highlights the cultural diversity and global observance of this joyous occasion. Eid Mubarak Wishes and Messages for Parents: Expressing Gratitude and Love Happy Eid-Ul-Adha wishes images On this special occasion of Bakrid 2024, take the opportunity to convey heartfelt Eid Mubarak wishes and messages to your parents. Express your love, appreciation, and prayers for their well-being with these personalised messages: Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Wishes, Messages and Greetings for Father Dear Abba, may this Eid-ul-Adha bring you many blessings, happiness, and peace. Eid Mubarak! Wishing my dear father a joyful and blessed Eid-ul-Adha. May your heart be filled with love and your home with laughter. Eid Mubarak! On this special occasion, I pray that Allah grants you good health, success, and prosperity, dear Abba. Eid Mubarak! Sending heartfelt wishes to the best father in the world on Eid-ul-Adha. May your sacrifices and dedication be rewarded with Allah's blessings. Eid Mubarak! Dear Dad, may the spirit of Eid bring hope, love, and endless joy to your life. Have a memorable and wonderful celebration. Eid Mubarak! Wishing my beloved father a peaceful and blissful Eid-ul-Adha. May your days be filled with happiness and your heart with contentment. Eid Mubarak! As you celebrate Eid-ul-Adha, I want to express my gratitude for your love, support, and guidance, Dad. May Allah bless you abundantly. Eid Mubarak! Dear Dad, your sacrifices and teachings have shaped my life. On this blessed day, I pray for your well-being and ask Allah to fulfill all your wishes. Eid Mubarak! Sending warm Eid wishes to the pillar of our family, my dear Abba. May your days be filled with peace, prosperity, and countless blessings. Eid Mubarak! Dear Dad, your love and affection have always been a source of strength for me. May Allah bless you with happiness and grant you success in all your endeavors. Eid Mubarak! On this sacred day, I pray that Allah's mercy and blessings surround you, dear Abba. May your sacrifices be accepted, and may you be rewarded with happiness and peace. Eid Mubarak! Wishing my dear father a joyful and delightful Eid-ul-Adha. May the festivities bring you closer to your loved ones and fill your heart with immense joy. Eid Mubarak! Dear Dad, your unwavering faith and devotion inspire us all. May this Eid bring you closer to Allah and strengthen your bond with the family. Eid Mubarak! Sending my warmest wishes to the most caring and loving father on Eid-ul-Adha. May this day be the beginning of new joys and happiness in your life. Eid Mubarak! Dear Dad, as we celebrate this special day, I want to thank you for being a constant source of support and love. May your Eid be filled with blessings and treasured moments. Eid Mubarak! On this holy occasion, I pray that Allah's blessings and grace be with you, dear Abba. May you find peace and prosperity in all that you do. Eid Mubarak! Wishing my dear father a blessed and memorable Eid-ul-Adha. May your sacrifices be accepted, and may your life be filled with happiness and success. Eid Mubarak! Dear Abba, may the divine light of Eid bring peace to your heart and illuminate your path with success and prosperity. Eid Mubarak! As we celebrate this joyous festival, I want to thank you for being the epitome of love and strength in our family. Wishing you a blessed and blissful Eid-ul-Adha, Dad. Eid Mubarak! Dear Father, may the spirit of Eid fill your life with immense joy and may your days be blessed with togetherness, love, and laughter. Eid Mubarak to the best dad in the world! Dear Abba, on this auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, may your life be filled with joy, prosperity, and countless blessings. Eid Mubarak! To the best father in the world, I wish you a joyous Eid filled with love, happiness, and togetherness. May Allah's blessings be upon you. Eid Mubarak! Dad, your guidance and love have always been a source of strength for me. On this Eid, I pray for your good health and happiness. Eid Mubarak! Wishing a blessed Eid to the most amazing father. May this festival bring you peace, success, and fulfill all your dreams. Eid Mubarak! Dear Abba, your sacrifices and love for our family are truly inspiring. May Allah accept your prayers and bless you abundantly on this Eid. Eid Mubarak! On this holy occasion, I express my gratitude to you, Dad, for everything you've done for us. May your Eid be joyful and memorable. Eid Mubarak! Dad, your support and encouragement have always motivated me. May this Eid bring you immense happiness and may all your wishes come true. Eid Mubarak! Sending warm wishes to the best father on Eid-ul-Adha. May the spirit of this festive occasion bring peace and prosperity to your life. Eid Mubarak! Dear Dad, may the blessings of Eid fill your heart with happiness, love, and contentment. Thank you for being an incredible father. Eid Mubarak! Dad, your presence in my life is a blessing from Allah. I wish you a joyful Eid filled with laughter, good health, and success. Eid Mubarak! On this special day, I pray that Allah showers His blessings upon you, Dad, and grants you all that your heart desires. Eid Mubarak! Dad, your love and guidance have been a constant source of strength. May Allah bless you with peace and happiness on this holy occasion. Eid Mubarak! Dear Dad, I am grateful to have you in my life. May this Eid bring you closer to your dreams and bring prosperity to our family. Eid Mubarak! Wishing the best father in the world a very happy Eid-ul-Adha. May this festive season bring joy, harmony, and success to your life. Eid Mubarak! Dad, your presence is a blessing that fills our hearts with love and happiness. May your Eid be filled with countless blessings. Eid Mubarak! On this joyous occasion of Eid, I want to express my love and respect for you, Abba. May your life be filled with peace and prosperity. Eid Mubarak! Dear Dad, your kindness and love are always appreciated. May this Eid bring you closer to Allah and grant you eternal happiness. Eid Mubarak! Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Wishes, Messages and Greetings for Mother Dear Ammi, on this blessed Eid-Ul-Adha, may Allah shower you with His blessings. Wishing you a joyful and peaceful celebration. Eid Mubarak! Dearest Mom, may this Eid bring happiness and prosperity into your life. May your heart be filled with love and may all your prayers be answered. Eid Mubarak! To the most amazing Mom in the world, may this Eid-Ul-Adha bring togetherness and happiness for our family. Sending warm wishes and lots of love. Eid Mubarak! Mom, your love and care have always been our family's source of strength. May this Eid bring you countless blessings and fulfill all your dreams. Eid Mubarak! Dear Ammi, having you in my life is a blessing. On this auspicious day, I pray for your health, happiness, and prosperity. May you enjoy every moment of Eid with contentment. Eid Mubarak! Wishing a blessed Eid-Ul-Adha to the best mother. May Allah bless you with good health, success, and endless happiness. Eid Mubarak! Mom, your unconditional love and support have been a guiding light in my life. This Eid, I pray that Allah blesses you with joy and grants all your heart's desires. Eid Mubarak! Dear Ammi, your sacrifices and selflessness are unmatched. May Allah reward you abundantly and grant you eternal happiness. Have a beautiful Eid-Ul-Adha. Eid Mubarak! Mom, your love and devotion make our family stronger each day. May this Eid bring you peace, prosperity, and fulfillment. Eid Mubarak to the most wonderful mother! On this sacred day of Eid-Ul-Adha, I am grateful for a caring and loving mother like you. May Allah's blessings be with you always. Eid Mubarak, Mom! Dear Ammi, your unwavering faith and strength inspire me daily. May this Eid fill your life with boundless joy and bring success in all your endeavors. Eid Mubarak! Mom, you have always taught us compassion and generosity. May this Eid remind us of these virtues and fill your heart with happiness. Eid Mubarak! Wishing a blessed Eid-Ul-Adha to the most cherished mother. May Allah bless you with health, prosperity, and the strength to overcome any obstacle. Eid Mubarak! Dear Mom, your love and prayers have comforted me. May this Eid bring you peace, serenity, and fulfillment. Eid Mubarak! Mom, your love is the greatest gift. On this special occasion, I pray Allah showers blessings upon you and grants a lifetime of happiness. Eid Mubarak! Dearest Mom, may this Eid bring you joy and happiness throughout the year. Thank you for your unconditional love and support. Eid Mubarak! Mom, your kindness and compassion inspire us all. May this Eid bring you closer to your dreams and bless you abundantly. Eid Mubarak! Dear Mom, your presence is a blessing. May Allah bless you with peace, prosperity, and a life filled with happiness. Eid Mubarak! On this blessed Eid-Ul-Adha, I am grateful for having a caring mother like you. May Allah's blessings be with you today and always. Eid Mubarak, Mom! Dear Ammi, your faith and dedication are remarkable. May this Eid bring peace to your heart and reward your kindness. Eid Mubarak! Wishing a joyful Eid-Ul-Adha to my beloved mother, epitome of strength and grace. May this holy occasion bring you closer to Allah's blessings and grant happiness. Eid Mubarak! Dear Ammi, your love is my guiding light. As we celebrate Eid, I pray Allah blesses you and brings prosperity. Eid Mubarak! Mom, you taught me sacrifice and compassion. May this Eid remind us of our blessings and inspire kindness. Eid Mubarak, Dearest Mom! As Eid's moon shines, warmest wishes to the most loving mother. May Eid bring joy, peace, and fulfillment. Eid Mubarak, Mom! Dear Mother, on this blessed Eid-Ul-Adha, I pray Allah showers countless blessings upon you. May your heart be filled with joy, peace, and prosperity. Eid Mubarak! To the most caring mother, may Eid bring endless happiness and contentment. Your sacrifices and love are always appreciated. Wishing you a joyous Eid-Ul-Adha! Dear Mom, your unconditional love and support are my strength. May this Eid bring you immense happiness and fulfill all your desires. Eid Mubarak! On this special day, grateful for the best mother. May Allah bless you with health, happiness, and cherished memories. Eid Mubarak, dear Mom! Dear Ammi, your guidance and support are my strength. As we celebrate Eid-Ul-Adha, I pray for your happiness. May this day bring us closer as a family. Eid Mubarak! Ammi, your love is my greatest blessing. On this joyous occasion, I pray Allah blesses you with health, success, and happiness. Eid Mubarak! Dear Mom, your love is a comfort. On this special day, I pray Allah blesses you. Eid Mubarak to the world's best mother! As we celebrate Eid-Ul-Adha, I thank you, Mom, for love and sacrifice. May Allah bless you with happiness. Eid Mubarak to the world's best mother! Dear Mom, on this joyous Eid-Ul-Adha, may your dreams come true. May happiness, prosperity, and success fill your life. Eid Mubarak! Mom, your love and kindness are my comfort. On this day, I wish you a blessed Eid-Ul-Adha filled with love and peace. Eid Mubarak, dear Mother! Dear Mother, on this blessed Eid-Ul-Adha, may Allah shower you with blessings. May your heart be filled with joy, peace, and prosperity. Eid Mubarak! To the most caring mother, may this Eid bring happiness, health, and prosperity. Sending warm wishes on Eid-Ul-Adha. Eid Mubarak! On this auspicious Eid-Ul-Adha, heartfelt greetings to the woman who showers me with love and support. May Allah bless you always, dear Mother. Eid Mubarak! Dearest Mom, your love and sacrifices reflect Eid-Ul-Adha's spirit. May this day bring joy, contentment, and fulfillment. Eid Mubarak! Wishing a blessed Eid-Ul-Adha to my beloved mother, epitome of strength and compassion. May this festive season bring you happiness and answered prayers. Eid Mubarak! Dear Ammi, your love and dedication inspire me. May this Eid-Ul-Adha bring happiness and fulfill your dreams. Eid Mubarak! On this holy Eid-Ul-Adha, may Allah bless you, dear Mother. May peace, prosperity, and success fill your life. Eid Mubarak! To the woman who guides me with love and wisdom, a joyous Eid-Ul-Adha. May your heart be filled with gratitude and days with smiles. Eid Mubarak, dear Mother! Sending warm Eid greetings to my beloved mother, the most beautiful soul. May this day bring joy and life filled with peace and harmony. Eid Mubarak! Dear Mom, your love and prayers are my strength. On this blessed occasion, I pray Allah blesses you with health, happiness, and prosperity. Eid Mubarak! As we celebrate Eid-Ul-Adha, I express gratitude to you, dear Mother, for your love and sacrifice. May this day bring joy and fulfillment. Eid Mubarak! To the woman who shapes my life with love and care, a happy Eid-Ul-Adha. May your heart be filled with gratitude and life with peace and happiness. Eid Mubarak, Mom! Heartfelt Eid Mubarak Wishes & Messages May the spirit of Eid bring joy and prosperity to your life. Eid Mubarak! On this special day of Eid, I pray that Allahs blessings light up your path and lead you to endless happiness. Eid Mubarak! On the holy occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, I wish that our friendship and love remain the same. Eid Mubarak! On this Eid, may Allahs grace shine upon you and fill your life with countless blessings. Eid Mubarak! On this joyful occasion, may Allahs blessings shower upon you and your family, bringing peace, happiness, and prosperity in every part of your life. Eid Mubarak! Sending you warm wishes and heartfelt prayers for a blessed Eid filled with love, peace, and prosperity. Eid Mubarak! Wish you a happy and prosperous Eid. Eid ul Adha Mubarak 2024 to you and your family. Eid Mubarak to my beloved family! May this Eid bring us closer together and fill our hearts with happiness and harmony. Eid Mubarak to my dear ones! May you celebrate this day with laughter, joy, and unforgettable memories. May Allahs divine blessings bring you hope, faith, and joy on Eid and always. Eid Mubarak to you and your family! May Allah give you the strength to always be willing to sacrifice. Stay happy always. As we celebrate Eid, lets remember to be grateful for the blessings in our lives and spread love and kindness to all. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak! May this day bring you closer to your loved ones and strengthen your friendships and bonds. Eid is the best time of the year because all your loved ones celebrate it together. Greetings of Eid al-Adha! Touching Eid Mubarak Messages or SMS For Friends & Families on Bakrid May the blessings of Eid-ul-Adha fill your life with joy, peace, and prosperity. Eid Mubarak! Wishing you and your family a very happy and blessed Eid-ul-Adha. Eid Mubarak! I wish you and your loved ones all the happiness and prosperity on this Eid-ul-Adha. May you get all that you want. On Eid al-Adha, wishing that Allah accepts your good deeds and sacrifices. Eid Mubarak to you! Eid al-Adha is a day to celebrate the trust, faith, love, and devotion of Prophet Ibrahim towards Allah. Eid ul Adha Mubarak 2024 to you. Inspiring Eid Mubarak Quotes for WhatsApp & Facebook Status and Stories on Bakrid "May the spirit of Eid bring you closer to Allah and fill your heart with contentment. Eid Mubarak!" "May Allah accept your sacrifices and grant you His blessings. Eid Mubarak!" "May Allahs blessings be with you today and always. Eid Mubarak!" "My heartiest wishes and warm regards to you and your entire family on this Eid-ul-Adha. May you spend this day happily." "I hope that you and your family are blessed with Allahs love and care on Eid al-Adha. May you get all that you want." Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Wishes & Messages for Husband on Bakrid My love, on this special Eid, I pray for Allahs blessings to fill your life with joy and peace. Eid Mubarak, dear husband! Eid Mubarak to the most wonderful husband! May Allah grant you happiness and success in everything you do. On this Eid, I am grateful for the love and care you give me. May Allah bless our marriage always. Eid Mubarak, my dear! Wishing my beloved husband a joyful Eid. May this special day bring you closer to Allah and fill our life with happiness. Eid Mubarak to my soulmate! May Allahs blessings be with you today and always. I love you! Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Wishes & Messages for Wife on Bakrid To my wonderful wife, may Allahs blessings be with you on this special Eid and always. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak to the light of my life! May this Eid bring you joy, peace, and countless blessings. On this Eid, I thank Allah for blessing me with a wonderful wife like you. Eid Mubarak, my love! Wishing my beloved wife a very happy Eid. May Allah fill your life with happiness and our home with love. Eid Mubarak to my beautiful wife! May our love and faith grow stronger with each passing day. Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Wishes & Messages for Father on Bakrid Dear Dad, on this blessed Eid, I pray for your health and happiness. Eid Mubarak to you! Eid Mubarak to the best father! May Allah grant you joy and success in every step you take. Wishing my loving father a wonderful Eid filled with Allahs blessings. Thank you for everything you do! On this Eid, I pray for your well-being and happiness, dear Dad. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak, Dad! May Allahs blessings be with you today and always. You are my inspiration. Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Wishes & Messages for Brother on Bakrid Dear brother, may this Eid bring you joy and countless blessings. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak to my amazing brother! May Allah bless you with success and happiness. Wishing my dear brother a very happy Eid. May Allahs grace be with you always. On this Eid, I pray for your health, happiness, and success, dear brother. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak to the best brother! May Allahs blessings be with you today and always. Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Wishes & Messages for Mother on Bakrid Dear Mom, may Allah bless you with happiness and good health on this special Eid. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak to my wonderful mother! May your life be filled with joy and peace. Wishing my loving mom a very happy Eid. Thank you for all your love and care. On this Eid, I pray for your happiness and well-being, dear Mom. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak, Mom! May Allahs blessings be with you today and always. You are my strength. Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Wishes & Messages for Sister on Bakrid Dear sister, may this Eid bring you happiness and countless blessings. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak to my lovely sister! May Allah fill your life with joy and success. Wishing my dear sister a wonderful Eid. May Allahs grace be with you always. On this Eid, I pray for your happiness and well-being, dear sister. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak to the best sister! May Allahs blessings be with you today and always. Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Wishes & Messages for Friends on Bakrid Dear friend, may this Eid bring you joy and countless blessings. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak to my wonderful friend! May Allah bless you with happiness and success. Wishing my dear friend a very happy Eid. May Allahs grace be with you always. On this Eid, I pray for your happiness and well-being, dear friend. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak to my amazing friend! May Allahs blessings be with you today and always. Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Wishes & Messages for Friends and Family on Bakrid Wishing all my friends and family a joyful Eid filled with love and blessings. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak to my dear friends and family! May Allahs grace be with you always. On this special day, I pray for the happiness and well-being of all my loved ones. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak to my friends and family! May this Eid bring us all closer together in love and faith. May Allahs blessings be with you and your loved ones today and always. Eid Mubarak! Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Wishes & Messages for Colleague on Bakrid Dear colleague, may this Eid bring you joy and countless blessings. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak to my wonderful colleague! May Allah bless you with happiness and success. Wishing my dear colleague a very happy Eid. May Allahs grace be with you always. On this Eid, I pray for your happiness and well-being, dear colleague. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak to my amazing colleague! May Allahs blessings be with you today and always. Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Wishes, Messages for Employees on Bakrid Dear team, wishing you a joyous Eid filled with blessings and happiness. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak to all our dedicated employees! May this Eid bring you peace and prosperity. May Allah bless you with success and joy on this special occasion. Eid Mubarak to all our employees! Wishing you and your families a wonderful Eid. Thank you for your hard work and commitment. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak to our amazing team! May this festival bring you and your loved ones happiness and fulfillment. Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Wishes, Messages for Boss on Bakrid Dear Boss, wishing you a blessed Eid filled with joy and prosperity. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak to our esteemed leader! May Allah grant you success and happiness always. Wishing you and your family a joyous Eid. Thank you for your guidance and support. Eid Mubarak! On this special occasion, may Allahs blessings be with you and your loved ones. Eid Mubarak, Boss! Eid Mubarak to a wonderful boss! May this Eid bring you peace, joy, and prosperity. Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Wishes to Share with Loved Ones on Bakrid Wishing you all the joy and blessings of Eid. Eid Mubarak to my dear ones! May this Eid bring you closer to Allah and fill your heart with peace. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak! May your days be filled with happiness and your heart with love. Sending you warm wishes and love on this blessed occasion. Eid Mubarak! May the spirit of Eid bring you and your family joy and prosperity. Eid Mubarak! Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Messages to Share with Loved Ones on Bakrid On this joyous day, I pray for Allahs blessings to be with you always. Eid Mubarak! May your sacrifices be accepted and your prayers answered. Eid Mubarak to you and your family! Eid Mubarak! Wishing you a day full of love, peace, and joy. May this Eid bring you and your loved ones closer together. Eid Mubarak! Sending heartfelt prayers and warm wishes your way. Eid Mubarak! Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Greetings to Share with Loved Ones on Bakrid Eid Mubarak! May your home be filled with love and laughter this Eid. Wishing you and your family a blessed Eid full of happiness and peace. Eid Mubarak! May Allahs blessings shine upon you and your loved ones. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak! Celebrate this joyous occasion with love and gratitude. Sending you warm Eid greetings and best wishes. Eid Mubarak! Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Best Captions for Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Wishing everyone a blessed Eid filled with joy and peace. #EidMubarak #EidUlAdha2024 May your Eid be as wonderful and sweet as you are. #EidGreetings #Eid2024 Celebrating Eid with love, peace, and gratitude. #Bakrid2024 #EidCelebrations Eid Mubarak to all my friends and family! #EidUlAdha #BlessingsOfEid May Allahs blessings be with you today and always. #EidMubarak #Eid2024 Bakrid 2024 Mubarak Wishes in Hindi " ! " " !" " !" " ! , " " !" Bakrid Mubarak Wishes in Marathi " ! ." " . !" " . !" " ! , ." " . !" Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Mubarak Wishes in Gujarati " ! ." " . !" " . !" " ! , ." " . !" Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Mubarak Wishes in Bengali " ! " " !" " !" " ! , " " !" Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Mubarak Wishes in Tamil " ! ." " . !" " . !" " ! , ." " . !" Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Mubarak Wishes in Telugu Eid-ul-Adha, also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," or "Bakrid", holds profound significance in Islam, symbolising faith, sacrifice, and community spirit. This sacred occasion commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah, a sacrifice ultimately substituted by a divine ram. As Muslims worldwide celebrate this festival, it serves as a reminder of the values of compassion, solidarity, and gratitude. Eid-ul-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This festival not only marks the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage but also celebrates Prophet Ibrahims unwavering faith and obedience to God's command. The date of Eid-ul-Adha varies each year due to the Islamic lunar calendar, highlighting its dynamic observance worldwide. During Eid-ul-Adha, Muslims gather with family and friends to partake in prayers, feasts, and charitable acts. Its a time to reflect on the importance of sacrifice and to extend a helping hand to those in need, reinforcing bonds within the community. Central to the celebration are heartfelt exchanges of Eid Mubarak wishes and messages, which express love, blessings, and good wishes among loved ones. Eid-ul-Adha 2024: Date and Celebrations in India In India, Eid-ul-Adha 2024 will be celebrated on June 17th, according to the Markazi Chand Committee of Lucknow. This auspicious occasion brings together families across the nation to share in the joyous spirit of Eid, united in prayer and festive gatherings. Heartfelt Eid Mubarak Wishes and Messages for Eid-ul-Adha 2024 Expressing your love and good wishes on Eid-ul-Adha is made more special with heartfelt messages tailored for your beloved spouse. Whether youre sending Eid Mubarak wishes to your husband or wife, heres a collection of warm greetings to inspire your heartfelt expressions: Eid Ul-Adha 2023 Wishes, Messages and greetings for Husband My dear husband, may the blessings of Eid-Al-Adha fill our hearts with love, joy, and prosperity. Eid Mubarak! Dear husband, on this special Bakrid occasion, may your life be filled with joy, peace, and happiness. Eid Mubarak! As we celebrate Eid-Ul-Adha, I'm thankful to have you by my side. Wishing you a blessed and joyful festival, my dear husband. Eid Mubarak! Wishing the most loving and caring husband a very happy Bakrid. May Allah's blessings be with you always. On this special occasion of Eid-Ul-Adha, I pray that Allah blesses you with happiness, success, and good health. Eid Mubarak, my loving husband! As we celebrate Bakrid together, I'm grateful to have you as my husband. May our love and happiness grow every day. Eid Mubarak! Sending heartfelt wishes to my wonderful husband on Bakrid. May this festival bring you immense happiness and fulfillment. Eid Mubarak! My dearest husband, may this Eid bring us closer and strengthen our bond. Sending you warm wishes for a beautiful and blessed celebration. Eid Mubarak! Dearest husband, may this Bakrid bring immense joy to your heart and bless our lives with prosperity and togetherness. Eid Mubarak! To my amazing husband, I wish you a peaceful Bakrid filled with blessings, harmony, and countless reasons to smile. Eid Mubarak! Dear husband, on this holy occasion of Bakrid, I pray that Allah grants you strength, wisdom, and prosperity. Eid Mubarak! On this special day, I thank Allah for blessing me with a husband like you. May our love continue to blossom, and may you be surrounded by happiness always. Eid Mubarak! May the divine blessings of Eid-Ul-Adha bring peace, harmony, and prosperity to our home. Wishing you a joyful and memorable Eid, my wonderful husband. Eid Mubarak! Dear husband, may Allah's choicest blessings be showered upon you this Eid and fill your life with countless moments of happiness and love. Eid Mubarak! On this auspicious occasion, I pray that Allah fulfills all your dreams and aspirations. Sending you heartfelt wishes for a joyous and blessed Eid-Ul-Adha, my loving husband. Eid Ul-Adha 2023 Wishes, Messages and Greetings for Wife May the blessings of Eid bring joy and prosperity to our lives. Eid Mubarak, my dear wife! On this special Eid, I thank Allah for giving me such a loving and caring wife like you. Eid Mubarak, my beautiful soul! As we celebrate Eid-ul-Adha together, I appreciate the love and happiness you bring to our family. Wishing you a joyful Eid, my beloved wife! On this blessed day, I pray our love grows stronger and our bond deepens. Eid Mubarak to the most amazing wife! Your presence in my life is a blessing. May Allah bless you abundantly this Eid and always. Eid Mubarak, my dear wife! Wishing my wonderful wife a joyful Eid filled with love, happiness, and moments together. Eid Mubarak, my love! On this sacred occasion, I'm grateful for the sacrifices you make for our family's happiness and unity. Eid Mubarak to the pillar of our home, my darling wife! May Eid bring peace, prosperity, and love to our home. Eid Mubarak to the queen of my heart, my wife! Your love makes every moment meaningful. Sending you warm wishes on Eid-ul-Adha. Eid Mubarak, my loving wife! As we pray and share joy on Eid, I'm reminded how blessed I am to have you as my wife. Eid Mubarak, my dearest! Let this Eid celebrate our togetherness and the beautiful journey we share. Eid Mubarak to my soulmate, my wife! On this holy occasion, I pray our love continues to grow, and our hearts stay connected forever. Eid Mubarak, my beloved wife! Your love and support are my strength. May Allah grant you happiness and fulfill your dreams. Eid Mubarak, my wonderful wife! May Allah's blessings bring peace, happiness, and prosperity into your life. Eid Mubarak to the love of my life, my dear wife! This Eid, I thank Allah for blessing me with a wife who fills my life with love and joy. Eid Mubarak, my precious wife! Heartfelt Eid Mubarak Wishes & Messages May the spirit of Eid bring joy and prosperity to your life. Eid Mubarak! On this special day of Eid, I pray that Allahs blessings light up your path and lead you to endless happiness. Eid Mubarak! On the holy occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, I wish that our friendship and love remain the same. Eid Mubarak! On this Eid, may Allahs grace shine upon you and fill your life with countless blessings. Eid Mubarak! On this joyful occasion, may Allahs blessings shower upon you and your family, bringing peace, happiness, and prosperity in every part of your life. Eid Mubarak! Sending you warm wishes and heartfelt prayers for a blessed Eid filled with love, peace, and prosperity. Eid Mubarak! Wish you a happy and prosperous Eid. Eid ul Adha Mubarak 2024 to you and your family. Eid Mubarak to my beloved family! May this Eid bring us closer together and fill our hearts with happiness and harmony. Eid Mubarak to my dear ones! May you celebrate this day with laughter, joy, and unforgettable memories. May Allahs divine blessings bring you hope, faith, and joy on Eid and always. Eid Mubarak to you and your family! May Allah give you the strength to always be willing to sacrifice. Stay happy always. As we celebrate Eid, lets remember to be grateful for the blessings in our lives and spread love and kindness to all. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak! May this day bring you closer to your loved ones and strengthen your friendships and bonds. Eid is the best time of the year because all your loved ones celebrate it together. Greetings of Eid al-Adha! Touching Eid Mubarak Messages or SMS For Friends & Families on Bakrid May the blessings of Eid-ul-Adha fill your life with joy, peace, and prosperity. Eid Mubarak! Wishing you and your family a very happy and blessed Eid-ul-Adha. Eid Mubarak! I wish you and your loved ones all the happiness and prosperity on this Eid-ul-Adha. May you get all that you want. On Eid al-Adha, wishing that Allah accepts your good deeds and sacrifices. Eid Mubarak to you! Eid al-Adha is a day to celebrate the trust, faith, love, and devotion of Prophet Ibrahim towards Allah. Eid ul Adha Mubarak 2024 to you. Inspiring Eid Mubarak Quotes for WhatsApp & Facebook Status and Stories on Bakrid "May the spirit of Eid bring you closer to Allah and fill your heart with contentment. Eid Mubarak!" "May Allah accept your sacrifices and grant you His blessings. Eid Mubarak!" "May Allahs blessings be with you today and always. Eid Mubarak!" "My heartiest wishes and warm regards to you and your entire family on this Eid-ul-Adha. May you spend this day happily." "I hope that you and your family are blessed with Allahs love and care on Eid al-Adha. May you get all that you want." Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Wishes & Messages for Husband on Bakrid My love, on this special Eid, I pray for Allahs blessings to fill your life with joy and peace. Eid Mubarak, dear husband! Eid Mubarak to the most wonderful husband! May Allah grant you happiness and success in everything you do. On this Eid, I am grateful for the love and care you give me. May Allah bless our marriage always. Eid Mubarak, my dear! Wishing my beloved husband a joyful Eid. May this special day bring you closer to Allah and fill our life with happiness. Eid Mubarak to my soulmate! May Allahs blessings be with you today and always. I love you! Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Wishes & Messages for Wife on Bakrid To my wonderful wife, may Allahs blessings be with you on this special Eid and always. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak to the light of my life! May this Eid bring you joy, peace, and countless blessings. On this Eid, I thank Allah for blessing me with a wonderful wife like you. Eid Mubarak, my love! Wishing my beloved wife a very happy Eid. May Allah fill your life with happiness and our home with love. Eid Mubarak to my beautiful wife! May our love and faith grow stronger with each passing day. Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Wishes & Messages for Father on Bakrid Dear Dad, on this blessed Eid, I pray for your health and happiness. Eid Mubarak to you! Eid Mubarak to the best father! May Allah grant you joy and success in every step you take. Wishing my loving father a wonderful Eid filled with Allahs blessings. Thank you for everything you do! On this Eid, I pray for your well-being and happiness, dear Dad. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak, Dad! May Allahs blessings be with you today and always. You are my inspiration. Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Wishes & Messages for Brother on Bakrid Dear brother, may this Eid bring you joy and countless blessings. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak to my amazing brother! May Allah bless you with success and happiness. Wishing my dear brother a very happy Eid. May Allahs grace be with you always. On this Eid, I pray for your health, happiness, and success, dear brother. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak to the best brother! May Allahs blessings be with you today and always. Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Wishes & Messages for Mother on Bakrid Dear Mom, may Allah bless you with happiness and good health on this special Eid. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak to my wonderful mother! May your life be filled with joy and peace. Wishing my loving mom a very happy Eid. Thank you for all your love and care. On this Eid, I pray for your happiness and well-being, dear Mom. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak, Mom! May Allahs blessings be with you today and always. You are my strength. Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Wishes & Messages for Sister on Bakrid Dear sister, may this Eid bring you happiness and countless blessings. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak to my lovely sister! May Allah fill your life with joy and success. Wishing my dear sister a wonderful Eid. May Allahs grace be with you always. On this Eid, I pray for your happiness and well-being, dear sister. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak to the best sister! May Allahs blessings be with you today and always. Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Wishes & Messages for Friends on Bakrid Dear friend, may this Eid bring you joy and countless blessings. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak to my wonderful friend! May Allah bless you with happiness and success. Wishing my dear friend a very happy Eid. May Allahs grace be with you always. On this Eid, I pray for your happiness and well-being, dear friend. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak to my amazing friend! May Allahs blessings be with you today and always. Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Wishes & Messages for Friends and Family on Bakrid Wishing all my friends and family a joyful Eid filled with love and blessings. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak to my dear friends and family! May Allahs grace be with you always. On this special day, I pray for the happiness and well-being of all my loved ones. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak to my friends and family! May this Eid bring us all closer together in love and faith. May Allahs blessings be with you and your loved ones today and always. Eid Mubarak! Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Wishes & Messages for Colleague on Bakrid Dear colleague, may this Eid bring you joy and countless blessings. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak to my wonderful colleague! May Allah bless you with happiness and success. Wishing my dear colleague a very happy Eid. May Allahs grace be with you always. On this Eid, I pray for your happiness and well-being, dear colleague. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak to my amazing colleague! May Allahs blessings be with you today and always. Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Wishes, Messages for Employees on Bakrid Dear team, wishing you a joyous Eid filled with blessings and happiness. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak to all our dedicated employees! May this Eid bring you peace and prosperity. May Allah bless you with success and joy on this special occasion. Eid Mubarak to all our employees! Wishing you and your families a wonderful Eid. Thank you for your hard work and commitment. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak to our amazing team! May this festival bring you and your loved ones happiness and fulfillment. Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Wishes, Messages for Boss on Bakrid Dear Boss, wishing you a blessed Eid filled with joy and prosperity. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak to our esteemed leader! May Allah grant you success and happiness always. Wishing you and your family a joyous Eid. Thank you for your guidance and support. Eid Mubarak! On this special occasion, may Allahs blessings be with you and your loved ones. Eid Mubarak, Boss! Eid Mubarak to a wonderful boss! May this Eid bring you peace, joy, and prosperity. Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Wishes to Share with Loved Ones on Bakrid Wishing you all the joy and blessings of Eid. Eid Mubarak to my dear ones! May this Eid bring you closer to Allah and fill your heart with peace. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak! May your days be filled with happiness and your heart with love. Sending you warm wishes and love on this blessed occasion. Eid Mubarak! May the spirit of Eid bring you and your family joy and prosperity. Eid Mubarak! Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Messages to Share with Loved Ones on Bakrid On this joyous day, I pray for Allahs blessings to be with you always. Eid Mubarak! May your sacrifices be accepted and your prayers answered. Eid Mubarak to you and your family! Eid Mubarak! Wishing you a day full of love, peace, and joy. May this Eid bring you and your loved ones closer together. Eid Mubarak! Sending heartfelt prayers and warm wishes your way. Eid Mubarak! Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Greetings to Share with Loved Ones on Bakrid Eid Mubarak! May your home be filled with love and laughter this Eid. Wishing you and your family a blessed Eid full of happiness and peace. Eid Mubarak! May Allahs blessings shine upon you and your loved ones. Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak! Celebrate this joyous occasion with love and gratitude. Sending you warm Eid greetings and best wishes. Eid Mubarak! Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Best Captions for Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Wishing everyone a blessed Eid filled with joy and peace. #EidMubarak #EidUlAdha2024 May your Eid be as wonderful and sweet as you are. #EidGreetings #Eid2024 Celebrating Eid with love, peace, and gratitude. #Bakrid2024 #EidCelebrations Eid Mubarak to all my friends and family! #EidUlAdha #BlessingsOfEid May Allahs blessings be with you today and always. #EidMubarak #Eid2024 Bakrid 2024 Mubarak Wishes in Hindi " ! " " !" " !" " ! , " " !" Bakrid Mubarak Wishes in Marathi " ! ." " . !" " . !" " ! , ." " . !" Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Mubarak Wishes in Gujarati " ! ." " . !" " . !" " ! , ." " . !" Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Mubarak Wishes in Bengali " ! " " !" " !" " ! , " " !" Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Mubarak Wishes in Tamil " ! ." " . !" " . !" " ! , ." " . !" Eid Ul-Adha 2024 Mubarak Wishes in Telugu "Will you be my sperm donor?" Not your everyday question between childhood friends. Yet, that's exactly what David Titterington's childhood friend and her partner, who are a gay couple, asked him. For David, who is also gay, the idea of fatherhood had never seemed like a possibility. This Father's Day, there are many 'modern families' like them who are celebrating the day in their own unique ways. Happy Father's Day 2024: 200+ Top Father's Day To Make Your Dad Feel Special In Kansas, a unique Father's Day celebration is highlighted in an AP report. On this special day, Jen and Whitney Wilson, residents of Kansas, will gather their three children aged 9, 7, and 3 and celebrate Father's Day at David Titterington's home. They come together to honor the man whose generosity made their family possible. Like many LGBTQ couples, Jen, Whitney, and David have forged their own traditions around Fathers Day, celebrating their unique family bond. Father's Day 2024 speech ideas For LGBTQ individuals, single-parent households, and other nontraditional families, as well as those with complex family dynamics, Fathers Day and Mothers Day can evoke feelings of pain and confusion. According to Family Equality, between 2 million and 3.3 million children under the age of 18 have LGBTQ parents. Also read: Job or no wedding: Engineer's hilarious honesty in job application goes viral "We now see families of all kinds, shapes, and sizes, and thats incredibly important," emphasized Cathy Renna, the communications director of the National LGBTQ Task Force. "Its not just important for us, but also for children to understand that families come in many configurations, all centered around love." David Titterington reflected, "There are so many ways to be a father. On Fathers Day, we get to celebrate all kinds of fathers." Estimates of the LGBTQ population in India vary significantly. According to the Government of India's submission in 2012, based on self-declaration, there are "at least 2.5 million" LGBTQ individuals. However, activists suggest the actual number could be around 125 million people. Despite these varying estimates, the LGBTQ+ community in India still does not have the right to marry, and parenthood remains largely inaccessible for most individuals within this community. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Ever pretended to work just to avoid getting more tasks? Well, you better beware. While it might not seem like a big deal, this tactic has led to serious consequences for employees at a US bank, who are now facing termination for acting busy. Let's understand why this has become such a critical issue. Representative image/ Masterfile Wells Fargo, the third-largest bank in the United States, has fired or accepted resignations from more than a dozen employees. Also read: 'Take legal action': Fired over medical emergency, diabetic woman's shocking story sparks outrage They were accused of pretending to work by simulating keyboard activity while working remotely, specifically within the wealth and investment management unit. Disclosures filed with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (Finra) indicate that these employees were terminated for "simulation of keyboard activity to create the appearance of active work." Representative image This practice, more common among remote workers, involved the use of devices and software known as "mouse movers" or "mouse jigglers" to mimic activity. According to a spokesperson quoted by Reuters, Wells Fargo stated, "We maintain high standards for our employees and do not tolerate unethical behavior." As large companies increasingly use advanced surveillance tools to monitor remote employees, including keystroke tracking, eye movement monitoring, screenshot capture, and website visit logging, a counter-technology market has emerged. Devices like "mouse jigglers" are widely available to simulate computer activity. Unsplash This incident occurs as financial firms push to bring employees back to the office. Despite the enduring popularity of remote work post-pandemic, the trend is slowly declining worldwide. Since March 2020, over half of the employees started working remotely to some extent due to the pandemic, as reported by Gallup. However, the transition to a permanent hybrid work setup has been slow, marked by occasional tensions as white-collar workers resisted executives' directives to return to the office. In India, while remote work still persists, companies are now moving towards a hybrid model. This approach allows employees to work from home on certain days of the week and attend the office on others. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Time and again, society tells us "There's a right time to do everything." Time and again, some living legends remind us not to listen to anyone who says age defines who you are. If anything, the concept of age, outside of a doctor's office, is nothing more than a trap designed to keep us from doing awesome things. Case in point: Virginia Ginny Oliver, the iconic 'Lobster Lady' from Maine, in the U.S., recently turned 104 and has no plans of stopping. Why not take a leaf from her book? Who is the 104-year-old 'Lobster Lady?' Virginia Ginny Oliver, the iconic 'Lobster Lady' from Maine turned 104 on June 6 | Image: AP At 104, she's reportedly the oldest living lobster catcher in Maine, someone with no plans of shutting shop. "I'm still the boss," she declared. Virginia first learnt the ropes of lobster trapping at the wee age of eight after working alongside her father and brother. This year marks the 96th year for Maine's oldest lobster catcher, reported CBS. All my life, Ive done this kind of thing, she said in a 2023 interview with The Washington Post. I never get seasick. Today, she's somewhat of a living legend, a local celebrity and she's even featured as a subject in children's picture books. When asked when she would retire from lobstering, Virginia said without a second thought, "When I die," as per her interview with WGME in 2021. She added, "You just have to keep going." What does her typical morning routine look like? Today she goes lobster fishing with her 80-year-old son Max | Image: AP According to various interviews, Virginia, whose late husband was also a fisherman, starts her day by donning fishing gear, boarding a boat, and spending hours catching lobsters. Today, her 80-year-old son Max goes lobster trapping with her. She mans the boat and bands the lobsters, and later they sell their catch to the Spruce Head Fisherman's Co-Op, as per reports. Shes raised four kids with her husband each of whom lobstered. Shes lived her entire life on the same street where she was born in 1920, according to News Center Maine. Also read: Pilot captures super rare 'gigantic jet' lightning in Earth's upper atmosphere at night What do you think of this? Hit us up in the comments section and let us know. There's a whole lot more on Indiatimes Trending. You can also follow us on Telegram. Tesla shareholders recently made headlines by reinstating Elon Musk's $44.9 billion (Approx Rs 3.7 lakh crore) pay package. This decision followed earlier legal setbacks and highlighted Musk's leadership at the forefront of electric vehicles. In a memorable moment, Musk celebrated with a dance, underscoring his personal stake in Tesla's future amidst ongoing legal battles. Elon Musk's $44.9 Billion Pay Package Approved At the annual meeting held in Austin, Texas, Tesla shareholders decisively voted to reinstate Elon Musk's substantial compensation package worth $44.9 billion. This monumental decision, which garnered widespread attention, marked a significant moment in Tesla's corporate governance and Musk's leadership journey. In a celebratory video shared on Musk's platform, X, the CEO himself jubilantly danced, symbolising his personal stake in Tesla's future amidst ongoing legal uncertainties. Watch the video here: Elon Musk dance is . Tesla shareholders have spoken. pic.twitter.com/GiLWOtt8ZI Tesla Owners Silicon Valley (@teslaownersSV) June 13, 2024 Legal Challenges and Future Implications Despite the favorable shareholder vote, the road ahead remains fraught with legal hurdles. A Delaware judge had previously nullified the compensation package earlier in the year, citing concerns over its structure and implications for Tesla's financial health. The company now faces a prolonged legal battle to overturn this decision, casting a shadow over the immediate realization of Musk's compensation. Also Read: Meet Kimbal & Tosca, Elon Musks Lesser-Known Siblings Who Own Restaurants & A Streaming Service Elon Musk's Vision and Strategic Imperatives Beyond the courtroom drama, Elon Musk has articulated his vision for Tesla's future with characteristic clarity. He has expressed ambitions to secure a 25% ownership stake in Tesla, a move he believes necessary to safeguard against potential disruptions to his artificial intelligence initiatives. This strategic maneuver underscores Musk's deep commitment to Tesla's long-term success and his desire to wield significant influence over its technological trajectory. Operational Challenges and Market Realities In tandem with these strategic maneuvers, Tesla confronts operational challenges in a shifting global market. The company contends with declining sales and profit margins amid a broader slowdown in global demand for electric vehicles. These market pressures highlight the delicate balance Musk must maintain between innovation, financial sustainability, and shareholder value. Also Read: Tesla boss Elon Musk slams Apple-OpenAI deal, threatens to ban Apple devices in his companies Elon Musk's X Faces Legal Conundrum Over Layoffs Repercussions of Overpayments to Laid-Off Employees Meanwhile, Elon Musk's company X, formerly known as Twitter, finds itself embroiled in a separate legal issue concerning former Australian employees. Several individuals were mistakenly overpaid due to an erroneous currency conversion, prompting X to demand repayment through legal channels. This development underscores the complexities of managing international payroll and financial transactions, especially in the aftermath of significant corporate transitions. Legal and Ethical Dimensions The demand for repayment raises ethical questions about corporate responsibility and employee rights. While Australian law mandates the repayment of overpayments, affected employees retain the right to challenge the accuracy of the conversion rate used by X. This legal wrangle adds to the ongoing scrutiny faced by Elon Musk's corporate ventures, highlighting the intricate balance between corporate governance and employee welfare. Broader Implications and Future Actions As legal proceedings unfold, the repercussions of this dispute could resonate beyond immediate financial concerns. The standoff between X and its former employees underscores the challenges inherent in corporate acquisitions and the need for robust financial oversight. Moreover, it serves as a cautionary tale for companies navigating complex global operations amidst regulatory scrutiny and stakeholder expectations. Also Read: Meet Ashok Elluswamy, Chennai-born lead of Tesla's AI/Autopilot Team, recruited via X by Elon Musk Elon Musk's dual narrativescelebrating a triumph with Tesla shareholders while navigating legal complexities with Xpaint a vivid picture of the high-stakes world of corporate leadership. As Tesla continues its quest for innovation and sustainability under Musk's stewardship, and as X addresses its own corporate challenges, the outcomes of these endeavors will undoubtedly shape the future landscape of technology and corporate governance. For the latest and more interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here Ugwu Chijioke and Ibrahim Adekunle, two individuals who impersonated officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and carried out a fictitious court order, were given 46 years in prison. The two were taken into custody in May 2021 in New Horizon Estate in Lekki, Lagos, after the commission received reliable information, according to a statement posted on the X platform on Sunday. They were arrested while carrying out an illegal activity. Advertisement Fake EFCC identity cards, coats, and a court order supposedly from Mushin Magistrate Court were among the items recovered from them upon their detention. On October 12, 2021, the Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC arraigned them on a five-count indictment amended to include impersonation, attempted property fraud, possession of fraudulent papers, and unauthorised use of the EFCC uniform. The suspects appeared before Justice O.O. Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja and pled guilty to the charges. Following their guilty pleas, prosecution lawyer Abdulhamid Tukur presented a review of the case facts to prove their guilt. Tukur then urged that the court issue a guilty verdict and inflict the appropriate punishments. Justice Abike-Fadipe convicted them on counts one, to five. When the accused were given the opportunity to speak in court, they asked for mercy. Justice Abike-Fadipe delivered judgement, sentencing the defendants to seven years on counts one through three, one year on count four, and eight months on count five. READ MORE: BBNaija: I Faked My Persona In Level Up Edition As Someone Who Talks Things Out, But In Real Life, I Fight Doyin David The sentences will be executed concurrently. One of the counts reads: That you, Ugwu Pascal Chijioke and Ibrahim Sadiq Adekunle, on or about the 12th day of May, 2021 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, by false pretence and with intent to defraud, attempted to obtain property from one Oriyomi Johnson under the pretext that the Chief Magistrate Court, Lagos State Judiciary, Mushin, Lagos issued an Order to the effect that the property located at New Horizon Estate, Lekki- Ikate, Lagos be seized and the said apartment sealed pending the arrival of the said Oriyomi Johnson ,which representation you knew to be false and committed an offence of attempt to obtain property by false pretense contrary to Sections 8(b) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section11(3) of the same Act. Another count reads, That you, Ugwu Pascal Chijioke and Ibrahim Sadiq Adekunle, on or about the 12th day of May, 2021 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court not being a person holding any office in or authority of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, wore a jacket bearing the official mark of the Commission ,which was calculated to convey the impression that you held such authority and committed an offence of unlawfully wearing the uniform of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission contrary to Section 79(1) (b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. SEE POST: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Saturday, stated that great expectations will emerge from the sacrifices of Nigerians grappling with economic hardship. He noted this just as he urged citizens to reflect on the essence of the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, which bears strong meaning and significance for the nation. Tinubu disclosed this in his message to the Muslim Ummah on the joyous occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, an event that denotes sacrifice, faith, and obedience to the will of the Almighty. Advertisement His message was contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, on Saturday. READ ALSO: Fuel Subsidy Removal Necessary But Hastily Announced Former Ekiti Gov, Fayemi The President who congratulated the Muslim faithful, prayed that Allah accepts their supplications and acts of obedience. The President acknowledges the sacrifices that Nigerians have made in the past one year as his administration sets the nation on a firm pedestal of growth and development. President Tinubu affirms that the sacrifices and great expectations of citizens will not come to nought as already propitious outcomes are beginning to manifest with the economy strengthening and vibrancy returning to critical sectors, the statement read. It added that the President reassured Nigerians that his administration is prioritizing their physical, social, and economic security and will not relent on this noble endeavour. President Tinubu wishes Nigerians happy Sallah celebrations, it added. Governor Alex Otti has welcomed the three children of the same parents, Gideon, Divine, and Israel, who were abducted on May 10, 2024 at Ama Ime, Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State. They were rescued in Anambra and Delta states by security forces coordinated by the Abia state administration. The governor welcomed the kids, their parents, and other well-wishers to his home in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South LGA. Advertisement He thanked God and everything that had made their release possible and issued a warning about being irresponsible with the kids location going forward. Otti entrusted security personnel who participated in the rescue efforts with ensuring that everyone involved in the abduction was punished and brought to justice as a deterrence to others. The governor promised to support the rescued children. Otti added that his monthly trips to Nigerian Armed Forces leaders and soldiers were intended to maintain a tight security architecture around Abia while also boosting economic activity. READ MORE: Junior Pope And I Had No Intimacy Ruby Ojiakor Squashes Dating Rumours He claimed that the criminals, not him (Otti), would flee Abia. I have told criminals, I have sent them notice that this place cannot contain themselves and us; one person must run away. Unfortunately, Im not the one that would run, because I have the mandate of the people and I have the mandate of God. So, its the evil ones that would run away, even to start running before somebody starts pursuing them and that is what we are seeing, he said. Osinachi Nwaka, Chairman of Ikwuano LGA, described how the children were saved, saying it happened in three stages and that he personally took the risk of directing the first rescue operation in Ekwulobia, Anambra State. Akparawa Ezekiel Paul, a retired secondary school principal who was kidnapped in Akwa Ibom last week, has been released. His abductors, who had previously sought N20 million in ransom, released him in the early hours of Saturday. ASP Timfon John, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, confirmed this to reporters in Uyo on Saturday. Advertisement She said that the man had been reunited with his family after being set free unhurt. According to the PPRO, the man has regained his freedom unhurt and has been reunited with his family. Although it was not known whether a ransom was paid, his abductors were still negotiating with the family for N20 million before lowering their demand to N5 million. His senior brother, Augustine Paul Akpan, who is an Arch-Bishop in the African Church Nigeria, said this shortly after being released. READ MORE: One Dead, Three Arrested As FCT Police Storm Bandits Hideout Akparawa Ezekiel was released early this morning by the kidnappers. We will be taking him to the hospital for rest and treatment. We thank the police for their efforts and all those who have prayed with us throughout the difficult period for his safe release, he said. Akparawa Ezekiel was kidnapped at his compound at Ikot Abasi Akpan in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area on Sunday, June 9, at 7:00 a.m., while preparing for Mass at St. Pius X Parish. Former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has promised to do everything legally possible to ensure victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the State, come September 21. The former APC National Chairman who said positions and titles should be put aside, beckoned on all party members to come together to ensure victory for the Party and its candidate, Monday Okpebholo, in the forthcoming gubernatorial polls. The lawmaker representing Edo North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, added that even if it requires him to become a sweeper, he doesnt mind as long as it results in victory for the APC and its governorship candidate. Advertisement He made the remarks while inaugurating the partys Campaign Council for the election. READ ALSO: Edo APC Chair Threatens To Ask Hoodlums To Stone Governor Obaseki If it requires me (Oshiomhole) to take the role of a sweeper, I am ready to sweep Senator Monday Okpebholo into office as Governor. Every member and supporter of the APC is a member of our campaign for genuine change under the leadership of Senator Monday Okpebholo. Titles do not matter, every member is a canvasser, every member of our party must work hard to win their units and wards, local government and state. Move from house to house because neighbour talks to neighbour and would understand, he said during Fridays inauguration. According to him, every Edo person who is affected by flood, whose child sits on bare floors in schools should join hands to give victory to the APC. There will be a change at the Osadebe avenue, APC will take over Edo democratically, come September 21, election, he added. Former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Segun Adewale, has announced his defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Aeroland, as he is popularly called said this at a news conference on Saturday in Lagos. Advertisement The PDP in Alimosho Local Government Area (LGA) of the State had last week suspended Adewale indefinitely for allegedly causing disaffection in PDP and tarnishing the Partys image. Prior to his suspension, Adewale attributed the failure of the party to win elections to corruption and disunity among Party members. According to him, he is not moving to APC to contest the election in 2027, but contribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubus Renewed Hope Agenda. I am not contesting election in 2027, but going to the ruling party to support the president. My next move is to go to Abuja and prostrate to Tinubu, he said. READ ALSO: Fuel Subsidy Removal Necessary But Hastily Announced Former Ekiti Gov, Fayemi Reacting to his suspension, Adewale said his reported suspension by PDP in Alimosho LGA was orchestrated by those fighting him for exposing how they mismanaged campaign funds during the 2023 election. Adewale said his suspension had no effect as his ward had absolute confidence in him and had distanced itself from the reported suspension. He said it was laughable that these same elements being used would act unconstitutionally by suspending me from the party when they do not have such powers. Instead of my party LGA to take up Bode George and his gang, they alleged that I was the one that stole the money meant for electioneering, money that was not given to me in the first place. They said because of that, I should be suspended and I told them to come to my ward to suspend me so I can join the APC. What am I even doing in the party? I spent millions during elections, but at the end of the day, it isnt worth it. I am not even in PDP anymore because I have seen it all and I would not have stayed in PDP till now, but for Atiku Abubakar that begged me to contest in 2023, he said. The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has disclosed that nine teenage girls trafficked to Ghana are back to Nigeria. The girls, between the ages of 15 and 18, were said to have been lured into prostitution in the neighbouring country. They were reportedly rescued by the Nigerians in the Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) and handed over to law enforcement in Ghana. Advertisement Dabiri-Erewa, chairperson of NiDCOM, said the suspected trafficker had been arrested. In the new development, the Commission, via X on Saturday, said the girls arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 9:55 pm on Friday. The girls were received by the NiDCOM chairperson; Chyna Iwuanyanwu, Deputy Speaker of Imo House of Assembly; and Nkechinyere Ugwu, Imo Commissioner for Women Affairs. READ ALSO: Nigerian Teenagers Trafficked For Prostitution Rescued In Ghana They arrived at about 9:55 pm, were profiled, and handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking In Persons (NAPTIP). Hon. Abike mentioned that the rescued girls have been handed over to NAPTIP and their respective states for rehabilitation and counselling. The trafficker has been arrested and charged to court in Ghana. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the need for a permanent solution to eradicate human trafficking in Nigeria, adding, She urged parents to always question the whereabouts of their children when taken away by relatives or friends and encouraged collective efforts to ensure traffickers are identified and arrested. She thanked the acting Nigerian ambassador to Ghana, Ambassador Adeoye Ifedayo, Eze Igbo Ghana, Chukwudi Ihenetu, Chief Callistus, chairman BOT, Ghana, and the NIDO team. She also commended the Imo state governor for dispatching a high-powered delegation immediately, NiDCOM said. Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, has suspended four students in connection with the brutalization of a colleague named Victor Tobins. The institution stated that the four students, who are also Man O War officials, had been suspended for one academic session. Mrs. I. S. Harry, the universitys acting Registrar, released a statement to journalists in Port Harcourt on Saturday, stating that the local security outfits actions violated university standards. Advertisement READ MORE: One Dead, Three Arrested As FCT Police Storm Bandits Hideout The statement reads, This is to notify parents and the general public that the Management of the Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, at its meeting held on Friday 14th June 2024, approved the suspension of the following students: Monsi Baridukaka Nwaaelibabari, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Victor Chibuike Daniel, Department of Animal Science, Ezems Ikechukwu Goodluck, Department of Electrical Engineering and Wilson Jacob Ree-Ugani, Department of Marine Engineering. The students who are members of the Man O War were suspended by the management of the university, for assaulting and inflicting physical injury on Victor Tobin, a 300-level student of the Department of Sociology, on 12th June 2024 at Hostel F in the university campus. The management saw the actions of the four students as contrary to the regulations of the university, and as such, approved their suspension for one academic session. The management enjoined the student population to continue to live in peace and harmony and comply scrupulously with all the rules and regulations of the university. It should be noted that the Man O War officials had beaten Tobins and inflicted injuries on his right eye and other parts of his body over a yet-to-be-ascertained issue. A man on a dirt bike rides past a parking lot of a car repair garage at Sixth and Somerset Streets in Fairhill Sunday, where a Philadelphia police officer shot and wounded a dirt bike rider on Saturday afternoon. The rider allegedly displayed a gun. Read more More than 24 hours after a Philadelphia police officer shot a man riding a dirt bike who allegedly flashed a gun at officers, leaving him critically wounded, few additional details were available both from police and people familiar with the man. The man, whose name, age, and background police did not provide, was last reported in critical condition Saturday after he was shot twice Saturday afternoon in the citys Fairhill section. Advertisement Deputy Police Commissioner Mike Cram told reporters at the scene on Saturday that shortly before 3:30 p.m., officers assigned to a special anti-ATV detail spotted the man riding a dirt bike and followed him because they are illegal to ride in the city. Cram said the officers confronted the man as he pulled the bike into a garage, tucked inside a fenced-in auto shop and junk car lot on the corner of Sixth and West Somerset Streets. Cram told reporters that the man then allegedly flashed a gun, and in response, the officer shot him twice. He was rushed to Temple University Hospital in critical condition, police said. Details about the officer who shot the man were also not available. Police did not immediately respond to a request for more information. The man was pulling the bike into a garage at Adley Automotive Group, an auto shop that also buys junk cars. Nicholas Adley, owner of the property, said he did not know the man who was shot but had seen him at the business before. He said the man does not work there but seemed to know people who do. Hes a struggling guy, he said, declining to elaborate. Adley said surveillance cameras on the property do not work. A man who said he worked at the garage and declined to give his name said he was present during the shooting and saw everything, but declined to speak to reporters. Ask the police, he said, before closing the garage door. Omar Andino, a 48-year-old who has lived across the street from the auto yard for six years, said he was lying down in bed when he heard two shots. He looked out his window, he said, and saw a police officer pointing his gun, and a man lying on the ground. Andino said he saw the officers handcuff the man, then pull him into their cruiser and speed away. His security cameras, too, have been offline for the last week and did not capture the shooting, he said. He did not recognize the man and said there have been no issues at the auto shop before. Another resident of 20 years, who identified himself only by his first name, Angel, for privacy reasons, said he also heard the two booming shots. His Ring camera did not capture the incident, and he said hes trying to keep to himself. You know what they say, he said. Everybody round here, you get involved, youre asking for trouble. The shooting comes as Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel has vowed to crack down on the use of dirt bikes and ATVs, which some consider a nuisance and safety hazard for pedestrians and drivers, while others see it as a recreation activity. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker listed enforcement against riders as a top priority when she took office, as residents have complained about the loud, persistent noise, as well as illegal activity like street racing, drifting, blocking intersections and surrounding responding officers. Philadelphia police announced in April that they would beef up enforcement as the weather warmed. Its not uncommon for us to recover guns when we are doing dirt bike enforcement and this is a prime example of the dangers they pose to the city, Cram said Saturday. The shooting took place in an area with high rates of blight. The auto shop is catty corner to Fairhill Elementary School, which has sat vacant for more than a decade and is now covered in graffiti. On Sunday, two people experiencing homelessness slept in the doorway. Piles of trash and illegally dumped rubbish lined the street a toilet, a grocery cart, more than a dozen bulging black trash bags, an old Jeep lined with cardboard boxes. And now added to the collection: streams of yellow caution tape, left behind by police. Staff writer Wendy Ruderman contributed to this article. Starting the gathering with a prayer, Sherry Blackman (center right), a pastor at Church of the Mountain in the Delaware Water Gap, sees worshippers weekly at a Columbia, N.J., truck stop. Read more COLUMBIA, N.J. Somewhere in this random, run-of-the-mill truck stop full of things truckers need, like CB radios and corned beef hash, and stuff no one needs, like dragon sculptures or New Jersey-themed shot glasses, a local tanker driver found something he wasnt looking for: God. Mike Eurich was so sure that a higher power touched him at the TA Travel Center, just east of the Delaware River in rural, mountainous Warren County, that he asked to be baptized there, with a bowl, behind the kitchen. Advertisement When it happened, I felt it instantly, and I knew, Eurich, 63, said at the counter of the truck stops Country Pride restaurant. The Rev. Sherry Blackman, the official chaplain of the TA Travel Center, officiated a wedding at the truck stop the restaurant gave the couple surf and turf on the house and presided over a funeral, too. She wasnt about to fill a salad or mixing bowl with divine waters for Eurichs baptism, though, so she grabbed something official from the Presbyterian Church of the Mountain, across the river in Delaware Water Gap, Pa. Its a church known for feeding and housing hikers on the nearby Appalachian Trail, but Blackman, whos been pastor there since 2014, has also turned this Jersey truck stop into a holy ground of sorts with her weekly Bible study classes. Every Wednesday night since 2006, Blackman said at the counter. We break down walls here In a restaurant where truckers often eat alone, still wearing their headsets and staring into their phones and mashed potatoes, Blackmans Bible group takes up a loud corner that cant be ignored. They fill the space with laughter, some gentle ribbing, and a steady stream of tears. They analyze the menu before they get to the New Testament. Strangers pull into the truck stop with doubt and disbelief, Blackman said. Some carry grief over the loss of loved ones and find their way to her, and others haul around a heavy sense of loneliness from life on the open road. When somebodys feeling vulnerable or down or that their life is falling apart, were here, Blackman said. Sometimes these truckers go days without interacting with anyone. One guy, I asked him to give me a hug, which is a terrible thing for me to do, but I did it, and all of a sudden he broke out in tears. We break down walls here. Blackman, a 69-year-old mother of three, traveled the world as a freelance journalist before she enrolled in Drew Universitys Theological School. She graduated in 2006 and was ordained by the Presbyterian Church of the United States of America in 2007, but shes never stopped writing. Her 2022 book REV-IT-UP: Tales of a Truck Stop Chaplain, chronicles the stories of the TA Travel Center, the holy and the unholy, the humorous and the tragic. She authored another book about the hiker hostel at Church of the Mountain, which is the oldest on the 2,197-mile-long trail. Religion on the open road isnt unusual in America. The Buckhorn truck stop in Columbia County, Pa., has a tiny, trailer-like chapel High Way Ministries in the parking lot. Truck Stop Ministries, a Georgia-based nonprofit founded by a trucker-turned-reverend, operates about 65 chapels across the country. According to truckstopministries.org, one chapel meets in a Dennys off Route 81 in Carlisle, Pa., and another at a restaurant in Bordentown, N.J. Blackmans group is the Northwest Jersey Truckstop Outreach, which offers Christian fellowship and aid. She thinks her mission is a bit different from some other spiritual stops along the highway. Im not an evangelist, she said. I dont sit here and try to preach. Its the same at Church of the Mountain, she said, which hosts a potluck dinner for AT hikers every Thursday night. Go find Sherry Blackman usually comes to the truck stop early on Wednesdays, before the Bible study begins, and she leaves an empty seat beside her for truckers. On this night, the counter was packed with regulars shed met over the last decade, including Eurich. Another Bible study regular, Bill Olivier, said he thought he had life figured out for his first 64 years, that he controlled his destiny. He didnt grow up with a church in the Bronx, and never went as an adult raising a family in nearby Blairstown. Everything was perfect and I lost my wife, he said. Olivier, now 70, found himself in the back pew of a local church after Theresa died in 2015, but said it felt like learning another language and wasnt sticking. The pastor there thought Olivier might need something different. Do you know about the truck stop? he asked. Yeah, they have trucks. What else do I need to know about the truck stop? Olivier said. Go find Sherry, Olivier was told, and hes been coming ever since. So the thing is, its not only a Bible study, but also a welcoming therapy, Olivier said. And its kind of contagious. Its free, too, Blackman added. Even Betty Jennings, a longtime waitress at Country Pride, has felt the spiritual side effects of serving a Bible study group. On this Wednesday night, she scribbled down cheeseburger and fries a few times and dropped some sad news on Blackman and the crew: she was leaving the restaurant. I eavesdrop on the conversations and Im going to miss them, she said. Its a special group. Tears welled up in Jennings eyes, then she went silent and walked back to the kitchen. Its OK, Blackman told her. After an hour at the counter, the conversation moved to a larger table in the restaurant and Jennings followed them with a tray of coffee and hot tea. Most members of the group laid dog-eared Bibles, stuffed with multicolored Post-it notes, on the table, even Olivier. He was eager to discuss predestination. He has to pick the most difficult doctrine in the entire New Testament, Blackman joked. Glasses and silverware clinked in the kitchen. Justin Timberlakes Mirrors played on the overhead speakers. Truckers carried in laundry. Some browsed the air fresheners and energy drinks and others waited in line for takeout, raising their eyes now and then to glance at the dozen or so people laughing and debating the good word in the side room of a truck stop restaurant. It is my belief that God knows everything. He knew before. He knows how its going to end. He knows everything, said Tom Mazur, a retired educator with a booming voice. As far as free will and choice, hes given us that and thats the beauty of life. Eurich, who delivers gasoline throughout the Poconos, said the truck stop baptism doesnt guarantee safe passage on the highways, but it cant hurt. I know God is looking out for no matter what, he said, but Im a good driver. Hundreds of dirt bikes and ATVs disregard the red lights as they race west on Spring Garden St. towards the Art Museum in Phila. on October 18, 2020. Read more A Philadelphia police officer shot and wounded a dirt bike rider in the citys Fairhill neighborhood Saturday amidst an ongoing police effort to crack down on the illegal practice. According to police, officers assigned to a special anti-ATV detail spotted the rider backing into a garage at Sixth and Somerset Streets about 3:30 p.m. Advertisement They were following him on his dirt bike, which we know is illegal in the city, Deputy Commissioner Mike Cram told 6abc, adding that an officer confronted the rider after he had stopped. The rider allegedly displayed a gun and an officer then fired at least twice, police said. The individual was taken to Temple University Hospital, where he was in critical condition Saturday evening. The city has been grappling with illegal use of dirt bikes and ATVs on Philadelphia streets, and the police department has recently stepped up enforcement against the practice. They disturb the peace and quality of our neighborhoods, Cram said. They dont care they are a public safety risk and this is a prime example of why we do enforcement against them. It is unknown whether any officers were injured in the incident, which is under investigation. Federal funding could help reopen Declaration House, where Thomas Jefferson resided when he wrote the Declaration of Independence, writes the Editorial Board. The site was reconstructed in 1975, but has since fallen into disrepair, and was closed in 2018. Read more Philadelphia is the most significant city in the history of this countrys birth. Sure, Bostonians will protest it was the Boston Massacre that set off the American Revolution. But even the Massachusetts firebrands who began the rebellion had to make a road trip to Philly to declare independence and form our first national government. Given that fact, shouldnt that government be doing more to help Philadelphia prepare for the thousands who will want to be in the city where it all happened to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Americas birth? Advertisement That doesnt absolve state and local governments of their responsibilities, but when its a milestone beyond the bicentennial that were talking about, the federal government needs to be more involved. Unfortunately, its failure to acknowledge that reality is likely yet another result of the divisive politics that has handcuffed this country in so many ways that arent always evident. So, lets break it down. READ MORE: Honoring Americas military sacrifices, on D-Day and today | Editorial Independence National Historical Park will be ground zero for Philadelphias sestercentennial events, but its doubtful it will be ready by 2026. Thats a problem the federal government should help address because the National Park Service has ultimate authority over all 388 national parks, including the 54 acres that makeup Independence Park and the Liberty Bell Center. Its hard these days for the park service, which is a branch of the U.S. Interior Department, to pay for even routine park operations. Blame that on a conservative movement in Congress and the federal courts that has less to do with fiduciary responsibility than it does hamstringing federal agencies it considers part of the deep state. As a result, when Congress finally passed an appropriations bill in March that included money for the National Park Service, it was not only four months into the 2024 fiscal year but the legislation also shorted the agency out of $150 million of the funds it received for the 2023 fiscal year. Thats hard to fathom given the 10% increase in park visitors and 13% drop in park staffing that has occurred since 2012. A recent report by the National Parks Conservation Association noted that despite two-thirds of Americas national parks being dedicated to history and culture, budget cuts over the past few years have forced the National Park Service to prioritize the management of natural resources over the cultural resources that tell our countrys history. With the White House facing more pressing issues than a celebration two years away, Philadelphia will likely have to play with the cards in its hand. But we must also call out the so-called patriots who have cut funding to the very agency given the role of promoting American history as it approaches its 250th birthday. Congress should be making special appropriations to ensure this celebration is as memorable as the bicentennial. For example, one-time funding could be used to help reopen Declaration House, where Thomas Jefferson resided when he wrote the Declaration of Independence. It was reconstructed in 1975, but has since fallen into disrepair, and was closed in 2018. READ MORE: Biden must help protect democracy at home and next door | Editorial Other historic buildings in bad shape include the Dolley Todd House and Bishop White House. With renovations and repairs, tourists might be able to view them both by 2026. Our city of eternal optimists and not just Phillies, Flyers, and Eagles fans have learned over the years to prepare for disappointment before it becomes inevitable. And its possible that additional federal funding will arrive in time to help prepare for the sestercentennial. An election this fall may have something to do with that. Meantime, state and local government, civic, and philanthropic leaders should up their game to make sure Philadelphia doesnt let down America in 2026. The Independence Philanthropic Trust raised $1.2 million last year to help fund tourism at Independence National Historical Park. But Kathryn Ott Lovell, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Visitor Center Corp., says 10 times that amount of public support is needed annually. Were agnostic about where the money comes from. Thats up to our elected officials to hash out, she told Inquirer columnist Stephanie Farr. Ott Lovells point is well taken. Its time for a meeting of local minds to get better prepared for an event that not only this city but the entire United States of America will long remember. With a promising forecast and a packed line-up of events, the Cork Summer Show drew crowds this weekend to the showgrounds in Curraheen. As the event comes to a close for 2024, the Cork Summer Shows organiser the Munster Agricultural Society (MAS) is confident in there being a better-than-ever turnout across the two days. Last year, around 43,000 people attended the event. The popularity of the show continues to grow and yet according to the MAS, those involved always keep in mind the more than two centuries of history that the show is steeped in. Pat Ahern from Rylane relaxing before the judging of his Jersey cows. Picture: David Creedon Speaking with the Irish Examiner, Gerard Murphy of the MAS said that the committee is delighted with not only Corkonians both rural and urban coming out to support the annual event, but those from all over the country and even abroad. Were going to put 40,000 people through here over the two days and there are quite a number of people who travelled back from overseas - Australia, America, Great Britain, and central Europe," Mr Murphy said, adding that people have scheduled their holidays to Ireland to coincide with attending the event. Wed expect from overseas visitors, it could be coming up to 5% of the population coming into the show and thats a growing figure. The overall impact of a show of this scale for the local economy is hard for me to judge", Mr Murphy said, but it is certainly significant, he feels. Competitions On Saturday, there was a busy schedule at the cattle show rings with competitions including the young showmanship, pedigree Holstein Friesians, commercial beef cattle, rare breeds, and the Breeders Choice. The Cork Summer Show is a massive event for those involved in showing animals, Mr Murphy said, because here is a culmination of their hard work, and it is also a large marketplace. Danny Lordan (2) from Carrigaline watches as a sheep jumps out of its pen. Picture David Creedon We may not have the population of some of the bigger shows up the country but we are well ahead in the stakes, Mr Murphy added. Competitions have also been taking place across the weekend in sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, equestrian, vintage vehicles, baking, and more. The competitions drive an awful lot of people to the show, with the poultry section being one of the most unexpected events that has really taken off, according to Mr Murphy. 'Brings urban and rural together' Seeing what the show had to offer on Sunday was Tanaiste Micheal Martin who said that events like this are "absolutely vital", offering an "opportunity to showcase the very best of Irish agriculture, food production, and the rural way of life". "It brings urban and rural together. Many people come here for a day out to see the animals, stands, competitions. It personifies community." Tanaiste Micheal Martin TD with Christina Leonard from Waterford who won first place for best boar kid and judge Gil Liddle, chairman IBGA. Picture: David Creedon Mr Martin said that the agriculture industry faces "huge challenges" when it comes to meeting climate targets while also maintaining food production, "but I think if we manage and adapt appropriately, we can maintain that food production system". "We are committed to maintaining our system and we have to because food security is vital. The big challenge of the modern era is to reconcile food security with climate security," he said. In terms of the nitrates derogation, "we're full on to try and retain" it, Mr Martin said. "We'll do everything we possibly can as Government and indeed the [agriculture] minister has recently pulled together all of the stakeholders to make sure we're in a good position to retain that. "We are a grass-based system and we've got to work very hard to achieve this extension and it will have to be a national effort - everybody will have to pull their weight here in terms of making sure we get the right outcome." Grassland display Sustainability was one of the key focuses of this year's Cork Summer Show and a significant feature of the event was the grassland display by University College Cork. At last years show, the Tanaiste announced the collaboration between the MAS and UCC, with the MAS providing a philanthropic gift of 375,000 to the Cork University Foundation for the development of a Farmland Biodiversity Education and Research Programme within Agricultural Science at UCC. MAS is loaning a two-acre research site to UCC for plot-based research in soil and grassland science. UCCs Deirdre Hennessy explained that the display shows the different types of grassland that we see on farms in Ireland, in the hope of furthering people's understanding in this area. UCC's Deirdre Hennessy. Picture: Clare Keogh When we think of grassland, we think of green, but we don't really think about what's in the grassland. So in our demonstration, we have a whole range of paddock, or sward types, Ms Hennessy said. She said it is important farmers can "farm in a productive way", while also working with nature - "taking cognisance of the environment and the ecosystem in which we farm, managing our ditches and field margins, allowing habitats". "Little areas within the farm" where wildlife and biodiversity can thrive will lead to big things, according to Ms Hennessy. "Farmers all across the country are making huge strides to increase the biodiversity on their farms, to manage what they have, to enhance what they have, and make their living and their income from their business," she added. I like being wrong. I find it invigorating to have a belief overturned, a presumption dismissed, an attitude reversed. It makes me feel young again back when I thought I knew everything but was constantly reminded I knew nothing. Ely Wine Bar was opened by Michelle and Erik Robson in 1999, 25 years ago this year. Before the millennium, before 9/11 and Irelands boom and bust, when Cru Classe Claret was affordable and before pet-nats or natural wines were a thing. Ive visited Ely every year since 1999 but somehow I had a rather fixed idea of what the food was like. I thought of cheese and salami plates and steaks I knew that the sourcing was good but I wasnt expecting to find the food thrilling, creative and verging on the exhilarating. I visited Ely on a quiet Tuesday and for extra perspective, I invited two people that were toddlers when Ely opened Shamim de Brun and Sian Conway, a duo that burst into the Irish food world just a year or two ago reviewing everything from spice bags to chicken rolls with charm and wit. Watch for their upcoming Spitfire podcast and give them a follow on Instagram they are the future. Of course I found them in the best seat (at the back in the corner) sipping cocktails a classic margarita and a spicy coconut margarita (14). Both were artfully made, balanced and delicious. For fear of not keeping pace with their younger constitutions, I eschewed a cocktail and ordered a salty, lemony Valdespino Manzanilla, a mere 6 for a generous copita. Elys menu includes snacks, small and big plates and sides designed for nibbling with a glass of wine, plus options for a full meal. We began with Elys sourdough, house cured trout, a celeriac espuma and lamb croquettes (all 14) and from the mere sight of the plates I realised just how much I had underestimated the food offering in Ely. To begin with, the sourdough was as fine as Ive tasted. Nutty and complex and with a bright green whipped wild garlic butter that settled pleasingly into the alveoli hollows in the crusty toasted bread. For divilment, we ate the starters in the wrong order beginning with the sweet lamb croquettes that somehow managed to be densely textured and pleasingly light, a fine smoky-sweet romesco sauce nestled underneath and worked as an excellent dipping sauce (I used my finger once the bread was gone). Celeriac espuma was a sort of fluffy whipped soup (Sians description), ethereal and earthy, sweet and creamy with a tang from some 24-month Comte and some crunchy pecans and jewels of pomegranate to add sweetness. Cured trout (plus roe) in a lime and fennel citrus-focused aguachile marinade was meaty and juicy and refreshed our palates nicely. It worked well with my Manzanilla (as did all the starters), but also with a glass of Alta Alella Mirgin Cava Gran Reserva (10). Perhaps the best match for our starters however was Shams glass of dry Fernando de Castilla Oloroso (9). Roast Irish cauliflower came with a pumpkin dukkah and was coated in a lemongrass barbecue sauce that managed to be both smoky and meaty while retaining a lightness of touch one of the best cauliflower dishes Ive had in the last decade. Irish lamb saddle came with a Merguez sausage (next time can I have 5 please!), plus a carrot and ginger puree and baby ratte potatoes. The lamb was properly pink and immaculately cooked, perhaps 10 seconds less and it would have been a touch underdone. An olive and pomegranate salsa elevated the lamb into fine dining territory. Home cut chips were properly crispy and tasty but polenta chips stole the show, things of beauty to look at, a perfect crisp crust, a sweet fluffy centre and a sprinkle of rosemary to add a herbal note perfection. Elys wine list is of course diverse and excellent and we dithered between classic and modern options but settled on Niepoorts Portuguese NatCool red, a lightly funky natural red that lifted our spirits as well as the flavours in our meal (49 for 1 litre). For dessert (9.50 each), a lemon and ginger posset was tangy and refreshing and a light hazelnut praline in an amaretto crumb elegant and moreish. The only bum note was some rather odd brunch music on the Tannoy (eg Whams Club Tropicana), but that is a minor criticism. Elys head chef Luca Rocco is cooking with flair, intelligence and verve and you should visit soon. THE VERDICT: Eugene Patrick Emmet McCarthy, Paddy Mac to his friends, daddy Pat to us. He liked to listen to the BBC World Service in the back kitchen, late at night, with a hot toddy. He smoked too much, unfiltered filthy things. He had a tattoo on his inner arm, a faded rose with his wifes name in loopy writing, Ann. He had a glass eye he nicknamed Harry. Im just wild about Harry, and Harry is wild about me, hed sing. He had a good voice. He taught me all the names of the bridges in Cork by changing the lyrics to The Cruise of the Calabar. His party piece was The Story of My Life by Marty Robbins. I remember him singing it the first time I was allowed into The Quinn Ryan on Barracks St for a drink with him. He raised his eyebrows and Harry went a bit askew when I asked for a pint, not a glass, of beer, but he didnt say anything. He was a feminist in his own way. He wrote poetry, read everything. He was a strong swimmer, a skillful pool player, great at rings and cards. A sign of a misspent youth, hed say. He was in the don hall of fame. He always won a turkey and a ham at Christmas time playing the card game. He smelled of smoke and Old Spice, and he waved at planes. He was an electrician, a foreman with OSheas, working on the Regional Hospital in Wilton in the 1970s, which would become the Cork University Maternity Hospital, where Id give birth to my boys. Ah, I wish theyd met him. He worked on the printing press in the Irish Examiner offices in Academy St, I found meticulous handwritten notes about the job recently. He worked until the tumour behind his eye, misdiagnosed as him imagining things until it was too late, and they had to take his eye out. He was stoic. Complaining wasnt in his nature, hed literally been through the wars. They used to ration butter, hed marvel, slathering it on a crusty heel. He may have retired early, but he was never idle. Do a little bit every day, hed say. He put the new heating system in our house and built on three extensions. He showed me how to mix concrete, and lay a brick, and helped me with an essay on Marxism. He was kind to animals, non-judgemental, informed. He lent his tools to people, and did little jobs for the neighbours. Always do someone a favour, if you can, hed say. He had great sayings. Always eat a bit of bread with a fry. Mo bhron, said Joan, as she lost last Mass. Even a stopped clock is right twice a day. The man who never made a mistake, never made anything. But his best one was, The children must be minded. They had eight kids, then made room in their house for my sister and I when we needed minding, age one and two. He did our homework with us, he brought us to the dentist, he went to the parent/teacher meetings, he made breakfasts. Hed bring me a slab of toffee every Thursday, pension day. He adored his wife, Ann, mam to us. They were opposites but it worked. She cursed like a sailor. She was wicked and funny and loud and hated alcohol and feared the sea. He rarely raised his voice; shed screech the house down. They both loved Spike Milligan, Frank Spencer, Freddie Starr, and when Mike Murphy made Gay Byrne curse on RTE. He read the Irish Examiner and the Echo cover to cover every day. On Sunday, our thing was going through the papers, daddy Pat and I, sharing out the supplements. Our favourite was The Sunday Tribune and Joe OConnors column, wed read it and then chat about it. I think hed get a kick out of me writing this column now. We used to write to each other all the time, hed leave little notes around. When I went to Irish college, we wrote each other two letters a week. When I went to New York for my J1, he wrote to me every week. I found a letter he handed to me at the breakfast table when I was in University College Cork, outlining his worries about me missing classes and being out too late, too often. He was right and we kept our record of never having a cross word between us. The last letter I wrote for him, I never gave him. It was thanking him, telling him how much I loved him, cos we didnt really say it out loud back then. I didnt give it to him, because I didnt want him to think I thought he was dying. But he was. We both skirted the issue. I was 25 when he died, he was 70. Lung cancer from those deadly Woodbines. No hospital, he wanted to be at home. I was with him, next to him in his bed, around 3am, when he took his final breath. One of the last things he said to me was I can count all my bones. I thought it was Shakespeare, but its a bible quote about suffering. Mam died three weeks later, to the day. Any fool can be a father, being a dad takes so much more. Happy Dads Day, Paddy Mac. The first thing you notice when speaking with Noella Gabriel is how passionate she is about skincare. Well that, and her enviable complexion. For Gabriel, the co-founder and global president of the skincare brand Elemis, beauty is more than skin deep. Gabriel was born in Bandon in Cork, and studied classical singing in the School of Music. Through singing, I discovered the importance of breath; I literally studied breathwork for 13 months at school. I became aware of how your whole body works together and affects what you see in the mirror. Thats where my passion for skincare was born. Gabriel went on to set up a health food shop called Acorn in Bandon with her older sister. In a way, our shop was way before its time. We were focused on wellbeing and nutrition - I was studying nutrition at the time - and how what we do impacts our skin. We wanted to explore that idea a bit more. After 10 years running the shop, Gabriel moved to Dublin to become a beauty therapist, and then moved to New York to study aromatherapy. Three years after that Gabriel said she was ready to take on the world. I moved to London when I was in my late twenties and worked in Harvey Nichols. I absolutely loved it there. I found my home. It was like a real life Sex in the City. We were really leading in beauty innovation at the time and I extended my skill set there. It was here that the seed of Elemis was born. In 1990, entrepreneur and investor Linda Steiner approached Gabriel with a view to creating a skincare brand as near to nature as possible. Linda asked if I would be interested in being involved, and together with Sean Harrington, Oriele Frank, we founded Elemis. Sean, myself and Oriele are all still here today. The ethos of Elemis is also unchanged since its inception. Every Elemis treatment starts with breathing. Were a lifestyle brand and we believe that what you see in the mirror today is formed by the choices you made yesterday. Thats always been the mantra behind the brand, Gabriel explains. Now over 30 years old and in 111 countries worldwide, Elemis continues to stay true to its DNA. Its not always easy to do, says Gabriel. But our goal is to keep it simple and we never compromise on innovation. We dont do gimmicks, and trends dont phase us. Consumers can get confused if you jump on trends. And so we focus on the quality of our products. Texture and aromatics are an important part of the Elemis range, explains Gabriel, who says that over the years the brand has created a texture library. No two textures are the same. The skin is a sensory organ and we should stimulate it every day. And when it comes to the aromatics, Gabriel says the scent of a product takes as long to sign off as the product itself. But all that comes secondary to the clinical trial of each product. The product must work. We have a big responsibility to the consumer who buys our products, they have to work. When it comes to hero products in the Elemis range, one product has stood the test of time. Its Pro Collagen Marine Cream was launched in 2003. This was Elemis first step into the anti-ageing space, and Gabriel was determined to make an impact. We wanted to disrupt the anti-ageing market. So we did our clinical trials and 56 samples later we signed off on our Pro Collagen Marine Cream. Then 10 years ago, the brand launched its Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm. These two products are the brands top two bestselling products, everywhere. The products are a favourite with two specific demographics. The balm appeals to the Gen Z market while the cream is popular with the more mature market, explains Gabriel. Galgorm, Northern Irelands Premiere Spa Resort. In an increasingly competitive, and social media driven market, staying relevant is critical. How and where the consumer shops are changing the skincare market. To stay relevant, we need to go to where our consumers are, and thats TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, says Gabriel. But that doesnt mean the Elemis products have changed. Instead, Gabriel says the brand has revamped its go-to-market strategy. Two years ago, the key was to be authentic, now you have to be relevant. Consumers have to see themselves in your products. Thats where Elemis spa strategy has paid dividends. Without a doubt, spas deliver our highest conversion rate for our products. A spa visit is an experience, and when people visit an Elemis spa, they fall in love with our brand, and theyre hooked on it for the rest of their lives. Elemis has recently announced a partnership with the world-renowned Galgorm spa in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. For Gabriel, bringing the Elemis brand to an Irish spa felt very much like bringing the brand home. I am incredibly proud to be Irish. And this partnership stands out as one of the highlights of my career. Its been a long career full of standout moments. But Gabriel isnt done yet. As long as I love what Im doing, and Im continuing to learn, Ill be here. The skincare industry is a wonderful industry to be involved in. I love being involved in the creative side, and being hands-on with product development. You can see Gabriels influence throughout the Elemis brand. She believes the secret to a good skincare routine is to be consistent. You dont need loads of products, you can be consistent, but with very little. And its never too late to start a skincare routine. Your skin is a very rewarding organ that is just dying to respond. For those of us in our late forties, Gabriel says oil becomes your best friend. As your skin gets older, it gets drier. Oil is the secret sauce. A couple of drops of oil in the morning and evening will make a huge difference. You can spot people who have a serious skincare routine; they look ten years younger! But Gabriel is quick to point out that self-care is also an important part of a good skincare routine. If you dont take care of yourself, youre no good to anyone. Take the time to look after yourself. As it looks to the future, Elemis is doubling down on its spa strategy. Alongside the partnership with Galgorm, Gabriel says the brand is also re-imaging its future in the spa world. Were going high touch and high tech. Next year, we will be unveiling a new Elemis spa concept. After speaking with Gabriel for almost an hour, its clear that the Elemis brand is in safe hands. Its hard to miss the passion this proud Cork woman has for skincare, and care in general. Noella Gabriel is global president and co-founder at luxury skin wellness brand ELEMIS, which recently announced a partnership with Northern Ireland Spa Resort, Galgorm, offering a range of high-performance products and treatments exclusive to the spa. The Government has been accused of failing to prioritise legislating against sex for rent after the Department of Justice admitted the laws are not expected to be ready before the Dails summer recess. There are now fears it could be next year before the laws can be enacted. An amendment outlawing sex-for-rent arrangements in the rental sector had been scheduled to be included in the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2023 which is currently going through the Seanad. However, the Department of Justice has now confirmed that, because of an urgency to enact the bill by the summer recess there are just a few days left to address the ongoing legal and policy consideration for the parts addressing the issue of sex-for-rent propositions if they are to be included. ICOS director Laura Harmon: 'There are predators out there taking advantage of vulnerable people and the absence of legislation is making it worse'. Sources say the area is proving difficult to legislate against. One said: I am not sure it will be ready for next week and the bill has to proceed with or without the sex for rent provisions. If they are not in the bill going into the last few weeks of the Dail, they will go into the next Dail session. However, they added: I dont think it will necessarily fall under that bill then it could be another criminal justice piece of legislation next year. Rent-free accommodation ads It comes as adverts targeting women with rent-free propositions continue to emerge online. In one of the latest such adverts, a Dublin-based advertiser offers a property which says room not private but it has a private bathroom. He is looking for a single, open minded and free spirited woman (21-55) to move in (rent free) and help around the house and more. General cleaning of bathroom, kitchen, bedroom and hallways. If you can cook great if not no matter. Dishes, laundry, shopping and rest of chores we can split. The advert continues: I am a man (39) who works 5 nights a week and doesnt have too much time on my hands. Financially I can cover basic things, bills, cleaning and hygiene products, but I cant afford any kind salary... "I would also support any good idea for extra earning. Proposed legislation Sinn Fein housing spokesman Eoin O Broin introduced legislation in the Dail in March seeking to make it an offence for any landlord to seek sex in lieu of rent or to advertise to seek sex in lieu of rent. He has proposed that the legislation be part of an amendment to the Residential Tenancies Act 2004. Mr O Broin said he does not accept that addressing the issue of sex for rent is of such complexity that it cannot be done before the end of the Dail term. It obviously is not a priority and unfortunately it doesnt surprise me, he said. "Women migrants in the private rented sector are among the most vulnerable groups subjected to this odious behaviour. Irish Council for International Students (ICOS) director Laura Harmon said: There are predators out there taking advantage of vulnerable people and the absence of legislation is making it worse. We are calling on the Government to pass legislation during the lifetime of this Government. It will be a failure of this Government if they dont legislate on this issue before the general election. In November, a report by ICOS found that one in 20 overseas students had either been offered a sex-for-rent arrangement, or had seen an advertisement of such an offer. A male Brazilian student was quoted in the report from ICOS about finding accommodation through an acquaintance before he got to Ireland. When he arrived here, he was shown the property by the landlord, who told him the vacancy was for sleeping on the bed with him and asked if we could have sex. Facebook groups based in the UK are offering to arrange private adoptions and forged birth certificates for a fee of 1,900 (2,240) to Irish families, the Irish Examiner has learned. The groups are claiming they can act as a facilitator between prospective adopters and single women who are not in a position to look after their babies. 'Irish Examiner' interaction with a Facebook page offering 'private adoptions' to Irish families. The proposed adoption would mimic some of the private adoptions illegally carried out in Ireland up until at least the 1970s. Up to 20,000 false registrations of Irish babies here left them with no trace of their biological history and in some cases, no idea they were ever even adopted. Illegal adoptions or illegal birth registrations take place when a child is falsely registered as the biological baby of the adoptive parents. Under Section 2(2) of the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008, these private adoptions carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Domestic and international adoptions into Ireland are overseen by Tusla, which assesses prospective parents while the regulator, the Adoption Authority of Ireland, certifies the placement and provides legal certificates under the Adoption Act 2010. A leading expert in child law here said: In short, no one should go anywhere near this. Dr Conor OMahony, director of UCCs Child Care Law Clinic, said there is no such thing as a private adoption in Ireland and all adoptions must be approved by the AAI. Anyone engaging in a transaction of this nature [whether as the purchaser or the seller] would be at risk of prosecution under the legislation prohibiting the sale of children. Dr Conor O'Mahony said there is no such thing as a 'private adoption' in Ireland and all adoptions must be approved by the AAI. The Irish Examiner became aware of several social media pages offering babies for adoption online. We engaged with several people who claimed they had children as young as two days old available for adoption. One person told us they had a six-month-old African baby girl and that he was going to bring the baby over on a boat to Dublin Port from the UK, where he would hand over the child. It will be very exciting for you, and you can help tell more Irish families about our service, he said. We engaged with a number of people and asked if they arranged private adoptions. One person sent a reply minutes later, saying: Yes I do, you are looking for a male or female? The person went on to say they are based in the UK but had been in contact with Irish families. If we want to follow all legal procedures, itll cost you about 1,900. But I always like using the other way to make it easier for you. When we enquired about the other way to adopt the baby, the contact said: Just make arrangements and you come pick them up or I deliver her after Im done with all the adoption papers. I have a private lawyer for that. At no point, despite asking repeatedly, did the contact give us details of the lawyer they referred to. Not sure its safe [to say] was the response. Itll take about a week [to adopt the baby] they continued. Her mom is on board but dont want to be involved in the process. First, Ill need to start with adoption papers. Will work with the lawyer which will cost 250 (294) to 300 (353). When this newspaper asked if we should employ our own lawyer, the person said: Its needless getting a lawyer, when everything will be handled. But you can get your lawyer if you would love to, it just costs you more. The proposed arrangement included bringing the baby to Dublin Port, where we would meet, and collect the child. It is easier if we come by boat. We will make a birth certificate and you can say the baby is yours. However, when we pressed the contact about the law, and if this was illegal, they stopped correspondence and later blocked us on Messenger. A second engagement with another person led to a conversation about the woman not being able to mind her two-month-old twin girls, and that she would bring them to Dublin. Im the birth mother of them, the person claimed before sending a photo of two babies. Im a student and I got pregnant, and the person refused to be responsible of my pregnancy, so I was afraid of abortion, and I decided to give birth and put them up for adoption. I cant take care of this alone beside I am a student so I cant handle this. I am the only child so how will I got out and work to feed them. This is better to adopt them. The person later said it would cost $2,500 (2,297) to adopt the two babies. The illegal advertising of babies for private adoption online comes amid growing concern, as the number of babies for adoption has declined all over the world in recent years. Research by the Adoption Authority of Ireland shows there were 4,989 intercountry adoptions from abroad approved in Ireland between January 1991 and September 2019. The vast majority of the overall figure took place in the years to October 2010. Of those figures, 83% of these children came from just five countries: Russia, Romania, Vietnam, China, and Ethiopia. Intercountry adoptions From November 2010 to September 2019, there were 707 intercountry adoptions from 23 countries. The decline in inter-country adoptions since 2010 was a direct result of Irelands ratification of the 1993 Hague Convention on November 1 that year. New figures also show there were just 102 domestic adoption orders granted in 2022. That includes step parents, long-term foster carers, and infant adoptions, while the authority received 110 applications. Adoptions between Ireland and a large number of countries, including Russia, Ethiopia, and China have all ceased in the past decade due to growing concerns all over the world about baby trafficking. In May, the Netherlands said it will no longer allow its citizens to adopt from foreign countries. Dutch parents adopted around 40,000 children from 80 countries in the previous half-century. There are dozens of similar Facebook pages advertising private adoptions and a quick trawl through them shows some could possibly be a scamming mechanism to lure vulnerable, hopeful parents into the trap of an adoption for money. However, one woman, who was illegally adopted in Ireland in 1972 when she was handed to her adoptive parents at three days old through a car window in a car park in Co Louth, said: Even one baby being trafficked is too much. Margaret Norton lifted the lid on the criminal behaviour of Dr Irene Creedon in Co Monaghan who was trafficking scores of children all over the country for more than 20 years. She knowingly broke the law by arranging private adoptions and was linked to a number of mother and baby homes, including Bessborough, Temple Hill, and Sorento House in Dublin. Ms Norton, from Co Longford, said: As an illegally-adopted, illegally- registered, trafficked child of the 1970s I would be horrified to think that in 2024 this alleged trafficking is still ongoing. I was assured by authorities that this would never happen again. Being a product of the above has significant implications on a childs life, not knowing who you are being the most traumatic. Not having any paperwork, or in my case falsified paperwork, is so disturbing because even if you are lucky enough to go to a great family like I did, as the years pass you naturally get curious about your birth parents. This illegal practice of moving vulnerable small babies from country to country or within Ireland leaves you with almost no place to start looking for information because essentially you dont exist. This is a trauma in a childs and or adults life and can leave people with very profound emotions and feelings. I would urge the relevant authorities such as gardai to investigate this alleged practice as we certainly do not want history repeating itself for these little babies. In his report to Government in 2022, the former special rapporteur for children Conor OMahony said the State was aware of illegal adoptions in Ireland which happened following the implementation of the Adoption Act in 1952 a law that was meant to prevent child trafficking. In 2018, Tusla told the Department of Children that at least 126 children adopted through the St Patricks Guild Adoption Society had been the subject of an illegal birth registration. That number has since risen to 151. These cases were found when a suspicious marker adopted at birth was found on the files in question and investigated. Irene Creedon was not the only high-profile doctor trafficking babies. Consultant Eamon de Valera, the son of the former president, was also involved in the illegal practice. No official figure has ever been determined for the number of illegal adoptions in Ireland, because not all of them have been uncovered. However, an independent review sampled records held by Tusla and the AAI and said there were around 20,000 illegal birth registrations. In a statement, Tusla said it is not aware of any such adoption practices active in Ireland. In the instance such practice comes to light we would report it as a matter of urgency to An Garda Siochana to investigate and the Adoption Authority of Ireland as the regulator of adoption and the central authority under Hague convention, in line with child protection legislation. Anyone with a child protection concern should contact their local duty social work office. Illegal practice The Department of Children and the Adoption Authority of Ireland said: Private placements and adoption in Ireland is illegal. Payment for adoption in Ireland is illegal. Part 15 of the Adoption Act 2010 details the offences and penalties under the legislation for accredited bodies or individuals breaching or failing to abide by the provisions of the Act. Specifically, Section 144 of the Act prohibits the advertising of adoptions, and Section 145 prohibits the receipt of payments by adopters, parents, or guardians in consideration for the adoption of a child, as well as payments to those who make arrangements for adoptions. Furthermore, Section 125 prohibits private placements or individuals making such arrangements for the placement and adoption of a child. These restrictions were included in the original Adoption Act 1952. It added: "Tusla, the Child and Family Agency is the body designated with statutory power to make arrangements for the placement of a child for adoption. The Adoption Authority of Ireland is responsible for regulating and supervising domestic and intercountry adoptions. As both the Competent Authority and Central Authority in Ireland in relation to adoption matters, the authority is the only agency in Ireland that has power under the law to grant or refuse to grant adoption orders. "Adoption can only occur through bodies accredited by the authority. Any prospective parents seeking to or are interested in adopting a child should seek further information from the authority. "The authority is not aware of any Irish families involved in the illegal adoption practices highlighted by the journalist. Furthermore, anyone approached with an offer to arrange an adoption or to arrange an adoption for compensation should immediately report the incident to the gardai." The Israeli military on Sunday announced a tactical pause in its offensive in the southern Gaza Strip to allow the deliveries of increased quantities of humanitarian aid. The army said the pause would begin in the Rafah area at 8am (5am GMT) and remain in effect until 7pm (4pm GMT). It said the pauses would take place every day until further notice. The pause is aimed at allowing aid trucks to reach the nearby Israel-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing, the main entry point for incoming aid, and travel safely to the Salah a-Din highway, a main north-south road, to deliver supplies to other parts of Gaza, the military said. It said the pause was being coordinated with the UN and international aid agencies. The crossing has suffered from a bottleneck since Israeli ground troops moved into Rafah in early May. This image provided by the US Army shows trucks loaded with humanitarian aid from the United Arab Emirates and the United States Agency for International Development cross the Trident Pier before arriving on the beach on the Gaza Strip (Staff Sgt. Malcolm Israels eight-month military offensive against the Hamas militant group has plunged Gaza into a humanitarian crisis, with the UN reporting widespread hunger and hundreds of thousands of people on the brink of famine. The international community has urged Israel to do more to ease the crunch. From May 6 until June 6, the UN received an average of 68 trucks of aid a day, according to figures from the UN humanitarian office, known as OCHA. That was down from 168 a day in April and far below the 500 trucks a day that aid groups say are needed. The flow of aid in southern Gaza declined just as the humanitarian need grew. More than 1 million Palestinians, many of whom had already been displaced, fled Rafah after the invasion, crowding into other parts of southern and central Gaza. Most now languish in ramshackle tent camps, using trenches as latrines, with open sewage in the streets. Cogat, the Israeli military body that oversees aid distribution in Gaza, says there are no restrictions on the entry of trucks. It says more than 8,600 trucks of all kinds, both aid and commercial, entered Gaza from all crossings from May 2 to June 13, an average of 201 a day. But much of that aid has piled up at the crossings and not reached its final destination. A spokesman for Cogat, Shimon Freedman, said it was the UNs fault that its cargos stacked up on the Gaza side of Kerem Shalom. He said the agencies have fundamental logistical problems that they have not fixed, especially a lack of trucks. The UN denies such allegations. It says the fighting between Israel and Hamas often makes it too dangerous for UN trucks inside Gaza to travel to Kerem Shalom, which is right next to Israels border. It also says the pace of deliveries has been slowed because the Israeli military must authorize drivers to travel to the site, a system Israel says was designed for the drivers safety. Due to a lack of security, aid trucks in some cases have also been looted by crowds as they moved along Gazas roads. The new arrangement aims to reduce the need for co-ordinating deliveries by providing an 11-hour uninterrupted window each day for trucks to move in and out of the crossing. It was not immediately clear whether the army would provide security to protect the aid trucks as they move along the highway. Security forces stormed a detention centre in southern Russia on Sunday, killing inmates accused of links to Islamist terror cells who had taken two staff members hostage, state-funded news channel RT reported. Journalists on the scene reported the sound of gunfire, while multiple ambulances were seen arriving at the prison in footage on social media. The hostages at the pre-trial detention centre in Rostov-on-Don were uninjured, Russias Federal Penitentiary Service said in an official statement. Russian police, Rosguardia servicemen and medical cars gather near the detention centre in Rostov-on-Don (AP) It said the hostage-takers had been liquidated, but did not comment further. A number of local news outlets, including RT, reported that at least some of the prisoners had been killed. Earlier, state news agency Tass, citing unnamed sources in law enforcement, had said six hostage-takers were in the central courtyard of the Rostov regions Detention Centre No 1, armed with a penknife, a rubber baton and a fire axe. Prisoners at the centre include men accused of links to the Islamic State group, it said. Images posted on social media appeared to show at least two of the hostage-takers wearing a headband that resembled the IS flag. Other images showed prisoners wielding knives. Reports said the hostage-takers were armed with a penknife, a rubber baton and a fire axe (AP) RT reported that three of the hostage-takers had already been sentenced on terrorism charges, including disseminating extremist information and plotting to blow up a Russian courthouse. IS has carried out a number of attacks on Russian soil in recent years. An affiliate of IS claimed responsibility for the most recent attack in March, when gunmen opened fire on a crowd at a concert hall in suburban Moscow, killing 145 people. Hamburg police have shot a man they say was armed with an axe-like object and a Molotov cocktail just hours before the city staged its first game of Euro 2024. The German citys police force said officers were threatened by the individual and, after he refused to drop the incendiary device, he was shot in his leg. The incident took place near the citys fan park in the St Pauli district around two and a half hours before the Netherlands faced Poland at Hamburgs Volksparkstadion. An object marked with a spray circle lies at the scene of the incident (Steven Hutchings/AP) A statement from Hamburg police read: According to current findings, a man came out of a locality around 1230pm (CET) and threatened police forces with a pickaxe/axe-like object. He was asked by them to drop this item. He also threatened the police officers with a Molotov cocktail in his hand, which he did not drop despite being asked and continued to walk towards the officers. The police then used their service weapon and shot him in the leg. This prevented further attacks and no emergency services or other bystanders were injured. The police officers immediately provided first aid, which was continued a short time later by medical personnel. The man is currently receiving further care in a hospital. Pictures on social media had earlier shown thousands of Netherlands supporters in the city enjoying the build-up to the Group D opener. The incident reportedly took place near to where a large crowd of Dutch supporters were gathered, however, the police could not say whether the fans were being targeted. A football connection cannot currently be determined, nor are there currently any insights into other motivations, Hamburg police added. Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports on the humanitarian situation in Gaza this week in the aftermath of the United Nations Security Council demand (14-0 with Russia abstaining) for a ceasefire in Gaza. It required Hamas and Israel to reply with a letter outlining their response. Hamas has done so but Israel has not, and members of the government, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have made it clear in public remarks that they will defy the Security Council and will reject the Biden peace plan. Saddam Husseins apparent defiance of UNSC resolutions was given as a legitimate causus belli by the George W. Bush administration, bolstering its case for invading Iraq in 2003. To underline this defiance of the will of the world community, between June 10 when the UNSC order came down and June 14, the Israeli armed forces killed 142 Palestinians in Gaza and wounded 396. According to the professionals at the Gaza Ministry of Health, since October 7 the Israelis have killed 37,266 Palestinians in Gaza and injured 85,102, the vast majority of them women and children, with many of the rest elderly and other noncombatant men. Doctors without Borders (French acronym MSF) points to the casualties since the start of this month as further proof of the complete dehumanization of the Palestinians, saying that since the beginning of June, more than 800 people have been killed and over 2,400 wounded in intense bombing and ground offensives by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. These are physicians at the few hospitals still partially functioning, so they see the influx of the wounded and dead bodies. Brice de le Vingne, Head of MSF Emergency Unit, asked, how can the killing of more than 800 people in a single week, including small children, plus the maiming of hundreds more, be considered a military operation adhering to international humanitarian law? We can no longer accept the statement that Israel is taking all precautions this is just propaganda. De le Vingne added, Catch-all phrases like war is ugly act as blinders to the fact that children too young to walk are being dismembered, eviscerated, and killed. Children too young to walk. Some children begin walking as early as 10 to 11 months old. It reminds me of when President Joe Biden dismissed Palestinian deaths, saying people get killed in war, or words to that effect. MSF rejects Israeli propaganda that they are letting in aid. Theyve seen with their own eyes that it isnt happening. Plus, they note, Israel repeatedly bombed so-called safe zones, refugee camps, a school and multiple humanitarian warehouses, which were formally registered as deconflicted by Israeli forces. Al Jazeera English Video: Israel has systematic strategy of making Gaza uninhabitable In the past month and a half, the UNs OCHA reminds us, a million Palestinians were again displaced from the south, and 100,000 were displaced from the north. Displaced means made homeless and likely sleeping rough with few toilets or potable water or food. Most of the domiciles in Gaza have been made into rubble by the Israelis, though 16% of the displaced have tried to go home. Some erect tents over their former homes. Some 31% go to new shelters. At informal displacement sites (tent cities?) in Deir al-Balah, families reported irregular food distributions, overcrowded and dilapidated shelters with an average of eight to 10 persons per shelter, lack of sanitation infrastructure, and a range of health issues such as skin diseases, hepatitis A, gastroenteritis, and respiratory illnesses. Water shortages are severe among these refugees in Deir al-Balah: average water availability per person per day was less than two litres [half a gallon] at Abo Dalal displacement site and only 0.7 litres [less than a quart] at Ard Al Ghusain displacement site. This is less than the internationally recognized minimum requirement for survival of three litres [3 quarts] per day and significantly lower than the minimum amount of 15 litres [4 gallons] per day needed in an emergency for drinking, washing and cooking. As for food, some 8,000 children in Gaza have been formally diagnosed with malnutrition and another 3,000 have been identified as in imminent danger of it. Given the poor state of medicine in the Strip, these figures are only the tip of the iceberg. Israeli airstrikes have taken out water pipes, wells, and sewage treatment plants. There is only 28% the potable water in Gaza that existed on October 6. This is not an accident, as MSF pointed out. People are forced to collect surface water that is tainted with sewage, causing a range of diseases of the intestinal tract and liver. Apparently the Israeli military has expelled all but about 90,000 people from Rafah, which had had a pre-war population of 300,000 and had swollen to 1.2 million before the Israeli invasion of early May. Those 90,000 people have no functioning hospital, since Israel has destroyed the medical facilities there, according to the World Health Organization. OCHA finds that over 76 per cent of schools in Gaza are now assessed as requiring full reconstruction or major rehabilitation to be functional again. The Israeli Air Force continues to directly target schools; this week it smashed a UN school functioning as a shelter, killing 30 refugees. The children of Gaza have lost a school year. If they lose two more, studies suggest that they will never get back on track. Palestinians are the most educated people in the Middle East, but Israel is depriving those in Gaza of a basic education. Those who suffer malnutrition will suffer permanent cognitive losses as well as emotional problems. Others have PTSD and are traumatized, and may never be right in the head again. If university boards were controlled by the communities they impact, we could redirect billions of dollars away from war and corporations that harm people and the planet. By Akin Olla | ( Waging Nonviolence ) The pro-Palestinian divestment movement has erupted across the country, after over a decade of bubbling and stirring under the guidance of organizations like Students for Justice in Palestine. Students have built encampments, led walkouts and passed student government resolutions demanding that their universities cease investing their endowments in companies that uphold Israels genocidal apartheid system. Some student governments have even passed resolutions preventing their own budgets from being used to benefit Israels regime in any way. University of California Davis was the first to do so, blocking off its $20 million budget from genocide-supporting companies. This of course pales in comparison to the full demands of the students in the University of California, or UC, system, the divestment of its entire $27 billion endowment. These divestment fights are important and open up a path towards a struggle that can make divestment permanent, and change the countrys political landscape forever. The power to divest lies in the hands of unelected college governing boards and any movement that can seize even a small portion of that power will have the potential to redirect billions of dollars away from Israel, oil companies and any corporation or entity that seeks to harm the oppressed and the planet. While boards are currently dominated by Zionists, Democratic and Republican party political lackeys, and corporate CEOs, they should be put to a vote and under the control of those most impacted by colleges students, faculty, staff, alumni and the communities that surround them. This idea isnt new. The first university in Western history, the University of Bologna, was founded as a student-governed mutual aid society, and students across the U.S. gained small amounts of governing power during the 1960s and 1970s. It is not guaranteed that democratically-elected boards will deliver justice, but they are significantly more likely to than the undemocratic boards we currently have. A fight for more democratic boards could place the question of divestment into the hands of students and faculty and move large amounts of funding from genocide and toward social movement projects. And even if it fails, the threat to the power of boards could lead to them buckling on the reasonable demand of divestment from genocide. The board game Most colleges have some form of a board of trustees (sometimes called a board of regents or governors when they oversee an entire system like the University of Texas or the UC system) that serves as their main governing body. These boards are the ones that use endowments to invest in corporations that bulldoze the homes of Palestinians and support Israels army in murdering children. While student governments and faculty senates exist, and sometimes have independent budgets like within the UC system, they have little to no power over the larger decisions of a university. And while administrators have a lot of say in day-to-day campus affairs, most of their decisions and direction come from the board of trustees or the college president or chancellor, who are chosen by the board. Private boards of trustees are usually appointed by the current trustees, while public college trustees are almost exclusively appointed by state governors. This gives state governors disproportionate control of higher education. The consequences of this are clear in places like Florida, where Ron DeSantis was able to replace the progressive trustees of New College with his conservative minions overnight. While most governors arent as terrible as DeSantis, they all universally prioritize the needs of the rich over ordinary people. Most governors also prioritize Israel over any form of justice for Palestine. In 2017, every single governor in the country signed a letter stating opposition to the pro-Palestine movement. And a majority of states have passed anti-Palestine protest laws. The preferences of governors show up in the trustees they appoint. Most boards of trustees are packed with CEOs instead of professors and students. A few colleges are considering divestment, but only two boards in the country have come out in support of divestment. The boards also dont look like the rest of the country. In 2020, 80 percent of private trustees were white, and two out of three were male. Eighty-two percent were over the age of 50, and nearly a quarter were over the age of 70. UCs board and public boards in general is more diverse, but its packed with millionaire CEOs, charter school executives and former politicians. This diverse board has refused to budge on divesting from Israel and instead has orchestrated the raiding of multiple encampments and the arrests of hundreds of people. While replacing Zionist governors (and thus Zionist board members) may seem like the answer, redrawing the entire concept of trustees could be more strategic in the long term. Peoples boards Rebooting the entire system of trustees would take a lot of work, but its feasible. A 2000 bill in the Wisconsin State Legislature proposed that the governor-appointed board be replaced with an elected one. Of the proposed 15-member board, one would be an elected superintendent of public instruction, nine would be individually elected from each congressional district, while the remainder would be elected by the student body of the statewide University of Wisconsin system. This bill failed to pass but reforming university governing boards isnt impossible nor a thing of the past. In 2019, the University of Marylands board added a second student seat to its board. In February of this year, state senators in New Mexico moved to weaken their governors power in appointing regents. Nevada already has an elected board of regents embedded in its state constitution, but state legislators moved to strip it of its supreme control over higher education in 2020. Their efforts were fortunately blocked by voters through ballot measure, but the vote came down to a less than 1 percent difference. This kind of power struggle over the board isnt uncommon but has often been limited to fights between politicians, not the demands of social movements on the scale of the movement for Palestine. Student trustees, which already exist at many universities, were fought for and won by student movements in the 1960s and 1970s. Student activists took over student governments and pushed for various forms of student power. Leaders like David Harris, the student government president of Stanford University in 1966, went as far as to advocate for the full abolition of the university Board of Trustees and full student control over student regulations as well as the end of university cooperation with the Vietnam War. ABC News: Student protesters demand schools cease US funding of Israeli military Massachusetts was the first state to grant students not only seats on their university governing boards, but the ability for students to elect their own trustees. This 1969 bill was passed, according to some state legislatures, to appease campus militants. In states like Indiana, students leveraged the atmosphere of unrest, access to media outlets and their new voting power from the 26th amendment which gave 18-year-olds the right to vote to push for student inclusion on governing boards. They built institutions like the Indiana Student Association, a statewide student government, to create a unified student voice capable of passing legislation. In 1975 new student trustee roles were created for each public college in the state, though they were unfortunately appointed by the governor due to a political compromise that would prevent each flagship campuses from dominating their regional satellites in trustee elections. To this day many student trustees are sadly either appointed or lack voting power. Those student trustees with voting power are still important, though it seems like the left has forgotten. Right-wing activists are still aware of such potential, in 2014 a millionaire Zionist funneled money toward pro-Israel student government leaders and helped secure the appointment of one of their members to the only student seat on the UC systems board of regents. Of course, winning these reforms would not necessarily make the universities more pro-Palestine, but there is evidence that a student, labor and community composition could shift the views of their governing boards in a more progressive direction. While almost no university board has come out in support of free Palestine, student governments and faculty unions across the country have. Many of these student governments, like those at Rutgers and Barnard went through the referendum route to approve their decisions, meaning they had to win majority support on campus before declaring their support. On the community front, there have been over a hundred towns and cities that have at least endorsed a ceasefire. It is not a guarantee, but a more democratic board would more likely reflect the opinions of the 55 percent of Americans who disapprove of Israels actions in Gaza and the 39 percent of voters who believe Israel is actively committing genocide. The trustees of the late 60s are a great example of this potential. A survey of trustees under the age of 30, presumably students and recent alumni, in 1969 found that 93 percent of them described their political views as similar to that of Martin Luther King Jr., and 61 percent described their views as akin to Black Panther Party member H. Rap Brown. Not a single young trustee identified as conservative and not a single one identified their politics as similar to Richard Nixon, compared to 62 percent of all other trustees. The means This demand should not replace the work that is already being done by students or organizing directly focused on Israel. It should complement and build on the natural coalition that is already forming and generate new coalitions and political projects adjacent to those fighting for divestment and shutting down weapons producers. Student governments can play the same role they played in the 1960s and 1970s, using their funding and legitimacy to push for legislation, while student radicals run in campus elections to gain more access to power and affirm the popularity of the movement. Outside of campus, pushing for more representative versions of the bill from Wisconsin could give the community wing of the movement a way to contribute directly to the fight that students are waging, and increase the self-interest of community members like those in Philadelphia who are struggling against universities that are backing the gentrification of working-class neighborhoods. Such a coalition was already established in October 2023, as the University of Pennsylvanias fossil fuel divestment movement joined forces with the struggle to Save the Peoples Townhomes in Philadelphias historic Black Bottom neighborhood. Democratizing college governing boards could also bring in pro-democracy organizations concerned with corporate influence, and provide roles for alumni groups like Alumni for Justice in Palestine once the school year is up. The boards could be split by constituents, allowing students and faculty to vote through their already existing structures, and municipal or state voters to elect representatives like those presented in the Wisconsin legislation. The fight could be framed as an anti-corruption campaign aimed at removing unaccountable, unelected boards and replacing them with democratically elected peoples boards that build on the limited democratic infrastructure that we have in this country. This summer, students, faculty, workers and alumni could knock on doors across their states, asking neighbors to play a role in reshaping higher education and taking a piece of the countrys institutions back. It would be a great compliment to the mass protests that were already in the midst of. This pressure could seize support from state politicians looking for a win on higher education that wont cost the state money. The only losers in this case would be individual governors and current board members, perfect targets for campaigns that can easily cast them as overpowered and inefficient. Private universities could not go this route, but by focusing on organizing alumni as well as the general public they can back their universities into isolation. A national wing of the campaign could be created, mandating that all universities that receive federal funding in any fashion which is basically all of them must engage in some form of democratic governance structure. Even if these campaigns dont succeed, they will threaten and likely politically weaken the people preventing college divestments from Israel. In my experience as a former student organizer and board member of the U.S. Student Association which contained many of the statewide student associations formed in the wake of the 26th amendment campus administrators are more likely to give in to policy demands when youre also threatening their very existence. I was part of a broader student union movement that sought not only to reshape our stifling student governments but also to democratize campus. I found that once we built larger coalitions that pushed for more aggressive demands like shared governance, administrators were more likely to budge on less threatening proposals like replacing food vendors and supporting campus diversity efforts. This is not dissimilar to non-democratic governments like Czarist Russia or those targeted by the Arab Spring, who when outright murder wasnt an option opted for long-requested reforms when faced with demands that would strip them of their power. In social psychology, this is referred to as the door-in-the-face technique. The idea is that you want to make a demand that is so big that it could lead to you having the door slammed in your face first. This is the idea youre more likely to convince someone to a smaller ask after first making a larger more demanding one. Amid the fans' anticipation for his screen return, Kim Myung Soo's drama "Dare to Love Me" is receiving flak from the viewers. For what reason? Continue reading to find out! 'Dare to Love You' Disappoints Viewers for THESE Reasons Fans and viewers are always excited for new K-dramas as they have a variety of series to add to their watchlist and fresh faces to see every week. Among the ongoing shows occupying primetime slot is "Dare to Love Me." This series is Kim Myung Soo's comeback, following one year of hiatus. Unfortunately, despite the hype for his return, fans are struggling to finish the drama. They expressed their disappointment and frustration at Myung Soo's new work. "Dare to Love You" is adapted from a webtoon and its characters are played by Kim Myung Soo and Lee Yoo Young. It revolves around the story of an aspiring webtoon writer, who lives like it's still the Joseon era, and a free-spirited apparel designer, who refuses to let go of her dream. Based on some of the audience's comments, the pilot episode of the drama already showed "cringe comedy." Others commented: "I am not sure about this one. It tries to be funny but it doesn't deliver." "I was not thrilled with episode 1. I'm a bit sad since the premise was promising." Apart from failing to capture the viewers' attention with its pilot episode, the female lead's styling received backlash. Even though some viewers didn't like the plot or characters at first watch, they were willing to give the series more time to win them over. However, frustration with the characters, styling, and plot persisted as the drama continued. "Please stop looking 'noona' so dirty, and style her properly. Why is she dressed like that? She's only 30." Comment by in by u/meepmochi_ from discussionin KDRAMA "I really don't like the actress playing the female lead." "I find myself wondering why I'm still watching. I do like the leads but the rest of the story hits every single troupe, not necessarily in a good way." Kim Myung Soo, Lee Yoo Young Receive Love Despite Drama's Sluggish Plot Meanwhile, although the rom-com drama is not appealing to everyone, it still has dedicated fans who enjoy watching it until the end. "I don't know why people are badmouthing this drama. It's sweet, light, and fun. I like the main couple and the second leads." "Low key hate-watching this because of Myung Soo. Lee Yoo Young deserved a better character than this bland and silly lovestruck innocent noona." Comment byu/meepmochi_ from discussion inKDRAMA Catch "Dare to Love Me" every Monday and Tuesday at 10:10 p.m. (KST) on KBS2. What can you say about Kim Myung Soo's drama "Dare to Love Me"? Share your thoughts/replies in the comments! For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars. KDramaStars owns this article. Shai San Miguel wrote this. Saturday, June 15, 2024 - The United Nations said on Thursday, June 13, that a total of 120 million people are living forcibly displaced by war, violence, and persecution, calling the ever-increasing number a terrible indictment on the state of the world. The United Nations refugee agency UNHCR said forced displacement globally had once again broken records, with conflicts in places like Gaza, Sudan, and Myanmar forcing even more people to leave their homes. At the end of last year, 117.3 million people were displaced, UNHCR said in a report but by the end of April, the number had swelled further, with an estimated 120 million people around the world living in displacement. The number is up from 110 million a year ago, and has been rising for 12 consecutive years, nearly tripling since 2012 amid a combination of new and mutating crises and a failure to resolve long-standing ones, UNHCR said. The UN said the global displaced population is now equivalent to that of Japan. Conflict remains a very, very big driver of mass displacement, UN refugee chief Filippo Grandi told reporters. UNHCR last year declared 43 emergencies across 29 countries, more than four times what was common just a few years ago, he told reporters. In particular, Grandi noted, the way conflicts are conducted in complete disregard of international law, and often with the specific purpose of terrorising people. This of course is a powerful contributor to more displacement. Sudans civil war has been a key factor driving up the numbers. Since the Sudanese war broke out in April 2023 between rival generals, it has displaced more than nine million more people, leaving nearly 11 million Sudanese uprooted at the end of 2023, UNHCR said. Grandi pointed to the many still fleeing to neighbouring Chad, which has received some 600,000 Sudanese in the past 14 months. Hundreds and hundreds every day are crossing from one devastated country to one of the poorest countries in the world, he told AFP. In the Democratic Republic of Congo and Myanmar, millions more people were also internally displaced last year by vicious fighting. In the Gaza Strip, the UN estimates 1.7 million people 75 percent of the population have been displaced by the war sparked eight months ago by Hamass October 7 attack inside Israel. As for the war raging in Ukraine, the UN estimated that around 750,000 people became newly displaced inside the country last year, with a total of 3.7 million internally displaced people registered by the end of 2023. The number of Ukrainian refugees and asylum-seekers increased by over 275,000 to six million, it said. Syria remains the worlds largest displacement crisis, with 13.8 million people forcibly displaced inside and outside the country, UNHCR added. Sunday, June 16, 2024 - Kileleshwa Ward MCA, Robert Alai, has exposed President William Ruto and his associates for looting Nairobi County coffers. According to Alai, Ruto has instructed millions of shillings to be paid to his associates in a wider scheme to loot public funds. The payments amounting to over Ksh 144 Million are fictitious and part of wider fraudulent activities being facilitated in City Hall from State House Read his post on X. As garbage chokes Nairobi City County, the executive leadership has lined up some payments, which are now awaiting approval by the Controller of Budget. These payments are fictitious and part of wider fraudulent activities being facilitated in City Hall from State House because the House on the Hill consumes Nairobi City County Revenue. Others are for garbage collection, which was neither procured nor done. 1. Zonari Investment Ksh 21,823,600 Invoice: 577 and LPO No: 516 2. Centreline Logistics Ksh 88,579,806 Invoice No: CL/5/2023 LPO No: 517 3. Philippe Gourdin Ksh 23,113,975 Invoice No: 404 and LPO No: 518 4. Oxifresh Services Ksh 11,125,061 Invoice No: 002 and LPO No: 519 TOTAL Fictitious Garbage to be Paid: Ksh 144,642,442. The looting of Nairobi City County with the facilitation of State House MUST STOP. It is said that Philippe Gourdin and Oxifresh are linked to individuals who are close to President Ruto and State House. They say the payment must be made because "ni ya President." The Kenyan DAILY POST. Sunday, June 16, 2024 - Former Laikipia Woman Representative Hon. Cate Waruguru is at the center of a tumultuous and high-stakes drama involving her partner Peter Waweru's ex-wife Zipporah Njoki. This ongoing saga which first grabbed headlines in May 2021 with accusations of assault has now escalated into a fierce property dispute with both legal and personal implications. Zipporah Njoki recently received a demand letter from Rock and Pure Limited (a company co-owned by Waruguru and Waweru) requiring her to vacate the matrimonial home by June 30, 2024 or pay a monthly rent of Ksh. 300,000. The company asserts ownership of the property having acquired it on April 27, 2021 but Njoki disputes this transfer alleging it was conducted without her knowledge or consent. Njoki's legal team responded to this demand, arguing that the property is still subject to ongoing legal suits in the Environment and Land Court and the High Court Family Division. They maintain that the transfer was unlawful and that evicting Njoki and her children would violate existing court orders designed to protect their welfare. Meanwhile, Kate seems to have deleted most of Peter's photos from her Facebook page. Previously, she constantly posted about him but since February, his photos have disappeared from her account. Nowadays shes just posting reggae lyrics with cryptic messages fueling speculation that he is no longer living with her. The two formed Rock and Pure Limited with Kate being the majority shareholder. The company acquired the house after the initial drama where they ambushed and allegedly roughed up Zippy. Now, they seek to evict Zippy and her children from the house. Waweru had previously announced his divorce from Njoki and stated that irreconcilable differences led to the dissolution of their marriage but Njoki maintains that the divorce was fueled by Waweru's pursuit of a relationship with Waruguru, which began during a turbulent period in their marriage. The public has responded vociferously to the ongoing drama with many expressing support for Njoki and condemning Waruguru and Waweru's actions. Social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok are awash with comments demanding justice for Njoki and her children. This controversy first erupted on May 12, 2021, when Hon. Cate Waruguru allegedly assaulted Zipporah Njoki at her residence in Utange, Mombasa. Waruguru was reportedly accompanied by four men and disguised in a buibui to conceal her identity/ The group allegedly beat Njoki prompting her to scream for help until neighbors intervened. Njoki subsequently filed a statement with the Bamburi Police Station. Via Cyprian Nyakundi. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Sunday, June 16, 2024 Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has exposed a secret WhatsApp group out to finish him completely as his fallout with President William Ruto reaches a point of no return. While overseeing an empowerment program in Kirinyaga County, Gachagua accused certain close allies of Ruto of undermining his relationship with the Head of State. He claimed that these leaders had formed a WhatsApp group named Project 22 intending to orchestrate his removal from his current government role. He further revealed instances where these politicians had allegedly encouraged discord between him and the president. I have only two bosses, President Ruto and the people of Kenya. "The problem you are currently witnessing is that some people who are friends of the president also want to be my boss. Is it possible? Gachagua questioned. "Now they are trying to incite other leaders against me through a WhatsApp group called Project 22 by convincing them that I am a bad person, he added. According to Gachagua, attempts to eject him from his current position began way back in 2022 even before Ruto was sworn in as the 5th President of Kenya. He narrated how the politicians would on several occasions visit the president's residence in an attempt to convince Ruto to drop him as his running mate. "When Ruto was looking for a running mate, he had many choices, there was a small group that was saying that if he made me his deputy, he would fail," the DP narrated. "They attempted to convince him but finally he made up his mind as a very seasoned politician and came to the conclusion that it was me to be his deputy. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, June 16, 2024 - Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnsons motorcade was on Friday stoned by angry residents of Kariobangi while on his way out of an official function. Sakaja was in Kariobangi, Embakasi North Constituency, to launch the official opening of Mama Margaret Uhuru Hospital which was constructed by former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko. The National Police Service came to his rescue by deploying water canons and anti riot police as the situation worsened. Embakasi North Constituency is a stronghold of UDA MP James Gakuya who is on the verge of defeating Sakaja for the UDA Chairmanship post in Nairobi. Sakaja is facing a hostile ground in some parts of Nairobi especially areas dominated by UDA supporters. Critics have also accused Sakaja of underperfomace after the Controller of Budget singled out Nairobi for allocating the least amount of money to the development sector in the last financial year. Sakaja only allocated 1% of Nairobis Sh32 billion budget, with the lion share of the money allocated to luxurious items and payment of lawyers pending bills. On his official Facebook and X accounts, Sakaja avoided commenting on the incident and instead posted about the opening of the hospital. Mama Margaret Uhuru Hospital in Kariobangi is finally open to the public as a fully fledged level 5 hospital. A wonderful celebration today with the people of Embakasi North, Ruaraka and Mathare who form the primary catchment area of this hospital. Health Lazima iWork. Posted Sakaja. Saturday, June 15, 2024 - US President, Joe Biden has reiterated that he will not grant a pardon to his son Hunter in his first comment on the matter since the Hunter was convicted of federal firearm offenses in Delaware. Hunter Biden was found guilty on three federal charges this week, punctuating an emotionally tumultuous trial that unearthed many dark and private moments for the Biden family. During a joint press conference alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the 81-year-old Biden called his son one of the brightest, most decent men I know but added, I will not pardon him. Im extremely proud of my son Hunter. He has overcome an addiction, hes one of the brightest, most decent men I know, Biden said during a news conference on the margins of the G7 summit. I am satisfied that Im not going to do anything I said Id abide by the jury decision. I will do that. And I will not pardon him, he added. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre had suggested Wednesday that Biden had not ruled out commuting Hunters sentence on the gun charge. The president has sought to draw a distinction between his own acceptance of the jurys verdict and rival Donald Trumps claim that his own legal issues amount to a rigged justice system. Sunday, June 16, 2024 - The fallout between President William and his Deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, is threatening to claim some casualties and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwah may just be the first one. This is after the Kenya Kwanza faction supporting Gachagua demanded Ichungwa's ouster from his position as Majority Leader in the National Assembly days after reports surfaced suggesting that some UDA members loyal to Ruto were plotting to impeach the DP. Speaking at Kasarani, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, a prominent Gachagua ally, called for Ichungwas resignation, accusing him of disrespecting the partys second-in-command. Kimani Ichungwa no longer has the locus standi to be the majority leader. "He has become a divisive figure in the National Assembly, in Parliament, and in Kenya. I urge members of the National Assembly to take the necessary steps to relieve him of his seat, Cherargei declared. Following a tumultuous session in the National Assembly where several lawmakers criticized him, Gachagua has publicly explained his recent political stance. In a spirited defense, the Deputy President lashed out at his critics, asserting that he was merely voicing the concerns of ordinary Kenyans. Gachagua emphasized that his recent shift on various political issues is driven by the publics concerns. Gachagua has been a vocal advocate for Mt Kenya unity and has been pushing for the implementation of the controversial one man, one vote, one shilling revenue-sharing formula. The Kenyan DAILY POST Saturday, June 15, 2024 - As Israel and Hamas continue to accuse each other of sabotaging a ceasefire plan in Gaza, a top senior Hamas official has said that no one has an idea how many of the 120 remaining hostages kidnapped on 7 October are still alive. The fate of the 120 remaining hostages in Gaza is crucial to any deal to end the protracted and bloody conflict between Israel and Hamas. In an interview with CNN at the Lebanese capital Beirut, Hamas spokesperson and political bureau member Osama Hamdan, said; I dont have any idea about that (number of hostages alive). No one has an idea about this, he said, alleging that the Israeli operation to free four of the hostages on Saturday resulted in the deaths of three others, including an American citizen. In April, Hamas informed international mediators that it couldnt comply with Israels demand to release 40 of the remaining hostages in the initial phase of a deal, including all the women as well as sick and elderly men, because it did not hold 40 living hostages who match those criteria for release. Speaking about the latest proposal on the table, an Israeli plan that was first publicly announced by US President Joe Biden late last month, Hamdan said it did not meet the groups demands for an end to the war. The US-backed ceasefire plan that was approved by the United Nations Security Council on Monday lays out a phased approach. In the first phase, there would be a six-week ceasefire in which some hostages would be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners and the Israeli military would pull out of populated areas in Gaza. The second phase a permanent end to the war and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza would only be implemented after further negotiations between the two sides. Hamas needed a clear position from Israel to accept the ceasefire, a complete withdrawal from Gaza, and let the Palestinians to determine their future by themselves, the reconstruction, the (lifting) of the siege and we are ready to talk about a fair deal about the prisoners exchange, CNN quoted Hamdan as saying. Negotiations around the US-backed proposal hit a road block on Wednesday when Hamas presented its response to the document, 12 days after receiving it. Expressing frustration, Blinken noted Hamass decision to submit numerous changes, with some exceeding their previously stated positions. Some of the changes are workable. Some are not, Blinken said at a news conference in Doha on Wednesday. Hamdan said that the duration of the ceasefire was a sticking issue for Hamas, which is concerned that Israel has no intention of following through with the second phase of the deal. The Israelis want the ceasefire only for six weeks and then they want to go back to the fight, which I think the Americans, till now, they did not convince the Israelis to accept (a permanent ceasefire), CNN quoted Hamdan as saying, adding that he believes the US needs to convince Israel to accept a permanent ceasefire as part of the deal. Hamdan also blamed Israel for the mental state of four hostages recently rescued, after a doctor said they were subject to constant physical and emotional abuse while in captivity. I believe if they have mental problem, this is because of what Israel have done in Gaza. Because (no one can) handle what Israel is doing, bombing each day, killing civilians, killing women and children they saw that (with) their own eyes, he said, adding that comparing images of the hostages taken before and after the eight-months long captivity shows they were better than before When asked if Hamas attacking Israel last October, Hamdan blamed the situation on Israel, saying the attack was a reaction against the occupation. The one who is in charge or responsible for that is (the Israeli) occupation. If you resist the occupation, (they) will kill you, if you did not resist the occupation, (they) also will kill you and deport you out of your country. So what we are supposed to do, just to wait? he asked. He also rejected a recent Wall Street Journal report that claimed Hamass Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar welcomed Gazan civilian deaths as a necessary sacrifice. It was fake messages done by someone who is not Palestinian and (it) was sent (to the) Wall Street Journal as part of the pressure against Hamas and provoking the people against the leader, Saturday, June 15, 2024 - Pope Francis has made history by becoming the first pontiff to take part in a G7 summit. He was welcomed by Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni after arriving by helicopter at the Puglia resort of Borgo Egnazia on Friday, June 14 for the summit. Francis replied "Still alive" when Meloni asked him how he was. "Still alive, me too" replied the prime minister, to which the Argentine pontiff replied, "That makes two of us". Happy to meet you again, said Francis as he got off the helicopter, to which Meloni replied: It's a great, great pleasure to have you here. Your presence is a great gift." Francis is addressing a session on AI at the summit, and having 10 bilateral meetings with world leaders. At the summit, the 87-year-old pontiff took part in a discussion of issues surrounding artificial intelligence, energy, and the Africa-Mediterranean region. Francis said politicians must take the lead in making sure AI remains human-centric so that decisions about when to use weapons or even less-lethal tools always remain made by humans and not machines. We would condemn humanity to a future without hope if we took away peoples ability to make decisions about themselves and their lives, by dooming them to depend on the choices of machines, he said. We need to ensure and safeguard a space for proper human control over the choices made by artificial intelligence programs: Human dignity itself depends on it. The pope called for an international treaty to ensure AI is developed and used ethically. He argues that a technology lacking human values of compassion, mercy, morality, and forgiveness is too perilous to develop unchecked. No machine should ever choose to take the life of a human being, he said. He concluded: It is up to everyone to make good use of (AI) but the onus is on politics to create the conditions for such good use to be possible and fruitful. Saturday, June 15, 2024 - US President Joe Biden embraced a surprised-looking Pope Francis with an intimate forehead-to-forehead hug on Friday, June 14, during the G7 summit in Italy. The 87-year-old pontiff had been wheeled into a room of world leaders where he took part in discussion of issues surrounding artificial intelligence, energy, and the Africa-Mediterranean region. He is the first pope ever to attend a G7 gathering. While being wheeled into the gathering, Biden, a devout Catholic met Pope Francis and greeted the 87-year-old pontiff with an intimate forehead-to-forehead hug. Saturday, June 15, 2024 - Russian President, Vladimir Putin has laid out conditions to end the war in Ukraine. Speaking at the Russian Foreign Ministry on Friday morning, June 14, Putin announced that he will call a ceasefire and immediately enter peace talks if Ukraine is willing to pull back its troops from four regions occupied by Russian forces and give up plans to make a NATO membership bid. 'We will (call a ceasefire) immediately,' Putin said in a speech at the Russian Foreign Ministry on Friday, adding his proposal is aimed at a 'final resolution' of the conflict and that the Kremlin is 'ready to start negotiations without delay'. The declaration comes on the eve of a two-day conference in Switzerland dedicated to building a 'road map' to peace in Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky has refused to consider a deal that would see Ukrainian land surrendered to Moscow. Putin's troops currently control a significant amount of Donetsk and Luhansk, and in September 2022 Moscow unilaterally declared it had annexed those two regions well as parts of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. The Russian forces are also making gains across the border in the northeastern Kharkiv region. Meanwhile, the Russian President in the same speech this morning, claimed that Western leaders are pushing him towards 'the point of no return' over a nuclear World War Three. 'We have come unacceptably close to the point of no return... Calls to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia, which possesses the largest arsenal of nuclear weapons demonstrate the extreme recklessness of Western politicians,' Putin declared. 'They either do not understand the scale of the threat they are creating - or are simply obsessed with their own sense of impunity and exceptionalism. 'Both can lead to tragedy,' he concluded sternly. Putin's remarks today came as leaders of the G7 leaders met in Italy and as Switzerland prepared to host scores of world leaders for its peace conference in Lucerne. The Kremlin chief said he did not want to 'freeze' the conflict and instead was pushing for a final resolution that would see an end to hostilities. Broader demands for peace that the Russian leader listed included Ukraine's non-nuclear status, restrictions on its military force, and protecting the interests of the Russian-speaking population in the country. 'We're urging to turn this tragic page of history and to begin restoring, step-by-step, restore the unity between Russia and Ukraine and in Europe in general,' he said in remarks in which he clearly laid out his conditions for the end of war. Sunday, June 16, 2024 Azimio Leader Raila Odinga has secured yet another boost in his bid for the African Union Chairmanship, thanks to President William Ruto. This is after Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune agreed to back Railas bid for the coveted seat after meeting Ruto. In a statement yesterday, Ruto said the Algerian President has agreed to support Kenyas candidature in AUC. The two Heads of State met on the sidelines of the G7 meeting in Apulia, Italy. I have held a discussion with President Tebboune Amadjid of Algeria, on the sidelines of G7 meeting in Apulia, Italy, who has pledged support for Kenya's Africa Union-Commission chairmanship bid. "Kenya and Algeria hold a joint position on reforms of the African Union and International Financial Architecture that seeks to create equity and inclusion, read the statement in part. Raila is seeking to replace Moussa Faki who is serving in his second and last term as the AUC chairman. The Elections for the next chairman will be held in 2025 during an AU Summit. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, June 16, 2024 Former Prime Minister Raila Odingas Azimio is up in arms against the government of President William Ruto, accusing it of proposing an exorbitant budget for the 2024/25 Financial Year with the aim of looting. In a statement read by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, the brigade placed on the spot three proposals in the budgetary allocation worth a whopping Sh1 trillion, terming it a budgeted corruption. According to Kalonzo, Ruto and his mandarins want to loot a whopping Sh1 trillion, which they have intentionally misplaced in the budget that Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndungu read on Thursday. Therefore, Kalonzo asked Kenyans and other interested parties to combine efforts to condemn the Kenya Kwanza regime and reject their overambitious budget proposal. "In light of these grievous transgressions, we as a coalition urge the international community, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens both at home and abroad to stand in solidarity with Kenyans in condemning the Kenya Kwanza regimes blatant disregard for the public good," the statement said. According to them, Ksh1 trillion was put across as budgeted corruption for the next financial year as Kenyans struggle with poverty. The opposition was responding to a budget proposal read by CS Ndung'u on the floor of the National Assembly. The budget proposal ceiling of Ksh4 trillion, a first-of-its-kind, proposed different amounts to run the republic and steer it to economic recovery. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, June 16, 2024 - President William Ruto is once again in the spotlight for his travel choices after he departed Nairobi on Thursday evening for the G7 meeting in Italy aboard another private jet. This is despite assuring Kenyans two weeks ago that he will lead the countrys austerity measures from the front. Ruto flew aboard an Embraer EMB-135BJ Legacy 600, a private jet chartered from VSR Ventures, an aviation consultancy based in New Delhi, India. The jet, registered as VT-CMR (#801425), took off from Chennai International Airport and arrived in Nairobi on Wednesday afternoon. The planes owners have blocked all tracking websites from following its flight path but it is still possible to do it using Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology. Chartering a Legacy 600 doesnt come cheap. Hourly rates for this luxury jet range from $6,200 (Sh798,250) to $7,000 (Sh901,250), depending on factors like distance and duration. The direct flight from Chennai to Nairobi takes approximately six to seven hours, while the flight from Nairobi to Bari, Italy, lasts about seven to eight hours. The Legacy 600 boasts a maximum range of approximately 3,250 nautical miles (6,019 kilometers), allowing it to stay airborne for roughly six to seven hours. His choice of travel came just after Kenyas Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndungu presented a budget emphasizing austerity measures to curb excessive spending. Below is a photo of the jet. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Sunday, June 16, 2024 - Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja's motorcade was stoned by angry Kariobangi residents. The National Police Service came to his rescue as the situation worsened. Teargas and Water Cannons are what rescued the situation. The ground is too hostile for the current failed Nairobi regime. Watch Sunday, June 16, 2024 - The Judiciary confirmed on Saturday that Makadara Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti died after being shot by a police officer during a live court session on Thursday. Kivuti was shot multiple times by Chief Inspector Samson Kipchirchir, who had disapproved of the magistrate's decision to cancel his wife's bond and deny her cash bail. A source who was present during the incident said that the magistrate was on the bench, oblivious of the imminent attack. The killer officer had sought an audience with her to no avail. "He actually wanted an audience with the court, the prosecutor denied him because he wasn't the accused nor the investigating officer," the source said On seeing his efforts proving futile, he successfully strived to force entry via the magistrate's entrance area in the rear of the court after bypassing the source and an unarmed orderly. When Kipchirir entered the magistrate's room, he started shooting, forcing the magistrate to hide under the table. The source would recall Kivuti's last words while bullets were raining on her under the table. "Madam's last words were, "Mama yangu, nakufa leo (My mother, I am dying today)." the source said. The Kenyan DAILY POST Saturday, June 16, 2024 - Chief Justice Martha Koome announced on Saturday the death of Makadara Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti, who died from gunshot wounds inflicted by a rogue officer following a disagreement over her Thursday ruling. Londian OCS Samson Kipchirchir shot the Magistrate after he canceled his wife's bond and denied her cash bail. Kipchirchir was accompanying his wife, 48-year-old Jenniffer Wairimu, to court, where she appeared to face fraud charges. She was accused of obtaining KSh 2.9 million by false pretense. Before he pulled the trigger, Kipchirchir had requested an audience with the Magistrate but she refused. If Magistrate Kivuti had accepted the audience with Kipchirir maybe she would be alive today. So to all the custodians of law, sometimes to listen to someone is not to bend the law and it might solve one thing or two. The Kenyan DAILY POST Saturday, June 15, 2024 - Three Zimbabwean men have been handed a six-year jail sentence for assaulting and stabbing a police officer on the arms, shoulder and buttocks. Nkosilathi Ngwenya (21), Mduduzi Sibanda (22) and Melusi Ngwenya (23) who appeared for trial before Bulawayo regional magistrate Dambudzo Malunga each facing charges of attempted murder and escaping from lawful custody, had pleaded not guilty to both charges. Ruling on the case, the magistrate stated that the trio publicly humiliated a police officer, Constable Simbarashe Mhembere, as they manhandled him and severely punched and kicked him before stabbing him with a knife. They also wrestled the handcuff keys from Mhembere and uncuffed one of their accomplices while a mob was watching. For attempted murder charges, they were each sentenced to serve five years behind bars and all had one year suspended for good behaviour. The magistrate then slapped each of them with a two-year jail sentence for escaping from lawful custody. They will each be in jail for six years. Saturday, June 15, 2024 - A suspected jihadist was caught with an arsenal of weapons in his SUV near La Guardia International Airport. Judd Sanson, 29, was just blocks from the major airport in New York when he was stopped by alert cops early Wednesday morning, June 12 and was ordered held without bail on Thursday, June 13. When police stopped him, he nervously reached under the seat of his SUV during the first few tense moments of the encounter with the officers, prosecutors revealed. They later found a loaded 9mm Glock pistol under the drivers seat. Sorry, there is a lot of drunk people nowadays, Sanson allegedly told the cops after they stopped him for having obscured license plates on the vehicle. I live in Jamaica. I was visiting my uncle. But police had already spotted a knife strapped to Sansons leg, along with an MTA reflective vest and a makeshift axe hanging from the ceiling and a makeshift sword inside the vehicle, Queens Assistant District Attorney Dylan Nesturrick said in Queens Criminal Court. In all, the prosecutor said nearly a dozen weapons, an NYPD bullet-proof vest and 179 rounds of ammunition were found inside the black Ford Explorer. He also said investigators found a disturbing photo on Sansons Facebook page but did not elaborate. This car stop averted what could have been a disaster for the citizens of Queens, New York City and potentially even the country, Nesturrick said. Sanson stood before Judge Julieta Lozano with his mane of long hair flowing over a black t-shirt that read, Dreamer: Into reality and had a rose next to it. Prosecutors said he has addresses in Tennessee and Maryland, but lives with his father in the Hollis section of Queens and has a 1-year-old daughter. His lawyer said Sanson works as a self-employed mechanic and supports his young daughter. Thomas Montella of Queens Defenders asked Lozano to set reasonable bail for his client. This is, at the end of the day, a gun case, Montella said. But the judge sided with prosecutors, who asked that he be held at Rikers Island without bail pending a return court appearance on Monday. It is concerning that he was a few blocks way from the airport, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said after the arraignment. You got to ask about the intent. Sanson was arrested around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, and was questioned at the 110th Precinct stationhouse until he was led out in handcuffs earlier on Thursday for his date in court. He smiled as he was questioned by reporters and broke into a wide grin when one asked if he had purchased his weapons arsenal on Amazon. Meanwhile, cops executed a search warrant at his fathers apartment and were in and out of the Jamaica Avenue building on Thursday, with prosecutors saying they found a Glock holding case inside. Saturday, June 15, 2024 - US President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a security agreement on Thursday, June 13, during the Group of Seven (G7) summit, sending what they described as a message of unified opposition to Russian President Vladimir Putin. He cannot wait us out, Biden said. He cannot divide us. Zelenskyy said the agreement demonstrated the credibility of American support for our Ukrainian independence. "Today is a truly historic day. We have signed the strongest agreement between Ukraine and the US since our independence," the Ukrainain leader said. "This is an agreement on steps to guarantee sustainable peace and therefore it benefits everyone in the world because the Russian war in Ukraine is a real, real global threat," Zelenskyy added. Kyiv has signed fifteen bilateral security agreements with several countries including with the UK, France, Germany and Italy since the war broke out with Russia in 2022. Contrary to the other bilateral agreements, the pact with the US will not require America to stand up for Ukraines defence, if and whenever it is attacked. However, it could make it easier for Ukraine to carry out peace negotiations with Russia, as it would be assured about receiving help incase of a further attack by Russia, the Guardian reported. Also, the agreement does not need Congress's authorisation and could be undone by a future Trump administration as well, the report added. Biden has previously stated that the guarantees for Ukraine would be equivalent to Israel's, including financial and military aid, in addition to the possibility of the joint weapons program. Saturday, June 15, 2024 - American journalist Evan Gershkovich will go on trial in Russia on espionage charges, Russian prosecutors have said. The Russian government accused the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reporter of collecting "secret information" from a Russian tank factory on behalf of the CIA. The prosecutors say he will stand trial in a court in Yekaterinburg - the city in the Urals he was arrested in last March while covering the war in Ukraine. Gershkovich, 32, denies the charges, while the WSJ dismissed the forthcoming trial as a "sham". The US considers the reporter to be "wrongfully detained". Russian prosecutors said on Thursday, June 13 that an investigation had established that the reporter had collected "secret information" about the "production and repair of military equipment" from a Russian tank factory. In a statement, they accused him of carrying "out the illegal actions using painstaking conspiratorial methods". This, prosecutors said, was "on the instructions of the CIA". His arrest marked the first time Russia had accused a US journalist of espionage since the Soviet era. Since his arrest, Gershkovich has remained in pre-trial detention in Moscow, 1000 miles (1609km) from Yekaterinburg.He has spent over a year behind bars and if found guilty faces up to 20 years in prison. Earlier this year, in an interview with Tucker Carlson, President Vladimir Putin said he believed a deal could be reached to free Mr Gershkovich. Putin said it relied upon "our partners [taking] reciprocal steps", and hinted at the identity of a person Russia would accept in a prisoner exchange. Saturday, June 15, 2024 - The U.S Supreme Court has blocked a Californian man's attempt to trademark the 'Trump Too Small' phrase so he can sell shirts with it. Steve Elster's bid to trademark the phrase "Trump Too Small" which he's been using on t-shirts going for $25 was first rejected by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He then claimed his First Amendment rights had been violated, appealing the case all the way to Supreme Court which ultimately heard the case. Handing down the judgement on Thursday, June 13, the Supreme Court justices said Elster's First Amendment rights was not violated because of a documented history of trademarks being rejected when they include names of living persons without consent. The phrase was derived from Trump's beef with Marco Rubio during the 2016 presidential campaign. Trump had called Rubio "little Marco" and he responded by saying, "Have you seen his hands? And you know what they say about men with small hands." Trump punched back in a 2016 debate, telling viewers "Look at those hands. Are they small hands? And he referred to my hands, if they're small, something else must be small. I guarantee you there's no problem. I guarantee you." IFA will hold an online information webinar on Quad Safety Training to encourage farmers to complete quad safety training course. It will take place on Tuesday, June 25th at 8.00pm. Anyone interested can attend by registering via www.ifa.ie/quadtraining. Topics covered on the night will include an overview of the quad safety training course; what farmers should consider before booking a course; background to new regulations; and key safety practices. IFAs Farm Family and Social Affairs Chair Teresa Roche is encouraging all farmers who operate quad bikes to register for the information session on quad safety training. Regulations governing the safe use of ATV/Quad Bikes in all workplaces (SI 619/2021) came into effect last November. These regulations have two essential requirements of note: Training to be undertaken with a registered training provider to a QQI standard or equivalent Use of helmets to a (generally) prescribed standard This information webinar will provide farmers with knowledge to get the most out of the quad safety training course, while learning about key safety practices, understanding the latest regulations and get answers to your questions, she added. Register now at www.ifa.ie/quadtraining to ensure you are fully informed and ready to minimise risk on the farm. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. President Yoon Suk Yeol returned home Sunday from a weeklong trip to Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan that focused on strengthening economic ties with the resource-rich nations. Yoon paid state visits to all three countries and held summits with their leaders as part of his diplomatic push to secure critical minerals and energy supplies amid global supply chain uncertainties. During the trip, he introduced the "K-Silk Road" initiative, centered on creating a new cooperation model by linking Korea's innovative capabilities with Central Asia's abundant resources and development potential. Korea signed critical minerals supply chain partnerships with each country, while Korean companies finalized major infrastructure deals, including railway manufacturer Hyundai Rotem's $200 million contract to supply six high-speed trains to Uzbekistan Railways Corp. (Yonhap) Realistic assessment of Russia-North Korea military cooperation is necessary Russian President Vladimir Putins forthcoming visit to Pyongyang for a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will certainly do more harm than good to South Korea as the two like-minded autocratic leaders are expected to escalate tensions with the coalition of democratic countries. Despite this obvious fallout, it is not desirable to let the Putin-Kim summit stoke excessive fear. Overreaction is an enemy to an accurate assessment of the circumstances and, consequently, will end up doing a disservice to the nation. As expected, Putins trip to North Korea has generated contrasting reactions from the two Koreas. North Korea is excited about the Russian leaders visit, which, if realized, comes after Kims trip to Russias Far East in September last year. The Russia-North Korea summit will also be the first to be held in the North since Putins last visit to the reclusive state in 2000. South Korea, meanwhile, is wary of the Russia-North Korea summit because of its possible fallout on regional security. While understandable, South Korea's concerns should not lead to overreaction or excessive anxiety about the Russia-North Korea summit. Instead, it should adopt a wait-and-see approach, observing the outcome of Putins visit to North Korea and responding accordingly. Putins Pyongyang visit raises a million-dollar question: Will Russia share its sensitive military technology with North Korea? The poor quality of North Korean weapons has become known to the world through two recent events. In November last year, North Korea lavishly celebrated the launch of its first military satellite, called Malligyong-1, which entered orbit. The North claimed it eventually came to possess an eye in the sky through which it can monitor the major industrial and military facilities of South Korea and the United States. North Koreas excessive celebrations, however, turned out to be a bluff, if not a lie. According to defense experts, Malligyong-1 is unfit to conduct military reconnaissance missions because of its poor spatial resolution. Malligyong has three meters of spatial resolution, which means it can detect objects three meters or larger, compared to a South Korean military satellites spatial resolution of 0.3 meters. As the Ukraine Armed Forces Chief of Staff claimed publicly on his social media last year, the war in Ukraine also testified to the poor quality of North Korean munitions. All eyes are on Putin because a potential technology transfer from Russia could be a game-changer, significantly elevating North Koreas military capabilities and posing a greater security threat. This urgency underscores why North Korea is so eager to secure support from Russia. Will Russia be willing to offer a helping hand to the North? The answer hinges on how Russia views North Korea. If Russia is serious about the partnership with North Korea, it may consider such an option. However, in case Russia thinks North Korea is nothing more than a wartime supplier of munitions, the chances of a technology transfer will be slim. Sharing sensitive military technology involves a substantial business contract. Such deals can only be signed when both parties have a deep mutual trust and view their partnership as sustainable, rather than solely based on immediate needs. Moreover, agreements are inked when both sides perceive mutual benefits, whether financial or military a classic case of quid pro quo. The critical question remains: What assets does North Korea possess that it could potentially share with Russia in exchange for sensitive military technology? Currently, North Korea, due to its economic challenges, appears to lack significant leverage to incentivize Russia into such a deal. South Korea should maintain vigilance over developments in Russia-North Korea military cooperation, as these ties could potentially exacerbate Cold War-style tensions between democracies and autocracies. In international relations, bilateral relationships cannot heavily favor one side without imposing significant pressure on the other to sustain the relationship. This suggests that policymakers in Seoul must carefully observe the outcome of the impending Russia-North Korea summit and respond judiciously. South Korea should neither downplay the potential threat nor allow overreactions or exaggerated fear to dictate its response to military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. By Robert Neff One of the least appreciated but arguably the most beautiful thing to see in Seoul is the evening sky especially along the Han River. It is not uncommon to see crowds of people gathered along the river banks sipping coffee and perhaps stronger drinks while staring at the majestic sunset. For the young lovers, it is romantic; for the weary office worker, it is rejuvenating; and for the elderly, it is a reminder of just how insignificant we humans are when compared to the colossal might of the universe. But in the late fall of 1883, the red sky was an omen of change and a reminder of the Mother Natures devastating strength. November 3, 1883, the port of Jemulpo (modern Incheon) was awash with brilliant colors and tremendous explosions it was the Japanese emperors birthday. According to one eyewitness: [A] considerable amount of gunpowder was spent at this port, in honour of H.M. the Emperor of Japan, it being the Mikados birthday; at noon a thundering [cannonade] roared forth, and Roze Island anchorage was covered with smoke for some time; the ships of war Seiki Kan, Sapphire and Leipzig having fired a salute, the same ships of war, including the British Kestrel, had dressed ship in grand style as three Japanese sailing vessels anchored off Chemulpo. His Royal Korean Majestys Custom House was also gaily decorated with flags, and most of the Japanese residents had unfurled the banner of Dai Nippon over their houses, three Japanese sailing vessels in the inner harbour were most tastefully decked all over with flags and flowers, and made a very pleasing and picturesque impression. One can easily imagine the display of flags and naval firepower impressed the community, but the awe inspired by man was quickly eclipsed in the evening by Mother Nature. Yun Chi-ho, a Korean working as an interpreter for the American legation in Seoul, somewhat off-handedly noted in his diary that in the morning and evening, the sky is full of [a] red aura in the east and west. It seems a rather benign observation, but these were no ordinary sunrises and sunsets. According to an article published in The Atlantic in April 1884: The strange heavens of the later autumn [of 1883], the fiery glow of sunrise and sunset, the brownish haze that girdles the sun all day, [were] phenomena so out of the range of common experience that they could not be easily explained. One eyewitness in Seoul described the sky as being wonderfully red for about one and a half hours to two hours after sunset and very similar to the appearance of the northern lights. Sometimes it was just a uniform, brilliant brightness, the initial center of which always lay where the sun had disappeared, [but] on other evenings the sun shot long-fingered rays of a darker color through the clouds, [and] on one evening there was an alternation between darker and lighter evening red colors likes a ceaselessly flowing vertically folded curtain. The Western observer and his peers viewed it with delight every evening believing it was a normal occurrence in Korea during the fall. However, they soon learned that the Korean population was greatly alarmed and stood in the streets staring at the sky. They were restless because of the signs in the sky, [believing] they meant turmoil, war and misfortune. In Jemulpo, an officer aboard the German warship, Leipzig, was startled to discover two magnificent meteors one with a red tail and the other with a blue tail in the night sky. These celestial visitors likely caused further unease amongst the people according to our eyewitness, the fire that destroyed Gyeongbok Palace on December 19, 1876, may have been caused by a falling meteor or lightning. The gods had brought misfortune upon [the palace] and [demonstrated] their displeasure through fire sent from heaven. After several days, the brilliant red sky was no longer a diary subject for Yun Chi-ho or our Western visitor. Frustratingly, the English-language newspapers in China and Japan failed to mention the brilliant red sky. The Japan Weekly Mail apparently thought articles about cats being stoned by mischievous boys, and crows stealing dogs bones were of more interest to its readers than beautiful but mysterious sunsets. What was the cause of these sunsets? The Atlantic provided a clue when it printed part of a poem by William Cowper, an English poet of the 18th century. Fires from beneath, and meteors from above, Portentous, unexampled, unexplained, Have kindled beacons in the skies; And Nature with a dim and sickly eye To wait the close of all; The brilliant red sunsets were part of the aftermath of the volcanic eruption of Krakatoa on August 27, 1883. For several months the red sunsets and the mist-encircled noonday sun were very constant phenomena but gradually they began to diminish prompting N.S. Schaler, to conclude his Atlantic article with: When this volcanic dust ceases to glorify our skies at dawn and eve, we shall part with what has probably been the most remarkable and picturesque accident to the earths physical life that has been known with the limits of recorded history. Although we do not have color photographs of these brilliant red sunsets, some believe we do have paintings. It has been suggested that Edvard Munchs hauntingly beautiful but disturbing 1893 painting The Scream portrays the vivid red sunsets he witnessed in Europe following the volcanic eruption. The beauty of the sunset is in the eye of the beholder and every generation lives in strange times. Robert Neff has authored and co-authored several books, including Letters from Joseon, Korea Through Western Eyes and Brief Encounters. By Yi Whan-woo The government is considering introducing measures to assist financially struggling self-employed people transition from their unprofitable businesses to paid employment, according to financial industry officials, Sunday. These measures are prompted by the intense competition among self-employed individuals in Korea, where the proportion of such workers in the overall workforce is two to three times higher than in other advanced nations. According to the officials, the measures, expected to be included in the economic policy objectives for the second half of this year, will focus on aiding self-employed individuals with unsustainable businesses to cease operations and transition into paid employment. They will include providing financial assistance, as the government believes that many self-employed individuals find it difficult to close down their businesses due to high amounts of debt. The government will also offer support measures to assist individuals who have already closed their businesses transition to paid employment. For those who wish to keep their unprofitable businesses running, the government is considering ways to enhance their long-term competitiveness. This may include initiatives like setting up self-ordering kiosks in restaurants and cafes to reduce labor costs. The exit strategy for financially troubled, self-employed people is expected to be a key part of the governments economic policy directions in the remaining half as the risks facing self-employed businesses have reached a serious level, said Kim Hong-ki, a Hannam University economics professor who is an expert on issues concerning in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The government's potential measures come at a time when more relatively young retirees from companies are turning to entrepreneurship after facing challenges in securing employment, amid fierce competition in the job market. As of this year, Korea boasts over 6 million self-employed workers, constituting 23.5 percent of the countrys total workforce. This ratio surpasses that of other major advanced economies, placing Korea seventh among comparable OECD member states as of 2022. In comparison, the figures were 6.6 percent for the United States, 8.7 percent for Germany, and 9.6 percent for Japan. Under the circumstances, self-employed individuals in Korea have been grappling with a worsening business environment, particularly after many took out loans to sustain their businesses during the pandemic era. According to the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS), the delinquency rate on bank loans among self-employed people reached 0.54 percent at the end of March, marking the highest level since December 2012, when it stood at 0.64 percent. More than 90 percent of the debt defaulters are microbusiness owners. Other FSS data showed the rate of business closures among all self-employed individuals nationwide reached 9.5 percent in 2022, up 0.8 percentage point from the previous year. The fact that nearly one out of 10 unsalaried workers closes down their own business represents an increasing burden on the national economy, the professor said. Meanwhile, he offered a positive assessment of the proposed exit strategy for self-employed individuals. "It avoids short-sighted, populist approaches like cash handouts and instead focuses on long-term goals," he said. The professor emphasized that assisting those who wish to transition from self-employment to wage employment will be particularly timely. Citing Statistics Korea, he noted that the employment rate of people aged 15 to 64 increased 0.1 percentage point year-on-year to 70 percent in May. It was the highest level for the month of May since 1989 when Statistics Korea began compiling relevant data. Household loans extended by five major lenders in Korea have risen more than 2.1 trillion won ($1.5 billion) so far this month, industry data showed Sunday. Outstanding household loans extended by the five top lenders reached 705.4 trillion won as of June 13, compared with 703.2 trillion won at the end of last month, according to the data compiled by Yonhap News Agency. The monthly tally is expected to grow for the third consecutive month in June, following an on-month increase of 5.2 trillion won in May and 4.4 trillion won in April. (Yonhap) Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said Sunday that exports continue to stably remain in positive territory, leading to expectations domestic consumption will recover over time. Han made the remark during a meeting involving senior officials of the government, the ruling People Power Party and the presidential office, noting disparities remain in the pace of the recovery between sectors. "In line with the increase in exports, companies' profits will expand, and through wages and dividend payments, household incomes will improve and purchasing power will rise, contributing to an internal recovery, including in consumption," he said, adding the government will focus on maintaining the positive export trend. Exports, a key economic growth engine, rose 11.7 percent on-year to $58.1 billion in May, the eighth consecutive monthly gain on the back of strong global demand for semiconductors, among other items, according to government data. (Yonhap) The private data of some 2,900 Korean customers was leaked after TAG Heuer, owned by LVMH, was hacked, according to an official at Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission on Sunday. The incident took place between 2019 and 2020, when the watchmaker renovated its website but came under a cyberattack, according to the commission. TAG Heuer belatedly reported the case to the commission after becoming aware of the attack when the hacker blackmailed the company in May last year. The commission ordered TAG Heuer to pay 126 million won ($90,712) as a financial penalty over the case and 7.8 million won as a fine for belatedly reporting the case in a closed-door meeting in February. A commission official said South Korea was the first country to impose a penalty on the company. (Yonhap) Over 50% of medical professors at SNU vow indefinite walkout starting Monday By Jun Ji-hye Medical professors, as well as doctors at neighborhood clinics, plan to stage a collective walkout this week. The move is feared to worsen disruptions in a medical system that is already reeling from the nationwide walkout by more than 10,000 trainee doctors, which began in late February to protest the Yoon Suk Yeol administrations policy to increase the annual medical school admissions quota. All eyes are on how many of these senior doctors will join the planned strike. While more than half of the professors at one major hospital expressed their intention to stop treating patients, and the Korean Medical Association (KMA) reported overwhelming support among its members, some anticipate low actual participation. This expectation stems from a growing number of physicians stating their reluctance to join the strike, citing an increasing reluctance to put patients at risk. Medical professors at Seoul National University (SNU) and its affiliated hospitals vowed to launch an indefinite walkout starting Monday. They are demanding the complete cancellation of administrative measures that the government initiated to suspend the licenses of striking trainee doctors who defied a government order to return to work. According to the emergency response committee of SNU medical professors on Sunday, 529 professors, accounting for 54.7 percent of the total, plan to indefinitely suspend their hospital-related work, including the treatment of outpatients and conducting surgeries. The committee said the surgery room operation rate is expected to drop from the current 62.7 percent to 33.5 percent. Kang Hee-kyung, who heads the committee, emphasized that this walkout does not target patients in critical condition or those suffering from rare diseases who can only receive treatment at SNU hospitals. The plan is not aimed at harming patients, but at sending a message to policymakers, Kang said in her message sent to SNU medical professors and the head of the hospital. This walkout will affect patients who can be treated at other hospitals or those who are not seriously affected by postponed treatments. We will continue to open dialysis and delivery rooms. Professors at Severance Hospital and its affiliated hospitals also said they will launch an indefinite strike starting June 27, while those at other major hospitals are also discussing similar actions. The KMA, for its part, will lead a nationwide walkout by primary care physicians starting Tuesday, in support of the protracted walkout by trainee doctors. The nation's largest lobby group of doctors is urging the government to annul the medical school quota hike policy. The KMA said that 70,800 out of its 111,861 members participated in the survey, and among them, 64,139, or 90.6 percent, supported the strike, with 52,015, or 73.5 percent, expressing a willingness to join the action. However, the extent of the walkout's impact remains uncertain, as the plans have been affected by announcements of a boycott from some other doctors groups. This includes a group of medical professors specializing in epilepsy, who emphasized the importance of safeguarding critical patients. The Korea Obstetric Hospital Association and the Korea Childrens Hospital Association have also officially announced their boycott of the walkout. Data provided by the Ministry of Health and Welfare indicated that only 4 percent of primary care physicians nationwide reported their intention to shut down their clinics on Tuesday in accordance with the KMAs plan. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo urged doctors, Sunday, to cancel their planned walkout, expressing deep regret over the continued push for the collective walkout even as sick patients are appealing to you with tears. During a government meeting, Han emphasized that while the government has committed to stopping administrative actions against trainee doctors who resumed work, completely cancelling these measures is not feasible, as they were implemented in accordance with the Constitution and relevant laws. The prime minister also made it clear that reconsidering the increase in medical school quotas from the beginning is not an option, as all administrative procedures for adding approximately 1,500 new students were finalized back in May. This marks the first such increase in 27 years. The government remains ready to engage in any form of dialogue with the doctors community, he said. By Kim Hyun-bin The ASEAN-Korea Centre is hosting a pop-up store called ASEAN Flavor Town, at the Lotte Department Store in downtown Seoul until this Thursday in a special event featuring a wide array of ASEAN food and beverage products, including fruits, sauces, snacks and beverages. The event is designed to showcase the rich culinary diversity of the ASEAN region to Korean consumers. This marks the first collaboration between Lotte Department Store and the ASEAN-Korea Centre to organize a pop-up store exclusively dedicated to ASEAN food and beverages. The event introduces not only familiar ASEAN products but also new items that are expected to captivate the taste buds of visitors. Products are available at discounted prices, and various souvenirs are offered based on purchase amounts. The pop-up store also serves as a pre-promotion for the 2024 ASEAN Trade Fair, scheduled to take place from Aug. 8 to 11 at COEX in Seoul. This annual flagship program commemorates ASEAN Day, which celebrates the foundation of ASEAN on Aug. 8, 1967. The trade fair will invite promising food and beverage companies from ASEAN countries, providing them an opportunity to exhibit their products and engage in business meetings with Korean buyers. "The ASEAN-Korea Centre has been hosting the ASEAN Trade Fair since 2009 to support ASEAN small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in entering the Korean market, promoting active trade activities between ASEAN and Korea," ASEAN-Korea Centre Secretary-General Kim Jae-shin said. "This pop-up store aims to expand the focus of the event from a B2B perspective to include the public, introducing a variety of ASEAN products to Korean consumers. It will provide a good opportunity for more active ASEAN-Korea trade in the food and beverage sector." By Kim Hyun-bin The ASEAN-Korea Centre showcased promising startups from the ASEAN region at NextRise 2024, one of Korea's largest global startup fairs. Organized by the Korea Development Bank (KDB) and the Korea International Trade Association, the event was held at COEX in Seoul on Thursday and Friday. The ASEAN-Korea Centre spotlighted startups from the region at the fair, fostering exchanges and business opportunities between Korea and ASEAN through startup pitching, one-on-one business meetings and exhibitions. The latest exhibition featured 30 startups from 10 ASEAN member states, all selected by their respective governments and alums of the ASEAN-Korea Startup Week 2023. These startups represented diverse sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI), e-commerce, fintech, education platforms and pet care services. The exhibition also highlighted successful ASEAN startups and promoted the upcoming ASEAN-Korea Startup Innovation Week 2024. Since 2018, the ASEAN-Korea Centre has organized the ASEAN-Korea Startup Week to nurture startups in the ASEAN region and foster cooperation with Korea. This year, the ASEAN-Korea Centre planned to scale up the program to ASEAN-Korea Startup Innovation Week, featuring fireside chat sessions and startup ecosystem tours to commemorate its 15th anniversary. Among the highlights of NextRise 2024 was the participation of the four winners from the ASEAN-Korea Startup Week 2023. Food Market Hub from Malaysia, the first-place winner, presented its innovative inventory and cost management system for food and beverage businesses. This system connects a curated supplier network and aims to drive zero food waste while streamlining back-end operations. Following its success, Food Market Hub expanded its business to Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and Taiwan. Other winners, including Teachmeguru from Brunei, ZumVet from Singapore and Genetica from Vietnam, also pitched their services at the event. Teachmeguru provides hybrid education services, while ZumVet offers a telemedicine platform for veterinary care. Genetica delivers AI-enabled genetic testing services to the Asian market. The ASEAN-Korea Startup Innovation Week 2024 is scheduled from September to October. This event will involve 30 early-stage startups from 10 ASEAN member states. The ruling People Power Party (PPP) and government officials on Sunday agreed to provide energy vouchers to 1.3 million vulnerable households as the country braces for a hotter-than-average summer. The support scheme was announced during a meeting of senior officials of the government, the presidential office and the PPP, according to Rep. Jang Dong-hyuk, the PPP's chief spokesperson. The decision to provide support of up to 53,000 won ($38), up 10,000 won from last year, comes as South Korea's weather agency has forecast this summer to be hotter than average. The officials also decided to extend an electricity freeze for 3.6 million households in vulnerable groups. (Yonhap) With Sonny down, veterans, young guns step up game for Korea in World Cup qualifying win By Baek Byung-yeul LG Electronics opened Another Hanok, a space to experience its AI-powered home appliances and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) products, in Madrid, Spain, targeting Europe's business-to-business (B2B) customers who seek highly energy-efficient products, the company said Sunday. "Hanok" refers to a traditional Korean home built to fit in with the terrain of its surroundings, known for its unique architectural style. LG said Another Hanok is a space that has achieved 100 percent energy independence by filling a building with traditional Korean architecture with its highly energy-efficient products. The company added that the space operates as a net zero space for B2B customers. "It serves as a base for B2B business expansion to showcase sustainable solutions to realize carbon neutrality and strengthen networking with B2B customers," LG said. Another Hanok features Therma V R290 Monobloc, a high-efficiency heat pump heating and cooling system that is currently gaining popularity in Europe, reducing energy consumption inside the showroom significantly. Customers can also experience a home energy solution that generates electricity from solar power and stores the excess power in an energy storage system, the company said. Inside the space, LG's OLED evo TV, the PuriCare AeroFurniture, a 360-degree air purifier that can also be used as a table, the Tromm WashTower, a washer-dryer laundry appliance and various high-efficiency AI home appliances have been installed. "Another Hanok will be a business space to meet with B2B customers in Spain and a home for LG's brand slogan Life's Good, a message of optimism for a better life and future," Jaime de Jaraiz, head of LG Electronics Spain, said. LG is committed to taking the lead in the HVAC market, which is gaining attention amid various countries' efforts to combat climate change. The business has also become one of LG's future growth engines, as efficient HVAC systems are essential to reducing energy consumption in data centers that provide AI services. In July last year, LG announced its 2030 vision and said it would more than double its sales in the home and commercial HVAC business, which is an important pillar of its B2B business, by 2030 to become a top-tier global HVAC player. Hyundai Motor's India unit sought regulatory approval on Saturday for a stock market listing in Mumbai which could be the nation's biggest and will see the Korean parent sell a stake of up to 17.5 percent in the company. The IPO will make it the country's first carmaker to go public in two decades since Maruti Suzuki in 2003, and would come just as Indian stock markets are trading near record highs. Hyundai counts India as a crucial growth market where it has two manufacturing units and has invested $5 billion, with commitments to pump in another $4 billion over the next decade. The world's biggest car market after China and the U.S. is the company's third-biggest revenue generator globally. The Hyundai draft prospectus filed gave no details of the pricing of the initial public offering or the company's valuation, but sources have told Reuters Hyundai aims to raise around $2.5 to $3 billion at a valuation of up to $30 billion. Hyundai, India's second-biggest carmaker behind Maruti Suzuki, will not issue new shares in the IPO which will involve its Korean parent selling part of its stake in the wholly owned unit to retail and other investors via a so-called "offer for sale" route. The listing is seen putting Hyundai Motor India on a stronger footing versus Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors and other rivals as it could make future fundraising easier, without the need for dependency on its Korean parent. Hyundai expects the listing of the equity shares in India "will enhance our visibility and brand image," and "provide liquidity and a public market" for the shares, the company said in the draft prospectus filed on Saturday. It did not provide a timeline for the listing, but typically India's markets regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India, takes three to six months to approve, reject or seek more information on IPOs. The company said it plans to focus on "premiumization" selling more expensive cars, as well as increasing its EV market share and adding charging stations, where it lags behind Tata Motors. Hyundai India also said it wants to ship more cars, "strengthening" its position as an export hub. Affordable cars Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi sees the automotive industry as a cornerstone to boosting growth in the world's fifth-largest economy. His government has built hundreds of kilometers of new roads and is incentivizing carmakers to increase local manufacturing, especially of electric vehicles. Hyundai, entered India 28 years ago, and has won over buyers with its affordable cars such as Santro and sports-utility vehicle Creta. The company has plans to launch new electric vehicles, establish charging stations and a battery pack assembly unit. The Korean parent will sell up to 142 million of the total 812 million shares, or 17.5 percent, in the IPO. The sources have said the final percentage could be lower. With the IPO, Hyundai aims to unlock value for the Indian business and also help the Korean automaker shed its valuation discount compared to global and Asian peers. Benchmark Indian stock indices have doubled between 2019 and 2023, while Seoul's KOSPI index has risen just 30 percent over the same period. India's burgeoning stock market overtook Hong Kong's earlier this year to become the world's fourth-largest, and is seeing soaring interest in large IPOs. Hyundai is being advised on the IPO by investment banks Citi, J.P. Morgan, HSBC, Morgan Stanley and India's Kotak. (Reuters) CHANGCHUN, June 16 (Xinhua) -- In the remote and rugged expanses of northeast China's Changbai Mountain, where towering birch trees dominate the landscape, an unexpected fragrance lingers -- the scent of fermenting birch sap -- emanating from the innovative winery of Chen Lifeng, an economics professor turned winemaker. Chen's transition from academia to winemaking began in 2010 when the Baihe Forestry Bureau sought fresh economic prospects, prompting Chen, an employee of Jilin University, to propose the idea of harnessing the region's plentiful birch sap to craft wine. With the support of the forestry bureau, which provided land and resources, Chen brought his academic rigor and innovative spirit to the remote Erdaobaihe town, nestled at the foot of Changbai Mountain. Local loggers, who have long believed in the health benefits of birch sap, served as inspiration for Chen as he embarked on crafting a new kind of wine, he explained. Thanks to support from scientific research institutions, a low-temperature fermentation method was developed to retain the natural properties of the sap while enhancing its flavor. Today, Chen's company, Yanbian Yida Birch Industry Co., Ltd., stands as a testament to his vision and perseverance. Producing pure birch wine free of additives and artificial colors, the winery has earned a reputation extending well beyond its remote location. In 2020, Chen's birch wine won the gold award at the Panama GFSF Exposition. Sustainability is always at the heart of Chen's wine-making philosophy. Even as production has scaled up to 200 tonnes per year, he insists on eco-friendly practices. "While we reap the gifts of nature, we must also avoid depleting its resources," he said, adding that he only taps sap from mature trees and seals extraction points to prevent damage. Chen's journey exemplifies China's comprehensive efforts toward sustainable forestry in the country. According to China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration, in 2023, the total output value of the country's forestry and grassland industries surpassed 9.2 trillion yuan (about 1.29 trillion U.S. dollars), with output of economic forest products reaching 226 million tonnes. The economic forest product has become China's third-largest agricultural product, involving over 40 million people. Logging is now a thing of the past. In 2005, Jilin Province established the Changbai Mountain Protection Development Management Committee to strengthen the protection of Changbai Mountain. A ban on commercial logging was also initiated in key state forests in northeast China in 2015. The province has firmly embedded the "protection first" concept in the hearts of its people through initiatives such as the Songhua River source protection project and projects aimed at safeguarding mountains, water, forests, farmland, lakes and grasslands. Recently, Chen's son returned to his hometown after studying winemaking in Canada to follow in his father's footsteps. Despite the advances in technology, traditional winemaking faces challenges, with market fluctuations and climate impacts adding complexity to the winery's operations. Yet, Chen remains optimistic. In the high altitudes of Changbai Mountain, the rich aroma of birch wine promises a bright future for this unique venture. By Baek Byung-yeul Hyundai Motor is expected to debut its Indian unit, Hyundai Motor India, on India's stock market as part of the Korean carmaker's efforts to increase its presence in the world's third-largest auto market, according to the company and industry officials, Sunday. "Hyundai Motor, which owns a 100 percent stake in its Indian unit, Hyundai Motor India, plans to sell its stake through (initial public offering)," an industry official familiar with the matter said. Another official also said Hyundai Motor will file a regulatory filing with the Korean Exchange, Monday, about its plan to list its Indian unit on the Indian stock market. On Friday, Hyundai Motor India filed an application called the Draft Red Herring Prospectus for an IPO with the Securities and Exchange Board of India. In the document, the company said that through the IPO, "our company expects that listing of the equity shares will enhance our visibility and brand image and provide liquidity and a public market for the equity shares in India." The document also showed that Hyundai Motor intends to sell up to 17.5 percent of the shares it held in its Indian unit through the listing. The listing will be the first automaker to go public in India in two decades since Maruti Suzuki in 2003, and Hyundai Motor is estimated to raise around $2.5 billion and $3.5 billion through the IPO. If Hyundai Motor is successful in raising $3 billion, it will be the largest IPO in India's history. The previous largest IPO was by Life Insurance Corporation of India, which raised about $2.5 billion in 2022. The industry view is that Hyundai Motor is working on listing its Indian unit on the stock market there as the country has the world's third-largest car market. Last year, about 4.1 million cars were sold in India, third only to China and the United States. The company has been focusing on the Indian market since the establishment of its Indian subsidiary in 1996. Currently, it operates two plants in Chennai, and its sister company Kia operates its plant in the southern coastal state of Andhra Pradesh. Last year, Hyundai Motor also signed a deal with General Motors to acquire the latter's plant in Talegaon. By listing the Indian arm, Hyundai Motor is expected to have a stronger position compared to its competitors as it can raise funds. "Hyundai Motor will raise 3 trillion won ($2.2 billion) to 4 trillion won through the IPO of its Indian unit. The proceeds from the IPO will be used to expand production capacity in India," said Kim Kwang-soo, a researcher at LS Securities. "It is already investing in expanding its plants in India, including investing 1.1 trillion won to start operations at its Talegaon plant acquired from GM. The company's stock price is also expected to be reevaluated through the listing of the subsidiary." Britain put on a display of birthday pageantry Saturday for King Charles III, a military parade that marked the Princess of Wales first appearance at a public event since her cancer diagnosis early this year. The annual event was also a show of stability by the monarchy after a testing few months in which both the king and Kate, wife of heir to the throne Prince William, have been sidelined by cancer treatment. In a symbolic display of unity, Charles, Queen Camilla, William, Kate and their children were joined by other members of the royal family on a Buckingham Palace balcony at the end of the Kings Birthday Parade. The family waved to the gathered crowd as they watched a flyby of military aircraft to cap ceremonies marking the monarchs official birthday. It was Kate's first appearance at a public event since December. She disclosed in March that she was undergoing chemotherapy for an unspecified form of cancer. I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days, Kate said in a statement released Friday, adding that she faces a few more months of treatment. Kate said she is not out of the woods yet and officials stress that Saturdays engagement doesn't herald a full return to public life. Huge crowds turn out each June to watch the birthday parade, also known as Trooping the Color, which begins with a procession involving horses, musicians and hundreds of soldiers in ceremonial uniform from Buckingham Palace. The 42-year-old princess traveled in a horse-drawn carriage from the palace down the grand avenue known as the Mall with her children George, 10, Charlotte, 9, and 6-year-old Louis. Bystanders cheered as they caught a glimpse of Kate, dressed in a white dress by designer Jenny Packham and wide-brimmed Philip Treacy hat. She watched the ceremony with the children from the window of a building overlooking Horse Guards Parade, a ceremonial parade ground in central London. Louis yawned broadly at one point in proceedings, but mostly watched intently, even dancing along to the military music. William, in military dress uniform, rode on horseback for the ceremony, in which troops parade past the king with their regimental flag, or color. The display of precision marching and martial music stems from the days when a regiments flag was an essential rallying point in the fog of battle. Charles, who also is being treated for an undisclosed form of cancer, traveled in a carriage with Queen Camilla, rather than on horseback as he did last year. The king inspected the troops from a dais on the parade ground, saluting as elite regiments of Foot Guards marched past. Five regiments take it in turns to parade their color, and this year it was the turn of a company of the Irish Guards, which has Kate as its honorary colonel. The troops in scarlet tunics and bearskin hats were led onto the parade ground by their mascot, an Irish wolfhound named Seamus. Charles, 75, disclosed his cancer in February, and has recently eased back into public duties. He attended commemorations last week for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe on June 6, 1944. In one of the many quirks of British royal convention, Saturday is not the kings real birthday thats in November. Like his mother Queen Elizabeth II before him, Charles has an official birthday on the second Saturday in June. The date was chosen because the weather is generally good, though early sunshine on Saturday gave way to a blustery, rainy day in London. The rain held off for most of the ceremony but began pelting down as the massed troops escorted the royal carriages back to Buckingham Palace past soggy but enthusiastic crowds. Blue sky briefly returned as the family emerged onto the balcony to watch a flyby that included the Royal Air Force aerobatic team, the Red Arrows, trailing red, white and blue plumes of vapor. Thousands of royal fans in raincoats and umbrellas cheered, as a smattering of anti-monarchist protesters chanted Not my king. Spectator Joseph Afrane, 60, said that he was happy to see Kate return and to get a big wave as she passed by. It was fantastic when I heard it on the news yesterday," he said. I thought, God, I thank you for bringing Kate back, because shes very hardworking. Spectators who braved the volatile weather were treated to a display of pomp and precision involving 1,400 soldiers, 250 military musicians and more than 200 horses. The equine participants included Trojan, Tennyson, and Vanquish, three of the five military horses who sparked mayhem in April when they bolted and ran loose through central London , crashing into vehicles and causing chaos during the morning rush hour. The army says the other two horses are recovering well and are also expected to return to duty. (AP) It was meant to be paradise on earth: a luxury apartment building standing just a few meters away from the beach with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. However, intense rains that have lashed Chile in recent days caused a giant sinkhole to open underneath this high-end property in the resort city of Vina del Mar, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of residents. The 13-floor building with 200 apartments worth up to $500,000 each is now sitting atop a hole that is 15 meters (50 feet) long and 30 meters deep, the third such hole that opened here in less than a year. Sergio Silva, 77, one of the few residents still left at Euromarina II, was trying to shove some of his belongings into a car to take them to a safer place because more rains are expected. "We are taking important things, not everything," Silva told AFP. Residents of the building that stands below Euromarina II, at sea level, have also had to abandon their homes for fear that it would collapse on them. "Some people have left out of precaution. Those of us who remain are prepared in case of emergency or if we have to evacuate," says Claudio Camus, 43, a resident of the Eurovista building that stands beneath Euromarina II. The high-end property is located on a 28-hectare dune field that until 1994 was part of a state-protected nature sanctuary. But a change in regulations allowed high-rise and high-density construction in the area, and there are currently 44 luxury buildings here. Then, in August and September last year, two landslides undermined the foundations of three other buildings: the Kandinsky, Miramar-Renaca and Santorini. Even the coastal road has been cut off due to the broken pavement. "The risks that were taken by building there are gigantic," Vina del Mar mayor Macarena Ripamonti told AFP, adding that the real estate was "sold in a very impudent manner." The urban expansion on the dunes posed a clear risk and intense storms, the result of the El Nino weather phenomenon or the consequences of climate change, proved the critics right. "It is a fragile sector that should have been preserved," says urban planner and mayoral candidate Ivan Poduje, calling it a "bad urban planning decision." Experts say the sinkholes are caused by overflowing rainwater collectors. While engineers work to fix the water collection system, Ripamonti, the mayor, says she will leave nothing to chance: "I am not going to allow another building to be built there." (AFP) President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he hoped to find a route to a "just peace" as soon as possible, as a first international summit on pathways to end Russia's war in Ukraine opened on Saturday. More than 50 world leaders were due to join Zelenskyy at the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland for a two-day peace summit though with Moscow rejecting the event, it only has the modest ambitions of laying the groundwork for ending the conflict, now in its third year. "I believe that we will witness history being made here at the summit," Zelenskyy said as the event began, calling for a "just peace." "Everything that will be agreed upon at the summit today will be part of the peacemaking process. "We have succeeded in bringing back to the world the idea that joint efforts can stop war and establish a just peace." The summit is aimed at trying to agree a basic international platform for eventual peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow. Putin demands effective surrender Swiss President Viola Amherd said future summits were envisioned, eventually involving Russia, and that this one would "take concrete steps" towards a "lasting peace." "We can prepare the ground for direct talks between the warring parties: that is what we are here for," she said. Ukraine has suggested Russia could attend a second summit, where it would be presented with any joint plan agreed by the other attendees. "We have to talk to the enemy. We cannot negotiate peace between like-minded countries," Slovenia's President Natasa Pirc Musar said ahead of the talks. In a combative speech on Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin had slammed the conference and demanded that Kyiv effectively surrender before any actual peace negotiations. Zelenskyy on Saturday said the only person who wanted the war was Putin and has rejected the Kremlin leader's "ultimatums." NATO, the United States and several Western countries also dismissed Putin's hard-line conditions. 92 countries taking part Some 100 countries and global institutions, including the leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan, are convening at the Swiss luxury mountainside resort for the talks. The heads of some non-European countries, like Chile, Ghana and Kenya, are also attending. But U.S. President Joe Biden sent his Vice President Kamala Harris, who announced more than $1.5 billion in new aid for Ukraine, mainly for its energy sector and in humanitarian assistance. Russia's BRICS partners Brazil and South Africa are only sending an envoy, and India will be represented at the ministerial level. China is absent, insisting it will not take part without Moscow's presence. Low hopes The gathering comes at a perilous moment for Ukraine on the battlefield, with Russian forces advancing against outmanned and outgunned Ukrainian units. Near Ukraine's embattled eastern front, hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough are nearly nil. "I'd like to hope that it will bring some changes in the future. But, as experience shows, nothing comes of it," Maksym, a tank commander in the Donetsk region, told AFP. Outside the summit venue, the wife of a Ukrainian soldier captured by Russia said she hoped the leaders could agree "some exchange process for the prisoners of war." "I want to see my husband," said Hanna, who fled her home in the southern Ukrainian city of Mariupol and now lives in Sweden. Nuclear, food, humanitarian focus In addition to laying the groundwork for a peace settlement, specific talks at the summit will focus on three narrower areas: nuclear safety, freedom of navigation and food security, and humanitarian aspects. That includes prisoners of war and the issue of Ukrainian children taken to Russia or Russian-controlled parts of Ukraine. "One of the major themes is to see how we can ... finally obtain a result in bringing back deported children," said Didier Reynders, the EU Commissioner for Justice. Kyiv accuses Russia of abducting almost 20,000 Ukrainian children, and the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Putin over the accusations. Moscow rejects the claims and says it has relocated children away from frontline fighting for their own protection. Attendees are wrangling over a possible final joint declaration, according to sources close to the discussions cited by Swiss public news agency Keystone-ATS. Kyiv has insisted that terms like "Russian aggression" and references to the "territorial integrity" of Ukraine appear in any joint communique, but it remained unclear if more than 90 countries could get behind such wording. Arriving at the Burgenstock gathering on Saturday, Finland's President Alexander Stubb said Ukraine "comes to these discussions from a position of strength." G7 leaders this week agreed to a $50-billion loan for Ukraine using profits from the interest on frozen Russian assets, and Kyiv also inked a 10-year security agreement with Washington for military aid and training at that summit. On Friday, the European Union's 27 member states also agreed "in principle" on beginning accession negotiations with Ukraine. (AFP) The Israeli military on Sunday announced a tactical pause in its offensive in the southern Gaza Strip to allow the deliveries of increased quantities of humanitarian aid. The army said the pause would begin in the Rafah area at 8 a.m. (local time) and remain in effect until 7 p.m. It said the pauses would take place every day until further notice. The pause is aimed at allowing aid trucks to reach the nearby Israel-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing, the main entry point for incoming aid, and travel safely to the Salah a-Din highway, a main north-south road, to deliver supplies to other parts of Gaza, the military said. It said the pause was being coordinated with the U.N. and international aid agencies. The crossing has suffered from a bottleneck since Israeli ground troops moved into Rafah in early May. Israels eight-month military offensive against the Hamas militant group has plunged Gaza into a humanitarian crisis, with the U.N. reporting widespread hunger and hundreds of thousands of people on the brink of famine. The international community has urged Israel to do more to ease the crunch. From May 6 until June 6, the U.N. received an average of 68 trucks of aid a day, according to figures from the U.N. humanitarian office, known as OCHA. That was down from 168 a day in April and far below the 500 trucks a day that aid groups say are needed. The flow of aid in southern Gaza declined just as the humanitarian need grew. More than 1 million Palestinians, many of whom had already been displaced, fled Rafah after the invasion, crowding into other parts of southern and central Gaza. Most now languish in ramshackle tent camps, using trenches as latrines, with open sewage in the streets. COGAT, the Israeli military body that oversees aid distribution in Gaza, says there are no restrictions on the entry of trucks. It says more than 8,600 trucks of all kinds, both aid and commercial, entered Gaza from all crossings from May 2 to June 13, an average of 201 a day. But much of that aid has piled up at the crossings and not reached its final destination. A spokesman for COGAT, Shimon Freedman, said it was the U.N.s fault that its cargos stacked up on the Gaza side of Kerem Shalom. He said the agencies have fundamental logistical problems that they have not fixed, especially a lack of trucks. The U.N. denies such allegations. It says the fighting between Israel and Hamas often makes it too dangerous for U.N. trucks inside Gaza to travel to Kerem Shalom, which is right next to Israels border. It also says the pace of deliveries has been slowed because the Israeli military must authorize drivers to travel to the site, a system Israel says was designed for the drivers safety. Due to a lack of security, aid trucks in some cases have also been looted by crowds as they moved along Gazas roads. The new arrangement aims to reduce the need for coordinating deliveries by providing an 11-hour uninterrupted window each day for trucks to move in and out of the crossing. It was not immediately clear whether the army would provide security to protect the aid trucks as they move along the highway. (AP) Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 16 (ANI): The world's largest slum redevelopment project involves no land transfer to Special Purpose Vehicle created for the project (SPV) or to the Adani group. Sources close to the project told ANI that land transfer will be done to Dharavi Redevelopment Project/slum rehabilitation authority (DRP/SRA) which is part of Maharashtra government housing department. Also Read | Google Play Store Likely To Get New Feature 'App Auto Open' To Automatically Launch Newly Installed Apps; Check Details. According to the tender documents, DRPPL will pay for the land in lieu of development rights and build facilities like housing, commercials and handover back to the Maharashtra government DRP for allotments as per government schemes. This arrangement ensures that the land remains under government control throughout the process. The state support agreement which is part of the tender, clearly states that government of Maharashtra has obligation to provide land to their own DRP/SRA department Also Read | ICC T20 World Cup 2024: India Batting Coach Vikram Rathour Confirms on Shubman Gill, Avesh Khan's Release, Says 'It Was Decided Since the Team Was Selected'. The Rs 23,000 crore slum redevelopment project comes under controversy after questions were raised on the project to benefit Adani Group. In a 15th June news report by The Hindustan Times, newly elected Congress MP Varsha Gaikward questioned government land transfer to Adani for the project "Earlier, the Mulund land was sought for the project. Then, the government allocated salt pan lands in Mumbai for the project. They also want Deonar land now, the government issued an order to hand over the land at Kurla. Why does the government want to transfer so much land to Adani?" said Gaikward. However, DRPPL sources clarified that the railway land allocated to the DRP was acquired by DRPPL at a premium of 170 per cent above the prevailing market rates. On concerns about the allocation of land across Mumbai to Adani when residents of Dharavi prefer in-situ rehabilitation (simple technique of rehabilitation which provides pucca dwelling units with basic civil infrastructure to improve the quality of life and safe living). Sources clarified that the tender norms and government resolutions from 2018 and 2022, have specifically assured that no Dharavi resident will be displaced. Residents with tenements existing on or before January 1, 2000, are eligible for in-situ rehabilitation within Dharavi. Those with tenements from January 1, 2000, to January 1, 2011, will receive homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) outside Dharavi for a nominal fee of Rs 2.5 lakh or through rental housing. Tenements existing after January 1, 2011, until a government-determined cut-off date will be provided homes under the state's proposed affordable rental housing policy, with an option for hire-purchase. This structure addresses local demands for rehabilitation and negates the need for any external displacement. It is clarified that, the project's commitment to strict Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, ensures that no deforestation occurs. The project also includes plans to plant several thousand trees, contributing to an increase in green cover. The Adani Group, has already planted over 4.4 million trees across India and has committed to planting one trillion trees. These efforts underscore the project's focus on environmental sustainability. There were claims that the state government bypassed due process in issuing a government resolution (GR) to allocate land at Kurla Mother Dairy to Adani. But sources clarified to ANI that the land is being allocated to the DRP, not directly to Adani, and that the prescribed procedures under the Maharashtra Land Revenue (Disposal of Government Lands) Rules, 1971, were followed. It was suggested that the survey for the redevelopment should be conducted by the government instead of Adani. DRPPL sources clarified that, as with other Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) projects in Maharashtra, the DRP/SRA is conducting the survey with third-party experts. DRPPL's role is limited to facilitation, ensuring that the survey process is impartial and aligns with government standards. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi [India], June 16 (ANI): Holding the Aam Aadmi Party responsible for the water crisis in Delhi, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari on Sunday lashed out at Delhi water minister Atishi and accused her and the AAP of cheating people of the national capital. BJP MP Manoj Tiwari while speaking to ANI said, "Every year water crisis happens. Who is Atishi cheating? Atishi should bring a white paper on which pipes were changed in the past ten years. These are lazy people, they neither have any work policy nor any intention, they just want to loot the treasury". Also Read | CBIC Launches Awareness Campaign, Cautions Public To Stay Alert Against Frauds in Name of Indian Customs. "There is so much heat still people are coming out to protest. They are saying that the government which can't provide water to its people is a useless government. I want to tell Atishi that there is a limit to lying. This liar government is just sitting and their leader is inside the jail and denying to give resignation. The people of Delhi will punish them, Delhi does not want people who make excuses, Delhi wants people who solve the problem," he added. Echoing voices of other BJP leaders, Tiwari also blamed the tanker mafias, accusing them of working in cahoots with the Aam Aadmi party leaders. Also Read | Thane Shocker: Man Strangles 65-Year-Old Neighbour to Death, Robs Her Jewellery to Pay for Betting Losses. "The biggest problem is the tanker mafias. Atleast 40 percent of the water is waste, atleast 40 percent is being wasted and Delhi is just getting 10-20 percent of water," Tiwari added. Meanwhile, MLAs of the Aam Aadmi Party on Sunday reached the residence of Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil at BD Marg seeking his intervention in the issue of water shortage. However, the MLAs were not able to meet CR Patil as he was 'not available' at his residence. Delhi Minister Atishi wrote a letter to Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora, urging the deployment of police personnel to protect major pipelines in the national capital. The letter read, "I am writing to request deployment of police personnel to patrol and protect our major pipelines for the next 15 days to stop miscreants or people with ulterior motives from tampering with water pipelines which have now become Delhi's lifelines. At this juncture, any foul play and sabotage will worsen the already difficult water shortage being faced by the people of Delhi."The letter further added, "Delhi Jal Board has patrolling teams for our main water distribution network that carries raw water to the Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) and then from our WTPs to our main underground reservoirs in different parts of the city. In addition, we have deployed teams under the supervision of ADMs to support in this work." (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kolkata, Jun 16 (PTI) Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar on Sunday alleged that extortion rackets were thriving in West Bengal, drawing parallels to the notorious activities of Dawood Ibrahim and Chhota Rajan gangs in Mumbai during the 1990s. He claimed that instances of shootouts and dacoities in jewellery shops over the last couple of months prove that the "law and order situation in the state is not good." Also Read | MHT CET 2024 Result Declared: Maharashtra CET Results Out at cetcell.mahacet.org, Know How to Download Scorecard. Majumdar, also the state BJP president, alleged that these developments are reminiscent of past criminal activities in Mumbai, suggesting a worrying trend in West Bengal. "I am reminded of the way Dawood Ibrahim, Chhota Shakil, Chhota Rajan gangs used to operate extortion rackets in Mumbai in the 1990's. Similar rackets seem to have started in West Bengal," Majumdar said. Also Read | CBIC Launches Awareness Campaign, Cautions Public To Stay Alert Against Frauds in Name of Indian Customs. He further alleged that opposition party workers have been subjected to attacks while such criminal activities continue unchecked. Majumdar, who met with BJP workers claiming to be victims of post-poll violence perpetrated by supporters of the ruling party in West Bengal, highlighted an incident where motorbike-borne assailants shot at a businessman's car on the busy B T Road here on Saturday. In the early hours of Saturday, a shooting incident took place at Mirza Galib Street in central Kolkata. The incident stemmed from an altercation between two men, reportedly linked to a road rage incident the previous day. West Bengal Minister Firhad Hakim attributed the recent dacoities in jewellery shops, including the latest one at Raniganj a few days ago, to miscreants from neighbouring states. In this connection, two persons were arrested from Jharkhand in a coordinated operation conducted jointly by the police forces of both states, officials said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi [India], June 16 (ANI): Amid the large-scale requirement for shoulder-fired air defence missiles, DRDO is going to carry out trials of the indigenous shoulder-fired air defence missiles before handing them over to the Indian Army for user trials. The Defence Research and Development Organisation has been developing Very Short Range Air Defence missiles to meet the requirements of the Indian Army and Air Force to tackle aerial targets like fast-moving drones, fighter aircraft and helicopters in border areas. Also Read | Punjab: Four Injured After Tractor Rams Into Bystanders During Illegal Tractor Race in Phagwara; Horrific Video Surfaces. DRDO is looking to carry out high-altitude trials of the Indigenous tripod-fired short-range air defence missile in mountainous regions like Ladakh or Sikkim, defence officials told ANI. After successful completion of the trials, the missile system will be handed over to the users for their trials and assessments, they said. Also Read | Jammu and Kashmir: Home Minister Amit Shah Advises Security Forces To Crush Terrorism at All Cost Ahead of Annual Amarnath Yatra (Watch Video). The missile system has been able to lock on and take out both long-range and short-range targets. The issues with the short-range targeting have been sorted out and the system is moving ahead progressively, the officials said. Indian forces, with the Indian Army in the lead, have been trying to fulfil the shortages of different types of very short-range air defence missiles in their inventory. The Indian Army is progressing in two cases worth Rs 6,800 crore for developing Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) systems indigenously, amid a lack of inventory of shoulder-fired missiles to tackle aerial threats from Pakistan and China. The current VSHORAD missiles in the Army and Air Force's inventory are all equipped with lR homing guidance systems, while the Igla 1M VSHORAD missile system was inducted in 1989 and was planned for de-induction in 2013. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Jamshedpur/Seraikela (Jharkhand), June 16 (PTI) Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren on Sunday said his coalition government was contemplating to waive farm loan up to Rs 2 lakh, building upon a previous waiver of Rs 40,000, and raise the free electricity quota to 200 units. "We waived Rs 40,000 farmers' loan in the past and are planning to increase it to Rs 2 lakh. Similarly, the current base of 125 unit free electricity will be increased to 200 units," Soren said while addressing a meeting at Gandhi Maidan in Jamshedpur to inaugurate and lay foundation of development projects. Also Read | NCERT Books Tweaks: No Need To Teach About Riots, Demolition in Schools; No Attempts to Saffronise Textbooks, Says NCERT Chief Dinesh Prasad Saklani. Soren emphasised the government's commitment to supporting unemployed youth by offering loans of Rs 25 lakh with a 40 per cent subsidy to initiate businesses for sustainable livelihoods. He assured that the recruitment process for 40,000 assistant teachers is underway and will be completed by September, with tribal and regional language teacher recruitment slated to commence next month. Also Read | Gujarat Rains: Heavy Rainfall Lashes Parts of Porbandar City, IMD Issues Alerts for Different Areas Across Country (Watch Video). Criticising the BJP, Soren accused them of prioritising capitalist interests over the welfare of Adivasis and indigenous people in the state. He contrasted the current coalition government's policies with those of the previous BJP administration, alleging the closure of 5,000 primary schools while highlighting the coalition's establishment of model schools statewide. "This is the difference between BJP and Gathbandhan (coalition) government," he claimed. "The BJP had tampered with Chhotanagpur and Santal Pargana Tenancy Acts, made attempts to wipe out our existence, did not pay attention to education and ignored Adivasis and Moolvasis during its long tenure in Jharkhand," the CM alleged while speaking at a rally in Matkambeda village in Seraikela-Kharsawan district. Soren also condemned what he described as BJP's efforts to destabilise the popularly elected government, referencing allegations and legal actions against former chief minister Hemant Soren. He praised the implementation of welfare schemes aimed at benefiting marginalised communities and ensuring equitable development across remote areas. Regarding Jharkhand being mineral-rich yet economically challenged status, Soren attributed the situation to what he termed as BJP's misrule during their long tenure in the state since its formation 24 years ago. On the occasion, CM inaugurated and laid foundation of 182 development projects worth Rs 152.76 crore. The CM asserted that since he took over the reins of the state following Hemant Soren's arrest, he has been working hard to make Jharkhand an "ideal state" of the country. "Tribals will be fooled repeatedly if we don't get good education, which is why our government launched Guruji credit card facility to ensure tribal youths willing to pursue higher studies even abroad get to do so at government expenses," he said. He said the state government has also started the construction and distribution of houses under Abua Awas Yojana for tribal masses. He was joined by Health Minister Banna Gupta, who criticised BJP's divisive politics and claimed their failure to meet electoral targets in various states, including Jharkhand. Gupta expressed confidence in the INDIA alliance securing a majority in the upcoming state assembly elections scheduled for later this year. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Bhubaneswar, June 16 (PTI) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday convened a crucial meeting with senior government officials for the smooth conduct of the upcoming Snana Purnima and Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri. Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena, DGP Arun Sarangi, Director of Intelligence Soumendra Priyadarshi, and other senior officials were present at the meeting held at the state guest house, acting as the temporary office of the new Chief Minister. Also Read | NCERT Books Tweaks: No Need To Teach About Riots, Demolition in Schools; No Attempts to Saffronise Textbooks, Says NCERT Chief Dinesh Prasad Saklani. Briefing reporters, Harichandan said the Chief Minister was briefed about the ongoing preparations for Snana Yatra and Rath Yatra by the chief secretary, DGP and director, intelligence. He emphasised that further consultations would be held with temple servitors and all stakeholders to ensure the smooth conduct of the Rath Yatra and associated rituals of Lord Jagannath. Also Read | MHT CET 2024 Result Declared: Maharashtra CET Results Out at cetcell.mahacet.org, Know How to Download Scorecard. Asserting the state government's commitment to upholding tradition and Jagannath culture, Harichandan expressed the importance of celebrating the Rath Yatra peacefully with the cooperation of all. Chief Secretary Jena said Snana Purnima would take place on June 22, followed by Rath Yatra on July 7. He informed that he had apprised the Chief Minister of necessary procedures for conducting these festivals and outlined plans for two forthcoming meetings. One meeting, chaired by the law minister, will precede the final meeting chaired by the Chief Minister himself. On the rush of visitors to the Jagannath temple in Puri after the reopening of three gates, Jena said it was expected to continue for the next two days due to the Raja festivals and public holidays. He assured that measures were in place to manage the public darshan of Lord Jagannath, including the deployment of eight platoons of additional security forces at the temple. The Mangal Alati ritual was also conducted ahead of schedule to streamline proceedings. "I was personally there in Puri for around five hours last evening. Additional DG (law and order) is camping there while director intelligence will also visit the town," the chief secretary added. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], June 16 (ANI): Odisha Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, has affirmed that the Bharatiya Janata Party government's prime focus will be to solve the basic issues of people, vowing that there will be "no corruption" in the double-engine government. Mahapatra was recently made the Minister of Housing and Urban Development Public Enterprise in the newly-elected BJP government. Also Read | Thane: Debt-Ridden Man Ends Life by Jumping Into Kharigaon Creek in Maharashtra. Speaking to ANI, Mahapatra said, "The government in Odisha is of the people. So, now the government's prime focus will be to solve the basic issues of the people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is giving 3 crore houses to the country. Odisha will also benefit from this. It is not a duplicate government. It is the BJP government. This is a double-engine government. There will be no corruption in this government." Speaking about the plight of the slum dwellers, he said that once he takes charge of the ministry, he will hold a meeting with the officials on the issue. Also Read | Medak Violence Aftermath: Security Beefed Up in Telangana Town After Communal Clashes Over Cow Transportation. "This problem has been existing for many years. We will hold a meeting to decide on the plight of the slum dwellers," he added. Earlier, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi allocated portfolios to his ministers on Saturday. CM Majhi kept Home Ministry; General Administration and Public Grievances, Information and Public Relations, Water Resources, Planning, and Convergence. His deputy Kanak Vardhan Singh Dev has been allocated Agriculture and Farmers' Empowerment and Energy Department. Pravati Parida, who is the first woman deputy CM of Odisha has been given the Tourism Ministry and also holds the ministry of Mission Shakti; and Women and Child Development. This is the first BJP government in Odisha after its emphatic performance in the recently concluded assembly polls, after it defeated the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), bringing an end to the latter's 24-year-old reign in the state. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Gwadar [Pakistan], June 16 (ANI): The Baloch National Movement (BNM), a Baloch rights organisation, held a series of conferences in Awaran, Kech, and Gwadar districts of Balochistan to address the ongoing issue of radiation exposure faced by the Baloch community since Pakistan conducted nuclear tests on May 28, 1998. In a statement released on Saturday, the BNM reported that these conferences were attended by local residents and BNM members. Also Read | Pakistan: Police Officers Accused of Yet Another Paan Shop Robbery in Karachi. The BNM statement claims that Pakistan did not take adequate measures during the 1998 nuclear tests in Chaghi mountain of Balochistan to prevent radiation exposure to nearby areas. Consequently, locals have been suffering from skin and blood cancers for years. The statement emphasised Pakistan's responsibility as an occupying power for these health repercussions. "After 26 years, people in Raskoh and surrounding areas continue to suffer. Skin and blood cancers have become common; diseases that were once rare are now claiming dozens of lives annually," the BNM statement asserted. Also Read | US Woman, Duct-Taped for Violent Behaviour Onboard American Airlines Flight, Faces Record Fine. During the conferences, speakers lamented what they described as Pakistan's inhumane treatment of the Baloch community, which includes allegations of promoting drug use, fostering illiteracy, and displacing people from their lands. They also accused Pakistan of exploiting Baloch resources in Dera Bugti, Reko Dik, and Gwadar in collaboration with China, while the living conditions of Baloch people deteriorate. "The struggle for our rights against Pakistan's oppressive regime is essential," speakers affirmed, emphasising the need to strengthen national institutions for the prosperity of current and future Baloch generations. The BNM had previously organised protests in Germany and the Netherlands, highlighting similar concerns. Lateef, a Baloch resident in the Netherlands, condemned the nuclear tests as part of Pakistan's genocidal policies. He pointed out ongoing environmental and health impacts, stating, "The radiation effects persist, causing diseases like lung, liver, and blood cancers, as well as severe skin and nervous system disorders. Even newborns suffer from congenital diseases." Another protestor, Basit Zaheer, underscored the long-term environmental consequences, noting, "Two hydrogen bombs were detonated in Balochistan, affecting the land's fertility and wildlife. Despite our pleas, affected areas lack hospitals capable of detecting high levels of radioactivity." The protests and conferences reflect the Baloch community's ongoing struggle against the aftermath of Pakistan's nuclear tests and its broader grievances regarding exploitation and marginalisation. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Islamabad [Pakistan], June 16 (ANI): The Islamabad police have sought the attorney general to oppose a recent Islamabad High Court (IHC) judgement that has severely limited intelligence and law enforcement services' ability to investigate crimes and monitor terrorist activity, according to Dawn. Justice Babar Sattar ruled that cellular providers cannot share citizens' data with these organisations. Also Read | Pakistan: Police Officers Accused of Yet Another Paan Shop Robbery in Karachi. Following the court's order, cellular providers have stopped sharing Call Detail Records with law enforcement organisations. According to Dawn, the order, issued in response to requests from Bushra Bibi, the wife of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, and Najam Saqib, the son of former Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar, has halted investigations into various cases, including high-profile ones. Also Read | US Woman, Duct-Taped for Violent Behaviour Onboard American Airlines Flight, Faces Record Fine. Law enforcement agencies rely on CDRs to track down criminals, terrorists, and abductees, therefore the court's injunction will significantly impede their efforts. Geo-fencing is now impossible due to cellular operators' lack of cooperation. Geo-fencing, a technology that forms virtual boundaries around geographic locations, is critical for crime prevention, investigation, and rapid transmission of information in cases of missing individuals or child abductions, reported Dawn. "It appears from the reports filed by the federal government, PTA and intelligence agencies and arguments of the learned counsel that no authorisation has been granted by the federal government under Section 5 of the Telegraph Act and/or Section 54 of the Telecommunication Act to authorise any individual, entity or agency to intercept calls, messages and to surveil citizens of Pakistan," Justice Sattar stated in his order. "Doing so without authorisation is an offence punishable with a fine and a jail term under the Telegraph Act, the Telecommunication Act, the Fair Trial Act and Peca. Further, the Fair Trial Act provides a detailed mechanism through which surveillance can be undertaken," he added. "Any such unauthorised surveillance would also be in breach of fundamental rights of citizens guaranteed by Articles 9, 10A, 14 and 19 of the Constitution read with Article 4 and would cause irreparable harm to the liberty, dignity and privacy of the citizens being surveilled, he ruled, as per Dawn. The next hearing in this case is scheduled for June 25. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Islamabad, Jun 16 (PTI) A top militant commander of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was killed on Sunday in an encounter with security forces in Pakistan's restive Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province. TTP commander Waliullah was killed by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of Bannu in an intelligence-based operation in the Lakki Marwat district in the province, the Express Tribune newspaper reported. Also Read | Pakistan Landmine Blast: Two Killed, Five Others Injured in Roadside Landmine Explosion in Kurram. The operation was conducted in Tajuri Road near Malang Adda following which the armed terrorists opened fire on the police. Waliullah was killed in retaliatory firing by the security forces, the paper said. Also Read | US Mass Shooting: Eight, Including Two Children Injured in Attack at Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad in Michigans Rochester Hills, Suspect Found Dead (Watch Video). He was a local commander of the TTP Tipu Gul group and was the son-in-law of Commander Atiqur Rahman alias Tipu Gul Marwat, the paper said. Waliullah was wanted in several cases of bomb blasts on CTD Bannu, DI Khan and local police, and attacks on police and security forces. The TTP, set up as an umbrella group of several militant outfits in 2007, is believed to be close to al-Qaeda. The group has been blamed for several deadly attacks across Pakistan, including an attack on army headquarters in 2009, assaults on military bases, and the 2008 bombing of the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad. Separately, at least four people of a family were killed and two injured in a roadside blast triggered by a remote-control device in northwest Pakistan on Sunday. The incident occurred in the Kurram area, bordering Afghanistan. The vehicle of a tribal elder was targeted with an IED when it was on its to a nearby market. The deceased included a child also. The injured were shifted to a hospital. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet. Police have launched a search operation in the area. PTI/CORR ZH (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Established by the United Nations in 2014, International Yoga Day aims to raise awareness about the numerous benefits of yoga and encourage people worldwide to incorporate it into their daily lives. Yoga, an ancient practice that originated in India over 5,000 years ago, encompasses physical postures, breath control, meditation, and ethical principles. It is a holistic approach to health and well-being, aiming to harmonise the body, mind, and spirit. International Yoga Day 2024 Date & Significance International Yoga Day, celebrated annually on June 21, is a global event that highlights the ancient practice of yoga and its impact on physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. International Day of Yoga 2024 Theme: Ahead of Yoga Day Celebration, Here's a Look at Themes of Previous 5 Years. Importance of Yoga Yoga is more than just a form of exercise; it is a comprehensive practice that promotes overall health and harmony. Here are some key aspects that highlight the importance of yoga: Physical Health: Yoga improves flexibility, strength, and balance. Regular practice can help prevent and alleviate chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, and cardiovascular diseases. Yoga improves flexibility, strength, and balance. Regular practice can help prevent and alleviate chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, and cardiovascular diseases. Mental Well-being: Yoga incorporates mindfulness and meditation, which reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It enhances mental clarity, focus, and emotional stability. Yoga incorporates mindfulness and meditation, which reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It enhances mental clarity, focus, and emotional stability. Spiritual Growth: Yoga fosters a sense of inner peace and self-awareness. It encourages a deeper connection with oneself and the universe, promoting spiritual growth and fulfilment. Yoga fosters a sense of inner peace and self-awareness. It encourages a deeper connection with oneself and the universe, promoting spiritual growth and fulfilment. Lifestyle and Ethics: The principles of yoga, including non-violence, truthfulness, and moderation, guide individuals towards a more mindful and ethical way of living. Health and Fitness Benefits Improved Flexibility and Strength: Yoga poses (asanas) stretch and strengthen various muscle groups, enhancing overall flexibility and physical strength. Yoga poses (asanas) stretch and strengthen various muscle groups, enhancing overall flexibility and physical strength. Better Posture and Alignment: Regular yoga practice promotes proper alignment of the body, reducing the risk of injuries and improving posture. Regular yoga practice promotes proper alignment of the body, reducing the risk of injuries and improving posture. Enhanced Respiratory Function: Pranayama (breath control) exercises improve lung capacity, enhance oxygen circulation, and support overall respiratory health. Pranayama (breath control) exercises improve lung capacity, enhance oxygen circulation, and support overall respiratory health. Stress Relief and Relaxation: Yoga promotes relaxation through deep breathing and mindfulness, helping to reduce stress levels and induce a state of calm. Yoga promotes relaxation through deep breathing and mindfulness, helping to reduce stress levels and induce a state of calm. Boosted Immunity: The combination of physical activity, breath control, and meditation strengthens the immune system, making the body more resilient to illnesses. The combination of physical activity, breath control, and meditation strengthens the immune system, making the body more resilient to illnesses. Mental Clarity and Focus: Yoga enhances cognitive function, improves concentration, and supports mental clarity, aiding in better decision-making and problem-solving. Yoga enhances cognitive function, improves concentration, and supports mental clarity, aiding in better decision-making and problem-solving. Emotional Balance: Yoga helps regulate emotions by promoting mindfulness and self-awareness, leading to improved emotional stability and resilience. International Yoga Day serves as a reminder of the immense benefits that yoga offers to individuals and communities. By celebrating this day, we recognise the importance of integrating yoga into our daily lives to enhance our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or a beginner, yoga provides a path to a healthier, more balanced, and harmonious life. As we celebrate International Yoga Day on June 21st, let us embrace the practice of yoga and its timeless wisdom, fostering a global culture of health, peace, and unity. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 16, 2024 01:31 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Bethlehem Landfill Co. is continuing to address a notice of violation issued by state environmental regulators in February over odors from decomposing trash. A representative of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection told the Lower Saucon Township Environmental Advisory Council last week that new caps installed over trash at the 2335 Applebutter Road landfill failed to resolve the issues with odorous gases. People who who commit crimes and think they can get away undetected using Port Authority bridges and tunnels better think again. On June 10, the bi state agency and law enforcement and elected officials commemorated the near completion of a $10 million program to install the latest generation of automatic license plate readers at its six bridges and tunnels between New Jersey and New York. The Outerbridge Crossing and the Bayonne Bridge are the last two spans scheduled to have the readers installed, said Rick Cotton, Port Authority executive director. Deployment of the readers, in conjunction with other efforts, is credited with a 40% drop in reported car thefts on Staten Island since a spike in 2022, officials said. These license plate readers are state of the art. Theyre high resolution, capable of taking a digital image, not only of the license plate but of the car, that take images of the plate and the car, to allow law enforcement to ensure the right plate is on the right car, he said. It is a key tool for auto theft identifying vehicles involved in criminal activity and from the Port Authoritys point of view critical for prosecuting drivers who repeatedly evading tolls. Both the Port Authority police, NYPD and MTA have been engaging in joint crackdowns on toll evaders. Last year, the Port Authority collected $25 million in back tolls and fees from toll evaders and issued 5,861 toll evasions-related summonses. Readers at the Goethals Bridge, where the event was held, are already installed as they are at the Holland and Lincoln tunnels and the George Washington Bridge. These readers, combined with NYPD efforts, were credited by Staten Island District Attorney Michael McMahon was credited with a 40% drop in reported car thefts from a 100% spike in grand larceny autos in 2022. It wasnt just the car thefts, but thieves also brazenly breaking into homes to steal keys to get vehicles, he said. The fact that we didnt have the LPR readers on the bridges came as a surprise to us, McMahon said. They were using the fact they could move almost anonymously across jurisdictional lines, that they could engage in this activity almost undetected. Staten Island officials worked with the NYPD, the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice and the Port Authority, lobbying for the readers on the bi-state agencys six river crossings between New York and New Jersey New York State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, D-Staten Island, said her family experienced it first-hand. My cousins car was broken into, and it was found in New Jersey, and that helped spark conversations about these license plate readers, she said. We know how important the interchange information is between the state and New Jersey. U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-11th Dist. also credits U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officials who alerted her to the issue of transnational organizations that steal vehicles and ship them to Africa, the Dominican Republic and other places to sell, she said. The license plate readers are working, the arrests went up 40% and thefts went down 27%, she said. This is a very successful program. Citing growing threats, ranging from terrorism to the traditional crimes, two ways law enforcement can fight them is with technology and collaboration between agencies, said Greg Ehrie Port Authority chief security officer. License plate readers provide a level of mitigation and knowledge, he said. License plate readers are the DNA of the highway. Vehicles are stolen in New Jersey this year at a rate of about 36 a day, officials said. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said the state continues to partner with its neighbors to use technology to fight crime. Todays expansion of automated license plate readers emphasizes the importance of this critical tool in enhancing public safety in our region, Platkin said in a statement. Too often, criminals try to make our work more difficult by crossing jurisdictions and evading surveillance. Whether we are identifying, locating, and recovering stolen vehicles, apprehending individuals involved in violent crimes, or tracking Amber and Silver alerts to find missing persons, we will continue to use every tool available, including all technological innovations and partnerships, to keep our residents safe, he said. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @CommutingLarry A man who was paying 900 a year to a broker for insurance allegedly had no valid insurance when stopped in Laois Welton Aparecido Matias Roderiguez(29) of Derrykearn, Abbeyleix was accused of not having insurance and failing to produce insurance at Rossleighan, Mountmellick Road, Portaloise on November 12, 2023. Garda Ross Foy said this man had no insurance but he has been paying 900 a year to a broker based out of Brazil. He said the man had shown him Revolut payments to the broker for the insurance. I think it was a word of mouth thing in work, this is where we get insurance, said Garda Foy. He said the man had been issued with a disc and certificate. It is an unusual one, he stated. Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said he could have been more careful by the sound of it. I havent spoken to him. There may have been an issue with a fraudulent certificate, he said. Mr Fitzgerald said the reality of the situation was only dawning on his client now. Judge Andrew Cody remanded the matter back to Portlaoise District Court on July 25. He said the defendant will need to have a valid policy of insurance on that date if he wants to avoid a disqualification. The year 2024 is a special one for the members of the extended Lalor clan as the members will be celebrating their 30th anniversary. The Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix will be the venue and the dates for the events will be July 12,13 and 14. If you are a Lalor, Lawlor or a Lawler or married to a person of one of those names then you are eligible to become a member of the clan. Some of the most illustrious of the name are Patt Lalor of Tennakill, Raheen who was elected one of the first Catholic MPs along with Daniel OConnell, The Liberator in 1830 after the passing of the Catholic Emancipation legislation in Westminster. Three of Patts sons were James Fintan, champion of land reform; Peter who led the gold miners at the Eureka Stockade rebellion in Australia and who went on to become Speaker of the House of Parliament in Victoria State and Richard who succeeded his father as MP and constantly opposed the Act of Union legislation which brought Ireland under the direct control of the British Government. Others of the name who have become involved in politics and public life have done so in America, England and Spain with representatives of those families attending the annual clan rallies down through the years. Anyone wishing to attend the events in July are welcome to do so. Details are available from Mary Lalor OMahony, Boley, Abbeyleix, and her phone number is 087-9015280 or any clan member. A young male defendant who appeared before Naas District Court turned to using drugs because he was isolated during the Covid-19 lockdown. The mans defending solicitor, Tim Kennelly, made the comments while speaking to Judge Desmond Zaidan on Thursday, June 13 last. Gardai said that the man was caught with 290 worth of cannabis, 500 worth of MDMA (also known as 'ecstasy') and 20 of psilocybin (also known as 'magic mushrooms') at a location in County Kildare back in 2020. Mr Kennelly applied for a strike-out in the case, citing the four-year delay. Commenting on the drugs involved, Judge Zaidan said: "He (the defendant) was dicing with death." He added: "Who was supplying this stuff while (the) Covid (lockdown) was going on? Thats not a good reflection on the gardai; where were the checkpoints around the place?" The defendant in the case was represented by solicitor Tim Kennelly. File photograph. Mr Kennelly replied that his client had been struggling with isolation brought on by staying at home during the Covid-19 lockdown. "He has no previous convictions, and was using all of these drugs solely for personal use," Mr Kennelly said: "He is sober now, and has not come to garda attention since." Speaking directly to the man, the judge asked him: "Do you understand whats going on?" "I do, absolutely, yes," the man replied. The judge then proceeded to warn the man that he was funding drug gangs in Ireland by purchasing these drugs. He also warned him of the dangers of falling into drug addiction. Judge Zaidan added that he was glad to hear that the man is now sober, and adjourned the matter to a date in November for sentencing. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact Samaritans Ireland (116123 or jo@samaritans.org) or you can visit pieta.ie (24/7 Free Crisis Helpline: 1800 247 247 or Text HELP to 51444). For further information related to seeking treatment for drug and alcohol abuse, please contact the HSE's confidential drugs and alcohol freephone helpline on 1800 459 459, from Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 5.30pm, or email helpline@hse.ie. You can also visit: https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/addiction/drugshivhelpline/. Most people in Ireland now expect an early general election will be held in the autumn, Labour leader Ivana Bacik has said. Ms Bacik was reacting following the results of European and local government elections across the state. Results emerging from the three elections have provided a political fillip for coalition partners Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, while opposition party Sinn Fein has initiated a review after performing well below its own expectations. This has led to increased speculation that Taoiseach Simon Harris could call an early general election. I think most people believe the general election will be held in the autumn, Ms Bacik told RTEs The Week In Politics show. She added: I think its most likely to be late October. We are ready for it when it comes. Fine Gael minister of state and Government chief whip Hildegarde Naughton said the timing of the election was a matter for Mr Harris. She added: We have a lot of legislation we need to get through and we are really focused on that. Ms Naughton said it had been positive elections for Fine Gael, which received the biggest share of the vote in both the European and local polls. She said: For government parties in a mid-term election, I think right across the globe, there is always the understanding that you will get a hit I think its important to acknowledge that. The centre, in the main, held in these local and European elections. We did get Nina Carberry and Maria Walsh over the line and elected in Midlands-North-West and Regina Doherty in Dublin. Asked about the failure to secure a second MEP seat in the Ireland South constituency, the minister said it just didnt work out this time. She added: That is something we will reflect on, but overall the party did well and the centre did hold. Kathleen Funchion was elected as a Sinn Fein MEP in Ireland South. She said that while her party had made some gains, the overall election results were disappointing. Ms Funchion said: I think it is really important to be honest and say that wasnt the day we were hoping for, that wasnt the election we were hoping for. We have to acknowledge that. We do have a job of work to do now to figure out where the messaging went wrong. She added: There is a number of different factors we need to look at now the counting is done. We do have to focus on that now and be ready, because the key thing I think is we really do need a change of government. Ms Bacik said her party was thrilled with the election of Aodhan O Riordain as an MEP in Dublin. She said: I think what we saw is that voters recognise there is a policy commonality, a commonality of purpose between ourselves, the Green Party and the Social Democrats, the centre-left progressive parties. It is a time where across Europe we are seeing centre-left progressive and green parties coming together as they have done in the Netherlands, as they are doing now in France in the face of the common threat of the far right. I do believe we need to do more of that in Ireland. Electra Therapeutics Presents Late-Breaking Clinical Data at EHA2024 from Ongoing Phase 1b Study of ELA026 in Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH) Electra Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical stage biotechnology company developing antibody therapies against novel targets for immunological diseases and cancer, announced the presentation of clinical data for ELA026 in secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH), a life-threatening hyperinflammatory condition. The results were presented today as one of six abstracts selected for oral presentation in a late-breaking session at the European Hematology Association (EHA) Congress in Madrid, Spain. Results were reported for sHLH patients in the ongoing Phase 1b clinical study, which has enrolled a majority of patients with the deadliest sHLH subtype, malignancy-associated HLH (mHLH). In treatment?naive mHLH patients, ELA026 achieved a 100% overall response rate (ORR) by week 4 and improved survival at two months compared to natural history studies. ELA026 also demonstrated a high response rate across a range of sHLH patients and a favorable safety profile in this patient population. ELA026 is a first-in-class monoclonal antibody that targets signal regulatory protein (SIRP)-?/?1/? on the cell surface of myeloid cells and T lymphocytes, the pathological immune cells that induce hyperinflammation in sHLH. The Phase 1b study is an ongoing open-label, multi-dose, single-arm, multicenter study designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ELA026, assess biomarkers, and identify a dose for Phase 2/3 testing (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05416307). "These data show very promising results for ELA026 as a potential treatment for sHLH, which is a challenging disease that is devastating for patients and has no approved treatment options," said Swaminathan P. Iyer, MD, Professor in the Department of Lymphoma/Myeloma at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. "Notably, the analysis reveals improved survival was achieved with ELA026 in treatment-naive mHLH patients, suggesting benefit from early treatment intervention for patients with this rapidly progressing disease." Study Results Presented at EHA 2024 Congress The oral presentation at EHA2024, entitled "ELA026 Targeting of SIRP(+) Immune Cells Results in a High Response Rate and Improved 2-Month Survival of Treatment-naive Malignancy-associated Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in a Phase 1 Study," was presented by the lead author, Abhishek Maiti, MD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Leukemia at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The data describe analysis of sHLH patients in three cohorts of the ongoing Phase 1b clinical study, including the following highlights: A majority of enrolled patients had malignancy-associated HLH (mHLH) which has the poorest prognosis, with a mortality rate of approximately 50% at two months. 1 ELA026 was observed to have a favorable safety profile, with manageable adverse events, in this patient population. In Cohorts 1 and 2, which have completed enrollment (n=12), ELA026 achieved an overall response rate (ORR) of 75% by week 4. Enrollment in Cohort 3 is ongoing (n=5 as of April 17, 2024). Across all cohorts, 8 patients had treatment-naive mHLH; in this group, ELA026 achieved an ORR of 100% by week 4 and survival was 88% at two months. In the study, pharmacodynamic and biomarker responses correlated with clinical responses. The Phase 1b study has expanded to include up to 20 patients in Cohort 3 and will continue to evaluate ELA026 in frontline treatment settings in patients with various subtypes of sHLH. "We are delighted that the results of the clinical study of ELA026 in sHLH were recognized and selected as a late-breaking presentation at EHA. This interim data is extremely encouraging, particularly with the high response rates and improved survival at two months achieved in treatment-naive mHLH patients, and suggests ELA026's promise as a first-line treatment. Survival at two months is a clinically meaningful benefit for this patient population and demonstrates the ability of ELA026 to rapidly extinguish the hyperinflammation in sHLH, enabling mHLH patients to pursue curative therapies for their underlying cancer," said Kim?Hien Dao, DO, PhD, Chief Medical Officer at Electra. "We look forward to continuing enrollment in this study and advancing the clinical program to further assess the safety and efficacy of ELA026 in sHLH patients who currently have no approved therapies." About Secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH) Secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH) is a rare, life-threatening inflammatory disease for which there is no approved treatment. It can be triggered by cancer (malignancy-associated HLH, or mHLH), infection, autoimmune disease, or immunotherapy. sHLH is associated with a systemic inflammatory response for which patients require immediate intervention. Without treatment, patients may experience multiple organ failure and death. sHLH has a high mortality rate during the first months of diagnosis, with mHLH patients having the poorest outcomes. About Electra Therapeutics Electra Therapeutics is a clinical stage biotechnology company developing therapies against novel targets for immunological diseases and cancer. The company's lead product candidate, ELA026, is a first-in-class monoclonal antibody that targets SIRP on the cell surface of myeloid cells and T lymphocytes, and precisely depletes pathological immune cells. ELA026 is in clinical development for secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH), a rare, life-threatening hyperinflammatory condition for which there is no approved treatment, as well as additional disease indications. For more information, please visit www.electra-therapeutics.com and follow us on LinkedIn. 1 Lofstedt A, et al. Blood. 2024 Jan 18;143(3):233-242. 16 june 2024 at 03:50 News published onand distributed by: Toward a just and lasting peace in Ukraine LUCERNE, Switzerland, June 16, 2024 /CNW/ - When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, it unleashed an attack on democracy, freedom, and the rules-based international order. Despite Russia's relentless war of aggression, Ukrainians are standing strong, and Canada and our international partners proudly stand with them in defence of their homeland. Ukraine's fight is a fight for international law, for the United Nations Charter, and for innocent civilians, including children, who deserve to live in peace. At the G7 Leaders' Summit in Apulia, Italy, earlier this week, Prime Minister Trudeau announced key measures to impose costs on Russia for its illegal and unjustifiable war against Ukraine. Canada is sanctioning individuals and entities related to Russia's military-industrial complex as well as those involved in sanctions circumvention and propaganda operations. We are contributing $5 billion to G7 Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration Loans for Ukraine, which aims to bring forward future revenues from frozen Russian sovereign assets, to provide Ukraine with approximately $69 billion (US$50 billion) as it continues to defend its freedom, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Prime Minister Trudeau also highlighted that the first four of 50 Canadian-built armoured combat support vehicles have departed London, Ontario, and are being delivered to Europe to support Ukraine's Armed Forces. As their fight for freedom continues, Canada and our international partners are once again reaffirming our solidarity with Ukraine and our support for a just and lasting peace, with the needs of Ukrainians at its core. The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today participated in the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, in Lucerne, Switzerland, and announced a $52.4 million package of measures in support of Ukraine. Canada's newly announced package of measures in support of Ukrainians includes $15 million to: Support vulnerable children, youth at risk, and the reintegration of displaced children returning to Ukraine through improved child protection services and family-based care options. through improved child protection services and family-based care options. Improve access to justice for survivors of war crimes. Increase families' and civil society's awareness about the missing persons process. Support male survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, including prisoners of war. Due to Russia's renewed attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure this year, millions of civilians are left without electricity, water, and heat. That's why the Government of Canada is investing $20 million to: Support Ukraine's urgent efforts to replace damaged energy equipment and infrastructure. To help improve the safety of Ukrainians and help Ukraine rebuild, the Government of Canada is investing $15.4 million to: Support the International Monetary Fund in its efforts to help Ukraine acquire the technical assistance and training needed for economic reforms and eventual accession to the European Union. acquire the technical assistance and training needed for economic reforms and eventual accession to the European Union. Improve Ukraine's capacity to safely clear its territory of mines and other explosive remnants of war. capacity to safely clear its territory of mines and other explosive remnants of war. Provide Ukraine's government with technical assistance from Government of Canada experts in the justice and energy sectors. Nuclear facilities are facing threats and security vulnerabilities. That's why the Government of Canada is also investing $2 million to: Uphold the safe and secure operations of nuclear facilities in Ukraine through the International Atomic Energy Agency. At the Summit, Prime Minister Trudeau chaired a session on the human dimension of the war and met with international counterparts, including the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to reaffirm Canada's support for Ukraine's Peace Formula. The Prime Minister underlined the importance of diverse Ukrainian voices ? particularly those of women ? in planning and implementing the Formula. As co-chair with Ukraine of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, the Prime Minister underscored the recent launch of the #BringKidsBack Communications Network, an international network of Coalition members that works on shared information campaigns to raise awareness and advocate for the safe return and well-being of deported and forcibly transferred Ukrainian children. He encouraged other countries to join the Coalition and rally behind our efforts to help Ukrainian children displaced by Russia's unjustifiable aggression to return to their rightful homes and communities in Ukraine. Leaders reaffirmed their support for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace for Ukraine in a joint statement. They stressed the importance of the safe use of nuclear energy and reiterated that any threat or use of nuclear weapons is inadmissible. Leaders agreed that food security must not be weaponized and that prisoners of war and all illegally deported and displaced Ukrainian children ? as well as other Ukrainian civilians who were unlawfully detained ? must be returned to Ukraine. Quote "Russia's full-scale invasion has had devastating effects on Ukrainians, from the millions forced to flee their homes to the thousands of children that have been illegally deported. Canada and our international partners are united in our support of a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. To the Ukrainians who continue to stand strong in defence of their homeland, know that we will keep supporting you until victory." ? The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada Quick Facts While in Lucerne, Prime Minister Trudeau met with the President of Finland , Alexander Stubb , and the President of Kenya , William Ruto . , , and the President of , . Earlier this week, Prime Minister Trudeau announced key measures to support Ukraine's fight for freedom. This includes: A $5 billion contribution to G7 Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration Loans for Ukraine . Sanctions on 27 individuals and entities involved in Russia's military-industrial complex as well as sanctions circumvention and disinformation. fight for freedom. This includes: Experts estimate that since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 , thousands of Ukrainian children have been deported, forcibly transferred, or otherwise displaced from Ukraine to temporarily occupied territories and to Russia , for the purpose of erasing their Ukrainian identity. Currently, fewer than 400 children have been returned to Ukraine and reunited with their families. full-scale invasion of in , thousands of Ukrainian children have been deported, forcibly transferred, or otherwise displaced from to temporarily occupied territories and to , for the purpose of erasing their Ukrainian identity. Currently, fewer than 400 children have been returned to and reunited with their families. Since 2022, Canada has committed over $19 billion in multifaceted support to Ukraine . This includes over $12.4 billion in financial assistance, which has helped the Ukrainian government to continue to operate, including by delivering essential government services and pensions to Ukrainians. Other assistance includes over $4 billion in military aid and equipment donations, $352.5 million in humanitarian assistance, $442 million in development assistance, and over $210 million in security and stabilization programming. has committed over in multifaceted support to . This includes over in financial assistance, which has helped the Ukrainian government to continue to operate, including by delivering essential government services and pensions to Ukrainians. Other assistance includes over in military aid and equipment donations, in humanitarian assistance, in development assistance, and over in security and stabilization programming. Since 2014, Canada has imposed sanctions on more than 3,000 individuals and entities in Russia , Belarus , Moldova , and Ukraine for their complicity in the violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as gross and systematic human rights violations. Many of these sanctions have been implemented in co-ordination with Canada's partners. has imposed sanctions on more than 3,000 individuals and entities in , , , and for their complicity in the violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as gross and systematic human rights violations. Many of these sanctions have been implemented in co-ordination with partners. In 2022, Canada introduced the world's first civil forfeiture regime for sanctioned assets. Budget 2024 announced the federal government's intention to engage international partners to identify additional avenues to hold Russia to account and advance any necessary amendments to Canada's sanctions regime. introduced the world's first civil forfeiture regime for sanctioned assets. Budget 2024 announced the federal government's intention to engage international partners to identify additional avenues to hold to account and advance any necessary amendments to sanctions regime. Last February, Canada and Ukraine signed an Agreement on Security Cooperation, in line with the 2023 G7 Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine . and signed an Agreement on Security Cooperation, in line with the 2023 G7 Joint Declaration of Support for . Canada will provide over $3 billion in critical financial and military support to Ukraine in 2024. Related Product Associated Links This document is also available at https://pm.gc.ca SOURCE Prime Minister's Office 16 june 2024 at 11:19 News published onand distributed by: Lkaraiko Lemalinga looks at her like she's the goose that lays the golden eggs. "When I received the camel I was shaking, I only realized the camel was mine after three days," smiled the 47-year-old breeder, surrounded by his six children. The female camel he got in March is still too young to produce milk but she already promises a peaceful future for his family. Lkaraiko Lemalinga received a camel from the Samburu County government after losing a large portion of his livestock during the previous drought. In Ngurunit (Kenya), on May 14, 2024. FREDRIK LERNERYD FOR LE MONDE The farmer, looking tired, relies on a prosthesis on his right leg. It is because of his handicap that he was one of the beneficiaries of the camel distribution run by the Samburu regional government which allocates around 1,000 animals to local people each year. A way for the authorities of this county in northern Kenya, to help semi-nomadic herders who are often on the front line in the face of climate change. "In the village, during the drought, 80% of the cattle was killed," explained Simon Lalampaa, administrator of the town of Ngurunit and its 3,000 residents. Lemalinga is no exception. Between 2020 and 2023, during the worst drought the Horn of Africa had seen in 40 years, extreme temperatures and lack of rain decimated his herd: Five of his seven cows and 17 of his 20 goats died. "Cows are not suited for this climate. It's climate destiny, it happens, we cannot control it," he said calmly. "That's why everyone wants to own a camel these days." 'Iconic animal' Although one-humped camels also known as "Arabian camels" are historically the prerogative of the Somali minority in north-eastern Kenya, camelids are gradually becoming indispensable animals for all pastoral communities living in the country's arid north. They compensate for the slow death of livestock, exhausted during droughts, by walking for days in search of increasingly rare watering holes and disappearing pastures. Lkaraiko Lemalinga and his camels, Ngurunit (Kenya), May 14, 2024. FREDRIK LERNERYD FOR LE MONDE "20 years ago, as a kid, I can't recall seeing camels in Ngurunit county. Today, it's the most common livestock," explained administrator Simon Lalampaa, who has witnessed this rapid demographic evolution among the herds. The Samburu (400,000 people) have understood the value of this animal with its incredible stamina, whose 15-kg hump serves as a fat reserve, enabling it to go without food and water for five days. "Cattle are the first to die in drought, camels the last," summed up Piers Simpkin, consultant for Mercy Corps, who has been working on the issue for four decades. "They are more resistant, drink less, eat less, contract fewer diseases and produce more milk. They are the most efficient animal in these climates." What's more, unlike cattle, camels feed on the foliage of thorny plants and shrubs, reducing the pressure on grazing land, which is already subject to intense competition in the north of the country. The Kenyan army is deployed there to fight banditry, largely motivated by cattle rustling. You have 63.05% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only. A PLAQUE will be unveiled this Monday, June 17 to mark the spot where Irish patriots were executed in Kilfinane in 1798. The ceremony is being organised by the Kilfinane Coshlea Historical Society with the plaque being unveiled by a number of people, including Mary Setzkoran, a direct descendant of Staker Wallace (Staker Wallis). It takes place at 3pm. Gerry Raftery, of Kilfinane Coshlea Historical Society, said Ms Setzkoran is leading a group of sixth, seventh and eighth generations of descendants of Staker Wallace from Wisconsin in the United States. They will spend a day in the area exploring places associated with the life and death of their most renowned ancestor. It promises to be an exciting occasion in the town. There will be music and dancing in the Market Square to celebrate the occasion, said Mr Raftery. Staker Wallace was the commander of a local division of United Irishmen, who was executed in the town by the British in the lead up to the 1798 rebellion. He was arrested following an alleged plot to murder the local landlord, Capt Oliver who then offered his freedom in return for the names of other United Irishmen and the location of their weapons. Staker Wallace declined. He was jailed in Kilfinane and flogged before he was publicly hanged and beheaded. His head was then put on a spike above the Market House for a number of weeks before he was buried in the town. The actions of the Irish patriot, believed to be from Bulgaden, were never forgotten. He is remembered in song - A Lament to Staker Wallace; name of a GAA Club and a monument in Kilfinane. Fast forward to 2006, human bones were discovered in Kilfinane, when the local authority was carrying out urban renewal works in the town. The bones were found in what is known locally as the Croppies Hole. Locals believed that the remains of Staker Wallace were among the bones found. It was thought a number of men were buried in the grave. However, it appears Staker Wallace was forgotten about for 14 years as the Limerick Leader revealed in 2020, through correspondence from the council that, This project was put on a back burner due to ongoing pressure of work. Kilfinane man James OBrien, who raised his concerns over the delay in 2020 with Minister of State Niall Collins, said: Those bones lay forgotten for over 200 years. Its a fright to God if they are forgotten again. Mr Collins said: Sitting on skeletal remains for over 14 years, which are an integral part of the history, heritage and culture of Kilfinane is simply not acceptable. He called on the council to immediately begin the testing process. READ MORE: Body cameras for Limerick gardai later this year Funding was sought in 2021 (under the councils 2022 budget) with an osteoarchaeologist (scientific study of human skeletons) procured during October 2021. Funding was confirmed in January 2022 and the bones were subsequently delivered to the osteoarchaeologist. Former councillor, Mike Donegan revealed at a Cappamore-Kilmallock Municipal District meeting last year that testing had shown they were not the remains of Staker Wallace. He said he had attended a talk on the bones organised by Kilfinane Coshlea Historical Society- at which Dr Linda Lynch, osteoarchaeologist and Sarah McCutcheon, the council archaeologist, gave a detailed talk and presentation. They said they are not the bones of Staker Wallace. It was revealed on the night that the assemblage of bones are those of five or six people, mixed up in 1,400 pieces, said Mr Donegan. Wipro Ltd has secured a major information technology (IT) outsourcing contract from London-based Standard Chartered Plc., according to two people familiar with the matter. This is the second contract win under new chief executive officer (CEO) Srinivas Pallia. The three-year contract is expected to generate over $50 million in annual revenue for Wipro. However, Mint could not independently verify the value of the contract. The deal would include Wipro handling Standard Chartereds data transformation work and IT infrastructure. There will be a digital aspect to it as well," said one of the two people, seeking anonymity. However, it couldn't be immediately ascertained whether this contract between Wipro and Standard Chartered is a new deal, or part of an existing agreement. Wipro already had a certain number of people working with Standard Chartered. Now, that number may have gone up," said the second executive privy to the development, also seeking anonymity. If Indias fourth largest IT services company were to get at least $50 million annually from the Standard Chartered account, it would translate into revenues of $150 million by 2027, the second person added. Emailed queries to a Wipro spokesperson remained unanswered till press time. In an emailed reply to Mints queries, a Standard Chartered spokesperson said: We would like to state that as an international bank, we work with several partners who support us in our transformation journey. With regards to the information cited in your mail, we would like to categorically state that the information mentioned is inaccurate." According to a stock exchange filing on 6 June, Wipro won a five-year deal from an American communications service provider, valued at $500 million, or $100 million annually, until 2029. This deal would contribute to 0.9% growth for Wipro. However, the IT services firm did not disclose the name of the client. Analysts attributed some of these recent contract wins to a more aggressive sales approach by the IT major. We are most definitely seeing a more aggressive and focused sales approach from Wipros client leads," said Phil Fersht, chief analyst of outsourcing research firm HFS Research. Srinivas Pallia, who has been with Wipro for over three decades, took over as the CEO on 6 April, replacing Thierry Delaporte, who had held the position since July 2020. The two major contracts under Pallia's leadership will provide a significant revenue boost to Wipro, the only one among Indias top four IT services companies to report a revenue decline in the year ended 31 March 2024. The company posted revenue of $10.8 billion for the year, down 3.8% from the year ended 31 March 2023. In line with industry trends, the lender has been outsourcing its work to fewer IT services companies. Standard Chartered has been outsourcing its work to about three dozen IT services companies, including Wipro, but it is now looking to reduce this number to less than half-a-dozen IT services vendors," the second executive said. Banks are the largest clients for Indian IT services companies, accounting for 25-30% of their revenues. However, over the past two years, they have significantly reduced their technology spending, leading to the weakest growth in software services companies in 25 years. According to the National Association of Software and Service Companies (Nasscom), India's IT sector was estimated to grow by 3.8% to $254 billion in FY24, marking its slowest growth rate in 25 years. IT services companies customers expanded the number of vendors during covid and are now reducing the number to allow for better management. Customers are looking to role back some of the pricing increases that were pushed through during covid and, hence, are looking to cut costs," said Peter Bendor Samuel, CEO, Everest Group, a Dallas-based IT research firm. Banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI), which contributes more than one-third to Wipros revenues, reported an annual revenue decline of 8.2% in FY24 to $3.6 billion. In its March quarter commentary, Wipro indicated it might face a revenue decline in the next three months, suggesting that challenges to growth persist , despite two significant contract wins. He danced on stage. Jumped for joy. And excitedly talked about a future involving billions of humanoid robots, saying it could stretch Teslas valuation to $30 trillion some day, or about 10 times the current value of the worlds most valuable public company. Tesla shareholders got their wish: Old Elon had returned. Despite the excitement, it wasnt clear how long the hangover might linger after an unusual proxy campaign that saw some shareholders openly questioning the chief executive officers commitment to the company. All it took for him to dance again was for shareholders to vote Thursday to reauthorize his $48 billion pay package. A Delaware judge had rescinded the 2018 deal earlier this year, throwing the electric-car maker into chaos amid worries he would leave in a huff. Were headed for a wild future," he told investors at the companys Austin, Texas, headquarters during the more than two-hour shareholder meeting. Wild, wild, wild." Beyond Musks talk of offering Star Wars"-like robots, theres real concern among some investors about the current state of Teslas car business, with sales falling in the first quarter and tough new rivals emerging from China. Plus, he has been talking for years about deploying fully driverless car technology without success. Now admittedly, Im a little optimistic sometimes," Musk told investors to laughter. I dont have a complete lack of self-awareness, but if I wasnt optimistic this wouldnt exist, this factory wouldnt exist." Then there was the stark juxtaposition of his rosy comments following the vote and his threats in recent months to take his best ideas for robots and artificial intelligence elsewhere if he wasnt granted 25% of Teslas shares. Ask any therapist: Threatening divorce during a flash of anger can crack a relationships very foundation. What began as a quarrel can escalate into something existential. A superhero dictatorship Two lawsuits were filed in Delaware this past week accusing Musk and the Tesla board of wrongdoing, in part, over his efforts to create a separate AI company seemingly in competition with the automaker. Tesla hasnt yet responded to the claims, and Musk has suggested that Tesla could benefit from his startup xAI. Could the CEO of Coca-Cola loyally start a competing soft-drink company on the side, then divert scarce ingredients from Coca-Cola to the startup?" a lawsuit brought Thursday by the Cleveland Bakers and Teamsters Pension Fund and other investors asked. No special rules apply to Tesla or Musk. Yet, at Tesla, the preposterous has become reality." For some investors, Thursdays vote was a referendum on whether they were OK with Musks being essentially a part-time CEO of Tesla along with overseeing five other companies, including Twitter-turned-X. Tesla is Musks liquid piggy bank, since its publicly traded; his other companies are not," investor James McRitchie said during a prevote presentation advocating for certain corporate-governance changes. Either he sticks around long enough to use our shareholder capital to fund his other ventures, or he shifts his attention sooner if we reject his pay package and turn off the money tap." Bite the bullet," McRitchie added, prepare for a future that doesnt depend on a superhero dictatorship." The crowd booed McRitchie. This was a crowd fully embracing Musk. For them, seemingly, Any Elon is better than No Elon. They came dressed in Tesla shirts and chanted his name: Elon, Elon, Elon. If you can see me, Im trembling uncontrollably," one shareholder said to Musk during a Q&A. I really look up to you [as] a shareholder, consumertripled my humble, tiny little portion ofshares." Priming Optimus Another investor asked if Tesla could achieve that projected $30 trillion valuation without Musk at the wheel. Musk replied Tesla has a good future without him, but that he adds something special. I think I am a helpful accelerant to that future," Musk said to cheers. Rivals, Musk warned, would eventually succeed with their own robots. What really matters is can we be much faster than everyone else?" he continued. His message was clear: I am your only hope. It was a similar gamble back in 2016, when he first revealed the Model 3a bet-the-company electric sedan aimed at the masses that he rushed into production, trying to beat rivals with their own offerings. Now, instead of focusing on the companys next EV model, Musk is talking more about technology that isnt as tested or as certain. He touted development of the companys humanoid robot, dubbed Optimus, which made its conceptual debut in 2021 as a person in costume dancing on stage. Now, Musk said, Tesla has actual robots doing tasks at its factory in Fremont, Calif. We actually have quite a few of these cruising around our offices in Palo Alto," he said. Next year, Musk predicted, more than 1,000 humanoid robots would be working at Tesla. In 2026, he suggested, Teslas humanoid robot would be able to handle a range of tasks, including ones that it hasnt done before. Ultimately, he expects the number of humanoid robots to far exceed the population of humans on Earth. In that scenario, he said, Tesla could be making more than 100 million of those robots annuallyor roughly the same number of cars currently produced each year by the entire automotive industryat a profit of $1 trillion. Even the most optimistic estimates that I have seen for Optimusundercount the magnitude of what the robot will be able to do," Musk said. He suggested Optimus alone could add $25 trillion to the companys market value without giving a date for achieving such a threshold. Thats on top of the $5 trillion to $7 trillion in valuation possible from achieving driverless vehicles by 2029, as predicted by investor Cathie Woods ARK Funds, Musk said. I dont want to trivialize whats necessary to get there," Musk said. Its an immense amount of work that is required to get therelike super difficultbut we are moving very fast down that road." For Musk skeptics, it was another example of his overinflating expectations. For Musk believers, it was gospel to their earsthe reason why they voted for his pay in hopes of keeping him around longer. More cheers erupted. I think were not just opening a new chapter for Tesla," Musk at one point told them. Were starting a new book." The Book of Elon. Write to Tim Higgins at tim.higgins@wsj.com Teslas reincorporation in Texas is about much more than saving the electric-car juggernaut $250,000 a year in state fees. It is an attempt by Elon Musk to loosen Delawares grip on American corporations. About two-thirds of S&P 500 companiesregardless of where they are actually basedare incorporated in Delaware, largely because the tiny state has specialized courts that handle business matters and stacks of legal precedents for addressing such disputes. Musk asked shareholders to approve the move after the Tesla chief executive lost a case in a Delaware court over his pay package, recently valued at about $46 billion. Shareholders on Thursday re-approved the package as well as the plan to reincorporate in Texas, where Tesla has its headquarters and some of its manufacturing facilities. The company filed paperwork to implement the change the same day. By voting to leave the First State, shareholders could be ratifying the view among some that Delawares shareholder protections have gone too far, some legal experts said. An alternative, however, is that Musk is simply so important that investors are willing to take a chance on Texas. I do think that Elon Musk is this singular figure," said Renee Zaytsev, a corporate- and securities-law attorney at Boies Schiller Flexner. Is Tesla what other companies are looking to, to decide where theyre going to incorporate or how theyre going to run their governance? Probably not." Texas officials have been wooing businesses with promises of lower taxes and, more recently, by setting up the states own specialized business court system. A startup is developing plans to create a new Texas Stock Exchange that its backers say will be more CEO-friendly than the incumbents in New York. Its not just the laws, its how the judges are going to implement them," said Anat Alon-Beck, a Case Western Reserve University law professor, who has a paper scheduled for this fall on risks to Delaware from other state incorporation practices. It isnt clear who will serve as judges in the new Texas business courts, and as appointees with two-year terms, they may be more easily swayed by political considerations, Alon-Beck said. Uncertainty is not good for business." Tesla isnt the first corporate giant to make the move out of Delaware. Microsoft, which first incorporated in Washington state in 1981, reincorporated in Delaware in 1986 when it went public, then moved back to Washington in 1993 after the state revamped its business laws to indemnify officers. Tripadvisor has been fighting in court with shareholders to move its incorporation to Nevada from Delaware. Texas was the legal home of four S&P 500 companies before Teslas vote, Southwest Airlines, CenterPoint Energy, Atmos Energy and Camden Property Truston par with Missouri and California, data from Standard & Poors show. Other big public companies incorporated outside Delaware include PepsiCo (North Carolina), Abbott Laboratories (Illinois), International Business Machines (New York) and Target (Minnesota). Most of the explicit legal differences between Delaware and Texas are minor, corporate attorneys said, echoing Teslas argument that the states laws are substantially equivalent. There are minor differences ," said Stephen Bainbridge, a law professor at the University of California, Los Angeles. Most of those are technical, and likely to come into play in relatively few circumstances." Mergers, for example, can require a higher shareholder vote in Texas, while it is harder for a shareholder to inspect a companys books there, he said. One of the biggest advantages Delaware has: extensive precedents on nearly every facet of corporate law, giving boards and attorneys a better sense of likely outcomes and how to make their cases. Its much harder for anybody to predict how Texas courts are going to rule," Bainbridge said. In making its case for redomiciling in Texas, Tesla dismissed the idea that the newly established business courts in Texas were riskier because they were new. Doing new things is part of Teslas DNA, and how it has become one of the most valuable companies in the world," Tesla said in its proxy filing. Tesla also said it would also save about $250,000 a year in Delaware franchise-tax payments. One thing that might not change, though, is the legal fight over Musks pay package. That dispute will likely stay in the hands of a judge in Delaware Chancery Court. Write to Theo Francis at theo.francis@wsj.com Follow a lorry laden with Brazilian-made cars as it inches down the hairpin bends of the Paso Internacional Los Libertadores into Chile and the challenges of trade within Latin America become clear. Four times the lorry grinds to a halt as workers repair the road ahead; snow, ice and avalanches will soon smash it up again. The delays are so long that drivers hop out to smoke, staring up at the surrounding peaks. There is at least one crash a week, reckons a border official. This is the busiest trade crossing between Argentina and Chile, but treacherous ice means in winter it operates for just 12 hours a day. For about 40 days of the year, smothered in snow, it shuts altogether. Latin Americas international trade, measured as exports plus imports as a share of GDP, has crept up over the past two decades, but it still trails most emerging markets. Strip out Mexicos super-strength in manufacturing for export to the United States and the picture is even worse. In South America trade in goods is worth less than 30% of GDP. In other emerging markets it is worth around 50%. Latin American countries are even worse at trading with each other. The region is far richer than sub-Saharan Africa, but intraregional trade accounts for a mere 7% of GDP in both places. Measured differently, only 14% of Latin Americas total goods trade occurs within the region, the lowest figure anywhere in the world (see chart 1). View Full Image (The Economist) Low trade in general is a problem. Richer places tend to trade more and international trade has been a powerful engine of development everywhere from Europe to Asia. Whether low regional trade is a worry, however, is disputed. Beyond Mexico, Latin Americas trade growth in recent years has been based on surging Chinese demand for commodities like copper, soyabeans and lithium. Plenty of governments are still eager to focus on that opportunity, rather than on boosting trade with neighbours. But the strained relationship between the United States and China poses a risk. If tensions over Taiwan boil over, for instance, Latin America might struggle to maintain trade relationships with its two most important partners. Some Latin Americans see an opportunity for nearshoring, the idea that multinational firms can expand production in the region so as to avoid exposure to China. Janet Yellen, the US treasury secretary, talks of tremendous potential benefits". That is optimistic. There is little sign so far of a wave of foreign investment. Mexico aside, exports to the United States were flat last year. If nearshoring is under way, but not yet showing up in export statistics, you would expect to see increased foreign direct investment (FDI). That is not happening either. As a share of GDP, inward FDI is not perceptibly higher than the long-run average in most parts of Latin America. Compare that with South-East Asia, also seeking to benefit from firms fleeing China, where inward FDI is surging. Boosting intraregional trade could cushion Latin American economies from slowing Chinese demand as well as superpower tensions. It could also help make Latin America more competitive globally. If parts and products could be made in the bits of the region where it is cheapest to do so, then traded, combined and sold, they would form so-called regional value chains, and boost exports. Why, then, are Latin American countries so bad at trading with each other? Some reasons are structural. We dont trade with each other because we want to consume things that we do not produce," says Ricardo Hausmann of Harvard University. Low intraregional trade is, in part, due to a failure to make sophisticated products. Worse, Latin American countries often produce the same things: commodities (see chart 2). Chiles biggest export is copper. So is Perus. Neither is ever going to sell much of it to the other. Geography matters too. South America covers almost 18m square kilometres, four times the size of the European Union. The worlds longest mountain range and its largest tropical forest make much of the continent impassable for all but condors and jaguars. View Full Image (The Economist) These factors constrain the potential for intraregional trade, but only partially account for its paucity. The IMF reckons that Latin American goods trade is 40% lower than would be expected when comparing it with other parts of the world with similar economic and geographic challenges. The similarity of countries export baskets explains more of the difference, but exports can and do change over time. Intraregional trade could improve if governments addressed the basics. Building better infrastructure would ease the headaches of geography. Argentina, for example, ranks 73rd on the World Banks logistics performance index, a measure of physical infrastructure quality and customs efficiency. The IMF estimates that reducing the gap between Latin American and rich-country infrastructure by half could lift exports by 30%. Aconcagua Base Every few years the notion of digging a vast, long tunnel through the Andes re-emerges. But that remains a pipe dream. Meanwhile truckers such as Ricardo Emmanuel, a 38-year-old from Mendoza in Argentina, continue hauling goods up and down dangerous, slow routes. On that side it never gets repaired," he complains, gesturing down the road towards Argentina from atop the Paso Internacional Los Libertadores. He praises Chiles sleek customs complex perched high in the Andes, but says the Argentines sometimes open just one of their many checkpoints, backing up lorries. Why? They dont want to work!" he shouts in frustration. Better trade policy would also help. At first glance it looks good; nearly 90% of intraregional trade is already tariff-free. But those numbers flatter to deceive. There are two big problems. First, there is no proper preferential-trade agreement between Mexico, the regions second-largest economy, and Brazil and Argentina, the largest and third-largest. Second, much of the free trade is based on a spaghetti bowl of bilateral agreements. That matters because most of those agreements push producers to use inputs almost exclusively from their home country, rather than from potentially cheaper third countries in the region. This is a huge impediment to the creation of regional value chains," says Antoni Estevadeordal of Georgetown University. He reckons the rules are equivalent to an extra tariff of about 15%. Some Latin American leaders simply do not want freer trade. Brazil and Argentina are the two most protectionist emerging markets in the world, says Marcel Vaillant of the University of the Republic in Uruguay. With a population of over 200m, Brazil is the continents largest market but protectionism means that for many firms in Latin America sales into the country are limited. Argentina currently levies a tax of 17.5% on purchases of foreign currency for most imports. And it directly taxes vast swathes of its exports. (Export taxes are also popular in Kazakhstan, but are seen as madness in rich countries.) Non-tariff barriers are rife across the region. Chilean producers of everything from avocados to salmon have to do separate food-safety processes for every market they export to. Thats time and money," points out Ignacio Fernandez Ruiz, the head of ProChile, the countrys export-promotion agency. This protectionism has also scuppered high hopes for Mercosur, the customs union between Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Instead it both has high tariff walls to the world and is riddled with internal barriers. Mercosur briefly boosted trade between its members, but trade within the group is now no better than among other countries in the region. Trade between Mercosur and the rest of Latin America is miserably low. Political volatility is another headache. The Pacific Alliance, a free-trade deal between Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru, was launched by four centre-right leaders in 2011. They hoped it would be a model for how regional integration could also boost global trade. But the election of leftist leaders in Colombia, Chile and Mexico sapped the organisations momentum. Mexico refused to pass the rotating leadership of the Alliance to President Dina Boluarte of Peru, claiming her appointment was illegitimate after she took over from her impeached predecessor. The Pacific Alliance is at its lowest point since it was founded, says Felipe Lopeandia, formerly Chiles chief trade negotiator, now at Deloitte, a consulting firm. Still, it is easier to fix these problems than to move the Andes. And even the two structural impediments to trade within Latin Americageography and the fact its countries produce similar goodslook different from the perspective of the part of global trade that is expanding fastest: services. The Amazon does not block Ecuadorian consulting firms from selling advice in Brazil. For Chilean mining-engineering firms, the fact that Peru also produces copper is a tremendous opportunity. Latin Americas intraregional services trade is still low, but the potential is obvious. Chiles service exports are also small, but last year they grew by 51%, mostly within Latin America. The potential for more excites Mr Fernandez Ruiz, who has brought dozens of large firms from across Latin America to meet Chilean service providers. Not for the first time, the region might learn from pro-trade Chile. 2024, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com Last week, five of the top-10 most valued firms collectively gained 85,582.21 crore in market valuation, driven by a positive trend in equities, with Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) leading the gains. During the period, the BSE benchmark Sensex rose by 299.41 points or 0.39 per cent, reaching an all-time high of 77,145.46 on June 13. Among the gainers were Reliance Industries, HDFC Bank, Bharti Airtel, State Bank of India, and LIC, while Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), ICICI Bank, Infosys, Hindustan Unilever, and ITC saw declines in their market valuations. These five companies together witnessed a decrease of 84,704.81 crore in their market capitalization. LIC saw the largest increase, with its valuation rising by 46,425.48 crore to reach 6,74,877.25 crore. HDFC Bank's market capitalization surged by 18,639.61 crore to 12,14,965.13 crore. Reliance Industries added 10,216.41 crore to its valuation, reaching 19,98,957.88 crore. State Bank of India's market cap rose by 9,192.35 crore to 7,49,845.89 crore, while Bharti Airtel gained 1,108.36 crore, ending at 8,11,524.37 crore. However, Hindustan Unilever's valuation decreased by 22,885.02 crore to 5,82,522.41 crore. TCS saw a decline of 22,052.24 crore in its market cap, settling at 13,86,433.05 crore, and Infosys lost 18,600.5 crore, bringing its valuation down to 6,18,030.37 crore. ICICI Bank's market cap declined by 11,179.27 crore to 7,77,795.90 crore, and ITC's valuation decreased by 9,987.78 crore, reaching 5,38,216.34 crore. Reliance Industries remained the most valued firm among the top-10 companies, followed by TCS, HDFC Bank, Bharti Airtel, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, LIC, Infosys, Hindustan Unilever, and ITC. A carpet of wax lotuses in warm tones present a pretty sight in Shailesh B.R.s interactive installation Melting Lotus . But there is more to them than meets the eye. In a cheeky aside, the artist has placed a circular hot plate on a wooden stand into which visitors can toss the flowers and see them melt. The work opens itself up to a myriad interpretations. This work forms part of Moments in Collapse, a show mounted at Jawahar Bhawan by the Safdar Hashmi Memorial Trust (Sahmat), an organisation committed to promoting the pluralistic culture of the subcontinent. Curated by artist Gigi Scaria, the show brings together 44 artists and over 80 artworks. In the making for nearly a year, Scaria worked closely with artists Aban Raza and Virendra S. Vij to organise the exhibition. As the title suggests, the overarching theme of the show is the notion of time. But Scaria decided to eschew a linear reading of time and the emphasis on a gradual progress to a better world. As the curatorial note mentions, There is a common notion among the people that addressing many areas of civil rights and discrimination against caste and class are redundant topics in a globally emergent superpower such as India. Linearity demands that we must only focus on the development agenda and work towards making our nation a superpower," adding But we may differ from this by saying that while development is crucial, understanding the nuance of democratic principles within the concept of development is even more crucial." Also read: A unique collaborative exhibition to celebrate 10 years of Tarq While some of the artists have handed in existing works, others have made them especially in response to the curatorial brief. Ram Rahmans digital print on sunboard, titled InCollapse Zindabad, of a broken bust of Jawaharlal Nehru juxtaposed with pictures of Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Subhash Chandra Bose, Mahatma Gandhi, B.R. Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh speaks volumes. Rahman reveals that the damaged bust of Nehru was found in the ruined Gol Market (in 2013) building in Delhi, lying in filth and trash. It was much later I remembered that sculptor B.C. Sanyal had a studio there (also Ram Kumar) after Partition, so very possibly this was a remnant of Sanyals studio". He feels that the work is really about the projected or attempted decay of memory of those who led our liberation and laid the foundations for our modern state. Ambedkar makes an appearance in his trademark blue suit again in Vikrant Bhises gouache on paper, Portraits of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar IV, XII, XI, VII, while Amol K. Patil too addresses Dalit issues in his pen and ink series Lines Between the City. In the video If a Tree Falls in the Forest, Vinit Gupta documents the resistance of indigenous communities to a coal mining project that threatens to displace them in the Mahan forest in Madhya Pradesh. Protests movements also find expression in several works in the exhibition, whether its farmers protests in Navjot Altafs triptych Cognitive Processes Resistance or the quelling of citizens protests in Akshay Sethi and Shilpa Guptas contributions to the show. View Full Image Vikrant Bhise, Mahad Satyagraha -2 In Sethis accordion-like work, policemen with lathis attack women, while in Guptas Untitled pencil on paper drawings, the police grapples with the figure of a protestor, whose details are rendered invisible. Also read: A satirical take on gender bias in medical textbooks Violence and its aftermath are other topics that are tackled in this exhibition. Take, for instance, the use of debris in Murali Cheeroths photo assemblage on canvas, Unmarked, depicting bombed neighbourhoods in Gaza while Gargi Rainas striking A Heap of Broken Images could well be interpreted as shattered visions and hopes. In Veer Munshis large-format Distant Call, a man can be seen howling with his mouth agape, while bombs and bits fly around him. Forming a stark contrast to this are verses in Kashmiri by the 14th century Sufi poet, Alamdar-e-Kashmir (or Nund Rishi), which make up the background. Elaborating on his work, Munshi states, It is part of my Shrapnel series, which has evolved from my personal experiences in the conflict zone (of his native place Kashmir) one has lived through." In keeping with the theme of the show, notions of time play out in Anupam Roys powerful monochromatic scroll Time is Sloshing, Mithu Sens old-fashioned alarm clock lacks hands in A Time Zone Apart and time is manifested more obliquely in the wizened hands of a man in Parag Sonarghares Untitled acrylic on canvas. Environmental issues of our time surface in Ravi Agarwals black-and-white photographs titled After the Floods and in Atul Bhallas The Weather These Days. The performance artist Pushpamala is represented in the show with two works. In one, an archival inkjet print titled Motherland (after the 1992 calendar painting by artist Jesudoss), she poses as Bharat Mata, and in the performative video work, Gauri Lankeshs Urgent Saaru, she pays homage to journalist Gauri Lankesh, who was assassinated in 2017. The video depicts the artist, dressed again as Mother India, cooking up a quick curry based on the recipe given to her by her deceased friend. Nearby on display are Anita Dubes two black-and-white photographs from her Meat Words series that have the words Dystopias" and Spillage" placed next to each other. Ram Rahman, an active member of Sahmat, sums up the significance of the show, stating that the art fraternity is unafraid to be a community, which can express resistance through their creative languages. This is why this show was important for us". Moments in Collapse is on view at Jawahar Bhawan, Delhi, till 20 June. Meera Menezes is a Delhi-based art writer. Karen Jennings second novel, Crooked Seeds, is set in Cape Town of 2028, which is reeling from an acute water crisis caused by a drought. There are serpentine queues every morning to collect water from tankers, punctuated by outbursts from the residents of South Africas oldest city. The arid barrenness of the cityscape infects hearts and minds. The air is toxic, poisoned by bitter despair, embodied in the character of Deidre van Deventer, the protagonist of the novel. Technically, this setting qualifies as dystopiana character is even called Winston as a nod to the hero of George Orwells 1984. But reality is stranger than fiction. Also read: Paul Auster: A rare cultural icon who engaged and entertained In truth, Cape Town has experienced a severe water shortage in the recent past. Add to it the everyday struggles of people in post-apartheid South Africa, and what you get is a perverse feeling of deja vu. As T.S. Eliot wisely pointed out in his poem, Burnt Norton, Time present and time past/ Are both perhaps present in time future/ And time future contained in time past. An unsparing chronicler Jennings, whose first novel, An Island, was longlisted for the Booker Prize in 2020, is one of the finest and most unsparing chroniclers of modern South Africa. Following in the footsteps of the greats such as Nadine Gordimer, Doris Lessing and J.M. Coetzee, she explores the complicated legacy of her homeland, vitiated by longstanding racial politics. In Crooked Seeds, this persistence of the evils of the past comes stingingly alive in the character of Deidre. In her early 50s, Deidre is a self-proclaimed cripple, having lost a leg to an amateur bomb made by her brother Ross, a pro-apartheid crusader on the run from the law. Deidres ailing mother Trudy lives in an eldercare home. Her father is dead and her adopted daughter Monica, whose origins remain murky for the most part of the novel, has moved to London to make a fresh start. Sins of the past But the past clings to Deidre like a crusty layer of dirt. Some of the most piercing passages describe the filth and squalor in which she lives. Its as though her physically revolting existence is a stand-in for the moral decay of South Africa. In Deidre, Jennings creates an intensely unlikeable characterpathetic and despicable in her neediness, never letting go of a chance to mooch off her neighbours, brazenly entitled, brash, and suffering from the hangover of white supremacy from the apartheid days. Even when she tries to make well-intentioned comments on politics, Deidre ends up riling Miriam, her coloured neighbour whose good graces and charity keep her alive. During her interaction with the police, who are investigating a horrific secret from her past, Deidre remains arrogant and aloof, ignores authority with the chutzpah of a white woman, forgetting her altered status in the new South Africa. Pitied, humiliated and brutally abused, Deidre is an apparition stuck in a time warp. Like the scarred nation she comes from, Deidres redemption can come only from owning the sins of the past, even at the cost of the unspeakable grief, pain and penance she must suffer. Cassette players have lived in obscurity for the better part of the last two decades. Recently though, at least in the UK and US, theyve been making a comeback, riding on nostalgia and a fascination among Gen Z for all things analog and retro. While vintage shops have been running out of older models, companies like Fiio and Sony are making new ones and they have found a niche market. According to research by The British Phonographic Industry, sales of cassette tapes have risen for 10 consecutive years, touching a 20-year peak in 2022 with annual sales of 195,000 units. Despite the far superior audio quality todays streaming apps and smartphones offer, cassette tapes and players are making a comeback perhaps because of their audio quality. Those of you who have used cassette players during the 70s, 80s, and 90s, will remember that the sound is quite distinctive. The physical condition of the tapes creating a variation in the sound is being considered unique and beautiful. Brands like Fiio, Sony, and We Are Rewind are now manufacturing portable cassette players betting on the fact that some users like a dedicated device for listening to music something thats not connected to the internet. And though it is still a very niche market, especially in India, interest in the technology is growing much like instant cameras like Instax. Chinese electronic company Fiio came to CES in January 2024 with the CP13 a portable cassette player with a sleek design and a few retro touches. James Chunge, CEO of Fiio, said he wanted to pay homage to the original Sony Walkman that came out in 1979. View Full Image FIIO portable cassette players Personal portable music players: a short history Battery-operated reel-to-reel tape recorders were introduced in the 1950s and produced by Uher and Nagara. In the 1960s, Phillips introduced a compact cassette recorder, mainly for recording speech. Cassette tapes entered the scene in 1963. They were invented by Dutch engineer Lou Ottens, the head of new product development at Philips. Ottens was trying to find a way to shrink reel-to-reel tapes to a size accessible to the common man. The two-spool cassette tape debuted at the Berlin Radio Show. But it remained an expensive and specialised gadget till the late 1970s, when everything changed. Also read: Insta360 X4 review: Is this the best 360-degree action camera you can buy? Sony co-founder Masaru Ibuka wanted to be able to hear music on long flights. Specifically, he asked for a way to listen to opera. Sony designer Norio Ohga built a prototype from Sonys Pressman cassette recorder, which Ibuka took on his next flight. That paved the way for the first-ever Sony Walkman model, the TPS-L2, released on July 1st, 1979 for $150. Heres a fun fact for your next dinner table party the Sony Walkman was not Sonys first-ever product. That honour goes to the electric rice cooker! Despite the first month seeing sluggish sales, the Walkman became one of Sonys most successful brands of all time. From cassettes, it went into CDs, Mini-Disc, MP3 and then streaming music. Out of the over 400 million Walkman portable music players sold, 200 million were cassette players. Sony may have retired the Walkman line of classic cassette tape players in 2010, but they seem to have bounced back. View Full Image The Sony WM-FX290 Stereo Cassette Player The original Walkman was made from aluminium, while later models were made from plastic. The original Walkman had two features that, sadly, never made it through to the latter years. The Walkman inventor thought that the idea of sharing music was something that would catch on. There were not one, but two headphones (at that time, it was all over-ear headphones and not earphones) jacks, on the original player. Secondly, the TPS-L2 had a hotline button. This activated a built-in microphone and muted the music. One could talk without having to take their headphones off. Walking around with headphones may have been termed antisocial at first, but it soon caught on and became accepted in society. Fiio CP13: A new-age cassette player The Fiio CP13 has come a long way from those days. Fiio is a brand known for affordable yet high-tech hardware. It has a selection of over-ear headphones, hi-res DACs (digital-to-analogue converter), a hi-res audio keyboard and an all-in-one desktop Hi-Fi streaming player and amplifier. The Fiio CP13 feels familiar in more ways than one. The case is made of metal, with a solid build, while the front of the unit is made from plastic. Theres the classic transparent peephole, so you can witness the tapes doing their thing. You know its a 2024 product when it has a rechargeable battery (via a USB-C connection) powering it. The Fiio CP13 is good for 15 hours of playtime. There are the four classic play, stop, rewind and fast forward buttons that youd instantly recall if youve ever used a cassette player. Theres also a volume dial and the 3.5mm headphone jack (which, in my opinion, is the most important part of this device). Why cassettes and not CDs, you may ask? Originally, we all thought CDs were indestructible". But CD rot is real. And every scratch/drop contributed to a deterioration in audio quality that annoyed the listener in more ways than one. The hard plastic case of a cassette is hard to destroy. Someone once told me, many eons ago, that even a cassette that was left out in the sun and melted" played great afterwards. We Are Rewind: A throwback to the original Walkman View Full Image Portable BT Cassette Player from We Are Rewind Fiio is not alone in reviving the cassette player. We Are Rewind has worked on the audio cassette player to give it a fresh look brimmed with fresh technology. Designers from We Are Rewind worked with French engineers (who had created analog players back in the 1970s) and sound equipment studio ORA. The high-end model - Portable BT Cassette Player - gives a whiff of nostalgia. Its made of aluminium, instead of plastic, so it can be more durable and lasts longer. Its got your classic buttons and a headphone jack, along with an audio output (for making your mixtapes). The modern technology comes in the form of a Bluetooth connection for the wireless earbuds lying around in your house. Theres a rechargeable battery that offers 12 hours of playback. The Portable BT Cassette Player is only slightly larger and bulkier than the original Sony Walkman. Pure nostalgia For me, listening to cassettes brings back a lot of memories from the late 90s. Whenever Im cleaning up parts of my house, Ill find a cassette here and there but nothing to play it on. Its an expensive hobby, but thats not to downplay just how much fun it is, especially the sheer beauty of physical media. Its like vinyl, which has made a big return, and even though cassette players may not have a vinyl-like boom, they have made a comeback. If you do decide to buy (or find one lying around your house) a cassette player, whether Fiio, We Are Rewind or from some other company, just make sure you know where to buy cassettes (new or second-hand) to keep your player fresh for many years down the road. In India, many local stores that used to sell music and music equipment are still around, from New Gramophone House in Delhi to Music Circle in Mumbai and Music Corner in Bengaluru. A few online sellers like Calcuttarecords.com and and Vintagestores.in sell old Hindi film cassette tapes along with some Indian classical and Western pop as well. A boat capsized in the Ganga River in Bihar's Barh on Sunday. The boat was reportedly carrying 17 devotees from Umanath Ghat to Diara. No casualty has been reported so far. However, six people have gone missing, an official said. The search operation is on. "A small boat capsized here. There were 17 people on the boat, out of which 11 are safe, 6 are missing. The SDRF team has left, they are about to reach here... The search operation is on..." Barh Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Shubham Kumar was quoted by news agency ANI as saying. Kumar said the incident took place at around 9.15 am near Umanath ganga ghat when the boat carrying 17 people, mostly belonging to a family, overturned midway. "The boat overturned and sank in the middle of the Ganga river. While 11 people have been rescued so farsome of them managed to swim to safety and reach the shore of the river, six are still missing," Shubham Kumar was quoted by PTI as saying. On receiving the information, officials of the district administration and police personnel reached the spot and launched a rescue operation with the help of locals to trace the whereabouts of the missing occupants of the ill-fated boat. The search operation is on to trace the six missing persons, the official said. "We are also engaging personnel of the state disaster relief force. We are trying to ascertain the identity of the missing persons," the SDM added. Ganga Dussehra today A large number of devotees took a holy dip in the Ganga river on the occasion of 'Ganga Dussehra' on Sunday. The festival of Ganga Dussehra is celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm in cities like Prayagraj and Varanasi, where people from all over the country come to seek blessings. Taking a dip in the river on this day is considered a means for devotees to get rid of their sins and heal any physical ailments they may have. Ganga Dussehra, which is celebrated on the tenth day (Dashami) of the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha) in the Hindu month Jyeshtha, also marks the day when Goddess Ganga is believed to have descended from the heavens to Earth. Eid ul-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice or Bakrid, holds profound significance in Islam and is celebrated with immense joy and devotion by Muslims worldwide. History of Eid ul-Adha The story of Ibrahim and Isma'il's sacrifice is mentioned in the Quran (Surah As-Saffat, verses 99-113), which emphasizes the profound act of submission and devotion to God. According to Islamic tradition, Ibrahim received a divine command in a dream to sacrifice his beloved son, Isma'il (Ishmael), as a test of his faith. As Ibrahim prepared to carry out the sacrifice, God intervened and provided a ram to be sacrificed instead, signifying Ibrahim's devotion and submission to God's will. This event highlights the significance of faith, sacrifice, and obedience in Islam. Here are the significance of Eid ul-Adha: Observance of Hajj Eid ul-Adha coincides with the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Muslims not performing Hajj also participate in the celebrations, emphasizing unity and solidarity among the global Muslim community. Feast and charity The festival involves prayers, feasting, and the exchange of gifts among family and friends. In commemoration of Ibrahim's sacrifice, Muslims customarily sacrifice an animal, usually a goat, sheep, cow, or camel. The meat is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the needy and less fortunate. This act symbolizes generosity, compassion, and sharing with the community. Spiritual reflection Eid ul-Adha encourages Muslims to reflect on the importance of sacrifice and service to others. It emphasizes the values of compassion, humility, and gratitude toward God's blessings. Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk recently raised alarms over the efficiency of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and the high risk of hacking these machines with the help of artificial intelligence or humans. As the owner of social media platform X, called for a complete elimination of EVMs from elections, former union minister Rajeev Chandrashekhar, responded to his suggestion and highlighted the success of EVMs in India. Reacting to Elon Musk's post on X, Rajeev Chandrashekhar explained how Indian EVMs, unlike those used in other countries like the US, are custom designed, secure and isolated from any network or media. In his post on X, Chandrashekhar called Elon Musk's statement on EVMs as generalised and expressed the possibility of building secure digital hardware for EVMs. Indian EVMs are custom designed, secure and isolated from any network or media - No connectivity, no bluetooth, wifi, Internet. ie there is no way in. Factory programmed controllers that cannot be reprogrammed, wrote Chandrashekhar in his post. Apart from advocating the use of isolated EVMs free from any network or media, the BJP leader invited Elon Musk for a short tutorial on how to build a safe and secure electronic voting machine for free and fair elections. Electronic voting machines can be architected and built right as India has done. We wud be happy to run a tutorial Elon, Anything can be hacked: Elon Musk to Chandrashekhar Chandrashekhar's post on X, met with a range of comments expressing different opinion. Continuing the conversation, Elon Musk also responded to the post and commented Anything can be hacked. The conversation began when Elon Musk suggested the elimination of the use of electronic voting machines earlier. The returning officer in Mumbai North West Lok Sabha constituency on Sunday rejected the EVM tampering claim, saying Electronic Voting Machine is a stand-alone device and there is no OTP on a mobile for unlocking as it is non-programmable. The election officer's remark comes amid allegations that a relative of Ravindra Waikar, the Shiv Sena candidate from Mumbai North West Lok Sabha constituency, who won the election by just 48 votes, was found using a mobile phone "connected" to an electronic voting machine during the counting of votes on June 4. After Ravindra Waikar emerged as the winner by a thin margin of just 48 votes, opposition Sena (UBT) candidate Amol Kirtikar alleged foul play and claimed that his request for recounting was not accepted. On Sunday, a Mid-Day report said that a relative of Waikar was using a phone which was connected to the Electronic Voting Machine (EVMs). The report further quoted police saying that the mobile phone was used for generating the OTP that unlocked the EVM machine. Here are key developments FIR against Waikar's Kin The Vanrai police have booked Mangesh Pandilkar a relative of Shiv Sena MP Shiv Ravindra Waikar for using a mobile phone at a counting centre in Goregaon on June 4. Returning officer rejects OTP theory Vandana Suryavanshi, the returning officer of the constituency, asserted that the EVM is a standalone system, not programmable and has no wireless communication capabilities. Notice to Mid-Day Dismissing the report in the 'Mid-Day' newspaper as false news, Vandana Suryavanshi said a defamation notice has been issued to the publication. "We have issued notice to 'Mid-Day' newspaper under sections 499, 505 of the Indian Penal Code for defamation and spreading false news," Suryavanshi said in a press conference. Returning officer's response 1) Incidence at Mumbai North West Constituency Counting Centre is about unauthorisedly using mobile phone of an authorised person by a candidate's aide. Criminal case has already been filed by the Returning Officer. (2) There is no OTP(One Time Password) on mobile for unlocking EVM as it is non programmable and it has no wireless communication capabilities. It is a complete lie being spread by a newspaper, which is being used by some leaders to create false narrative. (3) EVMs are stand alone devices without any wired or wireless connectivity with units outside EVM system. Advanced technical features and robust administrative safeguards are in place to rule out any possibility of manipulation. Safeguards include conducting everything in the presence of candidates or their agents. (4) Counting of ETPBS happens in physical form (paper ballots) and not electronics as being spread through false narratives. (5) Every counting sheet at every table for ETPBS and EVM counting and postal ballot counting (including ETPBS) is signed by all counting agents after due diligence. (6) RO is proceeding against Mid-day newspaper for spreading rumours maligning Indian voters and the electoral system. Mumbai cops deny media report Terming the media reports as fake and baseless, Mumbai police said that no such information (about a mobile phone being used to generate OTP to unlock EVM) was given by any official. A case has been registered at Vanrai Police Station for allowing an individual to use a mobile phone illegally, despite the prohibition on the use of mobile phones and electronic items at the counting station. While the case is still under investigation, some English & Marathi news media published news stating To unlock EVM, a mobile phone was used to generate OTP. No such information is released to any newspaper by the Mumbai Police. Therefore, such news articles are false & misleading, said Mumbai Police. Political slugfest over Elon Musk's tweet Responding to a post by Robert F. Kennedy Jr, the independent candidate for President of the United States over alleged voting irregularities related to EVMs in Puerto Ricos primary elections, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said, We should eliminate electronic voting machines. The risk of being hacked by humans or AI, while small, is still too high. Rahul Gandhi reacts to Elon Musk's tweet Tagging media report which claimed that a relative of Shiv Sena's candidate Ravindra Waikar had a phone that unlocks an EVM, Rahul Gandhi responded to Elon Musk's tweet and said, "EVMs in India are a 'black box', and nobody is allowed to scrutinise them. Serious concerns are being raised about transparency in our electoral process. Democracy ends up becoming a sham and prone to fraud when institutions lack accountability. Ex-minister counters Former Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar of the BJP countered Musk's criticism of EVMs and said that the billionaire businessman's view may apply to the US and other places where they use regular computer platforms to build "Internet-connected voting machines". Shiv Sena leaders demand footage of counting day Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Aditya Thackeray and Priyanka Chaturvedi also shared the Mid-Day report and demanded that the CCTV footage of the counting day be released. Suryavanshi said CCTV footage in connection with the issue cannot be given unless there are orders from the competent court, reported PTI. (Bloomberg Opinion) -- For a decade now, India has not had a functional opposition. Prime Minister Narendra Modis Bharatiya Janata Party won such sweeping mandates that even the official position of Leader of the Opposition lay vacant. Last week, Modi was sworn in for a third term as prime minister and keen to convey that nothing much had changed he largely reappointed his cabinet of ministers. Yet something feels different. For once, there is less interest in what Modi will do in the next few months than in how a revitalized opposition will seek to contain him. Indias electorate has clearly tired of giving Modi a free hand. Voters reduced the BJP to a minority in Parliament in the recent elections. Modi must now govern alongside two notoriously unreliable allies. The opposition alliance is itself only 40 seats short of a majority. Of course, that agglomeration is somewhat ramshackle. It is composed of 28 parties, many of whom cannot stand each other. Some are regional groupings with few demands beyond special treatment for the states they represent. Others more closely resemble family-run businesses. Still others are ideologically closer to the BJP than to their current partners. Its hard to imagine them operating cohesively enough to cramp Modis freedom of action. Much will depend upon how the glue in the alliance, the 139-year-old Indian National Congress, behaves. The partys heir apparent, Rahul Gandhi son, grandson, and great-grandson of prime ministers was long the target of mockery in the press and online. He seemed too earnest, awkward, and privileged to offer a credible alternative to Modi. But Gandhi has at least demonstrated the importance of endurance. Literally, in fact: Most observers trace the turnaround in his partys fortunes to Gandhis months-long marches through battleground districts across the breadth of India. While those treks didnt offer too many clues about how he would govern, they did address worries that many voters had about his commitment to politics. Now that Gandhi, the Congress, and the rest of the opposition have cleared that hurdle, they will have to address a larger question: What can they offer Indians that Modi cant? It is tempting, as an opposition, to oppose everything. That might be unwise. Charging at every issue that presents itself tires you out. And, while such a strategy may reveal what the opposition is against, Modis rivals need to show what they are for. After 10 years in the wilderness, Congress and its partners have to reintroduce themselves to the electorate. That means, while the election may be over, opposition parties must continue to sell their policy proposals. The secret of Modis success as a politician is that he campaigns 24/7, 365 days a year. His partys formidable messaging machine dominates every possible public narrative. To compete, the opposition will have to work as hard but focus its rhetoric on the issues from jobs to welfare that are most likely to cut through the noise. Above all, the opposition needs to avoid the curse of infighting that has always plagued such alliances. They must give the impression of a government-in-waiting much more focused on Indias problems than its own ambitions. In another five years maybe less if Modi feels fenced in without a majority and wants to risk an early election the voters will pronounce on whether they have learned enough about the oppositions credentials to trust them with power. Another task faces Congress and its allies before that: to ensure the next election is fairer than the last. Indias public sphere has begun to crumble after 10 years of one-party rule. Indians were beginning to wonder whether independent institutions the media, the judiciary, and regulators would remain non-partisan in an age when a single party seemed to likely to win forever. Modis reappointment of his ministers seeks to tell waverers within these institutions that nothing has changed. The opposition needs to convince them otherwise. Spineless and crumbling institutions help incumbents to stay in power; the opposition must prioritize rebuilding them if it wants a real shot at power. In New Delhi after the election, it was widely noted how different this result felt. Normally, the people vote in a government. This time, it felt like they voted in an opposition. Even as Indians gave Modi another chance to rule, they demanded that other parties create a real alternative. Indias long-beleaguered opposition should not let them down. More From Bloomberg Opinion: This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Mihir Sharma is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist. A senior fellow at the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi, he is author of Restart: The Last Chance for the Indian Economy. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion Madhya Pradesh news: In a surprising development, 39 children who were rescued on Saturday (June 15) from a liquor factory in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh have disappeared. A team of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) had rescued the children from the distillery after receiving an information about child labourers and conducting a raid at the Som Distilleries factory in Sehatganj. Later, the NCPCR handed them over to the government administration. However, NCPCR chairman Priyank Kanoongo claimed that the 39 children have disappeared from under the nose of the government administration. According to the law, rescued children are presented before the sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) to record their statements. Following that, a three-member bench of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) pass an order for their rehabilitation, said Kanoongo. However, the quorum of the CWC was not completed till late night (on June 15) due to which statutory orders could not be passed and it took 5 hours for the SDM Sahib to cover a distance of 20 kilometers from the district headquarters on the wide highway and it took 7 hours for the ADM Sahiba to cover the same distance, Kanoongo added. At 1:30 pm, we were told that the concerned authorities were being sent there. SDM reached after 5 hours, while ADM (additional district magistrate) reached after 7 hours. The culprits made use of the darkness, and the children were taken somewhere. We do not know if the children have been kidnapped, abducted, or allured. The FIR was registered under bailable sections. The various kinds of compensation amounting to 5-10 lakhs that were supposed to be given to the children cannot be given now, Kanoongo told ANI. A labor inspector in the Raisen district was suspended for not effectively enforcing the Child and Adolescent Labor (Prohibition and Regulation) Act in his allotted work area. The action followed a raid by the Excise Department at a distillery unit of a liquor factory in the district where a large number of child laborers were employed. The way the CM suspended an official at midnight and took action against him has sent a big message. As a result, the other officials are now looking for the missing children, Kanoongo also said. Labor Inspector Mandideep Ram Kumar Srivastava was suspended. Order issued by the Labor Commissioner. Suspended for not effectively enforcing the Child and Adolescent Labor (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 in the allotted work area, negligence and indifference towards duty, Madhya Pradesh government's Department of Public Relations posted on its X handle. Houses of 11 persons were demolished in the tribal-dominated Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh. A police official said on Saturday that the demolition was part of the action against the illegal beef trade in the state, and that these houses were built on government land. Mandla Superintendent of Police Rajat Saklecha told PTI that the action was taken after police received a tip-off that a large number of cows were held captive for slaughter in the Bhainwahi area in Nainpur town of MP's Mandla district. ALSO READ: Govt takes steps to stop cow smuggling to Bangladesh "A team was rushed there, and we found 150 cows tied in the backyards of the accused. Cow meat was recovered from the refrigerators in the homes of all the 11 accused. We also found animal fat, cattle skin and bones, which were stuffed in a room," the official was quoted by PTI as saying. The official further claimed that the local government veterinarian confirmed that the seized meat was beef. "We have also sent samples to Hyderabad for secondary DNA analysis. The houses of the 11 accused were demolished as they were on government land," the SP said. The SP said an FIR was registered on Friday night following the recovery of the cows and beef. He added that one of the accused was arrested while a hunt was on for the remaining 10. Meanwhile, police said the 150 cows were sent to a cattle shelter. "Bhainswahi area had become a hub of cow smuggling for some time now. Cow slaughter in MP is punishable with a jail term of seven years," the police official added. Amid ongoing political slugfest over EVM tampering claims in Mumbai North West seat, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday took a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remark on X, and questioned if he will resign and re-contest from both the seats he won. The remark comes amid Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Amol Kirtikar's allegations of foul play in Mumbai North West constituency where Shiv Sena candidate Ravindra Waikar won by just 48 votes, and an FIR against Waikar's relative for using a mobile phone at a counting centre in Goregaon on June 4. Speaking to ANI, Shinde said that wherever the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has won, there the EVM machine has functioned correctly, however, wherever they lost, they are (opposition) raising objections on the machine. What kind of antics is this, asked Shinde. "Rahul Gandhi has won from two places. The same EVM was kept there also, then he should say that the EVM machine was faulty everywhere and he should resign and contest the election again. Will this happen?," ANI quoted Shinde as saying. In the recently held Lok Sabha elections, Rahul Gandhi won from both Wayanad and Raebareli Lok Sabha seats. Earlier in the day, the former Congress president Rahul Gandhi quoted a post by Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk where he said that we should eliminate electronic voting machines, and said, EVMs in India are a 'black box', and nobody is allowed to scrutinise them. Serious concerns are being raised about transparency in our electoral process. Top Events of the Day: Metro services on Phase-III sections in Delhi-NCR will begin at 6:00 am on Sunday, June 16. This early start is to assist candidates taking the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination on June 16, as announced by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. Chief Minister Champai Soren will inaugurate the Mango flyover construction on June 16. Jharkhand CM Champai Soren to inaugurate Jamshedpur Flyover on June 16 Chief Minister Champai Soren will inaugurate the Mango flyover construction on June 16, followed by a public meeting at Mango Gandhi Maidan. Deputy Commissioner Ananya Mittal and senior district officials inspected the site on Thursday to ensure all preparations were in place. Dhankhar to inaugurate 'Prerna Sthal' on Sunday Preparations for the Chief Minister's meeting at Gandhi Maidan are ongoing, with Deputy Commissioner Ananya Mittal personally overseeing the arrangements. During the inspection, she issued necessary instructions to district officials to ensure the smooth conduct of the event. Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar will on Sunday inaugurate 'Prerna Sthal', which will house all statues of freedom fighters and other leaders that were earlier placed at different places in the Parliament complex. Father's Day on June 16 Every year, the third Sunday of June is dedicated to the celebration of Father's Day, and families across the world organise the day with with gatherings, meals, and special outings to honour fathers and father figures. Delhi Metro Phase-III Services to start early on June 16 for UPSC Prelim Exam Metro services on Phase-III sections in Delhi-NCR will begin at 6:00 am on Sunday, June 16, as announced by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. This adjustment accommodates candidates taking the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination on June 16. UPSC issues instructions for Civil Services Prelims on June 16 The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released guidelines for the Civil Services Preliminary Examination scheduled for June 16, 2024. Candidates must follow these instructions strictly at the various exam centres across the nation. Also Read | Peru economy expands in April, highest growth in over 30 months The Air India passenger took to microblogging site X to share his experience with the airline's business class flight to Newark, and termed it no less than a nightmare. Vineeth K, who identified himself as a small time investor, alleged that his flight from New Delhi - Newark (AI 105) was not only delayed by 25 minutes, but it also had worn-off and unclean seats. After flying with Emirates for a few years, I recently moved to Air India as they offer direct flights to NY, Chicago & London, which are my frequent travel destinations. Yesterdays flight was no less than a nightmare, said Vineeth in a post. The traveler said that despite paying 5 lakh for a round-trip, the food was bad, seats wear worn out, the covers were dirty and TVs were not working. After settling for 30 mins post take off, I wanted to get to sleep (3.30 AM) and realised that my seat doesnt go to a FLAT BED, reason its not working. Requested the crew and after 10 mins of trying, they moved me to another seat which worked. Woke up after a few hours, the food was served, and it was uncooked (never faced this in AI), the fruits were stale (everyone onboard returned back), Vineeth claimed in a post. He further claimed that his luggage was also broken. Luggage handles broken. Tags missing. Lock / Zip tie missing, said Vineeth sharing photos of his bags. He also shared AIR India's response to his post on X, which has now been deleted. Several social media users have reacted to the post, with one user saying, Hopefully on your return leg they put you in the refurbished B777, else would suggest you change to partner airline. Another user said that he had a similar experience on AI flight from Delhi to Singapore. They also broke my luggage, was on holiday trip, goa. Got slip filled with damage from Air India ground staff goa. But Air India never provided compensation for damage, claimed a user. On this day, June 16, Several incidents and events were held in past years. On 16 June, Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman to travel in space in 1963. Decades later, this day witnessed the first ever countrywide tobacco ban in Bhutan in 2010. Take a look at the key events held on this day in the past. Valentina Tereshkova becomes first woman to travel in space in 1963 Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova scripted history and became the first woman and the youngest person to fly in space at the time (she was 26 years old) on 16 June, 1963. Tereshkova was born on March 6, 1937, in the village of Maslennikovo, Russia. Before being selected as a cosmonaut, Tereshkova used to work in a textile factory and was involved in parachuting. Tereshkova was chosen from over 400 applicants to join the Soviet space program. Her background in parachuting was one of the criteria for selection, as the early space capsules returned to Earth via parachute descent. Nationwide tobacco ban in Bhutan in 2010 Indias neighbour, Bhutan, imposed a nationwide ban on tobacco products and their consumption on June 16, 2010. Before imposing a blanket ban, the Himalayan country implemented the Tobacco Control Act in 2004. The decision to ban tobacco products sale and their consumption was motivated by concerns over public health and spiritual beliefs rooted in Buddhism, which emphasises the importance of maintaining a healthy body and mind. Guru Arjan Dev Martyrdom Day Guru Arjan Dev Martyrdom Day is also known as Shaheedi Diwas and is observed by Sikh community across the world on 16 June. According to Nanakshahi calendar, the the Shaheed Diwas is observed on the sixteenth day of the lunar month of Jeth in the Nanakshahi calendar, which usually falls in May or June. Guru Arjan Dev was born on April 15, 1563, in Goindval, Punjab, which is now in present-day India. He was the youngest son of Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, and Mata Bhani. Incorporation of Ford Motor Company in 1903 The Ford Motor Company was incorporated on 16 June, 1903. The motor company was founded by Henry Ford and other group of investors, which included John and Horace Dodge. Leaders from nearly 90 countries came together in Switzerland to reiterate their commitment to the territorial integrity of Ukraine on Sunday. The meeting was attended by Indian authorities, with the Ministry of External Affairs later reaffirming the country's support for a lasting an peaceful resolution. New Delhi however avoided association with any any communique or document emerging from the Summit. The Indian delegation attended the Opening and Closing Plenary Sessions of the Summit. India did not associate itself with any communique/document emerging from this Summit. India's participation in the Summit, as well as in the preceding NSA/Political Director-level meetings based on Ukraine's Peace Formula, was in line with our consistent approach to facilitate a lasting and peaceful resolution to the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, read a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs. The Ministry also stressed the need for a sincere and practical engagement between Ukraine and Russia to resolve the largest European conflict since World War II. It assured that India would continue to remain engaged with all stakeholders as well as both the parties to contribute to all efforts to bring about an early and abiding peace. The weekend summit in Switzerland concluded on Sunday with dozens of countries throwing their support to Ukraine's "territorial integrity" and calling for talks among all parties to find a lasting solution to the conflict. The developments also came mere days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a very productive meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the G-7 summit. India is eager to further cement bilateral relations with Ukraine. Regarding the ongoing hostilities, reiterated that India believes in a human-centric approach and believes that the way to peace is through dialogue and diplomacy, he wrote on Twitter. Israel announced a tactical pause in the Gaza war on Sunday to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid. The development came even as the US announced USD 404 million in additional humanitarian assistance for Palestinians and eight IDF soldiers were killed in a blast the deadliest incident for the Israeli army since January. Meanwhile the militant Hamas group said that its response to a recent Gaza ceasefire proposal was 'consistent' with the principles of the US plan. The tactical pause will only apply to a 12 kilometre stretch of road in the Rafah area and falls far short of a complete ceasefire. The limited halt in fighting could however help address some of the overwhelming needs of Palestinians in the besieged Strip. According to the IDF, the daily tactical pause will be in effect from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm local time till further notice. ALSO READ: US Sanctions Israeli Extremist Group for Destroying Gaza Aid The move was welcomed by the UN with aid agency spokesperson Jens Laerke however noting in an email to AFP that this has yet to translate into more aid reaching people in need. The Israeli Military said that the pause came in the wake of discussions with the UN and international aid agencies. The pause is intended to allow trucks to reach the Israel-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing the main entry point for incoming aid and travel safely to the main Salah a-Din highway. The crossing has suffered from a bottleneck since Israeli ground troops moved into Rafah in early May. The pause along the southern route comes even as Israel and Hamas remain locked in an impasse over ceasefire negotiations. Both groups are currently weighing an Israeli proposal outlined by US President Joe Biden. It is pertinent to note that Tel Aviv has not fully embrased the plan and Hamas has demanded changes that appear unacceptable to Israel. Hamas and the (Palestinian) groups are ready for a comprehensive deal which entails a ceasefire, withdrawal from the strip, the reconstruction of what was destroyed and a comprehensive swap deal, Reuters quoted the group's Qatar-based leader Ismail Haniyeh as saying in a televised speech. Pakistani minister Ahsan Iqbal claimed on Saturday that many would prefer the incarceration of former PM Imran Khan till 2029 to ensure economic stability. The Federal Planning and Development Minister also insisted that the PTI would have to show seriousness if Imran Khan wanted to hold dialogue with the government. The development came even as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder said that there was no point in negotiating with a government that lacks authority. People come to us and tell us if Pakistan has to progress then Imran Khan will have to be kept in jail for five years, Iqbal told reporters. The senior Pakistan Muslim League (N) leade said that the country needed continuity of government policies at this time. Khan's release, he opined, could release could lead to renewed protests and unrest which the country could not afford. He argued that meaningful dialogue with the PTI cannot occur while the party simultaneously engaged in campaigns against state institutions. The remarks prompted a sharp rebuttal from Fawad Chaudhry a minister in the previous government led by Khan who said that Iqbal has revealed his governments political and economic strategy was to keep the PTI chief in jail. Chaudhry said that it was clear that the government itself believed that it could only rule by the stick and had no standing among the people of Pakistan. Iqbal responded to Chaudhrys statement on X, saying that it was not the governments strategy but the voice of the people. He added that Khan had ruled the country for four years but had nothing but soup kitchens to show for it. Charsadda town police successfully prevented the marriage of a 12-year-old girl to a 72-year-old man and arrested the groom, ARY News reported. Authorities revealed that the girl's father, Alam Syed, had agreed to sell his daughter to the elderly man for PKR 500,000. Just before the wedding ceremony (Nikkah), police intervened and apprehended the groom, identified as Habib Khan, along with the person officiating the marriage. However, the girl's father managed to escape. Charges have been filed against the girl's father, the 72-year-old groom, and the officiant under the Child Marriage Act, according to ARY News. Despite existing laws against child marriage, such cases persist in Pakistan. Recently, law enforcement agencies stopped similar attempts in Rajanpur and Thatta, where young girls were being forced into marriages with older men. In Rajanpur, an 11-year-old girl was about to be married to a 40-year-old man, as reported by ARY News. In another incident in Thatta, a young girl was forcibly married to a 50-year-old landlord, but police intervention saved her just in time. On May 6, police arrested a 70-year-old man for marrying a 13-year-old girl in Swat. The girl's father arranged the marriage, but police quickly intervened, arresting both the groom and the father, ARY News reported. Additionally, the officiant and marriage witnesses were detained, and the minor girl was taken to a hospital for a medical examination. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated on Sunday that he was willing to hold peace talks with Russia tomorrow if its troops left his country. The assertion came a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin said that it was ready for an immediate ceasefire if Kyiv surrendered four regions and abandoned its bid to join NATO. Russia can start the negotiations with us tomorrow, not waiting for anything, if they pull out from our legal territoriesRussia does not want peace, that is a fact, Zelensky said during a press conference in Switzerland. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs has reiterated India's calls for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. India to remain engaged with all stakeholders, both parties to contribute to efforts for bringing abiding peace. India continues to believe that peaceful resolution to Ukraine conflict requires sincere, practical engagement between the two parties, the MEA said. Zelensky also said that the current level of Western military aid was not enough to ensure a victory for Kyiv. He also called for China to seriously engage in the development of peace proposals. There is aid. There are serious packages. Is it enough to win? No. Is it late? Yes, he told reporters. Leaders from more than 90 countries came together for a major diplomatic summit in central Switzerland this week to find a way to end Moscow's 27-month-old invasion. Russia was not invited to these talks. We believe that reaching peace requires the involvement of and dialogue between all parties, stated a final communique supported by the vast majority of the attending countries. It is now four years since the first poor countries were plunged into default because of spiralling costs from covid-19 spending and investors pulling capital from risky markets. It is two years since higher interest rates in the rich world began to put even more pressure on cash-strapped governments. But at the spring meetings of the IMF and the World Bank, held in Washington, DC, this week, many of the worlds policymakers were acting as if the worst debt crisis since the 1980s, by portion of world population affected, had come to an end. After all, the poorest countries in the world grew at a respectable 4% last year. Some, such as Kenya, are even borrowing from international markets again. In reality, the crisis rolls on. The governments that went bust still have not managed to restructure their debts and dig out of default. As such, they are stuck in limbo. Over time moreand biggercountries could join them. So in between the spring meetings embassy dinners and think-tank soirees, the IMFs board announced a radical new step to deal with the problem. The core of the difficulty in resolving debt crises has been that there are more creditors, with less in common, than in the past. Over 70 years of debt restructurings, Western countries and banks came to do things a certain way. Now decisions require the assent of a new group of lenders, some of which see no reason to comply. Each part of the process, even if it was once a rubber stamp, can be subject to a protracted negotiation. Chief among the new lenders is China. Even though the country is now the worlds biggest bilateral creditor, it has yet to write down a single loan. India has doubled its annual overseas lending from 2012 to 2022; it sent $3.3bn to Sri Lanka soon after the country was plunged into crisis. The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia are in the group, too. They have together lent more than $30bn to Egypt. The Gulf creditors preferred method is to deposit dollars at the recipients central banka form of lending so novel that it has never been subject to a debt restructuring before. As a result, the seven countries that have sought restructuring since the start of the pandemic have been unable to strike a deal to whittle down what they owe. Only two small countries have made progress: Chad, which rescheduled rather than reduced debts, and Suriname, which reached a deal with all its creditors but the biggest, China. Zambia has waited four years for a deal. Since no creditor wants a worse bargain than any other, there has been next to no principal debt relief during the worst debt crisis in four decades. Four years ago G20 countries signed up to the Common Framework, an agreement to take equal cuts in restructurings, but creditors have split over the degree of generosity needed. The IMF, which usually cannot lend to countries with unsustainably high debts, has been unable to do much. Yet on April 16th it made a move. It said it would lend to countries that have defaulted on debts but have not negotiated a deal to restructure all their debts. The policy is known as lending into arrears". In the past the fund, worried about getting its cash back, has lent into arrears sparingly and only with the permission of creditors still tussling over restructuring. Now all it is asking for is a promise from borrowing countries and co-operative creditors that its cash injections will not be used to pay off the holdouts. The IMFs economists have long feared that such a step would antagonise problem creditors, which are also countries with stakes in the fund itself. It seems the funds patience has run out: officials want to get debt restructuring moving. The new policy has the potential to impose discipline on the holdouts. In theory, restructurings work because easing the burden on borrowers maximises creditors chances of getting someperhaps mostof their money back. The fund lending into arrears sharpens the incentive to comply because lenders who hold up negotiations face the prospect of not getting anything. They would be the ones frozen in limbo, while everyone else strikes a deal and carries on. The policy also strengthens the hand of debtors. In the past they may have feared walking away from their debts to, say, China, which is an easy source of emergency cash even after a default. Now if they wish to do so, they will have an alternative lender in the form of the IMF. Getting cash flowing would certainly be good for populations of the troubled countries. Doing so might also keep the fund honest. Its debt-sustainability analyses are used as a benchmark for restructurings, and it may have an incentive to be too optimistic about sustainability, to avoid pushing a borrower into restructuring limbo. In a process that does not depend on playing down poor countries problems so as to avoid impossible restructurings, the fund will probably become a better broker, distinguishing between countries that need debt write-downs and those that just need a little more liquidity to make their next payment. Arrears and tears The question is whether the IMF can stomach the costs. Its threat will only bring creditors into line if it chooses to make use of its new powers. But in Washington officials still worry about aggravating the newer creditors, particularly China, with which the fund prizes its relationship. They might turn their back on co-operative restructurings altogether. Some borrowers could walk away from the IMF and take bail-outs from elsewhere. In the end, though, the fund may have little choice. Too many countries are in crisis. A clutch of big developing countries that have avoided default are teetering closer than ever to the edge. To avoid a catastrophe for hundreds of millions of people, international financiers need a way to get governments out of default before a country like Egypt or Pakistan goes under. Lending into arrears is the best available tool. 2024, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com On one of the worst days of his life, US President Joe Biden showed the best of who he is. He affirmed his faith in his son, Hunter Biden, who was convicted on three felony gun charges. And he affirmed his faith in the justice system that held his only living son to account. Not only that, but hours after his son was found guilty, the US president delivered a forceful speech on gun control that underscored his deep humanity, decency and determination to stay focused on the problems of average Americans rather than drown in bitterness, self-pity, revenge and victimization. He spoke of hope in the face of loss, comforting those whove lost loved ones with his own story of grief. What Biden said was yet another stark and important contrast with former US President Donald Trump, who appears to believe that his self-created legal problems are matters of the state. Trump has vowed revenge if he returns to the White House, and Biden has said he respects the outcome of his sons trial. The last two weeks have crystallized who these men are and who they would be in the next four years as president like no other stretch of the campaign so far. It is the old and honourable man versus someone who comes across mostly as a con artist of sorts. If elected, Trump will probably try to wipe away his own legal problems including his recent conviction on 34 counts of felony. He will likely weaponize the Justice Department, and spend his first days in office as something of a dictator, pardoning many insurrectionists of 6 January 2021. In contrast, when asked by ABCs David Muir if he would rule out pardoning his son, Biden said yes because he believes in the rule of lawunlike Trump. Politically, Hunter Bidens conviction has complicated the grand old partys claims of a two-tiered justice system where his father is the puppet master. It has also created strange bedfellows. Florida Representative Matt Gaetz, a well-known agent of chaos and conspiracy theories, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the Hunter Biden gun conviction is kinda dumb, tbh." The Trump campaign called the verdict a distraction from the real crimes of the Biden Crime Family," a narrative with no evidence that Republicans have been trying to sell for the last few years. An earlier draft of the statement ended with a rare note of compassion: As for Hunter, we wish him well in his recovery and legal affairs." But the apparently vengeful Trump campaign has little room for compassion. The Hunter line was edited out of a revised statement that was sent later, according to CNN. That Hunter Biden found himself standing in a courtroom hearing guilty verdicts was the result of his own behaviour, but it was also the result of a years-long effort by Republicans to taint President Biden. Even if Trumps allies didnt recognize that Bidens strength as a politician came from his resilience as a dad in the face of his tragic family story, Trump seemed to understand it viscerally. So much so that it seems he tried to ensnare a foreign leader into smearing Biden and his son over foreign business deals. That didnt pan out, but Trumps allies have spent the years since trying to make good on Trumps initial plot. It sounds a bit Shakespearean, but the plan was always about erasing Bidens reputation as the grieving and devout family man and replacing it with something seedier. Hence the Republican partys relentless focus on Hunter Biden, who has struggled with drug addiction. This effort has proved successful in many ways. Yet, this difficult time for Bidens family is also proof of his core goodness, his unwavering sense of decency, his enduring faith in God and his relatability, the very traits the Republican would like to obscure. Millions of Americans struggle with their own addictions and those of family members. Joe Bidens struggle is their struggle. I am the President, but I am also a Dad," Biden said in a statement. Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today." After giving a moving speech on gun control, telling the families of people lost to gun violence to never give up hope, Biden flew back to Delaware to be with his son and family. On the tarmac, Biden embraced the son he almost lost five decades ago in a car crash that killed his first wife and baby daughter. His eyes closed as if in prayer, embodying the kind of unshakeable love, faith and hope that the United States of America desperately needs. bloomberg The author is a politics and policy columnist for Bloomberg Opinion. A number of analysts attribute the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) underperformance in the general election to voter unhappiness with the Narendra Modi government over unemployment, job reservations and farmer livelihoods. The Agnipath scheme of military recruitment came in for criticism during the election campaign and many political commentators expect that the new government will be compelled to make changes to it. We should view interpretations of election results with some scepticism, but it does appear that the issue of inadequate employment opportunities has bubbled up to the surface of our political ocean. Indias growing economy is creating livelihoods and employment, but not fast enough. We need to create 20 million jobs every year (to cater to the 12 million young people entering the workforce and to transition around 8 million farmers languishing in rural areas). This is the required run rate. Even if our current run rate is 5 million a year, we are still falling short of the target. To put this in perspective, India must create more jobs per year than the entire population of the Netherlands, Sri Lanka or Taiwan. Its a scary number. Yet, India cannot become Viksit Bharat without pulling off such an unprecedented feat. Also read: Develop human resources for a Viksit Bharat by 2047 Economic growth is the fundamental enginethe only enginethat can power this quest. High growth is a necessary condition, but it needs to be supplemented with a concerted programme to boost employment generation. So what can be done? Before we get there, its important to disabuse ourselves of the notion that government jobs and military recruitment should be employment generation schemes. Yes, there are a huge number of unfilled vacancies in the Union and various state governments, and these should be filled to capacity. Beyond that, they will constitute an unwarranted drain on the economy. Similarly, there is a case to reform the Agnipath scheme so that personnel can move laterally into security forces, but it is dangerous to view the exercise from the lens of an employment programme. Here are some ideas on how we can achieve a quantum jump in employment across the country. Also read: India Inc has exciting opportunities to tap in its Viksit Bharat journey First, create new well-planned, sustainable cities. There are many good reasons why India needs new cities. Existing cities are highly congested and their growth comes at the cost of quality of life and the environment. New cities can be green cities, with everything from layout, building materials, natural resources and public services designed to emit lower carbon than if existing cities were to grow. I have previously argued that India can create new cities by building new state capitals, shifting military stations, founding new universities and innovation campuses. Construction and infrastructure industries can create millions of jobsfrom unskilled to highly-skilledat a scale few other sectors can. Second, attract large-scale manufacturing. Yes, its still possible in the age of robotics and artificial intelligence. We have spent more than a century telling ourselves that India cannot do industries and big manufacturing. A look at Indias economic history shows how Mahadev Govind Ranade and B.R. Ambedkar debunked the naysayers and called for industrialization in the 1890s and 1920s, respectively. Today, we must debunk the argument that Indians can directly jump from agriculture to services, skipping manufacturing. Im sure there will be millions of people who will make such a jump, as can be seen from the number of people from villages and small towns who work in service industries. But if we have to provide for hundreds of millions of livelihoods, it cannot be done without large-scale manufacturing. A job-hungry India-sized player can transform global economics, just as China did over the past three decades or so. To believe otherwise is either escapism or defeatism. Third, get more women into the workforce. Across income levels, every employed woman creates at least one other job. Female workforce participation has been declining and it is still unclear why this is so and how it can be addressed. Deeply entrenched social mores might have something to do with it, at least to some extent. These will be hard to change directly. But we do know what we can do to make it easier for women to work from home or at workplaces. Toilets, public transport, safety, street lights, home appliances, child care facilities and anti-harassment policies are low-hanging fruit that will show results at the margin. The government has instruments and the mandate to push each one of these levers. Fourth, champion globalization. Free trade and movement of people is crucial for Indias development agenda. The West can perhaps afford to retreat behind tariff walls, but India cannot. Of course, reversing the de-globalization currently underway is a great task, but great nations undertake great tasks. These are some examples of the kind of thinking we need to address the jobs challenge. So far, growth, migration and democracy have helped India avoid the kind of social unrest that accompanies widespread unemployment. There are limits to these buffers and it is best that we dont take them for granted. The government has its job cut out. The brother-in-law of newly elected Mumbai North West Lok Sabha MP Ravindra Waikar was booked for allegedly using a mobile phone at a counting centre on June 4 when the Lok Sabha Election results 2024 were announced, a police official said on Saturday. A case was filed against Waikar's kin Mangesh Pandilkar on Wednesday for his alleged act inside a counting centre in Goregaon, which is part of Waikar's constituency. "Pandilkar was booked on the complaint of polling personnel Dinesh Gurav. An independent candidate noticed the former using a mobile phone despite a ban on such devices at the counting centre and alerted the returning officer. The RO, in turn, approached Vanrai police," the official was quoted by PTI as saying. Pandilkar was booked under Indian Penal Code section 188 (disobeying official order), the official added. Ravindra Waikar, a Shiv Sena candidate, won the Mumbai North West Lok Sabha seat by 48 votes. Kin used phone to unlock EVM? A report emerged on Sunday, claiming that Mangesh Pandilkar was using the phone, which was connected to the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). Mid-day cited police as saying that this mobile phone was used for generating the OTP that unlocked the EVM machine. The incident reportedly occurred inside the NESCO Centre during the counting of votes for the Mumbai North West Lok Sabha seat on June 4. As per the report, the police sent the mobile phone to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to find the mobile phone data and call records. "We are also checking if the mobile phone was used for any other reason," Vanrai police official was quoted by Mid-day as saying. A clip of the Mid-day article went viral on Sunday, which many opposition leaders questioning the "transparency in our electoral process". What Opposition is saying Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the EVMs in India are a "black box," and "nobody is allowed to scrutinise them". He posted on X, Serious concerns are being raised about transparency in our electoral process. Democracy ends up becoming a sham and prone to fraud when institutions lack accountability. Meanwhile, the Congress raised a few other questions in connection with the allegations against the Ravindra Waikar's relative' "Why was the mobile phone of a relative of the NDA candidate connected to the EVM? How did the mobile phone reach the place where votes were being counted?" the Congress asked on X. Shiv Sena UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray alleged that the Entirely Compromised- election commission has refused to share CCTV footage of the counting centre. He said, I guess its trying to avoid another Chandigarh moment...Once a traitor, always a traitor! Another Shiv Sena UBT leader, Priyanka Chaturvedi, said, It is the right of the candidate to seek CCTV footage of the counting day, yet it has been denied by the Mumbai Suburban District Collector to Amol Kirtikar ji who EC claims has lost by 48 votes. What BJP leaders said Former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar said Indian EVMs are custom designed, secure and isolated from any network or media - No connectivity, no bluetooth, wifi, Internet. ie there is no way in. Factory programmed controllers that cannot be reprogrammed. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can be hard to keep up with all the news that comes your way. To help you out, we have put together a weekly tech round-up, giving you access to the top 5 news stories that have made waves in the world of technology. Weekly Tech Recap: Top 5 news of the week 1) Apple introduces Apple Intelligence, iOS 18 and more at WWDC 2024: Tim Cook led Apple held its WWDC 2024 event at its headquarters in Cupertino, California. At the event, Apple introduced iOS 18, MacOS Sequoia, iPadOS 18, WatchOS 11 and VisionOS 2. However, the highlight of WWDC 2024 was Apple's entrance into the generative AI space with Apple Intelligence. The new system will help power writing tools, categorise emails, transcribe and summarise audio, prioritise notifications and generate images and emojis (via Image Playground and Genmoji tools respectively). Moreover, Siri is getting a major boost thanks to the generative AI capabilities of Apple Intelligence. With the new update, Siri is said to be getting more "natural, contextual and personal" to provide a simplified and faster user experience. Siri is also getting a design overhaul, with glowing lights wrapping around the edge of the user's screen when Siri is active. Apple has also partnered with OpenAI to allow Siri to access ChatGPT whenever it is lacking in information. However, users will first be prompted that their search queries are now being directed to ChatGPT. 2) Elon Musk hides likes on X: Elon Musk-owned social media giant X (formerly Twitter) has announced that it will be hiding users' likes by default.Soon after the announcement, Musk stated that there was a huge spike in the number of likes by users globally. Earlier, users on the social media platform could visit other users' pages and check what they liked on the platform. Only premium users were offered privacy. 3) YouTube tightens grip on third-party ad-blockers: YouTube is reportedly stepping up its campaign against third-party ad blockers by embedding advertisements directly into video streams. This strategy could potentially nullify the effectiveness of current ad-blocking browser extensions. The move follows user complaints about videos skipping to the end when ad blockers are activated on the platform, owned by Alphabet Inc. SponsorBlock, an extension that allows users to skip sponsored segments within YouTube videos, announced on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that YouTube is merging ads with video streams. Traditionally, advertisements and videos have been separate entities, with ads pausing videos at designated intervals. This new method of integrating ads directly into the video stream could present a significant challenge for ad blockers, making it difficult to filter out advertisements. SponsorBlock expressed concerns that this server-side ad integration could disrupt its functionality by altering all timestamps to include ad durations. 4) Yahoo gets an AI-powered overhaul: Yahoo has unveiled a major overhaul of its Yahoo News app, introducing a suite of advanced artificial intelligence features designed to enhance user experience on its platform. The update marks a significant integration of technology originally developed for the now-defunct AI news app Artifact, which Yahoo acquired earlier this year. Reportedly, the revamped Yahoo News app now boasts a highly customizable feed, allowing users to tailor their content preferences with ease. Through sophisticated AI algorithms, the app delivers personalized news recommendations based on selected topics and preferred publishers. This ensures that users see more of the content that matters most to them, all conveniently consolidated in one place. One of the standout features introduced is the 'Key Takeaways' tool, which provides concise summaries of news articles right at the top. This feature aims to offer users a quick overview of the main points of each story, enabling them to stay informed efficiently. Additionally, Yahoo News now includes a 'Top Stories' section, highlighting the most trending news topics globally, ensuring users are always up-to-date with the latest developments. 5) HMD introduces its first 2 feature phones with built-in UPI functionality: Nokia phone maker HMD has launched its first branded phones in India. The new feature phones: HMD 105 and HMD 110 come with a similar design, including a round camera module at the back, a curved frame and a textured finish. The HMD 105 and HMD 110 are 2G handsets and feature a 1,000mAh battery, which is said to provide up to 18 days of standby time. It supports 9 input languages and 23 languages for text display. The interesting thing about these devices is a new built-in UPI functionality, which is said to allow users to make UPI transactions even without internet access. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. 3.6 Crore Indians visited in a single day choosing us as India's undisputed platform for General Election Results. Explore the latest updates here! The committee of Moyne Latin School Heritage Centre would like to express deep gratitude to all those who worked so hard to make the dream become reality. We thank Most Reverend Bishop Paul Connell most sincerely for blessing our new centre on the evening of Friday, May 3, and the Venerable Archdeacon Hazel Hicks who read the Gospel during the Blessing Service. We were honoured to welcome Mrs Joy Moorehead and her daughter, Audrey, relatives of Bishop William Henry Moorehead who studied in the Latin School 125 years ago. Thanks to Councillor Garry Murtagh, Leas Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council who officially opened the centre. The ladies of the Latin School Committee and their generous friends prepared and served lovely food for the Meet and Greet. A sincere thanks to you, ladies for the beautifully presented, and delicious treats with tea and coffee. Thank you for the encouragement and positive comments we have received from visitors, past pupils and past teachers. They are all appreciated. Also read: North Longford community the driving force behind new Latin School Heritage Centre We thank the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise for approval of the building of the heritage centre on their property. We also thank the Diocesan Trust and Fr Peter C Dolan for their generous donations to the project. These donations helped greatly. We thank again, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Regeneration Team in Longford County Council for their guidance and expertise along the way, and of course, for their financial assistance in the form of grants received. A huge debt of gratitude is due to many enthusiastic and willing volunteers who put their shoulders to the wheel, too many to mention by name. They gave generously of their time and energy. Martin Doyle, local artist and designer of Cruthu, and the Mens Shed made the Hedge School and the figures therein. Also read: Huge interest in opening of Longford's Latin School Heritage Centre The volunteers came together and worked hard in great community spirit and harmony to build a centre in honour of the history of education in this small rural place and especially, the memory of those 562 men who gave their lives to spread the Gospel all over the world. We wanted this story to be preserved and passed on, never to be forgotten by future generations. Thank you to all the contractors who worked on this project, from architects, engineers, builders, electricians, plumbers, audio visual experts. Thank you to those who researched the history of education in North Longford, Leitrim and Cavan, while the men laboured at the physical building! This tradition of Volunteerism is long in existence in this special place where the three counties and three provinces meet. PICTURES | Delicious Dessert Mania in Longford celebrates first birthday in business We wish to acknowledge all the works carried out by volunteers in and around the Latin School campus in the past and not so distant past. A group of far-sighted people in the immediate neighbourhood came together to rescue the school building from dereliction and certain ruin. They were the first to ensure that its proud past would not be forgotten, that it would remain standing. The community put a new roof on the school, now community centre; they put a lovely new tarmac car park to the front, to name just some of the necessary works carried out. They ran weekly Bingo to raise funds for such repairs and the upkeep of the building and surrounds; the Drama Group staged several wonderful productions over the years, to the same end. PICTURES | Outpouring of elation and raw emotion at epic Longford local elections count In the more recent past other projects have been completed including a civic amenity area to the front, a remote working Hub, and refurbished toilet facilities. To you all, we say a huge Thank You. A booklet, Those were the Days, a collection of memories was produced to mark the official opening. We want to thank again all those who shared their personal memories including a few which were not printed. Thanks to Harvest Moon printers in Killeshandra for designing the cover and for their expertise and advice. Again, thanks for the positive feedback from readers of the publication. Those were the Days is for sale in all the local shops around the area, and at 10, it is an enjoyable read. Down Memory Lane | Glitz, glam and silverware as Longford club toasts 2015 glory To you, the reader, we extend a warm invitation to come and see the new Heritage Centre, check it out for yourself. It is well worth a visit as you follow the Rebel Trail, or, perhaps just looking for a way to pass a pleasant hour or so. For the moment, we open 12 noon to 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays, or by appointment. Phone Joe 087 134 0132; Michael 087183 5064; Kathryn 087120 2431; Eamonn 086 106 0675. Also read: Rich fifty year history of renowned North Longford secondary school chronicled A contestant in this year's Rose of Tralee competition has been found dead after a missing persons search in New Zealand. The family of 2024 Auckland Rose of Tralee Monica Reid had issued an urgent appeal to find her after she vanished from her home in Te Atatu, on Friday. Police in New Zealand released an alert over the missing 26-year-old but it has now been confirmed she was found dead on Sunday. Last month, she was selected as the 2024 Auckland Rose of Tralee. She was due to compete in the famous festival in Tralee in August. ABOVE: Monica (right holding flowers) after winning the 2024 Auckland Rose of Tralee competition In an update, North Shore, Rodney and West Auckland Police said a 26-year-old woman reported missing from Te Atatu Peninsula on Friday "has this afternoon (Sunday) been located deceased." "Her death is not being treated as suspicious and will be referred to the Coroner. Police extend our sympathies to the womans family and loved ones," the statement concluded. READ NEXT: HSE in tablet warning amid 'overdose clusters' and death fears Multiple searches had been established in the area with locals volunteering their time to help. Monica's family had taken to social media to appeal for assistance. Her sister posted: "My sister Monica Reid is missing. We are concerned and the police have been contacted. Please keep an eye out for her. She was last seen in Te Atatu in Auckland." Since the news of Monica's death broke, people have been sharing heartfelt tributes online. One read: "Fly high you beautiful soul! We love you so much and you were loved by so many. Keep being an amazing human up above. RIP." Another wrote: "This is devastating. Monica Reid was one of the kindest and most lovely people I've had the benefit of working with and calling my friend. I'm sending so much love to her family and friends, she will truly be very, very missed." On Jun. 15, Islamic Jihads branch in Syria, The Martyr Ali al-Aswad Brigade, published a statement mourning the death of a fighter killed in southern Lebanon. One of the heroes of The Martyr Ali Al-Aswad Brigade Syrian Square. He [Muhammed Jalbout] ascended on the borders of occupied Palestine in southern Lebanon as part of the al-Aqsa Flood battle while performing his combat duty, stated Islamic Jihad. The statement does not specify the circumstances surrounding Jalbouts death, but it does note that he lost his life during the al-Aqsa Flood campaign, which suggests that an Israeli airstrike was responsible for his demise. Additionally, the Israeli military published a statement saying it struck a Hezbollah operative on Jun. 15 in Aitaroun, southern Lebanon. Also, an unverified video published on X following the strike shows a mangled motorcycle hit by a missile in Aitaroun. While it isnt definitive, this strike in Aitaroun is likely the event that resulted in the elimination of Jalbout despite the Israeli military saying it was a member of Hezbollah that was targeted. The killing of Jalbout brings the total death toll of Syrian Islamic Jihad fighters operating in Lebanon to eighteen, according to the latest tally from FDDs Long War Journal. The Lebanese-based members of Islamic Jihad have also suffered losses in southern Lebanon, with fatalities also reported among fighters from other terrorist groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, the Islamic Group, the Amal Movement, and the Syria-based Imam Hossein Brigades. The elimination of foreign fighters operating in Lebanon marks a notable development in the ongoing conflict in the Lebanon-Israel border region. This trend has gradually unfolded amidst the complex and protracted war. Lastly, the name of the Islamic Jihad group, Ali al-Aswad, is likely derived from Ali Ramzi al-Aswad, who was gunned down on Mar. 19, 2023, outside his home in Qudsaya, Syria. Al-Aswad was, by trade, an engineer and a senior member of Islamic Jihads branch in Syria. Al-Aswad reportedly worked on developing the technical capabilities of the al-Quds Brigades, which emerged through its jihadist work in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, pro-muqawama (resistance) mouthpiece Al-Jazeera noted in a report. Islamic Jihad blamed Israel for the assassination and vowed to respond. Joe Truzman is an editor and senior research analyst at FDD's Long War Journal focused primarily on Palestinian armed groups and non-state actors in the Middle East. We were so jealous of Crocs' new kids range - turns out they have adult versions, too The path to success for Firebrand Cannabis, a marijuana dispensary that opened last month across from Bostons South Station, is based on two key assumptions. The first concerns its location: Tens of thousands of travelers pass through New Englands largest commuter hub daily. Firebrands owners are betting that enough of them will want to grab a joint or pack of gummies before catching their train or bus. The second gamble is on Firebrands unique ownership structure, which the proprietors think is the first of its kind in the seven-and-a-half years since Massachusetts voters legalized recreational cannabis. The Atlantic Avenue pot shop has six principal owners. A four-person majority consists of members of the states cannabis social equity program, which helps business owners from communities most affected by the former marijuana prohibition break into the now-legal industry. One of the owners, Michael Ortoll, entered the legacy market what some people call the illicit marijuana industry when he started selling joints in middle school. By the mid-1990s, he was running two cannabis delivery services in New York City. Firebrand Cannabis dispensary opened in May at 727 Atlantic Ave. in Boston, across from South Station.Will Katcher/MassLive Ortolls ride ended with his arrest in Texas with a trunkload of marijuana and subsequent conviction. He says he has a keen understanding of the cannabis industry and its customers but is now learning the intricacies of running a business above board. Im the outlaw, Ortoll joked. My legacy market (experience) is the knowledge of the product and what customers like and dont like. Thirty years in the legacy market, its like a second sense. The companys two non-social equity owners are well-versed in the states maturing cannabis industry and the labyrinth of regulations that govern it. Businessman David Rabinovitz helped teach the states first cohorts of social equity program participants the ins and outs of operating a cannabis business in Massachusetts. Blake Mensing is an attorney who represented cannabis companies across the state before selling his legal practice last year. Michael Ortoll, a social equity program participant and co-owner of Firebrand Cannabis, a dispensary located at 727 Atlantic Ave. in Boston, across from South Station.Will Katcher/MassLive State officials created the social equity program and a separate economic empowerment program to provide a leg up to entrepreneurs from communities most affected by the so-called war on drugs, the decades-long policies of strict drug enforcement that led to the imprisonment of millions, including disproportionate numbers of Black and Latino Americans. The state has taken steps to inject money into the social equity business through a grant program funded by marijuana tax revenue. It distributed more than $2 million for the first time earlier this year and could dispense another $27 million in the coming months. However, some program participants and advocates say it has still been difficult for those entrepreneurs to open and grow marijuana businesses. Among the chief complaints is that many social equity participants lack the funds to kickstart their businesses in an industry noted for its steep startup costs. (Left to right) Trey Williams, David Rabinovitz and Albie Montgomery, three of the six co-owners of the recently opened Firebrand Cannabis, a dispensary located at 727 Atlantic Ave. in Boston, across from South Station.Will Katcher/MassLive Firebrand is structured so Mensing and Rabinovitz, together with outside investors, own a minority of the company. The four social equity program participants Ortoll, Trey Williams, Desiree Franjul and Albie Montgomery collectively hold the majority. When the companys six board members vote on critical business decisions, any ties go to the side with the majority of the social equity owners. How we make equity right Mensing and Rabinovitz want their co-owners to have the opportunity to build their own successful cannabis companies independent of the business they are involved in now. Ortoll aside, the Firebrand social equity owners did not have experience selling cannabis, Mensing said. At the dispensary, they are learning directly what it takes to run a marijuana company managing employees, sourcing products from vendors, navigating the states rigid regulations, selling to customers and more. All the owners are here, Franjul said. Were not behind the scenes. Desiree Franjul, a social equity program participant and co-owner of Firebrand Cannabis, a dispensary located at 727 Atlantic Ave. in Boston, across from South Station.Will Katcher/MassLive Montgomery called the experience priceless. I think this idea is not just great for cannabis but great for a lot of industries, he said. Theres a lot of industries that could use this process and say, Hey this is how we make equity right within the country. I think its an amazing model. When Mensing worked as an attorney, helping more than 100 clients secure cannabis business licenses, he saw investors frequently pose some form of the same question to social equity program business owners: How do I know you can do this? Theyll be able to say, I can do it because Ive been doing it, Mensing said. We want them to gain experience. A sign outside Firebrand Cannabis, a recently opened dispensary located at 727 Atlantic Ave. in Boston, across from South Station.Will Katcher/MassLive Ortoll said he is now working to open a dispensary in Porter Square, on the border between Cambridge and Somerville. Franjul, who previously worked on community outreach for the Boston dispensary chain High Profile x Budega, dreams of creating and selling cannabis edibles that are healthier than the gummies, chocolates and baked goods that currently dominate the market. She said other employees of Firebrand also have grand dreams of breaking into the industry on their own. We have one employee who wants to open his own cannabis store, Franjul said. If that means someday hell leave here and go open up, thats great. Thats success. Is South Station an untapped market? With more than 350 cannabis shops operating across the state, including about 30 in Boston, competition can be fierce. But Firebrand appears to have found an island devoid of nearby competitors across from South Station, within a short walk of Downtown Crossing, the Financial District, Chinatown and the Seaport district. The owners went after the Atlantic Avenue location before they knew about the 51-story skyscraper under construction above South Station, Mensing said. The mixed-use building could invite a flood of new residents and commuters to the neighborhood. Ortoll sees a diverse customer base in the area: blue-collar and white-collar, construction workers from the South Station Tower, businesspeople from the Financial District and tourists and travelers passing through South Station. Since opening in May, Mensing estimated half of the shops customers have come in carrying luggage. We are thrilled to be in this neck of the woods, Mensing said. Aware that some of their customers may be in a hurry to make a bus or train, Mensing and the other owners installed a television on the shops wall displaying a live feed of South Stations departures schedule. Firebrand Cannabis dispensary is located at 727 Atlantic Ave. in Boston, across from South Station. A TV on the wall displays a live feed of the station's departure schedule.Will Katcher/MassLive The whole model is to get you in, get you out, get you on your train, Mensing said. Ninety-one thousand people go through South Station every day, he said. That number is going to go up. Its the busiest transportation hub in New England and we think its the right place to be. Five Brockton, Massachusetts, residents were among seven people arrested in Rhode Island Saturday evening after a large fight broke out at the Block Island Ferry dock, according to Narragansett police. Officers reported to 304 Great Island Road around 8:15 p.m. after reports surfaced that 20 to 30 people were physically fighting one another at the ferry dock, Narragansett police said in a press release. As officers began making arrests and breaking up the fight, several people tried to interfere. Officers warned the people trying to interfere that they must stand back or risk being charged with obstructing an officer, police said. Ultimately, two people were taken to a hospital and seven people were arrested. Manuel Pina, 42, is facing charges of felony assault, resisting arrest, obstructing an officer in executing an official duty and disorderly conduct, police said. Elsa Lopes, 31, was charged with simple assault, resisting arrest, obstructing an officer in executing an official duty and disorderly conduct. Victor Manuel Gomes Depina, 39, is facing charges of obstructing an officer in executing an official duty and disorderly conduct, police said. Michael Gomes Lopes, 36, was charged with resisting arrest and disorderly conduct, and 28-year-old Gilda Antunes is facing a charge of obstructing an officer in executing an official duty. All five suspects listed above are Brockton, Massachusetts, residents. Providence resident Henry Lopes Jr., 31, is also facing a charge of disorderly conduct in connection with the fight, police said. Additionally, a 16-year-old was charged with simple assault and disorderly conduct. All seven suspects are set to be arraigned in Rhode Island on Monday, police said. Officers are still investigating the incident. No further information including what led to the fight has been released. MassLive recently asked readers to identify people they consider Black leaders in Massachusetts, working to make a difference in politics, education, business, the arts or another area of interest. Profiles of these leaders will be published leading up to the Juneteenth holiday on June 19. These are people our readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change. Rosemary Woods. Henna by Rose Pantoja of Lunatix Studio InkSebastian Restrepo Rosemary Woods Age: 81 Community: Springfield Her story: As the owner and operator of Art for the Soul Gallery in Springfield, Rosemary Woods has brought several powerful exhibits to the community that advocate for artists of color and artists with disabilities. These exhibits have included TANGO- Contemporary Art of Argentina, Radiant: Women of Color, and Ten Little N***** Girls: A Works-in-Progress, Open Studio Exhibition and the ensuing community conversations about race. The latter brought in record-breaking attendance to the gallery and marked a collaboration between local college and university art departments along with the Healing Racism Institute of the Pioneer Valley, according to Art for the Souls website. I believe art has true power, Woods told MassLive. These are just a few of the striking exhibitions Ive brought to the community, all coupled with workshops, demonstrations, and/or artist panels that engage the community further. Growing up in Philadelphia and frequenting the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Woods never saw artists of color until she met the niece of Henry Ossawa Tanner, a prominent African American artist. This encounter inspired Woods to advocate for getting more artists of color into museum and galleries, including her own. Working in Connecticut and living in Massachusetts, Woods got involved in the Massachusetts Cultural Council and was later appointed by Governor Deval Patrick to create galleries in downtown spaces. Woods, who specializes in contemporary African American art and the art of the Harlem Renaissance, opened the Artist Square Group Gallery which later re-opened as Art for the Soul Gallery at 235 State St. She opened a second gallery location in downtown Springfield at Tower Square in late 2015. As the gallery evolved, Woods recruited the help of Artistic Director and Chief Curator William Billy Myers. Through their collaboration, Woods and Myers have brought some of this countrys most renowned artists of color, especially African American artists, to Springfield art lovers. Between the two locations at Tower Square and the Classical Condominiums, I have brought art exhibitions and programs that highlight emerging and established artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, Woods said. The projects involved with are ones that serve the community, in the capacity of paint parties, installation of murals, and encouraging everyone to create. In her words: Pursue your dreams work for passion, dont work for money. Were always open to hearing about more inspiring people. If youd like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form. Boston police have arrested a Malden man in connection with an East Boston robbery from earlier this month in which the suspects dressed as police officers and stole $240,000 from the victim. Officers arrested 55-year-old Timothy Deconinck on Saturday after he and another man tried to break into an East Boston apartment using power tools, Boston police said in a press release. Around 1:20 p.m., a 911 caller reported that two men were using power tools to try to break into an apartment at 212 Waldemar Ave., police said. Officers quickly located and arrested Deconnick, who had a drill and other tools on him. They searched the area and soon arrested 59-year-old Saugus resident William Cataldo. On June 7 around 9:25 a.m., Deconinck and another man approached a man sitting in his car near 230 Meridian St. in East Boston wearing fake police badges, police said previously. Deconnick and the other suspect knocked on the car window and told the man they were police officers that had a warrant for his arrest. One of the suspects eventually pulled the man out of his car, and the pair drove off with $240,000 in cash that the man had withdrawn from a bank earlier that morning, police said. Officers recovered the car about a block away. Deconinck was previously charged with unarmed robbery of a person over 65, carjacking and impersonating a police officer in connection with the June 7 robbery, police said. He is now facing charges of assault and battery on a police officer, attempt to commit a crime, defacing property, resisting arrest and possession of burglarious tools in connection with the attempted break-in on Saturday. Cataldo has been charged with attempting to commit a crime, defacing property, resisting arrest and possession of burglarious tools, police said. He and Deconinck are set to be arraigned in East Boston District Court. The other suspect involved in the June 7 robbery is still at large, police said. BEIJING, June 16 (Xinhua) -- The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway reflects the common aspirations of China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, and will inject strong momentum into the economic and social development of the three countries, Central Asia and beyond, experts have said. On June 6, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev congratulated via video link the signing of an intergovernmental agreement in Beijing on the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project. The railway will begin in Kashgar, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and enter the territory of Uzbekistan through Kyrgyzstan. In the future, it will reach West Asia and South Asia. A RAILWAY TO THE SEA Located in the heartland of the Asian continent, the development of Central Asia has long been constrained by a lack of ports. The railway, once completed, will provide access to the sea and greatly promote connectivity among the three countries and the greater region, experts have said. Kyrgyzstan, with the help of the railway, will receive a large increase in the passage of goods. In addition, thanks to the railway, Kyrgyzstan, which is located at a geographical dead end, will have access to the sea, said Sergei Ponomarev, president of the Association of Markets of Kyrgyzstan. The implementation of the project will bring enormous benefits to all project participants and all of Central and South Asia, said Kubanychbek Taabaldiev, a Kyrgyz political scientist and professor of international relations at Ala-Too International University in Bishkek. A new transit route will be open from East to West, making possible a shorter transit of goods from China to the south and further to the west, said Taabaldiev, noting that "appropriate infrastructure will be created, new jobs are open, and new opportunities will appear for the development of the entire Central Asian region." The railway is strategically significant to Afghanistan, especially considering its landlocked geographical location, said Jalal Bazwan, a lecturer at Kabul-based Kardan University. The extension of the railway can connect to the northern port of Hairatan in Afghanistan, providing a direct and efficient route for cross-border trade, thereby attracting overseas investment, which is crucial for a landlocked country like Afghanistan, said Bazwan. The railway will shorten the time needed to transport Central Asian products to major global markets, facilitate the integration of Central Asia into the global industrial and supply chains, and accelerate the economic development of Central Asian countries, said Yang Bo, a professor of the School of Russian and Eurasian Studies at Shanghai International Studies University. A REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION LIFELINE Once the railway is completed and operational, it will not only contribute to the development of Central Asia but also further promote connectivity among neighboring countries and regions. It could extend to as far as West Asia, the Middle East, and southern Europe, experts have said. The railway provides an alternative to one of Afghanistan's traditional trade routes through Pakistan, reducing the cost and time of transit for imports and exports, further integrating Afghanistan into regional economic activities, and promoting ties with neighboring countries, said Bazwan. It cannot only closely connect China with Central Asian countries but also can serve as an important transportation corridor, allowing goods to be further transported to the Middle East, said Abdullah Al-Dosari, the editor-in-chief of Kuwait's Al-Arab newspaper. Baris Doster, an academic at Istanbul-based Marmara University, said the new railway would enhance commercial, economic, social, cultural and diplomatic relations, strengthening ties among countries in the broader region, including Central Asian countries, China, the Caucasus and Turkiye. The railway is the realization of a dream of bringing China closer to Central Asia and Europe and will further strengthen and expand the railway network between Asia and Europe, said Mark Cigoj, a Croatian political analyst. "I am convinced that this is in the interests of both China and the countries of Asia and Europe," Cigoj said. A SIGNATURE BRI PROJECT The railway will be a key component of the core transportation network of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and will inject strong impetus into the development of Central Asia and beyond, experts have said. The completion of the project will help countries along the route to better promote trade and people-to-people exchanges through the high-quality cooperation of the BRI, and to share opportunities brought by China's development, said Hadi Bassam, a researcher at the Iraq Institute for Strategic Studies. This is another fruitful outcome of South-South cooperation in today's complex international situation, reflecting the urgent need of developing countries to strengthen connectivity and seek coordinated development, said Bassam. The railway project will shorten freight transport between China, Central Asia and Europe and will be a faster and cheaper alternative to the current land routes, said Amer Tamam, vice editor-in-chief of Egypt's state-run Akhbar newspaper. Professor Yang Bo at Shanghai International Studies University said the railway will create a cross-border transportation corridor from East Asia and Southeast Asia to Central Asia, West Asia, North Africa, and southern Europe and facilitate the movement of people and goods between Asia and Europe, thus holding great significance in the construction of the international railway network. State and local police are investigating a fatal dirt bike crash on Saturday afternoon that claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy. In a statement posted to X, Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz said Wareham police responded to a 911 call around 12:37 p.m. at a motocross track on 131 Atwood Farm Way. Wareham police, fire, and emergency personnel responding to the report of a single dirt bike crash found a 14-year-old male with serious injuries. The boy was taken to Tobey Hospital in Wareham, where he was pronounced dead, Cruz said. A Wareham police officer was also injured while responding to the crash, Boston 25 News reported. The crash remains under investigation by state police attached to the Plymouth County District Attorneys Office, Cruz said. MassLive recently asked readers to identify people they consider Black leaders in Massachusetts, working to make a difference in politics, education, business, the arts or another area of interest. Profiles of these leaders will be published leading up to the Juneteenth holiday on June 19. These are people our readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change. Nicole CoakleySebastian Restrepo Nicole Coakley Age: 43 Community: Springfield Her story: Nicole Coakley is a leader and activist in the Springfield area who focuses on education and youth issues but has a wide-reaching area of interest and influence. Coakley was born in Springfield but grew up in Charleston, South Carolina, where she attended Garrett Academy of Technology and earned her cosmetology license and a scholarship to any South Carolina state university through the National Honor Society. While completing her law degree in 1999, Coakley began working as a teaching assistant at Morris Professional Child Care Services in Springfield. Despite completing her degree, she decided to stay at the center, eventually working her way up to program director, which she said was one of the most meaningful positions she has held in her more than 20 years of experience in the early education field. She has also worked as a lead organizer for several community and youth initiatives, such as Unity in the Community, which builds relationship between youth and law enforcement, and My Voice, My Story, My Future, a teen summit on gun violence held earlier this year. Im a strong advocate for children and work closely with school and city officials to help make changes and better the lives of our youths in the community, she said. I enjoy spending family time but have an open arm for at-risk children. Im committed to helping guide children in the right direction to becoming successful young men and women of society. Coakley said her dedication to community work began a few years ago when she began working as an administrator for Springfield Police Departments Counter Criminal Continuum (C3) Policing program in Mason Square, a community policing initiative that aims to work with the community From then on, I never looked back, she said. My passion for public service was to become a resource connector to help everyone, regardless of where they were at in life. She has also worked at Springfield College as the assistant director of the Center for Service and Leadership and in 2023, she ran for Springfield City Council. She is now the chair of the Hampden County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls and a lead clinician and program supervisor at the Center for Human Development. Coakley has spoken about pay equity for women, especially Black women, and access to affordable childcare for low-income women and families. She is a member of numerous charitable and leadership organizations, including the National Society of Leadership and Success, Chicopee Women of the Moose, Neighbor 2 Neighbor and Western Massachusetts Peace and Justice Coalition. She holds leadership positions or sits on the board of directors for even more, including Easterseals Massachusetts, The Performance Project, Pioneer Valley Row Club, Libertas Academy Charter School, Gun Violence Elimination Alliance, Digital Boombox Networks, Veritas Prep High School Advisory Board, Morris Open Pantry and the local branches of the American Red Cross and the YMCA. Coakley is currently working on her doctorate of business administration and is writing her dissertation on women of color in leadership and the effects of work-life balance. My motto is Raised up and pushed forward, she said. In her words: Be the change you want to see! Believe in yourself because no one will ever motivate you the way that you can motivate yourself. The road to success will not be easy, so never be afraid to ask for help. Were always open to hearing about more inspiring people. If youd like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form. From Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to UMass Amherst and all points in between, Massachusetts has no shortage of elite colleges and universities. And with college graduation ceremonies already in the rearview mirror, and with many newly minted graduates looking to the job market, theres a question: Where will they work and start the next chapters of their lives? The social media site Stacker recently ran down the list of the top 10 cities for science and engineering grads, and one Massachusetts city is topping the list. Cambridge, Mass., right across the Charles River from Boston, leads the pack. "No city has a higher percentage of adults with STEM degrees than Cambridge, according to Stacker. Home to Harvard University and MIT, nearly half (48.76%) of all Cambridge residents 25 and older have a bachelors degree in science and engineering. Rounding out the top 10: Sunnyvale and Santa Clara, Calif.; Ann Arbor, Mich.; Berkeley and Freemont, Calif; Bellevue, Wash.; Arlington, Va.; Cary, N.C., and Seattle, Wash. Some other key findings, according to Stacker: More than three-quarters of people 25 and older in Cambridge, Arlington, Va., and Ann Arbor, Mich., have bachelors degrees. Thats more than double the average (37.4%); " New York City has 2.5 times as many people with STEM degrees (900,902) than Los Angeles, which has the second-most STEM-educated adults (349,493). Despite that, The Big Apple ranked 112th due to its large population; However, several cities in the San Francisco Bay Area and greater Seattle area rank in the top 10. Roughly one-third (34.7%) of Seattle adults have a STEM degree, compared to 29.6% in San Francisco and 25.0% in Austin, and On a statewide level, STEM is most prevalent in California. Four cities made the top 10, including Sunnyvale (44.6%), Santa Clara (42.4%), Berkeley (40.5%) and Fremont (40.4%). Irvine (34.7%), San Mateo (30.4%), San Francisco and Santa Monica (28.2%) also made the cut, according to Stacker. And one more thing about Cambridge: "A whopping 81.44% of adults in Cambridge hold a bachelors degree, indicating the citys dedication to higher education, according to Stackers analysis. Of the 64,657 people 25 and older with a bachelors degree, 7.33% have business degrees, 2.21% hold education degrees, and 17.15% have degrees in the arts or humanities, the analysis concluded. The long-awaited MBTA commuter rail expansion to the South Coast will not open to passengers until next spring, nearly 18 months after the original opening date attached to the project. After sharing the latest outlook with community members Thursday night, T officials announced Friday that they now expect service to begin in spring 2025, a delay they said would allow more resources and attention to make South Coast Rail reliable on the first day of service and beyond. The New Bedford Light reported that MBTA General Manager Phil told attendees at a Thursday meeting that he realized in the spring the timeline for South Coast Rail had been slipping. Eng earlier this year named Karen Antion as the new project manager, and MBTA officials said that move was needed to ensure the success and safety of the project. Its the latest delay for a project that has been postponed several times. In December 2022, while celebrating a project milestone, then-MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak said passengers could expect to begin riding the new rails by the end of 2023. By the fall of 2023, officials changed the timeline to summer 2024, and this spring, the Ts leadership suggested that goal might no longer be possible. Debate about expanding commuter rail service to the South Coast stretches back decades. Once complete, the $1.1 billion projects first phase will offer commuter rail service linking Boston to New Bedford, Fall River and other nearby communities. State officials say Taunton, Fall River and New Bedford are the only major cities within 50 miles of Boston that lack commuter rail access to the states capital. T officials said four of the extensions stations -- Fall River, Freetown, Middleborough and Church Street -- are complete, and two more in Ned Bedford and East Taunton will be finished this summer. Test trains will begin running Monday at speeds of up to 79 miles per hour, and Eng urged locals to be careful near tracks. Between August and January, the T will also test anti-collision technology on the system. The agency also announced a fare structure for the extension. All South Coast Rail stations will be in Zone 8, so passengers will owe $12.25 for a one-way ticket or $388 for a monthly pass. Officials said the distance between Boston and the new stations suggests they should be placed in either Zone 8 or Zone 9. BOSTON In recent days, Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas took an important step toward returning to Bostons lineup. Casas, who has been out since mid-April with torn cartilage in his rib cage, told The Boston Globe that he has started swinging a bat in recent days. Casas has taken roughly 30 dry swings swings without making contact with anything over the past couple of days. Manager Alex Cora was informed during his pregame media session that Casas had taken that step and said it was a very good sign that Casas is progressing. A South Florida native, Casas has previously said that his goal is to be back in action around July 1, just in time for the Sox three-game series against the Marlins in Miami from July 2-4. Cora still doesnt have an exact timetable for Casas return. I havent talked to (the medical staff) about Casas but if thats the case, thats a good sign, Cora said. I know he has this goal in mind of the time we go to Miami. Hopefully, thats the case. Weve got to be smart. He needs to be smart. And so far, he has been outstanding with it. Casas dealt with increasing pain in his midsection throughout April before leaving an April 20 game in Pittsburgh with growing discomfort. He was placed on the IL the next day and it was revealed he had suffered a tear that he likened to a car crash inside his body. Casas wont be the first key Red Sox contributor to return to action in the coming weeks, as three others on the injured list could return during next weeks road trip to Toronto (Monday-Wednesday) and Cincinnati (Friday-Sunday). BetMGM BET UP TO $1,500! BONUS BET REFUND AFTER A LOSS CLAIM OFFER Promo code: MASS150 STATES: AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, LA, MD, MI, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms and Conditions. 21 years of age or older to wager. MA Only. New Customer Offer. All promotions are subject to qualification and eligibility requirements. Rewards issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets. Bonus bets expire 7 days from issuance. In Partnership with MGM Springfield. Play it smart from the start with GameSense. GameSenseMA.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org. US Promotional Offers not available in New York. Utility man Romy Gonzalez (left hamstring strain) is off Saturday but will play his third rehab game with Triple-A Worcester as the first baseman Sunday in Buffalo. There, he will be joined by reliever Chris Martin (anxiety), who will throw an inning for the WooSox. If all goes well, it sounds like both players could be active for Mondays series opener at Rogers Centre, which is about 100 miles from Buffalo. Outfielder Wilyer Abreu (right ankle sprain) is less likely to return against the Jays but may return in Cincinnati. He ran the bases Saturday at full speed and is getting close to a rehab assignment, which will likely take place early next week in Worcester when the WooSox return home to face Columbus. Well talk about what were going to do during the week, Cora said. I think going down there and playing one game in the outfield will be beneficial for him and for us to know where were at. Then well decide what well do (Cincy). An updated excessive heat watch was issued by the National Weather Service on Tuesday at 4:53 p.m. valid from Thursday 8 a.m. until Friday 7 p.m. for Franklin, Middlesex, Essex, Hampshire, Hampden and Norfolk counties. Weather service Heat safety: A guide to staying safe in high temperatures Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids. Find cool shelter: Opt for an air-conditioned room to stay comfortable. Avoid sun exposure: Avoid direct sun exposure, protect yourself and check on vulnerable relatives and neighbors. Child and pet safety: Take every precaution to never leave young children and pets alone in vehicles, especially in extreme heat when car interiors can quickly become hazardous. Caution outdoors: When working or spending time outside, take extra precautions. Optimal timing: When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Recognize heat-related issues: Learn to identify the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Dress comfortably: Select lightweight and loose-fitting outfits for enhanced comfort. Additional tips for outdoor workers: For outdoor workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends regular rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas. If someone succumbs to the heat, promptly relocate them to a cool, shaded location. In emergencies, call 911 for immediate assistance. These NWS heat safety directives are essential for safeguarding your well-being when facing high temperatures. Stay well-informed and take the necessary precautions to shield yourself and others from the potential hazards of extreme heat. Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service. Amicar Shabazz, a professor in the W.E.B. Du Bois Department of Afro-American Studies at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, is calling for progress in the movement to provide reparations for the harms done by slavery and other racial oppression. (Aprell May Munford / The Republican)Aprell May Munford The Prime Minister of Italy, Ms. Giorgia Meloni, and the President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, met on the sidelines of the G7 Heads of State and Government Summit in Puglia. Their discussion focused on the forthcoming launch of a series of joint initiatives to support the implementation of Italys Mattei Plan for Africa and Rome Process on Migration and Development agenda as agreed during the Italy-Africa Summit held in Roma in January 2024. Italys Piano Mattei will foster economic and strategic partnerships with African nations and institutions, and the African Development Bank Group is our main strategic financial partner for its implementation. Our collaboration will sustain the development of initiatives with Africas public and private sectors, with additional opportunities for Italian businesses, Prime Minister Meloni said. President Adesina said: I applaud Prime Minister Meloni for her launch of the Mattei plan and for selecting the African Development Bank Group as its strategic partner to deliver it for Africa. Our partnership will deliver impactful development impacts across African countries, expand access to energy, tackle climate change, support food security, boost health services, and expand skills and jobs for the youth. This will help create more economic opportunities in Africa and help stem drivers of migration. Establishment of a Multi-donor Special Fund to serve the Mattei Plan for Africa and the Rome Process on Migration and Development. The Fund targets high impact and climate aligned investments in key strategic sectors in support of sovereign entities in Africa. Thanks to its multi-donor nature, it will be able to attract other international partners to combine forces and leverage funding. An initial pledge of around $130 million in highly concessional loans and grants has been announced by Italy, together with an additional commitment by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The African Development Bank Group has committed to at least match the Funds contributions on each project with its own resources. Bilateral agreement between Italy and the African Development Bank Group encompassing a cofinancing arrangement and trust fund to finance joint projects. Italy has committed approximately $150 million in highly concessional loans and grants and the African Development Bank Group will at least match this amount. The objective is to pursue Italian and African Development Bank Group priorities as set out by the Mattei Plan for Africa and by the Italian Development Cooperation strategy, to foster economic and strategic partnerships with African nations and institutions by building common business opportunities and scaling up investment flows. The priority areas are energy, water, agriculture, health, education and training and infrastructure both physical and digital. A common platform to promote private sector investments, the Growth and Resilience platform for Africa (GRAf). The platform aims to mobilize equity capital to regional funds that would finance entrepreneurial activities to support job creation in Africa. The Italian development financial institution, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), has indicated the intention to catalyze up to around $820 million over a five-year horizon alongside key African and international partners, with CDP and the African Development Bank Group each considering up to $200 million over the same period. Moreover, Italy has already committed to contributing up to $45 million to the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa (AGIA) (apo-opa.co/3Xk8iHm), a transformative initiative promoted by the African Development Bank Group, the African Union and Africa50 aimed at mobilizing $10 billion to support investment in green infrastructure across Africa. by Barbara Lippert , Columnist, June 15, 2024 Doors! Hands! Refire! Be still my heart. The Bear, my favorite TV series of 2022-2023, is returning to FX -Hulu with season three on June 27. The 10 episodes will drop all at once. Previously we heard a lot of Yes, Chef!, but the three commands above are shouted in season three in Carmen Berzattos new kitchen. You might remember that the award-winning actor Jeremy Allen White, who plays Carmy, broke the internet last year when he revealed his unsuspected six pack while stripping to his tighty-whiteys in a Calvin Klein commercial. His rooftop shot -- in his white Calvins against the blue sky -- briefly brought him Taylor-Swift-levels of adoration. Now, we find that our sometimes-hangdog Chef is back to serious business. Hes finally converted his dead brothers The Original Beef of Chicagoland, a failing hole-in-the wall sandwich shop, into a sophisticated foodie haven with the meticulous cuisine he was trained in before his return to Chicago. advertisement advertisement The poignant season 2 finale centered around a soft opening, for family and friends, of the The Bear, the name of the transformed restaurant. In a Dickensian twist, Carmy ends up locked in the walk-in freezer all night. He blames himself for not paying enough attention and forgetting his ambition and obsession while pursuing his lovely emerging love interest, Claire (Molly Gordon.) He gets out and tells her shes wasting his time. As always, the focus is on the Berzattos and crew of variously wounded workers and family members: how they got that way, and how they go on. For one, the back-breaking demands and discipline it takes to do the restaurant thing at this level every night brings out inner demons -- especially for the executive chef/owner. So far, a trailer plus a few sneak peeks have been released. One teaser shows Carmy alone, arriving at his gleaming new kitchen, unrolling his tools, seemingly not thrilled. His eyes are empty, rather than anticipatory. Hes present, but absent, a bear with nervous, downer energy. They call it a comedy-drama, and its brilliantly observed with great performances, but the human insight, and depth of the writing and direction, are what makes it stunning. Perhaps its more like a comic tragedy. In the trailer, we quickly get back to the chaos of the kitchen, with its clatter, breakage, yelling, and intensity. Carmy, in full toque, is sweating over the fired-up burners, while house manager Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach ) roars through the door and screams, Im getting drilled out there! Uber-competent sous chef Sydney (Ayo Edebiri), the young culinary school graduate who is revealed in the teaser to have been elevated into Carmens full partner, takes a breath and tells the two: This is a dysfunctional kitchen. Carmy and Richie, still yelling, this time in almost-unison, snap back: Show me a functional one! The teasers biggest reveal is that Chef is bucking for a Michelin star. He decides to change the menu every day, and shares a list of non-negotiables with the team. It doesnt take long for new partner Sydney and the others to mock the excessive day-to-day expectations, and the pop-psych self-helpy way they are worded. No doubt, the partnership between Carm and Syd will be put to the test, as will Carmys survival, both professionally and personally. He has staked so much on this one almost impossible thing, a bear of a thing. Who is he without it? I cant wait to gorge. OBBURGEN, Switzerland (AP) Vice President Kamala Harris on Saturday pledged America's full support in backing Ukraine and global efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in the face of Russia's invasion, representing the United States at an international gathering on the war and meeting with Ukraines Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss his countrys vision for ending it. As she arrived at the meeting venue overlooking Lake Lucerne, Harris announced $1.5 billion in U.S. assistance through the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development. That includes money for energy assistance, repairing damaged energy infrastructure, helping refugees and strengthening civilian security in the wake of the aggression by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russias aggression is more than just an attack on the lives and the freedom of the people of Ukraine, Harris told leaders from 100 nations and global organizations participating in the summit. It is not only an attack on global food security and energy supplies. Russias aggression is also an attack on international rules and norms and the principles embodied in the U.N. Charter, Harris said. She said the U.S. was committed to continuing to impose costs on Russia and we will continue to work toward a just and lasting peace, reaffirming words she used at the start of her private meeting with Zelenskyy. For Zelenskyy, the gathering was a beginning toward finding a real peace. The world majority definitely wants to live without bloody crises, deportations, and ecocides, Zelenskyy said. And so every nation that is not represented now and that shares the same values of the U.N. Charter in deed and word, will be able to join our work at the next stages. President Joe Biden was in Los Angeles after three days at the Group of Seven summit in Italy, where he held talks with Zelenskyy. Biden flew from Europe to California for a Saturday night fundraiser with Hollywood A-listers George Clooney and Julia Roberts. That decision to skip the summit on Ukraine spotlights the competing election-year demands facing Biden as he tries to balance a complicated domestic and foreign policy agenda while running against former President Donald Trump. It also reflects the growing profile Harris has found making the case for a second Biden term as the 2024 campaign heats up. Being vice president means you take a lot of hits for the team, said Matt Bennett, who served as an aide to former Vice President Al Gore. In the past, these moments on the global stage have been good for her. She looks presidential and very capable among world leaders. Zelenskyy, for months, publicly lobbied Biden and other world leaders to take part in the meeting, even warning that their absence could further embolden Putin in his 28-month war. Biden ultimately decided to send Harris and White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan to represent the administration. Skipping the summit is a missed opportunity for the president and for the United States, said Bradley Bowman, senior director of the Center on Military and Political Power at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington. That said, sending the vice president with the national security adviser is not exactly sending the junior varsity team. Zelenskyy told fellow leaders that with the gathering they had managed to avoid a frightening trap of the war: the division of the world into camps. But he said they had much more to accomplish with the conference. At the first peace summit, we must determine how to achieve a just peace, so that at the second, we can already settle on a real end to the war, he said. Biden has increasingly turned to Harris as he tries to reassemble the coalition of voters behind the victory over Trump and one needed again to help win a second term. Harris has taken a more visible role in making the pitch for Biden to a diverse cross-section of the Democratic base. But like Biden, Harris has also seen her standing among Americans diminish. About 4 in 10 registered voters have a somewhat or very favorable view of Harris, according to a recent Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research survey. About half have a somewhat or very unfavorable view of her, and about 1 in 10 dont know enough to say. Her favorability ratings are similar to Biden. The Trump campaign needled Harris for her fill-in role in Switzerland, with spokesperson Karoline Leavitt saying the vice president has failed thus far at every task she has been given." Trump and his allies have occasionally gone after at Harris, suggesting that a vote for Biden is effectively a vote for Harris eventually becoming president. Russia was not invited to the Swiss summit. Putin on Friday promised to immediately order a cease-fire in Ukraine and begin negotiations if Kyiv started withdrawing troops from the four regions annexed by Moscow in 2022 and renounced plans to join NATO. Ukraine called Putins proposal manipulative and absurd. Harris said Putin is not calling for negotiations. He is calling for surrender. America stands with Ukraine, not out of charity but because it is in our strategic interest. Biden may have softened the disappointment over his absence from the Ukraine meeting with a series of announcements in recent weeks aimed at further bolstering Ukraine. G7 leaders this week announced a $50 billion loan package for Kyiv that will leverage interest and income from the more than $260 billion in frozen Russian assets. Biden and Zelenskyy on Thursday signed a security agreement that commits the U.S. over 10 years to continued training of Ukraines armed forces, more cooperation in the production of weapons and military equipment, and greater intelligence sharing. Biden has approved sending Ukraine another Patriot missile system, something Zelenskyy says is desperately needed to defend against Russian strikes on Ukraine's power grid and civilian areas, as well as military targets. And late last month, Biden eased restrictions that kept Ukraine from using American weaponry to strike inside Russia. This allows strikes into Russia for the limited purpose of defending the second-largest city of Kharkiv, which sits 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the border and has been bombarded with attacks launched from inside Russia. ___ Associated Press writer Amelia Thomson DeVeaux in Washington contributed to this report. ChatGPT is a natural language processing technology that was created by Amazons AI research group. It has since become popular among businesses and individuals who want to communicate in a more human-like way. (Does Chat Gpt Speak Spanish) One of the most significant advantages of ChatGPT is its ability to understand and generate human-like text. With the help of machine learning algorithms, it can learn from previous conversations and generate new text that feels like its coming from a human being. While ChatGPT may be able to generate text based on certain patterns or keywords, it still lacks the natural intelligence and creativity that are essential for communicating effectively. ChatGPT may not be able to convey complex ideas or understand sarcasm or irony as fully as a human would. Another important aspect of ChatGPT is its potential for employment. With the rise of artificial intelligence, there are now jobs that require communication skills, such as customer service representatives, language models, and chatbots. These jobs often involve using natural language processing techniques to interact with customers and generate responses to their questions. However, there are also concerns about the impact of ChatGPT on employment and privacy. There have been reports of ChatGPT being used to automate certain tasks, which could lead to job losses. Additionally, there have been concerns about how the technology is collecting and using data about its users. (Does Chat Gpt Speak Spanish) Overall, ChatGPT has the potential to revolutionize communication and industries, but it also raises important ethical and social questions that need to be addressed before we can fully use this technology. ROCHESTER HILLS, MI Police have identified Michael William Nash, 42, as the gunman who opened fire at a Rochester Hills splash pad and injured nine people, the Oakland County Sheriffs Office said Sunday morning. Investigators still do not know why Nash, of Shelby Township, went to the splash pad. Nash was described by police as walking calmly back to his car after the mass shooting. The shooting happened around 5 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at the Brooklands Splash Pad in Rochester Hills, at 1585 E. Auburn Road. RELATED: 9 people wounded in shooting at Michigan splash pad Oakland County sheriffs detectives found 28 shell casings at the scene. Police said Nash got out of his vehicle at the splash pad and opened fire with a Glock nine-millimeter handgun. A sheriffs deputy was on scene within two minutes of the 911 call. Police said Nash had no known connection to the victims. An 8-year-old boy was shot in the head and is in critical condition, his 4-year-old brother was also wounded in the leg and in stable condition, and their mother was critical after being shot in the abdomen and leg, according to the Associated Press. The other six victims, all 30 or older, were in stable condition, including a husband-and-wife couple and a 78-year-old man. Police tracked Nash at a home Saturday night in Shelby Township. When sheriffs deputies entered the home, Nash was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the AP reported. The shooting remains under investigation. MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI - Paul Billings is on a mission to make a difference in the lives of youth through a transformative experience because he believes parents cant rely solely on the schools to teach kids about Black history and culture. As a Black man and father of two daughters, Billings said he felt called decades ago to help students learn more about Africa as part of Black history American history and understand the legacy predates slavery. Billings, the founder of Muskegons WUVS-FM (103.7 FM) known locally as The Beat launched his Kids Free Trip to Africa program in 2017. For the past six years, a select group of Muskegon Heights students have been gifted an all-expenses paid trip to Ghana for a cultural immersion experience as a reward for their academic achievements. This year, 14 teens from Muskegon and Ypsilanti schools will travel to Ghana from June 28-July 4. Over the years, Billings said the program has introduced over 35 students to Africa. They have come from Muskegon as well as Florida, where he is the president and general manager of the Orlando radio station WHPB FM (98.5). To the Motherland I wish we could take everyone, Billings said. If I were rich, wed just book a charter plane. All the kids deserve to go they all deserve to go to the Motherland. Its a good feeling to see kids that look like you get an opportunity to experience this and hopefully, theyll come back and do the same when they become successful. He said the trip costs approximately $3,500 per child and is paid for through donations, including to GoFundMe for Muskegon students. Billings said all students can benefit from learning Black history, but not enough of it gets covered in schools and may not be presented the way parents want. They might not teach it with the passion that our kids deserve to hear, he said. You look at these kids as your own, and you pour your heart into them as your own. You want them to know they dont have to walk into a room and feel inferior to anybody. And too often, that could kill your dreams. Paul Billings, the founder and general manager of WUVS 103.7 FM The Beat" in Muskegon, launched the Kids Free Trip to Africa program in 2017. In this 2018 photo, a former Muskegon Heights high school student, Adasha Johnson, is seen giving out gifts to kids in the Abeadez Kyeakor village in Ghana. On June 28, 2024, an expected 14 students from Muskegon and Ypsilanti will travel to Ghana. (Photo provided by Paul Billings)Photo provided by Paul Billings Billings said he hopes the students come out of the unique experience knowing they come from greatness and that it instills a sense of pride and confidence in them. The Muskegon and Washtenaw county students will immerse themselves in West Africas rich culture and history firsthand, attending traditional ceremonies, visiting historic sites such as slave castles like the Coastal Cape Castle, one of the biggest of the former slave castles along the coast of West Africa, and important landmarks like the W.E.B. DuBois Centre for Pan African Culture in Accra, a memorial to the author and activist. Juneteenth was motivation Billings said his desire to help students learn more about Black history and culture started a decade ago when he took busloads of Muskegon Heights students for free to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit and the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. At the time, he said his oldest daughter did not know the significance of Juneteenth, which was also a factor in his starting the Kids Free Trip to Africa program. Juneteenth, the newest federal holiday, recognizes June 19 as a day of remembrance for the nation. In 1865, 21/2 years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, slaves in Galveston, Texas, learned from Union troops they were free. I felt I failed too because I knew history, said Billings, about his now adult daughter not being aware. I read a lot of books; I had a lot of history books at the house. I just assumed that at school they were teaching something. As a parent, I know ultimately, its my responsibility to ensure my kid is educated. Seeking More MaKayla White, who graduated this spring from Muskegon Heights Public School Academy and is one of four students from the charter school going to Ghana, agrees with Billings the limited information students learn about Black history in the classroom. She said she only recalls her teachers touching on abolitionist Harriet Tubman and historical figures from the Civil Rights Movement, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., and Rosa Parks. White and her brother, MaQuel White, CaMya Jackson, and Naeonna Agnew are honor students and going to Ghana for the essays they submitted in a Black History Month Essay Contest based on the book Systems That Shape(d) Black America: 40 Mini Lessons Outlining Defining Moments from Slavery to Modern Day by Tracee Bruce. Bruce, a Muskegon Heights Public Schools Academy graduate, will discuss her book at the Holland Museum on June 19 as part of the citys Juneteenth celebration. They taught us Black history, but they never told us what actually happened, White told MLive/Muskegon Chronicle during a recent interview with her and Billings at his radio station. It was never what we went through, so when I read the book, it was eye-opening. Muskegon Heights Public School Academy Superintendent Reedell Holmes said the trip to Africa will become a part of these students life stories, an experience they will never forget. He said many will be boarding a plane and traveling out of the country for the first time. Unforgettable I am deeply honored and happy the students get the opportunity to take a major trip out of the country to an African nation, said Holmes, who is Black. Thats where our roots started, and it just gives kids an opportunity to see the world is bigger than Muskegon and Michigan, period. Paul (Billings) will leave a mark and a legacy here for future young people to grow on and reminisce about. This marks the first time Michigan students outside Muskegon will take the trip. A former Ypsilanti resident, Billings is excited about exposing students from the Ypsilanti community to the West Africa. Ypsilanti Community Schools Superintendent Alena Zachery-Ross said 10 students are expected to make the trip from Ypsilanti Community Middle School, the Ypsilanti Community High School, and the Ypsilanti A.C.C.E. Program based on their academic achievement. Spreading out Zachery-Ross was the Muskegon Heights Public School Academy superintendent when Billings took students on his inaugural free trip to Africa in 2017. Billings said the trip was supposed to start with one or two kids from the high school, but Zachery-Ross said, You can do better than that, and they ended up taking approximately six students. The Ypsilanti superintendent said Billings asked her to return to the program and help begin spreading the initiative to students throughout Michigan. We are going to be able to start this as a tradition here on this side of the state, said Zachery-Ross, noting all expenses are paid for the Ypsilanti students through Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) funds from the U.S. Department of Education and a grant from the Toyota Driving Possibilities Partnership. Im honored and exhilarated about whats going to happen as we transform the lives of these individuals. Were not only giving them this opportunity to travel, were teaching them how to navigate as a global citizen. Paul Billings, the founder and general manager of WUVS 103.7 FM The Beat" in Muskegon, launched the Kids Free Trip to Africa program in 2017. Pictured in this 2019 photo are some Muskegon students who traveled to Ghana visiting the Cape Coast Castle, one of the biggest of the slave castles along the coast of West Africa. (Photo provided by Paul Billings)Photo provided by Paul Billings KaWhyii Morris, a graphic designer, graduated from Muskegon Heights Public School Academy and took that first trip to Ghana in 2017. She said it is something she will never forget and it made her feel alive and continues to inspire her today. It sparked my calling to help anyone and serve those in need or less fortunate, said Morris, a graduate of Mount Mary University in Wisconsin. What Paul is doing is very impactful and I pray that he gets to continue to do this for the next 20 years. All it takes is one person to change someone elses life. Zachery-Ross will be one of four chaperones supporting Billings as students travel around West Africa. Why Ghana? Billings has had a relationship with villages in Ghana stemming from charitable work, including delivering clothing, school supplies and educational materials. He said one of the villages the students will visit is Abeadze Kyeako, where Billings said he was honored to be named a developmental chief for helping fund a library for the kids before the COVID-19 pandemic. The trip is a learning experience, opening students minds to new experiences and perspectives, and increasing their cultural understanding. Billings said students will see the gap between the rich and poor in the country. I want the kids to experience the best of Africa, said Billings, who said students need to see not just how the poor live in the country but the upper class. Theyll be close to the entertainment hub or upscale neighborhoods. It breaks down every image when you think of Africa. Its just like, Wow, Im not even seeing this at home. While plenty of time will be devoted to having fun interacting with the residents, sampling the local cuisine and visiting the mall and beaches, Billings wants the students to remember the significance of standing in places such as the slave-trading posts where the enslaved were once shackled and the sacrifices and pain and suffering endured over the years. Everywhere I go, I thank my ancestors because I know they took the beating, so I didnt have to, and thats the part thats not taught in school, he said. I think hundreds of kids later, weve got a lot of success stories out there. We can change our community if one person can reach one kid. Paul Billings, the founder and general manager of WUVS 103.7 FM The Beat" in Muskegon, launched the Kids Free Trip to Africa program in 2017. In this 2018 photo, Muskegon students got to experience a naming ceremony in Accra, the capital and largest city in Ghana. (Photo provided by Paul Billings)Photo provided by Paul Billings Read more: 9 people wounded in shooting at Michigan splash pad Miss Michigan 2024 is Jenae Lodewyk, Miss Bay County Stabbing of 11-year-old girl appeared to be random attack, police say CALHOUN COUNTY, MI A man drowned in a lake after he went for a swim to cool off, Calhoun County sheriffs deputies said. The mans identity has not been released by police. Sheriffs deputies responded to a 1:20 a.m. report of a possible drowning Sunday, June 16, at Clear Lake in Pennfield Township. Police were told a 40-year-old St. Joseph man was at a residence with family when he went for a swim to cool off. Eventually, family could not hear the man and began looking for him. Then, they called 911. The Calhoun County Sheriffs Dive Team was activated, and Pennfield Fire responded with its water rescue equipment. The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Tribal Police also assisted with its thermal imaging drone. Rescuers found the man in the water. Lifesaving efforts were attempted but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. There were no signs of foul play, but alcohol is believed to be a factor, police said. The man was taken to the medical examiner at Western Michigan University for further evaluation. Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Kalamazoo daily newsletter. UPDATE: The photo gallery of Miss Michigan 2024 has been updated to include the talent photo of Miss Lighthouse Coast Mary Kamara-Hagemeyer, who sang Never Enough on the final night. MUSKEGON, MI - The Miss Michigan Scholarship Program returned last week to the historic Frauenthal Theater in downtown Muskegon. Twenty candidates took to the stage beginning Thursday, answering on-stage questions, showing off their talents and strolling the stage in glamorous evening gowns. On Saturday, June 15, the field narrowed to the top 10 finalists, and Miss Bay County Jenae Lodewyk was crowned Miss Michigan 2024. RELATED: Miss Michigan 2024 is Jenae Lodewyk, Miss Bay County MLive multimedia specialists captured dozens images from the events. They picked some of their favorites to share with readers. Lodewyk, 24, was among the contestants receiving the first set of awards opening night. She won for best on-stage question. Miss Southcentral Kendall Comer won for best evening gown, and Miss Cardinal Spirit Breckyn Bussey for best talent performance. The preliminary awards have once again signaled who would win the crown, scholarship money and chance to compete for Miss America. RELATED: Miss Michigan 2024 first awards go to Miss Bay County, Miss Southcentral, Miss Cardinal Spirit Winners of the Miss Michigan competition receive scholarship money of $10,000 to the title winner, $4,000 to the runner-up, $3,000 to the second runner-up, $2,000 to the third runner-up, $1,500 to the fourth runner-up and $1,000 to the other five semi-finalists. Non-finalists receive $500 each. RELATED: Guide to Miss Michigan 2024, featuring the 20 candidates The runners up were: First runner-up: Miss Southcentral Kendall Comer Second runner-up: Miss River Raisin Festival Samantha McGaughy Third runner-up: Miss Cardinal Spirit Breckyn Bussey Fourth runner-up: Miss Shoreline Riana Hardyniec RELATED: See 35 photos of Miss Michigan 2024 contestants visiting Lake Michigan beach restaurant More on MLive: Police identify gunman in shooting rampage at Michigan splash pad Students take free trips to Africa to learn about Black history, culture thanks to Michigan dad Stabbing of 11-year-old girl appeared to be random attack, police say Saugatucks newest lodging melds private luxury with coastal bed-and-breakfasts FLINT, MI -- Inside Flints north side service center, there were computers set up on folding tables, more than a dozen state and city workers to encourage prospective college students to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and to help them through the process. If you want money for school, if youve got those seniors living in your home, getting ready to go to college, you got to get your FAFSA application in by June 30, Flint Mayor Sheldon Neely said, as a cameraman shot a Facebook Live video. The number of students filling out the FAFSA has fallen precipitously in Michigan and around the country, in part because the federal governments rollout of a new form was disastrous. With the admission season for next fall all but over, just 42.5 percent of Michigans class of 2024 has completed the form, down four percentage points from last year. Thats a difference of roughly 4,000 students, students who wont have access to federal financial aid and to state aid like the Michigan Achievement Scholarship. It likely represents 4,000 students who simply wont be going to college. Both state officials and college admissions officers are hoping theres still time to reverse the trend. Were still heading in the right direction to possibly recover that gap, said Diann Cosme, director of MI Student Aid for the state Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential. But, at the FAFSA fill-in event held in Flint on Thursday, actual prospective students were in short supply. Just two passed through in the events first two hours. Marla Hughes was the second of them. Last year, I was going to go back to school, but my mom passed away, so it was a lot, said Hughes, 24, who had arrived with her father. I had to put my life on hold. She wasnt sure what she wanted to do when she graduated from high school in 2018, so she went to work at Meijer. Now she wants to be a social worker to help young teens that deal with like depression and anxiety, show that theyre not alone, - and is enrolling in Mott Community College for the fall. The state is planning FAFSA fill-in events in Grand Rapids, Flint and Detroit before the end of the month. In April, it launched a Reach for the Pie promotion in partnership with Hungry Howies, giving students a chance to win free pizza for a year if they fill out the form. Students need to know that theres still time left, Cosme said. Mayor Sheldon Neeley and other workers hang around at the beginning of a FAFSA Fill-In Day for students at Flints Service Center on Clio Rd in Flint on Thursday, June 13, 2024. Julian Leshay Guadalupe | MLive.com Smaller classes The rollout has brought chaos to this years admissions season. Some Michigan colleges and universities say theyre still working to make up lost ground. The FAFSA form usually goes live on Oct. 1. But, this year, the FAFSA underwent a top-to-bottom revamp meant to make the form simpler and to expand eligibility. The process ran behind. The form wasnt available until the end of December and then only intermittently at first. Then there were technical glitches, lost emails. Then, at the end of March, the U.S. Department of Education announced that it had sent incorrect financial information for hundreds of thousands of students to colleges and universities due to a miscalculation. Normally, Alma College can start telling students what their financial aid packages would be in December or January. This year, the small liberal arts college in Gratiot County didnt get accurate financial aid numbers out until mid-April. May is when most of the packages went out, said Vickie Alleman, the colleges vice president for enrollment. Well, by May, most of the students would be focusing on graduating from high school. The college finds itself with a smaller class than it wanted. It plans to keep recruiting through the summer, which is normal. Its still getting applications in June, which is not. Eastern Michigan University got more applications than it did last year. It admitted more students than it did last year, too, but far fewer of the new admits had filled out the FAFSA, meaning they didnt get an accurate sense of how much going to Eastern would cost. So when we think about the cost of higher education and making sure that all the students have all the resources necessary to make the most informed decision, my worry is that theres a large group of students that dont have the full picture in front of them when it comes to choosing to go to college or not or choosing to attend Eastern or not, said Katie Condon-Martin, Easterns vice president of enrollment management. Last fall, Eastern admitted 2,828 freshmen and transfer students. The class this fall will likely be smaller, though the university is still admitting students for the fall. Which has made for a little bit more uncertainty than we are accustomed to dealing with, said Mike Valdes, Easterns chief financial officer. Public universities typically approve their budgets for the coming fiscal year in June. Delays in the admissions process have injected more guesswork than usual into the process. Valdes say it will be manageable. We always have contingency plans. John Ambrose, executive director of admissions at Michigan State University, said university budget officer and presidents are a little anxious about where their classes may end up relative to where they are right now. MSU is confident it will be able to hit its goal of bringing in 11,000 new students this fall, but it has already admitted students off its waitlist, in part to build in a small cushion in case more students than usual change their minds between now and the start of fall classes. Stable The University of Michigan opted for a sort of end run around the FAFSA, using similar information that students provided through something called the College Scholarship Service Profile. U-M provided admitted undergraduate students who completed the CSS Profile with their estimated financial aid package close to our typical window of two weeks from receiving their admission decision, so they had a better picture of the financial support available to make their college choice, said Tammie Durham Luis, assistant vice provost for enrollment management and executive director of financial aid, in a statement. UM had another year of record applications. More than 98,000 prospective freshmen applied. And says its in a good position to meet enrollment targets. A few schools say theyve had solid admissions seasons despite the delays. At Central Michigan University, FAFSA completion is actually up about 23 percent. We did a lot of outreach with incoming students said Sarah Kasabian-Larson, CMUs director of scholarships and financial aid, and tried to keep everyone engaged and focused on what you can do while we have all these delays. Freshman applications and admission are both up, said Jennifer Dehaemers, CMUs vice president of student recruitment and retention. She attributes that, in part, to CMU being part of the Michigan Assured Admissions Pact, which offers guaranteed admission to any student with a 3.0 GPA or better. CMU has also expanded eligibility for the CMU Tuition Advantage, which offers free tuition to families with an adjusted gross income and family assets of $65,000 or less. Calvin University, a private Christian school in Grand Rapids, said its expecting solid growth this year. Thats partly because 20% of the incoming class comes from other counties. International students arent typically eligible for federal financial aid and dont usually fill out the FAFSA. Its also partly because the college worked to make financial aid estimates available before the official federal data arrived, said Lauren Jensen, the universitys vice president for enrollment strategy. Monday was Calvins first summer orientation, and seeing large groups of students on campus was very encouraging, she said, and so were optimistic about maintaining the enrollment growth that we see at this time. OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All UPSC Prelims 2024 Exam Analysis: Difficulty level was easy to moderate, say aspirants, faculty Follow us on: Demand of pocket version of Constitution surges in the wake of Lok Sabha polls OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Lok Sabha victory is only beginning, MVA will win assembly polls: Uddhav Thackeray Chidananda S Naik: Medicine itself drew me towards art; while we delved into anatomy, I often pondered about emotions and feelings You are already a Moneycontrol Pro user. OK Nishtha Jain: We are living in a post-industrial world and the factory worker has little space in our discourse BTS leader RM pens heartfelt letter to ARMYs amid FESTA 2024 and military service; says, 'Look forward to the next summer' Follow us on: Fans assume BTS' Jin might be roped in as a Gucci ambassador - here's why Follow us on: Rapper Badshah issues apology after his Dallas concert stops midway due to issues in promoters and production company Follow us on: Focus needs to be on investment-led inclusive growth: CII President Sanjiv Puri Follow us on: New investor-friendly IT policy will be implemented in Andhra Pradesh: Minister Nara Lokesh OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All BJP, Congress lock horns over social media post on PM Modi's meeting with Pope Swati Das is an independent journalist covering Tamil Nadu politics, and is based in Chennai. Follow us on: EVMs can't be unlocked via Mobile OTP; are fully safe, assures election official Follow us on: Houses of 11 demolished after cops find beef in their refrigerators in Mandla, MP OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All India in talks with Norways Equinor for oil reserves: Report June 16, 2024 / 21:03 IST Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday visited the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here to enquire about his mother Gayatri Devi who is admitted to the hospital for an eye treatment, hospital sources said. During his stay at the hospital for nearly three hours, Adityanath also met those who were injured in the Rudraprayag road accident that killed 15 tourists on Saturday. He also assured the injured persons of all possible help from the UP government. OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Nitin Gadkari to hold high-level meeting in Jammu & Kashmir on June 17 Follow us on: Nalanda Reawakens: Breathing new life into the world's first residential university Follow us on: Ukraine Peace Summit: India opts out of Ukraine declaration with 6 other nations Best cities to find a job in the US A court in Iran upheld a 10-year prison sentence of an Armenian Christian for deviant proselytizing even though evidence against him was so weak that the judge decided the case on only his intuition, an advocacy group reported. The court announced the denial of the appeal of Hakop Gochumyan the first week of June. Detained since summer, he had been convicted in February of engaging in deviant proselytizing activity that contradicts the sacred law of Islam through alleged membership and leadership of a network of evangelical Christianity, according to advocacy group Article 18. The conviction of Gochumyan, 35, was based solely on his possession of seven Persian-language New Testaments and visiting two Armenian churches and a Persian-language house-church while on holiday in Iran, the group reported. Article 160 of Irans Islamic Penal Code allows for judges to use their personal intuition when evidence is lacking, and Hakops lawyer argued that the judge in this case had been forced to use this provision, having found no other evidence against his client, Article 18 stated. Gochumyans sentencing in February was not publicly reported at the time, and he was informed that his appeal had failed only this month. Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter Sign up A notorious judge of Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court of Tehran, Iman Afshari, delivered Gochumyans sentence in a case that involved nine others. Including Gochumyan, four of the nine received 10-year sentences; one received a two-year sentence; five were banned from leaving Iran and from living in Tehran and its neighboring provinces for two years, and all 10 were fined a total of 500 million tomans (about US$8,000) and deprived of rights such as membership of political or social groups, the group said. Authorities confiscated many of their personal belongings, including cash, digital devices and even some properties, according to Article 18. Iran frequently holds up its Armenian and Assyrian Christian minorities as examples of religious freedom. However, the sentencing of Hakop as well as Iranian-Armenian pastor Anooshavan Avedian, who is also serving a 10-year prison sentence for leadership of a house-church shows that any freedom comes with limitations: specifically the freedom to share ones non-Muslim faith with others, Article 18 stated. Iran has ratified Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which upholds the right to choose ones own faith, change faith and to share it with others. As a signatory to the covenant, Iran is obligated to provide these freedoms but consistently fails to do so, Article 18 reported. The late president Ebrahim Raisi was head of the judiciary in 2021 when, in an official response to U.N. experts who had highlighted the arrests of house-church members on national security charges, Iran referred to those arrested as enemy groups of a Zionist cult. Such labeling is an attempt to distinguish Christian converts from Islam, who are not recognized by the state, from the recognized Christians of Armenian and Assyrian descent, who are provided with a degree of freedom to worship provided they do not proselytize, Article 18 stated. But there is no freedom whatsoever for any non-Armenian or Assyrian Iranian who wishes to practice Christianity, as they are prohibited from attending the services of Armenians and Assyrians, who are themselves prohibited from preaching in the national language of Persian all to reduce the chance of conversions, the group reported. As a result, converts have no place to worship, so they meet in homes. But these house churches, though no different to any other groups of Christians meeting together to pray and worship around the world, are outlawed, and members are routinely arrested and imprisoned on national security charges, Article 18 reported. Christian converts from Islam far outnumber the ever-shrinking populations of Armenian and Assyrian Christians, the group said. Iran ranks No. 9 on Open Doors 2024 World Watch List of the most difficult places to be a Christian. Follow us on: China Premier Li's trip to Australia is an 'important' show of stabilised ties, minister says Follow us on: Chinese premier Li Qiang promises more pandas and urges Australia to put aside differences Follow us on: Israeli military announces 'tactical pause' in attempt to increase flow of aid into hard-hit Gaza OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All 'Miscalculation' could lead to wider Hezbollah-Israel conflict, say UN officials OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All India has a significant role in resolving Gaza conflict, Palestine PM Mustafa to PM Modi OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Toyota shareholders demand vote against chairman Toyoda as automaker embroiled in testing scandal 1/10 Ukraine peace summit makes efforts to address critical issues amidst ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with international cooperation pivotal to achieving a sustainable resolution. The summit, ignored by Russia and its ally China, coincides with Ukraine's challenges on the battlefield against Russia. (AFP Photo) 2/10 Leaders and officials from over 90 countries gathered at the Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland to discuss ways to end the conflict in Ukraine. (AFP Photo) 3/10 The summit focused on key issues including food security, nuclear safety, and the repatriation of children from Russia who were taken from Ukraine. (AFP Photo) 4/10 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky aimed to secure international consensus on his peace proposal, emphasizing the need for a just and lasting peace. "We must decide together what a just peace means for the world and how it can be achieved in a lasting way," Zelensky told assembled leaders. (AFP Photo) 5/10 Russia, absent from the summit along with China, reiterated demands for Ukraine's withdrawal from southern and eastern regions, a stance dismissed by other leaders. (AFP Photo) 6/10 Discussions included prisoners of war, detainees, and the repatriation of abducted Ukrainian children, emphasizing moral outrage and legality issues. (AFP Photo) 7/10 Talks highlighted Ukraine's role as a major food exporter pre-war and the current challenges due to military operations and economic disruptions. (AFP Photo) 8/10 Concerns were raised over the safety of Ukraine's nuclear facilities, emphasizing the need to mitigate risks amid ongoing conflict. (AFP Photo) 9/10 Leaders warned of the global repercussions of the war, affecting food security, energy supplies, and posing an existential threat beyond Europe. (AFP Photo) 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 Disney has announced an online casting call for various children's roles in the live-action adaptation of 'Moana'. It's so exciting to know that some Kiwi actors are already part of the movie, but we'd also love to see some of our tamariki featured as well. It's free to apply and there's no acting experience required. The daily role starts from approximately NZD $1956.29 - $2151.92 and weekly rates are NZD $6790-$7470 - how goooood! So what roles are available? Moana - 4 years old: Actor to play a character that is female, 4 years, Pacific Islander. She is fearless and always drawn to the water, much to her father's displeasure. Little Moana is captivated by Gramma Tala's stories. Moana - 8 years old: Actor to play a character that is female, 8 years, Pacific Islander. Lured by the horizon 'beyond the reef,' this little girl is already questioning her place in the world. She loves her family and is always the first one to help a person or creature in need. MUST SING. For these younger version of Moana roles, they're looking for actors that can play younger version of 17-year-old Samoan Australian actor Catherine who's been selected to play the lead role. Fale kids (1 to 3) and a village kid: Actors to play characters that are any gender, 4 to 6, Pacfiic Islander. Toddlers who are terrified by Gramma Tala's stories of demigods and demons. Young boy - Actor to play a character that is male, 6 to 10, Pacific Islander. A young boy who gets scared when the fire he's building erupts in flames. The Live-Action Moana's filming will take place in Georgia and Hawai?i, United States. Here's the link for all deets and to apply Rear Adm. Gregory Huffman delivers remarks while Adm. Samuel Paparo, head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, listens during the Joint Task ForceMicronesia assumption-of-command ceremony at Anderson Air Force Base, Guam, June 14, 2024. Reporter Andrew Roberto was raised his whole life on Saipan. He graduated from Saipan Southern High School, holds a degree from Northern Marianas College, and a BA in English from the University of Guam. He once worked for KUAM, UNO Magazine, and the Guam Daily Post. A Kenyan magistrate who was shot by a senior police officer earlier this week has died, according to the countrys chief justice. Justice Martha K Koome wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that Makadara Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti had lost the fight against her extensive injuries. Ms Kivuti was shot by a policeman at a court in the capital, Nairobi, on Thursday after she cancelled his wifes bail due to the womans absconding. The policeman, identified as Samson Kipchirchir Kipruto, was himself shot dead by other officers following the attack. Three of these officers were hurt in the attack but are said to be in a stable condition. It is with a heavy heart that I inform the nation that Hon. Monica Kivuti, Principal Magistrate, Makadara Law Courts has lost the fight against the extensive injuries sustained during an open gun attack in Court, said Justice Koome in a statement on Saturday. The Judiciary family stands in solidarity during this deeply traumatic time and calls for sensitivity and compassion as we share in grief. According to The Star newspaper, which spoke to a source at Nairobi Hospital, Ms Kivuti died on Friday night after she was shot in the chest and leg. The Makadara Law Courts are due to remain closed until Monday. The national police service said in a statement on Thursday that Kipruto, who was in charge of a police station in Londiani in western Kenya, had been in the court for unknown reasons during a hearing in the case of his wife. She was accused of receiving money under false pretences. Investigations into what happened are continuing. Justice Koome said it was clear Kipruto had intended to kill Ms Kivuti. The incident inside the courtroom has come as a shock to Kenyans. The police have often been accused of being involved in extra-judicial killings but no such incident has been reported inside court. The judiciary has said it would enhance security measures and has assured judicial staff and other court users of their safety and security. The Law Society of Kenya said in a statement that the incident was not an isolated event but part of a troubling trend of increasing threats and attacks against judicial officers and advocates. Legal disputes can be highly emotive, and the risks to judicial officers and advocates cannot be understated. The society added that it would work with Justice Koome to develop comprehensive strategies aimed at safeguarding our justice system and its practitioners. BBC. Breaking News via Email Related Zimbabwe Latest News Saturns Ocean Moon Enceladus Is Able to Support Life JSTOR Daily What Retail Apocalypse? Shopping Centers Are Making a Comeback. NYT Boston Should Rename Its Airport for Bill Russell The Atlantic Father s Day Commentary: I am sorry, but I adore this joke and I'm going to inflict it on you pic.twitter.com/jmWtDybKYx Forth (@forthrighter) June 13, 2024 Climate Water Syndemics CDC A(H5N1) Bird Flu Response Update: Population Immunity to A(H5N1) clade 2.3.3.4b Viruses Avian Flu Diary China? Philippines files UN claim to extended continental shelf in South China Sea Channel News Asia India Author Arundhati Roy set to be tried under anti-terror law for Kashmir comments India Today Syraqistan New Not-So-Cold War European Disunion Dear Old Blighty Tory party CEO is director at cancer care firm benefiting from NHS waiting lists Guardian Analysis: Why more than half of ASEAN states are set to miss Ukraines peace summit in Switzerland Channel News Asia Soufh of the Border Global Elections Democracy Will Not Come through Compromise and Fear Tricontinental 2024 The Supremes The Origins of the Major Questions Doctrine (PDF) U of Michigan Public Law Research Paper No. 24-008. From the Abstract: Rather than upholding separation of powers principles or agency adherence to the text of its authorizing statute, the Supreme Courts benzene decision is best characterized as a judicial power grab at the expense of both agency expertise and the democratically elected branches of government. The paper concludes by showing how the Supreme Courts missteps in the benzene case exaggeration of economic costs, ignoring statutory constraints on agency discretion, and deferring to unqualified experts have continued to plague the Supreme Courts major questions decisions, and provides suggestions for how the courts and agencies can avoid these problems. Police State Watch More States Restricting Excited Delirium as Cause of Death in Police Custody The Marshall Project Digital Watch By Lambert Strether of Corrente. Patient readers, I confess that I had another book-length post teed up, but I remain so irritated[1] by my connectivity failure (now solved, here I am), that I decided to be lazy, and what better way to be lazy than to compile a Fathers Day-appropriate listicle? (Yes, that is where the possessive apostropher goes; a single father, at least notionally your own, and not fathers as a collective[2].) Herewith (not counting the Dad Joke in todays Links) are my sixteen favorites from this years harvest: 1) Shouldnt the roof of your mouth actually be called the ceiling? 2) I adopted a dog from a blacksmith. As soon as I brought him home, he made a bolt for the door. 3) What state is known for its small drinks? Minnesota. 4) How can you tell if a pig is hot? Its bacon. 5) What happened at the French cheese factory that exploded? Debris everywhere! 6) I went to buy a pair of camouflage pants, but I couldnt find any. 7) Age isnt just a numberits a word. 8) Everyone knows Murphys Law, where anything that can go wrong will go wrong. But do you know Coles Law? Its thinly sliced cabbage. 9) What do you call a cross between a joke and a rhetorical question? 10) How do you make a robot angry? Keep pushing his buttons. 11) She said she missed me. Normally that would be good, but shes reloading. 12) What did one cannibal say to the other while they were eating a clown? Does this taste funny to you? 13) I hate hotel bath towels. So thick and fluffy. I cant even close my suitcase. 14) Two cups of yogurt walk into a country club. We dont serve your kind here, the bartender says. Why not? one yogurt asks. Were cultured. 15) Id love to share what made me laugh during the pandemic, but theyre all inside jokes. 16) Whats the difference between the bird flu and the swine flu? One requires tweetment and the other an oinkment[3]. (Sources: here, here, here, here, and the Twitter). This being 2024, I asked OpenAIs ChatGPT what it couldnt have thought. Here are the results: I took the screen dump with my eyes carefully averted, and so I can happily say that Im pleased I didnt pick any of the jokes that ChatGPT picked. I can also say, even more happily, that ChatGPT is even more stupid than the Dad Jokes: As the helpful annotations show, it doesnt understand this years (although ChatGPT jokes #2, #3, and #5 were also in my sources. I had rejected them). CNNs 2019 Dad Joke Generator is more honest; at least its openly picking the jokes from a list. And now to make all the jokes unfunny by trying to explain them. * * * This is my second aggregation of Dad Jokes; here is the first. That first time, I found them hard to sort them into buckets. This year is easier: There are bad puns (#1 #5), twisted semantics (#7 #9), and quasi-psychosocial commentary (#10 #14). I also curated two jokes on pandemics (#15 #16), both of which make me feel a bit foily, and wonder who propagates these jokes, anyhow: #15 implies both that the pandemic is over, and that the salient feature was (the pissant, at least in the United States) lockdowns. #16 erases all forms of prevention. All of which makes me think that a comparative and synoptic view of Dad Jokes would be useful to historians of the zeitgeist, although that history was yet to be written[4]. For example, JSTOR, in The Dubious Art of the Dad Joke: Bad jokes have come to be strongly associated with middle-aged men with children. Though its mostly since 2014 that the mildly pejorative term Dad Jokes really caught the attention of the general public enough to enter dictionaries, the idea of an uncool father regaling his kids with corny jokes seems to be widely relatable to lots of people. And when theyre so bad theyre good, these otherwise ridiculous jokes have sometimes become perversely popular and shared by more than just the dads of the world. Well, no. Because if one checks an actual dictionary: Absent history (or, as in the first post of what I suppose is becoming a series, philosophy), we can look to pop psychology and sociology. JSTOR, for example, urges that Dad Jokes increase social capital: Successful jokes, especially when new to the listener, can increase the social status of the teller in the hierarchy of a group, allowing them control over the social interaction. If youre a good comedian, people are going to give you more opportunities to tell jokes. The performance of joke telling actually usurps the normal turn-taking customs of conversation by reserving the right to speak and forcing listeners to play along with the format of the joke (for example in a knock-knock joke or riddle). For the time of the joke, its an exercise in defining a reality that is fiercely conservative, according to some researchers, maintaining our conventional views of the world by laughing at whats different. (The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy called this process the Superiority Theory of humor). Im not sure Lenny Bruce or George Carlin would agree that jokes are fiercely conservative, but here is a case where Dad Jokes reveal an actual policy difference between conservatives and liberals. From Reason, Federally Funded Dad Jokes: Did you hear the one about the worlds greatest watch thief? He stole all the time. But even that guy might be impressed by the sticky fingers of the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse (NRFC), a tiny corner of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that managed to pilfer nearly $75 million in taxpayer money last year to maintain, among other things, an official government repository of Dad Jokes. Its funnybut not in a good way. The agencys website is the source of the cringey joke above, along with other forehead-slappers such as Why dont you ever see elephants hiding in trees? Because they are really good at it, and Have you seen the new type of broom? Its sweeping the nation. In fairness, the National Strategic Dad Joke Reserve (not the real name, sadly) is just one of the NRFCs responsibilities. The agencys website offers a list of fun activities for fathers and kids to do together, along with more serious stuff such as public service announcements about the importance of being a good dad and access to mental health resources. Its not taxpayer money, ffs; thats an irritable mental gesture that libertarians and conservatives share. However, I feel sure that for conservatives, if not for libertarians, State support for [genuflects] Fatherhood, and fathers who wish to accumulate social capital, would be a Good Thing, not to be ridiculed (and might in fact be). From the Conversation, An homage to the Dad Joke, one of the great traditions of fatherhood: Theres a reason theyre called Dad Jokes and not father jokes. Father retains the seriousness and stature of a patriarch and all of the power imbalances that accompany it: physical dominance, discipline and dependence. In contrast, dad implies affection and care. Hes still a male authority figure, but without the toxicity that patriarchy can often imply. We see the Dad Joke, then, as an occasion for the dad to assert his fatherly privilege over his family and anyone else within earshot. Its a win-win situation for the dad. If the joke gets a laugh, well, good. But if the joke doesnt get a laugh thats good, too: Dad has intentionally invited this possibility, which is technically known as unlaughter [word of the day] and refers to jokes that create embarrassing and socially awkward situations. In this case, the way he flusters his children is his reward. Hes commanding the room, as a patriarch would, but doing so in the gentlest, most playful way possible. Then, of course, its all about the children. From Inc. (of all places, but perhaps not), A Fathers Day Reminder From Psychology: Dad Jokes Help Kids Boost Their Emotional Intelligence and Be More Successful: As you have no doubt observed, a great many top-quality Dad Jokes are puns. And puns, no matter how cheesy, are actually linguistically complex [#1 #5, and even moreso #7 #9]. To appreciate them, you need to understand and identify the multiple meanings of a given word and grasp why they might be in conflict. When youre 13 that may be beyond obvious, but when youre 3, its a new skill that Dad Jokes can help you build. This is Stanfords Incongruity Theory, with the incongruous as a means to an end. But that doesnt mean Dad Jokes stop being useful when kids age out of Why is six afraid of seven? Because seven ate nine. Teens may be more mortified by these sorts of jokes than fascinated by them, but as [psychologists Shane Rogers and Marc Hye-Knudsen] note, publicly (but gently) embarrassing your kid is actually the point. Fathers revel in the embarrassment their Dad Jokes can produce around their image-conscious and sensitive adolescent children, they write (surprising no one). Partly, of course, because its fun, but also because learning to handle embarrassment is a key component in emotional intelligence. Helping children learn how to deal with embarrassment is no laughing matter. Getting better at this is a very important part of learning how to regulate emotions and develop resilience, point out Roger and Hye-Knudson. Enduring your dads humor in front of your friends teaches you to sit with uncomfortable feelings. But it also demonstrates that jokes can be a useful social tool. Jokes can be a useful coping strategy during awkward situations for instance, after someone says something awkward or to make someone laugh who has become upset, Rogers and Hye Knudson add. Which is to say, Dad Jokes boost kids emotional intelligence, and the science is quite clear that emotional intelligence is a huge factor in a great many kinds of success in life. Interesting theory, though I would imagine there are confounders. Ever told your dad, Dad, Im hungry, only to get the response Hi Hungry, Im Dad? If so, youve experienced a classic groan-worthy, eye-roll-inducing, really-should-have-seen-it-coming, so-bad-its-good Dad Joke. Finally, these two passages fascinate me. From the Seattle Times, Why Dad Jokes crack us up: The surprising psychology explained (June 10, 2024), the lead: Ever told your dad, Dad, Im hungry, only to get the response Hi Hungry, Im Dad? If so, youve experienced a classic groan-worthy, eye-roll-inducing, really-should-have-seen-it-coming, so-bad-its-good dad joke. And from the Conversations piece (June 13, 2024), the lead: Dad, Im hungry. Hi, hungry. Im Dad. If you havent been asleep for the past 20 years, youll probably recognize this exchange as a Dad Joke. A future historian of the Zeitgeist might urge that such a concidence cannot be a coincidence. Both passages consider being able to feed children the salient feature of fatherhood (being a good provider), and neither passage goes on to discuss the joke; they both shy away from the topic, as if from something not pleasant or not mentionable (which is odd, because so much of humor, even in gentle Dad Jokes, is about transgressing the boundaries of what is pleasant or cannot be mentioned; see #10 #13 above, which are about anger, violence, cannibalism, and theft, respectively). I would speculate that the authors silence reflects anxiety about the future role of fathers; will they, in future for some unknown but not unimaginable reasons not be able to provide for children in the future, as (at least in terms of social norms) they have in the past? And ending on a note like that, perhaps we need some Dad Jokes from you! NOTES [1] The final straw, the bale having been rentier extraordinaire Adobes InDesign 19.4 consistently crashing on launch without even a message. Step 1 in debugging was to install the current version of MacOS, where I discovered the download I still had connectivity then took four hours. So I left my desk and did other stuff, only to discover that the although the download was complete, there was no dialog waiting for me to tell the Mac to go ahead with the installation. So I went ahead with a second download, which again took four hours, and went through steps 2 and many of the InDesign debugging checklist in parallel (basically, check your fonts and throw all the support files away). Then another couple hours whirring away to reinstall the software, reboot several times, etc. Now the uninstalled/reinstalled InDesign works; I just checked it again. But six hours to fix a problem that I didnt create and should not have to fix. My conclusion: My workflow depends on a very complex system (both InDesign and MacOS being decades worth of code). And yet, if everything we read about Covid sequelae is true, the general population under our regime of repeated infection will be more sick, more angry, and less performant with respect to executive function (the stupidest timeline). Will we be able to maintain the complex systems on which civilization depends under these conditions? Perhaps I should simplify my workflow. And now to collect some jokes! [2] Like Mothers Day, but not Siblings Day or Grandparents Day. [3] Heres a seventeenth, but even though Im really here just for the Linotype machine: [4] The genre seems to be making its way out into the world where Bernays Sauce is served (Panera Bread; UCLA). APPENDIX Dad Jokes, technically, are close kin to one-liners. For grins, here are some clips from a master of that art, Steven Wright: Rodney Dangerfield is another king of the one-liner, but Im not linking to him because the jokes are just too tragic. Benny Gantz RESIGNS from Netanyahus war cabinet over failure to achieve true victory over Hamas A key member of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's war cabinet just resigned after stating that he believes Netanyahu's leadership "is preventing us from progressing towards a true victory." Benny Gantz, a former defense minister who joined Netanyahu's war cabinet not long after October 7, withdrew from his position on June 9 because he says Netanyahu's actions are preventing Israel from achieving a "true victory" over Hamas. "For this reason, we are leaving the emergency government today with a heavy heart, yet wholeheartedly," Gantz said in a statement. The ruling coalition will not collapse without Gantz, seeing as how his centrist Israel Resilience party only holds six seats in the Knesset. At the same time, Gantz's withdrawal is sure to cause a ripple effect across the Jewish state's political landscape. (Related: If Israel refuses to back off with its aggression, Iran is promising to unleash a larger attack.) Is Israel losing the war, hence these continued political departures? Gantz was joined by two other key leadership figures who also left their posts at the same time: Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot and Knesset member Yechiel Tropper. The news drove Netanyahu to X where he lamented Gantz's resignation, urging him to no quit the "battle" but to instead "join forces" in order to "assist in bringing victory over our enemies." Brig. Gen. Avi Rosenfeld, a top Israeli general in charge of Gaza operations, also resigned over controversy concerning his failure to stop the October 7 attack from occurring in the first place. Human knowledge is under attack! Governments and powerful corporations are using censorship to wipe out humanity's knowledge base about nutrition, herbs, self-reliance, natural immunity, food production, preparedness and much more. We are preserving human knowledge using AI technology while building the infrastructure of human freedom. Use our decentralized, blockchain-based, uncensorable free speech platform at Brighteon.io. Explore our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Support our efforts to build the infrastructure of human freedom by shopping at HealthRangerStore.com, featuring lab-tested, certified organic, non-GMO foods and nutritional solutions. Rosenfeld wrote a letter to his superiors following his resignation stating that he failed at his "life's mission," which is why he decided to quit his military service altogether. Rosenfeld is the second top officer to resign for the same reason, the other being the IDF's chief of military intelligence who quit his post earlier this year. Could all these resignations point to serious problems for Israel in its quest to rid Gaza and the world of Hamas? Could it be that Israel is losing the war and that these are the proverbial rats fleeing the sinking ship? Some people seem to think so. "One by one, the Zionist warmongers and their agents will resign as the tide of the world turns against them," one person wrote at RT, adding that the chickens are coming home to roost for the brood that thought it had this all in the bag based on "made-up Hollywood fantasies and Talmud fantasies of supremacy." Another wrote that "this is how divine glory works in mysterious ways," crediting God himself for the gradual dissolution of Israel's war efforts. "The Almighty has sown the seeds of dissension among these rabid dogs who will bite each other until their den of lies, corruption, and mass murder is destroyed," this person wrote. "Netanyahu has been isolated and he'll meet his fate sooner rather than later. He will do everything in his power to divert attention through an unforgiving escalation with Lebanon." Others noted that Gantz apparently quit because Netanyahu is not killing enough Palestinians for his liking. "It's difficult for us humans to understand the evil of this 'Benny,'" one wrote. "He quit because his leader Netanyahu wasn't killing enough Muslim babies. Bloodthirsty devils arguing over who is allowed to murder babies and who would do it best." Another wrote that none of these Israeli leaders seem to want peace, just more war and destruction. "They want genocide. Gantz's view of victory is wiping them all and indeed throwing all Palestinians in the Sinai desert or the sea. Gaza is the Jewish version of the Warsaw Ghetto." The latest news about the Middle East powder keg can be found at Prophecy.news. Sources for this article include: RT.com NaturalNews.com Instant karma: Bidens plan to label Trump a felon flops following Hunters conviction President Joe Biden's plan to label former President Donald Trump a "felon" has flopped following the conviction of Hunter Biden on gun charges. Biden's campaign dubbed Trump as a "convicted felon" after the real estate mogul was found guilty on all 34 counts of falsification of business records. But the president's second son was likewise convicted just over a week later. A jury found Hunter guilty of violating federal gun laws after he illegally purchased a firearm during a period when he was taking cocaine. "Jurors delivered their verdict after deliberating for three hours, capping a one-week trial in a prosecution brought by his father's own [Department of Justice]," Bloomberg News reported. According to the news outlet, the younger Biden's conviction serves as "a personal and political blow to his father." This guilty verdict on gun-related charges, alongside a potential tax-related conviction in September, threatens to hang over the elder Biden's campaign and poses "a painful messaging test in his race against Trump." "I am the president, but I am also a dad. [First Lady] Jill and I love our son, and we are so proud of the man he is today," Joe said in a statement moments after the guilty verdict was announced. "So many families who have had loved ones battle addiction understand the feeling of pride seeing someone you love come out the other side and be so strong and resilient in recovery." Joe Biden: NO PARDON for convicted son Hunter The elder Biden continued that he would "respect the judicial process" as his son considers an appeal. He continued that he and Jill "will always be there for Hunter and the rest of the family with our love and support," and that "nothing will ever change that. The president has earlier remarked that he won't use his powers as chief executive to exonerate his son. (Related: White House press secretary: No presidential pardon for Hunter Biden.) We are building the infrastructure of human freedom and empowering people to be informed, healthy and aware. Explore our decentralized, peer-to-peer, uncensorable Brighteon.io free speech platform here. Learn about our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Every purchase at HealthRangerStore.com helps fund our efforts to build and share more tools for empowering humanity with knowledge and abundance. Some political strategists predicted that Biden could use Trump's guilty verdict to appeal to independents and undecided voters as Election Day nears. But John Malcolm, vice president of the Heritage Foundation's Institute for Constitutional Government, pointed out that a guilty verdict for Hunter would undermine that approach. "That's going to blunt the sting of the Trump conviction, although how much I don't know," he told Bloomberg News. Meanwhile, Trump's campaign released a statement in response to the presidential son's conviction. The statement described Hunter's trial "a distraction from the real crimes" of his father, and reiterated the corruption of the Biden crime family. The incumbent president previously castigated Trump as "dangerous" and "irresponsible" for claiming that the hush money trial that yielded his conviction was rigged. The trial presided by Merchan stemmed from payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels (born Stephanie Clifford) to maintain her silence about an alleged affair she had with Trump. Aside from this, Trump faces three additional criminal indictments though the trials are unlikely to happen before the November election. The former president has denounced his prosecutions as politically motivated and orchestrated by the elder Biden. Watch this news report about Hunter Biden's guilty verdict taking a "huge personal toll" on Joe Biden. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Hunter Biden pleads NOT GUILTY to tax fraud charges in California. Trump will be found guilty in NYC and Bragg will try to imprison him. Hunter Biden INDICTED by Delaware federal court on GUN-RELATED CHARGES. Donald Trump found GUILTY on all 34 charges in blatantly rigged New York trial, could be sentenced to 20 years in prison. Sources include: Bloomberg.com Brighteon.com Former NY Gov. Cuomo blames lethal COVID-19 nursing home order on unknown staffer during Congressional testimony Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo claims that an "unknown staffer" is to blame for the lethal order requiring nursing homes in the Empire State to accept residents discharged from hospitals, even if they were still infected with the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19). New York Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, a Republican, told reporters about this revelation in a June 11 press conference that followed Cuomo's testimony. According to her, the former governor denied he was responsible for this lethal nursing home order when he testified before members of Congress. "[Cuomo did] tell us that he did not know that this directive existed, that he did not authorize it, [and] that his [New York State Department of Health] (NYSDOH) commissioner did not authorize it. Somehow, it just popped up from an unknown staff member," said Malliotakis. "The governor finds out about this directive that kills thousands of seniors a month later. And he did not do an internal investigation to find out who this lowly staff member, who's still unknown, who that person was? That to me is unconscionable." According to the NYSDOH's March 25, 2020 directive, "no resident shall be denied readmission or admission to a nursing home solely based on a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of COVID-19." Nursing homes were also barred from requiring COVID-19 testing if hospital staff determined the residents were medically stable before discharging them. Cuomo said at the time that erring nursing home operators could lose their licenses or face heavy fines. The directive led to the death of more than 15,000 nursing home residents in New York. The numbers were adjusted upward after Cuomo's departure as governor, in light of several state agencies finding the Cuomo administration undercounted nursing home deaths. The governor partially reversed the order in May 2021, but kept other elements in place for additional months. (Related: Report finds NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo concealed nursing home deaths for at least 5 months.) Human knowledge is under attack! Governments and powerful corporations are using censorship to wipe out humanity's knowledge base about nutrition, herbs, self-reliance, natural immunity, food production, preparedness and much more. We are preserving human knowledge using AI technology while building the infrastructure of human freedom. Speak freely without censorship at the new decentralized, blockchain-power Brighteon.io. Explore our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Support our efforts to build the infrastructure of human freedom by shopping at HealthRangerStore.com, featuring lab-tested, certified organic, non-GMO foods and nutritional solutions. Anyone but him: Cuomo blames various entities for the directive Cuomo previously blamed health care workers and family members of residents for bringing COVID-19 into nursing homes. He has also pointed his fingers at the Trump administration, pointing to guidance from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that said nursing homes can accept patients with COVID-19. Then-CMS Administrator Seema Verma responded to Cuomo's accusations. While her agency's guidance did say nursing homes can accept COVID-positive patients, she clarified that they can only do so if they could follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The public health agency strongly recommended that nursing homes dedicate a specific wing to patients moving to or arriving from a hospital. Verma added in a statement that if nursing home operators couldn't follow the guidance, then the transfer "must wait until the patient is no longer subject to COVID-19 precautions, or the resident can be transferred to another facility that can provide the care." Cuomo's June 11 appearance before the House COVID-19 Select Subcommittee was in compliance with a subpoena. He told reporters prior to the hearing that "the investigations say New York followed the federal guidance. Cuomo also remarked that while the Empire State did well during the pandemic, "the federal government failed this nation." The former governor reportedly told lawmakers that if nursing home operators couldn't care for residents, "they should have rejected them." But Malliotakis remarked: "It doesn't say that anywhere in the directive that you had that opportunity to reject someone if you could not care for them. New York Rep. Claudia Tenney, Malliotakis' GOP colleague, said she spoke with nursing home operators who told her "there was no way out" of the directive. She continued: "They were threatened. They were intimidated if they did not take these nursing home patients." Visit Pandemic.news for more similar stories. Watch this clip from Fox News about former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo seemingly pivoting the blame for his administration's COVID-19 policies. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: U.S. has recorded over 1 million excess deaths among people aged 65 and older since the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines. Executive order Trump signed long before the COVID-19 pandemic struck set the stage for mRNA vaccines. Excess deaths among patients in elderly care homes skyrocketed following COVID-19 vaccine rollout. COVID-19 vaccine data administrator reveals deaths related to bad batch of Pfizer shots. Poll: Majority of Americans believe COVID-19 vaccines "caused a significant number of unexplained deaths." Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com Brighteon.com EU and G7 nations to seize profits from frozen Russian assets and give them to corrupt Ukraine The EU has agreed to supply Ukraine with a new aid package , which will include around $1.6 billion in windfall profits that were generated from immobilized Russian assets. The funds could make their way to Ukraine by the end of next month, according to EU Commission head Ursula von der Leyen. Around 1.5 billion from the windfall profits will become available in July: 90% of these funds will go to defense, 10% to reconstruction. And, later this week, at the G7 Summit, we will further discuss how Ukraine can benefit even quicker from the proceeds of the immobilized Russian assets, she noted. The 10% earmarked for reconstruction that was referenced by von der Leyen is a concession for countries like Hungary, Austria and Ireland that cannot or are not willing to fund arms. Meanwhile, G7 leaders have just agreed to put together a $50 billion loan to help Ukraine. The funds, which come from the interest that has been earned on the profits of around $260 billion worth of Russias frozen central bank assets, will be used as collateral to supply the loan to help Ukraine fight Russia. It is believed the money could be in Ukraines hands by the end of the year. The move comes following months of debate over whether it would be legal to confiscate the frozen assets entirely and send them to Ukraine. The money was frozen immediately after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022; although it still technically belongs to Russia, it cannot be accessed by them while it is immobilized. However, handing all of the assets over to Ukraine would be complicated and is a potential violation of international law, so the EU decided that setting aside the profits the frozen assets were generating would present fewer headaches. Human knowledge is under attack! Governments and powerful corporations are using censorship to wipe out humanity's knowledge base about nutrition, herbs, self-reliance, natural immunity, food production, preparedness and much more. We are preserving human knowledge using AI technology while building the infrastructure of human freedom. Speak freely without censorship at the new decentralized, blockchain-power Brighteon.io. Explore our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Support our efforts to build the infrastructure of human freedom by shopping at HealthRangerStore.com, featuring lab-tested, certified organic, non-GMO foods and nutritional solutions. A U.S. official told the AP that the loan could be used by Ukraine for military, humanitarian and economic needs; it could also help support reconstruction. The G7 agreement is a win for President Biden, who has been pressing the U.S.s allies to steal Russian assets and give them to corrupt Ukrainian leadership. It is expected that this agreement will be formalized when the current summit ends. However, some details still need to be ironed out, such as the percentages that will be supplied by different countries. Biden administration official indicates a full seizure of the assets remains a possibility One senior Biden administration official indicated that fully seizing the assets is still on the table, telling ABC News: "How are we going to get repaid? Russia paysthe income comes from the interest stream on the immobilized asset. The principal is untouched for now, but we have full optionality to seize the principal later if the political will is there." Russia has made it clear that they believe seizing the funds outright would amount to theft. Earlier this year, Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov cautioned that Moscow would retaliate if the frozen assets were indeed seized. These moves will also serve to further chip away at the U.S. dollars dominance on the global stage. The BRICS group of countries, which includes Russia and is bringing in several new members, is now openly discussing creating its own currency to reduce the impact of Western financial sanctions like the ones Russia is currently experiencing. Sources for this article include: RT.com APNews.com ABCNews.go.com Germany could soon roll out MANDATORY military recruitment screenings of 18-year-olds to boost troop numbers The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has made Europe anxious and German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is suggesting a new plan to get more people to join the military. He wants to introduce mandatory checks to find potential recruits to make the army stronger because of the increased danger. Germany has had trouble getting new soldiers ever since mandatory military service ended 13 years ago. The German Minister of Defense has proposed a new plan to boost the number of recruits in the armed forces by introducing a new model of military service. He wants to implement a mandatory screening process for potential recruits to strengthen the army amid rising risks. Unlike the old system of conscription, which was abolished in 2011, this new model would not force everyone to serve. Instead, it focuses on voluntary participation with some mandatory aspects, if needed. (Related: Germany mulls CONSCRIPTION for all 18-year-olds.) In the proposal presented to the Defense Committee of the Bundestag the lower house of the German parliament young people who turn 18 would be required to fill out a questionnaire about their interest and ability to serve in the army. While both men and women will receive the questionnaire, only men will be required to complete it. (Related: Denmark calls for mandatory military conscription for women.) The purpose of this questionnaire is to gauge interest and identify the most capable and motivated individuals, who can then be invited for an interview. Although military service will remain voluntary, the idea is to attract more young people and strengthen the reserves. Human knowledge is under attack! Governments and powerful corporations are using censorship to wipe out humanity's knowledge base about nutrition, herbs, self-reliance, natural immunity, food production, preparedness and much more. We are preserving human knowledge using AI technology while building the infrastructure of human freedom. Speak freely without censorship at the new decentralized, blockchain-power Brighteon.io. Explore our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Support our efforts to build the infrastructure of human freedom by shopping at HealthRangerStore.com, featuring lab-tested, certified organic, non-GMO foods and nutritional solutions. The new model includes six months of basic training, with an option to extend up to 17 months. Those who complete the service will join the reserves. Germany needs around 460,000 soldiers to meet NATO defense commitments This initiative aims to "accelerate and strengthen reserves for global defense," according to a parliamentary meeting participant. The long-term goal is to have approximately 200,000 active-duty personnel and 260,000 reservists. Despite recent efforts to recruit more soldiers, the number of active-duty troops in Germany dropped to about 180,000 last year. Pistorius, currently a very popular political figure in Germany, has emphasized the need to make the army "war-ready to defend the country and fulfill its North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) obligations. Germany has been increasing its defense budget over the past two years after years of cuts following the Cold War. However, Pistorius is calling for even more funding. Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his coalition government currently support an entirely voluntary approach to military service. Germany's military is facing a decline in numbers despite efforts to attract more volunteers, according to DW. For Germany to meet its NATO defense commitments, it will eventually need around 460,000 soldiers. SPD politician Johannes Arlt mentioned the goal of recruiting 40,000 men and conscripting 10,000 each year initially with hopes of increasing these numbers over time. However, he pointed out challenges, such as a lack of capacity, infrastructure and beds at military bases. Pistorius reiterated the need for some form of military service, especially after Russias invasion of Ukraine raised concerns about Europes security. He emphasized that Germany must strengthen its armed forces, the Bundeswehr, to be fully operational by the end of the decade. Nils Jan Grunder, a politician from the Free Democratic Party, and Serap Guler from the opposition Christian Democratic Union both agree on the necessity of this plan. Guler stressed that "war has come to Europe" and the Bundeswehr is not currently prepared for the worst-case scenario. She criticized the current efforts as insufficient and called for a return to full conscriptionwishing the defense minister had taken a bolder approach. Watch the following video about Germany announcing its plan to increase recruits in the armed forces. This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: British army chief calls for creation of "citizen army" amid rising threat to the U.K. Swiss government considering GENDER-NEUTRAL military conscription. Feminists demanded equality; now all women may be required to register for the military draft and serve in future wars. Sources include: RMX.news Ziare.com DW.com Brighteon.com Macron dissolves French parliament after Le Pen THRASHES his party at National Rally for European elections French President Emmanuel Macron dissolved his nation's parliament over the weekend after the political thrashing that reportedly occurred at the hands of Marine Le Pen's National Rally in the European Elections. Projections on Sunday afternoon show Le Pen's National Rally securing around 32 percent of the vote, which is much higher than the roughly 15 percent garnered by Macron and his centrist Renaissance party. The thrashing incurred by Macron and his party represents a massive setback for the controversial leader, who continues to warn that the European Union (EU) is at risk unless his party secures a win this year. The next presidential election in France will not take place until 2027, but this year is when the tides are expected to turn for the political party in charge, which will apparently no longer be the Renaissance party. According to the National Rally's Jordan Bardella, the vote over the weekend represents "a verdict against which there is no appeal," meaning the right-wing party is now in the lead. Bardella also criticized Macron as a "weakened" leader. (Related: In early May, Hungarian foreign minister Peter Szijjarto warned that Macron is pushing the globe towards World War III.) European populace wants an end to immigration, left-wing tyranny All across Europe, populism is taking the lead as Europeans have come to the stark realization that left-wing leaders like Macron, a former Rothschild banker, have herded them and their countries off the proverbial cliff. Much like what happened here in the United States with the 2016 election of Donald Trump, right-wing populist leaders across Europe are seeing a surge of support as the European people rally together in opposition to mass immigration and other left-wing policies that have all but destroyed the continent. Human knowledge is under attack! Governments and powerful corporations are using censorship to wipe out humanity's knowledge base about nutrition, herbs, self-reliance, natural immunity, food production, preparedness and much more. We are preserving human knowledge using AI technology while building the infrastructure of human freedom. Use our decentralized, blockchain-based, uncensorable free speech platform at Brighteon.io. Explore our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Support our efforts to build the infrastructure of human freedom by shopping at HealthRangerStore.com, featuring lab-tested, certified organic, non-GMO foods and nutritional solutions. While not every single nation in Europe is leaning to the right this political season, many of them are. This means major changes are coming to a continent that is on the brink of collapse as migrants from the poorest and most dangerous places in the world are shipped in by the millions to wreak havoc on native populations. Reports suggest that France's domestic legislative elections will take place between June 30 and July 7 with two voting rounds. As for the European Parliament elections that took place across 27 EU member states, Macron may have taken a shellacking but he does still have the corporate media and donor class on his side, so we shall see what transpires in the coming days. Over in Germany, often considered to be the powerhouse of Europe alongside France, the populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) party did not receive quite as much support as Le Pen's National Rally did in France. At the same time, AfD could soon form an alliance with the smaller right-populist Reconquest Party in the upcoming snap election. It is important to note that AfD did place ahead of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats party, as well as far ahead of his coalition partners in the far-left Greens and neoliberal Free Democrats party, which just goes to show that the German people are sick and tired of the far-left destruction of their country just like the French people are of theirs. "The 13.9 percent secured by the Social Democrats is its worst result in a national election since the end of the Second World War," reported The National Pulse about the situation in Germany. "Support for the far-left Greens has halved in five years. Before Scholz became Chancellor, the 'center-right' Christian Democratic Union (CDU) under Angela Merkel had led the government for four consecutive terms, and its dire European results indicate it is likely to end up back in opposition after a single term." The latest news about the political upsets taking place across Europe can be found at Collapse.news. Sources for this article include: TheNationalPulse.com NaturalNews.com Former Pentagon official says U.S. arming of Ukrainian neo-Nazi Azov Brigade a sign of desperation The U.S.s recent reversal of a years-long policy preventing a Ukrainian neo-Nazi groups use of American weapons is a sign that the West is growing increasingly desperate to win the war, a former Department of Defense official claims. Earlier this week, the State Department put an end to the ban Congress had first put in place in 2018 on delivering arms to the Azov Brigade. The U.S. originally wanted to distance itself from the group, which is tied to neo-Nazism and has a history of human rights abuses. However, they now claim that a new review showed there was no evidence that supporting the unit violated the Leahy Laws, which prohibit the U.S. from providing aid to foreign security forces when credible evidence exists that they have committed a gross violation of human rights. This is an interesting stance given the units well-documented history. Founded in 2014 by white supremacist Andrey Biletsky, its logo was inspired by SS symbolism. Although it began as a volunteer militia with a few hundred members, it was later informally integrated into the Ukrainian armed forces, although it maintains a lot of autonomy over its operational decisions. The Azov battalion has been accused by the UN, Human Rights Watch, and Amnesty International of a long list of human rights violations, with raping and torturing civilians among the many charges. Former U.S. Department of Defense Senior Security Policy Analyst Michael Maloof told RT that he believes the change of heart is an indication the Washington is growing desperate. We are building the infrastructure of human freedom and empowering people to be informed, healthy and aware. Explore our decentralized, peer-to-peer, uncensorable Brighteon.io free speech platform here. Learn about our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Every purchase at HealthRangerStore.com helps fund our efforts to build and share more tools for empowering humanity with knowledge and abundance. Clearly, the Azov group didnt go from sinners to saints overnight. There still is a list of atrocities that they had committed, human rights abuses you still see them marching around as a group with their symbols, with their camaraderie and their discipline in support of fascism, he said. He added that the move will only serve to give credence to Russian President Vladimir Putins claims that their invasion of Ukraine was about getting rid of Nazis there. "The war is basically lost already" I question the rationale of wanting to continue to support a Nazi outfit like this because the war is basically lost already. To support the Azov just adds fuel to the fire and reinforces and bolsters Russias point of view that this is about fighting Nazism in Ukraine, he asserted. He also said that the performance of the Azov battalion in the war thus far has been less than stellar. Earlier in the conflict, they were reportedly defeated by Russian forces at Mariupol fairly easily, and having access to American weapons is unlikely to make much of a difference. In his opinion, lifting the ban wont bring about any substantial changes on the battlefield. Not surprisingly, the unit sees it differently, stating: Eligibility for US assistance will not only increase Azovs combat effectiveness, but, most importantly, will help save the lives and health of the brigades personnel. They also claim they are not affiliated with Nazism, fascism or racism. A spokesman for the Kremlin, Dmitry Peskov, criticized the decision. Russian state news agency TASS reports that he said the U.S. is now ready even to flirt with neo-Nazis and that Moscows reaction to the move is extremely negative. Sources for this article include: RT.com CRSReports.Congress.gov CNN.com Satanic billionaires are funding thousands of journalists to promote the global Net Zero depopulation agenda Satanic billionaires are publishing their plans for humanity, right out in the open. A new report from the Earth Journalism Network (EJN) sheds light on a vast global grooming program that targets mainstream media journalists, activist organizations and independent journalist to parrot climate doom propaganda. This initiative, funded by green billionaires, heavily emphasizes the promotion of Net Zero carbon agendas put forth by the United Nations (UN) and other globalists. The report unveils a concerning trend where journalists are financially incentivized to 'balance' their climate change reporting, and acquiesce to climate change narratives. The EJN report serves as a global benchmark for climate and environmental journalism, highlighting journalisms reliance on elite, billionaire funding and strict adherence to climate doom propaganda. It suggests an unethical shift from journalistic objectivity, a trend observed online through "independent journalism" -- a trend that is prompting a complete re-evaluation of journalistic practices. Journalistic integrity at stake as billionaires buy influence around the globe Over the past two decades, mainstream journalism has faltered in its objectivity and honesty. Consequently, billionaire foundations have filled the void, taking advantage of declining circulation and advertising revenues by providing grants of their own. Their funding comes with strings attached, of course. These billionaires are trying to train journalists and mold their reporting to fulfill communist goals for humanity, and to shape society in a way that profits and empowers global agendas. We are building the infrastructure of human freedom and empowering people to be informed, healthy and aware. Explore our decentralized, peer-to-peer, uncensorable Brighteon.io free speech platform here. Learn about our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Every purchase at HealthRangerStore.com helps fund our efforts to build and share more tools for empowering humanity with knowledge and abundance. The EJN report finds that external funding is "essential" for journalists who are struggling to gain traction. This external funding is used to promote global agendas that greatly impact climate and environmental reporting. In the report, journalists who receive money from these billionaires "overwhelmingly agreed" that their support was essential to their reporting on climate. Membership in the EJN provides access to grant funding and training opportunities, and now includes over 25,000 members across 200 countries. Members primary benefit is grant funding and training opportunities for stories that ramp up climate hysteria and mis-attribute natural weather events with an abstract, hysterical concept called climate change. According to the report, these billionaire influencers may fund journalists to cover stories in a particular subject area, determined by funder interests and goals. Notable funders of the EJN include the European Climate Foundation, supported by figures like Michael Bloomberg and Sir Christopher Hohn of Extinction Rebellion. Other supporters include so-called philanthropic organizations such as Tides, Gulbenkian, Oak, Packard, Climate Justice Resilience, MacArthur and Rockefeller, alongside political and governmental entities like the United Nations and the British Foreign Office. Climate change indoctrination is happening because thousands of journalists are being directly funded to promote the lies The report is essentially an indoctrination manual that emphasizes the importance of swaying public opinion on climate change, so government will get behind climate action plans on a global scale. These action items include geoengineering experiments over the skies, the land and water, as well as genetic experiments that lessen emissions from living organisms. Global action also entails taxation schemes that punish certain behaviors and reward those that fall in line with the science. In the process of molding the world into a Net Zero future, they seek to eradicate traditional carbon-based energy sources, while destroying personal autonomy, national sovereignty and innovation. Despite the effort of green billionaires to stifle dissenting voices, skepticism regarding human control over the climate persists among scientific circles. This is why the report finds it "highly problematic" that notable scientists are calling climate change a hoax, even in 2024. For example, 2022 Nobel physicals prize winner, Dr. John Clauser, called the link between temperature and carbon dioxide a "crock of crap." The report acknowledges rising objection to climate change narratives but seeks to manipulate the public into compliance by continuing to buy off journalists and control media reports on the subject matter. No level of compliance to their agenda will ever satisfy these hollow entities. To them, you'll always be a useless feeder overpopulating the planet and using too much carbon. Your children and children's children will always be a threat because their quests for depopulation and dominion over the Earth are aligned with Satan. Sources include: Wattsupwiththat.com Internews.org [PDF] EarthJournalism.net NaturalNews.com CNN.com Kevin Spacey admits flying with Jeffrey Epstein, Clinton Foundation people and young girls Two-time Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey talked about his trip with convicted pedophile and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, Clinton Foundation people and "young girls" in a so-called "humanitarian journey" to Africa in 2002 during a recent televised interview with British journalist Piers Morgan. Spacey for the first time admitted that he had met Epstein during the eight-day trip to Africa in 2002, but the actor insists that he was never a close friend of the sex offender. "It was primarily to raise awareness and prevention for AIDS, and particularly for mothers who had HIV to get the medication they needed to not pass it onto their children, so I said yes, absolutely," Spacey explained. Spacey claimed that they visited with physicians and nurses to learn about patient care during the journey, and they even spent a whole day with former South African President Nelson Mandela. "I have since learned who he is, and I have since been able to go back and find out that the airplane that we flew on for this humanitarian mission was owned by Jeffrey Epstein," Spacey told Morgan during the interview. "I didn't know him. I have never spent any time with him. I was with the Clinton Foundation people, that's who I was with." Spacey confessed to Morgan that even though he had claimed not to "know" Epstein's identity for a while, he did recall feeling anxious in Epstein's presence. "I didn't want to be around this guy because I felt he put the president at risk on that trip to South Africa, because there were these young girls. We were like, 'Who is this guy?'" Spacey stated. "There's a big difference between not remembering whether I went to somebody's island and not remembering that I met some guy and some woman on a humanitarian trip where my focus was entirely on what we were there to do." Human knowledge is under attack! Governments and powerful corporations are using censorship to wipe out humanity's knowledge base about nutrition, herbs, self-reliance, natural immunity, food production, preparedness and much more. We are preserving human knowledge using AI technology while building the infrastructure of human freedom. Use our decentralized, blockchain-based, uncensorable free speech platform at Brighteon.io. Explore our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Support our efforts to build the infrastructure of human freedom by shopping at HealthRangerStore.com, featuring lab-tested, certified organic, non-GMO foods and nutritional solutions. Spacey was also seen socializing with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's former romantic partner and accomplice in the sex trafficking operations, giving the impression that the two had a close relationship. Soon after the Africa trip in 2002, Spacey and Maxwell were spotted laughing together while seated on thrones at Buckingham Palace. During the trial of Maxwell, Epstein's pilot testified that he had seen Spacey, together with other celebrities, on Epstein's flights. Spacey has been accused of sexual misconduct himself Spacey's has been accused of sexual misconduct himself. In 2017, actor Anthony Rapp revealed that Spacey made sexual advances on him when he was only 14 years old. (Related: Actor Kevin Spacey claiming hes gay after being outed for hitting on 14-year-old boy follows sex scandal playbook.) After this, several other men came forward with similar accusations, leading to Spacey being axed from the hit Netflix show House of Cards and taken out from numerous projects. The allegations range from the 1970s to the 2010s, concerning both civil and criminal cases in the United States and the United Kingdom. Spacey has denied all the accusations, and a U.K. court absolved Spacey of sexual assault charges last year. But the release of the documentary Spacey Unmasked in May brought renewed attention to the accusations. Follow Trafficking.news for more stories about the sexual trafficking case against Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Watch the video below about the interview of Kevin Spacey with Piers Morgan on the "Piers Morgan Uncensored" show. This video is from the Puretrauma357 channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: BOMBSHELL Epstein list names 170 A-list celebrities, politicians and leading figures linked to infamous child trafficker. Leaked cellphone data exposes visitors to Epstein's "pedophile island." Thrive Time Show: Jeffrey Epstein connected to POWERFUL people, says Liz Crokin Brighteon.TV. Sources include: GreatGameIndia.com Newsweek.com Brighteon.com The latest weather report reveals potential snowy conditions and cooler air are likely in the Interior Northwest, bringing the much-awaited relief from hotter temperatures and unusual heat. In a recent weather report, the Western US experienced soaring temperatures, which resulted in wildfire concerns and heat-related health concerns. In Sacramento, a weather report reveals critical fire weather conditions this week due to gusty winds and low relative humidity. Additionally, homeowners are advised to obey fire bans, and avoid vehicles off dry grass to avoid potential fires. Interior West Weather Outlook This Week According to the NWS Weather Prediction Center, the forecast monitors heatwave activity in the northern Plains and the Great Lakes. Meanwhile, late-season wet snow is likely in the northern R ockies on Monday. Although summer is on the way in the Western US, the latest weather report, published on June 16, shows an Old Man Winter will bring cooler air and snow in the region. On Monday, rainy conditions can unload in Seattle, Portland, Spokane, and Helena. The forecast noted that potential snowfall can occur in northwestern Wyoming, western Montana, and northern Idaho. Due to potential snow conditions, a winter storm watch is issued in western Montana. In Los Angeles, homeowners should anticipate long-duration winds on Monday, likely reaching 50 to 65 mph. Additionally, some areas can experience 100 degrees, and high temperatures can occur in Santa Clarita Valley, Ojai, and San Gabriel Valley. Homeowners should watch out for wildfire concerns this week. While some parts can experience cooler temperatures, the potential for snowfall, with a foot of snow, can lead to travel dangers and power outages. Additionally, potential rain concerns can occur outside the mountain areas this mid-Jun. The recent forecast in San Diego warns of a moderate risk of heat-related health concerns in the high desert. A higher heat risk is possible in the low desert. In addition, rounds of rain are possible in the region this week, and temperatures can likely be 5 to 10 degrees below the historical average. Meanwhile, a high fire risk can occur in western New Mexico, southwestern Colorado, southern Utah, and northern to central Arizona. Also Read: South-Central US Weather: Rounds of Storms to Bring Flash Flood, Tornadoes Next Week Staying Safe from Unusual Heat and Wildfires While brief relief is likely, homeowners should remain alert for the return of unusual heat and new wildfires. Checking for the latest weather forecasts, including heat advisories and snow alerts, is essential to keep safe from challenging weather. In addition, staying hydrated is important if the weather unleashes extreme temperatures. During the scorching heat, the vulnerable populations are the most at risk, particularly older adults, people with chronic illnesses, and children. Related Article: 2024 Hurricane Season: Intense Storms Expected in Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean This Year For more similar stories, don't forget to follow Nature World News. Karanvir Bohra hosts Father's Day brunch; Raghu Ram is his new guest on 'Daddy Adventures' T V actor Karanvir Bohra hosted a brunch on Sunday to celebrate Father's Day, and celebrities like Raghu Ram, Kunal Verma, Rajesh Khattar, and others attended the event in Andheri, Mumbai. Visuals from the event show Karanvir posing with his father, filmmaker Mahendra Bohra. The 'Shararat' actor is dressed in a white shirt, blue denim jeans, and white juttis, sporting a green-coloured 'pagdi'. The father-son duo is holding a baby bottle filled with pink-coloured drink, posing against a backdrop with Karanvir's podcast 'The Daddy Adventures' written on it. In the video, Karanvir said: "Happy Father's Day to everyone. Don't be shocked about why I have come in the get-up of a Dulhe Raja. I am coming directly from a shoot." Actor Rajesh Khattar, the father of actor Ishaan Khatter, arrives wearing a beige-coloured shirt and blue denim. In the visuals, Rajesh remarks to the paparazzi, "The youngest daddy in town is already here." Kunal Verma, who is known for his work in 'Tujh Sang Preet Lagai Sajna', wore a black and white floral shirt and green trousers. He is married to actress Puja Banerjee, and the couple has a son. Raghu Ram arrives dressed in all black for the brunch. Karan hugged Raghu and said: "Today a new episode of my podcast is coming, and Raghu is the guest. And I have to share that he has sung a song for his son. He wrote and sang it, it's really beautiful." The snippet further captures the guests wishing "Happy Father's Day" in chorus. Karanvir is married to model Teejay Sidhu, and the couple has three daughters -- twin girls Raya Bella and Vienna, and Gia Vanessa Snow Bohra. Karanvir Bohra hosts Father's Day brunch; Raghu Ram is his new guest on 'Daddy Adventures' Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Download Now The News-Gazette mobile app brings you the latest local breaking news, updates, and more. Read the News-Gazette on your mobile device just as it appears in print. A suite of three innovations by an MIT-based team enables high-resolution, high-throughput imaging of human brain tissue at a full range of scales and mapping connectivity of neurons at single cell resolution. The researchers demonstrate the system by comparing a select brain region from two donors: one with Alzheimers and a non-Alzheimers control. Observing anything and everything within the human brain, no matter how large or small while it is fully intact, has been an out-of-reach dream of neuroscience for decades, but in a new study in Science, an MIT-based team describes a technology pipeline that enabled them to finely process, richly label and sharply image full hemispheres of the brains of two donors-;one with Alzheimer's and one without-;at high resolution and speed. "We performed holistic imaging of human brain tissues at multiple resolutions from single synapses to whole brain hemispheres and we have made that data available," said senior and corresponding author Kwanghun Chung, associate professor in The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, the Departments of Chemical Engineering and Brain and Cognitive Sciences, and the Institute for Medical Engineering and Science at MIT. "This technology pipeline really enables us to analyze the human brain at multiple scales. Potentially this pipeline can be used for fully mapping human brains." The new study does not already present a comprehensive map or atlas of the entire brain, in which every cell, circuit and protein is identified and analyzed, but with full hemispheric imaging, it demonstrates an integrated suite of three technologies to enable that and other long-sought neuroscience investigations. The research provides a "proof of concept" by showing numerous examples of what the pipeline makes possible, including sweeping landscapes of thousands of neurons within whole brain regions, diverse forests of cells each in individual detail, and tufts of subcellular structures nestled among extracellular molecules. The researchers also present a rich variety of quantitative analytical comparisons focused on a chosen region within the Alzheimer's and non-Alzheimer's hemispheres. The importance of being able to image whole hemispheres of human brains intact and down to the resolution of individual synapses (the teeny connections that neurons forge to make circuits) is two-fold for understanding the human brain in health and disease, Chung said. On one hand, it will enable scientists to conduct integrated explorations of questions using the same brain, rather than having to, for example, observe different phenomena in different brains, which can vary significantly, and then trying to construct a composite picture of the whole system. A key feature of the new technology pipeline is that analysis doesn't degrade the tissue. On the contrary, it makes the tissues extremely durable and repeatedly re-labelable to highlight different cells or molecules as needed for new studies for potentially years on end. In the paper Chung's team demonstrates using 20 different antibody labels to highlight different cells and proteins but they are already expanding that to a hundred or more. We need to be able to see all these different functional components-;cells, their morphology and their connectivity, subcellular architectures, and their individual synaptic connections-;ideally within the same brain, considering the high individual variabilities in the human brain and considering the precious nature of human brain samples. This technology pipeline really enables us to extract all these important features from the same brain in a fully integrated manner." Kwanghun Chung, Associate Professor, The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory On the other hand, the pipeline's relatively high scalability and throughput (imaging a whole brain hemisphere once it is prepared takes 100 hours rather than many months) means that it is possible to create many samples to represent different sexes, ages, disease states and other factors that can enable robust comparisons with increased statistical power. Chung said he envisions creating a brain bank of fully imaged brains that researchers could analyze and re-label as needed for new studies to make more of the kinds of comparisons he and co-authors made with the Alzheimer's and non-Alzheimer's hemispheres in the new paper. Three key innovations Chung said the biggest challenge he faced in achieving the advances described in the paper was building a team at MIT that included three especially talented young scientists, each a co-lead author of the paper because of their key roles in producing the three major innovations. Ji Wang, a mechanical engineer and former postdoc, developed the "Megatome," a device for slicing intact human brain hemispheres so finely that there is no damage to it. Juhyuk Park, a materials engineer and former postdoc, developed the chemistry that makes each brain slice clear, flexible, durable, expandable, and quickly, evenly and repeatedly labelable-;a technology called "mELAST." Webster Guan, a former MIT chemical engineering graduate student with a knack for software development, created a computational system called "UNSLICE" that can seamlessly reunify the slabs to reconstruct each hemisphere in full 3D down to the precise alignment of individual blood vessels and neural axons (the long strands they extend to forge connections with other neurons). No technology allows for imaging whole human brain anatomy at subcellular resolution without first slicing it because it is very thick (it's 3,000 times the volume of a mouse brain) and opaque. But in the Megatome, tissue remains undamaged because Wang, who is now at a company Chung founded called LifeCanvas Technologies, engineered its blade to vibrate side to side faster and yet sweep wider than previous vibratome slicers. Meanwhile she also crafted the instrument to stay perfectly within its plane, Chung said. The result are slices that don't lose anatomical information at their separation or anywhere else. And because the vibratome cuts relatively quickly and can cut thicker (and therefore fewer) slabs of tissue, a whole hemisphere can be sliced in a day, rather than months. A major reason why slabs in the pipeline can be thicker comes from mELAST. Park engineered the hydrogel that infuses the brain sample to make it optically clear, virtually indestructible and compressible and expandable. Combined with other chemical engineering technologies developed in recent years in Chung's lab, the samples can then be evenly and quickly infused with the antibody labels that highlight cells and proteins of interest. Using a light sheet microscope the lab customized, a whole hemisphere can be imaged down to individual synapses in about 100 hours, the authors report in the study. Park is now an assistant professor at Seoul National University in South Korea. "This advanced polymeric network, which fine-tunes the physicochemical properties of tissues, enabled multiplexed multiscale imaging of the intact human brains," Park said. After each slab has been imaged, the task is then to restore an intact picture of the whole hemisphere computationally. Guan's UNSLICE does this at multiple scales. For instance, at the middle, or "meso" scale, it algorithmically traces blood vessels coming into one layer from adjacent layers and matches them. But it also takes an even finer approach. To further register the slabs, the team purposely labeled neighboring neural axons in different colors (like the wires in an electrical fixture). That enabled UNSLICE to match layers up based on tracing the axons, Chung said. Guan is also now at LifeCanvas. In the study the researchers present a litany of examples of what the pipeline can do. The very first figure demonstrates that the imaging allows one to richly label a whole hemisphere and then zoom in from the wide scale of brainwide structures to the level of circuits, then individual cells and then subcellular components such as synapses. Other images and videos demonstrate how diverse the labeling can be, revealing long axonal connections and the abundance and shape of different cell types including not only neurons but also astrocytes and microglia. Exploring Alzheimer's For years Chung has collaborated with co-author Matthew Frosch, an Alzheimer's researcher and director of the brain bank at Massachusetts General Hospital, to image and understand Alzheimer's disease brains. With the new pipeline established they began an open-ended exploration, first noticing where within a slab of tissue they saw the greatest loss of neurons in the disease sample compared to the control. From there, they followed their curiosity-;as the technology allowed them to do-;ultimately producing a series of detailed investigations described in the paper. "We didn't lay out all these experiments in advance," Chung said. "We just started by saying, 'OK, let's image this slab and see what we see.' We identified brain regions with substantial neuronal loss so let's see what's happening there. 'Let's dive deeper.' So we used many different markers to characterize and see the relationships between pathogenic factors and different cell types. "This pipeline allows us to have almost unlimited access to the tissue," Chung said. "We can always go back and look at something new." They focused most of their analysis in the orbitofrontal cortex within each hemisphere. One of the many observations they made was that synapse loss was concentrated in areas where there was direct overlap with amyloid plaques. Outside of areas of plaques the synapse density was as high in the brain with Alzheimer's as in the one without the disease. With just two samples, Chung said, the team is not offering any conclusions about the nature of Alzheimer's disease, of course, but the point of the study is that the capability now exists to fully image and deeply analyze whole human brain hemispheres to enable exactly that kind of research. Notably, the technology applies equally well to many other tissues in the body, not just brains. "We envision that this scalable technology platform will advance our understanding of the human organ functions and disease mechanisms to spur development of new therapies," the authors conclude. In addition to Park, Wang, Guan, Chung and Frosch, the paper's other authors are Lars A. Gjesteby, Dylan Pollack, Lee Kamentsky, Nicholas B. Evans, Jeff Stirman, Xinyi Gu, Chuanxi Zhao, Slayton Marx, Minyoung E. Kim, Seo Woo Choi, Michael Snyder, David Chavez, Clover Su-Arcaro, Yuxuan Tian, Chang Sin Park, Qiangge Zhang, Dae Hee Yun, Mira Moukheiber, Guoping Feng, X. William Yang, C. Dirk Keene, Patrick R. Hof, Satrajit S. Ghosh, and Laura J. Brattain. The main funding for the work came from the National Institutes of Health, The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, The JPB Foundation, and the NCSOFT Cultural Foundation. University of Queensland researchers are suggesting a new diagnosis should be added to the official world diseases list to better identify those with gaming disorders. Honorary Professor John Saunders from UQ's National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research said a review of the current range of diagnoses found there was a missing "middle ground" on the problem gaming spectrum in the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases. In the current classifications, Hazardous Gaming identifies a person at risk of developing harm from gaming, and Gaming Disorder is an addiction to gaming but there is nothing in between," Professor Saunders said. We developed the definition of Harmful Gaming as a persistent pattern of gaming behaviour that has caused harm to a person's physical or mental health. A Harmful Gaming classification would help identify people who are progressing towards a more severe Gaming Disorder, and provide them with help before it's too late." Honorary Professor John Saunders from UQ's National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research Gaming Disorder is an addiction to gaming where a person cannot control the habit and prioritizes it over relationships, education and work. "About 3 percent of gamers are diagnosed with a Gaming Disorder, yet more than twice that number would classify for a Harmful Gaming diagnosis," Professor Saunders said. "Introducing a Harmful Gaming classification would bring the diagnoses spectrum in line with substance use disorders and provide a framework for public health approaches to combat the harm it causes." More than 3 billion people worldwide are estimated to play video games regularly. Associate Professor Gary Chung Kai Chan said it's important people recognize when their gaming behavior is affecting their health and wellbeing. "Gaming provides many positive experiences for people to connect and build social connections, but it's important that it's done in moderation," Dr Chan said. "Increasing evidence has shown how addictive video gaming can be for many people, and the harm it can cause. "It's crucial to be aware of the amount of time spent on gaming and ensure this is balanced out with other healthy habits to help reduce the risk of harm to our physical and mental health." The research was published in Current Opinion in Psychiatry. The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) is proud to announce the launch of the EULAR Network of TRIal Centres (ENTRI) initiative. This groundbreaking program is designed to support emerging and experienced investigators in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) research across Europe, by widening their participation in internationally competitive research. ENTRI aims to: Create a network of clinical trial centres, accessible to all investigators and sponsors from both public and private sectors. Build capacity and training in clinical trials and experimental medicine studies. Provide RMD-related clinical trials toolkits underpinned by best practice. By facilitating the delivery of incisive research trial studies, ENTRI helps generate the evidence required to implement changes in clinical practice that are meaningful and beneficial to patients. ENTRI members will be invited to participate in cutting-edge projects sponsored by both public and private sectors. Facilitating faster translation of results into clinical practice requires active engagement and participation from practicing clinicians and investigators. ENTRI will help establish platforms for prosecuting scientifically rigorous trials, addressing the most pressing clinical needs, engaging and reaching out to eligible patients in a faster and more efficient way. By applying a portfolio of carefully designed operating procedures, ENTRI will therefore help streamline efforts of investigators and sponsors to deliver trials in a timely manner, optimizing administrative processes, and reducing costs. Through training programs, ENTRI also aims to support investigators to develop and build research capacity and clinical trial skill sets. Within a few years, EULAR hopes to provide investigators with programs tailored to their needs, focusing on good clinical practice and related skills for investigators across the full spectrum of expertise. The EULAR Research Centre will oversee a two-step application process, starting with an Expression of Interest (EoI). This will be followed by an invitation to complete a full application, which aims to capture in more detail the resources and experience of each Centre. EULAR invites EoI from any organization or institution: The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) is proud to announce the launch of its 2024 - 2029 European Manifesto, aimed at addressing the urgent need for a coordinated European response to Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases (RMDs), focusing particularly on the areas of quality of care, research, and social policy. This initiative comes at a critical juncture as Europe has elected new Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), highlighting the importance of prioritizing health and socio-economic challenges, particularly those posed by RMDs. Why are RMDs an issue for Europe? RMDs, often dubbed 'the invisible diseases', affect approximately 120 million Europeans, constituting one in five individuals across the continent. Despite their prevalence, there remains a significant lack of awareness among policymakers and the general public, leading to their frequent neglect in political and financial agendas. However, the impact of RMDs is far-reaching, contributing to physical disability, chronic health conditions, and substantial economic burdens, amounting to an estimated 240 billion Euros annually. Furthermore, RMDs not only pose a direct threat to individual health but also contribute to the development of high-mortality Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mental health disorders. Alarmingly, RMDs represent over 50% of Years Lived with Disabilities (YLDs) in Europe and are responsible for approximately 38% of all occupational diseases. A comprehensive RMD strategy addressing quality of care, research, and social policy Recognizing the gravity of this situation, EULAR calls upon the European Union and national governments to develop comprehensive RMD strategies. The EULAR 2024 - 2029 European Manifesto has already garnered support from multiple MEPs, who recognise the urgent need for action in addressing the challenges posed by RMDs, particularly in quality of care, research, and social policy. The strategies developed should encompass various areas, including improving prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation interventions for RMDs. EULAR advocates for prioritizing RMDs within the EU's 'Healthier Together - NCD Initiative' and national NCD plans, as well as addressing the chronic shortage of rheumatologists and healthcare professionals specialized in rheumatology in order to improve standards of quality of care. As RMDs can affect people of all ages throughout their lifespan, EULAR emphasizes the importance of social policies aimed at mitigating the burden of RMDs on health-related quality of life, education, and employment. This includes recognizing RMDs as a leading cause of disability, promoting inclusive and flexible education and workplaces, and increasing funding for improved mobility and accessibility measures. In order to advance not just rheumatology, but the medical field as a whole, EULAR calls for the establishment of an ambitious research agenda targeting the causes, treatment, and multidisciplinary care models for RMDs. This includes launching a dedicated 'Inflammation, non-communicable diseases, and comorbidities' European Partnership under Horizon Europe and strengthening support for RMD-related European Reference Networks (ERNs). Together, EULAR, its member organizations, and its partners are committed to driving forward a European response that prioritizes the health and well-being of all citizens. Developing chemotherapy drugs against breast cancer is costly, slow, and often inefficient, with more than 95% of screened drug candidates failing in patient trials. A groundbreaking technique for 3D cell culturing, developed by researchers at Finland's Aalto University, offers unprecedented insight into the spread of cancer cells through tissue. The technique paves the way to improved efficacy in screening for chemotherapy drug candidates, potentially enabling the screening out of non-viable drug candidates much earlier in the process. Moving beyond conventional, 2D cell cultures, the biomechanical analysis technique allows breast cancer cells to be grown within 3D cell culture material that more accurately mimics the structures of human tissue, explains principal investigator Juho Pokki. Cancer cells actually feel the tissue that they're in, and they can change their behaviour based on their surroundings. When they move at different speeds they sense distinct stresses. Stresses can be the difference between the cancer spreading or its movement being mechanically blocked." Juho Pokki, principal investigator After chemotherapy, residual cancer cells may remain in the tissue and start to move, causing the cancer to recur. The research aims to control the properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that cancer cells use to move, investigating how to stop these residual cancer cells. One version of this novel technique was recently announced in the journal of Soft Matter. The "grab push, pull and pull" of breast cancer cells Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women worldwide and forms the focus of the team's research. In 2024 more than 300,000 people will receive a breast cancer diagnosis in the United States. Meanwhile, the most common cancers, breast, prostate and bowel cancer, kill more than 300,000 people in the European Union every year. A biomechanical researcher and biomedical engineer who came to Aalto University via Stanford University and ETH Zurich, Pokki's culturing technique allows researchers to account for variability of the ECM, either between cell culture samples or within the same sample. "Our analysis allows us to take into account variations in the rigidity of tissue -; particularly the related "stiffness" -; and how this affects the way cancer cells grab and push and pull through the body, even following in each other's paths where there is less resistance," explains Pokki. Researchers have for some time understood that the variable stiffness of the ECM is important when it comes to cancer spreading. However, they have hitherto lacked the tools to accurately measure the biomechanics of this cell movement, limiting their ability to capitalize fully on a deeper biomechanical understanding of cell behavior. Biomechanics and drug resistance The innovation is particularly timely, given that recent studies show not only an important relationship between the biomechanical properties of the ECM and the spread of cancer cells, but also a relationship between tissue stiffness and drug resistance. "Not only does the biomechanical nature of human tissue affect how cancer spreads, but it also impacts its response to a drug. Essentially, it can take in a drug or spit it out, depending on its mechanical environment," says Pokki. "This new approach has the potential to radically improve drug screening for chemotherapy candidates. It's an important step on the path towards faster discovery of chemotherapeutics for cancer patients." Pokki and his team have already been researching this cell-scale analysis technique for 5 years. The next phase of study focuses on using their microscopy-integrated tools towards improving drug efficacy testing of chemotherapeutics. Researchers at the University of Turku in Finland have found a new function for an existing protein. They discovered that TIMP-1, a protein traditionally known to prevent damage to the body's cells and tissues, plays a critical role in the immune system's defense against cancer. The findings of the study could improve the effectiveness of current cancer immunotherapies. TIMP-1 protein is produced by dendritic cells, which are responsible for initiating immune responses and boosting the immune system's ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells. The protein enhances antitumor immunity through self-stimulation and by activating surrounding immune cells. As a result, increasing TIMP-1 expression or targeting its negative regulators in tumors with deficient immune responses could potentially improve the effectiveness of current cancer immunotherapies. For patients deficient in TIMP-1 expression, our discovery helps create rational therapeutic innovations." Carlos Rogerio Figueiredo, Docent and InFLAMES researcher at the University of Turku According to Figueiredo, the new findings are also relevant for fighting infections by viruses and bacteria, as the process is part of a universal mechanism that fights microorganisms and cancer in a similar fashion. The study used samples from the Finnish Auria Biobank for clinical-oriented discoveries, which were further validated with the latest biochemical and immunological tools to propose a new molecular view of how the body fights cancer. Figueiredo thanks the patients as well as Oncologist Maria Sundvall and Pathologist Eva-Maria Birkman from Turku University Hospital for their significant contributions to this project. "The published research shows how the reverse translational method works in practice. Traditional translational research typically starts with basic laboratory discoveries, which are later tested on patients in clinical trials. The reverse translational approach, on the other hand, starts with real-world data from patient samples to guide focused laboratory studies, thereby enhancing the likelihood of success when applied to patients," explains Figueiredo. Figueiredo heads the Medical Immuno-Oncology Research Group (MIORG) at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Turku, which is affiliated with the Turku Bioscience Centre and supported by the Research Council of Finland, InFLAMES Flagship, the Sigrid Juselius Foundation, and the Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation. The findings of the study were published in the journal Genes & Immunity, which is part of the Nature Portfolio series. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has launched a comprehensive public awareness campaign to counteract scams conducted by fraudsters posing as Indian Customs officers, according to an official release on June 16. These criminals use phone calls and SMS to extort money from unsuspecting victims by instilling fear of immediate penal action. Various incidents have come to light through news portals/social media platforms of fraudulent persons posing as Indian Customs officers cheating the public of their hard-earned money across the country. These frauds are primarily done using digital means like phone calls or SMS, and are focused on extracting money through the purported fear of immediate penal action, the CBIC said in a statement on Sunday. CBIC @cbic_india mounts campaign against frauds committed in the name of Indian Customs CBIC @cbic_india urges public to discern the modus operandi of fraudsters, protect their information, verify antecedents of caller and report such acts by staying alert pic.twitter.com/kear1VAsPC Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) June 16, 2024 To address this issue, CBICs multi-modal campaign includes: Newspaper Advertisements SMS/Email Alerts Social Media Campaigns Public Awareness Initiatives by CBIC field formations nationwide, in collaboration with local administrations and trade bodies. CBIC Advises the Public To Protect Yourself from Scams: DISCERN: Indian Customs officers never contact the general public via phone, SMS, or email for payment of duty in private accounts. Disconnect suspicious calls and ignore messages. PROTECT: Avoid sharing personal information like passwords, CVV, Aadhaar number, etc, or sending money without verifying the requests authenticity. VERIFY: Legitimate communications from Indian Customs include a Document Identification Number (DIN), which can be verified on the CBIC website https://esanchar.cbic.gov.in/DIN/DINSearch. REPORT: Report fraudulent cases to Cyber Crime Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in) or helpline number 1930. Common Scam Tactics Used By Fraudsters: Fake Calls/SMS: Fraudsters pose as courier officials, claiming Customs has held a package and demanding duty payments. Pressure Tactics: Impersonators demand money for releasing packages allegedly seized by Customs. Demand for Money: Victims are falsely informed about seized illegal contents (uch as drugs/ foreign currency/ fake passport/ contraband items) in their packages and threatened with legal action unless they pay. Cracking government exams requires consistent effort, dedication, and unwavering perseverance. However, before embarking on this journey, its essential to explore and apply for positions that align with your skills and qualifications. Heres an overview of some of the top government job vacancies currently available currently. CHHATTISGARH STATE FOREST DEPARTMENT RECRUITMENT FOR FOREST GUARD POSTS The Chhattisgarh State Forest Department is accepting online applications for the recruitment of forest guards. Candidates can apply for the vacancies by visiting the official website, www.cgforest.com. The application process is underway and will conclude on July 1. Through this recruitment campaign, the department will fill a total of 1,484 vacancies. Candidates above 18 and less than 40 years of age should have completed the Higher Secondary Examination (12th) from a recognised school to be eligible. Talking about the selection procedure, the candidates who meet the physical requirements will be called for an aptitude test worth 100 marksread more UPSSSC RECRUITMENT 2024 FOR JUNIOR ENGINEER POSTS The Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Committee (UPSSSC) is offering an excellent job opportunity for individuals for the positions of Junior Engineers (Civil) 2024. Candidates interested in applying can submit their applications before June 28 at upsssc.gov.in. Candidates will be shortlisted for this role based on a written examination and interview. Upon selection as Junior Engineers, applicants can expect a pay scale ranging between Rs 9,300 and 34,800 along with other allowances and perks. As per the official notification, the appointment is done for a total of 4,016 postsread more CENTRAL BANK RECRUITMENT FOR APPRENTICESHIP POSTS The Central Bank of India is seeking online applications for the recruitment of apprentices across various states of India. Interested candidates can apply for the vacancies by visiting the official website, centralbankofindia.co.in/en. The application process has already started and will conclude on June 23, 2024. It is to be noted that those who graduated after March 31, 2020, are only eligible to apply. Through this recruitment campaign, CBI will fill a total of 3,000 apprentice vacancies. Selected apprentices will be provided a stipend of Rs 15,000 per monthread more SBI SCO RECRUITMENT 2024 FOR TRADE FINANCE OFFICERS The State Bank of India (SBI) has issued an official notification offering various roles within the department, including Trade Finance Officer, Middle Management Grade Scale II under the Specialist Cadre Officer (SCO). Those interested in applying for the aforementioned positions can submit their applications by visiting the official website, sbi.co.in by June 27. It is to be noted that an application fee of Rs 750 shall be paid by candidates belonging to the General, OBC and EWS categories. The recruitment aims to recruit a total of 150 vacant positions for the Trade Finance Officers (MMG Scale II)read more BSF RECRUITMENT 2024 FOR ASSISTANT SUB INSPECTOR AND HEAD CONSTABLE The Border Security Force (BSF) has opened up 1,526 Assistant Sub Inspector and Head Constable in Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Warrant Officer (Personal Assistant), and Havildar (Clerk) in the Assam Rifle Examination 2024. Candidates are encouraged to submit their applications by visiting the official BSF website at rectt.bsf.gov.in. It is to be noted that the computer-based test (CBT) for the recruitment drive will be conducted in English and Hindi. Upon selection, the pay scale for Assistant Sub Inspector (stenographer) and warrant officer (Personal Assistant) posts ranges from Rs 29,200 to Rs 92,300. As for Havildar and Head Constable positions, the pay scale varies from Rs 25,500 to Rs 81,100read more Stay ahead with all the exam results updates on News18 Website. Periyar University in Salem, Tamil Naud has announced the results of Undergraduate and Postgraduate (PG) exams 2024. The examination took place in April of this year, and now the results have been declared after two months. Candidates who appeared for the exams can download their scores from the official website of the university at periyaruniversity.ac.in. Students need to enter their login details such as registration number and date of birth to view or download the marksheet. Periyar University April Results 2024: How to Download Step 1: Visit the official website of Periyar University periyaruniversity.ac.in. Step 2: Find the link April 2024 Examinations UG/PG Results under the notification/results section on the homepage and click on it. Step 3: Log in using your credentials like registration number and date of birth. Step 4: After entering your details, click on Get Result. Step 5: Your result will be displayed on a new screen. Step 6: Download and ensure that you take a printout for further use. Periyar University was established by the Government of Tamil Nadu on September 17, 1997, according to the provisions of the Periyar University Act, 1997. It provides higher education in three ways: Departments of Study and Research, affiliated colleges, and Periyar University Centre for Online and Distance Education (PUCODE). There are 27 departments and 113 affiliated colleges that fall under the University. The university provides undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), and doctoral programs in several subjects which include physical sciences, mathematics, bio-sciences, business studies, social sciences, life sciences, languages, energy & environmental sciences, and professional studies. The university has been in the news lately over the extension of its Vice-Chancellor R Jagannathan. The Periyar University Employees Union (PUEU) submitted petitions to Chief Minister MK Stalin and Governor RN Ravi, urging them not to extend the tenure of Vice-Chancellor R. Jagannathan. In the petition, union general secretary C Sakthivel stated that R Jagannathans tenure will be over this month. He claimed several allegations against the VC, including the establishment of a foundation without getting government or syndicate approval and making appointments without adhering to the 200-point roster system. Stay ahead with all the exam results updates on News18 Website. President Droupadi Murmu has rejected the mercy petition of a Pakistani national Mohammed Arif who was sentenced to death for the December 22, 2000 terrorist attack at the Red Fort in Delhi in which three people including two Army jawans were killed. The Presidents decision came after Arifs attempts to seek relief from the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court in his appeals against a trial court verdict dating back to October 2005 were unsuccessful. In 2007, the Delhi High Court confirmed the trial courts decision following which Arif moved an appeal in the Supreme Court. On August 10, 2011, a Bench dismissed the appeal by characterising the attack as a blatant, brazen-faced and audacious act aimed to overawe the government of India. Highlighting the historical significance of the Red Fort as a national monument, the Bench concluded that the case met the rarest of rare standard for awarding the death penalty. But Arif continued to file successive petitions at the Supreme Court against the death sentence. Whats the Case Against Arif? Two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists sneaked into the Red Fort and opened fire, killing two jawans of the Armys Rajputana Rifles regiment and civilian security guard in the evening of December 22, 2000. Assault rifles abandoned outside the Red Fort, and four detonators with warning tags in Urdu were found by investigators. A polythene bag containing a slip which had a mobile number written on it was also found, which led the Delhi Police to Arif alias Ashfaq. He was arrested along with his wife on December 26. Delhi Police filed a chargesheet against Arif and 21 others on February 20, 2001, and a supplementary chargesheet on March 25 that year. The trial of 11 accused began on September 11, 2001. Over the next three years, the prosecution examined 235 witnesses, and the trial court reserved judgment on October 14, 2005. On October 31, the court found seven of the accused guilty, and sentenced Arif to death. How Many Times Arif Made Appeals? In 2007, the Delhi High Court confirmed the trial courts decision to sentence Arif to death. Arif then appealed to the Supreme Court. The first review petition was rejected in August 2012, and the curative petition heard by the five senior-most judges of the Supreme Court only on limited grounds was rejected in January 2014. The case was then placed before a three-judge Bench led by former Chief Justice of India UU Lalit. On November 3, 2022, nearly 22 years after the attack, the Bench rejected Arifs plea, finding that there was a direct attack on the unity, integrity and sovereignty of India. What are Clemency Powers Under Constitution? The President and Governor can pardon relief to convicts who have been sentenced to death. Under Articles 72 and 161, both constitutional authorities have the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment or to suspend, remit or commute the sentence. However, the President does not exercise this power independently Article 74 mandates that he or she has to act on the advice of the Council of Ministers. Thus, the President and Governor can examine the merits of the case independently and decide whether the convict can be pardoned. Moreover, Article 74(2) of the Constitution prohibits any court from enquiring into the question whether any, and if so what, advice was tendered by Ministers to the President. This implies that there is no way to scrutinise how a President arrived at a decision unless the Council itself chooses to divulge the recommendation. If a High Court or the Supreme Court has awarded death sentence to a convict, then he or she can file a mercy petition to the Home department of the concerned state. The petition is then forwarded to the Governor with its advice on whether to accept or reject it. If the Governor declines the petition, then it is forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs, which sends it to the President, seeking advice. The President can agree with the recommendation or send it back for reconsideration. However, if the same recommendation is reiterated, the President is constitutionally obligated to accept it. In 2006, the Supreme Court in Epuru Sudhakar & Another v. Andhra Pradesh highlighted the grounds for review by ruling that a decision under Article 72 can be challenged if it was passed without application of mind; it is mala fide; it was passed on extraneous or wholly irrelevant considerations; relevant materials were kept out of consideration; it suffers from arbitrariness, as quoted by The Hindu. In executive procrastination, the Top Court has said it violates the right to life and personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution. It ruled that undue, inordinate and unreasonable delay in dealing with a mercy petition amounted to torture. There have been reports that speculated former Presidents such as KR Narayan, APJ Abdul Kalam and Pratibha Patil sat on mercy petitions where they disagreed with the governments advice. Moreover, former President Pranab Mukherjee is said to have rejected the advice of the government while commuting the death sentence in five cases. Pakistan now joins countries like China, Iran, Turkey, and Russia in employing a national firewall to regulate internet content. The Pakistani media has reported that the country will be implementing a firewall to control social media access to X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and YouTube. The Pakistan government has agreed to the internet service providers to install a firewall which will have a special feature Deep Packet Inspection capability. The move follows the temporary blocking of X in Pakistan earlier this year. The government said the goal is to stop the spread of undesirable content, which includes propaganda and content deemed offensive by the government. The Pakistan government justified the blocking of X website citing non-compliance with laws and its alleged failure to register within the country. How will Firewall Work in Pakistan? Firewall is a security tool that stops online traffic from reaching to a particular website. They can prevent malicious actors from targeting individual users computer systems or home networks, and even thwart cyber threats on specific websites. You can also look at the settings of your personal computer that has the options to set up firewalls with different restriction levels. A firewall can be a physical device, or a software-based tool. It depends on a specific users needs. The firewall will reportedly use Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) technology to examine the data packets and identify the source of propaganda material. Keyword filtering will be used to identify and block content deemed undesirable by the government, potentially including blasphemy, hate speech, or content critical of the state. The government will also regulate Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which some users have employed to bypass restrictions on X. The temporary blocking of X in Pakistan has reduced its user base from 4.5 million to 2.4 million. Whenever an Internet shutdown or block is implemented, the countrys citizens suffer a huge setback, education is disrupted, and healthcare institutions struggle to provide quality care. According to estimates from the digital privacy research group Top10VPN, Pakistan has shut down the internet for 1,752 hours so far in 2024. Disadvantages of Firewall Firewalls can be restrictive and can limit users from performing legitimate operations. These restrictions can impede productivity and even prompt users to begin utilising backdoor exploits to work around them. Firewalls can also bring up antitrust concerns. Well-performing companies and businesses that would normally gain more users may be blocked and replaced by government-approved alternatives with lower privacy and service standards, degrading the Internet users experience even further. Software firewalls tend to be less expensive and easier to deploy, but require terminal resources. Hardware firewalls require purchase and installation for each network node, which in large-scale corporate networks can be costly depending on the firewalls purchased. Has Pakistan Blocked Internet Before? In 2012, the Pakistans government blocked around 20,000 websites, including YouTube, per a Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) official. In 2017, Jack Dorsey-led Twitter posted on its Global Government Affairs account that it was aware of reports that the Pakistani government has taken action to block Twitter service, as well as other social media services. During the recent general elections in Pakistan, its government blocked access to X for days earlier this year. Internet service was largely affected during this period. Pakistani authorities have already imposed multiple shutdowns that disrupted opposition activities during this election cycle. At least 11 Internet shutdowns were imposed during the last election year of 2018, and the authoritarian use of shutdowns has only emboldened through 2022, 2023, and now 2024, said digital rights advocacy group Access Now, in a statement in February, as quoted by The Hindu. The just concluded G7 Summit in Italy has laid emphasis on the India-Europe Corridor also known as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) to improve strategies ties among the countries amid West Asia tensions, which may have delayed the project. The Communique was issued on June 14 after the customary family photo at the luxury resort of Borgo Egnazia in Italy, where the G7 also reiterated a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law. We will further promote concrete G7 PGII (Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment) initiatives, flagship projects, and complementary initiatives to develop transformative economic corridors for quality infrastructure and investment, such as the deepening of our coordination and financing for the Lobito Corridor, the Luzon Corridor, the Middle Corridor, and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, also building on the EU Global Gateway, the Great Green Wall Initiative, and the Mattei Plan for Africa launched by Italy, reads the communique. India has already started the work on the IMEC that was announced on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders Summit in Delhi last year. But there are rail links in Saudi Arabia and other countries that need to be established. What is IMEC? The IMEC is a connectivity project that seeks to develop infrastructure ports, railways, roads, sea lines and pipelines to improve trade among India, the Arabian Peninsula, the Mediterranean region and Europe, and potentially open greater access to the African continent. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the IMEC was signed in September 2023 in New Delhi during the G-20 summit by India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), France, Germany, Italy, the US and the EU. In addition to the signatories of the MoU, Israel and Greece have also expressed enthusiasm about joining the project. What are the Geopolitical Implications? The Hamas attacks of October 7 and the ongoing Israeli assault on Gaza present the latest challenge to the IMEC. Any project connecting Jordan with Israel will face strong opposition from the Jordanian public, especially the Palestinian population, and the government has taken a firm stance against Israels bombardment of Gaza, according to think tank Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Many also believe that the IMEC could have helped prevent some of the disruption caused by the tension around the Red Sea and allowed for smoother movement of goods to Europe. The attack by Yemens Houthi rebels around Red Sea caused a massive delay in shipment, forcing ships to take a much longer route. The IMEC is also seen as an initiative by like-minded nations to gain strategic influence in the face of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has faced increasing criticism over lack of transparency and disregard for sovereignty of the nations. Other Challenges A practical economic challenge for the IMEC is that the Arabian Gulf countries are not manufacturing hubs. Therefore, the freights will be costlier if they have to remain empty, as per an article written by a JNU Associate Professor. Another important point noted is that three big regional economies in the Middle East, namely Turkiye, Egypt and Iran, and other smaller but vibrant economies, namely Iraq, Qatar and Kuwait, have been left out of the IMEC, making it inherently lacking in the idea of bringing greater economic integration. How is the Project Significant for India? The Indian government wants to build on the existing trade and economic relations between India and the Arab Gulf region, which has the potential to grow further if the necessary infrastructure and connectivity gaps are filled, and the IMEC precisely intends to do that. The IMEC also connects the other regional countries, especially Israel and Jordan, important regional partners of India, making it even more economically attractive. Indias economic presence in the region will increase and create opportunities for Indian companies to invest in building the missing infrastructure. Not just in the Middle East, the IMEC promises to connect India with the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Europe with a shorter route bypassing checkpoints of Bab al-Mandab and the Suez Canal. Another geopolitical reason for India to root for IMEC is to emerge as a faster global power considering how it has carved out a path for economic growth since 1991 and being part of the G20. How can China Pose a Threat? Even though the US is pushing for IMEC as a counter to BRI, China has already a considerable influence along the proposed route of IMEC. An important link in IMEC is the Greek port of Piraeus the largest port in Eastern Europewhich will receive cargo coming from the Haifa port in Israel. The Chinese shipping company Cosco has been the majority stakeholder in the port since 2016, when the Greek government sold the company two-thirds stakes. Thus, this Chinese company has all the powers to decide the future of the port and control the piers and terminals, according to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. The deep financial ties between China and Arab Gulf can limit IMECs future. Trade between China and Saudi Arabia stood at more than $106 billion in 2022, almost double the value of US-Saudi trade. China has also acquired a minority 20% stake in Red Sea Gateway Terminal, the largest port in Saudi Arabia. The value of non-oil China-UAE trade exceeded $72 billion in 2022 alone, and China has already invested in multiple development schemes. Amidst outrage over recent reports of a human finger and centipede in ice cream ordered online, students of a government engineering college in Bihar claimed to have found a snake in the food served at the mess. According to a TOI report, students of a government engineering college in Bihars Banka discovered pieces of what appeared to be a snake in the meal served at the mess. As many as 11 students fell sick after consuming the food and were rushed to a hospital where they were treated for symptoms of nausea and vomiting. The students are now in a stable condition. A picture of the meal surfaced on social media wherein what appears to be a tail of something could be seen in the food. Following the incident, the college administration changed the food vendor and imposed a fine on the accused. Additionally, the administration made it mandatory for the principal and teachers to consume food with students every day. Earlier this week, a Mumbai doctor allegedly found a human finger in an ice cream cone his sister had ordered online on Wednesday. The incident took place in Malad when a woman ordered ice cream along with other items via a grocery delivery app. Malad resident, 26-year-old Orlem Brendan Serrao, had eaten half of the butterscotch ice cream when he sensed something wrong on his tongue. When he took a closer look, he found a human finger inside it. A Noida woman claimed to have found a frozen centipede inside a tub of Amul ice cream, which she ordered from the 10-minute grocery delivery platform Blinkit. The incident, which reportedly occurred in Sector 12 of Noida, sparked concerns over food safety standards after a video of the unsettling find went viral on microblogging site X. Four persons are still missing, while 13 have been rescued following the boat tragedy near Umanath Ganga ghat in Barh sub-division of Patna district on Sunday morning, officials said. So far, 13 people have been rescued, including those who managed to swim to the banks. Rescue operation is still on to trace the four missing persons, Patna district administration said in a statement. The mishap took place at around 9.15 am near Umanath Ganga Ghat when the boat carrying 17 people, mostly belonging to a family, overturned midway. The boat overturned and sank in the middle of the Ganga river, Shubham Kumar, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (Barh), was quoted as saying by news agency PTI. Search operations to trace the four missing persons is continuing. They have been identified as Avdesh Kumar (60), Hardev Prasad (65), Nitish Kumar (30) and a 45-year-old woman, Kumar said. On getting information, officials of the district administration and police personnel reached the spot and started rescue operations with the help of locals to trace the whereabouts of the missing occupants of the ill-fated boat, said the SDM. The search operation is on to trace the six missing persons, he said. We are also engaging personnel of the state disaster relief force. We are trying to ascertain the identity of the missing persons, the SDM added. Meanwhile, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has instructed officials to intensify their search operations to trace the missing persons. According to a statement by the CMO, The CM has categorically instructed officials to continue search operations till the missing persons are found. (With inputs from PTI) Amid the worsening water crisis in Delhi, Water Minister Atishi on Sunday urged the Delhi Police Commissioner to deploy police personnel to patrol and protect major pipelines. In a letter to Commissioner Sanjay Arora, sought increased security around the pipelines in the national capital for the next 15 days. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader said that due to a shortage of water being received in the Yamuna, water production has fallen by around 70 million gallons per day (MGD) and many parts of Delhi are experiencing water shortages. Atishis Letter In this situation, every drop of water becomes precious. Delhi Jal Board (DJP) has patrolling teams for our main water distribution network that carries raw water to the Water Treatment Plants (WTPs) and then from our WTPs to our main underground reservoirs in different parts of the city. In addition, we have deployed teams under the supervision of ADMs to support in this work, she said. The Minister claimed the DJB teams found water supply pipelines were damaged in some places. Yesterday our ground patrolling team reported a major leakage in our South Delhi Rising Mains, the main water pipeline that carries water from Sonia Vihar WTP) to South Delhi. This was near the DTL substation in Garhi Medhu. Our patrolling team found that several large 375 mm bolts and one 12-inch bolt had been cut from the pipeline causing the leakage. The fact that several large bolts had been cut seems to indicate foul play and sabotage, she said. Atishi said the DJB team repaired the pipeline but due to the closure of the water supply for maintenance, a large quantity of water couldnt be supplied to the people of Delhi, exacerbating the crisis. I am writing to request deployment of police personnel to patrol and protect our major pipelines for the next 15 days. This would be very important for putting a stop to miscreants or people with ulterior motives from tampering with our water pipelines which have now become Delhis lifelines. At this juncture any foul play and sabotage will worsen the already difficult water shortage being faced by the people of Delhi, she added. Three Injured In Dispute Over Water In Dwarka Delhi police on Sunday said it received two PCR calls regarding a dispute over filling water from a common tap in the Dwarka district area. Three people were injured in this dispute and were shifted to Indira Gandhi Hospital. There is no communal angle. Two cross-cases were registered on the statement of both parties. Investigation underway, the police said. AAP Leader At Jal Shakti Ministers House AAP MLAs today also reached the house of union Jal Shakti minister CR Patil to request him to resolve the matter. #WATCH | AAP MLA Dilip Pandey says We came here to meet Minister CR Patil to find a solution for the issue of water crisis in Delhi. We got to know that he is not here and we will not be able to meet him today. If the Jal Shakti Minister does interstate coordination, the issue pic.twitter.com/w3TyI5irzU ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2024 We came here to meet Minister CR Patil to find a solution for the issue of water crisis in Delhi. We got to know that he is not here and we will not be able to meet him today. If the Jal Shakti Minister does interstate coordination, the issue of water shortage will be reduced, said AAP MLA Dilip Pandey. BJP, Cong Hold Matka Phod Protests The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday organised a matka-phod protest against the AAP government over the water shortage in Delhi. BJP MP from New Delhi Bansuri Swaraj took part in the protest along with other senior party leaders. #WATCH | Delhi: On the water shortage in Delhi, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj says, This is not a natural problem, it has been created by the AAP. Delhi has sufficient water, and Haryana is releasing more water than agreed upon. In just 10 years, AAP has taken Delhi Jal Board from a pic.twitter.com/Tn6212uN2E ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2024 This is not a natural problem, it has been created by the AAP. Delhi has sufficient water, and Haryana is releasing more water than agreed upon. In just 10 years, AAP has taken Delhi Jal Board from a profit of Rs 600 crores in 2013 to a loss of Rs 73000 crores in 2024, Swaraj said. Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva, who also took part in the agitation said, If there is anyone responsible for the water shortage in Delhi, it is CM Arvind Kejriwal and the AAP government The water shortage in Delhi is not natural. Delhi has requisite water reserves and Haryana is giving water in quantities more than it is bound to Water theft and wastage is the basic reason why Delhi is short of water. #WATCH | Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva says, If there is anyone responsible for the water shortage in Delhi, it is CM Arvind Kejriwal and the AAP government The water shortage in Delhi is not natural. Delhi has requisite water reserves and Haryana is giving water in pic.twitter.com/Fmki5CrWY3 ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2024 On the other hand, the Delhi Congress, under the leadership of its chief Devender Yadav, held matka phod protests across the city on Saturday with its members smashing earthen pots to the ground. Carrying earthen pots on their heads and Congress flags, the protesters raised slogans against the Delhi government and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Later, they threw the pots on the ground. Yadav, who also joined the protests, demanded a special session of the assembly to discuss the issue. The protesters, carrying placards and banners, shouted anti-government slogans. Yadav said that the Delhi Congress has been taking up the water scarcity issue for the past 20 to 25 days. Both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) governments have been neglecting the plight of the people and are busy blaming each other for water scarcity, he alleged. Yadav claimed that while the Congress has been taking up issues that are affecting the people of Delhi, such as water crisis and frequent power breakdowns, the Delhi government was not doing anything to address these issues. Delhi BJP Claims Collusion by AAP Leaders in Illegal Water Connections Meanwhile, Delhi unit Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Virendra Sachdeva on Saturday accused the AAP leaders including its MLAs and ministers of hatching a conspiracy to fill their coffers while the common people continue to suffer. Sachdeva, citing the case of Buddha Vihar in Delhis Inder Puri area, claimed that the AAP leaders colluded with the officials in giving illegal water connections to local residents. At least Rs 35,000 was charged from each resident for granting illegal water connection. No paper work was done, no water meters were installed. And, this water connection was later attached to Delhi Jal Board pipeline, he alleged, and also questioned the motive behind such a step. The Delhi BJP chief claimed that it is not the handiwork of some rogue elements but has been made possible because of a whole machinery working with political patronage. Further targeting Delhi Water Minister Atishi, he questioned: If those illegal connections are still running, why were they not legalised? The answer is that they want this illegal money to go into their pockets and not to the government exchequer, he added. Nearly three months after a Chennai resident lost Rs 15.26 lakh in a drugs-in-parcel scam, Tamil Nadu police have arrested a 23-year-old man from Rajasthan who allegedly defrauded the complainant through impersonation. On March 17 this year, a person falsely claiming to represent Mumbai branch of FedEx courier company, deceived the resident, S Ashok Ranjit, by conveying to him over phone that his parcel to Taiwan from Mumbai contained contraband items. The fraudster told Ranjit who lives in downtown Kilpauk here that Mumbai police would inquire him and passed on the phone to another person who claimed to be from Mumbai police. The person who impersonated as a Mumbai police official intimidated Ranjith saying that he would be arrested and later through a Skype call asked him to transfer his bank balance to a specified bank account, a Chennai police release said on Saturday. The conman told Ranjit that the money remitted by him to the specified account will be transferred to RBI and if he was found to be not guilty, the money would be transferred back to his account. Ranjit, through two instalments, transferred Rs 15.26 lakh to the bank account mentioned by the fraudsters and later, following his visit to his bank, he understood that he had been duped and lodged a police complaint. Following investigation, a team of cybercrime sleuths camped in Rajasthan and arrested Vishalkumar from Daulatpura near Jaipur for defrauding Ranjith. Vishalkumar was produced before a court in Rajasthan and later he was brought here and lodged in a prison after producing him in a Chennai court. There have been a number of other cases of similar nature in other regions of the country and Chennai police had arrested five men in April in connection with another case of the same kind, which was also reported in Chennai. FedEX, on its website, said it does not request, via unsolicited call, mail, text or email, payment or personal information in return for goods in transit or in FedEx custody. If you receive any of these or similar communications, do not reply or cooperate with the sender. Mumbai Cyber Police have filed charges against a 25-year-old man from Rajasthan who was arrested for making threatening videos against Bollywood star Salman Khan. Banwarilal Laturlal Gujar, who hails from a village in Bundi district, allegedly discussed the Bishnoi Gang in a YouTube video and hinted at plans to harm Salman. Gujar was caught from Boarda village after a team was dispatched to probe the matter, considering the seriousness of the threat. A case was registered at South Cyber Police Station under sections 506(2), 504, 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and section 66(d) of the Information Technology (IT) Act, against him. This development came as Mumbai Police earlier this week recorded statements of Salman and his brother Arbaaz Khan in connection with the incident of firing outside the familys residence in April. A four-member crime branch team visited Galaxy Apartments in Bandra, where Salman lives, on June 4. Salmans statement was recorded for nearly four hours, while his brothers statement was recorded for more than two hours. Two motorbike-borne men fired multiple rounds outside Salman Khans residence in the early hours of April 14. While recording their statements, the crime branch officials asked Salman and Arbaaz around 150 questions, the official said. Salman Khan has taken the incident seriously, realizing that there was a threat to his life, and appreciated the efforts taken by the Mumbai police to nab the culprits, he said. In his statement, Salman told the police that he was home on the day of the incident, having returned late at night. The sound of a bullet that hit his flats balcony woke him up, the official said, citing the statement. Arbaaz Khan was at his Juhu residence at the time, but his statement too was recorded as he was aware of the history of threats issued by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to Salman, the official said. Police have claimed that the Bishnoi gang was behind the incident. The gang had issued threats to Salman Khan in the past, but so far, its members have not tried to extort money from the actor, the police official said. Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal, alleged shooters involved in the April 14 firing incident, were subsequently arrested from Gujarat. A total of six persons were arrested in the case. One of them, Anuj Thapan, allegedly hanged himself in police lock-up on May 1. In a separate case, Navi Mumbai Police earlier this month arrested five persons, including an alleged member of Bishnoi and Goldier Brar gangs from Haryana, in connection with a plot to attack Salman Khan. Four gang members had recced Khans farmhouse in Panvel, the area around his home in Bandra, and places he visited for film shooting, police had said. Lawrence Bishnoi is currently lodged in the Sabarmati Central Prison in Gujarats Ahmedabad in a different case, and Mumbai police will now move a court to seek his custody, the official said. His brother Anmol, believed to be in Canada, has been shown as a wanted accused in the firing case. (With agency inputs) The District Election Officer (DEO), Mumbai Suburban, on Sunday acknowledged that there was unauthorised use of mobile phone at the counting centre in Mumbai North West Lok Sabha constituency, stating that a criminal case has already been filed by the Returning Officer (RO). However, it maintained that there is no One Time Password (OTP) on mobile for unlocking an EVM, as it is non-programmable and has no wireless communication capabilities. It is a complete lie being spread by a newspaper, which is being used by some leaders to create a false narrative, the DEO added. In a post on X, the DEO issued a statement signed by Vandana Suryavanshi, Returning Officer Mumbai North West PC saying that EVMs are standalone devices without any wired or wireless connectivity with units outside the EVM system. Advanced technical features and robust administrative safeguards are in place to rule out any possibility of manipulation. Safeguards include conducting everything in the presence of candidates or their agents, the DEO added. The DEO said the incident in Mumbai North West Constituency Counting Centre was about unauthorisedly using the mobile phone of an authorised person by a candidates aide. Criminal case has already been filed by the Returning Officer. The DEO further explained that counting of Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) happens in physical form (paper ballots) and not electronics as being spread through false narratives. Every counting sheet at every table for ETPBS and EVM counting and postal ballot counting (including ETPBS) is signed by all counting agents after due diligence, the statement said, adding that the RO is proceeding against the newspaper for spreading rumours maligning Indian voters and the electoral system. When the Lok Sabha results were announced on June 4, Ravindra Waikar from the Shiv Sena won the polls by the lowest margin of just 48 votes. He defeated Amol Gajanan Kirtikar of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) in Mumbai North West. Interestingly, Waikar lost the polls in EVM votes, but won on the basis of postal ballots. Mumbai Police Clarifies Misleading Claims The Mumbai Police informed that a case has been registered at Vanrai Police Station for allowing an individual to use a mobile phone illegally, despite the prohibition on the use of mobile phones and electronic items at the counting station. While the case is still under investigation, some English & Marathi news media published news stating To unlock EVM, a mobile phone was used to generate OTP. No such information is released to any newspaper by Mumbai Police. Therefore such news articles are false & misleading, it said. ALSO READ | Shiv Senas Waikar Wins from Mumbai North West by 48 Votes, Lowest Margin of 2024 Lok Sabha Polls Opposition Leaders Raise Concerns Since Sunday morning, several opposition leaders from the INDIA alliance have been raising the issue of unauthorised use of mobile phone, as cited by the newspaper. In a post on X, citing the article, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said that EVMs in India are a black box, and nobody is allowed to scrutinise them. Serious concerns are being raised about transparency in our electoral process. Democracy ends up becoming a sham and prone to fraud when institutions lack accountability, he said. EVMs in India are a black box, and nobody is allowed to scrutinize them.Serious concerns are being raised about transparency in our electoral process. Democracy ends up becoming a sham and prone to fraud when institutions lack accountability. https://t.co/nysn5S8DCF pic.twitter.com/7sdTWJXOAb Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 16, 2024 Taking to X, Aditya Thackeray wrote, Once a traitor, always a traitor! The case of the mindhe gang candidate from North West Mumbai gets murkier, as the gaddar candidate indulges in treachery with democracy now. Surprisingly, or not, the Entirely Compromised- election commission, has refused to share CCTV footage of the counting centre. I guess its trying to avoid another Chandigarh moment. We always said bjp and mindhe gang want to finish our democracy and change our constitution. This malpractice is a part of their constant effort to do so, he added. Once a traitor, always a traitor!The case of the mindhe gang candidate from North West Mumbai gets murkier, as the gaddar candidate indulges in treachery with democracy now. Surprisingly, or not, the Entirely Compromised- election commission, has refused to share CCTV footage pic.twitter.com/hT27Bb2qDQ Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) June 16, 2024 Priyanka Chaturvedi, Rajya Sabha MP from the Shiv Sena UBT, also on X, accused the RO of not being transparent. Madam Returning Officer is implicating the election office further rather than bring transparency. Many more questions arise from Vandana Suryawanshi jis conference rather than get answers regarding the process for Mumbai North West election result, she said. She said that this is a fraud at the highest level and yet the Election Commission of India (ECI) continues to sleep. The manipulated winners relative was carrying a mobile phone at the counting centre which had the ability to unlock EVM machine. If ECI doesnt step in this will be the biggest election result scam after Chandigarh Mayor election and will see this battle in the courts. This brazenness has to be punished, the MP said. In todays digest, News18 brings you the latest updates on the G7 Summit. We are also covering the debate between Former Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar and Tesla CEO Elon Musk on the validity of EVMs, among other top stories. What is the India-Europe Corridor That G7 Summit Commits to Promote? How China Could be a Challenge The just concluded G7 Summit in Italy has laid emphasis on the India-Europe Corridor also known as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) to improve strategies ties among the countries amid West Asia tensions, which may have delayed the project. READ MORE EVMs Can Be Built Right: Ex-Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar Counters Elon Musks Call For Elimination Former Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Sunday took strong objection to SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musks call for eliminating electronic voting machines (EVMs) citing the possibility of electronic devices being hacked by humans or artificial intelligence. READ MORE Amit Shah Chairs Review Meet For Amarnath Yatra Preps, J&K Security Situation Amid Recent Attacks Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday took stock of the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of the recent terror attacks. The home minister also reviewed the preparation for the annual Amarnath pilgrimage set to start on June 29. READ MORE Modi 3.0 Kingmakers JD(U), TDP Differ As BJP Wants To Retain Lok Sabha Speaker Post; INDIA Bloc May Also Field Candidate If The Oppositions INDIA bloc might field a candidate for the post of Speaker for the 18th Lok Sabha if the Deputy Speakers post is not given to their camp, according to sources. The Lok Sabha will elect its new Speaker on June 26 for which notices for motions supporting candidates can be submitted till noon a day prior, according to the Lok Sabha secretariat. READ MORE Karnataka Defends Fuel Price Hike Move, Says Funds Needed For Guarantees And Development Work Defending the move to hike fuel prices in Karnataka, State Minister for Commerce and Industries MB Patil has asserted that this decision was made to fund the guarantee schemes and other developmental work in the southern state. Patil stressed that despite the increase in fuel rates in Karnataka, they remain lower than in other states. READ MORE Telangana: Section 144 Imposed In Medak After Clash Between Two Communities Over Cow Transport Section 144 was imposed near Ramdas Chowrasta In Telanganas Medak district after a clash erupted between two communities over the alleged illegal transport of cows on Saturday. At least seven people were injured in violence that broke out during a protest by Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) leaders and Hindu Vahini Sena members. READ MORE Delhi Water Crisis: Atishi Urges Delhi Police To Patrol At Pipelines For 15 Days, AAP MLAs Seek Jal Shakti Ministers Help Amid the worsening water crisis in Delhi, Water Minister Atishi on Sunday urged the Delhi Police Commissioner to deploy police personnel to patrol and protect major pipelines. In a letter to Commissioner Sanjay Arora, sought increased security around the pipelines in the national capital for the next 15 days. READ MORE Watch: Noida Woman Claims To Find Centipede In Ice Cream Tub Ordered Online A Noida womans plan to prepare a mango shake for her five-year-old son turned south when she found a frozen centipede inside a tub of Amul ice cream, which she ordered from the 10-minute grocery delivery platform Blinkit. READ MORE India Captain Rohit Sharma And Fast Bowling Trio Take the Spotlight in Round 1 But Virat Kohlis Start a Big Concern Indias final Group A match was a damp squib with a wet outfield after four days of heavy downpours forcing what would have been their first meeting with Canada at the international level to be called off without a toss. The abandoned game did rob a few of their players a chance to get back into some form, especially Virat Kohli who has managed five runs from three innings so far in addition to giving chances to the players who have been warming the benches. READ MORE Varun Dhawan Shares FIRST Pic of Daughter, Reveals Hes Going To Spend Fathers Day Working Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan shared the first picture of his daughter on the occasion of Fathers Day. He said he is the happiest to be a father of a baby girl. Happy Fathers Day. My father taught me that the best way to celebrate this day is by going out there and working for your family so Ill be doing just that. Couldnt be happier to be a girl dad, Varun wrote. READ MORE US Shooting At Michigan Water Park Leaves 10 Injured, Including 8-Year-Old Boy; Suspect Detained Gunfire erupted at a water park in the US state of Michigan on Saturday evening in what police called a random attack, leaving as many as 10 people, including an 8-year-old, wounded. READ MORE Pavithra Gowda, one of the prime accused in the murder of a fan of Kannada superstar Darshan, is just a co-star of the actor and not his wife, Darshans counsel Anil Babu clarified on Saturday. Darshan, his partner Pavithra Gowda, and 14 others were arrested earlier this week on charges of murdering Renukaswamy (33), a resident of Chitradurga. The probe so far revealed that Renukaswamy was a big fan of Darshan and had sent derogatory messages to Pavithra Gowda on social media. The victim was allegedly kidnapped, brought to Bengaluru, kept in a shed, and brutally tortured to death. Speaking to reporters after visiting Darshan at the Annapoorneshwari Nagar police station on Saturday, Anil Babu said, I have met Darshan twice after his arrest. I am representing Darshan through his wife, in-laws, and family members. His wife Vijayalaxmi is sad with some sections of the media projecting Pavithra Gowda as Darshans wife. She cant even go outside. According to Anil Babu, Vijayalaxmi wants to clarify to the media and the people of Karnataka that she is the only legally married wife (of Darshan), and there is no one else other than her. The couple has one son. Pavithra Gowda is a co-artiste and friend of Darshan, and there is no relationship between them, he said. When asked about the police and the authorities addressing Pavithra Gowda as Darshans wife, Anil Babu said most probably they did so by mistake. There is no record to prove that Pavithra Gowda is Darshans wife. Had they been married, there should have been some documents, but there is nothing to show that she is the wife of Darshan, Anil Babu maintained. Darshan is married to only one person, which is Vijayalaxmi, he added. Asked about Darshans state in police custody, the counsel said, He is doing fine. We cannot ask many questions in the presence of the police other than his health condition, etc. Darshan had pain in his shoulder and ankle. A media trial is going on with reports already claiming that Darshan will get 14 years in jail. We will move a bail application before the sessions court at an appropriate time after getting the necessary documents, he said. To recall, Pavithra Gowda had put up a post on social media celebrating 10 years of her relationship with the actor, which Vijayalaxmi strongly objected to as she slammed her for destroying her family. While the actors fans were divided over their support for either of the two women, Renukaswamy had backed Vijayalaxmi and sent derogatory messages to Pavithra Gowda that reportedly triggered a chain of events leading to his death. Two jawans of the Indian Army were killed and six others, two of them critically, wounded after a private bus collided with the autorickshaw they were travelling in near Nagpur on Sunday evening, police said. The auto driver also suffered grievous injuries in the accident that took place on the Kanhan river bridge near Kamptee town around 5 pm, they said. What led to the collision was not immediately clear, they said. According to senior police officials from Nagpur, the seven injured persons are being treated at different hospitals. Altogether, 15 jawans from Armys Guard Regimental Training Center (GRC) at Kamptee, about 20 km from Nagpur, had gone shopping to Kanhan in two autos. On their return, a bus belonging to Paval Travels collided with one of the autos, crushing it, said an official. The jawans in the other auto and locals pulled out the soldiers stuck in the accident-hit mangled autorickshaw, he said. Of the eight jawans in the auto, Vighnesh and Dheeraj Rai succumbed to their injuries during treatment, he said. The other injured jawans have been identified as Din Pradhan, Kumar P, Shekhar Jadhav, Arvind, Murugan, and Nagaratnam, said police. The condition of Kumar P, admitted to a hospital at Kamptee, and Nagaratnam, being treated at the Government Medical College and Hospital in Nagpur, is critical, he said. Auto driver Shankar Kharakban is also in a serious condition, said the official. After the accident, angry locals vandalised the bus and blocked the Nagpur-Jabalpur Highway, the official said. Police are trying to ascertain the reason behind the collision, he added. Ahead of International Yoga Day on June 21, hundreds of fitness enthusiasts gathered at iconic Trafalgar Square in London on Saturday to celebrate the ancient Indian wellness practice. More than 700 people participated in the event organised by the Indian mission in the UK. Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami expressed delight at the turnout, underlining the inclusive nature of yoga. Yoga lovers and enthusiasts from London gathered at #TrafalgarSquare to celebrate the 10th International Day of Yoga today, the Indian mission in the UK said in a post on social media platform X. Diverse communities It was a great pleasure to see over 700 people here at this central spot in London, surrounded by iconic statues, the Indian High Commissioner was quoted as saying by ANI. Doraiswami highlighted the diverse participation from various yoga schools and communities, underscoring yogas role in uniting people from all walks of life. Diverse communities were present, exemplifying the point that our prime minister has said that yoga unites everybody and that yoga is, for everybody The idea was to be to take through the continuity of yoga as a means of healing and as a means of growing, he added. #WATCH | London, United Kingdom: Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami says, It was a great pleasure to be able to have well over 700 people here in this central spot in London and to have multiple yoga schools come here and lead us in the practice of yoga pic.twitter.com/EfOV12Tqiu ANI (@ANI) June 15, 2024 This years event showcased increased participation, with additional yoga schools and a broader range of community involvement. However, Doraiswami said that the essence of the gathering remained focused on yogas healing and personal growth benefits, rather than mere numbers. Hirdesh Gupta, Co-founder of the Indian Diaspora in the UK, echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for promoting yoga globally. Today, we celebrate the 10th International Day of Yoga here at Trafalgar Square, Gupta said. Many have joined to embrace yoga as a daily practice. #WATCH | London, United Kingdom: Co-founder of the Indian Diaspora in the UK Hirdesh Gupta says, We are here today at Trafalgar Square to celebrate the 10th International Day of Yoga organised by the High Commission of India. A lot of people here have joined in today to pic.twitter.com/2lXutIJSvw ANI (@ANI) June 15, 2024 The events theme, womens empowerment, highlighted the role of yoga in promoting gender equality and personal empowerment. Participants engaged in various yoga practices, illustrating its universal appeal and health benefits. The word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word Yuj which means to join. The celebration of yoga underscores its enduring significance as a cultural bridge and wellness practice embraced worldwide. Defending the move to hike fuel prices in Karnataka, State Minister for Commerce and Industries MB Patil has asserted that this decision was made to fund the guarantee schemes and other developmental work in the southern state. Patil stressed that despite the increase in fuel rates in Karnataka, they remain lower than in other states. We need money for Guarantees and development, hence there has been an increase in fuel prices, he said. The state governments move, which has raised petrol prices by Rs 3 and diesel by Rs 3.5 per liter through increased sales tax, has sparked backlash from the opposition. Threatening statewide protests, BJP Karnataka President BY Vijayendra demanded that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah rescind the hike immediately. Faced by defeat in Lok Sabha polls, the chief minister is not ready to accept that the financial situation of the state has deteriorated, but the hike in fuel prices proves it. The government is unable to run the administration because of guarantees, they are unable to get proper resources.The government should withdraw this decision (of fuel price hike), he said. Earlier, the Finance Department of the state issued a notification increasing sales tax on petrol to 29.84% from 25.92%, and on diesel to 18.44% from 14.34%, aiming to generate between Rs 2,500 to Rs 2,800 crore in the fiscal year. This decision follows recent Lok Sabha election results, where the NDA won 19 out of Karnatakas 28 seats. Opposition leader R Ashoka slammed the Congress-led government, labeling the move as anti-people and claiming it penalises voters for supporting the BJP. He accused the government of depleting state funds with unsustainable guarantee schemes, while also pledging resistance against what he described as a burdensome tax on the people. The Congress government in the state has set aside Rs 52,009 crore for his governments flagship five guarantee schemes this year. Drawing a comparison with other states, Karnataka CM defended the fuel price hike, stating the states taxes on fuel remain lower than most South Indian states. Amid heavy criticism from the opposition over the hike in fuel prices in Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah took to the social media platform X to address the issue. He took a jibe at the BJP, accusing the previous BJP government of diverting the states resources. In the bustling city of Mumbai, where fashion trends often dictate the rhythm of life, a quiet revolution is taking placeone that champions sustainability in clothing choices. As global awareness of environmental issues grows, so does the demand for eco-friendly fashion alternatives. Mumbai, a hub of creativity and innovation, is swiftly adapting to this paradigm shift, with sustainable clothing styles and brands becoming increasingly popular. Sustainable Clothing Styles in Mumbai The concept of sustainable fashion revolves around creating clothing that minimizes environmental impact throughout its lifecycle. This includes using organic or recycled materials, employing ethical manufacturing processes, and promoting longevity in design. In Mumbai, traditional styles are merging with sustainable practices, offering a unique blend of heritage and modernity. From handloom sarees to contemporary organic cotton shirts, Mumbais fashion scene is diversifying to cater to eco-conscious consumers. Designers are incorporating local craftsmanship and sustainable materials into their collections, showcasing a fusion of cultural heritage and environmental responsibility. Brands like Anita Dongre Grassroot and Upasana are leading this charge, promoting sustainable livelihoods and eco-friendly practices through their designs. However, several home-grown brands in the city, like House of Abiti are not behind either. To cater to the changing lifestyle and to reach out to the younger crowd, some of these brands are coming with a creative ads and messages for their target audience. The Trend Catching Up Mumbais shift towards sustainable fashion isnt merely a trendits a reflection of changing consumer values and a proactive stance towards environmental conservation. Events like eco-friendly fashion shows and sustainability-focused exhibitions are gaining traction, fostering dialogue and awareness among designers, consumers, and policymakers alike. As more Mumbaikars prioritize ethical considerations in their purchasing decisions, sustainable fashion is becoming mainstream. Social media influencers and celebrities are also playing a crucial role in popularizing eco-friendly brands, amplifying their reach and impact. Fathers Day: A New Option for Sustainable Gifts With Fathers Day approaching, the trend towards sustainable fashion offers a refreshing alternative for thoughtful gifts. Rather than traditional presents, eco-friendly clothing or accessories from Mumbais sustainable brands can make a meaningful statement. Whether its a handcrafted linen shirt or a pair of upcycled denim jeans, these gifts not only celebrate fathers but also support sustainable practices and local artisans. We have launched our latest campaign on Fathers Day named #FromLoveToFatherhood. The campaign captures the moment of a wife revealing to her husband that he is soon going to become a father. The idea is to not just look at Fathers Day from a blanket view of all fathers, but to broaden the horizon for everyone who dons the role of a father, said Moin Kazi, Founder, House of Abiti Looking Ahead In the dynamic landscape of Mumbais fashion industry, sustainable clothing styles and brands are poised to redefine the norms of elegance and responsibility. As more designers and consumers embrace eco-conscious choices, the citys reputation as a fashion capital is evolving towards sustainability and ethical fashion practices. As Mumbai embraces sustainable fashion, it signifies a transformative shift towards a more conscientious and harmonious relationship with the environment. With eco-friendly purchases, Mumbaikars are not just making a fashion statementthey are contributing to a sustainable future for generations to come. Ibrahim Ali Khan, the son of Bollywood stars Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh, recently joined Instagram and made quite the noise with his first Fathers Day post on social media. In a fun twist, Ibrahim shared two photos in a carousel. The first photo had fans doing a double-take as it featured both his father, Saif Ali Khan, and actor Ranbir Kapoor. The second photo was a nostalgic throwback of a young Ibrahim with Saif. The post quickly became a hit, sparking an array of funny comments. Fans flooded the comment section, jokingly asking if Ranbir Kapoor was actually his father. Ibrahim Ali Khan made his Instagram debut on April 30, sharing photos of himself in outfits from a popular sportswear brand. In one, he wears a green T-shirt with beige pants and green sneakers. Another set shows him in a white T-shirt and shorts. Last week, Ibrahim posted a set of intense close-up shots. His photos showcase him as striking like a model. The photos, apparently taken during a photoshoot, have fans raving about his physique and sharp features. At the same time, many couldnt help but compare his striking resemblance to his father. In the pictures, Ibrahim Ali Khan can be seen wearing a white and black vest, striking poses for the camera with a messy hairstyle under low light. Undeniably dashing, Ibrahim showcases the left angle of his face. He added black and white heart emojis to the caption. Meanwhile, fans went gaga over Ibrahims latest look, as evident in the comment section. A fan wrote, And bro seems more Saif Ali Khan than Saif himself, while another commented, Saif is that you? Yet to make his acting debut in Bollywood, Ibrahim has worked as an assistant director in Karan Johars Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. Reportedly, he will soon make his big-screen debut with the upcoming film titled Sarzameen. The film features actors Kajol and Prithviraj Sukumaran. Under the banner of Dharma Productions, the film is directed by Kayoze Irani, the son of actor Boman Irani. Back in 2023, Shah Rukh Khan and Vijay Sethupathi shared the screen space together in Jawan and since then, the actors share a great bond and have often opened up working with each other. Recently, Sethupathi in an interview gushed about SRK, as he recollected working with him. In an interview with Cinema Vikatan, when asked about Shah Rukh, Vijay said in Tamil, I have been surprised to hear Mr Shah Rukh Khans voice. He is a great storyteller. His mind is very versatile. I told him in an interview that he is more attractive as a person than a star. Earlier in an interview with Hindustan Times, Vijay Sethupathi shared, I learn something from everyone. What I learned from Shah Rukh Khan is that his energy levels never go down. One day, during the shoot, he was unwell but you just cant figure it out unless he tells you. Thats an amazing quality he has. He shared a lot of things about me which I felt very happy about. Even what Rajinikanth and Vijay have said about me makes me really happy. I felt happy that they noticed so many aspects about me and my performances. Earlier, recalling his first meeting with Shah Rukh, the Farzi actor has said, I met SRK in Melbourne. I was looking for the chair that mentioned my name and I found mine next to Shah Rukh. He complimented me and I was shocked! At the after-party, he told me that what I said about you was true. SRK treats people equally. I believe actors should treat people equally and the way Shah Rukh treats people is the most lovable trait. During a chat with India Today, Vijay had once opened up about shooting with SRK for the first time. I was nervous on the first day of the shoot, but SRK took care of me like a kid. I was very nervous on day 1, and it was good that my first day of shooting was not with him. But I had a good time. I loved working with SRK, he had added. Reports suggested that a mans death by suicide in the 1990s was linked to his alleged inability to meet actor Sonali Bendre during her visit to Bhopal. Responding to these claims, the actor expressed surprise and confusion regarding the reported fan behavior. While speaking on Mid-Days The Bombay Film Podcast with Mayank Shekhar, Bendre shared her disbelief at the incident, raising concerns about the influence of extreme fan culture. Expressing disbelief, Sonali reacted, questioning the accuracy of the information by asking, Yeh sach hai? [Is it true]? How can someone She was further prompted about any unusual fan incidents she might have encountered, revealing instances of receiving fan mails that were suspected to contain actual blood, Thered be fan mails. We wondered to test, if it was in actual blood. Id be shattered, if it was. Best to appreciate, and leave it at that. How can people place humans on such a pedestal, that theyll fall from, anyway? Regarding fan culture and the intense obsession towards Bollywood stars, Sonali emphasized her inability to comprehend such extreme idolization. She stated, I couldnt understand that kind of obsession for somebody. She added that she is unable to understand how someone can put any human being on that kind of a pedestal. Thats because she feels that person will eventually fall off, which is why she could never put somebody up on a pedestal to that extent. Having begun her career as a model in her teenage years, Sonali transitioned into Bollywood after working on numerous advertisements. She gained recognition for her roles in films like Diljale(1996),Duplicate(1997), Major Saab(1998) and Dhai Akshar Prem Ke (2000). Recently, milestones were reached as her movies Sarfarosh and Hum Saath Saath Hain celebrated their 25th anniversaries earlier this year. Following a break due to her battle with cancer, Sonali marked her return to acting with the web series The Broken News (2022). Her most recent appearance was in the second season of the mentioned web show, signifying her ongoing dedication to her craft and connection with her audience. She had previously opened up about her illness during an interview with Hindustan Times, My illness has taught me that beauty is in imperfection. Perfect things are not as beautiful as imperfect things are. I have learnt to love my imperfections. Now, I dont want to be stuck with just the looks. I want something beyond that which is where Broken News comes in. Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan shared the first picture of his daughter on the occasion of Fathers Day. He said he is the happiest to be a father of a baby girl. Happy Fathers Day. My father taught me that the best way to celebrate this day is by going out there and working for your family so Il be doing just that. Couldnt be happier to be a girl dad, Varun wrote. The Student of the Year actor also shared a picture of his dog, proudly flaunting his dog dad tag. Check out the photos below: Fans took to the comments section and showered Varun Dhawan with love. You already are the best dog dad and now youll be the best girl dad. Happy Fathers Day, hero!! a comment read. I melted at the first slide and then I swiped and lost it , added another. Awwww shes the luckiest little girl, our choti princess , a third comment read. We are so happy for ya! a fan wrote. Varun Dhawan and Natasha Dalal welcomed their first child, a baby girl on June 4 at Mumbais Hinduja Hospital. Today afternoon, the couple made their first public appearance with their baby girl, as they headed home from the hospital. Following the news of their babys arrival, it was reported that Varun and Natasa will be moving into a bigger house. Varun and Natasha were living in an apartment in Juhu that Varun had purchased back in 2017. However, recent reports suggest that the actor has decided to rent fellow actor Hrithik Roshans lavish sea-facing house in Juhu, Mumbai. A source told Hindustan Times, Varun and Natasha will be shifting into this house with their daughter. It is a sea facing apartment, currently occupied by Hrithik, who in turn is moving to another apartment in the same location Juhu. VD and family will have actor Akshay Kumar and producer Sajid Nadiadwala as neighbours, who are residing in the same building. On the work front, Varun will be seen in Baby John, backed by filmmaker Atlee. V.S. Naipaul once quipped, India means the world, in a way. People live in several worlds at the same time. This may sound crude to many critics of India, who have been trying to ride on an iron-clad image of the BJP government through their Goblessian pronouncements, thus stoking and promoting the unfinished business of Partition, nonetheless, Naipauls is a telling articulation of the bundle of contradictions that undergird India. That is to say, to understand India, would be to swallow multiple worlds. It is another matter that the Opposition in India do not understand this simple point. No matter how badly the Opposition and critics may slam, sledge, and try to ostracise Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over the election debacle of the BJP in Uttar Pradesh, it would be an intellectual feebleness, even suicidal, to singularly view the result of the 18th Lok Sabha, 2024 election, as a barometer of his creditability or the delegitimisation of the Yogi model of development. A point can be made that the election results may be an indication that excessive polarisation, convincingly demonstrated by almost all parties in India, can only lead to virtue-signalling gestures rather than converting into votes for all of them, but that is precisely the reason why the Yogi model is still needed in Uttar Pradesh. What this election result signifies is that people have evaded the scrutiny of religion, opting mostly for development, modernisation, employment, and inclusiveness. While compartmentalisation of communities cannot be entirely rejected, it is also understood that people in Uttar Pradesh are looking for cross-fertilisation of ideas/ideologies that can fortify their living standard in quotidian life, thus making the implicit hint that communities may be tacit to be (mis)used as election cannon fodder by political parties. The implication of this shift is already obvious with CM Yogi strictly asking his cabinet ministers, in the wake of the election outcome, to deter from practising VIP culture and instead promote the practice of samvaad (dialogue), samanvay (coordination), samvedansheelta (sensitivity). The mantra is simple if only they are willing to listen. The Yogi model has been the model of communication, interaction, dignity, and development. It has always been like that since its inception in 2017. In fact, CM Yogis efforts to stabilise peoples lives can be gauged from the fact that in the last six and a half years, more than 55 lakh underprivileged people in the state received free housing facilities under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana. Those who cast doubt over the inevitability of Yogi in Uttar Pradesh discount the fact that in his tenure as CM, Yogi has bulldozed the aspirations of criminals, which for so long existed in the state both as a reality and anecdotal evidence. The fact that not many would like to present is that Yogi triggered 68K encroachments [with] Rs 844-crore property seized. These seized lands have been converted into living houses that the Yogi government has provided to the marginalised section of society in the state. That hue and cry over his bulldozer image is, therefore, a diversion tactic by his opponents. It is a strange paradox that those who cry about democratic backsliding and its failure in Uttar Pradesh, whenever Yogi takes strict actions against criminals, do so only due to their inherited character of loot and corruption, something with which the state has become a synonym for so long. The hypocrisy of these experts on democracy is not only acute but also detrimental to the progress of Uttar Pradesh. It is not rocket science to understand that any state can make economic progress only when it ensures a firm grip on the law-and-order situation. By the same equation, it is not difficult to understand who is afraid of strict laws and actions. In Yogi lies the answer to Uttar Pradeshs future. No wonder, he has managed to attract so many investors to the state, which his predecessors failed to do. Under his leadership, Uttar Pradeshs development is no longer a fairy tale but it has become a comprehensible reality, which is reflected in the fact that Uttar Pradesh is contributing 9.2 per cent to the national income. Today, Uttar Pradesh is becoming the growth engine of the countrys development as the second largest economy of the country. In 2021-22, the total GDP of the state was Rs 16.45 lakh crore, which increased to more than Rs 25.48 lakh crore in 2023-24. With eyes set on gaining a $1 trillion economy in his second term as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath means business. In this battle for the states progress and regeneration, let us hope that citizens wont surrender to any abominable rhetoric by critics and the Opposition to defame his rising popularity and mass adulation. The author is a literary critic and columnist. He tweets @opdwivedi82. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. The West Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in its core group meeting on Saturday to assess the dismal performance in the state in the Lok Sabha elections, decided to hold more meetings to find the reason. The BJPs tally of 18 seats dropped to 12, while it had set an ambitious target of 30 out of the 42 Lok Sabha seats. News18 has learnt that the BJP did not want to introspect sitting in a room in Kolkata and hence has decided to do so in all five organisational zones of Bengal North Bengal, Nabadweep, Rahr Bengal, Howrah-Hoogly-Medinipur and Kolkata. The Bengal BJP has decided that all five zones will hold separate meetings where Lok Sabha candidates concerned, their in-charges and all concerned assembly in-charges will be asked to be present, News18 has learnt. During each meeting, either BJP state president Sukanta Majumder, general secretary (organisation) Amitava Chakrabarty or LoP Suvedu Adhikari may be present, depending on their schedule. Chakrabarty will oversee the entire exercise in the state. The meeting was attended by Sukanta Majumder, BJP state president who has been elevated to Modis Council of Ministers, and his colleagues Santanu Thakur, in-charge Sunil Bansal and co-incharges Amit Malviya and Asha Lakhra, among others. The focus of the meeting was slated to be Dilip Ghosh and Suvendu Adhikari, whose constant war of words, without naming each other, has brought discomfiture to the state unit. While Ghosh attended the meeting, Adhikari gave it a miss to meet victims of post-poll violence in Cooch Behar district in North Bengal an area that saw former Union Minister for Home Nishith Pramanik lose to the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Adhikari claimed he visited Cooch Behar on the directions of the central leadership. According to the Election Commission of Indias (ECI) data, TMC received 45.76% of votes in West Bengal, while the BJP scored 38.73%. This gap ensured the TMC won 17 more Lok Sabha seats in the state and BJP lost six seats from its 2019 tally in Bengal. The Lok Sabha result has also necessitated assembly by-poll in four seats in West Bengal Ranaghat South, Raiganj, Bagga and Maniktala in Kolkata on July 10. While both the TMC and Left front have named their candidates, the BJP is yet to name any. The BJP, sources say, discussed a few names for all four seats during this meeting, while settling for three names for each of these four assembly constituencies. The BJP also discussed post-poll violence and how they plan to stand by their cadre in time of need. A BJP team constituted by party president JP Nadda to enquire about the status of cases of post-poll violence will reach Kolkata on Sunday. Former Tripura CM Biplab Deb-led team will meet a few victims at Kolkatas Maheshwari Bhawan. Sources say the BJP wants the focus to remain on Bengal alone on Sunday and Monday when the BJP fact-finding team will be crisscrossing the state. TDP supremo and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu appointed Gajuwaka MLA P Srinivasa Rao Yadav as the partys state president on Sunday, replacing Agriculture Minister K Atchhanaidu. Naidu exuded confidence that Yadav, who worked as Visakhapatnam TDP Parliamentary Party president, will successfully undertake the new responsibility. I am appointing Gajuwaka MLA P Srinivas Rao Yadav as Andhra Pradesh TDP president I congratulate senior party leader Atchhnaidu, who led the party till now as its president, Naidu said in the appointment letter shared on the Telugu Desam Partys (TDP) X handle. As a member of Naidus 25-strong ministerial council, Atchhanaidu has been entrusted with the departments of agriculture, co-operation, marketing, animal husbandry and dairy development & fisheries. A poll official in Mumbai on Sunday dismissed allegations of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) hacking in the Mumbai North West Lok Sabha seat, stating that the EVM is a standalone device with robust administrative safeguards to protect it from any kind of manipulation. she further added that no OTP is required to unlock it. Vandana Suryavanshi, the returning officer of Mumbai North West Lok Sabha constituency, while reacting to a newspaper report about kin of Ravindra Waikar, the Shiv Sena candidate who won by a thin margin of 48 votes, using a mobile phone connected to an EVM during vote counting on June 4. The EVM is a standalone system and there is no need for an OTP to unlock it. It is not programmable and has no wireless communication capabilities. It is a complete lie being spread by a newspaper. We have issued notice to Mid-day newspaper under sections 499, 505 of the Indian Penal Code for defamation and spreading false news, Suryavanshi said during a press conference on Sunday. The Returning Officer has issued a notice to the said newspaper for spreading disinformation about the EVM and creating doubts in the Indian Electrol System. Mangesh Pandilkar, brother-in-law of Waikar, was booked under Indian Penal Code (IPC) section 188 (disobeying official order) on Wednesday for allegedly using a mobile phone at a counting centre in Goregaon on June 4. Suryavanshi further added that the personal mobile phone of one Dinesh Gurav, the data entry operator of the Jogeshwari assembly constituency, was found in the hands of an unauthorised person and action is being taken in this regard. Data entry and vote counting are two different aspects. An OTP enables the ARO to open the encore login system for data entry. The counting process is independent and has nothing to do with unauthorised use of mobile phones, which is an unfortunate incident and is being probed, Suryavanshi said. Advance technical features and robust administrative safeguards are in place to rule out any possibility of manipulation. Safeguards include conducting everything in the presence of candidates or their agents, she added. The official further noted that neither Waikar nor losing candidate Amol Kirtikar of the Shiv Sena (UBT) had sought a recount. However, verification of invalid postal ballots was demanded and it was done. Suryavanshi said CCTV footage in connection with the issue cannot be given unless there are orders from the competent court. A case has been registered at Vanrai Police Station for allowing an individual to use a mobile phone illegally, despite the prohibition on the use of mobile phones and electronic items at the counting station, Mumbai police said in a statement. (With PTI inputs) Former Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Sunday took strong objection to SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musks call for eliminating electronic voting machines (EVMs) citing the possibility of electronic devices being hacked by humans or artificial intelligence. Calling Musks concerns a huge sweeping generalisation, Chandrasekhar emphasized that in India EVMs are custom-designed, secure, and isolated from any network or media. This is a huge sweeping generalization statement that implies no one can build secure digital hardware. Wrong. Elon Musks view may apply to the US and other places where they use regular compute platforms to build Internet-connected Voting machines, former Union minister said in a post on X. He further noted that Indian EVMs are custom-designed, secure and isolated from any network or media, with no connectivity, no bluetooth, wifi, internet. ie there is no way in. This is a huge sweeping generalization statement that implies no one can build secure digital hardware. Wrong. @elonmusk s view may apply to US n other places where they use regular compute platforms to build Internet connected Voting machines.But Indian EVMs are custom https://t.co/GiaCqU1n7O Rajeev Chandrasekhar (@RajeevRC_X) June 16, 2024 Factory programmed controllers that cannot be reprogrammed. Electronic voting machines can be architected and built right as India has done. We wud be happy to run a tutorial Elon, he added. Replying to the BJP leader, Musk said, Anything can be hacked. What Did Elon Musk Say? This comes after Musk, in a recent post, expressed concerns about the validity of electronic voting machines, stating that they should be eliminated due to the risk of being hacked by humans or AI. We should eliminate electronic voting machines. The risk of being hacked by humans or AI, while small, is still too high, Musk said, quote-posting a post by US presidential contender Robert F Kennedy Jr who initially wrote about EVM irregularities during elections in Puerto Rico. Puerto Ricos primary elections just experienced hundreds of voting irregularities related to electronic voting machines. Luckily, there was a paper trail so the problem was identified and vote tallies corrected, US presidential contender Robert F Kennedy Jr. said in his original X post, citing the Associated Press. What happens in jurisdictions where there is no paper trail? US citizens need to know that every one of their votes were counted, and that their elections cannot be hacked. We need to return to paper ballots to avoid electronic interference with elections, he further added. My administration will require paper ballots and we will guarantee honest and fair elections, he said. The Puerto Rican elections commission announced earlier this Tuesday that it is reevaluating its contract with a US electronic voting company after it found scores of discrepancies in voting following the islands heated primaries. INDIA Bloc Joins Debate Reacting to Musks original tweet, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called EVM the black box that nobody is allowed to scrutinize. EVMs in India are a black box, and nobody is allowed to scrutinize them.Serious concerns are being raised about transparency in our electoral process. Democracy ends up becoming a sham and prone to fraud when institutions lack accountability. https://t.co/nysn5S8DCF pic.twitter.com/7sdTWJXOAb Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 16, 2024 EVMs in India are a black box, and nobody is allowed to scrutinize them. Serious concerns are being raised about transparency in our electoral process. Democracy ends up becoming a sham and prone to fraud when institutions lack accountability, the Congress leader said in a post on X. Gandhi also posted a screengrab of a media report saying Mumbai police have accused one Mangesh Pandilkar a relative of Shiv Sena leader Ravindra Waikar who won the Mumbai North West Lok Sabha election by 48 votes of using the phone which was connected to the EVM. According to police, this mobile phone was used for generating the OTP that unlocked the EVM machine, which was used inside the NESCO Centre on June 4. Congress INDIA bloc partner Samajwadi party also chimes in saying if the technology, which is meant to solve problems, becomes the cause of problems then its use should be stopped. Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav also replied to Musks tweet and reiterated his demand that all future elections be conducted using ballot papers. , , EVM - EVM https://t.co/ruN2ho4f0o Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) June 16, 2024 Technology is meant to solve problems, if it becomes the cause of problems then its use should be stopped. Today, when fears of EVM tampering are being expressed in many elections of the world and the worlds renowned technology experts are openly writing about the danger of EVM tampering, then what is the reason behind the insistence on using EVM, BJP should clarify this. We reiterate our demand that all future elections be conducted using ballot papers, he wrote in X in Hindi. The opposition parties have been raising concerns over EVMs for some time now and have demanded a 100 per cent count of the VVPAT slips which was not allowed. The Oppositions INDIA bloc might field a candidate for the post of Speaker for the 18th Lok Sabha if the Deputy Speakers post is not given to their camp, according to sources. The Lok Sabha will elect its new Speaker on June 26 for which notices for motions supporting candidates can be submitted till noon a day prior, according to the Lok Sabha secretariat. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) may retain the post of Speaker, with a party MP likely to be elected for the role. Who Will Be Lok Sabha Speaker? Dismissing media reports suggesting that National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partnersJanta Dal-United (JD-U) and Telugu Desam Party (TDP)had demanded the Lok Sabha Speakers post, a senior party leader told news agency IANS that the matter would be first considered internally before discussing it with allies to reach a consensus. However, JD(U) and TDP do not appear to have a consensus on the topic. While Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidus TDP said that NDA partners must finalise a consensus candidate, his Bihar counterpart Nitish Kumars Janata Dal (United) said it would back the BJPs decision. JD(U) leader KC Tyagi has said that his party and TDP are part of the NDA and will support the candidate nominated by BJP for the post of Lok Sabha Speaker. The Speaker is always of the ruling party because its number is also the highest (among alliance parties), Tyagi said. On the other hand, TDP national spokesperson Pattabhi Ram Kommareddy told The Indian Express that the candidate must be jointly decided by NDA partners. The NDA partners will sit together and decide who our candidate for the Speaker is going to be. Once a consensus is reached, we will field that candidate and all partners, including the TDP, will support the candidate, IE quoted Kommareddy as saying. How And When Speaker Will Be Elected? During the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha, starting on June 24, the BJP will reach out to opposition parties to ensure the Speaker is elected unanimously. If the opposition agrees to the governments proposal, an election will not be necessary. However, if the opposition fields its candidate, a vote for the new Speaker might take place on June 26, with the new Speaker assuming office on the same day. In the Modi governments first term, Sumitra Mahajan, a BJP MP from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, served as Lok Sabha Speaker, while in the second term, Om Birla, a BJP MP from Kota, Rajasthan, held the position. Although the BJP does not hold a majority as it did in 2014 and 2019, speculation was rife that the TDP and a JD(U) MP were vying for the Speakers post. Sources indicate that the name of the new Lok Sabha Speaker will be deliberated upon after Prime Minister Narendra Modi returns from Italy. If any suggestions or demands regarding the position arise from allies, the BJP will consider a new formula. (With IANS Inputs) cTea holds a special place in Indian culture and is enjoyed year-round, whether in scorching summer heat, heavy rains, or harsh winters. While it is often paired with biscuits or bread, nothing beats the heavenly taste of tea with a mouthwatering bun maska. Surprisingly, the love for bun maska has now crossed borders and reached the streets of London, where a Bakehouse recently added this beloved chai combination to their menu. The introduction of Indias favourite dish caught the attention of a British content creator, Lali, who recently shared a humorous video expressing her delight upon knowing the food item is now available in the UK. In the video shared by the content creator, the owners can be seen introducing the dish saying, This is a Chai Guy Bakehouse bun maska with our own little twist. Its a Japanese milk dough with a beautiful soft honey butter in between. If you wanna just appreciate and keep chai the centre stage, enjoying it with a simple bun maska which compliments the flavour of each chai that we do, then this combination is just the way to go. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lali (@londonki_lali) Gabriel and Abhilash, the owners, have made some innovations by introducing buns made from Japanese milk dough with honey butter. Chai Guys Bakehouse is bringing a taste of home to a foreign land with this unique twist. Currently, these delightful treats are exclusively available during weekend afternoons. Reacting to the post, a user wrote, Love the drama, love a maska and masala chai too. Another shared, Thats exactly how you need to eat the bun maska, tea dripping, the running shouldve been in slow motion though and shouldve taken forever to reach the shop (thats authentic Indian drama). Think I need to come here for the end of a long run on the weekend! Perfect post long run snack, a comment read. Another wrote, You know the chai is good as they are not calling it chaichai latte. An individual shared, Imma pack my bags now. One more added, Bun maska and elaichi chai for the soul. Since London Ki Lali shared the video on Instagram, it has garnered over 8 lakh views. India, along with six other nations, opted out of signing the joint communique coming out of the Switzerland-hosted Ukraine peace summit on Sunday and said peace requires bringing together all stakeholders. #BIG India wont be part of the joint communique of #Ukraine peace summit in #Switzerland, says MEA's secretary west Pavan Kapoor, who is representing #India at the summit; Says, "Options acceptable to both parties can lead to abiding peace".#Russia #Putin #Peace https://t.co/WaHCeDr6gT pic.twitter.com/2WG5ZxTSKV Mr.Leader (@wr__leader) June 16, 2024 It should be noted that Russia, the other main party in the ongoing discussions aimed at ending the 2022 Russo-Ukrainian war, is absent from the summit. The summit is being held in Burgenstock resort in Switzerland and over 80 nations have participated so far. India was represented by external affairs ministry secretary (West) Pavan Kapoor. We continue to believe that such a peace requires bringing together all stakeholders and a sincere and practical engagement between the two parties to the conflict, Kapoor said. In our view, only those options acceptable to both parties can lead to abiding peace.In line with this approach, we have decided to avoid association with a joint communique or any other document emerging from the summit, Kapoor further added. We will continue to engage with all stakeholders as well as the two parties to the conflict to contribute to all earnest efforts to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine, the Indian diplomat said. Eighty countries jointly called Sunday for the territorial integrity of Ukraine to be the basis for any peace agreement to end Russias two-year war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed the first steps toward peace at the meeting, and said the joint communique remains open for accession by everyone who respects the UN Charter. Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates which were represented by foreign ministers or envoys were among those that did not sign onto the final document. Brazil, an observer country, did not sign on but Turkey which has sought to be an intermediary between Russia and Ukraine did. Analysts, speaking to news agencies like the Associated Press, say the two-day conference will likely have little concrete impact toward ending the war because the country leading and continuing it, Russia, was not invited for now. Russias key ally, China, which did not attend, and Brazil have jointly sought to plot alternative routes toward peace. (with inputs from the Associated Press) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday expressed grief over the killing of eight Israeli soldiers in the southern Gaza Strip. This comes as Israeli forces continued to push in and around the southern city of Rafah and strikes hit several areas of Gaza, killing at least 19 Palestinians. The soldiers, all members of a combat engineering unit, were in an armoured carrier that was hit by an explosion that detonated engineering materials being carried on the vehicle, apparently in contravention of standard practice, the military said. It said the early morning incident, in the Tel al-Sultan area in the west of Rafah, was being investigated. The armed wing of the Palestinian militant group Hamas said the vehicle had been trapped in a prepared minefield that set off the explosion. Israeli tanks advanced in Tel al-Sultan and shells landed in the coastal area, where thousands of Palestinians, many of them displaced several times already, have sought refuge. Prime Minister Netanyahu, this evening:Citizens of Israel, today we paid a heart-rending price in our just war in defense of our homeland. With deep sorrow, and in heavy mourning, I bow my head together with all citizens of Israel and weep over the fall of our heroic fighters: pic.twitter.com/DzF0JiwQ6t Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) June 15, 2024 Citizens of Israel, today we paid a heart-rending price in our just war in defense of our homeland. With deep sorrow, and in heavy mourning, I bow my head together with all citizens of Israel and weep over the fall of our heroic fighters, he said in an evening address. We are in the midst of a very difficult war. The war is being conducted on several fronts, including the international front. We are ready for many additional challenges. Despite growing international pressure for a ceasefire, an agreement to halt the fighting still appears distant, more than eight months since the start of the war in October, with the near-daily cross-border exchanges of fire with Hezbollah militia fighters in southern Lebanon intensifying. In Israeli airstrikes on two houses in Gaza City suburbs, residents said at least 15 people were killed. Four others were killed in separate attacks in the south, medics said. The Israeli military on Saturday said its forces in Rafah, the southernmost city in Gaza, close to the border with Egypt, had captured large quantities of weapons, both above ground and concealed in the extensive tunnel network built by Hamas. It said militants had on Friday fired five rockets from the humanitarian area in central Gaza, two of which fell in open areas in Israel and three fell short in Gaza. This is a further example of the cynical exploitation of humanitarian infrastructure and the civilian population as human shields by terror organizations in the Gaza Strip for their terrorist attacks, the military said. The deaths of the soldiers may complicate the political situation facing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a week after centrist former general Benny Gantz quit the government, accusing Netanyahu of having no proper strategy for Gaza. Tens of thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday in the latest of the now weekly protests by families and supporters of hostages still held by Hamas, demanding an agreement to bring them home. In a video statement issued late on Saturday, Netanyahu said there was no alternative but to stick to the goals of the war to defeat Hamas and bring the hostages back. Although surveys show solid support among the Israeli public for continuing the war against Hamas, the protests underscore the divisions in Israeli society that have reopened following a period of unity at the start of the war. The Islamic Jihad armed wing, Al-Quds Brigades, said on Saturday Israel could only regain its hostages in Gaza if it ended the war and pulled out forces from the enclave. Islamic Jihad is a smaller ally of Hamas, which led a rampage in southern Israel on Oct. 7 in which 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies. More than 100 hostages are believed to remain captive in Gaza, although at least 40 have been declared dead in absentia by Israeli authorities. Since a week-long truce in November, repeated attempts to arrange a ceasefire have failed, with Hamas insisting on a permanent end to the war and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Netanyahu refuses to end the war before Hamas is eradicated. At least 37,296 Palestinians, at least 30 of them in the past 24 hours, have been killed in Israels military campaign to eliminate Hamas, according to the Gaza health ministry. (With agency inputs) The Israeli army on Sunday announced that it would implement a daily tactical pause of military activity in part of the southern Gaza Strip during daylight hours to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid from UN agencies. The IDF said in a statement that a local, tactical pause of military activity for humanitarian purposes will take place from 08:00 until 19:00 every day until further notice along the road that leads from the Kerem Shalom Crossing to the Salah al-Din Road and then northwards. To increase the volume of humanitarian aid entering Gaza and following additional related discussions with the U.N. and international organizations, a local, tactical pause of military activity for humanitarian purposes will take place from 08:00 until 19:00 every day until pic.twitter.com/QLXNFZsTYZ Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 16, 2024 The decision was taken as part of efforts to increase the volumes of humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip following discussions with the UN and other organisations, it said. Israel has long defended its efforts to facilitate aid deliveries, including through the Kerem Shalom crossing, but humanitarian groups have warned for months about a dire lack of food and other essentials in the besieged Palestinian territory. The World Health Organisation has said more than 8,000 children under five have been treated for acute malnutrition in Gaza. International mediators have been pressing Israel and Hamas to agree to a ceasefire deal laid out by US President Joe Biden to allow for hostage-prisoner exchanges and increased aid deliveries, but progress has stalled in recent days. World Food Programme deputy executive director Carl Skau said recently that with lawlessness inside the Strip and active conflict, it has become close to impossible to deliver the level of aid that meets the growing demands on the ground. Israels eight-month military offensive against the Hamas militant group has plunged Gaza into a humanitarian crisis, with the U.N. reporting widespread hunger and hundreds of thousands of people on the brink of famine. The international community has urged Israel to do more to ease the crunch. More than 1 million Palestinians crowding into other parts of southern and central Gaza, according to The Associated Press. Most now languish in ramshackle tent camps, using trenches as latrines, with open sewage in the streets. (With agency inputs) The banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on Sunday announced a three-day cease-fire with the Pakistani government during the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha. Eid ul-Adha is being celebrated in Pakistan from June 17-19. In a statement, the TTP said that it has decided to announce a cease-fire on the demand from the Pakistani people. The outlawed group said its fighters would defend themselves if attacked by security forces. The one-page statement was signed by TTP Emir Mufti Abu Mansoor Asim. It was the second occasion when TTP announced a cease-fire, after 2021. The previous cease-fire ended in 2022. The TTP, set up as an umbrella group of several militant outfits in 2007, is believed to be close to al-Qaeda. The group has been blamed for several deadly attacks across Pakistan, including an attack on army headquarters in 2009, assaults on military bases, and the 2008 bombing of the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad. Tom Albinson has been working with refugees since 1980 and currently serves as President of the International Association for Refugees, a ministry he founded. He is also involved in the Refugee Highway Partnership, a network of churches, agencies and individuals serving forcibly displaced people. Christian Daily International was given an exclusive interview with Albinson for the occasion of World Refugee Sunday, which falls on the Sundays before and after World Refugee Day on June 20. A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more. (Matthew 2:18) Surely this terrifying description of grief and oppression, from Matthew 2:18, reverberates the weeping of women and children fleeing for their lives across borders from dangerous countries, as the migrant crisis engulfs a largely indifferent world. The imbroglio has seen the 12 million refugees recorded in 2001 sky-rocket to upwards of 117 million today, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Tom Albinson is scathing about false perceptions of refugees, pointing out that refugees crossing borders to escape war, persecution or hardship are not acting outside the law, contrary to popular belief, and the label illegal migrant is a complete misnomer. The refugee rights worker also calls on the Church to see its unique position and privilege, with the opportunity to bring true hope to these refugees, obeying Christs command to love others. Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter Sign up Albinson invites readers to close their eyes and reflect for a moment on what the word refugee means to them. Now tell me what you see, he said, believing such an experiment would likely conjure negative stereotypes. And then we pull back and we look at the reality, which is that 50 percent of the worlds refugees are women and about 40 percent are children. If you start adding up the women and children, they make for at least 75 percent of people who are forced to flee. The reason being, Abinson added, that men often stay at home to fight in conflicts or for associated reasons. He cited Ukraine as a case example where men of fighting age stayed to fight Russias invading armed forces. So when we think of refugee, we should think of either a girl or boy under 18, or a woman in her late 20s to 30s. That should be the picture that we carry. These are the people that nations are building fences to protect themselves from. These are the people that are such a threat that there's military navies employed on the Mediterranean to protect us. Abinson lamented sensationalism in some media depicting refugees as dangerous looking men, feeding unwarranted fears. Thats what you see. But the vast majority are women and children. Refugees also tend to flee to countries nearby rather than further afield, because neighboring nations tend to share a common language, which makes survival easier. The vast majority who flee their countries due to persecution or war, go next door, added Albinson, who estimated that neighboring poor countries lacking economic clout in Sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa and the Middle East shouldered at least 85 percent of the influx in refugees. They are not trying to get further away. They all dream, for the first five years at least, of going back home one day. But when they realize thats not going to happen, then their choices are very limited. Albinson deplored the attitude of Western nations in thinking everybodys trying to get here. To be honest, most of the refugees don't want to. And a lot of the people who end up there are very grateful that a country welcomed them, took them in and gave them protection, but they long to go home because home is tied right to their hearts. Albinson also makes a point that perceptions of Ukrainian refugees being rich is misplaced. He acknowledged that the first wave of migrants from the war-ravaged country in early 2022 were those who could afford to leave, he said. They were the ones with the resources to do it. However, in March 2022, Albinson visited an undisclosed village church in eastern Poland, on the border with Ukraine, doing what it could to help. The church reported that the first wave of refugees came in cars but the next wave came on foot. The challenges you face if youve got the means to do something is very different than if you dont, observed Albinson. Most refugees hes encountered have fled a conflict-type situation with nothing else than the shirt on their back. Now remember, most of these people are women and children, so the vulnerability is very intense. How do you feed your kids? How do you care for yourself? How do you even just get shoes or a jacket depending on the weather, wherever you are? Albinson grieved at the fact that many Western countries saw these vulnerable women and children as dangerous, and cruelly left them to face exploitation by criminals. If the rhetoric in the countries youre passing through is that these people are dangerous, or a threat to our comfort or security, who is left to care for these people as theyre moving? The trauma of being displaced is real and the multiple traumas that people experience while they're displaced is real. Refugees who survive often end up in refugee camps where they can get stuck for years, and suffer more trauma through criminality inside the displacement bases. Albinson recalled receiving video footage via Whatsapp from a United Nations officer, also a Christian, working in a large 250,000-strong refugee camp in Kenya. She told how a Sudanese ethnic tribe had attacked the reception center where refugees usually ask for help upon arrival. The women and children were running for their lives. I saw videos of these people that looked like they were fleeing another war. Albinson also remembers a UN meeting with Antonio Guterrez in 2012, when he still served as UN High Commissioner for Refugees before later becoming Secretary General, in which he said faiths offer a currency of hope. I went away from that meeting and pondered that for a long time. And my mind went to the refugee churches that I knew in the Kakuma refugee camp in northern Kenya, which I'd been visiting quite often. And I thought, I've seen the people in the churches in the refugee camp pastored by refugees themselves. Everybody traumatized and far from home; multiple languages; multiple tribal affiliations and everything else going on - but Id seen them weep in prayer and dance while they sing. Albinson scrutinized the interactions of these refugees at the time and identified five ingredients where churches could offer a pot of hope soup. Firstly, people are social creatures so churches can provide safe, supportive communities. A community that says, come as you are. We love you even before you love us. You are welcome here. An embrace is foundational to hope. Secondly, the Christian worldview is a spiritual reality showing God is near, not detached. Albinson said that is a life-giving message for many refugees. A lot of people live in a world with a worldview that says, there is no God. I'm totally on my own. A lot more people live in a world where they believe in some kind of god or spiritual reality, but it's detached [or uncaring]. And none of that is very life-giving. The Christian Church believes that God loved us so much that He came to us in Jesus Christ. And that in Jesus we see that injustice, suffering and evil does not get the last word, nor does death. Life and love last beyond all of the evil. And that is an incredible message to people. Thirdly, the Church can offer emotional wellbeing. Refugees have been ripped out of their context and suffered trauma. Albinson said there was a need for healing with memories, potentially via counseling to deal with things they saw, the loved ones they lost and all of that. Fourthly, is practical support with language learning, understanding how to use transport in a new living setting, how to get clothes and food. Albinson warned against a power disequilibrium by dehumanizing people by not empowering refugees to help themselves. Lastly, Albinson encourages churches to listen to refugees and partner with them, in line with his fourth ingredient of empowerment. People need to be seen as people who bring something meaningful to the community and society around them. In the organization that I lead, we basically listen to the refugees that we serve and ask them: what are the ways you want to change the world youre living in, or the context youre in, or how are you helping people here? The approach that the Church has to offer is to be a unique community. I mean, the Church is supposed to be a healing body and then you add the practical help and recognising everybodys got a gift - that sounds like a healthy church. And if people can be welcomed into that, a lot of hope takes root and it takes a community to keep it going. Albinson said that in some African refugee camps they have no worship songbooks. Even so, they write their own devotional music in the midst of the troubles they suffer. It sounds a lot like the Psalms to me when I get it translated, but the kids lead worship as well as the adults. Everybody is a contributor. And I think, Wow! We can learn from that. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended greetings on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha to Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu and the people of the archipelago nation. On the auspicious occasion of Eid Al-Adha, Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi extended warm greetings to His Excellency President of Maldives Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the Government & the people of the Republic of Maldives, a press release by the High Commission of India in Maldives said. On the auspicious occasion of Eid Al-Adha, Hon'ble Prime Minister of India @NarendraModi extended warm greetings to His Excellency President of Maldives Dr. @MMuizzu, the Government & the people of the Republic of Maldives . The full PR is here: @IndianDiplomacy pic.twitter.com/qG42iFwRfK India in Maldives (@HCIMaldives) June 16, 2024 The Prime Minister in his message emphasised the values of sacrifice, compassion and brotherhood, embodied by this festival, which are essential in building a peaceful and inclusive world. The Prime Minister also highlighted the celebration of the festival, as part of Indias multi-cultural heritage, across the length and breadth of India with fervour and gaiety, the press release further added. The high commission also in a post on X shared the photo of the greetings along with another photo of the leaders speaking to each other. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, who was in India earlier this week for the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Council of Ministers, discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation on his first official visit to the country. Unlike his predecessors, who made the first port of call to New Delhi after assuming office, Muizzu had travelled to Turkey first and to China for his first state visit in January. The ties between India and the Maldives came under severe strain since Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, took charge of the top office. Within hours of his oath, he had demanded the withdrawal of all Indian military personnel operating three aviation platforms from his country. The Indian military personnel were replaced by Indian civilians last month. Gunfire erupted at a water park in the US state of Michigan on Saturday evening in what police called a random attack, leaving as many as 10 people, including an 8-year-old, wounded. This incident happened in the Detroit suburb of Rochester Hills as families were frolicking in the water to beat the summer heat, the New York Post reported. Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard told reporters that it sounds like we have nine, maybe 10 victims with gunshot wounds, victims of varying kinds of injuries. Authorities said they believed they had a possible suspect contained in a home nearby. A handgun and three empty magazines were recovered, according to the sheriff. So, preliminarily, it looks like the suspect fired potentially 28 times, reloading multiple times, Bouchard said. The Oakland County Sheriffs Office said there were numerous wounded victims. In a social media post, authorities said there was still an active crime scene. People were asked to avoid the area. Officials did not immediately provide additional information, and the condition of the victims wasnt immediately known. Rochester Hills is about 15 miles (24 kilometers) south of Oxford, where in 2021 a 15-year-old shot and killed four high school students. Bouchard said Saturdays shooting is a gut punch for the county. Weve gone through so many tragedies, the sheriff said. You know, were not even fully comprehending what happened at Oxford. And, you know, now we have another complete tragedy that were dealing with. (With agency inputs) Israeli police on Sunday released dramatic footage capturing the moment Israeli special forces rescued hostage Noa Argamani from eight months of Hamas captivity during an operation in Gaza. Argamani was among the four hostages who were rescued alive from a Gaza refugee camp last week after two operations that left dozens of Palestinians dead and wounded. A 26-year-old China-born Israel citizen, Argamani was abducted by Hamas from a music festival on October 7 and was saved inside an apartment building in central Gazas Nuseirat refugee camp on June 8. Body cam footage of the heroic hostage rescue of Noa Argamani by Israel Polices Yamam forces, IDF, and ISA pic.twitter.com/XcqNgurhNb Israel Police (@israelpolice) June 15, 2024 Argamani, who survived the assault at the music festival where 360 people were killed, was abducted and taken to Gaza on the back of a motorcycle by Hamas members, the New York Post reported. Noa everything is okay, we are taking you home, an officer tells Argamani in the clip released by the Israel Police on Saturday. Were taking you home Noa. Youre safe, were taking you to the vehicle. She was inside one of the Hamas-occupied buildings housing captives. Amidst the raid, Argamani was rushed out of the building and carried on the back of one of the Israeli commandos. A blast is heard as the Israeli unit appears to wait in a doorway while gunfire is exchanged between the warring sides. The Israeli forces then rushed to a vehicle from where she was ultimately brought to a medical center near Tel Aviv. Were from the Yaman (Police) and Shabak (ISA), one person explains to Argamani inside the vehicle. We are very excited that youre here and were proud of you. I am very excited, just very scared about the journey, Argamani tells her rescuers. She was immediately reassured that everything is ok, you are with us, its all ok. After she was rescued, Argamani said she was forced to dress as a Palestinian woman on the rare occasions she was brought outside. She was also moved between several apartments over the eight months she was held captive. The 26-year-old was forced to announce that fellow Gaza hostages were killed in the attack in a propaganda video released in January. After her release, viral photos showed a free Argamani alongside her father. Video of her rescue comes five days after a similar video was released that showed Israeli forces rescuing three other hostages. (With agency inputs) Former Labour, Prisca Mupfumira, has been cleared of defrauding the National Social Security Authority of US$90 million. Mupfumira was accused of giving specific instructions to NSSA to enter into a housing project with a company called Drawcard Enterprises (Private) Limited (Drawcard). It was alleged that Mupfumira and Matongera gave specific instructions to NSSA to proceed with a housing project named Mzenya Off-take Housing Scheme, which ought to have been done in compliance with tender procedures. Newly appointed High Court judge, Nduna said the state failed to prove a case against the former minister to secure a conviction. "Accordingly, the accused is found not guilty and is acquitted." Nduna said the ex-minister cannot be held responsible for failure by NSSA to subject the project to the Procurement Authority of Zimbabwe regulations as she did not sit in NSSA board meetings. He also said non-compliance cannot be attributed to the accused in whatever capacity. It was a scene straight out of The Godfather. On the night of Feb. 1, a bloody goat head with a butcher's knife through it was left on the doorstep of Judge Maria Francesca Mariano's home in southern Italy, with a note beside it reading, "Like this." Mariano had already received threats, including notes written in blood, after she issued arrest warrants for 22 members of a local Mafia that operates in southern Puglia. The region is home to the Sacra Corona Unita, or SCU, Italy's fourth largest organized-crime group. It's far less known than Sicily's Cosa Nostra, the Calabrian 'ndrangheta, or the Camorra around Naples, but it's just as effective in infiltrating everything, from local businesses to government. Yet a remarkable array of women like Mariano are challenging its power structures at great personal risk. They're arresting and prosecuting clan members, exposing their crimes, and confiscating their businesses, all while working to change local attitudes and cultural norms that have allowed this group to establish roots as deep as Puglia's famed olive trees. "I don't believe anyone who says they're not afraid. That's not true," says Marilu Mastrogiovanni, an investigative journalist and journalism professor at the University of Bari who's written in-depth stories about Mafia infiltration. The SCU is the only organized-crime group in Italy whose origins are known: A local criminal founded it in the Lecce prison in 1981, in part to push back other Mafia groups that were trying to infiltrate the area. For those who challenge the SCU, danger persists. Two weeks after Mariano sent out her arrest warrants for a mob crackdown, the lead prosecutor on the case, Carmen Ruggiero, nearly had her throat slit by a suspect. Mastrogiovanni moved her family out of her hometown after her reports about SCU's infiltration so angered the local government that at one point the town was plastered with posters attacking her work. And Mariano lives with around-the-clock police escorts, but she believes her job challenging the SCU goes beyond the courtroom. In her spare time, she writes books, poetry, and plays to try to change attitudes. Recently, she staged a play about the mob in Lecce's Apollo Theater. "We have to start with communication, which is fundamental to transmit values of dignity, courage, responsibility," she says. "The ability to say no, the ability to be indignant in the face of things that are wrong." More here. (More Italy stories.) Nine children and adults who were trying to cool off on a hot day near Detroit were shot and wounded at a watery "splash pad" inside a public park on Saturday. The gunman was later found dead at a nearby home after the apparently random attack in Rochester Hills, say police. Shooting: Police say the gunman got out of his vehicle at the streetside Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad about 5:10pm and started shooting, reports the Detroit News. Based on shell casings at the scene, he fired 28 times with a handgun or handguns. Police say the gunman got out of his vehicle at the streetside Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad about 5:10pm and started shooting, reports the Detroit News. Based on shell casings at the scene, he fired 28 times with a handgun or handguns. Victims: An 8-year-old boy was in critical condition after being shot in the head, reports the AP. His mother, shot in the abdomen, also was in critical condition, and his 4-year-old brother was in stable condition with a leg wound. The other six people wounded were in stable condition. All were age 30 or older, including a 78-year-old man. Seven people were shot and wounded, and an eighth was hurt while running away when gunfire erupted at a large gathering of young people at a pop-up party in Methuen, Massachusetts, authorities said Sunday. In Round Rock, Texas, two people were killed and six wounded, including two children, late Saturday night during a Juneteenth celebration at a park. In Massachusetts: Gunfire erupted just before 2am Sunday, after hundreds of people gathered for a party organized on social media, officials said at a news conference. The victims range in age from 17 to 22 years old, the AP reports. Two of them were in critical condition. No arrests were made, and police said nothing about suspects. Methuen is about 28 miles north of Boston, on the New Hampshire border. "This is another tragic case of gun violence that brings us together this morning," said Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker. A two-day summit in Switzerland concluded Sunday with more than 80 nations and organizations calling for all parties to engage in talks to end Russia's war on Ukraine and the protection of the invaded nation's "territorial integrity." But several nations in attendance that are major trading partners of Russia's did not sign on, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he opposes negotiations that could lead to his nation giving up territory. That left the gathering without a clear consensus on the major question of the summit, the New York Times reports: When and how should Ukraine and Russia negotiate for peace? A goal of the meeting was to build support for the peace plan Zelensky first presented in 2022, per CNN. It included provisions Russia sounds unlikely to agree to, such as restoring Ukraine's borders with Russia to what they were before the invasion. At a news conference, Zelensky called it "important that all participants of this summit support this Ukraine's territorial integrity because there will be no lasting peace without territorial integrity." Still, he said Sunday the agreement is a first step toward peace, adding that Russia wants to divide the world. "Unfortunately there are people who are still balancing," he said, per the Guardian. India, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates attended the meeting but did not agree to the joint statement. At the summit, Vice President Kamala Harris announced a $1.5 billion aid package for Ukraine, saying it will fund humanitarian efforts and help rebuild the nation's infrastructure after Russian attacks. The aid will go toward "improving Ukraine's resilience to energy supply disruptions," she said, per NBC News. (More Russia-Ukraine war stories.) Rocket Lab has launched to the rescue of families left out-of-pocket by the collapse of the space camp company, Actura. The Australia-based company went into liquidation on Friday, leaving behind a trail of angry parents on both sides of the Tasman. Dinner with an astronaut was just one of the once-in-a-lifetime promises made to high school students both here and in Australia for a two-week trip to a space school that's not cleared for lift-off. All that parents are now left with are empty wallets and devastated children. Now, New Zealand-American company Rocket Lab is trying to mend broken hearts, offering a tour of their rocket factory in Auckland. "We heard about the kids missing out on the trip of a lifetime and felt awful for them," a company spokesperson said. "[We] reached out and offered a tour of our Auckland rocket and mission control. We hope it goes a small way toward helping them still experience a bit of space magic." Exact times and dates are still to be confirmed. Several parents have been "overwhelmed" by the generous offer, according to the NZ Herald. The prime minister has caught a commercial flight after the Defence Force plane taking him to Japan blew two fuses in Papua New Guinea. Christopher Luxon was en route to Tokyo with a business delegation. He was only supposed to be in Port Moresby for 90 minutes on Sunday while the Boeing 757 was refuelled. 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. Agencies | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com US air regulators are investigating whether there are safety risks after titanium with counterfeit authentication wound up on commercial jets, officials said Friday. Jets delivered to airlines by both Airbus and Boeing contain the titanium, which appears to be originally sourced from a Chinese company where an employee forged details on certificates, according to a New York Times report Industry officials said Friday that based on testing of the titanium, they do not believe the issue poses an immediate safety risk on planes in service. The issue comes amid heightened scrutiny of the aerospace industry following recent manufacturing and safety issues at Boeing. Boeing reported a voluntary disclosure to the FAA regarding procurement of material through a distributor who may have falsified or provided incorrect records, a Federal Aviation Administration spokesman said. The FAA is investigating the scope and impact of the issue through our Continued Operational Safety process. The Times said the titanium in question ended up on Boeing 737 and 787 Dreamliner jets and the Airbus A220. The planes were built between 2019 and 2023, the Times said, adding that it not clear how many planes are affected or who owns them. Spirit AeroSystems, which builds fuselages and other significant parts for both Airbus and Boeing, believes the issue stems from a single batch of titanium that entered the supply chain through approved suppliers, said Spirit spokesman Joe Buccino. Extensive testing by Spirit has shown that the titanium is the proper grade for use on planes. But the issue is documentation, Buccino said. The documentation is counterfeit, Buccino told AFP. Its good titanium. The issue is we cant trace it back to its origin, he said. We determined theres no safety of risk issue. Spirit received the titanium in parts from sub-contractors, rather than as a raw metal, Buccino said. Boeing said it will remove the titanium on undelivered planes in light of the issue. Planes in service can continue to fly safely, the company said. This industry-wide issue affects some shipments of titanium received by a limited set of suppliers, and tests performed to date have indicated that the correct titanium alloy was used, Boeing said. Airbus did not immediately respond to a query from AFP. Airbus told the Times that testing of parts shows that the A220s airworthiness remains intact. Boeing in particular has been under the spotlight in recent months following a January incident on an Alaska Airlines flight in which a fuselage panel blew out mid-flight. The companys CEO, Dave Calhoun, will appear next week before a Senate panel probing safety problems. Separately, on Friday, the National Transportation Safety Board said it opened an investigation into a Southwest Airlines flight from Phoenix to Oakland on a Boeing 737 MAX that experienced an oscillating motion known Dutch roll. There were no injuries on the May 25 flight, but the carrier reported damage to structural components, the NTSB posted on X. BY Captain Mahmood Al Mahmood A lawyer friend recently came across an unfortunate but familiar problem apparently, a kind-hearted businessman approached him about a temporary worker whom he wished to make permanent. This lady was an experienced hospitality industry worker who had come to Bahrain expecting a job in a restaurant. Unfortunately she was made to work as a domestic worker in a house and faced a lot of verbal and emotional abuse when she protested. After six months during which she was only paid half her salary, she fled her workplace and went straight to the police station and filed a complaint about her employer and the agency which had tricked her. Unable to consider going back, she then ran away and got a break at the businessmans restaurant. However, when papers were filed to transfer her work visa, it was found that her former employer had reported her as a runaway worker on a date after her original complaint and so she will have to face deportation. This seems a cruel trick to play on a hapless employee. Should not the law take into consideration that the woman reported her abusive employer to the police first and made clear her intent not to return to her original workplace? How then can she be considered a runaway? Just like people who are flagged for not settling their phone or EWA bills or who have even bigger debts, are allowed to work and clear the debt, surely a person who has been abused at the workplace and reported it, should be allowed to work and maintain themselves with dignity without facing the meaningless wrath of the law? Take the recent report in this paper of the tailoring shop customer who was wrongly arrested as an illegal employee until the tailor produced a video of him trying out his newly-stitched trousers. What if like many womens tailoring stores, this hops had no fitting room or the customer had chosen not to try on his trousers? He would have faces a major disruption and deportation. Bahrain has plenty to be proud about and has strong labour laws. But we all know that the laws need continuous monitoring and tightening to remove loopholes. I hope our lawmakers pay attention to this. AFP | Havana, Cuba The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com A Canadian Navy patrol ship docked Friday in Cuba, which is also hosting two nuclear-powered submarines -- one American and one Russian. The HMCS Margaret Brooke docked in Havana on its way back from "a successful deployment in the Caribbean basin," the Royal Canadian Navy said on Facebook. It "will conduct a port visit to Havana from June 14 to 17, 2024, in recognition of the long-standing bilateral relationship between Canada and Cuba," it added. It was the Navy's first visit to Havana since 2016 and to Cuba since 2018, said the statement. A US nuclear-powered submarine arrived in Cuba, the Pentagon said Thursday, a day after a Russian nuclear sub also docked there. The fast-attack submarine USS Helena was in Guantanamo Bay as part of a routine port visit, previously planned, the US Southern Command said. The Russian nuclear-powered sub Kazan -- which Cuba said was not carrying nuclear weapons -- arrived in the Cuban capital Wednesday. It was accompanied by the frigate Admiral Gorshkov, as well as an oil tanker and a salvage tug. The unusual Russian deployment so close to the United States -- just 90 miles off the Florida coast -- came amid major tensions over the war in Ukraine, where the Western-backed government is fighting a Russian invasion. The United States military said it had been monitoring the Russian ships and they posed no direct threat. During the Cold War, Cuba was an important client state for the Soviet Union. The deployment of Soviet nuclear missile sites on the island triggered the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, when Washington and Moscow came close to war. AFP | Tehran, Iran The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Iran and Sweden announced yesterday a prisoner exchange that saw a former Iranian official jailed in Sweden freed as Stockholm said Tehran had released a European Union diplomat and a second Swede. "Hamid Noury, who has been in illegal detention in Sweden since 2019, is free and will return to the country in a few hours," Kazem Gharibabadi, head of Iran's High Council for Human Rights, said in a post on social media platform X. Shortly afterwards, Sweden's prime minister said Johan Floderus, an EU diplomat, and another Swedish national who were held in Iran had been released and were on a flight home. Floderus, 33, had been held in Iran since April 2022 accused of espionage. He risked being sentenced to death. The other Swede, Saeed Azizi, had been arrested in November 2023. They were on their way home "and will finally be reunited with their relatives", Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said. Gharibabadi said the release of Noury was thanks to efforts led by late Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, who died in a helicopter crash alongside president Ebrahim Raisi in May. The official Oman News Agency (ONA) later said Tehran and Stockholm had agreed, following mediation by Oman, to the "mutual release" of nationals detained in both countries. "Those released were transferred from Tehran and Stockholm to Muscat today, 15 June 2024, for their repatriation," ONA said. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I friended an old classmate on social media. We werent close in school, but time passes, nostalgia sets in, and sometimes you like to reconnect. This girl was pleasant as a child, though not real bright, and a bit shy. Lately shes been commenting on every one of my posts using alTerNaTinG cAps aNd lOweRcAsE letters. Im a writer, editor and typographer, but I had to look this up to find out its meant to convey a mocking tone. Im baffled by my friends use of this style because her comments themselves are either benign or complimentary. So the creepy, disjointed type style either doesnt fit or it lends a sarcastic tone to her comments. Im not even sure she knows the real meaning of it, and is just using it because she thinks its cool and will make her comments stand out. If thats the case, I dont want to hurt her feelings by unfriending her. But if its truly meant as mockery, I dont care to communicate with her anymore. Should I just come right out and ask her what she means by it? Or should I post a general comment to indicate I know what its supposed to mean, wait for her to read it, and see if she stops? GENTLE READER: The former. Miss Manners is inclined to give your friend the benefit of the doubt by saying to her, privately, I noticed that your comments are often in alternating caps and just recently found out myself that that is generally used to convey sarcasm. I cant imagine that was your intention, so I just wanted to make you aware. This way, even if it was deliberate, one hopes she would seize the opportunity to plead ignorance and stop. But then again, you did mention that she was nOt rEaL bRiGhT. *** (Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.) Taylor Swift is in Cardiff for one night only so you better get tickets now. Swift will head to Cardiff, Wales to perform at the Principality Stadium on June 18, and U.K. fans couldnt be more excited. Heres everything you need to know to see Taylor Swift live on her international tour. Where to buy the cheapest Taylor Swift concert tickets Throughout the Eras Tour, the cheapest last-minute tickets for Swifts 2024 concerts have been on StubHub and Vivid Seats. At the time of publication, the cheapest ticket for Swifts June 18 Eras Tour concert in Cardiff is $508 on Vivid Seats, with tickets listed as high as $1,771. First-time Vivid Seats users can save $20 on ticket orders over $200 by entering promo code NJ20 at checkout. Fans also should check out other secondary sites to snag last-minute tickets, like TicketCity and SeatGeek. Where is Taylor Swift playing next? Taylor Swift will perform 84 shows throughout the second leg of her Eras Tour. Her next set of shows will be in London on June 21-23. Tickets are available on several secondary market sites, like StubHub, Vivid Seats, TicketCity and SeatGeek. A complete list of Swifts tour dates is available here. Upcoming 2024 tours Taylor Swift is not the only artist on a huge tour right now. Here are a few more tours you wont want to miss: Morgan Wallen, Melanie Martinez, Olivia Rodrigo and Justin Timberlake. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Nicole Iuzzolino can be reached at niuzzolino@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips. A few weeks ago, about a dozen advocates gathered in Gov. Phil Murphys Trenton office for a cordial but pointed meeting. Their message: Please dont sign a bill that would weaken transparency and democracy in New Jersey. Murphy hosted the sit-down which included progressive organizations, good-government groups, and press associations about a week after the state Legislature, despite widespread outcry, passed a controversial measure to overhaul the state law governing the publics right to access government documents. Final approval was up to Murphy. These werent strangers sitting in his office. Some were longtime supporters or even friends, dating back to Murphys early days as a little-known progressive Democrat. Antoinette Miles, one of those in the room, said she had hoped Murphy would really consider this would be a stain on his legacy. I think that was a very compelling point, said Miles, the New Jersey state director of the Working Families Party. Im disappointed that did not prevail at the end of the day. In reality, the deed may have already been done. Less than two weeks later, Murphy signed the bill those advocates so vehemently opposed. He said the states Open Public Records Act, known as OPRA, was outdated after two decades. And he charged it was offensive that critics suggested politicians were seeking to change the law in an effort to hide corruption. The contentious law was hashed out over months of tense negotiations between Murphy and other state leaders who control what legislation passes in Trenton, according to interviews NJ Advance Media conducted with nearly two dozen sources familiar with the situation though the governor insists his mind was not made up when he held that meeting. The backroom talks also included enacting laws raising New Jerseys gas tax to pay for critical transportation projects and redoing the states long-vexing affordable housing rules. While the OPRA overhaul was the most polarizing part of discussions, there were fears that nixing the plan might have led to a state government shutdown. Its the kind of horse-trading that happens all the time in Garden State politics, with all sides coming to the table with something they are willing to give up if theres something they want to get. Indeed, some of the laws opponents have expressed support for the gas tax and affordable housing laws. But one advocate speaking on the condition of anonymity lamented that perhaps OPRA wasnt the right thing for leaders to be trading away. Critics say the law will limit the ability of members of the public and the media to obtain government documents, especially those that politicians want to keep secret. Watchdogs and journalists use OPRA to seek out records to scrutinize government decisions. Some opponents now say blue-leaning New Jersey ranks even further down the list of states when it comes to open government and expressed worry this may be seen as a model for other states on how to curtail records laws. Supporters say the measure (S2930) sponsored by both Democrats and Republicans in the Democratic-controlled Legislature will help update and streamline public-records requests for the 21st century and save taxpayers money. A Fairleigh Dickinson University poll from April found 81% of registered New Jersey voters opposed the legislation. Murphy clearly didnt like the criticism of his actions. I think the headlines have been somewhere between hysterical and irresponsible, he said during his most recent radio show on WBGO. Its not perfect. Its the subject of compromise. Folks concerns were real. But the headlines Murphy kills transparency I dont buy it. Netting everything else, I stick by my statement: Its relatively modest. THE DEAL? The original OPRA law was launched in 2002, and chatter about reworking it has been around for years though the lightning rod nature of the issue meant an actual proposal never moved forward. But two years ago, Nick Scutari, D-Union, took over as state Senate president in the wake of Stephen Sweeneys shocking election loss. As he ascended to the post, Scutari appeared on a panel at the New Jersey League of Municipalities conference, an annual confab in Atlantic City of local officials from across the state. There, he was struck by the stream of mayors who urged leaders to modernize OPRA, two sources said. That was a transition point, said Michael Cerra, the Leagues executive director. Mayor and county officials have long claimed that clerks are inundated with sometimes frivolous records requests, especially from commercial firms, and that towns are forced to pay excessive attorney fees funded by taxpayer money if they lose court cases over denied documents. John Donnadio, executive director of the New Jersey Association of Counties, said his group worked in lockstep with the League to press for changes. Last year, some lawmakers began pushing a bill that would revamp the law, though they faced immediate backlash from the press and advocates. The measure was shelved. But the idea never went away. Discussions picked up again in the lame duck session at the end of last year, with the governor and top lawmakers discussing the potential changes alongside the proposals to increase the gas tax and overhaul affordable housing, five sources said. Murphy wanted the gas tax. State Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, D-Middlesex, wanted affordable housing. And Scutari wanted OPRA, according to the sources. One source said all three needed something and came to the table with those three major priorities. The goal was to get this all done in lame duck, when its easier to pass tough legislation because some lawmakers are set to leave office and wont face voters again. But that period came and went, and none of the bills passed before a new Legislature was sworn in this January. Coughlin, though, never agreed to tie the three proposals together, one legislative source said. While he wanted to get something on OPRA done, he wanted it to be reasonable, the source said. But the source noted Scutari, the Senate president, believed the proposals were very much tied and he wanted there to be a grand bargain. Coughlin, who is also the partner at a law firm that represents several towns in the state, had said publicly as early as last year there was a need to modernize OPRA, especially with how much technology has changed in the two decades since it was enacted. Two legislative sources said a partner at Coughlins firm, Lou Rainone, was involved in helping draft the bill. Rainone said he did not have a hand in writing it. In March, both the gas tax and affordable housing bills became law. That same month, a planned Assembly committee vote on OPRA was canceled as the pushback reached a fever pitch, with a heated four-hour hearing. Coughlin said in a statement at the time he was inspired by how many people spoke out and that lawmakers would work on amendments to ensure we get the bill right. One legislative source said Coughlin was happy to update OPRA, but the hearing led him to pull it down. Scutari kept pushing for the measure, five sources said. Meanwhile, a few high-profile politicians came out against the proposal. That included Murphys wife, First Lady Tammy Murphy, then a candidate for U.S. Senate. In March, two weeks before she dropped out of the race, she announced on social media she absolutely opposed the legislation, saying it would gut New Jerseys OPRA laws. The Democratic mayors of the states two largest cities Ras Baraka of Newark and Steve Fulop of Jersey City also spoke against it. Both are candidates to succeed Murphy as governor next year. Amendments were ultimately made, and the vote was back on, but opponents werent mollified by the alterations and warned the measure was being fast-tracked. Among the changes the law makes: Ending the mandate that towns must pay legal fees to attorneys who win court cases for withheld documents. Supporters say that especially will save taxpayer money, while critics say stopping so-called fee-shifting could dissuade residents and media outlets from challenging record denials. Allowing government to sue requestors they believe are using OPRA to interrupt government operations. Permitting governments to post more documents online, though there is no clear directive on which documents must be posted. Shielding personal identifying information from disclosure on documents. Three legislative sources said attorneys and advocates were offered a compromise on fee-shifting to put a cap on how much lawyers could recoup from towns, with no cap if there was an unreasonable records denial but were rebuffed. State Sen. Paul Sarlo, D-Bergen, a main sponsor and also the mayor of Wood-Ridge, said during a Senate hearing on the bill in May there has been a cottage industry of attorneys who have made a lot of money from fee-shifting. Im not sure how we could ever resolve that, Sarlo said. Weve done our best. Advocates countered at the hearing that they werent given a big enough role in crafting the policy. Joe Johnson, policy counsel for the ACLU of New Jersey, said it was all meaningless negotiation to add credibility to this terrible bill and terrible process. At the same time, opponents note the laws final version removed provisions that would address one of the reported main concerns of local officials: cutting down on companies using records requests to mine data. Ultimately, one legislative source said, Coughlin agreed to the amended OPRA bill so leaders could move on and not jeopardize state budget talks. This all unfolded as Murphy, Scutari, and Coughlin were about to begin the heated final weeks of negotiations over a new state government budget due June 30 a period when deals are often forged, leverage is crucial, and the government could shut down if one side gets angry. This cycle, Murphy is seeking approval from lawmakers to install a fee on large corporations to help fund cash-strapped NJ Transit. There are discussions about possibly increasing the states sales tax, too. Meanwhile, Coughlin has been trying to ensure funding for his Stay NJ property tax cut for seniors, which critics say may be difficult to pay for. But even on the day of the vote in the Legislature, it was uncertain whether there would be enough support for the OPRA bill to pass either the Senate or Assembly. Two legislative sources said it was implied though not overtly said that Scutari would not hold a vote on a school funding bill if the OPRA measure didnt pass. Two other sources denied there was a threat. Meanwhile, Democrats needed some Republicans on board to finalize passage, and one GOP source said some Republican lawmakers traded their votes in return for assurance other legislation they wanted would pass in the future. There are very few times when the Republican minority caucus matters, the Republican source said. This is one of those times. We had individual members fold like a deck of cards. For nothing. When the bill passed, some people in the gallery at the Statehouse booed and shouted Shame! A handful of lawmakers even had their votes changed after the tally, though that didnt stop the measure from heading to Murphys desk. Scutari told reporters afterwards this isnt about anything other than saving taxpayers money and brushed aside worries about eroding government accountability. There wont be one piece of public records that you cannot get today that you couldnt get yesterday, he said. As votes were secured that day, Murphy a term-limited governor set to leave office in 2026 was already prepared to sign the legislation into law, three sources said. They noted it wouldnt have gotten to this point unless the governors office was involved in negotiations. Murphy, though, didnt rush to sign it. He was largely in listen mode as he hosted advocates in the meeting at his office, one attendee said. Another noted Murphys staff seemed as if they were still grappling with a decision. Miles, the Working Families director, said she believed Murphy took us seriously. But I think, frankly, the Legislature was hanging a lot over his head and allowed this bill to be pushed forward, she said. Miles said she tried to emphasize to Murphy there was an anti-democratic, anti-transparency pattern taking place in Trenton in the last year. That, she said, included a law the governor signed to revamp New Jerseys campaign finance rules, as well as moves to curb the power of the state comptroller and change the process for how appellate judges are selected in the state. We are asking ourselves: What the hell is going on in Trenton? Miles said. She called Murphys signature on the OPRA law simply indefensible. THE AFTERMATH Murphy said the meeting was a good discussion and the arguments against the bill weighed on him. When he ultimately approved the law, he defended the move in a five-page signing statement that he joked was longer than the Declaration of Independence. What youre trying to balance here is: This needed to be updated, without question, Murphy told reporters in Trenton last week. But you also wanted to continue to deliver transparency, and getting that balance right was important. That meeting was a real meeting with real people at the table, including yours truly coming .... mostly to listen. If this was something that I thought was protecting corruption, theres no way I would have signed it. Murphy downplayed the notion that his action was the result of a deal with lawmakers over the gas tax and affordable housing. Not specifically to that question, but more generally you want to get to a place where everybody feels good about things, and this is part of a broader tapestry, for sure, he said. But again, you have to make the decision on the merits. Thats not reason enough to sign something or to take an action. It has to be on the merits. One question was whether Murphy would sign the bill as is or conditionally veto it and ask the Legislature for changes. But one source said Scutari would have rightfully been furious if Murphy didnt approve the law. And that could have damaged budget negotiations, possibly leading to a government shutdown, as well as risking other policy getting through the Senate, another source said. A big mystery, three sources said, is why reworking OPRA was so important to Scutari. Nobody can tell, one legislative source said. What is that one-line provision in there that he wants? Another source said Scutaris interest is simple: Towns felt overburdened and he truly believes this will update the law, helping mayors he is pretty close to. Scutari is chairman of the Union County Democratic Party. Supporters of the measure also stress that the Legislature itself is exempted from OPRA and doesnt directly benefit from the new law. Scutari did not return a message seeking comment for this story. Coughlins office declined to comment, saying the speaker wouldnt discuss private conversations among leadership. Senate Minority Leader Anthony Bucco, R-Morris, argued the law will actually make it easier to access records online. Youre going to get your documents a heck of a lot quicker than you ever did before, Bucco said. Critics are still stunned the law happened and say its defenders are repeatedly twisting the truth about what it does. Former Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, a Bergen County Democrat, called the measure disappointing on so many levels. The state should make it easier for (residents) to know what their local and county and state governments are doing, not harder, Weinberg said. We, the Democrats, are supposed to be fighting for democracy. ... To watch Democrats leading this charge for no reason? Theyre not even improving what needed improving. Amol Sinha, executive director of the ACLU of New Jersey, said this comes when trust in government is at all-time lows, as former President Donald Trump runs for the White House again, and amid more allegations of political corruption in the state, including the high-profile bribery trial of U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez. No one can point to a principled, values-based reason why we needed this law at this moment, Sinha said. CJ Griffin, an attorney who handles OPRA denial cases and a vocal opponent of the law, said she worries about the precedent this sets. What I think New Jersey has done, I think, is just showed other states that its OK to callously roll back transparency even when the public overwhelmingly opposes the rollback, said Griffin, director of the Justice Gary S. Stein Public Interest Center at the law firm of Pashman Stein Walder Hayden in Hackensack. We have seen this in red states, but this will likely give blue states ideas. Murphy argued even supporters of the law arent happy with the final result, noting they wanted more from it. Both Cerra, the League of Municipalities director, and Donnadio, the director of the Association of Counties, said local officials believe more restrictions are needed to reduce commercial requests. Asked how he could believe this wont embolden corruption in the state, the governor said: Well, were gonna watch it, clearly. He pointed to how the law gives more authority and funding to the state Government Records Council. You can be both vigilant about corruption and bad behavior and you can respect local mayors and public servants, Murphy said. A reporter then asked Murphy if he believes OPRA is now a stain on his legacy. I havent thought about legacy for one second, Murphy replied. NJ Advance Media staff writers Jelani Gibson and Susan K. Livio contributed to this report. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X at @johnsb01. You might say shes a little bit country, hes a little bit rock n roll. Rebecca Everett is a former cowgirl raised on a dairy farm. Kevin Shea is a surfer dude, whos passionate about punk rock music. Young scientists from across the South West gathered in Exeter this week to share their latest fascinating scientific research at this year's Institute for Research In Schools (IRIS) Student Conference. Teams of students have been working on an eye-catching range of projects which tackle real-world scientific problems and seek solutions that can be applied outside the classroom. Can seaweed be used to make standard supermarket packaging, is gym brain an actual neurological condition and could Cornish seawater be used as an antiseptic? Just some of the intriguing questions that talented young scientists have been seeking answers to. More of the research highlights from the IRIS Student Conferences 2024 unveiled in Exeter are: KEY STUDENT RESEARCH FINDINGS Research suggesting e-liquid from vapes thrown into rivers and canals could kill aquatic life How different colours influence performance in maths tests Do athletes have super genes? Pineapple painkillers Future fuels for commercial flights Dark matter detectives Can Chess improve mental health? Around 90 students from schools and colleges in Devon, Cornwall, Dorset, Gloucestershire and the Channel Islands gathered for the annual IRIS conference. See a full list and details here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1sd1jLOXvjmzaSWhBLhXHtgtbllhe6BxS?usp=drive_link Dr Jo Foster, Director, Institute for Research in Schools said: Once again weve all been so impressed by the high standard and quality of the real-world research carried out by all the young scientists. We love seeing that spark of interest light up in students as they explain how they made their fascinating discoveries. The work they do is genuinely valuable and in many cases helps real scientists in their current research. The whole experience can often lead to a fantastic career in science at a time when we have so many vacancies in the UK in science and technology. Dame Kate Bingham DBE, Patron, Institute for Research in Schools said: Its great to see students genuine interest in their research. Their ability to talk about their work so knowledgeably and passionately is impressive and Im keen to see how these young scientists develop. Professor Alan Barr, Professor of Particle Physics, Oxford University said: These students are doing really well-motivated work, using advanced and appropriate methods and tools, most familiar only to those at graduate level. Franciscan Health's project to elevate its Munster hospital into a regional medical center is progressing as crews continue work on a five-story expansion with an estimated cost of $185.5 million. The Mishawaka-based health care provider is building a major addition onto its hospital at 701 Superior Ave. "The plans include a five-story addition with interventional, inpatient and specialty care space to expand the abilities of the existing facilities to meet the health needs of the community," a Franciscan Health spokeswoman said. "Portions of the existing hospital will be renovated to provide larger, realigned support space and public amenities. The campus site will be reconfigured to provide additional parking and relocate the existing loading dock." Tonn & Blank, a construction firm Franciscan owns and which has done its multimillion-dollar hospital projects in Michigan City and Crown Point, has been handling the construction. "Current projections for the project are $185.5 million," the spokeswoman said. "That figure could change as the project moves forward based on cost variations of materials and other unforeseeable issues." Franciscan Health Munster is currently a 63-bed acute-care facility that was originally known as Physicians Hospital until Franciscan Health acquired it in 2007. It's now home to about 50 medical specialties and subspecialties. Franciscan Health is building onto the hospital after shuttering the 120-year-old former St. Margaret Hospital in downtown Hammond at the end of 2022. The health care provider also is adding three stories onto an existing three-story medical office building at the hospital campus by the intersection of Calumet and 45th avenues. Franciscan Health also got approval from the town to build a new facilities plant, a new parking lot and a relocated helipad that's used to transport patients. "The addition will be able to house additional interventional care, inpatient and specialty care units," according to Franciscan Health. "We will decide on specific departments closer to the addition opening based on patient volumes and projected needs. As such, we wont know how many staff members will be added to serve patients in the new units until closer to the opening." A project manager for Tonn and Blank told the town the project likely would add around 700,000 square feet to the hospital campus and turn the hospital into a regional medical center for north Lake County while the new Crown Point hospital would serve as a regional medical center for south Lake County. Hospital representatives told the town Franciscan also is looking to expand its cancer center, which provides comprehensive hematology and oncology services for different cancers, including bladder, bone, breast, cervical, colon, rectal, head, neck, liver, lung, oral, pancreatic and prostate. The completion date for the construction project has not been determined. CROWN POINT The bipartisan leaders of the Lake County Board of Elections and Registration are receiving national recognition for their efforts to make Indiana's election policies and procedures more understandable to election workers and voters. Earlier this month, the U.S. Election Assistance Commission awarded a 2023 Clearinghouse Award to Michelle Fajman, LCBER director, and LeAnn Angerman, LCBER assistant director. Their "Clearie" one of 32 awarded across the country recognizes Fajman's and Angerman's outstanding use of Help America Vote Act (HAVA) grants for election modernization. Specifically, the duo was honored for compiling and writing four targeted training modules for voters, poll workers, election officials and administrators that answer frequently asked election questions and detail procedures and best practices for election workers. "This project is personal and it has given us the opportunity to bring a new layer of transparency to the election process while improving the voting experience for Hoosiers," Angerman said. "The materials contain a plethora of accurate and vetted information from subject-matter experts. We enjoyed creating the content and fell in love with the professionally printed materials we were able to provide with the funds from the HAVA grant." Two of the project's modules, the voter education guide and the poll worker quick guide, were printed using an $89,570 HAVA grant provided to Lake County through the Indiana secretary of state's office. Fajman and Angerman initially crafted the election guides as their capstone project to earn a certificate in election administration, technology and security at Ball State University. They've since distributed and presented the guides to election administrators at professional events in Indiana and elsewhere in the country. "This was designed in a way to share the information with other states and jurisdictions as we are all facing the same lack of trust within the voting process," Fajman said. Donald Palmer, U.S. election assistance commissioner, said after reviewing the materials he was impressed with the commitment and quality of voter education in Lake County. "Election judges from across the United States selected the Lake County election office as a winner of the national Clearinghouse Award, recognizing the value of the voter education module (that's) designed to build trust in the community by informing voters, poll workers, election officials and election administrators on different aspects of the Indiana voting process," Palmer said. Republican Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales also congratulated the Lake County election officials for their achievement. "This national recognition exemplifies the hard work of this team and their dedication to Hoosiers. This is another example of Indiana leading the way. I'm proud to continue working alongside Lake County," Morales said. Gallery: Get to know these new Indiana laws that took effect July 1 Beekeeping Biomarker testing Bobcat hunting Boundary marker Contraceptives Digital currency Dog sales Drink server Driver safety Drones Food and beverage tax Foreigner land acquisition Gary gun lawsuit Green alert Guardian ad litem Happy hour Intellectual diversity Lake Michigan Mixed beverages Penal facilities Phones in schools Psilocybin Public access counselor Reading Regional planning Religious instruction Sanctuary cities State superintendent Thirteenth check Virtual revenge porn Website age verification Wetlands Xylazine The fruit, durian, has long been a cherished part of local cultures in Southeast Asia, where it is grown in abundance. A single durian is typically the size of a rugby ball and can emit an odor so powerful that it is banned from most hotels. When Mr. Chan began his start-up in his native Malaysia, durians were cheap and often sold from the back of trucks. Then, China acquired a taste for durian in a very big way. Last year, the value of durian exports from Southeast Asia to China was $6.7 billion, a twelvefold increase from $550 million in 2017. China buys virtually all of the worlds exported durians, according to United Nations data. The biggest exporting country by far is Thailand; Malaysia and Vietnam are the other top sellers. Good morning. Its been slow out here in the shallow water, looking for fish on pancakes of sand, by muddy banks, in rock piles where the tide sluices in and out, at spots with names known only to those who fish them: Cheneys; Mannys Place; Ethan Allen; Left Side; Derrs Flat. We stand on the boat, on a platform at the stern or on the softening deck in the bow, and we look. We stare. We see. Sometimes the fish come, sliding around happy in the middle of the outgoing tide: Cast! Other times they dont, and eyes move up: an osprey, a wisp of cloud, a bald eagle, a flapping flag on a pole a mile away, an oystercatcher, a jetliner inbound from Europe, terns, oak trees, a congregation of glossy ibises flapping into a wedge above the marsh. All this but my thoughts run, mostly, to dinner: the chicken Ive got resting in a buttermilk bath for fried chicken (above), a fathers gift to himself, my favorite fried chicken recipe, hard-won over time. James Kent, a distinguished chef and successful Manhattan restaurateur who seemed poised to become a food-industry tycoon, died on Saturday in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn. He was 45. The cause was a heart attack, his wife, Kelly Kent, said in a statement on Monday. He was in Brooklyn at the time because he had been asked by a restaurant there to do graffiti art, which was a hobby of his since boyhood. His death was first announced on Saturday by Saga Hospitality Group, the holding company of his two restaurants, Crown Shy and Saga, and his cocktail bar, Overstory, which are all in the same building in Manhattans Financial District. In 1993, when Mr. Kent was a 14-year-old growing up in Greenwich Village and already working at a restaurant, his mother made him knock on the door of their buildings newest resident, the celebrity chef David Bouley. The young man asked if he could spend time in Mr. Bouleys kitchen. Mr. Bouley said yes. James spent the summer working at Bouley, the chefs TriBeCa mainstay. Paul Pressler, a former Houston appeals court judge who spent decades helping conservatives gain control of the Southern Baptist Convention, the countrys largest Protestant denomination, only to become an embarrassment to its leaders after as many as seven men accused him of sexual abuse, died on June 7. He was 94. His death was not announced publicly. It was first reported on Saturday by the Christian news outlet Baptist News Global. It was confirmed by Dignity Memorial, a funeral home chain, which did not say where he died. Judge Pressler died four days before the Southern Baptist Convention held its annual meeting in Indianapolis, where nothing was said about the death, Baptist News Global reported. Judge Pressler was instrumental in building an internal grass-roots movement that in recent decades moved the denomination toward adopting theological and social positions that were strikingly more conservative than those held in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. They include opposing abortion and same-sex marriage, forbidding women to serve as head pastors and interpreting the Bible literally. Sarah Paulson, Daniel Radcliffe, Eddie Redmayne and Rachel McAdams are a few of the celebrities nominated this year fueling the excitement for the 2024 Tony Awards. For the third time, Ariana DeBose, who herself has appeared in six Broadway shows, hosts the Tonys, which are being held for the first time at New Yorks Lincoln Center. The broadcast promises to be a busy one, with performances from all five contenders for best new musical, as well as the anticipated performances from Cabaret (which stars Mr. Redmayne) and Merrily We Roll Along (starring Mr. Radcliffe). But before the curtains were raised, heres what Broadways biggest stars (and Anna Wintour) wore to celebrate. An Arizona man who planned to commit a mass shooting at an Atlanta rap concert as a way of inciting a race war has been indicted by a federal grand jury on hate crime and firearm charges. The man, Mark Adams Prieto, hatched a plan in several discussions with two people working with the F.B.I. who posed as racist extremists to carry out a mass shooting targeting Black people and other people of color at a concert in Atlanta on May 14 and May 15, the Justice Department said on Tuesday. Mr. Prieto intended for the shooting to incite a race war before the presidential election, prosecutors said in a news release. Mr. Prieto, 58, was reported to the authorities last year by an acquaintance who said he had made concerning comments calling for mass shootings targeting Black people and others, according to officials. A wildfire that quickly consumed more than 14,000 acres of grasslands and brush in a mountainous area northwest of Los Angeles over the weekend signaled the start of what experts warn could be a dangerous, prolonged fire season in the West. This is a taste of whats to come, said Daniel Swain, a climate scientist with the University of California, Los Angeles. The blaze, named the Post fire, started on Saturday afternoon near Interstate 5 about 45 miles outside of Los Angeles, the authorities said. It forced the evacuation of about 1,200 people from the Hungry Valley campground, a popular state recreation area for off-road vehicles. Officials also closed nearby Pyramid Lake, a destination for weekend boaters. As of Sunday afternoon, the fire was about 2 percent contained and ranked as the states largest wildfire so far this year, according to CalFire, Californias firefighting agency. When Representative Tom Cole became chairman of the Appropriations Committee in April, it marked the first time an Oklahoman had ascended to one of Congresss most powerful perches. For 15 years on the panel, Mr. Cole, a Republican, quietly climbed its ranks with the gavel in mind, crafting and negotiating bipartisan spending bills. All the while, he tucked in projects for his state its universities, hospitals and airports to the tune of billions of dollars. But now just two months into his role, his carefully laid plans could be upended, and with them, Oklahomas direct line to federal funds. On Tuesday, he will face the stiffest threat to his career yet: a primary challenge from a self-funded conservative, Paul Bondar, who is running on an anti-spending platform. With more than $8 million poured into the race, it has become one of the most expensive House primaries this year. Large numbers of migrant apprehensions at the southern border have vaulted immigration and border security onto the list of top concerns for voters. Public polling shows support for former President Donald J. Trumps hard-line approach, and President Biden, who made overturning Mr. Trumps immigration agenda part of his platform in 2020, has recently reversed course and issued a more restrictive border policy. But some of Mr. Trumps most-repeated statements are inaccurate, in warning about the level of illegal immigration, characterizing unauthorized migrants as criminals taking advantage of government handouts and touting the effectiveness of his own policies. Mr. Biden, too, has occasionally overstated his earlier proposals on border security. Here is a fact check. Mr. Trump mischaracterized the situation at the border under his administration and Mr. Bidens. What Was Said We had the strongest border ever. I built 571 miles of wall. Were going to add another 200 in three weeks. It was all made, all fabricated. They sold it for five cents on the dollar. The wall was all fabricated. I built much more wall than I said I was going to build. in a May radio interview Israel announces a daily pause in some fighting The Israeli military said yesterday that it would suspend daytime military operations near a border crossing in southern Gaza until further notice. The move is an effort to allow more humanitarian aid to enter the enclave, as aid groups make increasingly urgent warnings about the lack of food and other basic goods. The announcement, made on the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha, comes amid a flurry of negotiations, mediated by the U.S., Qatar and Egypt, to reach a cease-fire. One sticking point in those talks is a disagreement over the permanence of any cessation of hostilities. Israels military stressed yesterday that the pause would be limited, that its offensive in Rafah would continue and that there would be no cessation of fighting in southern Gaza overall. The government suggested that the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, had learned of the pause only from news reports and signaled his disapproval. But analysts said it was likely that Netanyahu was aware of the plan and the messaging of its rollout, with each tailored to different audiences. On the leafy campus of a Dutch-speaking university, students have for months been demanding that their institution break ties with Israeli academia over the war in Gaza. Their campaign borrows extensively from the U.S. campus protest playbook. The students have set up an encampment. They have staged daily demonstrations. And they have sometimes used slogans that many Jews view as a call for the elimination of Israel, like, From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free. In the United States, the protests have taken place amid a hyper-polarized political environment, contentious relations between students and administrators, and acrimonious hearings in Congress. But in Belgiums capital, the protest at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, or V.U.B., has been far more peaceful because of a unique combination of factors: a supportive political environment (Belgium is a vocal critic of Israel); a proactive rector; strict protest rules; and, crucially, a tiny campus Jewish community that has chosen not to confront protesters despite discomfort over some of the protests. As a result, and as like-minded protests incited by the war have brought disorder and violence to campuses in the United States as well as in Europe, the students on the Brussels campus have taken pride not only in the success of their protest, but also in its vibe. Russias fighters are waging bloody battles in Ukraines east to add to its captured territory. Moscow supports this war effort with soldiers from outside the regular army, including some from a training camp in Chechnya. Some join for the money, others to escape everyday drudgery, and some fight out of patriotism. But there are tearful goodbyes. Soldiers trained in Chechnya range from battle tested mercenaries to raw recruits without combat experience. Mayhem awaits them, as evident in the devastation of the city of Bakhmut. At Romes Pride celebration, bare-chested men in pink angel wings danced to Abba songs, women wrapped in rainbow flags kissed, and shimmering drag queens waved from parade floats. And then there was Pope Francis. The pontiffs image was everywhere. On cardboard cutouts adorned with flower necklaces, on glittery banners, on stickers. Romans came to the Pride parade on Saturday dressed like Francis, wearing papal hats and T-shirts that read, There is never too much frociaggine, a reference to an offensive slur against gay men that the pope has been accused of using twice in recent weeks. The slur is the slogan of the 2024 Pride, said Martina Lorina, 28, an actress who was holding up a banner bearing the word. After Italian media reported that Pope Francis used the slur at a meeting with priests to complain that there was too much gayness in the church, the Vatican apologized. Russian special forces have quashed a short-lived mutiny at a provincial detention center on Sunday, killing detainees, some charged with terrorism, who had broken out of their cells earlier in the day, according to Russian state media. Six detainees who awaited court appearances at a pretrial detention center in the southern city of Rostov-on-Don had managed to take control of the facility, state media reported. Armed with knives, the suspects took two guards hostage, the reports said. A video posted on Rostovs local news channels and reposted by some Russian officials appeared to show a man identified as one of the detainees brandishing a knife and demanding a car to leave the detention center for an unspecified destination. A detainee is seen in the video holding a black flag associated with the Islamic State. The video could not immediately be verified. Security agents had surrounded the detention center by Sunday morning. Soon after, Russian state media published a short statement from the countrys prison service saying that security agents had stormed the facility, liquidated the mutinied detainees and freed the hostages unharmed. After eight devastating months of war, Muslims in Gaza on Sunday will mark a somber Eid al-Adha, a major religious holiday usually celebrated by sharing meat among friends, family and the needy. Adha means sacrifice, and the ritual killing of a sheep, goat or cow on the day is meant as a symbol of the prophet Abrahams willingness to sacrifice his son. But this year, nearly everyone in Gaza is needy. Hunger has gripped the Palestinian territory as Israel has unleashed an eight-month military offensive on the enclave and severely restricted what is allowed to enter, including humanitarian aid. Many do not feel like celebrating. There wont be any Eid, nor any Eid atmosphere, said Zaina Kamuni, who was living with her family in a tent on a sandy expanse of land in southern Gaza called Al-Mawasi. I havent eaten any meat in five months. It will be a day like any other day, just like Eid al-Fitr, she added, referring to the other major Muslim holiday, which Gazans observed more than two months ago under the same conditions. Fourteen Jordanian pilgrims died as they performed rituals related to the hajj, a holy trip to Mecca in Saudi Arabia that Muslims are encouraged to take once in their lives, Jordans official news agency said on Sunday. The pilgrims died as a result of exposure to extreme sun and heat, the agency said, based on a report from Jordans Foreign Ministry. In Mecca, temperatures reached nearly 110 degrees Fahrenheit on Sunday, and recent studies have indicated that climate change will increase health risks there. An additional 17 pilgrims were missing, the agency said. The hajj is one of the largest mass gatherings in the world, with Muslim pilgrims traveling from near and far for the spiritual experience, which is also a physical and mental challenge. This year, the hajj started on Friday and will end on Wednesday; 1.8 million pilgrims were expected to take part, according to the General Authority for Statistics, a Saudi government agency. On Saturday, Iran and Sweden exchanged prisoners. The swap had the appearance of any two countries engaged in diplomatic negotiations to free their citizens. Families were elated; governments were relieved. But the exchange was only the latest chapter in Irans long history of what is known in world affairs as hostage diplomacy. For more than four decades, since the 1979 revolution that installed a conservative theocracy, the country has made the detention of foreign and dual citizens central to its foreign policy. For Iran, the approach has paid off. For the world, it has been a troubling trend. Irans demands have evolved along with its tactics. In exchange for releasing foreigners it has asked for prisoners, assassins, cash and frozen funds. It has engineered complex deals involving multiple countries. And on Saturday Iran gained the release of its most prized target: the first Iranian official to be convicted of crimes against humanity. Find Delight Especially in the first few months, find the fun. The early months and years are repetitive and tiring. If thats what you focus on, youre not going to get the most out of being a parent. Instead, look for the fun. Example: I was changing my daughters diaper around six weeks. I lifted up her legs to wipe and suddenly she had a bowel movement that shot out at me, onto my pants, the bed, and our carpet. I thought it was hilarious. I was impressed. It was her world record. It also involved lots of cleaning. But it was also a world record. We have to do the hard stuff, the repetitive stuff. It comes with being a parent. But choosing to see the fun, delight, and wonder at every step of the way gave me a far richer experience. SAATVIK AHLUWALIA, 34, NATICK, MASS. Donald Trump and his closest allies are planning a radical reshaping of American government. Here are some of the policy stakes if he regains power in 2025. Donald Trump and his closest allies are preparing a radical reshaping of American government if he regains the White House. Here are some of his plans for cracking down on immigration, directing the Justice Department to prosecute his adversaries, increasing presidential power, upending Americas economic policies, retreating militarily from Europe and unilaterally deploying troops to Democratic-run cities. His administration would declare that children born to undocumented parents were not entitled to citizenship and would cease issuing documents like Social Security cards and passports to them. He plans to suspend the nations refugee program and once again bar visitors from mostly Muslim countries, reinstating a version of the travel ban that President Biden revoked in 2021. He plans to revive safe third country agreements with Central American countries and expand them to Africa and elsewhere. The aim is to send people seeking asylum to other countries. The Trump team plans to use military funds to build vast holding facilities to detain immigrants while their deportation cases progress. He plans to reassign federal agents and the National Guard to immigration control. He would also enable the use of federal troops to apprehend migrants. Mr. Trumps top immigration adviser, Stephen Miller, said that a second Trump administration would seek a tenfold increase in the volume of deportations to more than a million per year. Mr. Trump is planning a massive expansion of his first-term crackdown on immigration if he returns to power in 2025. Among other things, he would: Kash Patel, a Trump confidant, has threatened to target journalists for prosecution if Mr. Trump returns to power. The campaign later distanced Mr. Trump from the remarks. He has cited the precedent of his own indictments to declare that if he became president again and someone challenged him politically, he could say, Go down and indict them. As president, Mr. Trump pressed the Justice Department to investigate his foes. If re-elected, he has vowed to appoint a special prosecutor to go after Mr. Biden and his family. Mr. Trump has declared that he would use the powers of the presidency to seek vengeance on his perceived foes. His allies have developed a legal rationale to erase the Justice Departments independence from the president. Mr. Trump has suggested that he would: Politically appointed lawyers in the first Trump administration sometimes raised objections to White House proposals. Several of his closest advisers are now vetting lawyers seen as more likely to embrace aggressive legal theories about the scope of his power. Mr. Trump has disparaged the career work force at agencies involved in national security and foreign policy as an evil deep state he intends to destroy. During Mr. Trumps presidency, he issued an executive order making it easier to fire career officials and replace them with loyalists. Mr. Biden rescinded it, but Mr. Trump has said that he would reissue it in a second term. He has vowed to return to a system under which the president has the power to refuse to spend money that Congress has appropriated for programs the president doesnt like. Congress has set up various regulatory agencies to operate independently from the White House. Mr. Trump has vowed to bring them under presidential control, setting up a potential court fight. Mr. Trump and his associates have a broad goal to alter the balance of power by increasing the presidents authority over every part of the federal government that currently operates independently of the White House. Mr. Trump has said that he will: Upend trade and other economic policies At the risk of disrupting the economy in hopes of transforming it, Mr. Trump plans to impose new tariffs on most goods manufactured abroad. Economists say his broader agenda including on trade, deportations and taxes could cause prices to rise. He has said that he will: 1. Impose a universal baseline tariff, a new tax on most imported goods Mr. Trump has said that he plans to impose a tariff on most goods made overseas, floating a figure of 10 percent for a new import tax. On top of raising prices for consumers, such a policy would risk a global trade war that hurts American exporters. 2. Implement steep new trade restrictions on China He has said that he will phase out all Chinese imports of electronics and other essential goods, and impose new rules to stop U.S. companies from making investments in China. The two countries are the largest economies in the world and exchange hundreds of billions of dollars of goods each year. 3. Slash rules imposed on business interests He has vowed to revive his deregulatory agenda and go further in curbing the so-called administrative state agencies that issue rules for corporations such as limits aimed at keeping the air and water clean and ensuring that food, drugs, cars and consumer products safe, but that can cut into business profits. 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. Blueprint Gaming launches Rapid Fire Jackpots, a new networked system offering frequent, smaller wins to enhance player engagement. Blueprint Gaming, a leader in slot game development, introduces Rapid Fire Jackpots. This new networked jackpot system offers smaller, more frequent wins, enhancing their renowned jackpot suite. Blueprint Gaming Introduces Rapid Fire Jackpots to Revolutionize Jackpot Market Blueprint Gaming is set to disrupt the jackpot market by introducing its innovative, networked jackpot system, Rapid Fire Jackpots. This new system aims to give players smaller but more frequent wins, enhancing the overall gaming experience. Smaller Wins, More Often Rapid Fire Jackpots is designed to offer players a thrilling experience with more achievable wins. The system features the Rapid Fire Wheel, triggered by landing five symbols anywhere on the reels. This wheel offers stake multiplier wins ranging from 5x to 1000x or one of five progressive pots, from Mini to Mega King. 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Progressive Content Not Found Sometimes, authors delete their progressive content after publishing. To see if the progressive content was renamed or re-published, please click here. Atheism is a worldview that denies the existence of God or any other metaphysical entities as a substance. Let us first define what we mean or imagine when we speak in everyday life, of prayer Or in times of trouble, we will mention and glorify the name of God. It is possible to convince oneself and others of the existence of such a substance if we are simply dealing with butarphoria, which in theory should serve a good purpose, but has been used as a good manipulation mechanism for centuries. It is probably a well-known fact that, before the formation of monotheistic confessions, there was polytheism, the so-called polytheism. For example, in ancient Greece they glorified Zeus, Poseidon, Hades, etc. And in Scandinavian mythology: Thor, Odin, Lok, and in Mesopotamian mythology: Ashur, Enlil, Enkh, Anu, etc. Even today, there are many polytheistic religions such as Hinduism, which has billions of followers, and therefore the question arises, can there be a plurality of deities? Centuries ago, Xenophanes gave a convincing answer to this question. According to Xenophanes, if there is an abundance of gods, this would lead to their deficiency, and if we imagine the circumstance that one god is weaker or stronger than another, this destroys the myth, the myth of their invincibility and supremacy. And God, as a transcendental mind, cannot have a defect. Before the polytheistic religions were formed, the idea of God in general came to man because of his ignorance of the laws of nature. For example, during the thunder, the man who was still in the initial phase of evolution was afraid, he believed that if he won the heart of the god of thunder, by some sacrifice or gift, he would be freed from his wrath. If we look closely, there are so-called universals in the world. General names and unit names, the number of universals includes such givens as: God, Adam, monkey, trees, etc. And singular names belong to such circumstances as individual individuals: for example, me, you, Saba, Giorgi, etc. If we take a good look at the universal, such as a person, there is me, you, and conditional in the case of an Italian Luigi. As well as the general name, the dog will be recognized by the fact that there are many breeds of dogs in nature, that is, it logically follows from this that the universals are so-called. General houses exist in the presence of a unitary name, and such a general name as God is not found to be a unit, just as, for example, a frog with nine heads is located, but according to Thomas Aquinas, universals existed in the mind of God, therefore general names exist in the humans, as in the part of God's creation. In my humble opinion, the idea of God is not innate in humans. Locke believed that people are not born with ready-made ideas, a child is a blank slate on which life writes knowledge. In general, man created God, not God created man. Man created God in his image, not God man, and the kind of God that most people imagine is man himself, who works miracles with his technological progress, man himself is the creator and determiner of good and evil. Being in faith is not bad, on the contrary, it is quite pleasant and comfortable when you look at existence with hope and believe that if you do good, you will be blessed in eternity. In general, faith and religion have their political and social impact. To demonstrate the necessity of religion: let us imagine the further circumstance that there is a category of people who are inclined to commit crimes, due to economic, social or other conditions. Prevention of the actions of such category of people is provided by the state and its agencies, so that the result of their actions does not turn out to be harmful or lethal to other residents of the state. In a word, the state takes away the state of nature from man and becomes a monopoly on violence. The perpetrators of crime and violence are given relevant punishments, but there is a category of people who ignore the state and its authority and material physical pain is not a deterrent for them, for such people there is religion and God to instill fear that if their actions will be destructive or harmful. For any other member of society, they are doomed to suffer for eternity. That is why the role of religion in the society is limited, so that we can create an illusion for their own good and not sacrifice it for absolute freedom, because in a free environment, a man is a wolf to a man. When we consider religion, we need to take into account the thought of Sren Kierkegaard. According to Kierkegaard, faith must be childish, to test faith is to reject it. Regarding faith in general, Kierkegaard came up with such a formula I believe because it is absurd. In the last years of his life, Kierkegaard strongly criticized the Danish Church, in his opinion, people who are not in faith should not be looked at as misguided, but they should be considered as riding before religion and should be punished as an example. Religion has brought both positive and negative results for humanity in general. Take for example the Crusades, where bloody confrontations were fought to atone for sins. Also, in the Middle Ages, philosophy and science were not separated from religion, and during the Renaissance, despite the fact that man and God are closer together, science and philosophy are still not separated from religion, and in the name of God, the works of Galileo Galilei and Nicolaus Copernicus are declared heretical. Even worse, the elimination of Giordano Bruno is carried out for an absurd reason. Also, Diego de Landa, a Spanish Franciscan friar, is one figure known for his role in suppressing indigenous Mayan culture and religion, which included burning Mayan texts and using torture to convert or punish indigenous people. Also, during colonialism, Protestant monks justified the exploitation of black slaves with their Khamitic roots. Even in the 21st century, there are many precedents of terrorist attacks, which mainly have a religious premise. In general, I consider economic hardship to be one of the main prerequisites for Islamist terrorism, because it is very easy to manipulate a fanatic in economic hardship. He has desires and needs in this world, which he is unable to fulfill due to poverty, and he is promised to fulfill all that he lacks in this world, but in Paradise. conclusion The existence of religion is a necessary prerequisite for social and political stability, because carrying the burden of freedom is a difficult task, and it will be difficult for many to imagine that their existence is as absurd as the myth of Sisyphus due to evolution, God, and universal non-existent authority. Israels military announced on Sunday that it would pause fighting during daytime hours along a route in southern Gaza to free up a backlog of humanitarian aid deliveries for desperate Palestinians enduring a humanitarian crisis sparked by the war, now in its ninth month. The tactical pause, which applies to about 7.4 miles of road in the Rafah area, falls far short of a complete cease-fire in the territory that has been sought by the international community, including Israels top ally, the United States. It could help address some of the overwhelming needs of Palestinians that have surged in recent weeks with Israels incursion into Rafah. Prior to 2004, any summary of the legacy of former Oregon Gov. Neil Goldschmidt, who died last week at age 83, would have been fairly one-note in tone - a laudatory tribute to a titan of Oregon politics. After all, the former Portland mayor had championed the progressive policies and transportation investments that showcased Portland as a model of smart planning. Famously charismatic, he served as a cabinet member for President Jimmy Carter and was viewed as a potential presidential candidate himself. As governor, he led a recession-torn state to recovery and economic growth. And even after he left political office, he continued to wield outsized power a kingmaker who bestowed his connections and support to a constellation of up-and-coming politicians. But it was in May 2004, under pressure of an investigation by the Willamette Weeks Nigel Jaquiss, that Goldschmidt partially admitted the hideous, predatory behavior that he had long kept secret: While serving as Portlands mayor in the 1970s, he repeatedly sexually abused a young teenage girl. The scope of his abuse of the girl, starting, she said, when she was 13, was revealed in Jaquiss reporting and other media accounts over the years. He was never charged for rape due to time limits on prosecuting such offenses. Goldschmidts death reopens wounds among Oregonians struggling to square the visionary leader and his accomplishments with the rapist who manipulated, used and destroyed a child. The conversation in recent days has centered on the question of what his legacy is or should be. But there is no such ledger that can weigh Goldschmidts achievements against the profound pain and damage he caused. Although Goldschmidt lived out the last 20 years of his life in disgrace, the girl he targeted suffered for much of her life with substance abuse and mental illness. She died in 2011 at the age of 49. There is a legacy for all of us to acknowledge, however. It starts with recognizing that the tendency to cast people as heroes or villains closes us off to spotting anything that goes against that narrative. If Goldschmidt werent so revered, would those who had witnessed questionable behavior or heard rumors stood up sooner? As Jaquiss reported in 2004, several people in Goldschmidts orbit either knew of the girl or heard about her but nearly all kept quiet. Goldschmidts legacy extends to this newspaper as well. We failed to diligently follow up on a tip about the abuse. And we failed in our 2004 portrayal of Goldschmidts repeated rape of his neighbors daughter, including our notorious headline referencing the abuse as an affair. It is a mistake for which we owe the victim an apology one that comes 20 years too late. And theres something for the state to take away from this, too. Because as much as people want to simply bury Goldschmidt as a rapist and move on, the reality is that there are many more children in need that Oregon continues to fail. This state is the worst in the country for the mismatch in behavioral health resources for children compared to the demand. News stories have documented the painful waitlists and lack of treatment for families desperate for help. Youth drug overdose deaths in Oregon have skyrocketed, growing at a faster rate than anywhere else in the country. The states Department of Human Services just inked a settlement to end a federal class action lawsuit over severe deficiencies in the child welfare system. These facts do not reflect a state that sincerely cares for the well-being of children who suffer from abuse in its many forms. Theres not much to be gained from a debate over whether to extol, eviscerate or ignore Goldschmidt and his political legacy. But for a state with so much to fix, its easier than confronting the legacy we are leaving. -The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board Sign up for our free Oregon Opinion newsletter. Email: In the 1980s, Gov. Neil Goldschmidt spent part of a day meeting with sexually abused, teenage girls receiving mental health care at the YWCA Girls Emancipation Program that I ran in Portland. The purpose was to help the governor learn about problems in the states child welfare system directly from children in the system. Id always thought it curious such a savvy politician had developed such remarkable, on-going awareness, concern and advocacy for abused children, a cause that likely would not benefit him much politically. When the governors own history of sexually abusing a teenage girl was revealed decades later, I surmised his unusual commitment to this normally overlooked issue had likely been an attempt at amends or a way to alleviate guilt. Joshua Porter got dressed for his job around 4 a.m. on Jan. 8, 2019, sat down at the end of the bed, buried his face in his hands and told his longtime partner he didnt want to go. He was scared. After a Friday night dinner at Elmers, Bonny Heyn loved watching planes take off and land at Portland International Airport. The 75-year-old Portland resident was pulled over off Northeast Marine Drive doing just that when 22-year-old Maria Moncada is accused of slamming her BMW at 103 mph into Heyns Honda Fit, sending it down an embankment and killing the former bookkeeper. The speed limit on Marine Drive is 40 mph. A Milwaukee shooting of a 9-year-old boy in their own household has earned the city their fourth youngest victim of gun violence in recent weeks. The community is now grappling with the horrors of gun violence against youth. The 9-year-old boy, Jonael Zambrano, was fatally shot in his home early Thursday morning. This incident marks the fourth underage death claimed by gun violence in the city in recent weeks, pressing a disquieting trend that officers and residents are hopeless to address. Zambrano, a pupil at Greater Holy Temple Christian Academy, was in a bedroom with his family when gunfire erupted just after midnight. The Milwaukee County medical monitor's office verified that he expired at a sanitarium roughly two hours later. Authorities believe the shots were fired from outside the apartment structure. 9-Year-Old Boy Becomes Fourth Youngest Victim Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson expressed his deep anguish and frustration during a press conference, stating that these senseless crimes should not happen. Johnson added that no child should lose their life on the night of the last day of school or before summer break begins, just because someone decided to shoot a gun in any place. The Zambrano family believes their apartment was probably mistakenly targeted by civilians and is calling for justice. The boy's mom stated that his 9-year-old child is a nice boy, emphasizing that they had no controversies with anyone. The family is now seeking donations to cover burial and medical charges. Recent Increase in Gun Violence This heartbreaking incident is the latest in a series of blowups involving young victims in Milwaukee. On May 31, 10-year-old Isdennyeliz Ortiz was killed by a pellet that entered her bedroom from an upper-level unit. The 10-year-old girl's cousin is now facing charges of second-degree reckless homicide in connection with her death. In early May, 15-year-olds Alejandro Sanchez and Monroe Weso were also fatally shot, and another teenager, Christopher N. Scott, has been charged with their murders. Common Council member Larresa Taylor, who represents the area where Zambrano lived, raised her outrage over the rising violence. Taylor stated that the gun problems in the city, targeting the youth, are infuriating since all gun-related deaths are avoidable. She also believes that it is for adults and members of the community to do better to ensure the safety of the children. Call for Action Residents of the Woodlands Condos, where the firing occurred, have reported adding crime to the complex since the original homeowners association excluded its security guards. Numerous people are now calling for advanced security measures and less community involvement to help prevent further tragedies. Milwaukee police are laboriously searching for the suspects involved in Zambrano's firing and continue to probe the incident. They prompt anyone with information to come forward by reaching the Milwaukee Police Department at414-935-7360 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS or P3 Tips. As of mid-June, Milwaukee has reported 51 homicides in 2024, compared to 65 during the same period last time. Despite this slight drop, the recent torrent of violence involving children has cast a dimming shadow over the community, evoking critical calls for comprehensive results to prevent further loss of life. Father's Day is a perfect time for kids to show their love and appreciation with handmade gifts. However, numerous dads might opt for material and expensive gifts that can be bought during this season. With that, here are a few options for easy Father's Day gifts kids can make at home without spending so much money. These DIY projects not only create wonderful memories but also allow kids to express their creativity and show thoughtfulness as a gift to their dad. Here are eight heartfelt DIY Father's Day gift ideas that kids can easily make at home. Easy Father's Day Gifts Kids Can Make 1. Handprint Art Handprint art is a timeless and sentimental gift. Using non-toxic paint, kids can create handprint animals, flowers, or a simple "Best Dad" poster. Framing the artwork adds an extra special touch that dads will treasure for years. A personalized mug combines practicality with sentimentality. This gift can be perfect for kids with dads who are fond of their tea and coffee. Kids can decorate a plain white mug with permanent markers or ceramic paint, drawing pictures, writing messages, or creating patterns. Once finished, bake the mug to set the design. 3. Homemade Coupons Another DIY Father's Day gift that kids can easily make without spending a dime is gifting a homemade coupon. Homemade coupons are a fun and thoughtful gift. Kids can create coupons for tasks like "One Free Car Wash," "Breakfast in Bed," or "A Day of Fun Activities." This gift allows dads to enjoy quality time and helpful gestures from their children. 4. Memory Jar A memory jar captures special moments and memories. Kids can fill a jar with notes, each describing a favorite memory or a reason why they love their dad. Decorating the jar with ribbons, stickers, or paint makes it even more special. 5. Custom Picture Frame Kids can make a custom picture frame using popsicle sticks, cardboard, or an old frame. They can decorate it with paint, stickers, glitter, or other craft supplies. Adding a favorite photo of dad and the kids creates a personal touch that will brighten any room. A tie-dye t-shirt is a fun and colorful gift. Kids can use a tie-dye kit to create unique patterns and designs on a plain white t-shirt. This creative project is enjoyable and results in a wearable piece of art for their fathers. 7. DIY Coasters DIY coasters are practical, stylish, and usable. Kids can make coasters out of cork, ceramic tiles, or wood slices, decorating them with paint, markers, or decoupage techniques. Sealing the coasters with a clear waterproof sealant protects the designs. 8. Photo Collage A photo collage captures and celebrates family moments. Kids can arrange photos on a large piece of cardboard or poster board, adding decorations like stickers, drawings, and captions. Framing the collage or leaving it as is creates a heartfelt gift that dads will treasure. These DIY Father's Day gifts are thoughtful, personal, and fun for kids to make. Each project allows children to express their love and creativity, resulting in unique and meaningful presents that dads will cherish. Encourage kids to create something special that comes straight from the heart this Father's Day. A new, 54-minute-long episode of the series A Marvelous Work an episode that, shockingly, includes me has been posted on the website of Scripture Central. Watch it at your own risk: Who Actually Saw the Gold Plates? | A Marvelous Work Episode 5 The final gathering in the series of European FAIR conferences for 2024 drew a respectable audience today, largely filling one of the local Goteborg-area chapels. And, of course, it was recorded (and it may have been streamed and certainly will be streamed). A couple of the speakers today Jeffrey Thayne and DeLayna Beck were joining us for the first time. (See the program above.) I was really pleased that Per Herrey was there for the morning session, though he was obliged to leave just before the lunch break by some sort of family health issue; just before he left, he sat down to the piano and he and his brother Louis sang a song that he had written. It bears testimony of the Savior. I quite liked it. My involvement with the FAIR programs here in Europe is now done. Scott Gordon will be doing solo presentations in Dusseldorf, Germany, and in Sofia, Bulgaria, and Ben Spackman is scheduled for a presentation in Paris, but tonights gathering of the presenters and their spouses (or, in one case, a daughter) for dinner brought the conferences to a close. Its been interesting, and I think that the programs have been reasonably not spectacularly, but reasonably successful. With each successive iteration of these conferences in Rome, and then in Salzburg, and, finally, here in Goteborg attendance has grown substantially better. Even Rome, though, was far from the worst attendance that Ive ever experienced. Two experiences from early in my academic career: Shortly after joining the faculty at Brigham Young University, I saw notices for a meeting of the Rocky Mountain Medieval and Renaissance Studies Association (RMMRSA), to be held (rather oddly) at Grand Canyon Village in Grand Canyon National Park on the canyons south rim in northern Arizona. For having spent most of my American life in either Southern California or Utah, Ive only had three or four occasions to visit the Grand Canyon (although Ive flown over it multiple times, traveling between Salt Lake City and Phoenix), so I thought the RMMRSA meeting there a good chance to check out a new and potentially congenial organization and, at the same time, to enjoy one of North Americas most spectacular landscapes. I proposed a paper about the early eleventh-century Fatimid ruler of Egypt who, by destroying the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, had provoked the Crusades. It was entitled Was al-Hakim a Machiavel, a Madman, or a Messiah? and it was accepted. Accordingly, when the time came, we packed our young children up and drove down. My parents joined us there from California, my wifes parents joined us from Colorado, and we had a good multigenerational family vacation. As academic conferences go, though, it wasnt exactly a success for me. I found very few papers on the program that were of particular interest to me, and mine was the only Islam-related paper at the entire conference. For my session, only three of us were present: The chair of the session was there to call it to order, I was there, and the author of the sessions other paper was there, as well, to give his presentation. Outside, through the plate-glass window of our conference room, I saw scores of conference attendees strolling back and forth, looking over the Canyon, and talking pictures. Ive never since attended a meeting of the RMMRSA. A year or two later, I received a note from my friend Bill Hamblin, who had not yet joined the faculty at BYU (whereby hangs a tale!) but was either still working as an analyst at the Department of Defense or perhaps newly teaching at the University of Southern Mississippi. (I think the latter.) He had been approached by a friend who was involved with the American Research Center in Egypt, which was holding its annual meeting that year in, appropriately enough, Memphis, Tennessee. They had always been heavily focused on Egyptology, the study of ancient Egypt, but had decided that they wanted to foster work on medieval Islamic Egypt, as well. Could Bill suggest a person or two who might be willing to join them in Memphis? So Bill reached out to me. When the time came, a stoic session chairman was in attendance, plainly wishing rather to be in the next room. And there was Bill, who formed the entirety of my audience. Next door, a large assembly of Egyptologists was laughing repeatedly and with great gusto in a session that Im not making this up was devoted to the consideration of reflexive verbs in Middle Egyptian. (Comedic gold, right?) Bill and I decided to release the session chair so that he could join the grammatical revelry next door. Bill had driven to the conference and he wanted to visit Elvis Presleys Graceland. So I read my paper to him in the car as he drove. When we arrived, though, he thought the entry fee too high, so Ive still not actually been to Graceland. Which is fine, because Ive really never been much of an Elvis fan. (As in, Im not at all an Elvis fan.). Instead, though, we spent some time in an establishment near Gracelands entrance that claimed rightly, I expect to be the worlds largest store dedicated to Elvis memorabilia. I bought nothing. (Incidentally, part of Keith Ereksons presentation at these conferences has been about . . . Elvis Presley. Really. And trust me it actually fits quite nicely into his Church-related theme. (See his BYU Studies article Elvis Has Left the Library: Identifying Forged Annotations in a Book of Mormon.) Though I suspect that none of the chapels in which weve spoken have resounded very often to the sound of All Shook Up. Posted from Goteborg, Sweden The Summer Solstice: Celebrating Before the Labors Begin John Beckett the Denton Unitarian Universalist Fellowship June 16, 2024 When asked for a concise definition of modern Paganism, I always give a three-fold answer. I used to begin by saying that Paganism is a view of the Divine as both female and male. I now prefer to say that the Divine is all genders something I think is supported by a reading of ancient stories about the Gods, and also by contemporary experience. Secondly, Paganism is a connection to Nature and its rhythms and cycles. And third, Paganism is a resonance with the beliefs and practices of our ancestors, especially our pre-Christian ancestors. Its this third point that I want to focus on today. As modern Pagans, were inspired by our ancestors. We use scholarship especially history, archaeology, and anthropology to try to understand what they did, why they did it, and what it meant for them. We use our own first-hand experiences. Were not so very different from our ancestors, and if we stand under the full moon or on the sea shore or on the top of a mountain, Nature will speak to us just as Nature spoke to them. If we pray to the Gods, they will answer us just as they answered people thousands of years ago. At the end of the day, our goal is to create a religion that is inspired by the ancients, but that speaks to us here and now. We cannot and should not try to duplicate exactly what our ancestors did. We are not pre-Roman Celts or Pharaonic Egyptians we are, at least in this country, 21st century Americans. Mistaking the cultural norms of ancient times for a divine mandate is an error of fundamentalism, one we do not wish to repeat. The Wheel of the Year is both old and new This mixture of old and new is clearly evident in the modern Pagan Wheel of the Year, the eight holy days roughly based on the agricultural cycle of Iron Age Europe that a majority of contemporary Pagans observe, including us here at Denton CUUPS. The solstices and equinoxes are natural occurrences that pre-date all religions, and it may very well be that the Winter Solstice is humanitys oldest holy day. The four cross quarter days that occur in between the solstices and equinoxes the fire festivals of Imbolc, Beltane, Lughnasadh, and Samhain are attested in ancient Celtic lore. But there is no evidence that any group of people ever celebrated all eight days until Gerald Gardner, the founder of Wicca, wrote about it in the 1950s. Does that make the Wheel of the Year inauthentic? Perhaps, but that doesnt matter. We get together every six or seven weeks to honor our Gods and ancestors, to celebrate the changing seasons, and to celebrate being Pagan. It works, and thats what matters most. The next stop on the Wheel of the Year is the Summer Solstice. The astronomical solstice the longest day and the shortest night is this coming Thursday, June 20, at 3:50 PM CDT. Denton CUUPS Summer Solstice circle will be this Saturday at 7:00 PM and everyone is invited. The wisdom of the Summer Solstice As modern Pagans, we are inspired by our ancestors. What inspiration did they leave us for how to celebrate the Summer Solstice? Not much. Numerous ancient monuments especially in Britain and Ireland are aligned with the equinoxes. Newgrange, the 5000 year old tomb-shrine in Ireland, is brilliantly and dramatically aligned with the Winter Solstice. But the Summer Solstice? Theres nothing. Thousands of people will gather at Stonehenge on Thursday night, hoping for a glimpse of the Summer Solstice sunrise on Friday morning. Theyre continuing an ancient Druid tradition that dates all the way back to the 1880s. Yes, Stonehenge is aligned with sunrise at the Summer Solstice, but that means its also aligned with sunset at the Winter Solstice. A look at the lay of the land especially the avenue the ancient Britons used to approach Stonehenge and a bit of knowledge about ritual and its obvious that all those thousands of people are there six months out of phase. Most of them are just there for a party, but if it works for them, Im happy for them. New traditions are valid traditions too. But Stonehenge provides no help in figuring out how to celebrate the Summer Solstice. There are a few folk customs remaining in the countries around the Baltic Sea, things that may have been religious at one point but whose deeper meanings have been lost in the centuries since the conversion to Christianity. They mostly involve flowers and bonfires and staying up all night at a time when it never really gets dark. But for people at more moderate latitudes, the Summer Solstice doesnt seem to have been a very important day. The Wheel of the Year is loosely based on the agricultural cycle. Weve celebrated the three Spring holy days: Imbolc, the promise of Spring in the dead of Winter. Ostara, the Spring Equinox and the return of life to the land. And Beltane, the beginning of Summer and a celebration of fertility. In August well celebrate Lughnasadh and the grain harvest something that used to be rather timely here in North Texas, before all the cornfields were cut up into subdivisions. Then comes the Fall Equinox and the apple harvest, and then Samhain, the final harvest and the beginning of Winter. And here we are at the Summer Solstice, in between the planting and the harvesting, with not much to do. There is wisdom for us here, if we will see it. We have been busy. We will be busy again. The Summer Solstice is a time to rest and to celebrate, before the labors begin again. This election is critical vote! The most obvious labor that is coming is the election this November. DUUF is a tax-exempt religious organization. I cannot and will not tell you which candidates and which parties to vote for. I will impress on you the importance of voting. Democracy only works when people actively participate in the political process. If we cant be bothered to vote, or if were so cynical weve convinced ourselves voting doesnt matter, then weve given away our rights and our voice and we will be governed by people who do not share our values. As others have said, voting is not like getting married we need not agree with a candidate on every issue, or even on many issues. Voting is like buying a bus ticket you pick the bus thats going to get you closer to where you want to go, with the full realization that no one bus is going to get you there all at once. Vote for reproductive rights at every level Like most UUs, I fully support reproductive rights, including the right to abortion. The question of when human life begins is far more complicated than those on the pro-forced birth side are willing to accept. Both the science and the religion are deep, complex, and diverse. No one has the right to make this choice for another, nor to force someone to be pregnant or remain pregnant against their will. For 50 years, Roe v. Wade was the law of the land. In 2016 a small but ultimately significant number of people decided they just didnt like Hillary Clinton, so they didnt vote. And so instead of more Supreme Court Justices like Ruth Bader Ginsburg, we got Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, and Barrett, all of whom said Roe v. Wade was settled law and all of whom voted to overturn it in the 2022 Dobbs decision. For the first time, the Supreme Court of the United States took rights away from people instead of expanding them. Elections have consequences. Not voting has consequences. As conservatives like to point out, Dobbs did not make abortion illegal. It returned the decision to the states. So in states like California and Colorado, abortion rights are firmly encoded in state law. Meanwhile, in Texas abortion is unobtainable even when the pregnant person is near death, and a man is trying to file a wrongful death lawsuit because his partner obtained a legal abortion in another state. Which is to say, there is more than one race on the ballot in November. Every race matters, especially for the state House and state Senate. Learn who the candidates are and buy your bus ticket for the ones that get you closer to where you want to go. Anti-choice activists worked for 50 years to overturn Roe v. Wade. We should not give up if we are unable to restore its protections in two years. The anti-choice activists havent declared victory and gone home they will not be satisfied until theres a nation-wide abortion ban. And also, theyre working to overturn the rulings that established same sex marriage, that decriminalized same sex activities, and that established the right to birth control. These people vote in every election. We who respect the rights of people to be who and what they are and to live their lives as they see fit without government interference can do no less. This is June. We have a few more weeks to rest, before the party conventions and the debates, before the onslaught of TV ads full of half truths and outright lies, and before its time to go to the polls and participate in the messy but necessary process of democracy. Celebrate the fact that we still have the right to vote. Celebrate that we have the hope of not just restoring fundamental rights, but of expanding them and building a society thats more fair and more just. This is the Summer Solstice. Rest and celebrate, before the labors begin. A refuge and a lighthouse Not all coming labors are so expansive. Some are much more local, including the coming labors right here in our UU Fellowship. I joined DUUF in 2004. In my 20 years here, weve had times of stability and times of turmoil, but weve never had a time when we felt like we were exactly where we needed to be, and where we wanted to be. All living things grow and change, and DUUF is most definitely a living thing. I thought calling Rev. Eric Posa to be our minister was absolutely the best thing we could do as we attempted to return to normal after the lockdowns of the pandemic. I was wrong. I think we all understand that was no fault of Rev. Erics. The world changed. It changed for mainline churches, it changed for liberal churches, and it changed for conservative churches. Across the spectrum, fewer people are going to church, participating in church activities, and giving money to support churches and their ministries. We learned that right now we cannot support a full time minister. Thats not a failure or a shortcoming its just reality. And still, here we are. We were a lay-led congregation when I joined DUUF, weve been a lay-led congregation at other times, and we are a lay-led congregation once again. I thank our outgoing Board of Trustees, whose jobs got considerably harder after they agreed to serve. I thank our incoming Board of Trustees, who have agreed to serve in an environment in which what we will be is still uncertain. And I thank everyone who has served and is serving, on committees, in worship, in religious education, in maintenance and cleanup, and in doing all the things that keep this Fellowship doing the things that make us a Fellowship. Traditionally, our church year begins at Ingathering, the last Sunday in August. In reality it starts in early August, when our folks start to return from their summer travels and studies and kids sports, and when visitors start church shopping for the coming year. We have a few weeks until then, to decide what we want to do and be at least for this year. For as long as Ive been here, DUUF has had two primary missions. The first is to be a refuge for those of us who are here. Denton is a fairly accepting town, but parts of it are not, and Texas is Texas. DUUF is a home for those who need a home: especially for LGBTQ folks, and for folks like me whose religious beliefs and practices dont exactly line up with the Baptists. As we say in our CUUPS circles, we welcome all who come in love and friendship. This is our home, a place where we can drop our masks and be who and what we are without fear of judgment. How can we best take care of our own, with the resources we have at our disposal? Our second primary mission is to be a lighthouse, to spread our UU values in the wider community. Changing hearts and minds is a huge task fraught with danger, but never underestimate the value of simply being who and what you are in public. If nothing else, we let people know that no, everybody doesnt think like that. Yes, every person has inherent dignity and worth, and everyone should be treated with justice, equity, and compassion. No, theres no One True Religion, and there arent even many paths up one mountain. There are many paths up many different mountains, and all of them are valid, if they help you live in harmony with yourself and with your neighbors. We may never convert anyone who is opposed to our values, but we let people who are on the fence know theres another way of seeing the world. And we let those who do share our values but who feel isolated know theyre not alone, and that theres a place for them, if they want it. Being a lighthouse is easy when you have a full time minister with the time and inclination to participate in public events. Its harder when youre a lay-led congregation where most people have jobs and families that occupy most of their time. We must be careful not to overcommit ourselves. But also, being a lighthouse is a sacred obligation we should not forget. How can we best share our values, with the resources we have at our disposal? This is the Summer Solstice. Rest and celebrate, before the labors begin. Building on the work of those who came before us As is our tradition in Denton CUUPS, Saturdays Summer Solstice circle is inspired by the beliefs and practices of ancient Egypt which are very different from those of the Celts and Norse and other peoples of Europe. In Egyptian mythology, Ausir Osiris was the first Pharoah. He was murdered by his jealous brother Set, and then restored to life by his wife Auset Isis. But he moved on to become the ruler of the Duat the afterlife and his throne in this world was taken by his son Heru Horus. Some say Horus is still there. Most contemporary Egyptians are good Muslims, but they were putting statues of Horus on their buildings long before Muhammad and they see no reason to stop now. When Horus took the throne of Egypt, he did not start over. He built on what his father and his mother had done. Set destroyed some things but not all, and what remained gave Horus and the people a place to start. What they built lasted for 4000 years. Historians have divided Egypt into Kingdoms and Dynasties, with Intermediate Periods when things werent going so well for Egypt. But the nation and the culture were remarkably stable for four millennia. The last Pharoah is closer in time to us than to the first Pharoah. Likewise, we need not start over, not in our political work and not in our work here in this Fellowship. We have institutions we can work with, and work within. They arent perfect, but theyre a place to start in our efforts find a bus that will take us where we want to go, more or less. Theyre especially important for those who need urgent help, as with those who need reproductive care that is no longer available in Texas. Our Denton UU ancestors left us not just the building and grounds, but also a 70 year history of being both a refuge and a lighthouse. What they did in the past some of which was far less friendly to UU values than today we can do now. And gradually month by month, year by year, election by election we can build both a Fellowship and a society that better embodies our UU values of acceptance and inclusion. This is the Summer Solstice. Rest and celebrate, before the labors begin. Conclusion Democracy only works when we participate. Billionaire dollars, gerrymandering, and voter suppression make participating more difficult than it should be, but that just makes it that much more critical that those of us who can vote do vote, in every race in every election. DUUF is not the church we thought it would be this time last year. But there are many ways we can fulfill our dual mission of being a refuge and a lighthouse. We have to choose which ways work best for us, here and now. The work is coming work that is critically important for our future. But for now, this is the Summer Solstice. Rest and celebrate, before the labors begin. Benediction The Summer Solstice is a natural event thats been going on for as long as the Earth has been tilted on its axis. Its the longest day and the shortest night we have 14 hours and 21 minutes of daylight here in Denton. Seattle has 16 hours, and Fairbanks Alaska has almost 22 hours. Culturally and religiously, the Summer Solstice feels less important than other holy days. Certainly it was less significant to our Pagan ancestors. But, positioned between the planting and the harvesting, it still has wisdom for us, if we will see it. Important labors are coming, but they are not here yet. Take a vacation. Read a book. Watch a silly movie or three. Join us for our Summer Solstice circle this Saturday night. This is the Summer Solstice. Rest and celebrate, before the labors begin. In an important development for Ghanas fiscal outlook, the government has successfully concluded discussions with its Official Creditor Committee (OCC) regarding the debt treatment plan outlined in January 2024. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) formalizing the agreement, which was principally brokered with Official Creditors earlier this year, is a significant milestone in Ghanas endeavor to achieve long-term debt sustainability. The OCC, co-chaired by economic powerhouses China and France, played instrumental roles in facilitating the negotiations that culminated in the finalization of the MoU. The agreement retains the financial terms previously established and offers substantial debt service relief over the duration of the Fund-supported program. This strategic move aims to free up essential financial resources that can be channeled into critical sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, and education to foster sustainable socio-economic growth. The successful establishment of the formal OCC pact is anticipated to pave the way for the approval of the second review of the Fund-supported Post Covid-19 Programme for Economic Growth (PC-PEG) by the IMF Executive Board. This endorsement will unlock the disbursement of the next tranche of IMF financing amounting to US$360 million and may attract further financial assistance from key development partners, notably the World Bank. Furthermore, the completion of the official creditor agreement is poised to fortify ongoing engagements with private creditors as Ghana strives to expedite parallel restructuring agreements to align with the principle of comparability of treatment. Each official creditor within the OCC will proceed with their respective internal protocols to formalize the MoU, paving the way for individual bilateral agreements with Ghana to implement the mutually agreed terms. In light of these developments, Minister for Finance, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, reiterated Ghanas commitment to meeting its debt obligations responsibly while emphasizing the imperative of equitable treatment across all creditors. Dr. Adam urged official creditors to expedite their internal processes for signing the bilateral agreements, underscoring Ghanas dedication to constructive engagement with commercial external creditors to reach mutually beneficial resolutions promptly. Dr. Adam expressed gratitude on behalf of the Republic of Ghana to all members of the OCC, especially the co-chairs, China and France, for their steadfast support in navigating the nations debt challenges. He hailed the landmark OCC agreement as a pivotal achievement in Ghanas debt restructuring narrative and a key enabler for driving forward the countrys robust reform agenda with the backing of supportive development partners. We call upon our official creditors to fast-track their internal processes towards the signing of the bilateral agreements. Ghana continues to engage in good faith with all commercial external creditors, striving to finalize restructuring agreements that respect Ghanas need for debt relief and the comparability of treatment principle. Ghana also reiterates its firm commitment to remain in arrears with its external commercial creditors until agreements compatible with the comparability of treatment principle are reached, Minister for Finance, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam mentioned in a statement issued by the Ministry. The Ministry of Finance on behalf of the Republic of Ghana extends our gratitude to all members of the OCC, particularly the committees co-chairs, China and France, for their unwavering commitment to assisting our country in resolving its debt issues. This landmark agreement marks an extraordinary milestone in Ghanas debt restructuring journey and will further strengthen our ambitious reform agenda with the strong support of our development partners, the statement indicated. Source: dailyguidenetwork.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Bank of Ghana(BOG) has issued a statement to justify the revoking of the banking license issued to Dr. Papa kwesi Nduoms GN Bank since 2019. The Central Bank alleged that GN Bank failed to comply with vital financial regulations and banking standards which was a threat to the banks operational stability. In view of that, the Bank of Ghana posits that it cannot grant the request of the GN bank to have its license restored. Events leading to the closure and revoking of license of GN bank included, an alleged short-fall of capital adequacy, liquidity and governance and risk management requirements. The Bank of Ghana further stated that, the GN Bank consistently failed to meet the minimum capital requirements, which raised legitimate concerns about the banks ability to absorb losses as well as protect the monies belonging to depositors. It also struggled with liquidity management, which affected its capacity to meet withdrawal demands from customers. There were also deficiencies in GN Banks governance structure and risk management practices, which contributed to operational inefficiencies and heightened risk exposure. The statement read, GN Bank suspended operations in seventy (70) of its branches including the Head office branch at Asylum Down and Castle Road branch, and temporarily suspended its entire management team without the approval of the Bank of Ghana contrary to section 25 (2) of the Banks and Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions Act, 2016 (Act 930), mainly as a result of its insolvency and liquidity challenges. On 4th January 2019, the Bank of Ghana approved a request to reclassify GN Bank from a universal bank to a Savings and Loans company following its inability to meet new required minimum paid-up capital of GH 400 million by 31st December 2018. The reclassification was to among other things enable the institution to downsize its operations and also inject additional capital to resolve the acute liquidity challenges it was confronted with. The Bank of Ghana subsequently appointed an Advisor to GN to assist in the reclassification process. In spite of the above, the institution has been unable to resolve its liquidity crisis and has also not been able to meet the majority of the conditions the Bank of Ghana imposed on the institution following its reclassification as a savings and loans company. The financial condition of the institution has also deteriorated since the reclassification with both negative capital adequacy ratio and negative net worth. Read the full statement below: Licence revocation of GN Savings and Loans Limited The Bank of Ghana (BoG) on August 16, 2019 revoked the licences of twenty-three (23) insolvent savings and loans companies and finance house companies. These actions were taken pursuant to Section 123 (1) of the Banks and Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions Act, 2016 (Act 930), which requires the BoG to revoke the licence of a Bank or Specialised Deposit-Taking Institution (SDI) where the BoG determines that the institution is insolvent. The BoG also appointed a Receiver for the specified institutions in line with section 123 (2) of Act 930. The Bank of Ghana explained that the revocation of the licences of the institutions had become necessary because they were insolvent even after a reasonable period within which it had engaged with them in the hope that they would be recapitalised by their shareholders to return them to solvency. The BoG gave reasons for the revocation of the licence of each of the institutions mentioned on the list. Below are the reasons for the revocation of the licence of GN Savings and Loans Company. GN SAVINGS AND LOANS LTD. (Statement of August 16, 2019) GN Savings and Loans Company Limited was originally incorporated as First National Savings and Loans (FNSL) Company Limited and licensed as a Savings and Loans Company on 8th May 2006. It was subsequently issued with a universal banking license by the Bank of Ghana on 4th September 2014 and was renamed GN Bank Limited. On 4th January 2019, the Bank of Ghana approved a request to reclassify GN Bank from a universal bank to a Savings and Loans company following its inability to meet new required minimum paid-up capital of GH 400 million by 31st December 2018. The reclassification was to among other things enable the institution to downsize its operations and also inject additional capital to resolve the acute liquidity challenges it was confronted with. The Bank of Ghana subsequently appointed an Advisor to GN to assist in the reclassification process. In spite of the above, the institution has been unable to resolve its liquidity crisis and has also not been able to meet the majority of the conditions the Bank of Ghana imposed on the institution following its reclassification as a savings and loans company. The financial condition of the institution has also deteriorated since the reclassification with both negative capital adequacy ratio and negative net worth. The Bank of Ghana has reached the conclusion that GN is currently insolvent under section 123 (4) of the Banks and SDIs Act, 2016 (Act 930), being in breach of its key prudential regulatory requirements. Its Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) is currently -61%, in breach of the minimum required of 13%. It is also facing a severe liquidity crisis with numerous complaints received by the Financial Stability Department of the Bank of Ghana from aggrieved customers who have been unable to access their deposits with the institution for the last several months. What is more, it has consistently failed to meet the minimum cash reserve requirement of 10% of its total deposits, since the end of the first quarter of 2019. GNs shareholders have failed to restore the bank to the required regulatory capital and liquidity levels in spite of long-standing promises that new capital was expected from foreign investors. While GN has indicated that government owes it a total amount of GH942.98 million of which GH102.73 million represented Interim Payment Certificates (IPCs), the Bank of Ghanas assessment is that IPCs totaling GH30.33 million only have been confirmed by the Ministry of Finance as at 6th August 2019 as owed to contractors that may be indebted to affiliates of GN. The Bank of Ghanas supervisory assessment showed that even when the total outstanding IPCs amount of GH30.33 million was considered, it still did not address GNs capital deficit of -GH683.66 million. It must be noted that GNs insolvency problems are largely attributable to overdraft and other facilities it extended to its related parties who are other companies in the Groupe Ndoum network of businesses, under circumstances that violated relevant prudential norms. Of particular interest are the funds totalling GH761.55 million that GN Bank as it then was, placed with its sister companies Ghana Growth Fund (Gold Coast Advisors) and Gold Coast Fund Management Limited (now Blackshield Capital Management), both licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Some of these funds were used by the two related parties to pay their customers whose investments with them had matured, while some were also used to fund road and other contractors, who claim to have worked on Government projects. It is important to note that the IPCs claimed by GN are not supported by transactions that were entered into directly by GN and such contractors or Government and its entities. They reflect transactions entered into by Ghana Growth Fund or Gold Coast Fund Management with these contractors using funds taken from GN under circumstances that violated prudential norms. The failure of the two related parties to pay back these funds to GN affected GNs capital position, leading eventually to its insolvency and acute liquidity challenges. In addition to GNs insolvency and liquidity challenges, the Bank of Ghana has found other key regulatory violations such as the following: -The institutions adjusted Net worth of negative GH30.70 million as at end May 2019 indicates that its paid up capital is impaired in violation of Section 28(1) Act 930. -The institutions adjusted capital adequacy ratio of negative 61.20% as at end May 2019 is in violation of Section 29(2) of Act 930. -Contrary to section 64 (2) of the Banks and Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions Act, 2016 (Act 930), the institutions exposure to its related party has consistently been above the regulatory limit of 25% of net own funds (NOF). Exposures to other affiliates companies were mainly payments made by the bank on behalf of such affiliates. -The structure of GNs balance sheet clearly shows that the bank mobilizes deposits for its related companies. The inability of these related companies to honour their obligation to GN has resulted in serious liquidity challenges and contributed to their insolvency as all related party exposures are non-performing. The institutions high non-performing loans (NPL) was mainly attributed to these related party exposures, which were never paid, thereby putting the deposits of its customer at risk. -A recent Bank of Ghana investigation conducted at GN revealed that a significant amount (USD62,255,516.93, GBP718,528.59 and EUR4,200) of depositors funds held with GN had been transferred to International Business Solutions (another company owned by Groupe Nduom and which is based in the U.S.A) without any documentation to support such transfers in breach of section 19 of the Foreign Exchange Act 2006, Act 723, Section IV of Bank of Ghana Notice No. BG/GOV/SEC/2007/4, and subsequent Bank of Ghana Notices issued in August 2014 prohibiting such practices. -The company is yet to publish its 2018 audited accounts contrary to section 90 (2) of the Banks and Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions Act, 2016 (Act 930). Furthermore, the company did not keep accounting records in a manner that gives an accurate and reliable account of the transactions of the company, and did not therefore show a true and fair view of its operations. -GN has suspended operations in seventy (70) of its branches including the Head office branch at Asylum Down and Castle Road branch, and temporarily suspended its entire management team without the approval of the Bank of Ghana contrary to section 25 (2) of the Banks and Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions Act, 2016 (Act 930), mainly as a result of its insolvency and liquidity challenges. Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The United States Government, through the U.S. President's Malaria Initiative (PMI), is providing $6 million (87 million Ghana Cedis) for spraying households against malaria-carrying mosquitoes in northern Ghana, known as indoor residual spraying (IRS). This years spraying campaign covered over 440,000 households across 10 districts in the Northern and North East Regions, protecting more than one million Ghanaians, including pregnant women and children under five years of age, who are particularly vulnerable to malaria. This marks the 17th year in a row that the U.S. President's Malaria Initiative has supported Ghana's Indoor Residual Spraying campaign, said U.S. Global Malaria Coordinator Dr. David Walton, who observed and participated in this year's campaign in the Kumbungu district of the Northern Region. Beyond spraying, we are also collaborating with the government to ensure that Ghanaians have access to bed nets, preventive treatment for pregnant women and children, malaria testing and treatment services across the country, and trained health workers to manage malaria, Dr. Walton added. Since 2008, the United States has contributed over $460 million (6.6 billion Ghana Cedis) to Ghanas malaria response. This support has reduced the infection rates of malaria. For example, malaria prevalence in children under five years of age dropped from 27.5 percent in 2011 to 8.6 percent in 2022. In January 2024, Ghana launched its National Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan. USAID and PMI fully support Ghanas plan to achieve near zero malaria deaths by 2030. The United States is Ghanas largest development partner. In 2023, USAID provided over $90 million to Ghanas health sector for malaria, maternal, newborn, and child health, HIV, global health security, and more. PMI is led by USAID and implemented together with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). About USAID The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the lead U.S. Government agency that works to end extreme global poverty and enable resilient, democratic societies to realize their potential. USAID's activities and strategic partnerships support Ghana to advance an integrated approach to development. It promotes accountability, sustainable systems, and inclusive development. Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline.com/[email protected] Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The National Labour Commission (NLC) has been petitioned by the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) to advice members of the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) to suspend their strike action. According to the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission, the decision of CETAG to embark on the strike is in bad faith adding that, the only way a consensus could be reached from both parties, is through dialogue. In a press conference held in Accra on Friday, June 14, 2024, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the FWSC, Mr. Ben Arthur, expressed his utmost shock at the decision taken by CETAG to embark on an indefinite strike. The CEO stated that, there has been an attempt to invite the aggrieved teachers for a dialogue but they have failed to show up. The striking tutors had complained about the nonpayment of one-month basic allowance after they had forfeited their leave days. But Mr. Arthur said, government has already begun the process to pay the amount involved. He said, We were very expectant that we could agree with PRINCOF (Principals of Colleges of Education) to raise money internally to be able to make the payment, but we also found out that they could not. So, central government decided to pay for it. Eventually, all those who qualified for it, PRINCOF and GTEC and we have been supplied with the details and submitted to Finance (Ministry of Finance) for action. The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) also complained about failure by the employer to pay them as university lecturers after the National Labour Commission had earlier directed. In his reaction, the Chief Executive explained that the migration of CETAG to benefit from the conditions of service of lecturers has been concluded. If you want to be paid, then you must be subjected to the conditions of the lecturer in order for you to be able to benefit from the same conditions. You have to accept the conditions for us to also match you to whatever we give to the lecturers, so that work has been done. Urging them to call of the strike, Mr. Arthur said, We are calling on them to go to the classroom to go and teach. This strike is out of bad faith. Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Medical Director of the Winneba Trauma and Specialist Hospital has been temporarily relieved of his duties pending the conclusion of an investigation. A committee has been established by the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to investigate the matter. The committee has one month to submit its report. This follows allegations of the abandonment of a patient in a bush at Gomoa Ojobi in the Central Region leading to her death. The video of the distasteful action went viral on Thursday, June 13, showing a woman wrapped in sheets and left in a bush with a wheelchair by her side. Per information, the woman was dumped in the bush by an ambulance from the Trauma and Specialist Hospital in Winneba. A statement signed by The GHS Director-General, Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye in a letter updating the Minister of Health on the incident on Friday, June 14, said the services move was to ensure credibility and unfettered access to all relevant information, the Medical Director has temporarily been relieved of his post pending the outcome of the investigation. He assured that the appropriate action would be taken at the end of the enquiry to ensure that any persons connected with the unfortunate incident were brought to book. Probe The Ghana Health Service has earlier said it has started investigations into the alleged abandonment of the patient in a bush at Gomoa Ojobi in the Central Region. This follows viral information on Thursday, June 13, with a video in circulation showing a woman wrapped in sheets and left in a bush. According to information, the woman was dumped in the bush by an ambulance at the Trauma and Specialist Hospital in Winneba. A statement signed by GHS Director-General, Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, on Friday, June 14, said investigations have commenced to establish the authenticity or otherwise of the story in line with the existing practices in the public service to enable it to take appropriate action(s). The statement also urged patience while attempts are made to authenticate the incident. Source: dailyguidenetwork.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Constitutional Review Consultative Committee has recommended the scrapping of Article 68 (5) of the constitution to impose on the President a civil duty to pay tax on his salary and emoluments to set as precedence for all citizens. According to the committee, the move to have the President pay tax on his salary and emoluments will reflect the principle of equality before the law in accordance with the rule of law. During a stakeholders consultations for the possible review of the constitution, the former Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, Inusah Fuseini highlighted some recommendations of the committee, established by the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Osei-Kyei Mensah-Bonsu in 2023. In explaining, he said, They say that it flouts equity rules, where the President receives money from the public purse and does not pay tax on his emoluments. They recommended an amendment to the Constitution to allow the President to pay tax on his earnings. In the same committee report, the capping of Parliament was proposed as well. According to the committee, there must be consequential amendments to Article 93 to ensure that Parliament consists of not more than 277 elected Members. The committees report also believes that such a move would see consequential amendments to Article 47 to ensure that Ghana is divided into as many constituencies for the purpose of election of MPs as the Electoral Commission (EC) may prescribe, but the number of constituencies shall not exceed 277. In addition, the committee establishes that the size of government be capped and the privilege to appoint Deputy Ministers be expunged in order to have an appreciably smaller cabinet. Among other propositions is the abolishment of the regional ministers as well as deputy ministers. It argues that the position of Regional Ministers should be abolished similar to Deputy Ministerial positions. The committee proposes that the President shall have the privilege of appointing as many Ministers of State as may be necessary for the efficient running of the state. However, the number of Ministers shall not exceed 25. Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Managing Director of the State Transport Corporation (STC), has opined that the government of the New Patriotic Party has not been able to achieve a satisfactory win over the fight against the menace of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. According to him, although the government has made significant efforts in fighting the canker that has destroyed many water bodies and farms, it has not been able to achieve the feat it so desires. The fight against galamsey had been one of the topmost challenges President Akufo-Addo sought to achieve, leading to the President putting his Presidency on the line upon assumption of office. Evident in his quest to fighting galamsey was the launch of Operation Vanguard and Operation Halt, amongst other policy interventions. I have said it in the Cabinet, and perhaps this is the first time I am making this public, that I am prepared to put my Presidency on the line on this matter, the President said at a workshop on galamsey for traditional leaders. This dream is yet to be realised after almost eight years of assuming office as President. However, in an interview on Accra based Joy FM, the former Member of Parliament for Okaikwei South emphasised the persistent challenges in combating illegal mining. Every President has made efforts to stop illegal mining in the country, but despite their commitment and efforts, the results remain unsatisfactory, he said. His comments come on the wheel of a recent comment made by the Parliamentary candidate for Amenfi East, Ernest Frimpong, who was captured in a video telling illegal miners to deal with any military officer who tries to interfere with their illegal activities. Relatedly, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate (PC) for the Amenfi East constituency in the Western region has come under heavy criticism for allegedly inciting small-scale miners to attack military officers who prevent them from mining. Mr. Frimpong, who has explained that, the actual intentions of comments have been misconstrued have been granted bail after the police arrested him. Nana Akomea posited that, the fight against the illegal mining is a daunting task which demands a collective efforts from all and sundry. Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Henry Kwabena Kokofu, former Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) Chief Executive Officer, has raised concerns over the poor communication and media relations of the New Patriotic Party regarding the good works of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration. Henry Kwabena Kokofu, contributing to Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show on Friday, bemoaned the lackadaisical attitude of some of their communicators and government officials in publicizing what the developmental projects under this administration. He called on the party to strengthen their communication tools as it was revealed on the show the many things that the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has done and is doing to improve the lives of Ghanaians. Particularly about the health sector, it was disclosed by the Minister of Health, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, that the government has built a 120-bed children's hospital at Weija and also commenced the construction of the La General Hospital among other impressive projects. Mr. Kokofu urged the party to effectively engage the media to project their good works to the people of Ghana. "We will now onwards respect communication", he promised. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Country music star Billy Ray Cyrus has reportedly filed for an emergency temporary restraining order from his wife, Firerose, just weeks after news broke that he had filed for divorce. Per People Magazine, Cyrus filed the motion in a Tennessee court on Thursday seeking a ruling that would stop Firerose from unauthorized use of his credit cards and bank accounts. People reported that Cyrus claimed that Firerose ran up $96,986 in unauthorized charges on his business account. The site reported that Cyrus claims $70,665 of that went to payments for her lawyers. Cyrus claimed that the charges made him concerned that she may make other fraudulent, unauthorized charges to my business and personal credit cards and accounts. When he filed for divorce, Cyrus listed irreconcilable differences and inappropriate marital conduct as his reason, per People. Cyrus is 62. Firerose, whose real name is Johanna Rose Hodges, is 37. The couple was reportedly married for just seven months. Through her attorneys, Firerose has denied that she made any fraudulent charges, according to People. Throughout the divorce proceedings, the parties are to live as per the status quo during the marriage, her lawyers reportedly argued. Wife was simply living as she has since October 10, 2023, and Husband has no right to cut her off. People did report that Cyrus and Firerose did agree when he field for divorce that she would move out of his home immediately, and that he would provide financial support for her for 90 days or until the dissolution of the marriage, whichever comes first. Firefighters and other emergency personnel from across central Pennsylvania and Maryland fought a blaze at a series of rowhomes in Franklin County on Sunday, according to fire departments social media posts. Departments began responding just before 11 a.m. to Philadelphia Avenue between 2nd and 3rd streets in Waynesboro, according to the departments posts. Thousands of central Pa. Muslims gathered Sunday morning at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex to celebrate Eid Al-Adha, commemorating the story of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his willingness to sacrifice one of his sons as an act of obedience to God. It is celebrated by millions of practitioners worldwide. Eid Al-Adha, the Feast of the Sacrifice, is the second of two great Muslim festivals. The other is Eid al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan. Donald Trump is now a convicted felon. A jury convicted Trump on all 34 counts of falsifying business records. As expected, members of Trumps MAGA Cult expressed outrage and lashed out at the prosecutor, the judge, and the members of the jury. Cult members including Trump Republican sycophants in office believe that Trump can do no wrong. Years ago, Trump bragged that he could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue and not lose any votes. Sadly true, which speak volumes about his followers; however, there now is a chink in his armor. There are still three other federal and state legal actions against Trump all of which have even more compelling evidence against him: the Georgia Election Interference case, the Federal Election Interference case, and the Federal Classified Documents case. On Wednesday at 12:43 p.m. the National Weather Service issued an updated heat advisory in effect until Saturday at 8 p.m. for Northern Clinton, Northern Centre, Southern Centre, Northern Lycoming, Southern Clinton and Southern Lycoming as well as Warren, McKean, Potter, Elk, Cameron, Clearfield, Cambria, Blair, Huntingdon, Somerset, Bedford, Fulton, Franklin, Tioga, Sullivan, Union, Snyder, Montour, Northumberland, Columbia, Perry, Dauphin, Lebanon, Cumberland, Adams, York and Lancaster counties. The weather service states, "Heat index values up to 100 degrees." "Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses," adds the weather service. Weather service Heat safety: A guide to staying safe in high temperatures Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids. Find cool shelter: Stay indoors in an air-conditioned room to keep cool. Avoid sun exposure: Stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Child and pet safety: Do not leave young children and pets unattended in vehicles when car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes. Caution outdoors: If you work or spend time outside, be sure to take additional safety measures. Time your activities wisely: If possible, move strenuous activities to early morning or evening for more favorable conditions. Recognize heat-related issues: Recognize the warning signs and familiarize yourself with symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Stay cool with clothing: Select lightweight and loose-fitting outfits for enhanced comfort. Additional tips for outdoor workers: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas for outdoor workers. If someone is overwhelmed by the heat, swiftly relocate them to a cool, shaded location. In emergency situations, dial 911 for immediate assistance. These NWS heat safety directives are essential for safeguarding your well-being when facing high temperatures. Stay well-informed and take the necessary precautions to shield yourself and others from the potential hazards of extreme heat. Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service. On Saturday at 7:05 a.m. the National Weather Service issued an updated heat advisory in effect until Sunday at 6 a.m. for Eastern Chester, Eastern Montgomery and Lower Bucks as well as Delaware and Philadelphia counties. The weather service says, "Heat index values up to 103 degrees." "Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events," comments the weather service. Weather service Heat wave safety tips: Stay safe with these recommendations Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids. Seek cool shelter: Stay in an air-conditioned room. Avoid sun exposure: Avoid direct sun exposure, protect yourself and check on vulnerable relatives and neighbors. Child and pet safety: Never leave young children and pets alone in vehicles, especially during hot weather when car interiors can become dangerously hot in a matter of minutes. Caution outdoors: Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. Optimal timing: When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Recognize heat-related issues: Educate yourself about the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Stay cool with clothing: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing to stay comfortable. Additional tips for outdoor workers: For outdoor workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends regular rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas. If someone is overwhelmed by the heat, swiftly relocate them to a cool, shaded location. In emergency situations, dial 911 for immediate assistance. These NWS heat safety recommendations are vital for your well-being during periods of high temperatures. Stay informed and take the necessary steps to protect yourself and others from the heat's potentially dangerous effects. Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service. Welcome back to PokerNews, the official media partner of the 2024 World Series of Poker and home of live updates from all bracelet events. Today sees the start of Event #43: $1,500 Mixed Omaha (Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better, Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better, & Big O (8-Handed) here at Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas. This three-day event gets underway at 2 p.m. local time with late registration open for nine levels (approximately 8:45 p.m.). There will be 15-minute breaks every three levels, with no dinner break pencilled in. Players are permitted two reentries. The starting stack is 25,000 chips with the plan for Day 1 to play 15 40-minute levels. For the surviving players, Day 2 resumes at 1 p.m. Monday, levels increase to 60 minutes, and closes after another ten levels of play. A winner will be crowned on Day 3. Last years event was the largest field in the event's history, with a field of 1,091 entries generating a prize pool of $1,456,485. The winner was William Leffingwell, who defeated Zhen Cai heads-up to win $253,651 and his first WSOP bracelet. Supported by a loud and passionate rail, Leffingwell told PokerNews "I love these people, and I love Houston. We've been through a lot these last couple of years, and poker down there is the best in the world." "PLO is our game, and we invite everyone in the world to come play at any stake." Year Entries Winner Country Payout 2023 1,091 William Leffingwell United States $253,651 2022 771 Bradley Anderson United States $195,565 2021 641 Dylan Linde United States $170,269 2020 - Not held - - 2019 717 Anatolii Zyrin Russia $199,838 2018 776 Yueqi Zhu United States $211,781 Planning on playing this event? PokerNews activates MyStack for every WSOP event, regardless of that tournament's buy-in, allowing you to directly adjust your chip counts in our live reporting MyStack is a free poker tool that puts you in control of your chip counts on our live reporting pages. Once you have created a free PokerNews account, you can use MyStack to update your chip counts in real time; hopefully, your stack will continue increasing throughout the event! Become a Bigger Part of the Action With MyStack What Else is Happening at the WSOP? WSOP Waiting for this event to get underway? Or why not check out the latest from the PokerNews YouTube channel? SUMMERVILLE From Los Angeles to Charleston, people on both coasts of the United States grieved for slain actor Johnny Wactor. They came by the hundreds, some from thousands of miles away, to funnel into the nave of Summerville Baptist Church and offer comfort to the family of a Summerville native shot and killed by catalytic converter thieves in Los Angeles. The hushed hundreds gathered in pews on June 15 for the "General Hospital" actor's final goodbye. Before the pews sat rows of floral arrangements, portraits of Wactor at his best and a projector scrolling through a lifetime of memories the actor experienced in just 37 years. Their voices rose only to fill the church's vaulted ceilings as they answered "Amen" to the pastor's prayers and sang "How Great Thou Art" and "Amazing Grace." A trio of thieves killed Wactor, 37, as he left his bartending job around 3:25 a.m. on May 25. The thieves had his car raised with a floor jack to steal his catalytic converter. The actor was escorting a coworker back to her vehicle when he thought he was being towed, Los Angeles police said. When Wactor realized what was happening, he stepped in front of his coworker. One of the thieves shot him without provocation, police said. Wactor died a short time later at a local hospital. Taking center stage for his best friend, Dusty Morrow recounted in his eulogy the promises they made daily to each other about moving to Los Angeles and pursuing their dreams. After graduating from the College of Charleston in 2009, Wactor packed up his Honda Civic, picked up Morrow and began their trek across the country. They made a dream a reality, living together for seven years. They were broke, had no furniture and spent their first Christmas in Los Angeles eating Korean barbecue. But, life improved and it was the adventure of his life, Morrow said. The day Wactor was killed was the day the world lost part of its shine, he said. "But, I'm so glad I got in the car with you that day," he said. If you have a hummingbird feeder in your yard, youre probably enjoying watching the hummers sipping nectar to fuel up for their long migration south in the coming weeks. But did you know that nectar makes up only a small percentage of a hummingbirds diet? Up to 80% of it comes from insects Read moreCommentary: Protect insects, protect birds Femi Otedola, the chairman of FBN Holdings and majority shareholder of Geregu Plc, and some of his companies have opted for an out-of-court settlement with Zenith Bank Plc. Mr Otedola was involved in a legal dispute with the bank over alleged fraudulent transactions on his companys accounts. Court papers obtained by PREMIUM TIMES showed the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Lagos Division, where Mr Otedola and his companies filed the suit against the lender on 12 March, dismissed the case on Thursday, 13 June, on receiving a notice of discontinuance from the plaintiffs. Zenon Petroleum & Gas Limited, Seaforce Shipping Co. Limited, Luzon Oil & Gas Limited, Garment Care and Mr Otedola were the plaintiffs, while Zenith Bank, Quantum Zenith Securities & Investment Limited, Veritas Registrars Limited and Central Securities Clearing System Plc were the defendants. According to a court document, Justice A.O. Faji discontinued the lawsuit after the counsel for the first to third defendants and the counsel for the plaintiffs asked for the matter to be dismissed, with the counsel for the fourth defendant not objecting. Details Mr Otedola and his companies initiated legal action against Zenith Bank and the other defendants in March, claiming that the lender disposed of his shares in the bank without authorisation, manipulated the companies bank accounts and fabricated some documents to conceal the alleged crimes. He accused the lender of wrongfully calculating his debts before selling them to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), which the bank set up to buy the non-performing loans in the books of banks with the intention of recovering them thereafter. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Zenon had claimed that the letters of credit that led to the bad loans AMCON acquired were opened before the corporation took over the debt in December 2011. The company stopped operating the account after AMCONs intervention. According to a document seen by PREMIUM TIMES, the overdue on Zenons account at the point AMCON took over the liabilities was N39 billion. Zenon said Zenith Bank offered the debt to the corporation at N49 billion. AMCON ended up paying the bank N44.1 billion for the debt. Sources with knowledge of the matter told PREMIUM TIMES in May that Mr Otedola chose to take legal action against the bank after several failed reconciliation attempts. During the month, both parties held three meetings, none yielding the desired results. It is clear that Zenith Bank Plc is not sincere in resolving this issue out of court and as such a time-wasting exercise, one of the sources said. At this juncture, we have resolved to pursue our claims via the judiciary, law enforcement, the CBN and the court of public opinion as we know that our claims are very genuine. According to a document detailing the deliberations of both parties at a meeting held on 20 May, Zenith Bank agreed to refund the N205 million it wrongfully debited to Zenons account with compounded accrued interest using a bankdraft. Seaforce Shipping Company Limited, owned by the billionaire tycoon, said Zenith Bank presented some statements of account claiming that it owed the bank N5.9 billion as of February 2024. It added that Zenith Bank abandoned the claim after the company showed proof that Seaforces account was in credit as of 2018. A source said Zenith Bank sold the 415 million shares that Zenon held in Zenith Bank for N4.9 billion in December 2010, noting that the shares were repurchased in the following month for N5.4 billion, triggering a net loss of N142.9 million. He further disclosed that related transactions were carried out on Mr Otedolas account, causing a net loss of N61.5 million and a combined loss of N205.4 million in both cases. Isyaku Mohammed, the commissioner of police in charge of administration at the Force Criminal Investigation Department, summoned the managing director of Zenith Bank on 16 May over what he described as an alleged unauthorised debit to Zenons account. This office is investigating an alleged case of fraudulent misrepresentation, wrongful debit and unauthorised transactions referred from the assistant inspector general of police, FCID Annex, Alagbon Close, Ikoyi, Lagos, involving your financial institution, the letter, a copy obtained by PREMIUM TIMES, read. A precis of the petition at disposal reveals that sometime in 2011, an unauthorised withdrawal was carried out on the account of Zenon Petroleum Gas Limited with number 10110385211 to the tune of Two Hundred and Five Million, Three Hundred and Forty-six Thousand, Five Hundred and Seventy-Three Naira (N205,346,573.00) without justification. The letter stated that Zenith Bank wrongfully opened some letters of credit after AMCON acquired the debt in 2011, which led to unsolicited loan disbursement that further plunged Zenon into indebtedness. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and his Lagos State counterpart, Lawal Pedro (SAN), have called for a legal framework for electronic transactions. They made the call on Tuesday in Lagos, at the presentation of the book Nigerian Law of Electronic Transactions written by a former Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Adeniji Kazeem (SAN). The book, reviewed by Gbenga Omolokun, managing director, VFD Microfinance bank, is made up of 180 pages with six chapters. Mr Fagbemi, who chaired the event, noted that every sphere of human existence could no longer feign ignorance of the pervasive effect of information and communication technology. This has even become more pronounced with the proliferation of Artificial Intelligence, wherein physical human involvement is now gradually being limited and/or phased out in the way we live and do business. Expectedly, therefore and as legal professionals, we cannot but take the bull by the horns in proffering the ground rules for a seamless transition from our present situation to this new world order. As we navigate the 21st century, the intertwined nature of law and technology becomes increasingly desired. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The legal framework governing electronic transactions is critical to ensuring trust, security, and efficiency in our digital economy. This book is a timely and invaluable addition to our legal literature, addressing the complexities and nuances of electronic transactions in Nigeria, he said. Mr Fagbemi commended the author, Adeniji Kazeem, for his dedication and insightful contribution to this dynamic field of law. He said the book was timely and could not have come at a better time. I commend Mr. Adeniji Kazeem for his foresight and commitment to advancing legal research and practice in this area. His work during his tenure as the attorney general and commissioner of Justice for Lagos State laid a solid foundation for the integration of technology into our legal processes and this book is a testament to his enduring vision and effort, the AGF added. On his part, Mr Pedro said electronic transactions had become a regular part of life and required regulation. The legal framework is crucial to guarantee the trustworthiness of electronic transactions, he said. According to him, the state is already leveraging technology in the payment of taxes, land use charge, electronic court filing and others. He added that Lagos was at the forefront of the digital revolution. According to him, the opportunities will not be fully harnessed, including job creation, unless there is a strong legal framework for such transactions. The Chief Judge of Federal High Court, John Tsoho, represented by Justice Ayokunle Faji, hailed Adeniji Kazeem for his contribution to knowledge, saying the book came at the right time. It will be a good source of assistance to judges and I am advocating the need for standalone legislation on electronic transactions, he noted. Earlier, the author of the book, Adeniji Kazeem, said the inspiration to write the book arose from witnessing the rapid digital transformation reshaping commercial transactions across Nigeria and the globe. According to him, data from the Nigerian InterBank Settlement Systems Plc (NIBSS) shows that the value of electronic payment transactions reached a staggering N600 trillion in 2023, a 55 per cent increase from N387 Trillion in 2022. He noted that transaction volume had also seen a significant rise from 5.1 billion in 2022 to 9.7 billion in 2023. While these figures may not all translate to completed commercial transactions from a purely legal standpoint, they undeniably point toward a massive increase in digital transactions across the nation, he said. The surge in commercial technology, Mr Kazeem noted, offered a wealth of opportunities for the government, as it streamlined public service delivery from easy online tax payments, to efficient distribution of social programmes. He also noted that a thriving digital commerce landscape benefited the nation through increased tax revenue from transparent e-transactions, economic growth fueled by a flourishing digital economy and financial inclusion. It also fosters good governance by leaving an auditable trail that combats corruption, the SAN noted. Mr Kazeem said there was therefore, a need for a legal framework. He explained that it was necessary to know which legal framework applied, if a dispute over an electronic transaction arose, as well as at what point such transactions became contracts. Technologys rapid evolution demands a legal system that adapts to protect its citizens and which serves the growing FinTech and technology sectors. While industry summits often touch on regulatory compliance, the crucial aspect of legal protections for the users remains largely unexplored. This book aims to bridge that gap. It delves into how the law can provide those safeguards. By contributing to this knowledge base, I hope to empower everyone and fuel the creation of a comprehensive electronic transactions law in Nigeria, the author said. Dignitaries at the book presentation include former Federal Commissioner for Works, Femi Okunnu (SAN) and a former All Progressives Congress (APC) National Legal Adviser, Babatunde Ogala (SAN). Also at the ceremony was a former Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Olasupo Shasore (SAN), a former Lagos Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde, among others. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print More information about how the famous Abuja Disk jockey Bashiru Bello, known as DJ Bash of Club Volcano in Gwarimpa, Abuja, died has emerged. On Friday night, late DJ Bash, the Club Volcanos in-house DJ, had just performed at a highly-publicised TGIF party to commemorate the NYSC Batch B Passing Out ceremony when tragedy struck. Mohammed Bello, DJ Bashs older brother and an employee at the nightclub, on Sunday narrated the circumstances that led to his (DJ Bashs) death in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES. He said, The Chairman of Club Volcano assigned DJ Homeboy, Modee, and him (DJ Bash) to manage the club. They were DJs doubling as managers. After the show ended that night, we waited for the waitress to tally the sales. I was among the staff present that night. One colleague went out for water and saw someone with a machete pushing the door. When the colleague returned, the person with the machete forced the door open and entered. We were stunned as such an incident had never occurred before. Shortly after, another individual armed with a gun entered. They spoke Hausa and demanded our cell phones, instructing us to lie down. When we thought they had left, some of us ran to the VIP toilet, where we hid ourselves and observed their activities. We heard them burglarising the entire club. Mr Bello added that while they were lying on the floor, one of the armed robbers ordered one of them to be shot. He described the incident as a massive attack that happened at the same time. He said after the robbers departure, the club bouncers notified him that they shot DJ Bash. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later When I was in the club, wondering if they (the armed men) had left, the club bouncers now came in and told me that they had shot my brother, that I should go and see him. I ran there and saw my brother on the floor. When we rushed him to the hospital (name undisclosed) with the police vehicle, the doctor checked him and told us that this person had been dead for some time now. So, who knows? Perhaps, while everyone was scrambling to save themselves, he was already dead. No one can tell, he said. Rescue mission Mr Bello recounted how, upon rushing outside to find a vehicle to transport DJ Bash to the hospital, the armed robbers reappeared and resumed their attack on the club. He stated that the armed robbers persisted in pelting the club with stones and recounted how he dodged a large stone aimed at him while in search of a vehicle to transport his brother to the hospital. First, Ive never encountered anyone with such an incident. I noticed that his intestine was protruding. All I did was gently push it back in, then his eyes were still open, and he was still warm. So, we assumed he was still breathing or something. We were just assessing the situation amidst all the noise. The first thing I did was to find a car to take him to the hospital quickly. As I rushed out to call for a vehicle, a stone was thrown at me. I ducked, then hurriedly closed the gate and ran again. We retreated inside, just in case they returned another way. It seemed like they were still nearby. We contacted someone who called the police. The police vehicle arrived, and we used it to rush him to the hospital, Mr Bello said. He said the doctor said his brother died before he arrived at the hospital. He also said they buried DJ Bash in Kaduna on Saturday. More witnesses Another witness, Friday Odoh, told this newspaper that Club Volcanos management is trying to ensure that the late DJ receives justice. Mr Odoh, the club employee, stated that DJ Bash was the sole fatality, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries. He recounted how over twenty armed robbers raided the nightclub, wielding guns, machetes, and other dangerous weapons, and looted their belongings. He said: He was one of the club managers, so we clubbed that night. After the clubbing that Friday, we were doing our accounts in the club when some armed robbers came in. Over 20 of them came with guns, daggers, and other harmful weapons. They robbed us and took everything, including all the records we had from the club. DJ Bash was in the room because we used to have a room in the Volcano every night for our personal use. So, he was in the room. They went to every room and robbed everyone. They brought him and everyone else outside from their rooms. But they stabbed him in the room. He had blood on him, and we rushed him to the hospital, but unfortunately, he couldnt make it. Police react The FCT Police Command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, confirmed the incident with this newspaper on Saturday evening. Ms Adeh said an investigation had commenced into the incident. She said, The police were not alerted on time, but the investigation has commenced. We are on top of the situation. We advise residents always to be conscious of their surroundings. When you notice suspicious activity, call the police immediately, and we will respond swiftly. Fans of the DJ have taken to the comment section of his 27 April Instagram post, where he was seen exercising, to wish him eternal rest. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Movie title: Shina Running Time: 1 hour 38 minutes Director: Muyiwa Adesokun and Carmen Lilian Ike Okoro Cast: Akin Lewis, Segun Arinze, Aleiru Idowukeji, Neo Akpofure, Immaculata Oko-Kasum, Shawn Faqua, Tope Tedela, Tolulope Adewunmi, and Preach Bassey. Timini Egbusons career has skyrocketed over the past year, becoming 2023s highest-grossing actor. In his latest venture, he produces and stars in Shina, a gripping crime thriller about a taxi driver caught in a web of political intrigue and personal peril. While the movie boasts a promising premise, it must reach its full potential due to poor plot developments and unexplored subplots, ultimately failing to leave a lasting impression. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Plot Oluwashina Akanji, a dedicated taxi driver, faces a dire situation when his grandmother falls critically ill during a tense gubernatorial election in Lagos. As Shina rushes her to the hospital, the city buzzes with the election battle between incumbent Azeez Bolajoko and popular challenger Ali Atande. Shina struggles to gather funds for his grandmothers necessary surgery. Compassionate Dr Morenike admits her without an initial deposit, but her strict colleague, Dr Bakere, insists on payment or threatens to discharge her. While Shina searches for money, he gets entangled in a dangerous situation involving his friend Ugo and the notorious gang leader BB. Ugo, who has crossed BB by withholding a share of stolen money, reveals Shinas gathered funds for his grandmothers surgery to save his own life. With Dr. Morenike stalling Dr. Bakere and Shina battling the police and BBs gang, Shina is torn between saving his grandmother and rescuing his friend, Ugo. His choices will have profound consequences on his life and those around him. Character analysis The movie features a star-studded cast, including Akin Lewis, Segun Arinze, Aleiru Idowukeji, Neo Akpofure, Immaculata Oko-Kasum, Shawn Faqua, Tope Tedela, Tolulope Adewunmi, and Preach Bassey. Timini Egbuson and Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman play the lead roles, with their characters at the storys core. Timini Egbuson, who portrays Shina, delivers a strong performance, though it aligns with his previous roles. Known as the highest-grossing Nollywood actor of 2023, Egbuson excels at embodying his characters and seamlessly blending them with his persona. His portrayal of a devoted grandson caught in a storm of trouble showcases his knack for blending character with his persona. However, despite Egbusons reliable performance, the film often repeats his previous roles, needing more fresh nuances to make Shina genuinely memorable. Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman shines as Dr Morenike, a compassionate doctor who risks her career to help Shinas grandmother. Her character resonates deeply, reflecting the plight of many Nigerians who do good but face devastating consequences. Dr Morenikes faith in Shina leads to personal tragedy, culminating in the loss of her fiance due to Shinas desperate actions. Movie Analysis What makes a movie truly memorable? Is it the gripping storyline, the star-studded cast, or the dazzling cinematography? Creating a lasting impression requires meticulous effort and attention to detail, but ultimately, the audience decides. This film starts with a captivating story that satirises many aspects of Nigerian society. While it entertains, teaches moral lessons, and includes suspense, it needs to leave a lasting mark. Despite its thrills and engaging elements, the movie misses the chance to achieve something more significant. The movie opens with a gripping premise: Shinas grandmother falls severely ill during a heated gubernatorial election in Lagos, where the incumbent, Azeez Bolajoko, faces off against the charismatic Ali Atande. As Shina rushes her to the hospital, the film sets up a compelling contrast between the personal and the political. Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman delivers a standout performance as Dr Morenike, the compassionate doctor who risks her career for Shinas grandmother. Her character is the films emotional anchor, embodying the selflessness that many viewers can relate to. Yet, her subplot, which includes a tragic personal loss due to Shinas actions, feels underdeveloped and somewhat tacked on, failing to deliver the emotional punch it aims for. The supporting cast, including veterans like Akin Lewis and Segun Arinze, add depth to the movie but are often overshadowed by the chaotic plot. Including a notorious gang leader, BB, and Shinas entanglement with criminal activities introduces an element of danger that feels disjointed from the main storyline. The films ambition is both its strength and its downfall. It strives to tackle significant themes like political corruption, healthcare struggles, and loyalty, but in doing so, it spreads itself too thin. The narrative becomes a rollercoaster of events that, while initially engaging, quickly become overwhelming and hard to follow. This disjointed approach makes it difficult for the audience to fully invest in any single plotline, leading to a sense of detachment as the credits roll. The movie captures the vibrant chaos of Lagos visually, and the election scenes are particularly well-executed, reflecting the citys dynamic political landscape. However, these visuals cant compensate for the films narrative shortcomings. Also, its overarching narrative and disjointed plotlines make it a film that, despite its initial promise, is quickly forgotten. This film might fall short of expectations for viewers seeking a memorable cinematic experience, leaving them craving a more cohesive and impactful story. Verdict 7/10 Shina is now streaming on Netflix. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Chimdalu is a full scholarship undergraduate at James Madison College in Michigan State University. Her major is Comparative Cultures and Politics, with a double minor in French and Organisational Leadership. Chimdalu, named Oriana after the Italian award-winning journalist Oriana Fallaci of the 70s fame, is also a Benjamin Gillman Scholar, a US State Department scholarship to promote study abroad programs. Her worldview is left-leaning, and her academic interest tends towards a law or public policy track. Our dinner table interactions are always passionate, whether debating the impact of slavery on black communities, misogyny in children-parent relations in Nigerian homes or the work of Alexis Tocqueville about Democracy in America. At each engagement, I have to bring my A game as she quickly picks holes, even on minor details. Combined with her senior sister Chidera, a more ferocious left-leaning ideologue, my wife and I fall back to Igbo seniority roles to end the mental inquisition. On a positive note, we all enjoy robust debates without animosity. Last year, Chimdalu adopted six female top-performing students of Union Secondary School Obosi as mentees. She holds online meetings with them using the Thomas Chidoka Centre. Her goal is to help the young girls dream beyond Obosi, strive for the sky and prepare them to seek international scholarships. This weekend, she was in Obosi and had time to interact with them. The girls, Favour, Mmesoma, Nora, Rokibat, Patience, and Juliet, dont think they can go to university despite their top performance in school. Their older siblings are in one trade or another, and their parents financial situations are worsening daily. Chimdalu has now registered an NGO named Nkiruka Nurturing and Empowering Initiative (NNE). Her goal is to nurture and empower rural-based bright female students to expand their horizons, leverage online platforms to learn digital skills, learn foreign languages and match them to donors willing to sponsor them to local universities. One of the girls, Rokibat, is Yoruba from Osun, born and bred in Obosi and excelling academically. If she has the opportunity, Rokibat would like to attend Obafemi Awolowo University and become a lawyer. She thinks it is a pipe dream. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Favour, whose mother is a petty trader at an Obosi market, dreams of becoming a gynaecologist. Sadly, she doesnt want to raise her hopes; therefore, she has settled for a future of petty trading like her mum or learning a vocation. Yesterday, to encourage them to dream, Chimdalu made them produce vision boards. She insists that their dreams are valid and that my politics is useless if poor girls like these dont get to realise their potential, even if it is through community polytechnics. As we left Obosi this morning, Chimdalu had concluded her plans to return to Obosi in mid-December to recruit more girls and teach them essay writing for university and scholascholarshipcations, basic computer skills and French. Her schoolmates and friends are volunteering to mentor young girls academically and also support them with sanitary products, clothes and school books. I spent some time with the girls and was saddened by their Reduced Hopes and yet encouraged by their optimism. Sadly, attending a university, which many urban and rich kids take for granted, is an unattainable dream for many bright kids just because of an accident of birth and a country that, through incompetency and corruption, is now actively promoting social immobility and future discontent. Chimdalu is my daughter. Osita Chidoka is a former Minister of Aviation in Nigeria. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The police in Anambra State, South-east Nigeria, say they have arrested two men who allegedly gang-raped and robbed women in the state. The police spokesperson in the state, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday. Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police, gave the names of the suspects as 35-year-old Chukwuma Diji and 31-year-old Micheal Edochie all indigenes of Abagana in Njikoka Local Government Area of the state. How they allegedly gang-raped, robbed women Mr Ikenga said the suspects, sometime in 2023, allegedly raped an unidentified married woman at Obinagu, a village in the Abagana Community. The police spokesperson claimed the suspects fled the community when security operatives attempted to arrest them. He said the suspects, on 6 June, allegedly broke into an apartment belonging to an unnamed young lady and raped her and her friend at gunpoint. But he did not confirm whether the alleged rape was committed in the same Abagana Community. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The (suspected) criminals later forced one of the victims to transfer money to his account after they took turns having sex with them, he said. Arrest Mr Ikenga said police operatives at Abagana Police Division arrested the suspects on Saturday morning. The spokesperson said the suspects have confessed to committing the crimes. Two locally made double barrel guns, one locally made single barrel gun, six live cartridges and a motorcycle were recovered from the suspects, according to the statement. The spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Nnaghe Itam, has ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for investigation and possible prosecution. The suspects are to be arraigned in court after the investigation is concluded, he stated. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Heritage Bank employees have shared varied reactions to the banks recent closure. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced the revocation of Heritage Banks licence on 3 June after weeks of unstable operations that left many customers stranded. The CBN stated that the licence revocation was in line with its mandate to promote a sound financial system in Nigeria under the powers of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act. The announcement caused panic among the banks depositors, prompting many to rush to the banks headquarters in Lagos to withdraw their funds. However, the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) assured depositors that it would pay them their insured sums, fulfilling the legal responsibility for which it was established. But less thought of is another crucial category of people at the receiving end of the situation the banks workers who suddenly became jobless in the wake of the closure. For instance, the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) has lamented how the authorities appeared to have left the banks workers behind. Many of the banks employees have also expressed their feelings about the closure on LinkedIn, a career-minded social media platform. They expressed their disappointment at the turn of events and concerns about an uncertain future. Against the odds, many of them are resolutely hopeful, taking and encouraging their colleagues to see the setback as a chance for new opportunities. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Disappointment No matter how prepared for lifes eventualities one can be, losing a job hits with stabbing disappointment. Amakievi Lambert, who worked as a talent resource professional for over three years, shared a post revealing her nostalgic feelings about the closure of her bank. Today, I am writing with a heart full of mixed emotions. The Central Bank of Nigeria recently revoked the license of Heritage Bank, a place I proudly called my professional home. This sudden change has brought uncertainty and challenges for all of us who were part of this incredible institution, Ms Lambert wrote. Another former staffer, Grace B, who worked as an executive cash officer for one year and five months, expressed her disappointment. I recall several instances where I sat alone and asked God why He let this happen without prior notice, she wrote. Now, I understand when people say everything can be taken from you in the blink of an eye; I guess thats the definition of life. Stanislas Ezirike, who served as a Human Resource performance manager for one year and two months, equally penned an emotional thought about his last day in office. Today, I left home early in the morning to go to my place of work, as I had always done. But unlike in the past, I went to clear my desk and left my workplace for the last time, he wrote. Life Lessons Chiamaka Udeh, a customer care representative for one year and three months, viewed the situation as a life lesson, emphasising that failures and setbacks are opportunities for growth. If there is one thing life has taught me regarding this, it would be that failures and setbacks are part of life experience. Although painful and discouraging, they make you question your entire life, career pursuits, and dreams, Ms Udeh wrote. Encouragement Despite the uncertainty and the rising cost of living in the country, many former Heritage Bank workers have swiftly recovered from the shock and disappointment of suddenly losing a job and taken up the responsibility of encouraging others to rise from the ashes of a lost job. Mother Dan-Egwu, who has put in over 25 years of banking career, 10 of which she spent playing different roles, including as a human resource professional at Heritage Bank, has shared two posts dedicated to encouraging her colleagues struck by the closure of the bank. In the face of the unexpected closure of our bank, many of us feel uncertain about the future. A job is more than just a career setback; it affects our livelihoods, families, and sense of stability. However, in these challenging moments, our true strength and resilience shine through, Ms Dan-Egwu wrote. Drawing from her training and experience as a human resource expert, she wrote in another post, Remember, losing a job doesnt define you. Its a chapter, not the entire story, She urged her colleagues to acknowledge their feelings, as its okay to feel disappointed and uncertain. She also urged them to reflect and reassess to gain inspiration about the next steps to take, leverage their network, consider learning new skills, and stay positive and persistent. A healthy mind and body will keep you resilient, and only a living being can fulfil a purpose, she wrote, asking colleagues to take care of themselves, meditate and spend time with loved ones. Allow yourself the space to process these emotions. They are a natural part of the journey, she wrote. Ms Lambert also encouraged her colleagues to support each other during the tough time. To my fellow colleagues who are facing similar uncertainties, lets stand together and support one another. Our strength lies in our unity and our ability to adapt and grow. Lets leverage our networks, share opportunities, and keep pushing forward, she wrote. Grace B, the former cashier, expressed hope for a better future. I hope every colleague affected by the Heritage Bank Plc closure finds solace in a deep breath of hope, her post read. We will get over this in no time. Pointing fingers or cursing anyone is not the solution. It is time to dust off and keep a bright face; we will be fine eventually and look back on this as a learning experience. Bracing for new opportunities Omagbemi Oritsebubem, a former POS systems administrator who worked at Heritage Bank for two years, quickly shifted her focus to new opportunities. In her LinkedIn post, she highlighted her experience in managing POS business, settlement/reconciliation, and virtual banking. During my two years at Heritage Bank, I developed strong skills in managing POS-related projects, ensuring accurate settlements and reconciliations, and engaging with clients to deliver top-tier service, she wrote. Similarly, despite his disappointment, Mr Ezirike remains confident that his experience will lead to new job opportunities. While this has been a challenging period, I am eager and determined to leverage my skills and experience in a new opportunity. As an experienced Employee Relations Officer, Excel Expert, and Data Analyst, I bring a unique blend of HR expertise and data-driven insights, he wrote. Ms Lambert is also optimistic about the future, confident that her experience at Heritage Bank will open new doors. While this news has been difficult to process, I choose to focus on hope and resilience. Heritage Bank Plc was more than just a workplace; it was a community where I grew, learned, and forged invaluable relationships. The skills and experiences I gained here have equipped me with a strong foundation to navigate this transition and seize new opportunities, she wrote. Ms Udeh, too, sees this challenge as an inspiration to find new solutions. So, right now, I should focus on viewing my setbacks as an opportunity to reflect, improve, and move forward, Ms Udeh wrote. Ms Dan-Egwu reassured her colleagues that their experience would lead to new opportunities. Each of us has demonstrated exceptional talent, dedication, and professionalism. This setback does not diminish these qualities; they are what will propel us forward to new and even greater opportunities, one of her posts read. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal has promised to fully support the families of the Zamfara Community Protection Guards (CPG) members who lost their lives in the fight against banditry. Twenty Community Protection Guards (CPG) were honoured with gallantry medals for their exceptional performance on Thursday at the government house in Gusau. A statement by the governors spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, revealed that the decorated guards performed exceptionally well. According to the statement, the decorated guards were led by Lawal Bature Mohammed, a retired brigadier-general and the state commandant of the Community Protection Guards. On Thursday, Governor Dauda Lawal decorated 20 Community Protection Guards (CPGs) who performed extraordinarily well in discharging their duties. All 20 guards were at the frontline fighting bandits to ensure the return of peace in Zamfara State. In his speech, Governor Lawal reiterated his administrations dedication to the welfare of the guards and pledged full support for the families of those who lost their lives. Consider decorating you as a way to motivate you to do more in this significant sacrifice that you are undertaking. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later We cant compensate you for your service to the state and humanity; all we can do is encourage and motivate you for your gallantry. I want to reassure you that we have a plan in place for the families of CPG members who lost their lives in the line of duty. We will take care of all their needs and provide them with all the necessary support. Earlier, Mr Bature, the Commandant of the Community Protection Guards, said that the 20 guards were selected from various local government areas of the state based on their performances. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print In a region plagued by poverty aggravated by almost two decades of a violent insurgency by the Boko Haram terror group, the emergence of a widespread chronic kidney disease severely impacts life expectancy. With chronic kidney disease (CKD) reaching epidemic proportions, the Yobe State Government in north-east Nigeria is pioneering a unique approach to combat this dangerous killer disease. A recent study published by Africa Journal Online showed that the prevalence of CKD is high in the Northern district of Yobe State. The report indicated that the origin of the disease is unknown and recommended further studies to define environmental or cultural factors that contribute to the high prevalence in this region. The figures have been alarming, said the Chief Medical Director (CMD) at the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital, Damaturu, Baba-Waru Goni. The professor said his hospital conducts more than 60 dialysis sessions weekly. Govt to the rescue Worried by this dangerous trend, Governor Mai-Mala Bunis administration recently launched a programme that offers free dialysis to patients and invests in groundbreaking research aimed at uncovering the root causes of the disease. While interacting with journalists about the intervention, the states Commissioner for Information, Bego Abdullahi, spoke of the governors commitment and determination to address the challenge. Since the launch of the intervention, the CMD, Mr Goni, said the hospital conducts an average of 60 free dialysis sessions a week, with each session costing N50,000. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later This is a lifeline for patients who would otherwise be unable to afford the treatment, said Mr Goni. Government has to bear that cost because there is no way an individual or a family already struggling with the financial devastation that goes with renal failure can afford this. Beneficiaries speak To 45-year-old Musa Ibrahim, who had almost given up on life, the initiative is a beacon of hope. I thought I was finished, said Mr Ibrahim, his voice quivering with emotion as he spoke to this reporter from his sick bed. The pain was unbearable, and the cost of dialysis was beyond my reach. But then, the state government stepped in. They are saving my life. Fatima Yusuf, a mother of three, was also diagnosed with kidney failure a year ago. When the doctors told me about my condition, I felt as if the ground should swallow me, she recalled. I couldnt imagine how I would afford the treatment. But now, with the free dialysis sessions, I have hope again. I am grateful to the government of Yobe under the kind leadership of Governor Mai-Mala Buni and the medical team in this hospital for this life-saving intervention. Researching the root cause The impact of the state governments initiative goes beyond providing immediate relief. The Yobe State University has established the Biomedical Science, Research and Training Centre, where a consortium of foreign-trained medical scientists is delving into the causes of the kidney disease epidemic. We are conducting pioneering research to understand why kidney disease is so prevalent in our region, said Mr Goni, the CMD. This research is crucial because it offers the potential to not only treat but also prevent this devastating disease in the future. The initiative has garnered praise from medical professionals and patients alike. The state governments commitment is unprecedented and has set a new standard for healthcare intervention, said the CMD, adding: By offering free dialysis and investing in essential research, we are not just managing the crisis but actively seeking to eradicate it. The Yobe State Government said it has invested over a billion naira in equipment and personnel capacity development to enable it to establish the BioRTC a research centre that will provide solutions to local problems. Donor hails initiative Mr Goni said equipment valued at over N1 billion had been acquired with the support of the state government through grants and donations secured through a US-based Mahmoud Maina, a British-Nigerian neuroscientist, educator, and researcher at the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom. Mr Mahmoud, who hails from Yobe State, focuses his research on the cellular and molecular pathogenesis of Alzheimers disease. Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES during a virtual meeting, Mr Mahmoud said the nature of uncommon medical gadgets at the centre drives the research. What we have at the BioRTC include state-of-the-earth equipment like Applied Biosystems, 7300 Real-Time PCR system, jeZeiss Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopes 780 and 700, LI-COR Odyssey imaging, full tissue culture suite, Cellular biobank, Nikon Eclipse Microscope 50i with fluorescence, Bio-Rad Mini-Protean System, UVP BioDoc-It imaging systems and others, he said. Others speak Officials at BioRTC stated the equipment has clinical significance due to its capability to visualise detailed cellular structures and perform live cell imaging. These features aid in observing dynamic processes within cells in real-time. Multicolour Fluorescence Imaging allows for the simultaneous visualisation of multiple fluorescent markers, which is essential for complex biological studies like cancer research, neuroscience, and developmental biology, said the researchers at the centre. Additionally, the Full Tissue Culture Suite, which supports Drug Testing and Development, enables the screening of potential drugs on cultured cells, thereby speeding up the development of new therapies. The head of the centre, identified simply as Kawuwa, a professor, said following approval from the Yobe State Government, Mr Mahmoud, who supervises the works at BioRTC, has initiated a three-way partnership among the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital, University College London, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. The aim of this partnership is to investigate the increase in kidney diseases in Yobe and Borno states and develop effective solutions, Mr Kawuwa said. He added that currently, the centre is housed in a small single-block laboratory within the Yobe State University campus. However, he noted that its expansion has become necessary due to the arrival of state-of-the-art medical research equipment supported by the Wellcome Trust and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. We are glad that the government of Yobe State has approved the construction of a complex for the BioRTC which would accommodate the additional medical equipment we are expecting as well as the ones we have now, said Mr Kawuwa. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) said it has raided a kidnappers camp in an Abuja border community, arrested three suspects and neutralised one. The Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, Josephine Adeh, said this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja. She said the raid was part of the continuous efforts by the command against criminality in FCT. According to her, police operatives from Utako Divisional Headquarters, led by Victor Godfrey, a chief superintendent of police, stormed an identified kidnappers hideouts in Chikara, a border community between Abuja and Kogi. Ms Adeh said the three suspects were arrested, with one killed in a streak of clearance operations between 8 and 13 June. The sudden appearance of the police operatives in the kidnappers camp resulted in a gun duel. However, the bandits were overwhelmed by the firepower of the police operative, as one of the gang members got hit during cross-fire and the three suspects (were) arrested. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later READ ALSO: FCTA offers free medical outreach for residents The suspects have confessed to being involved in a series of kidnapping incidents and other heinous crimes in FCT and its environs, she said. Ms Adeh said an English pump-action gun, a locally fabricated pistol, two live cartridges, cutlasses, knives and items believed to be charms were recovered from the suspects. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print ATLANTA, June 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Eczema, a skin inflammatory disease that causes dry, itchy and inflamed skin, affects millions worldwide. Eczema is associated with an altered skin microbiome and higher colonization by Staphylococcus aureus. The study, led at New York Medical by postdoctoral fellow Anish R. Maskey, Ph.D., focuses on the natural compound berberine and its impact on eczema exacerbated by S. aureus. The findings, presented at ASM Microbe, shed light on berberine's ability to inhibit S. aureus colonization and alleviate eczema symptoms without adverse effects. Current treatments often fall short topical antibiotics can give temporary relief, but risk development of antibiotic resistance, and steroid use can potentially result in topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) syndrome. This study makes significant strides toward more effective eczema management using berberine. The research team conducted comprehensive analyses, including whole genome sequencing of isolated S. aureus strains from eczema patients. The results revealed resistance genes and toxin-encoding genes, underscoring the urgency for alternative treatments. Berberine showed anti-inflammatory effects and inhibited mast cell degranulation, a key mechanism in eczema progression, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent. Mechanistic insights uncovered berberine's ability to suppress genes associated with inflammatory pathways, and computational modeling identified key targets in the PI3K/AKT pathways. "Berberine may be a valuable natural product for treatment of multi-drug resistant S. aureus-exacerbated eczema due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory [effects] and inhibition of mast cell degranulation," Maskey said. Funding from The Lie and Artati Family Fund and the Study of Integrative Medicine Fund supported this research. ASM Microbe is the annual meeting of the American Society for Microbiology, held June 13-17, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia. The American Society for Microbiology is one of the largest professional societies dedicated to the life sciences and is composed of 36,000 scientists and health practitioners. ASM's mission is to promote and advance the microbial sciences. ASM advances the microbial sciences through conferences, publications, certifications, educational opportunities and advocacy efforts. It enhances laboratory capacity around the globe through training and resources. It provides a network for scientists in academia, industry and clinical settings. Additionally, ASM promotes a deeper understanding of the microbial sciences to diverse audiences. SOURCE American Society for Microbiology HANGZHOU, China, June 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On June 7, 2024, Dr. Ji Xiaofen, Director of the China National Silk Museum, and Ms. Lea Herlet, representative of the Musees Gadagne (Musee d'Histoire de Lyon), France together with other guests co-launched a new exhibition "Lyon in the 18th century: the Prosperity of the Silk Capital in the Age of Enlightenment" running from June 7 to September 6, 2024, in Hangzhou, jointly curated by the China National Silk Museum and the Musees Gadagne (Musee d'Histoire de Lyon), France. Audience visiting the Lyon in the 18th Century exhibition The exhibition is divided into two sections: "Lyon city in the 18th century" and "the Great Lyonnais Silk", presenting 36 sets/pieces of architectural models, silk fabrics, clothing, portraits and ceramics. The exhibition illustrates France's socio-economic thoughts and fashion advancements. It also highlights cultural exchanges between China and the West, featuring Chinese elements in Western painting and clothing. Through this exhibition, the Chinese audience can gain a deeper understanding of the love that the Hungarian aristocracy of the 16th and 17th centuries had for silk, jewelry and a decadent lifestyle. Although silk originates from China, the beauty and exquisite craftsmanship of silk can be widely seen along the Silk Road and thus appreciated and shared by Eastern and Western cultures alike. The cultural exchanges between China and France have a long history. As early as the end of the 17th century, Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty and King Louis XIV of France began exchanging books and gifts. During the Kangxi and Qianlong periods, French missionaries introduced China to France through letters and other means, sparking a "China fever" in French society. The French society, from the courts to the public, was fascinated by Chinese culture, and the influence of Chinese culture in France was incomparable to that of other European countries. It is against this background that the exchange of Chinese and French silk culture has been developing for centuries. During the opening ceremony, the China National Silk Museum also held the press conference for the 2024 Silk Road Week which is going to be launched on June 19 with the theme of "The Silk Roads: Roads Connect, Civilizations Blossom". This year the guest country will be France, so as well as the silk exhibition, China National Silk Museum will also bring a silk culture and costume exhibition to France in October. After the opening ceremony, Ms. Zhu Yao, dressed like a lady of the 18th century, gave a guided tour of the exhibition to the attending media. SOURCE China National Silk Museum Fisher Investments' Founder Ken Fisher Maintains Majority Controlling Interest PLANO, Texas, June 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Fisher Investments ("FI") announced today that Advent International ("Advent") and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority ("ADIA") have agreed to make a minority investment in Ken Fisher's namesake firm, Fisher Investments. The investment by Advent and ADIA of at least $2.5 billion and up to $3 billion values FI at $12.75 billion. Following closing, which is expected to occur later this year, Ken Fisher will remain active in his current role as FI's Executive Chairman and Co-Chief Investment Officer, and FI management led by CEO Damian Ornani will continue to drive the company. The investment will not impact FI's clients, employees or day-to-day operations. Completion of the transaction is subject to certain approvals and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. The transaction was part of Ken Fisher's long-term estate planning and allows FI under the leadership of Damian Ornani the ability to continue operating as an independent privately held investment adviser, wealth and asset management firm. FI manages over $275 billion for over 150,000 clients globally, including 120,000 US private clients and 185 of the world's largest and most well-known institutional clients. An additional distinguishing feature of FI is its substantial international institutional and high net worth operationscurrently serving over 30,000 private clients across 16 countries and offices on four continents, with plans to continue expanding its global footprint. Ken Fisher, the Founder and Executive Chairman of FI, will sell personal holdings in FI to Advent-managed funds and ADIA. For Advent and ADIA, the deal was an opportunity for a long-term investment in one of the world's largest investment advisers. Investors in the Advent vehicles include Lunate Capital Limited managed funds, Mousse Partners, and FI's longtime largest institutional client, South Korea's National Pension Service (NPS). This is the first outside investment in FI, with previous FI ownership solely among family and employees. After the transaction closes, Ken Fisher will retain a majority of beneficial ownership and of voting shares exceeding 70%. There is no further FI investment transaction contemplated. The investment in common shares includes neither options nor non-common stock preferences and includes proportional voting to the investors' beneficial ownership. Upon closing, David Mussafer, Managing Partner at Advent will join the board of directors at FI. Damian Ornani, longtime FI CEO, said, "This transaction gives us the independent runway with truly exceptional institutional investors who can bring us their wisdom, value our unique culture and goals, and want us to keep doing what we've always done, bigger and better, while pioneering never yet done solutions to benefit our clients and employees." Ken Fisher said, "This transaction is aimed dually at estate tax and planning purposes while assuring that FI will maintain its traditional culture, growth evolution and devotion to exceptional client service. FI has been my life. While my health is excellent, this transaction with an atypically long holding period for a private equity transaction will ensure FI's long-term private independence and culture should anything untoward happen to me. And, we will have the support of world class partners who understand us operationally and culturally, and value what we are and will be." David Mussafer, Managing Partner at Advent said, "We are excited to be backing one of the top brands in financial services that is trusted by its clients for its personalized approach towards wealth management. Ken, Damian, and the rest of the management team have built a tremendous organization over the past 45 years. We're honored to partner with them in supporting FI's next phase of growth while upholding the company's unique culture that is core to its success." J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and RBC Capital Markets served as joint financial advisors and Paul Hastings served as legal advisor to FI in this transaction. Ropes & Gray served as legal advisor to Advent. Gibson Dunn served as legal advisor to ADIA. About Fisher Investments Founded in 1979, Fisher Investments is an independent, fee-only investment adviser. Fisher Investments and its subsidiaries manage over $275 billion across three principal businessesInstitutional, US Private Client, and Private Client International. Founder and Executive Chairman Ken Fisher wrote the Forbes "Portfolio Strategy" column for 32 years until 2017, making him the longest running columnist in its history. He now writes monthly for the New York Post and discreet unique columns in native language, varying by country, in 25 major nations, spanning more countries and more total volume than any other columnist of any type in history. Ken has appeared regularly on major TV news like Fox Business and News, BBN Bloomberg and CNN International. Ken has written 11 investing and finance books, including four New York Times bestsellers. For more information, visit www.fisherinvestments.com . About Advent International Founded in 1984, Advent International is one of the largest and most experienced global private equity investors. The firm has invested in 420 private equity investments across 43 countries, and as of December 31, 2023, had $94 billion in assets under management.* With 15 offices in 12 countries, Advent has established a globally integrated team of over 300 private equity investment professionals across North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia. The firm focuses on investments in five core sectors, including business and financial services; health care; industrial; retail, consumer, and leisure; and technology. For 40 years, Advent has been dedicated to international investing and remains committed to partnering with management teams to deliver sustained revenue and earnings growth for its portfolio companies. For more information, visit Website: www.adventinternational.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/advent-international * Assets under management include assets attributable to Advent advisory clients as well as employee and third-party co-investment vehicles. About Abu Dhabi Investment Authority Established in 1976, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority ("ADIA") is a globally diversified investment institution that prudently invests funds on behalf of the Government of Abu Dhabi through a strategy focused on long-term value creation. For more information, visit www.adia.ae . Media Contacts: For Fisher Investments Naj Srinivas Executive Vice President, Corporate Communications [email protected] For Advent International Leslie Shribman Head of Communications [email protected] For ADIA Garry Nickson ADIA Corporate Communications & Public Affairs [email protected] SOURCE Fisher Investments CHICAGO, June 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- It's time to celebrate PRIDE across Illinois. Join House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch in celebrating Pride Month and Illinois' efforts to protect LGBTQ+ rights with a fundraiser on Thursday, June 27th at the Godfrey Hotel in Chicago. Its time to celebrate PRIDE across Illinois. Join House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch in celebrating Pride Month and Illinois efforts to protect LGBTQ+ rights with a fundraiser on Thursday, June 27th at the Godfrey Hotel in Chicago. This can't-miss Pride Event will feature legendary House DJ Ron Carrol along with performers from America's Premiere Drag Showcase, The Baton Show Lounge. Illinois' greatest advocates for LGBTQ rights will serve as celebration hosts including Kelly Cassidy of the 14th District; former House Majority Leader Greg Harris; Alderman Lamont Robinson of Chicago's 4th Ward; Water Reclamation Commissioner Precious Brady-Davis; Director of Public Policy at Equality Illinois, Mike Ziri; and Youth Outlook Chair Ken Mejia-Beal. With the city as its backdrop, this fundraiser has become one of the best political events of the summer. "We are Democrats," said Speaker Welch. "So we honor Equality and Pride 365, but we celebrate Pride Month with our friends in recognition of the continued fight to ensure that Illinois is a safe haven for members of the LGBTQ community with a focus on human rights, equity, and inclusion. In Illinois, we are a beacon of light, and a beacon of hope in the way we strive for all of our diverse communities. This is a time to celebrate that and power the fight forward." Join Speaker Welch for Equality & Pride 365 on Thursday, June 27 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the Godfrey Hotel Rooftop, 127 W Huron St. in Chicago. Tickets and sponsorships can be purchased online at DemsforILHouse.com or visit https://secure.actblue.com/donate/equalitypride2024. Attendees can also RSVP by emailing [email protected] . This event is closed to the press. About Democrats for the Illinois House: Democrats for the Illinois House (DIH) is the official political arm of the Illinois House Democratic Caucus. We support Democrats for the Illinois House in fighting for equality, justice, and opportunity for all. Under the leadership of House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch, DIH is dedicated to promoting the excellent work of the caucus, protecting incumbents, winning competitive races, and serving Illinoisans with integrity. The Illinois House Democratic Caucus is one of the most diverse in the nation, including African American (22), Latinx (11), Asian American (8), Women (44) and LGBTQ+ members. DIH is committed to creating an environment across the state that is inclusive and welcoming to all people. SOURCE Democrats for the Illinois House 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 Thiruvananthapuram, June 16 : The top brass of the CPI-M, including general secretary Sitaram Yechury and his predecessor Prakash Karat, will take part in the meeting of the Kerala unit of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) starting Sunday to discuss the Lok Sabha polls debacle. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Front had a disappointing outing at the Lok Sabha polls which saw 19 of its candidates losing. There are a total of 20 Parliamentary constituencies in the southern state. The Left won only the Alathur seat where CPI-M veteran K. Radhakrishnan defeated Congress' Remya Haridas (who was the sitting MP) by around 22,000 votes. The CPI-M contested 15 seats, the CPI four and the Kerala Congress (Mani) one seat. Vijayan, after casting his vote on April 26 at his hometown in Kannur, claimed that the Left would register a historic win. Baghdad, June 16 : A Shiite militia in Iraq has claimed responsibility for an attack with a cruise missile on a site in Haifa in northern Israel. The militia, known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, said in an online statement on Saturday that its fighters launched an attack at dawn on Saturday with a long-range al-Arqab upgraded cruise missile on "a site in Haifa", Xinhua news agency reported. It provided no further details about the targeted location or any resulting casualties. The militia stressed that the attack was carried out "in solidarity with the people in the Gaza Strip" and pledged to continue its attacks on "the enemy's strongholds." Earlier on Saturday, the group claimed responsibility for two drone attacks on Friday, targeting Haifa Port and Ramat David Airbase near Haifa. No details on casualties were provided in either instance. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has carried out multiple attacks on Israeli and US targets in the region since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict on October 7, 2023. Srinagar, June 16 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah will chair a security review meeting concerning Jammu & Kashmir on Sunday, officials said. J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, officers of Army, paramilitary forces, J&K Police, and intelligence agencies will be present during today's meeting. Security situation in J&K in general and security arrangements for the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra in particular will figure at the high-level meeting to be chaired by Shah on June 16 in New Delhi. Sunday's meeting will be the first high-level meeting to be chaired by Amit Shah on J&K after being inducted into the Union Cabinet again. Heightened security is expected for this year's Amarnath Yatra in the wake of the June 9 terror attack on the Shiv Khori temple pilgrims in Reasi district. Over 400 additional companies of paramilitary forces are likely to be deployed for this year's Yatra. "A strategy is being formulated to eliminate the terrorists hiding in Rajouri-Poonch districts, who are believed to have carried out the Reasi terror attack," sources said. "Plugging infiltration routes through the International Border between Jammu to Kathua is also likely to figure prominently in the meeting," sources added. The modus operandi used by the terrorists to cross the international border and the line of control in J&K will also come up during the review discussions. Seoul, June 16 : Private data of some 2,900 South Korean customers was leaked after TAG Heuer, owned by luxury goods giant LVMH, was hacked, an official at South Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission said on Sunday. The incident took place between 2019 and 2020, when the watchmaker renovated its website but came under a cyberattack, according to the commission. TAG Heuer belatedly reported the case to the commission after becoming aware of the attack when the hacker blackmailed the company in May last year, reports Yonhap news agency. The commission ordered TAG Heuer to pay 126 million won ($90,712) as a financial penalty over the case and 7.8 million won as a fine for belatedly reporting the case in a closed-door meeting in February. A commission official said South Korea was the first country to impose a penalty on the company. New Delhi: At least two protagonists of Khalistan won the parliamentary elections in Punjab with large margins making it easier for them to further push the separatist agenda in the sensitive border state. Khalistan ideologue Amritpal Singh lodged in Dibrugarh jail under the National Security Act, secured victory with a margin of 1.93 lakh votes -- the highest in this election in Punjab. Significantly, the Akali Dal registered a decline -- winning only the Bathinda seat -- which could be interpreted as a weakening of the moderate Sikh voice. The AAP got three seats that did not set any trend but the relative performance of the Congress and the BJP showed interesting pointers. The BJP increased its vote share from 6.6 to 19 per cent without scoring any victory while Congress lost its vote by a corresponding 13 per cent and won 7 of the 13 seats in the state. The Jat Sikh and Dalit vote apparently shifted to the Congress while the Hindus seemed to have rallied behind the BJP. Incidentally in the parliamentary election in nearby Haryana, the Congress and the BJP equally shared the ten seats of the state -- all at the cost of regional groupings -- which was welcome to the extent it showed the voter's preference for mainstream politics. Anything that accentuates community differentiation in Punjab has to be avoided as that would only benefit radicals and separatists -- Hindu-Sikh unity founded on the teachings of Guru Nanak was an intrinsic political antidote for the Khalistan movement. It may be recalled that the Khalistan terror witnessed by Punjab last time had seen targeted killings of Hindus. There is no gainsaying the fact that Punjab has been exposed in recent months to the after-effects of a lot of pro-Khalistan activities that were taking place outside India -- particularly in the US and Canada -- instigated by our adversaries. There were incidents like attacks on temples abroad to create a Hindu-Sikh divide -- the intention obviously was to create a communal backlash in Punjab as well. Three trends are currently in play that should cause concern. One is the unmitigated process of build-up of the Khalistan advocacy seen in Canada, the US, Australia and even the UK attributable to anti-India forces -- with a clear indication of Pak ISI's hand in it. Pak establishment was known to be in league with Amritpal Singh -- it had arranged his stay in Dubai before he shifted to India. Amritpal Singh was trying to emulate Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale -- he visited village Rode in Moga district and took to Bhindranwaleas attire. He was obviously testing waters in Punjab when he rallied hundreds of followers to raid Ajnala Police Station near Amritsar in February 2023 and successfully rescued his aid who had been earlier arrested for violence. The crowd carried Guru Granth Sahib as a strategy of defence -- this might encourage the trend of stray Gurudwaras being used wherever possible for the promotion of Amritdhari cult. The modus operandi used by Pak ISI for fuelling terrorism in Punjab in the late 80s was likely to be repeated and this should help the government to frame its counter-measures against the covert plans of the adversary. This time around, Pak ISI is banking in a big way on spreading addiction to drugs in Punjab so that the vulnerable youth could be indoctrinated more easily for taking the path of separatism and violence. It has made use of Sino-Pak strategic friendship to secure Chinese drones for dropping arms and narcotics in Punjab -- undeterred by the close vigilance of BSF and state police against this planned mischief. It is reported that Amritpal Singh was using ade-addiction centresa in the state for hiding weapons sourced from Pakistan. The state government needs to have the political will to clean up these establishments, strengthen its Intelligence machinery and secure public cooperation to put down any externally instigated violence- particularly in the border districts of Punjab. It should be presumed that Pak ISI would keep up its covert offensive in both J&K and Punjab -- an indication of this is the ambush of a bus carrying pilgrims returning from Vaishno Devi at Reasi, executed by a group of terrorists said to be from Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) on June 9 -- around the time when in Delhi the new cabinet of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was being sworn in. In the intense firing on the bus, the driver was hit and the vehicle subsequently fell into a deep gorge -- resulting in nine deaths and grievous injuries to 33 passengers. In Punjab, there was another attempt recently to drop narcotics from a drone. Pakistan backed by China has stepped up its anti-India operations particularly after the Indian Parliament voted for the abrogation of Article 370 relating to Kashmir in August 2019. This period has seen a rise in pro-Khalistan violence outside India -- notably in Canada and the US -- at the hands of Pak ISI-backed forces such as Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) and Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF). In April this year, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the leader of the opposition in Canada were welcomed at the Vaisakhi rally in Toronto organised by Khalistan supporters, with slogans of 'Khalistan Zindabad'. This led to India charging the Canadian PM with giving space to separatists and extremists for political reasons. India-Canada relations have suffered a setback on this issue. Earlier, 'Sikhs for Justice' active in the US called for a aKhalistan Referenduma on January 28, 2023, which evoked a response from Sikh separatists in the US, Canada, the UK and Australia. A violent-looking mob created a ruckus at the Indian Consulate in San Francisco and flashed Khalistan flags on the occasion. In March 2023, Khalistan supporters gathered in front of the Indian Embassy in Washington, raised abusive slogans and threatened the Indian Ambassador. Around the same time, protestors carrying Khalistan flags broke into the Consulate premises in San Francisco and painted graffiti calling for the release of Amritpal Singh who had been arrested in India and lodged in Dibrugarh jail in Assam. In July again, Khalistan supporters set fire to the San Francisco Consulate building at midnight. Indian Embassy in Melbourne, Australia, witnessed a protest demonstration by Khalistan elements in June 2023 and Sikh -- Hindu tension cropped up in Sydney as well. In London, Khalistan supporters including Dal Khalsa and Khalistan Tiger Force members tried to attack Indian High Commission in March 2023 in retaliation against the arrest of Amritpal Singh, the Khalistan protagonist who had come from Dubai - leading the organisation called 'Waris Punjab De' - and as mentioned earlier organised a violent raid at Ajnala Police Station on the outskirts of Amritsar in February last year. The protestors pulled down the national flag, caused damage to the building and injured some people. India's national security scenario is characteristically marked by the fact that covert external threats are the prime danger to the countryas internal security at present. This is attributable to the Sino-Pak strategic alliance that works basically against India. The Khalistan movement is being instigated by Pak ISI and China is collaborating with the latter by supplying drones to Pakistan for cross-border operations of dropping arms and narcotics in Punjab. Intelligence collection on the doings of the Sino-Pak axis against India has to be stepped up using also the Intelligence-sharing channels with friendly countries who were opposed to China and who felt threatened by the advent of aradicalisationa in the Muslim world. India is handling the threat of revival of the Khalistan movement in Punjab with a multi-prong strategy using diplomatic, police and socio-political measures to contain and counter the danger -- drawing lessons from its handling of the Khalistan aterrora that had overtaken the state in the latter 80s. In February 2024 at the India-US Homeland Security Dialogue held in Delhi, India raised the demand that pro-Khalistan outfits in the US be investigated for instigating violence against India. A clear message has been delivered to Canada and the US that the freedom of expression did not extend to giving anti-India calls for violence in the name of Khalistan. Pro-Khalistan elements do not have the benefit of a cult figure like Bhindranwale within Punjab but the anti-India forces abroad are in a determined way trying to instigate the separatist movement and inject the Hindu-Sikh communal divide into the border state, from outside. The Centre should take an early step to appoint a senior person with a national security background and knowledge of how the terror that prevailed in Punjab in the past was handled as the Governor so that counter-measures could be coordinated and the state government guided suitably in the socio-political sphere and also instructed properly on security issues. The new challenges for Intelligence are the scanning of social media, uncovering of clandestine funding of separatist movements and keeping track of the activities of anti-India elements within the state and outside. In matters of national security, the state and central governments have to be on the same page. (The writer is a former Director of the Intelligence Bureau. Views are personal) Lucknow, June 16 : Balrampur Hospital in Lucknow has become the first district hospital to offer surgical treatment for Trigeminal Neuralgia, also known as the suicide disease (mainly because of the high-level pain that the patient suffers). This achievement follows the successful operation of Ashok Kumar, 46, who was suffering from the condition. The patient had to spend merely Rs 400 for the surgery. Bollywood star Salman Khan also had this disease. Trigeminal neuralgia affects about 10-12 out of 100,000 people and is more frequently found in women. Ashok was experiencing severe pain on the right side of his face for six years. Despite using painkillers and undergoing treatments since the age of 40, he found no relief. Later, considering his financial constraints, some persons recommended him to visit Balrampur Hospital. Ashok sought help from Dr Vinod Tiwari, a neurosurgeon at Balrampur Hospital. Dr Tiwari noted that Kumar's right facial pain was triggered by minor activities such as wind, brushing his teeth, gargling, eating, drinking water, or a light touch on his right cheek, causing him hours of excruciating pain. "I told him if it is not cured by medicines, then surgery is the only solution," said Dr Tiwari. Further, MRI scan revealed that an artery was compressing the fifth nerve on the right side of Kumar's brain, leading to unbearable pain. The medical team decided to perform surgery to relieve the compression and ease the patient's suffering. "I and my team at Balrampur Hospital decided to perform the surgery to remove the tumour and decompress the nerve," Dr Tiwari explained. The operation, which took over three hours under general anaesthesia, was successful. Ashok is currently recovering in ICU ward. The patient can speak normally and is no longer experiencing pain, Dr Tiwari said. Dr Pawan Kumar, Chief Superintendent at Balrampur Hospital, said: "Due to this disease, the patient is at risk of paralysis due to brain pressure." Dharamsala, June 16 : As a high-level bipartisan US congressional delegation, led by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, is visiting India this week to have an audience with the Dalai Lama, in support of Tibet, the administration in exile is pinning hopes on a meeting between the Nobel Peace laureate and US President Joe Biden during the former's visit to America starting June 20. The US congressional meeting with representatives of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), also known as the Tibetan government in exile, is likely to provoke a diplomatic protest from Beijing, which regards "the Dalai Lama as a separatist and sees any foreign official contact with him an infringement of its sovereignty". Apart from meeting the spiritual leader, the US delegation will meet with Indian government officials and the American business community to strengthen relationships. The visiting delegation comprises former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory W Meeks, House Rules Committee Ranking Member Jim McGovern, House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific Ranking Member Ami Bera, and Congresswomen Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Nicole Malliotakis. In India, the delegation is expected to meet the Dalai Lama, 88, in McLeodganj -- a small and quaint hill station in the suburbs of Dharamsala overlooking the Himalayas -- on June 18-19. CTA officials told IANS the proposed visit is the most significant contact since the Dalai Lama met the then President Barack Obama in Washington in 2016. "India is the world's largest democracy and an important strategic partner of the United States," said McCaul in a statement. "I look forward to meeting with government officials and the American business community to learn how we can continue to strengthen our relationship with India. I am also honoured to have the opportunity to meet with His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. Tibetans are a democracy -- loving people who wish to practise their religion freely. "This visit should highlight the bipartisan support in the US Congress for Tibet to have a say in their own future." "I look forward to joining Chairman McCaul and Speaker Emerita Pelosi to demonstrate the strong bipartisan support for the US-India relationship," stated Ranking Member Meeks. "Over the past 25 years, our relationship with India has transformed to become one of the United States most consequential. I'm also honoured to have a chance to meet with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and to hear his views on how the American People can help advance the Tibetan people's struggle for autonomy." Earlier this month, the Dalai Lama office said he is travelling to the US for medical treatment of his knees and there will be no public engagement during the visit. This has been the first visit abroad of the globetrotting monk since the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic was detected in December 2019. "There will be no engagements, including public audiences, of His Holiness from June 20 onwards until further notice," an official statement said. "His Holiness the Dalai Lama is scheduled to travel to the United States for medical treatment of his knees. Upon his return to Dharamsala, regular engagements will resume," it added. His last visit to the US was in June 2017. The last high-level visit that signifies Washington's significant support for the Tibetan issue was a meeting between the Dalai Lama and the US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues Uzra Zeya at his official residence here on May 19, 2022. In the run-up to the high-profile visit, Senator Ben Cardin, Chairman of the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, wrote on X on June 14, "Proud to see Congress pass the 'Resolve Tibet Act' this week. "This legislation is a powerful reaffirmation of the United States' steadfast commitment to the people of Tibet." A representative from the spiritual leader told IANS that since George H.W. Bush (1991), the Dalai Lama has met all the US Presidents, including Barack Obama on four occasions: February 18, 2010, July 16, 2011, February 21, 2014, and June 15, 2016. The Dalai Lama and Obama met in the Map Room of the White House, rather than the President's Oval Office usually reserved for visiting heads of state. In 2017, Obama met the spiritual leader in New Delhi, the sixth in the series, to discuss promoting peace in the world. Likewise, the Buddhist monk, known for his simplicity and jovial style, met Bill Clinton and George W. Bush several times. In 2007, the Dalai Lama received the US Congressional Gold Medal, even in the face of protests by China. The 88-year-old monk, who was enthroned two years before President Biden was born, has lived in exile in India since fleeing Tibet during a failed uprising against the Chinese government in 1959. He met with Presidents, Prime Ministers and crown rulers of major nations, including US President Franklin Roosevelt, who sent the Dalai Lama the gift of a pocket watch when he was a young boy. The Dalai Lama, who visits only on invitation, described the gold watch as magnificent and even took it with him when he fled Tibet in 1959. In his election campaign, Biden had said if voted to power, his administration would sanction Chinese officials responsible for human rights abuses in Tibet, besides meeting with the Dalai Lama. "During the forthcoming visit of His Holiness to the US, an invite from the White House would provide an opportunity to advance US support for the middle-way approach," a representative from the spiritual leader's office told IANS. The "middle-way approach" demands "greater autonomy" for the people in Tibet. The 14th Dalai Lama was born on July 6, 1935, in a small village in the remote Amdo region of Tibet. The Dalai Lama, who along with many of his supporters fled the Himalayan homeland and took refuge in India when Chinese troops moved in and took control of Lhasa in 1959, views himself as a simple Buddhist monk. (Vishal Gulati can be contacted at gulatiians@gmail.com) Muzaffarnagar : , June 16 (IANS) Newly-elected Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Harendra Singh Malik has demanded a CBI inquiry into the ongoing dispute between the former Union minister Sanjeev Balyan and former MLA Sangeet Som. The MP's move comes after letterheads bearing Som's name were distributed in Sardhana, accusing Balyan of corruption and purchasing land in Australia. While demanding a CBI probe into the matter, Malik suggested that "Balyan should take the initiative himself for the investigation to maintain public trust". He added, "Dr Sanjeev Balyan should meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and present himself for investigation. We believe Balyan has been wrongly accused and should initiate the investigation himself." The dispute between Balyan and Som has been ongoing for months, marked by a war of words. Earlier, Balyan, without naming Som, accused him of working for the SP in the elections. Balyan said, "I hope action should be taken against those who are using facilities provided by the govt and have supported the SP candidate in this election." Som responded by accusing Balyan of "trying to divert attention from his shortcomings" and emphasised his loyalty to the BJP. Hyderabad, June 16 : New registration charges for agriculture and non-agriculture land and properties will come into force from August 1. This followed the recent decision of the Telangana government to revise the market value of lands to boost its revenues. This will be the first hike in land value and registration charges after the Congress came to power in December 2023. The Stamp and Registration Department has initiated an action plan to study the current value and revise it to fix new registration charges accordingly. The department will begin the groundwork in this regard on June 18 after a meeting with additional Collectors and Revenue Divisional Officers (RDOs). The Stamp and Registration Department has issued guidelines for revising the market values in rural and urban areas After an analysis in a phased manner, new registration charges will be decided on July 1. Subsequently, the final market value will be fixed after a few rounds of scrutiny. After a study by committees at the Mandal and district levels, new market value will come into effect from August 1. The Stamp and Registration Department will also hold meetings with officials of Revenue, Municipal Administration, Panchayat Raj, and Survey departments. After posting the revised values on the website on July 1, the department will call for suggestions and objections from people till July 20. The exercise to fix revised values will be completed by July 31 and revised rates will come into effect from August 1. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy had last month directed the department to take steps to revise the market value of lands. It was noted during the meeting that the rates of land have increased dramatically across the state, but the income from the Stamp and Registration department has not risen accordingly. The officials had told the Chief Minister that the main reason for this was the disparity between the market value and the actual sale price of land. The previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi government had increased the land value and registration charges in 2021, but the meeting was told that there is still a huge difference between the market value of land and the selling price in many places. Though the market value of land has to be revised every year as per rules, this is not being followed. The Chief Minister had directed the officials to take steps to revise the prices. Revanth Reddy had asked the officials to ensure the revision of market values should be scientifically determined and the regulations of the Stamp and Registration Department should be strictly followed. He suggested that the market prices of land should be revised in such a way that it promotes the real estate and construction sector along with boosting the revenue of the state. However, the exercise could not be taken up due to the recent Lok Sabha elections. Mumbai, June 16 : Actress Alia Bhatt on Sunday wished her 'nana' on his birth anniversary by sharing unseen childhood pictures with her 'grandpa', expressing that "you and your stories live on in our hearts forever." Alia's grandfather, Narendranath Razdan, who was born on June 16, 1928, passed away at the age of 93 on June 1, 2023. Remembering her nana, the 'Gangubai Kathiawadi' actress took to Instagram and shared two snaps. In the first picture, a young Alia is seen wearing a red dress and sitting with her grandfather. The second picture is a solo snap of Alia's granddad. The post is captioned: "My favourite storyteller...happy birthday Grandpa, you and your stories live on in our hearts forever." On the work front, Alia was last seen in the movie 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani' alongside Ranveer Singh. The romantic comedy, directed by Karan Johar and written by Ishita Moitra, Shashank Khaitan, and Sumit Roy, received positive reviews. She also featured in the American film 'Heart of Stone.' Alia's upcoming project 'Jigra,' which she is also producing, is slated to release in theaters on October 11. On the personal front, Alia is married to actor Ranbir Kapoor. They tied the knot in April 2022 and have a daughter named Raha. Kabul, June 16 : At least four people died as a vehicle turned upside down in northern Afghanistan's Baghlan province, a statement of the provincial police headquarters said on Sunday. The accident took place on Saturday night in the province's Baghlan-e-Markazi district after a vehicle veered off the road and turned turtle on the right side of the street, reports Xinhua news agency, citing the statement added. Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Baryali, police chief of Baghlan-e-Markazi district, was among the victims of the mishap, said the statement. Reckless driving on congested roads and lack of traffic signs on dilapidated highways are some of the causes of traffic accidents in Afghanistan. Hyderabad, June 16 : Police tightened security and deployed additional forces in Telangana's Medak town after a clash broke out between two groups on Saturday night over the alleged illegal transportation of cows for slaughter. Police intensified patrolling and posted pickets in communally sensitive areas. Police said on Sunday that the situation is peaceful. Additional forces were rushed to the town from neighbouring districts. Inspector General of Police A. V. Ranganath was monitoring the situation in the town. He appealed to people to cooperate with the police in maintaining peace. He warned that the miscreants disturbing peace and harmony will not be spared. Trouble started when a group tried to seize cattle kept at a madrasa for slaughter on Eid-ul-Azha. Two groups clashed resulting in injuries to a few persons. Later, a mob armed with sticks roamed on streets, attacking shops and business establishments. Police resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the mob. Seven people were injured in the clash and attack by a mob. Four of them were later shifted to Hyderabad and admitted to Esra Hospital, run by All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM). AIMIM President and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi spoke to Director General of Police Ravi Gupta and IG Ranganath. AIMIM MLA from Karwan constituency in Hyderabad, Kausar Mohiuddin, who called on the injured at Esra Hospital, said the party would ensure peace in Medak as well as quality treatment for all the injured irrespective of their religion. Meanwhile, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K. T. Rama said on Sunday that Telangana was peaceful sans any communal violence for the last 9.5 years. "Now in the Congress government, neither there is any law nor any order. Truly shameful that even a peaceful town Medak which never had any communal activity in the past has now become a mess," he posted on 'X' while reacting to Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT) leader Amjed Ullah Khan's post alleging that Medak police were mute spectators to attacks by RSS and BJP workers on Muslims and their property. Khan alleged that ever since A. Revanth Reddy took charge as Chief Minister, communal elements were given a free hand to attack Muslims and damage their property with police being mute spectators. New Delhi, June 16 : Amit Malviya, in-charge of BJP's national IT cell, on Sunday, came down on Karnataka Congress and Rahul Gandhi over the recent fuel price hike in the state. Malviya took to X to express his discontent, pointing to Karnataka Minister for Industries and Development M. B. Patil, who justified the hike as necessary to fund Rahul Gandhi's "guarantees." "M. B. Patil, Karnataka State Minister for Industries and Development, has said that the hefty fuel price hike was necessitated to fund Rahul Gandhi's 'guarantees'. Rahul has ruined every state he has laid his hands on," Malviya stated. On Saturday, M. B. Patil defended the move, explaining that the decision to raise fuel prices was crucial to support the state's guarantee schemes and other developmental projects. He emphasised that, despite the increase, Karnataka's fuel prices remain lower than those in many other states. Highlighting the internal conflicts within the Karnataka Congress, Malviya continued: "There is widespread discontent in Karnataka Congress after they fared poorly in Lok Sabha elections. Earlier, D. K. Shivkumar faction pulled in one direction, and now even the Lingayats in the Congress are upset after B. S. Yediyurappa ji was targeted." He urged Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to focus on the instability within the Karnataka government, suggesting the administration might be operating "on borrowed time." "Kharge ji should worry about the Congress Govt in Karnataka. It seems to be on borrowed time," he wrote. The Congress-led Karnataka government increased the retail sales tax on fuels on Saturday, leading to a rise in petrol prices by Rs 3 and diesel by Rs 3.50. The new prices took effect immediately, surprising many vehicle owners. Nithish K., Joint Secretary of the Finance Department of Karnataka, issued a notification for the immediate implementation of the new rates. TV stars Juhi Parmar, Munmun Dutta, Arti Singh, others share unseen pics with their 'hero' fathers: 'We are blessed'. Image Source: IANS News Mumbai, June 16 : Television celebrities Juhi Parmar, Ulka Gupta, Munmun Dutta, Arti Singh, and others on Sunday greeted their dads on Father's Day, expressing their love for their 'papa.' 'Bigg Boss 5' winner Juhi Parmar took to Instagram and shared photos with her father. The actress wrote: "Papa, you are that rock that keeps us all going! I still love it jab aap mujhe daante ho, because kids truly will always remain kids for their parents. And Samairra's answer to everything is her Nana. The two of your projects are endless! We are blessed to have you fill in every gap in our lives with infinite love! Happy Father's Day, Papa!" Ulka Gupta, who plays Janvi in Zee TV's show 'Main Hoon Saath Tere,' said in a statement: "My dad has always been my best friend and the best guide for my career. One of the best memories that I have with him is having theatrical classes with him at home as he is a trained theatre artist himself. Our common love for acting got us very close to each other." "The best gift or the blessing I have received from him is that he never differentiated between me and my brother, brought both of us up in the same way and gave us wings to fly. The love that I have for him is unparalleled and I love him from the bottom of my heart. Now that I have shifted to another house in Mumbai since its closer to my current set, but I visit him often. I have bought something special for him this Fatheras Day, I hope he likes it," added Ulka. 'Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah' actress Munmun Dutta wrote: "June 11 was 6 years since he passed away...and it still feels fresh...Best Dad." Jasmin Bhasin dropped a photo in which her father can be seen kissing the diva's cheek. She wrote: "Happy Father's Day papa." Screenwriter and TV host Haarsh Limbachiyaa was tagged in his son Laksh's post, which included unseen pictures of the father-son duo. The caption read: "My hero, my best friend, aur mein jaise bolta rehta hoon... 'Mere papaaaaa'." Arti Singh, who recently married businessman Dipak, shared photos with her late father and her brother, Krushna Abhishek. She wrote: "I miss you both.. wish u were there to see the biggest day of my life. But I know u both and mom was around to bless me. I love u daddy and papa. To hv 2 fathers and still hy none of them I don't know what to say . I love u both so much." Anita Hassanandani shared photos with her husband and son from their recent vacation. She wrote: "Swipe to know the sole purpose of my marriage!! #happyfathersday Best weekend 2024." Reem Sameer Shaikh penned a note, saying, "Happy Father's Day@sameer_instagrm I don't need to write much, you already know how much I love you. (Main hu papa ki pari)." Patna, June 16 : Six persons are feared missing on Sunday after a boat capsized on the outskirts of Patna, authorities said. Subham Kumar, Barh Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO), confirmed the incident, adding that 17 members of a family boarded the boat to cross the Ganga River "It has capsized in the middle of the river. The local boat sailors managed to rescue 11 of them but six persons are still missing. The mishap occurred at Umanath Ghat of Barh," Kumar said. He added that the victims belong to one family living in Malti village of Nalanda district. The district administration has informed the NDRF and SDRF about the incident and the rescue operation is underway to pull out the missing persons. On the occasion of Ganga Dussehra, a large number of devotees had come from far-flung areas to take holy bath in the Ganga river. The eyewitnesses have said that many devotees went to the other side of the Ganga river using boats to take a holy bath. The victims boarded a boat which capsized midway in the river. San Francisco, June 16 : US-based firm Leuko, founded by a research team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), has developed a device that will give doctors a non-invasive way to monitor cancer patients' health during chemotherapy -- without the need of blood tests. Chemotherapy and other treatments that take down cancer cells can also destroy patients' immune cells. In some cases, the patient's white blood cell (WBC) count gets dangerously low, a condition known as neutropenia, and the only way for doctors to monitor their patient's white blood cells is through blood tests. However, this new device will help doctors spot life-threatening infections in cancer patients remotely, according to MIT. According to MIT, rather than drawing blood, this device uses light to look through the skin at the top of the fingernail and artificial intelligence to analyse and detect when WBCs reach dangerously low levels. "Some of the physicians that we have talked to are very excited because they think future versions of our product could be used to personalise the dose of chemotherapy given to each patient," said Leuko co-founder and CEO Carlos Castro-Gonzalez, a former postdoctorate at MIT. "If a patient is not becoming neutropenic, that could be a sign that you could increase the dose. Then every treatment could be based on how each patient is individually reacting," he added. The technology was first developed by researchers at MIT in 2015. Over the next few years, they created a prototype and conducted a small study to validate their approach. In a study of 44 patients in 2019, Leuko's team showed the approach was able to detect when WBC levels dropped below a critical threshold with minimal false positives. The company has been working with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over the last four years to design studies confirming their device is accurate and easy to use by untrained patients, MIT said. Later this year, they expect to begin a pivotal study that will be used to register for FDA approval. Islamabad, June 16 : The Taliban government on Sunday officially announced its intention to send a delegation to the upcoming Doha meeting on the situation in Afghanistan. Taliban Chief Spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told TOLOnews that the group believes their participation in the Qatar talks will benefit Afghanistan when it comes to humanitarian aid and investment. The UN-hosted meeting will be held on June 30 and July 1, to increase international engagement with the country as it faces a series of crises. Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban have rejected calls for the formation of an inclusive government and to ensure women's rights to education and work. As a result, no country has recognised the Taliban government. The country's banking reserves are frozen in the West, and senior Taliban leaders are on US wanted lists. However, the UN Security Council eased travel restrictions for key Taliban leaders so they could perform the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca. Last week the European Union announced a a150 million ($160 million) humanitarian aid package to the country. The Taliban has been seeking more cooperation with the UN -- while also rejecting the world body's initiatives. In December, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution asking the UN Secretary-General to appoint a special envoy for Afghanistan. The Taliban has consistently been against having such a figure for the country. In February, the Taliban refused to attend a similar UN meeting in Doha on account that Afghan activists had been invited. --IANS/DPA khz Rohit Chaudhary reveals he had to chew gum for 13-14 hours for 'A Day in Your Life'. Image Source: IANS News Mumbai, June 16 : Actor Rohit Chaudhary, who plays the role of Yuvraj Bhaiya in the web series 'A Day in Your Life', has opened up on the character, sharing how he had to chew gum continuously for 13-14 hours to maintain continuity in his entry shot. Rohit, who has also appeared in 'Kanpuriye', 'Jabariya Jodi', 'Bahut Hua Samman', 'Jogira Sara Ra Ra', and web shows like 'The Forgotten Army', 'Love J Action', and 'Gharwapsi', shared that he loved shooting for this web series as well. "There are so many great incidents that I can't pick one. I remember putting chewing gum in my mouth in my entry shot, but after that, to maintain the continuity, I had to chew it for the next 13-14 hours! The next day, I wasn't able to move my jaw. It was hell!" he said. Rohit described his character as having serious grey shades, but with a twist. Talking about his role, Rohit, who also starred in 'Bareilly Ki Barfi', said: "I am playing the role of Yuvraj, or Yuvraj Bhaiya, as most of the characters in the series call me 'bhaiya' only. He gives villainous vibes, but he is not a villain. I am not at all like Yuvraj in my real life, so there is no relatable factor." "Also, I feel, as an actor, you have more fun playing characters when you can't relate to them. It sounds absurd, but that's the truth," he shared. When asked if he found the role challenging, he added: "Every day and everything is a challenge for an actor. I often say that it is easy to become an actor, but challenging to continue to be one. The world is changing at a faster pace, and today's audience, especially the youth, have a short attention span due to the various options available." Islamabad, June 16 : Two people were killed and four others injured in an explosion of an improvised explosive device in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Sunday, official sources said. The incident happened in the Kurram district of the province, where a vehicle carrying civilians was hit by a roadside planted device, the sources told Xinhua news agency. The injured people were shifted to a nearby hospital, where four of them were in critical condition. The vehicle was completely destroyed in the explosion, and the police cordoned off the area for investigation. No group or individual has claimed the attack yet. Further details are awaited. New Delhi, June 16 : The recent terror attacks in Jammu have sparked a wave of anxiety and panic among people in the region. The fact that terrorists can carry out heinous attacks anywhere and anytime has exposed chinks that need to be sealed. The attack on a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims in Reasi raises several questions -- like how come the attackers knew the bus was carrying Hindu pilgrims or it would be travelling on that particular route at that time. Were they given the information? Who told them? The terrorists ambushed the bus on a stretch where traffic was less and as per those who survived, the attackers were there for almost 20 minutes. Does this not indicate a kind of collusion with some local sympathisers? The questions may be part of the investigation being carried out, but they are reminiscent of the times when terrorism struck Kashmir in the early 1990s and most of the attacks were carried out after getting information from neighbours or colleagues and even local policemen. This was something which was even described in detail by Late Governor Jagmohan in his book, 'Frozen Turbulence'. The help at the local level could be out of fear or sympathy. With improved security situation and crackdown on separatist leaders, the atmosphere of fear is supposed to have been curbed. But, terror eruptions like the recent ones bring forth an ugly fact that rogue elements continue to exist and exert their presence from time to time. These elements try to rear their heads when they deem fit or act on orders from across the border. Pakistan has not shut its terror factory and continues to infiltrate terrorists to carry out attacks. It believes that it is its right to keep J&K disturbed through such acts of violence. J&K Director General of Police R. R. Swain recently said that 70-80 foreign terrorists are active in the Union Territory. An equal number is reported to be trying to sneakily cross the LoC/border from various launch pads in Pakistan. With the security apparatus tight and strong in Kashmir, the terrorists have been trying to shift their activities to the Jammu region, in the south of Pir Panjal range. The region with dense forests is a difficult terrain where terrorists get enough space to hide. The Pakistan-backed terrorists are also now trying to go to those areas which have been relatively peaceful, and the Reasi attack is an example. This is the challenge for security forces. The fact that terrorists are able to strike and vanish is something which is deeply worrying. The question again arises -- is it possible for the attackers to just vanish or are there elements helping them in the UT? The terror attacks cannot happen in isolation. There is always a local connect, whether it is in the form of a hybrid terrorist, an overground or underground worker or just simply doing it for money or getting exploited on the basis of religious sentiments. Before the abrogation of Article 370, the separatists and the pro-Pakistani elements were successful in creating a network which was connected by Islamic sentiments. This link helped in organising stone-pelting sessions, targeted killings, attacks on minorities and security forces, etc. After Article 370 ceased to exist, the valley has seen a drastic change. The pro-separatist network was demolished and a drastic reduction in violence, including stone-pelting, was noticed. The valley has been witnessing a massive and unprecedented flow of tourists. Despite a majority wanting to live in peace, there is a hidden remnant of the motivated link that has been trying to gather itself by various means. These hidden elements show their presence through acts of terror, as was witnessed in three back-to-back attacks in Jammu, including the targeting of Hindu pilgrims in a bus in Reasi district. The police have announced huge rewards for information about the attackers but days after the attack, no one has been arrested. The fact is that these hidden elements are able to get support -- with moving around, hiding, food, weapons or pinpointed information about the subject of attack. This is something which should act as an alarm bell for the government. The victory of Engineer Rashid, a leader with an inclination towards the separatist agenda, in the recently held Lok Sabha elections, is again a pointer to something brewing in the valley. Rashid has been in Tihar jail for the past five years in connection with a terror funding case. In 2015, when he was an MLA, he organised a party at his official residence where beef was cooked. He has also repeatedly raised his voice for the "right to self-determination" in the then J&K Assembly. Recently, when he won the Lok Sabha elections, eyebrows were raised as to how he managed to secure the win despite being in jail. His campaign was led by his 26-year-old son Abrar Rashid. Much on the lines of AAP head and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's campaign in the general elections, where he appealed to people to vote for him to keep him out of jail, Abrar Rashid adopted a similar strategy. His short speeches -- "Your vote can get my father released," struck a chord and translated into victory. If Engineer Rashid enters Parliament, will he raise his voice for self-determination as he used to do when he was an MLA. The question is troubling, is there some under-wraps agenda that is now gradually unfolding? The separatists, by fielding proxies even if the Jamaat-e-Islami, JKLF and others are banned organisations, plan to enter the system. Is there an effort to implode the system by entering the system legitimately? The questions may seem hypothetical currently, but Kashmir has a lot hidden. (Deepika Bhan can be contacted at deepika.b@ians.in) Hyderabad, June 16 : The Hyderabad Police have seized 164 kg of 'ganja' (cannabis) and arrested six inter-state drug peddlers. Hyderabad, June 16 (IANS) The Hyderabad Police have seized 164 kg of 'ganja' (cannabis) and arrested six inter-state drug peddlers. Acting on credible information, the sleuths of the Commissioner's Task Force, South West Zone Team, apprehended drug peddlers who were found in possession of a huge quantity of narcotic substance weighing 164 kg in Humayun Nagar and Bhavani Nagar police station limits. S. Rashmi Perumal, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Commissioner's Task Force, told mediapersons on Sunday that property worth Rs 60 lakh was seized in both cases. In the first case relating to Humayun Nagar police station, three drug peddlers were caught in the Paramount colony in the Tolichowki area and 100 kg of ganja was seized from them. Dharavath Ravi, a native of Kamareddy district was previously arrested in a NDPS case in Maharashtra. Recently, he travelled to Muchumput, Odisha, where he purchased 32 packets of ganja worth 100 kg from one ganja cultivator named Govind. Ravi, along with his friends Syed Bahadur and Ananda Ramji Kadam, both from Nanded in Maharashtra, loaded the same ganja into a Hyundai Accent car and travelled towards Hyderabad. Acting on credible information, the Task Force apprehended the accused persons near Paramount Colony, within the limits of Humayun Nagar police station. In the second case, the Task Force arrested three persons and seized 64 kg of ganja under the limits of the Bhavani Nagar police station. The accused were identified as Shaik Parvez, Abdul Rawoof, and Mohammed Anwar. Shaik Parvez, a native of Hyderabad, was previously involved in two NDPS cases, including one in Ravulapalem, Andhra Pradesh. According to the police, when Parvez was in Rajahmundry Jail, he met one ganja cultivator and peddler Deepak, who is a native of Kalimela, Odisha. Upon his release from jail in April 2024, he hatched a plan to peddle ganja and make easy money. He contacted Deepak who transported the ganja through his associates to Hyderabad in RTC buses. Acting on credible information, the Task Force team apprehended the accused persons in two cars and a two-wheeler. Ulan Bator, June 16 : A member of Mongolia's Democratic Party was killed amid the ongoing campaign for the country's regular parliamentary elections, the country's National Police Agency (NPA) announced on Sunday. A preliminary investigation indicated that the chairman of the Democratic Party's Committee of Sant Soum (administrative subdivision) in the central province of Uvurkhangai was beaten to death by a man on Saturday, reports Xinhua news agency, citing the NPA. The attacker is reportedly an election campaigner for another party, according to the police. With a population of 3.5 million, Mongolia has set June 28 as the date for its next parliamentary elections for the State Great Khural, the country's unicameral Parliament. The Asian country's General Election Commission has registered 1,294 candidates from 19 political parties, two coalitions, and 42 independents for the parliamentary elections. According to the law on the elections of the State Great Khural, the election campaign, which started on June 10, is expected to halt 24 hours before polling. Patna, June 16 : Two accused including an examination mafia confessed their role in the question paper leak in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), an official of the Economic Offences Unit (EOU) of Bihar Police said on Sunday. EOU has constituted a 9-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the NEET question paper leak case. Thirteen persons including six examination mafias, four students and three parents have been arrested in connection with the alleged question paper leak case. Now, one of the arrested exam mafia, Sikandar Yadvendu (56) who is a Junior Engineer in Danapur Municipal Council, confessed his role in the paper leak. Besides him, a candidate named Ayush Kumar also confessed that he was made to memorise the question paper a day before the exam. NEET was held on May 5 and examination mafias obtained the question paper a day earlier on May 4. As per the confession of Sikandar Yadvendu, he said that two persons named Amit and Nitish had obtained the question paper on May 4. They went with the question papers and answers to a playschool located in the jurisdiction of Ramakrishna Nagar police station area. At least 25 to 30 NEET candidates were already there. All were made to memorise the question paper and its answers till 9:00 a.m. on May 5. He also confessed that all the candidates were dropped off directly at the exam centres by car after 9:00 a.m. Meanwhile, the EOU officials claimed that new facts were coming to light every day during the investigation. The SIT is looking for exam mafia Sanjeev Mukhiya of Nagarnausa in Nalanda district, Pintu of Hilsa in Nalanda district, Rakesh Ranjan alias Rocky, Chintu alias Baldev of Karai Parsurai of Nalanda district, Ashutosh of Didarganj of Patna district, Nitish Yadav, Manish Prakash and Nitish Patel alias Abhimanyu. SIT is conducting raids at their premises to nab them. It also emerged during the investigation that the NEET question paper with answers was available on the mobile phone of Chintu, one of the accused. Earlier on Saturday, the National Testing Agency (NTA) provided information about 11 candidates including seven girls to EOU. Accordingly, EOU served notices, asking them to join the probe on Monday and Tuesday. New Delhi, June 16 : On Father's Day, several Southern celebrities expressed their heartfelt wishes. Actress Nayanthara, referring to her husband Vignesh Shivan as the 'best Appa', shared a collage video on Instagram showcasing the filmmaker and their kids, Uyir and Ulag, playing and spending quality time together. The video captured beautiful moments of her husband and their twins. The actress shared the post with the caption: "wikkiofficial Happy Father's Day to the Bessssssttttt Appa in the world. Our whole world revolves around you. You are our EVERYTHING. Your unconditional LOVE for Us and all that you do for us means everything. We are blessed to be yours. We love you sooooooo much Appaaaaaaaa - UYIR n ULAG." Priya Atlee, the wife of 'Jawan' director Atlee, shared a heartfelt video of her husband and son, Meer, enjoying and playing together. She captioned the post: "Happy happy Father's Day to the bestest dada in the world. U know how much we love u dadaaaaaaaa, Muhaaaaaaaaaaaa - BECKY, MEER & MUMMA." Shruti Haasan shared a video on Instagram stories, showing herself singing with her father and expressing her gratitude: "Dearest Appa @kamalhaasan Thank you for being our father and am so thankful for the beautiful creative memories." The actress also shared collages made by her fan pages. Taking to X, she posted a childhood picture with her father, Kamal Haasan, and wrote: "Happy Father's Day. Thank you for being our Appa." Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth posted photos with her father, Rajinikanth, on Instagram and wrote: "My heartbeat, my all, love you appa." Karanvir Bohra hosts Father's Day brunch; Raghu Ram is his new guest on 'Daddy Adventures'. Image Source: IANS News Mumbai, June 16 : TV actor Karanvir Bohra hosted a brunch on Sunday to celebrate Father's Day, and celebrities like Raghu Ram, Kunal Verma, Rajesh Khattar, and others attended the event in Andheri, Mumbai. Visuals from the event show Karanvir posing with his father, filmmaker Mahendra Bohra. The 'Shararat' actor is dressed in a white shirt, blue denim jeans, and white juttis, sporting a green-coloured 'pagdi'. The father-son duo is holding a baby bottle filled with pink-coloured drink, posing against a backdrop with Karanvir's podcast 'The Daddy Adventures' written on it. In the video, Karanvir said: "Happy Father's Day to everyone. Don't be shocked about why I have come in the get-up of a Dulhe Raja. I am coming directly from a shoot." Actor Rajesh Khattar, the father of actor Ishaan Khatter, arrives wearing a beige-coloured shirt and blue denim. In the visuals, Rajesh remarks to the paparazzi, "The youngest daddy in town is already here." Kunal Verma, who is known for his work in 'Tujh Sang Preet Lagai Sajna', wore a black and white floral shirt and green trousers. He is married to actress Puja Banerjee, and the couple has a son. Raghu Ram arrives dressed in all black for the brunch. Karan hugged Raghu and said: "Today a new episode of my podcast is coming, and Raghu is the guest. And I have to share that he has sung a song for his son. He wrote and sang it, it's really beautiful." The snippet further captures the guests wishing "Happy Father's Day" in chorus. Karanvir is married to model Teejay Sidhu, and the couple has three daughters -- twin girls Raya Bella and Vienna, and Gia Vanessa Snow Bohra. Hyderabad, June 16 : Slamming the Centre over its handling of the NEET exam, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President K.T. Rama Rao on Sunday demanded a thorough investigation into the incident. He said the confusion surrounding the examination has dashed the hopes of students and parents who dream of seeing their children become doctors. He condemned the Union government for its inaction despite reports that NEET question papers were sold in Bihar for up to 30 lakh each, with several arrests already made. He accused the Union government of neglecting its responsibility and adopting a lackadaisical attitude towards the NEET entrance exam from the start. KTR said that despite numerous allegations and suspicions surrounding the prestigious NEET exam, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has not yet responded, which he found unacceptable. He questioned why the Prime Minister, who frequently holds discussions with students about exams, has remained silent on the critical issue of NEET. In his open letter to the NDA government, KTR demanded a thorough investigation into the entire matter and strict action against those found responsible. He also called for reassurance to be given to students and their parents. KTR highlighted the unprecedented scenario of 67 students achieving the first rank in NEET, which raised numerous suspicions. He noted that eight students from the same centre scored 720 marks each, suggesting a significant level of paper leakage. He reminded that even a single mark difference can change students' rankings and result in many losing opportunities. KTR questioned how so many students from one centre could score such high marks and criticised the announcement of results 10 days early, coinciding with the election results day, which added to the suspicion. He demanded an explanation from the Union government for not taking action despite the gravity of the situation coming to light. He also criticised Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for attempting to cover up the issue by claiming everything was in order. The BRS leader emphasised that despite numerous complaints from students, the Union government has not responded. Even prominent individuals filing cases in the Supreme Court did not prompt a clarification from the Centre. He expressed surprise that the Union government ignored the issue until the Supreme Court intervened and noted that the National Testing Agency (NTA) provided unusual responses when questioned. The awarding of grace marks in NEET this year to 1,563 students was also criticised by KTR, who pointed out that the practice of grace marks is not typically applied in exams like NEET. He demanded clarity on the criteria used for awarding these marks and questioned the NTA's handling of the matter. KTR called for a comprehensive investigation into the allegations of paper leakage and demanded strict action against those involved. He emphasised that the issue is not limited to NEET but affects several competitive exams conducted under the NTA's supervision, which could lead to a loss of trust among students. KTR called for stringent measures to prevent such incidents in the future and reassured that the BRS would fight for the rights of students affected by these irregularities. Moscow, June 16 : At least three prisoners in the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don, who took employees hostage during an escape bid on Sunday morning, were killed by security forces in a storming operation, officials said. According to authorities, the men who tried to break out of the remand facility were accomplices of the Islamic State (IS). During the storming operation, "the criminals were eliminated, the employees who were held hostage have been released and are safe," the Russian penitentiary service told the state news agency TASS. It was initially reported that six men tried to break out of the facility and took two guards hostage. A video posted earlier by Russian media allegedly showed a hostage-taker who described himself and the other inmates as supporters of IS. The escape bid began early on Sunday morning. The prisoners reportedly broke through the barred window of their cell block and entered adjacent staff rooms, where they overwhelmed the head of operations and others. The men were said to have been armed with knives and other sharpened objects. In return for the release of the hostages, they were demanding firearms, an escape vehicle, and free passage. The breakout was contained, and surveillance of inmates continued in other parts of the facility while police cordoned off traffic in the vicinity of the prison. The authorities said they were investigating whether the escape attempt had been coordinated from outside. Three hostage takers had been sentenced to 18 years in jail in December 2023 for plotting to blow up the Supreme Court building in Karachay-Cherkessia, southern Russia, TASS reported, citing the court verdict. The residents of Russia's predominantly Ingushetia had previously sworn an oath of allegiance to the Islamic State, according to the verdict. Their jail sentence had not yet taken effect. --IANS/DPA sd/ Vienna, June 16 : Not all participants at the Ukraine Peace Summit in Switzerland are expected to sign the final declaration, although more because of the wording than an actual lack of support, according to Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer. Diplomatic subtleties in the writing aside, the basic common position would not be affected, Nehammer said on Sunday on the sidelines of the event at the Burgenstock mountain hotel resort near Lucerne. "That's why I'm not so worried if not everyone signs now," said the Chancellor. The question of the scope of a follow-up conference was also still difficult to answer. Before Russia also takes a seat at the negotiating table, another conference in a different format is conceivable, Nehammer added. "You have to see it as a process." The two-day conference of 92 states and eight international organisations was due to end on Sunday afternoon when the final declaration was also to be published. According to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, the conference, as such, brought significant progress. Kuleba said that all countries that were not present were also aware of the impetus provided by the meeting. Overall, the process that has been initiated is welcome, he added. "We are on the right track," he said. Kuleba again stressed the need to support Ukraine militarily with the highest quality weapons possible. According to him, the stronger Ukraine is, the more willing Moscow will be to negotiate peace. Press conferences were planned at the end of the conference, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The event aimed to initiate a peace process in which Russia would also be involved in the long term. Officials from Moscow were not invited on this occasion and did not express a wish to attend. --IANS/DPA int/sd/khz Mumbai, June 16 : The ongoing Dharavi redevelopment project does not involve any land transfer to Adani Group but it was only to the Maharashtra government's Dharavi Redevelopment Project/Slum Rehabilitation Authority (DRP/SRA). The Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Ltd (DRPPL), which is a joint venture between the Maharashtra Government and Adani Group, is a developer of housing and commercial tenements and it will hand over the same to DRP/SRA of the state government to allocate as per survey findings. Sources have strongly denied the recent allegations made by Mumbai North Central MP Varsha Gaikwad over the allotment of land for rehabilitation of Dharavi residents within Mumbai. Sources said that as per the tender, while land remains and stands allocated to DRP/SRA at rates decided by the government, DRPPL has to pay to the government as per demand just for development. This is as per tender scheme. In return, DRPPL will get development rights. The state support agreement, which is part of the tender document, clearly states that, state government will support the project by giving land to their own DRP/SRA department. The details of multiple and important government resolutions on Dharavi Redevelopment have been conveyed multiple times to the concerned MP. These include GRs (government resolutions) of 2018 and later of 2022, which gives absolute clarity about the proposed redevelopment of Dharavi and the ensuing rehabilitation of Dharavikars. As far as the Railway land is concerned, it was allocated to DRP even before tendering for which DRPPL has paid a whopping premium of 170 per cent to the prevailing ready reckoner rates. And additionally, is developing a world class township there. The allegations that Dharavikars will be thrown out of Dharavi and rendered homeless are pure fiction and a mere figment to create anxiety among masses. The government's GR of 2022 depicts a unique condition that each and every tenement holder of Dharavi, eligible or ineligible, will be given a home, a copy of which is also publicly available. "No Dharavikar will be displaced under the DRP/SRA scheme. This is a unique provision compared to regular SRA scheme wherein only eligible tenement holders were provided a house of up to 300 square feet and it remains in all previous government dispensations," a source said. Under the Dharavi redevelopment project, the tenement holders will be provided a house of 350 square feet, which is 17 per cent more than any other SRA scheme in Mumbai. According to sources, the Dharavi Redevelopment Tender is one of the most progressive in terms of its outlook towards informal settlers of Dharavi. It is completely pro-people which includes free and highly concessional housing, stamp duty and property tax exemption, ten-year free maintenance and a ten percent commercial area in residential premises to enable the prospective housing societies to have a sustainable revenue stream in addition to the corpus being provided, sources submitted. The GRs of 2018, 2022 and the tender clearly spells out eligibility for in-situ rehabilitation for tenements in existence on ground floor before January 1, 2000. Those existing on higher floors and beyond, up to January 1, 2011, will be allotted homes under PMAY outside Dharavi anywhere within MMR for just Rs 2.5 lakh or rental housing as per policy of government of Maharashtra. Tenements which came into existence between January 1, 2011 and date to be announced by the government of Maharashtra will get homes under state government's proposed affordable rental home policy with an option of hire-purchase. The demand for 500 square feet for an informal settlement has no such precedence in Mumbai's slum redevelopment schemes and thus is only being promoted to cause anxiety among people. For the eligible tenements of businesses, the government scheme provides for a proper free of cost business place as also a five-year state GST rebate is offered which will result in boosting their profitability, usher them into the formal economy, make them more competitive and offer them multiple growth opportunities. On deliverables, the tender has put stringent timelines and any violation will attract penalties. On the allegation that the allotment of a Kurla land was done without following due process by the state government, sources clarified that the facts are otherwise. Firstly, the land is going to be given to DRP and not Adani Group nor DRPPL. The process under Maharashtra land Revenue (Disposal of Government Lands) Rules, 1971 was duly followed before issuance of the relevant GR. "The actual concern and fear of the MP is not for the people of Dharavi or their betterment. The opposition and spreading of such fake narratives is being driven only for electoral ambition to keep the people of Dharavi stay the way they have been with poor or little to almost zero access to basic amenities to lead a dignified life. That is the reason why for so many decades no action was taken to build proper housing for Dharavikars," said a source. The MP (referring to Varsha Gaikwad) is also attempting to build a false narrative and throw a spanner in the works of the state government's scheme to redevelop Dharavi even as its residents are waiting for better houses with world-class amenities for several decades, sources added. The Dharavi Redevelopment Project is a first-of-its-kind initiative that seeks to transform the locality into a world-class city, creating a sustainable and thriving neighborhood while preserving its timeless essence. The project seeks to improve the quality of life for over one million residents of Dharavi through a human-centric approach. Also, a number of additional initiatives are being integrated towards sustainable multi modal transport systems, state of art infra on utilities. Additionally, vocational based skilling is being planned for youth and other wage aspirants of Dharavi to improve their earning potential and facilitate them jobs, which will give them opportunities which are more eco-friendly and benign. Gorakhpur, June 16 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has urged all MPs, MLAs, and other public representatives to consistently monitor development and welfare projects in their constituencies. He said that public representatives should ensure that eligible individuals in their areas benefit from government welfare schemes. He also encouraged them to propose new development initiatives to enhance the progress of the state further. Addressing public representatives from the Gorakhpur division on Sunday, the Chief Minister congratulated the newly elected MPs and commended the efforts of MLAs who worked diligently during the Lok Sabha elections. He received updates from all the MLAs present regarding the progress of ongoing development and welfare projects in their respective regions. Emphasising that development is an ongoing process, he urged the representatives to proactively prepare proposals to cover all potential areas for development. He highlighted the importance of ensuring that eligible individuals who have not yet benefited from any government scheme are identified and connected to both Central and State government initiatives. Yogi Adityanath also discussed the assembly-wise performance of the party in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections and appealed to all the public representatives to start working on the upcoming target from now on. The Chief Minister emphasised that in a democracy, the people hold supreme importance. He underscored the responsibility of representatives to attentively address public issues and expectations, and to propel development and welfare initiatives accordingly. He noted that public satisfaction is the true measure of a representative's work and urged them to build and maintain the trust of the people. Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda speaks earlier this month during a news conference in Tokyo. He will be facing some disgruntled shareholders at the annual shareholders meeting Tuesday as two major proxy groups demand a vote against keeping the grandson of the founder on its board. Kazushi Kurihara/Kyodo News via AP The Toyota logo is seen on a vehicle at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in September. Chairman Akio Toyoda will be facing some disgruntled shareholders at the annual shareholders meeting Tuesday as two major proxy groups demand a vote against keeping the grandson of the founder on its board. Paul Sancya/AP TOKYO Toyota Motor Corp. Chairman Akio Toyoda is facing some disgruntled shareholders as two major proxy groups demand a vote against keeping the grandson of the automakers founder on its board. The vote expected Tuesday at the annual shareholders meeting comes after Toyota apologized recently over fraudulent certification tests for vehicles, a major embarrassment for a company that prides itself on a reputation for quality. The raft of problems at Japanese automakers, including Toyota, are said not to involve any safety problems, and no recalls were announced. But Toyota suspended production of three models produced by group companies in Japan. In Japan, Toyotas stock price had tripled over the past five years to nearly 3,800 yen ($24) before cascading downward amid its latest troubles. Its shares are now trading above 3,000 yen ($20) on the Tokyo Stock Exchange a loss of about 3 trillion Japanese yen ($18 billion) in market value. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The San Antonio angle Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas Inc. builds the hybrid-only Sequoia SUV and gas or hybrid Tundra pickup at its factory on the South Side. The company employs more than 3,800 workers in San Antonio, while its campus houses the operations of suppliers who employ another 5,800. The company is seeking nearly $40 million in city, county and state tax breaks and grants to embark on a half-billion dollar expansion that would add more than 400 jobs. In the U.S., shares rose over the past five years to a mid-March peak of $255 before falling to close Monday at $195.20 on the New York Stock Exchange. Institutional Shareholder Services majority-owned by the German capital market company Deutsche Borse Group, which advises investors said in its proxy report that Toyoda should be considered ultimately accountable. It noted his promises for change did not involve reshuffling of the board. While Toyota said it plans to communicate better with workers on the ground, that likely wasnt enough to prevent a recurrence of problems with cheating on testing, ISS said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The companys propensity to preserve its corporate culture is in fact suspected, and Toyoda should be held accountable for that, it said. ISS is not opposing appointments of other board members, including Toyota Chief Executive Koji Sato, who took up his post in 2023. Flurry of scandal The past year has brought a flurry of scandals involving improper checks on vehicles, including collision tests, at group companies Daihatsu Motor Co., which makes small models; truck maker Hino Motors; and Toyota Industries Corp., a manufacturer of forklifts and other machinery. Japanese officials say such violations were also found at Honda Motor Co., Mazda Motor Corp. and Suzuki Motor Corp. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Another major shareholder, proxy advisory company Glass Lewis & Co., recommended voting against the reappointment of Toyoda and Shigeru Hayakawa, another top executive. More specifically, we believe that Mr. Toyoda holds responsibility for failing to ensure that the Group maintained appropriate internal controls and for the failure to ensure appropriate governance measures were implemented at Group companies, it said in its proxy report. Moreover, given the widespread occurrence of issues throughout the Toyota Group, this further raises questions concerning the corporate culture which has developed under the leadership of Mr. Toyoda. Hayakawa oversaw appointments of board members, and more independent board members should be added, according to Glass Lewis, which is based in San Francisco. It also recommended voting against a proposal on lobbying by Toyota on climate change, stressing a need for more disclosure. Hybrid push Under Toyoda, the automaker has pushed a multi-pathway approach to ecological vehicles, emphasizing hybrids, which have both a gasoline engine and electric motor, and using hydrogen for fuel instead of focusing on battery electric vehicles that some ecologists favor for cutting auto emissions. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Toyoda is unlikely to be ousted at the general shareholders meeting, to be held at the companys headquarters in the central Japanese city named after the maker of the Prius hybrid, Lexus luxury models and Camry sedan. The biggest of Toyotas nearly 1 million shareholders are Japanese companies, such as Japanese banks and financial institutions, that are unlikely to challenge the automaker. Toyota Industries, a group company, is the No. 2 shareholder. Tightly held cross-shareholdings among affiliates, long the rule in Japan, are gradually unraveling, but long-standing loyalties are likely strong enough to keep Toyoda in his post. Last year, he won reelection with nearly 85% of the vote, although that was down from 96% in 2022. In a recent report on Toyota, Kazunori Maki, an auto analyst at SMBC Nikko Securities, noted that the shipments Toyota suspended affected just 1% or 2% of its global sales. Advertisement Article continues below this ad He also hinted that factory workers might have skirted rules seen as meticulous but not vital for safety. Profits doubled In the fiscal year ended in March, Toyotas profits doubled from the previous year, to 4.9 trillion yen ($31.9 billion), exceeding its own projections, as vehicle sales surged and a weak Japanese yen inflated overseas earnings. Even though Toyota has lagged in shifting to EVs, the company is the worlds leading automaker, with sales of 9.4 million vehicles in the fiscal year that ended in March. The company is doing well, said Aaron Ho, an equity analyst at CFRA Research. The recent scandal would make only a small dent, he said. So there are no fundamental issues. We merely think that since production is being halted for likely a few months, we estimate deliveries will be affected, he told the Associated Press. We really do not see any deterioration in the companys culture or how the company is being managed. In his apology over the latest problems, Toyoda referred to how he had faced a massive recall scandal in the U.S. shortly after becoming chief executive in 2009 over what was called unintended acceleration of vehicles. Toyoda was questioned by Congress and apologized. This time, he appeared to be reassuring himself, as well as the public, that Toyota had gone through worse and survived. Mumbai, June 16 : The allegations made by Mumbai North Central MP Varsha Gaikwad about a supposed land grabbing scam and the Maharashtra government granting land to Adani Group under the Dharavi Redevelopment Project (DRP) have been refuted. According to sources, no land is going to be handed over to SPV or Adani Group. It will be transferred by the state government to their own department, Redevelopment Project/Slum Rehabilitation Authority (DRP/SRA). The Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Ltd (DRPPL) will pay for the land in lieu of development rights and build facilities like housing, commercials and handover back to government of Maharashtra's DRP for allotment as per the government scheme. The state support agreement, which is part of the tender, clearly states that the government of Maharashtra has an obligation to provide land to their own DRP/SRA department. Here are the real facts that debunk all the myths surrounding this issue: The allegation is that the government land is given at a highly concessional rate to Adani Group. The reality is the Railway land is allocated to DRP for which Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Ltd (DRPPL), which is a joint venture between the Maharashtra Government and Adani Group, has paid a hefty premium of 170 per cent to prevailing market rates to the Central government. As per the tender, DRPPL will have to pay for all lands allocated to DRP/SRA, at rates to be decided by the government. The allegation is why allocate land across Mumbai to Adani Group when everyone in Dharavi wants in-situ rehabilitation. The reality is as per the tender norms, no Dharavikar will be displaced. The state GRs (Government Resolutions) of 2018, 2022 and tender conditions clearly spell out eligibility for in-situ rehabilitation. Holders of tenements in existence on or before January 1, 2000, will be eligible for in-situ rehabilitation. Those existing between January 2000 and January 1, 2011, will be allotted homes under PMAY (Prime Minister Awas Yojana) outside Dharavi anywhere in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) for just Rs 2.5 lakh or via rental housing. The tenements which exist post January 1, 2011, till the cut-off date (to be declared by the government) will get homes under the state government's proposed affordable rental home policy with an option of hire-purchase. The allegation is that green cover is to be destroyed in the name of Dharavi redevelopment on Railway land. However, the reality is the project envisages stringent ESG (environmental, social and governance) and environmentally friendly development. No deforestation is envisaged. In addition, several thousand plants and trees will be added. So far, Adani Group has planted 4.4 million plus trees across India and has committed to add one trillion trees. The allegation is that no due process was followed by the state government while issuing GR for allotting Kurla Mother Dairy land to Adani Group. The reality is the land is being allocated to DRP and not Adani Group. The prescribed process under Maharashtra land Revenue (Disposal of Government Lands) Rules, 1971 was followed before GR was issued. The allegation is that there should be a 50:50 partnership between the state government and Adani Group in the SPV. The reality is the tender clearly mentions that the lead partner will bring in 80 per cent equity and the remaining 20 per cent equity will rest with the government. The allegation is that the survey should be conducted by the government and not by the Adani Group. The reality is, like in all other SRA projects, DRP/SRA of the government of Maharashtra is conducting the survey, via third party experts and DRPPL is a mere facilitator. New Delhi, June 16 : Losing its parliamentary majority for the first time in the post-apartheid era, South Africa's African National Congress is back in power under President Cyril Ramaphosa - but with the support of several coalition partners, including those whose stands in key policy areas are different. What will this portend for the continent's powerhouse? The ANC, which saw its vote share slump to 40 per cent and seats to 159 in the 400-member Assembly, was likely to return to power as any coalition without it, as the single largest party, was theoretically possible but practically impossible given the different political outlooks of the next five parties, spanning from far-right to far-left. The present coalition is now largely centrist, given the centre-left and centre-right orientations of its two largest parties. For the business community and inventors, there will be relief at the make-up of the new ruling dispensation as the crucial partner is the centre-right, pro-business Democratic Alliance, which secured 22 per cent in the May 29 polls, giving it 87 seats, propelling the coalition to well above the majority mark. The leftist alternatives - uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), led by former President Jacob Zuma, which garnered 15 per cent (58 seats) to dethrone the old number three, the radical Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), which only got 10 per cent (39) - would have been more natural partners for the left-leaning ANC, but not in the present circumstances. The acrimony between Zuma and Ramaphosa, whom the former blames for his ouster from power and subsequent travails, ruled out any chance of their coming together, as the MK and Zuma repeatedly announced. On the other hand, the EFF's plan of nationalisation and repossessing of land, seemed a little too far-fetched for the ANC to countenance, given that the prevailing economic malaise had led the voters to turn their faces away from it to bring it to this state. Things could be tense with the DA too. An amalgam of various groups emerging out of the apartheid-era National Party, it is largely deemed a party representing the country's white minority. Under John Steenhuisen, its vote share in the May 29 election rose just a percentage point over 2019, indicating it has not capitalised on the ANC's decline to gain much support among the black voters, but seems to have drawn the white voters it lost in 2019 when it was headed by Mmusi Maimane. The key point of contention between the two biggest partners could be over the ANC's national healthcare policy, and its black economic empowerment programme, which the DA opposes as ineffective and the few benefits flowing in snapped by ANC leaders and their acolytes rather than the targeted population. However, there might be some give or take on it as the ruling coalition proceeds with governance. Foreign affairs could be another issue of tension, especially over the case of the Gaza conflict in which South Africa had taken a strident anti-Israel stand, snapping diplomatic links and espousing the Palestinian conflict in international forums including the International Court of Justice. However, it remains to be seen how all these issues will play out. The coalition alliance, which represents a broad social spectrum, seems a positive sign, given the two largest parties are joined by the fifth largest party, the Zulu-supported Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), with 17 seats from its around 4 per cent of the vote, as well as the far-rightish Patriotic Alliance, which brings another 9 seats. The ANC and the IFP, earlier headed by Mangosuthu Buthelezi, also had their own set of problems, especially the frequent incidents of violence between supporters of the ANC and the IFP, leading to scores of deaths. The IFP, however, remained an ally of the ANC till 2004. Returning to a coalition with the ANC, the party now headed by Velenkosini Hlabisa since September 2023, looks to advance beyond its Zulu base, and strive for its chance in the sun, given the results of the present elections. The ANC, which swept the 1994 polls - the first multi-racial after the end of the apartheid regime - under Nelson Mandela, had entered into a coalition then too, but the motive then was inclusivity, not necessity like the present. Under it, South Africa had greatly transformed. The performance of the coalition now will be key not only for the country, but also for the region, the continent, and the Global South. (Vikas Datta can be contacted at vikas.d@ians.in) Hyderabad, June 16 : A top municipal official of Hyderabad was transferred on Sunday, a day after the demolition of a few structures in front of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy's house in Hyderabad. IAS officer Bhorkade Hemant Sahadeorao, Zonal Commissioner (Khairatabad Zone), Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), was relieved from his post. GHMC Commissioner K. Amrapali has directed him to report before the General Administration Department. The action by the GHMC Commissioner came after the Telangana government took serious note of the demolitions without approval from the higher-ups. The GHMC Zonal Commissioner, however, was reported to have ordered demolitions on a direction from a Telangana minister who resides near Jagan Mohan Reddyas house at Lotus Pond in Jubilee Hills. A few structures erected on the footpath in front of Jagan Mohan Reddyas house were demolished on Saturday, triggering a controversy. The Town Planning staff of the GHMC used excavator machinery to bring down the structures, which were being used by security personnel, especially during Jagan Mohan Reddyas visits to Hyderabad. These structures were constructed in 2019 after he became the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. The demolition was carried out a few days after Jagan Mohan Reddy lost power in the neighbouring state. His YSR Congress Party suffered the worst defeat as the TDP-Jana Sena-BJP alliance stormed to power with a landslide victory. Amaravati, June 16 : Works relating to the development of Amaravati as Andhra Pradesh's capital will be completed in two-and-a-half years, said P. Narayana on Sunday after taking charge as the Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development. With the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) back in power, work is set to resume in Amaravati, where it had come to a standstill in 2019 after the YSR Congress Party government had announced its plans to build three state capitals. The TDP, which stormed to power along with its allies Jana Sena and BJP, has made it clear that Amaravati will be developed as the sole state capital as planned earlier. After assuming office at the state Secretariat, Narayana said the works in Amaravati would resume soon. "We will do a review in 15 days and decide on a time-bound programme," he said while making clear that Amaravati will be developed as the old master plan. Narayana said that the development of Amaravati in three phases will cost Rs.1 lakh crore. The first phase was taken up by the earlier TDP government at a cost of Rs 48,000 crore. He recalled that tenders were called to undertake works to provide basic amenities covering a major part of the capital and to construct residential quarters for ministers, secretaries, officials and other employees. The then government had also made payments to the tune of Rs 9,000 crore. He claimed that 90 per cent of the works relating to residential blocks of ministers, secretaries and officials were completed. The minister said Amaravati was designed as one of the five best capitals in the world. The design was prepared with the assistance from the Singapore government. A team of ministers and officials had also visited Singapore, China, Japan, Russia, and Malaysia to prepare the design. He recalled that the then government had issued a land pooling notification on January 1, 2015, to acquire land required for the state capital and by February 28, farmers had handed over 34,000 acres of land to the government without any litigation. Narayana said since he gained experience by undertaking various studies for the development of state capital during the earlier TDP government, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has once again entrusted the portfolio of Municipal Administration and Urban Development to him. Narayana also announced that 100 Anna canteens will be re-opened in the next 21 days. After assuming office as the minister, he held the first review meeting on Anna canteens. He said the government would examine the proposal of awarding food supply work to the Akshaya Patra Foundation. The government was studying the agreement signed and the orders issued in the past. The Foundation has conveyed that it is ready to start the food supply to canteens in three weeks. The minister said like in the past these canteens will supply meals for five rupees. After coming to power in 2019, the YSR Congress government had shut down Anna canteens. New Delhi, June 16 : A new study has suggested that the gut microbiome plays a vital role in the onset and progression of some neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). NDDs, which have no known cures and elusive causes, result in irreversible damage to the brain and nervous system, according to the study published in the journal American Society for Microbiology. A team of researchers reported a new association in humans between a metabolite produced by gut microbes and 3 NDDs. As per their investigation, the metabolite DHPS (2,3-dihydroxypropane-1-sulfonate) may help respond to crucial questions about how sulphur metabolism pathways can relate the microbiome to these disorders. In their study, the researchers aimed to identify the specific bacterial and metabolite profiles of the gut microbiome in individuals diagnosed with one of three NDDs: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Parkinson's disease (PD). To gather data on the early stage of the diseases, they collected stool samples from diagnosed patients during their first two visits to a specialist and then compared the analysis of those samples to samples collected from healthy individuals. The researchers found 19 metabolic biomarkers for neurodegeneration in all 3 NDD groups as well as 20 unique ALS markers, 16 unique AD markers and 9 unique PD markers. Those shared biomarkers included metabolites that have been linked to dyshomeostasis in sulphur metabolism pathways, the study showed. The researchers also found links to 'Bilophila' and 'Desulfovibrio' bacterial taxa in all 3 disease groups, which play a role in synthesising and degrading DHPS. Bilophila can degrade DHPS into hydrogen sulphide, and the accumulation of hydrogen sulphide has been implicated in the dysfunction of mitochondria, which is known to contribute to NDDs, according to researchers. Seoul, June 16 : Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said on Sunday that exports continue to stably remain in positive territory, leading to expectations domestic consumption will recover over time. Han made the remark during a meeting involving senior officials of the government, the ruling People Power Party and the presidential office, noting disparities remain in the pace of the recovery between sectors, reports Yonhap news agency. "In line with the increase in exports, companies' profits will expand, and through wages and dividend payments, household incomes will improve and purchasing power will rise, contributing to an internal recovery, including in consumption," he said, adding the government will focus on maintaining the positive export trend. Exports, a key economic growth engine, rose 11.7 percent on-year to $58.1 billion in May, the eighth consecutive monthly gain on the back of strong global demand for semiconductors, among other items, according to government data. Vienna, June 16 : The final declaration of the Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland was approved by 80 of the 93 participating states at the close of the two-day event on Sunday. Countries that did not sign include six states from the G20 group of the world's most important economic powers -- Brazil, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, India and Indonesia, according to a list published by the Swiss hosts. Armenia, Bahrain, Thailand, Libya, the United Arab Emirates, Colombia and the Vatican also did not back the document released at the Burgenstock mountain hotel resort near Lucerne. Brazil, India, South Africa and the UAE are united with Russia in the so-called BRICS group and maintain a friendly relationship with Russia despite its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The draft of the final declaration took this into account and does not explicitly condemn Moscow for its actions. Instead, it recalls the Charter of the United Nations: "In particular, we reaffirm our commitment to refraining from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state," the text reads. The principles of sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of all states, including Ukraine, must be respected, it stated. The signatories also favour protecting the Ukrainian nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhya, which is occupied by Russia, and agree that any threat to use nuclear weapons should be condemned. They also call for unhindered grain exports from Ukraine, which are particularly important for impoverished countries in Africa and other parts of the world. The declaration also advocates the exchange of prisoners of war and the return of children and other civilians abducted from Ukraine to Russia. Earlier in the day, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer anticipated an incomplete backing of the document, while downplaying the significance of this. This was only because of its exact wording, according to Nehammer, rather than reflecting a lack of support for efforts to broker peace in Ukraine. The basic common position would not be affected, he said: "That's why I'm not so worried if not everyone signs now." The question of the scope of a follow-up conference was also still difficult to answer. Before Russia also takes a seat at the negotiating table, another conference in a different format is conceivable, Nehammer added. "You really have to see it as a process," he said. According to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, the conference as such brought significant progress. Kuleba said that all countries that were not present were also aware of the impetus provided by the meeting. Overall, the process that has been initiated is very welcome. He said: "We are on the right track." Kuleba again stressed the need to support Ukraine militarily with the highest quality weapons possible. The stronger Ukraine is, the more willing Moscow will be to negotiate peace, according to him. The aim of the event was to initiate a peace process in which Russia would also be involved in the long term. Officials from Moscow were not invited on this occasion and did not express a wish to attend. --IANS/DPA int/as/pgh Kolkata, June 16 : Santanu Sinha, an RSS associate in West Bengal having family links with BJP's former national secretary Rahul Sinha, on Sunday issued a second letter of apology to BJP's Information Technology Cell chief and the co-in-charge of the party's state unit in West Bengal, Amit Malviya, over derogatory comments that he made in a Facebook post. On June 8, Malviya's counsel served a legal notice to Sinha on June 8 asking the latter to be asked to tender a public apology and also remove the slanderous social post within three days from the receipt of the legal notice, failing which Malviya will initiate legal proceedings, both civil and criminal, against him. Since then, Sinha, a self-proclaimed president of an organisation in the name and style of Hindu Samhati, had forwarded two apology letters to Malviya. In the letter, Sinha said that he repented from "the depth of his soul" for the development arising out of the "misinterpretation of my post which has harmed and hampered the reputation of Malviya as a person and BJP as a political party". "I so express my apology to your client as a person and to BJP as the political party for the harassment and dishonour caused by the misinterpretation of my post," the letter dated June 16 read. In his last letter, Sinha also reminded that he had already posted another article on the same social media on June 10. He has clarified the original and actual meaning of that controversial post against which the legal notice was issued to him. New Delhi, June 16 : Delhi Water Minister Atishi on Sunday alleged that the BJP is conspiring against Delhiites and the party is responsible for the water crisis in the national capital. She said that the conspiracy is three-fold. First, the BJP is not allowing the Haryana government to release Delhi's share of Yamuna water. Second, she questioned BJP leaders for posing before the broken water pipelines, adding that the South Delhi Rising Mains -- the main pipeline that carries water from Sonia Vihar WTP to South Delhi -- was deliberately damaged to disrupt the supply of drinking water. Third, she alleged that none other than supporters of former BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri vandalised the office of Delhi Jal Board in Chattarpur, disturbing law and order of the area. "We have complained to the Delhi police and I have myself sent the video (of the incident) to DCP of South Delhi. We will await to see if an FIR is filed against former BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri by the Delhi Police. Will Delhi Police take cognizance of this video and file FIR against BJP goons?" Atishi questioned in a press conference held on Sunday. Earlier in the day, Atishi urged the city's Police Commissioner to deploy police personnel to patrol and protect major water pipelines in the national capital for the next 15 days. She said that the Delhi Jal Board ground patrolling team reported a major leakage in South Delhi Rising Mains since several large 375 mm bolts and one 12 inch bolt had been cut from the pipeline, causing the leakage. "The fact that several large bolts had been cut seems to indicate foul play and sabotage.Our maintenance team worked for six hours continuously and repaired the leakage, but this meant that we had to stop pumping of water for six hours and 20 MGD of water was not pumped during that time. As a consequence, a further 25 per cent of water shortage will be experienced in south Delhi," said Atishi, in a letter posted on X. New Delhi, June 16 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday urged security forces and the J&K administration to ensure a smooth, safe, and incident-free Amarnath Yatra this year. The Union Home Minister chaired a high-level security review meeting here in the national capital, attended by J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, NSA Ajit Doval, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, IB Director Tapan Deka, Army chief, Gen Manoj Pande, Army chief-designate Lt Gen Upendra Dwivedi, J&K Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, J&K DGP, R.R.Swain, CRPF DGP, Anish Dayal Singh, J&K's ADGP, Law & Order, Vijay Kumar, IGP Jammu, Anand Jain, and senior army and intelligence officers. Amit Shah advised the security forces that all needed measures should be taken to ensure a smooth, safe and incident-free Yatra that begins on June 29 and will end on August 19. He directed the security forces to maintain 24x7 vigil and surveillance on the national highway and other roads and streets which are used by the Yatris to reach the Valley. He also advised the security forces to ensure that the Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage and Shiv Khori temple pilgrimage take place without any hassles or inconvenience to the pilgrims. He also directed the security forces to crush terrorism in the Jammu division and also ensure that it was wiped out from the Kashmir Valley at all costs. He assured all support in terms of resources and manpower to the security forces in their fight against terrorism. Vienna, June 16 : The two-day Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland should be quickly followed up with a second meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday towards the close of proceedings. Preparations would take only months and not years, Zelensky said after representatives of some 100 countries and organisations came together at the Burgenstock mountain hotel resort near Lucerne. Some countries had already signalled their willingness to host such a summit, according to Zelensky. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that a prerequisite for Russia's participation would be Moscow's commitment to the UN Charter. The final declaration of the summit, which was signed by 80 of the countries present, makes no mention of a follow-up conference. Swiss President Viola Amherd acknowledged diverse perspectives at the conference but emphasized that it marked the first high-level discussion on a peace process. Some substantive prerequisites for a path to an end to the war in Ukraine had been created, she said. The fact that the vast majority of the states present agreed on the Burgenstock Communique shows what diplomacy can achieve through patient work, Amherd added. Russia had not been invited to the event and showed no interest in participating. The summit was also an attempt by the West to involve other countries in South America, Asia and Africa in peace efforts based on international law. Ukraine is calling for a "just and lasting" peace. --IANS/DPA int/as/pgh Kolkata, June 16 : The Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday requested Governor C.V. Ananda Bose to initiate the process for retention of 400 companies of central armed police forces (CAPF), already in the state, till the Durga Puja in October in wake of the post-poll violence that has broken out in different pockets since the counting for the Lok Sabha polls on June 4. Adhikari made this request after meeting the Governor at Raj Bhavan, along with a group of victims of post-poll violence. The Governor told Adhikari that he would do whatever was necessary to arrest such instances of post-poll violence in the state. Later speaking to the media persons the Governor said that he promises in the names of all great men born in West Bengal that he will go to the extreme in this matter. Quoting a recent order of the Calcutta High Court, the Governor said that it seemed that he was under house arrest. "Those who are victims of post-poll violence were not earlier allowed to meet the Governor," he said. He also said that he has received a total of 1,025 complaints related to post-poll violence. Adhikari told media persons that he has informed the Governor that the pillars of democracy are under attack in West Bengal. aThe ration cards of around 5,000 individuals in the state have been snatched away," he alleged. Mumbai, June 16 : Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena supremo Eknath Shinde on Sunday told the party leaders, ministers, MPs, MLAs and office bearers to start preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections. Eknath Shinde also stressed on launching the membership drive and focussing on updating the electoral rolls. The Maharashtra CM, who reviewed the preparations for the Shiv Sena's 58th anniversary on June 19, said that the party has retained its strongholds including Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Konkan, Thane and Palghar. "... and now, the time is to further consolidate Shiv Sena's position in the rest of Maharashtra," he said. The Chief Minister also said that the party's anniversary would be celebrated in a "big way". Eknath Shinde congratulated all his colleagues for the success of the party in the recently held Lok Sabha elections but asked them to correct the mistakes made in the general elections and to prepare more efficiently for the upcoming assembly elections. He said even as people are supporting the Shiv Sena, the party leaders and workers will have to work more vigorously to change the wrong narrative set by the opposition about the change in the Constitution. Eknath Shinde said all efforts will be made during the assembly elections so that the opposition would not repeat wrong narratives. He said that all Hindu festivals like Dahihandi, Ganapati, Dussehra, Diwali should be celebrated with much enthusiasm including Ashadhi Wari of Pandharpur. Meanwhile, the Maharashtra CM announced that the government will implement a tree plantation campaign in every district to tackle climate change. He directed all district collectors to plant one lakh trees in each district. In addition, he added that the Shiv Sena will also conduct a similar campaign across the state. Kabul, June 16 : The Afghan caretaker government's Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has pardoned 349 inmates before Eid al-Adha, according to a statement by the country's Supreme Court. The statement noted that 279 other inmates were also exempted from their remaining prison sentence, Xinhua news agency reported. Eid al-Adha, the largest annual religious festival in Afghanistan, will be celebrated from Monday to Wednesday. Mumbai, June 16 : Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena supremo Eknath Shinde on Sunday strongly defended the victory of his party leader Ravindra Waikar from Mumbai North West constituency against Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Amol Kirtikar while dismissing the opposition's charges of malfunctioning of EVMs at the counting centre. The Maharashtra Chief Minister also questioned the opposition's move to raise doubts over the EVMs' functioning only in case of Waikar's victory. "The people of the constituency have elected Ravindra Waikar, and it is a people's victory. The opposition is misleading the people over the EVM," Shinde said while taking a swipe at the opposition, reiterating that Waikar had been elected by the people. Waikar has rebutted the opposition charges, saying that it has been done because of its defeat. "There were policemen, candidates and the candidates' representatives present at the counting centre. So how can Ravindra Waikar go in and do something different? I don't know how this is possible. The Opposition is unable to digest its defeat and therefore these allegations are made," he said. Meanwhile, the Returning Officer of Mumbai North West Constituency Vandana Suryavanshi has also denied the malfunctioning of the EVMs. ''EVMs are standalone devices without any wired or wireless connectivity with units outside the EVM system. Advanced technical features and robust administrative safeguards are in place to rule out any possibility of manipulation. Standards include conducting everything in the presence of candidates or their agents,'' the Returning Officer said. The denial by Shinde, Waikar and the Returning Officer came after the Opposition alleged that there was a malpractice in the counting of votes in Mumbai North West constituency. Waikar defeated Kirtikar by just 48 votes. Waikar's brother-in-law has been accused of taking a mobile phone to the counting centre. --IANS sj/pgh Guwahati, June 16 : Assam Police have foiled an inter-state drug peddling attempt and arrested three narcotics peddlers including one resident of violence-hit Manipur on Sunday, officials said. According to the police, the consignment of drugs was coming from Manipur and the peddlers were trying to deliver it somewhere in Goalpara district in Assam. However, the police foiled that attempt and seized contraband items. An official said that the Special Task Force (STF) of Assam Police received prior information about the movement of narcotics in two vehicles. "We received information that a notorious drug peddler, namely, Nasiruddin a.k.a. Nasir Bhai of Goalpara district and his associates in two vehicles would receive a narcotics consignment bound from Sora in Manipur to Goalpara which would be carried by a Manipuri carrier, namely Salim. He is a resident of Sora in the neighbouring state of Manipur," he added. The police said that a vehicle was intercepted in front of Boko Police Station in the Kamrup district and recovered at least 30 packets of heroin kept in a bag. "The total weight of the seized narcotics substances was 420 grams. Three occupants of the vehicle, Nasir Bhai, Atikur and the Manipuri carrier Salim were apprehended," a police officer said. However, a second escorting vehicle which was looking out for police checks escaped. The house of the driver, Shohidul Islam of Matia area was searched, but he escaped, leaving behind the vehicle and his family members resisted and facilitated his escape, according to a statement by the police. Necessary legal actions in the matter were initiated, police mentioned. Meanwhile, in a joint operation of Border Security Force (BSF) and Assam Police, at least 30,000 Yaba tablets were seized in Karimganj district on Sunday. The BSF said that the market value of the seized contraband items must be around Rs 3 crore. Two drug peddlers identified as Atikul Rehman and Saharul Islam were arrested. Both of them are residents of Karimganj district. New Delhi, June 16 : Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, on Sunday announced the signing of an agreement with Bhutan for a 570 MW green hydro plant, along with collaborating on transformative infrastructure initiatives in the neighbouring country. Gautam Adani met Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay in Thimphu. "Absolutely fascinating meeting with Dasho Tshering Tobgay, Hon. Prime Minister of Bhutan. Signed an MoU with Druk Green Power Corporation Limited (DGPC) for a 570 MW green hydro plant in Chukha province," he posted on X. aAdmirable to see @PMBhutan advancing the vision of His Majesty The King and pursuing broad ranging infrastructure initiatives across the kingdom," the Adani Group Chairman added. The Adani Group is looking forward to working closely on hydro and other infra projects in Bhutan. Gautam Adani further said that he was honoured to meet the King and was inspired by his vision for Bhutan and the "ambitious eco-friendly masterplan for Gelephu Mindfulness City, including large computing centres and data facilities". "Excited to collaborate on these transformative initiatives, as also on green energy management for a carbon negative nation," he said. In November last year, Gautam Adani met the King and said he was excited to explore opportunities for the Adani Group to contribute to green infrastructure development for "one of our happy and warm neighbours". Karachi, June 17 : Cammie the Camel, whose leg was chopped off by a landlord of Mund Jamrao in Sindh's Sanghar district, has not only been rescued from its owner but also is going to get an artificial limb through the collaboration of the Sindh government and a local NGO CDRS Benji. Karachi, June 17 (IANS) Cammie the Camel, whose leg was chopped off by a landlord of Mund Jamrao in Sindhas Sanghar district, has not only been rescued from its owner but also is going to get an artificial limb through the collaboration of the Sindh government and a local NGO CDRS Benji. Earlier, an Indian national offered to send an artificial leg for the camel however, the Sindh government did not consider the offer. Cammie, a name selected by CDRS (Comprehensive Disaster Response Service) Benji project, a non-government organization working for stray and injured animals in Pakistan, took the initiative to reach out to the owner of the camel, whose leg was chopped off and rescued it, providing the camel with required treatment and bringing it to Karachi from Sanghar. "CDRS Benji team took with it a medical team to treat Cammie and make sure its wounds have not been infected. Later, we paid the price of the camel to the owner and brought Cammie to our facility in Karachi," said Sarah Jahangir, Director of CDRS Benji Karachi. "The Sindh government has been working closely with the CDRS Benji project for the treatment and rehabilitation of Cammie," Sarah added. Since the incident occurred and the matter went viral on social media, the Indian national named Ravindra Bhai offered to send the artificial leg for the camel from India. "We are not aware of any offer from India and frankly we did not even require to consider it because we have arrangements here in Pakistan. The Sindh government and CDRS Benji have already found BIONIKS Pakistan to prepare an artificial limb," Sara Jahangir said. The incident gained global attention when local journalists from Sanghar district reported about the camel and how an influential landlord for trespassing on his land chopped off its leg. The incident occurred on June 14, when it was reported that a landlord in Mund Jamrao village in Sindh's Sanghar district chopped off Cammie's leg for trespassing on his field seeking fodder. As per locals in Sanghar, the camel was first beaten by the labourers of the landlord and later its leg was chopped off. The incident was condemned widely and action against the brutal act of the landlord was demanded by voices from across the globe. The owner of the poor peasant named Soomar Behan refrained from lodging a complaint with the police due to the fear of the landlord. However, the local police took action and arrested at least five people involved in the incident. Later it was confirmed by Sharjeel Memon, the Information Minister in the Sindh government, that action was directed by the state against the culprits. On the other hand, Governor Sindh Kamran Tesoori has announced to give the owner of the camel at least two camels as compensation for Cammie. Now that Cammie is under the supervision of CDRS Benji, special care and rehabilitation are being provided until the artificial leg is ready. Cammie will now stay with CDRS Benji in Karachi and its complete care would be ensured in collaboration with the Sindh government. "The 8-month-old female camel was in acute pain and everyone was coming together to help the camel because the prosthetic would take time as it needed around two months for the wound to heal before proper measurements could be taken. We are trying to heal her infection and soothe her pain with heavy painkillers, antibiotics and other medications," Sara Jahangir said. "She is in pain, and it was traumatizing for her to be carried into the shelter. But she is eating now and taking in everything around her with those beautiful, intelligent eyes," added Sarah Jahangir. BIONIKS Pakistan cofounder Anas Niaz said they would start working on the artificial limb as soon as Cammie heals. "We are working on the limb for the camel as right now it needs to heal, which will take around 1-2 months time and after that rehabilitation of the camel will start. As the camel will need replacement from time to time, this will be an ongoing process that we are actively managing," he said. Kiev, June 17 : Against the backdrop of the two-day Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland that ended on Sunday, Russia has stepped up its military attacks on Ukraine, according to Kiev. "Throughout the day, the enemy is intensifying its offensive and assault operations, looking for ways to penetrate our defences and try to drive Ukrainian units out of their positions" the Ukrainian General Staff stated in its situation report on Sunday evening. According to the report, the number of battles has risen to 88. Most of the battles took place in Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine -- 36 in total. The report added that 25 of the attacks were repelled but 11 were ongoing. The Russian military is attempting to make further advances, particularly near the city of Pokrovsk, it said. The Russian military is also said to have made 10 attempts to storm Ukrainian positions on the front immediately to the north and south - in the Lyman area and around Kurakhove. Moscow's air force dropped heavy glide bombs on the defence positions, it said. The information could not be independently verified. Since last autumn, Ukraine has been on the defensive due to delayed arms and ammunition supplies from the West. However, recent resupplies have helped stabilize the front, limiting Russian territorial gains. --IANS/DPA int/sha Peter Brown and Steven Gaines. St. Martins, $32 (352p) ISBN 978-1-25028-501-0 Forty years after The Love You Make, Brown, former COO of Apple Corps, the Beatles media corporation, and journalist Gaines reunite for a revealing oral history of the forces that spurred the bands breakup, which was first announced in 1970. Drawing from a trove of never before published conversations with each band member, except for John Lennon, and their intimates, the account touches on shifty characters within the groups orbit, including Magic Alexis Mardas, who almost talked the Beatles into buying four Greek islands; Lennons descent into heroin addiction; and the fraying friendship between Paul McCartney and Lennon as the two fought over shares in the Beatles business ventures. There are also plenty of tender moments, including Yoko Onos musings on the genesis of her relationship with Lennon while he was still married to his first wife, Cynthia; their love was bigger than both of us, Ono claims. Taken together, the interview transcripts reveal that the time had come for the bands split: Realistically, how long could they go on being a Beatle and feel creatively satisfied? Brown and Gaines write. Nearly all the interviews were conducted in the two months before Lennons 1980 murder, casting a melancholy shadow over his estrangement from McCartney, who seemed to have been softening toward his former bandmate (I still do feel for the guy.... I still see that he thinks hes the one who was hurt). Beatles fans will be impatient to get their hands on this. (Apr.) 'The Budget will be positive, continuing on the path of growth taken so far.' Photograph: Kind courtesy JSW Steel The consolidated net profit of JSW Steel dropped sharply in Q4FY24 on a year-on-year basis. In an audio interview, JSW Steel's joint managing director and chief executive officer, Jayant Acharya, tells Ishita Ayan Dutt/Business Standard that Q1FY25 will be better and outlines the capex road map. JSW Steel's net profit in Q4FY24 dropped by nearly 65 per cent. Will Q1FY25 be better than Q4? It will be. We had guided that costs will go up in Q4. Unfortunately, prices were also subdued because of lower-priced imports and pre-election destocking. That resulted in a lower margin. But we did quite well in terms of market perspective. The Ebitda for FY24 (full year) was at Rs 28,236 crore - it was the second highest for JSW Steel. This year, we are adding 8.5 mt of capacity between JVML (JSW Vijayanagar Metallics Ltd), BPSL (Bhushan Power & Steel) and debottlenecking at Vijaynagar at one of our furnaces. In addition, we have now launched phase three of Dolvi. Our capex in this is around Rs 19,200 crore - it will be one of the best capex costs in the world. We will be starting this now so that we complete it by September 2027. It will be funded through internal accruals and cash flows. This year, we will spend Rs 20,000 crore of capex and Dolvi will be a part of it. Demand had slowed during elections. Is the market still muted? Demand in the last quarter did slow down a bit because of lower-priced imports and pre-election economic activity slowing. This will come back after the elections. The Budget will be positive, continuing on the path of growth taken so far. So, I don't see any change from a demand perspective. Last year, we had 16 million tonnes (mt) of incremental demand in India and this year even if we go by Q4, which was a weak quarter, we will add 12 mt. I don't see 12 mt of capacity coming up in India this year. Even in the next two years, supply could lag demand. But imports are certainly a concern. Although some economic activity improvement has been seen in China, still, the demand is slower and exports are happening at a higher level. So, we have to be very conscious as a country to see that we don't get impacted by unfair trade since we are one of the fastest-growing countries in the world. The US has raised tariffs on Chinese steel. Is there concern that some of the material could get diverted to India? The US has taken some steps on some products, which are mostly electric vehicles, semiconductors, batteries and some steel, aluminium. However, the impact on the overall size of import-export may not be that large. But it is important for us to understand the China story because we are geographically close. Therefore, we do see a concern because of the higher level of exports from China. Last year, India saw a 93 per cent increase in imports from China. Therefore, it is an area of concern for us. It is time for India to look at it carefully and, like other countries, make sure that we are not impacted by low-priced imports. Steel prices increased in the last month. What is the outlook on demand and price for FY25? We have grown at 13-13.5 per cent every year for the last two years. I do see a strong growth this year as well. The prices have bottomed out - the levels reached in Q4 were not viable. So, we will see a better pricing scenario. Costs should be lower with coking coal prices coming down. With better pricing and efficiencies, we expect margin improvement. Have you worked out the investment required to take you to your target of 51 mt by FY31? Yes, we have. But what we can say now is that in the next three years, we would be investing close to Rs 65,000 crore including the new capex announced for Dolvi. We are focusing on brownfield expansion for our next level. Dolvi will take us to 43.5 mt steel and we will be in the top five steel producers in the world. For the next phase of expansion, we will be in a better position to further add brownfield capacities. And we are going to be looking at starting on Odisha at some time - we will calibrate between our two assets there. That's how we will structurally go up to 51.5 mt including our US operations by FY31. For captive sourcing of coking coal, the board has approved acquisition of Minas de Revuboe in Mozambique. What is the capex envisaged over the next few years? This is a pre-development mine in Mozambique, which has JORC (the Australasian Code for reporting of exploration results) reserves of more than 800 mt. It's prime hard-coking coal and one of the very few assets of this size left in the world. We have acquired 92.19 per cent at about $74 million. We will close this acquisition this year after the customary approvals required for the asset and start development. Logistically, this is closer to India and therefore it will be cost-effective for our Indian operations. When do you see global demand coming back? Last year, it was actually the rest of the world which was growing and not China. This year also, China is flattish but world demand is expected to grow by 30 mt. Out of this, close to 40 per cent will come from India. Good thing is that the rest of the world, other than China and some of the impacted areas, will grow. Europe has bottomed out. Stability is returning in spite of geopolitical challenges. The world has done better than what we expected. Are you seeing migrant workers leave to vote for elections? We did see some outflow of migrant workers in our project operations who went back to vote, especially at Vijaynagar where the expansions were going on. Also, it typically happens during the summer months. But this time, because of elections, some additional manpower would have gone back. Post-monsoon that should normalise. But the propensity for labour to work in their own areas is much more post-Covid. Therefore, you need to train more people from different parts of the country and attract them to come and work. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com 'The demand for international fashion labels, particularly from tier-II cities and beyond, has seen a notable uptick.' Photograph: Kind courtesy Myntra/Instagram Walmart-owned online fashion retailer Myntra is expecting 20 million visitors on the platform during its upcoming End of Reason Sale (EORS), Sharon Pais, chief business officer (CBO), told Peerzada Abrar/Business Standard in an email interview. Pais says the demand for international fashion labels, particularly from Tier-II cities and beyond, has seen a notable uptick. What role is the premiumisation of fashion going to play? The rising disposable income in India has added to the growth of the country's middle-class cohorts. The digital boom has also enabled shoppers to be up-to-date with the prominent trends from across the globe. We recognise the transformative surge in the fashion landscape, with non-metros emerging as significant contributors alongside metros. The demand for international fashion labels, particularly from tier-II cities and beyond, has seen a notable uptick. Besides fashion and beauty and personal care, what are the other areas you are witnessing demand? There is a noted trend of fashion percolating into the lifestyle choices of shoppers as trends across categories have become a mainstay with consumers. For instance, shoppers are gravitating towards more trendy colours and designs in the luggage category and the watches and wearables segments. Home is another category. Consumers here are looking for aesthetic choices to best reflect their personalities. Considering the wedding season is around the corner, how are you tapping that opportunity? Festivals and weddings serve as pivotal moments where ethnic attire takes centre stage. People are elevating the celebration of various festivals and occasions by dressing up in Indian wear. Additionally, there's a noticeable trend towards blending Western and Indian styles. This makes ethnic wear a go-to choice. We expect the ethnic wear segment to continue its upward trajectory during the EORS. What are the expectations from this year's EORS? EORS-20 will begin on May 31, with Early Access starting on May 30 for about 8.6 million Myntra Insiders, members of our coveted loyalty program. We also anticipate around 1.35 million new customers this EORS from across the country. About 20 million visitors are expected to throng the platform during the event. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com As a project developer, Adani group will build houses that will be handed over to departments of Maharashtra government for allotment to residents. Photograph: ANI Photo The multi-crore Dharavi slum redevelopment project involves no land transfer to the Adani group but to the Maharashtra government's departments, and the Ahmedabad-based conglomerate, as a project developer, will build houses that will be handed over to the same departments for allotment to residents of Asia's biggest slums, sources said. Denying allegations of land grab made by MP Varsha Gaikwad, sources close to the project said land parcels are to be transferred only to Dharavi Redevelopment Project/Slum Rehabilitation Authority (DRP/SRA) of the state government's housing department. Adani Group, which won the Dharavi slum redevelopment project in open international bidding, will build tenements - housing and commercials - through its joint venture company Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Ltd (DRPPL) with the Maharashtra government, again hand them over to DRP/SRA of the Maharashtra government for allocation as per survey findings. Trying to clear misconceptions over the project, sources said as per the tender, the land remains allocated to DRP/SRA at rates decided by the government. DRPPL has to pay the government as per demand just for the development. While DRPPL gets development rights, the state support agreement, which is part of the tender document, clearly says that the state government will support the project by giving land to its own DRP/SRA department. On the issue of allocation of railway land, where the first rehabilitation units are to be built for the first set of Dharavi residents, sources said it was allocated to DRP even before tendering, for which DRPPL has paid a whopping premium of 170 per cent to the prevailing ready reckoner rates. Calling allegations that Dharavikars will be thrown out of Dharavi and rendered homeless as pure fictional and a mere figment to create anxiety amongst the masses, sources said the government's 2022 order provides for a condition that each and every tenement holder of Dharavi, eligible or ineligible, will be given a home. No Dharavikar will be displaced under the DRP/SRA scheme, they insisted. Holders of tenements in existence on or before January 1, 2000, will be eligible for in-situ rehabilitation. Those existing between January 1, 2000, and January 1, 2011, will be allotted homes under PMAY outside Dharavi anywhere in MMR for just Rs 2.5 lakh or via rental housing. The tenements -- which exist post January 1, 2011, till the cutoff date (to be declared by the government) -- will get homes under the state government's proposed affordable rental home policy with an option of hire-purchase. The Dharavi redevelopment, they said, is a unique provision compared to the regular SRA scheme, wherein only eligible tenement holders were provided a house of up to 300 square feet. Under the Dharavi redevelopment projects, a flat measuring 350 sq ft, 17 per cent more than other SRA schemes in Mumbai, will be allocated. The Dharavi Redevelopment Tender is one of the most progressive in terms of its outlook towards informal settlers of Dharavi, sources said, adding that it is completely pro-people, which includes free and highly concessional housing, stamp duty and property tax exemption, 10-year free maintenance and a 10 per cent commercial area in residential premises to enable the prospective housing societies to have a sustainable revenue stream in addition to the corpus being provided. For the eligible tenements of businesses, the government scheme provides for a proper free-of-cost business place and a five-year state GST rebate is offered, which will result in boosting their profitability, usher them into the formal economy, make them more competitive and offer them many fold growth opportunities, they noted. On deliverables, the tender has put stringent timelines, and any violation will attract penalties. On the allegation of allotment of Kurla Mother Dairy land, sources said the land is going to be given to DRP and not Adani nor DRPPL. The process under Maharashtra Land Revenue (Disposal of Government Lands) Rules, 1971, was duly followed before the issuance of the relevant Government Resolution (GR). Sources said a fake narrative for electoral gains is being spread around the project, which, if it succeeds, will keep the people of Dharavi in poor living conditions with poor or little access to basic amenities. The Dharavi Redevelopment Project is a first-of-its-kind initiative that seeks to transform the locality into a world-class city, creating a sustainable and thriving neighbourhood while preserving its timeless essence. The project seeks to improve the quality of life for over one million residents of Dharavi through a human-centric approach, sources said, adding that several additional initiatives are being integrated towards sustainable multi-modal transport systems and state of art infra utilities. Additionally, vocational-based skilling is being planned for youth and other wage aspirants of Dharavi to improve their earning potential and facilitate them with jobs, which will give them opportunities that are more eco-friendly and benign, they added. As many as 39 boys and 19 girls were rescued from a distillery in Madhya Pradesh's Raisen district, an official said on Sunday. IMAGE: People participate in a signature campaign against child labour in Patna, April 30, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights with the Association of Voluntary Action, also known as Bachpan Bachao Andolan, led the crackdown at Som Distillery on Saturday, a release stated. A team led by NCPCR chairman Priyank Kanoongo rescued 58 children, 19 girls and 39 boys, from Som Distillery, the BBA stated. "Children bore burn wounds on their hands from exposure to harsh chemicals and alcohol. They were transported daily by their employer in a school bus and worked 12-14 hours daily," it said. In a post on 'X', Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the raid at the factory was a serious matter. "Received detailed information from the labour, excise and police departments, and direction has been given for taking appropriate action. Strict action will be taken against the guilty," Yadav wrote. Som Distilleries & Breweries is an ISO-certified group of companies manufacturing and supplying beer, IMFL (India-made Foreign Liquor) and RTD (Ready To Drink) beverages. BBA director Manish Sharma, who was also part of the team, said, "The stench of alcohol and chemicals was unbearable. It is unimaginable the children worked in these conditions for such long hours every day. We appeal for strict action against the employers." Despite repeated attempts, Alok Arora, the director of Som Group of Companies, could not be reached for comment, and Raisen collector Arvind Dube also remained unavailable. Two days ago, NCPCR, on the complaint of BBA, rescued 36 children from three factories in Mandideep town in Raisen district. Expressing disappointment over the results of the recent Lok Sabha elections, an eminent Indian American on Saturday said that it is time for the BJP karyakartas (workers) to introspect and not to celebrate the victory. IMAGE: Ahead of the Lok Sabha Election 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the battle cry of 'Abki baar, 400 paar', setting the target of 400 seats for the NDA. Photograph: ANI Photo Based on the merits, the work that (Prime Minister Narendra) Modiji and the BJP has done in Bharat, they should have gotten 400 seats. But they did not. So now the question is, should we try to introspect, try to look at why that did not happen, Dr Bharat Barai, told members of the OFBJP USA during the victory celebrations organised by it. If all we do is keep on celebrating, then next time you might find that the BJP government is out of Maharashtra. So, it's very important for us to do some soul searching that instead of getting 400 seats, why did we get only 292 for NDA? And even for the first time when the BJP got an absolute majority, why come this time the BJP got only about 240 seats? he said. So, we should migrate from congratulations to soul searching, and that will help us understand what we do next time, said Dr Barai, who played a key role in the success of historic Madison Square event in New York in 2014 followed by similar events in Silicon Valley and Houston. He asserted the founding fathers of BJP thought that it would be a party to serve Bharat Mata and not to appoint friends and families to positions of power or get money from corporations or allow corruption to go unhindered. If the BJP or any party does that, then they are no different than corrupt and communal Congress party. So, whatever you know, wherever there is corruption and unfortunately that is still going on, though not at a higher level. Yes, you cannot corrupt Modi ji or most of the cabinet ministers, but there are allegations, and I don't know if they are correct. One of the points to emphasise is that the BJP is a different party where the power is meant to serve the people, Dr Barai said at the event attended by Indian Americans from in and around the Chicago area. Dr Barai said that they should support reservation, which is essential to bring up the downtrodden. Whether you like it or not, the BJP has no choice but to do something so that the scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and the OBCs or other backward classes, try to come up. Otherwise, you are going to have fractionation among the Hindus, and we will continue to suffer, he said. So, as much as we like the theory that everybody should be promoting the merits in democracy, if you want to come to power and if you want to make positive change for the country, we will have to try to see that all Hindus come up, Dr Barai said. Sharing his analysis of the party's performance in the general elections, Dr Barai said the slogan 400 paar did a great disservice, as people did not go out to vote thinking that Modi is coming back to power anyway. Secondly, people in many parts of India, in particular places like Uttar Pradesh stayed home due to scorching heat, he said adding that he would recommend elections be held in February-March or September-October timeframe. But the most important part is to convince the voters that the BJP is a different party. The elected representatives, instead of becoming Congress Party B and enjoying power, they should try to go and serve the people. The legislature should go to their constituency, understand the problems of the people, and try to serve, Dr Barai said. There was a lot of disinformation by the opposition party and its leader Rahul Gandhi, Dr Barai said and added that the BJP workers should go out in the society, meet people and acquire their confidence. If you go as a panna pramukh only on the day of election or time of election, people are not going to listen to you. But during the year, whenever they have problem, if the Karyakartas go listen to the people, take it to the legislators and try to get their problem solved, that is what is going to take for us to know as true karyakarta's party that is the Bharat Sevak party and not another brand of political party like Congress, he said. Keep in mind that we are the party of Bharat Seva, not of Bharat Meva, Dr Barai said. A fresh political slugfest erupted on Sunday over electronic voting machine tampering claims with Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders citing a media report that alleged that a relative of the Shiv Sena candidate in Mumbai North West Lok Sabha constituency was found using a mobile phone "connected" to an electronic voting machine during the counting of votes on June 4. IMAGE: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during a public meeting, in Wayanad, Kerala, June 12, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo However, Vandana Suryavanshi, returning officer of the constituency, dismissed the report in 'mid-day' newspaper as "false news" and said a defamation notice has been issued to the publication. She asserted that the EVM is a standalone system, not programmable and has no wireless communication capabilities. The Bharatiya Janata Party hit out at the Opposition leaders over the issue and demanded that the Election Commission should prosecute all those who "amplified the lie" by sharing the news report. Questioning the reliability of EVMs, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi and others on Sunday also quoted a post by Elon Musk, chairman of social media platform X and CEO of Tesla, in which he talked about eliminating EVMs and claimed the risk of hacking was "too high". "We should eliminate electronic voting machines. The risk of being hacked by humans or AI, while small, is still too high," Musk said while responding to a a post by US politician Robert F Kennedy Jr alleging Puerto Rico's primary elections experienced "hundreds of voting irregularities related to electronic voting machines". Congress' ally and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also questioned the credibility of EVMs and demanded that all future elections should be conducted through ballot papers. "EVMs in India are a 'black box', and nobody is allowed to scrutinise them. Serious concerns are being raised about transparency in our electoral process. "Democracy ends up becoming a sham and prone to fraud when institutions lack accountability," Gandhi said in a post on X and tagged the media report which claimed that a relative of Shiv Sena's candidate Ravindra Waikar, who won the polls from Mumbai's North-West seat by 48 votes, had a phone that unlocks an EVM. But former Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar of the BJP countered Musk's criticism of EVMs and said that the billionaire businessman's view may apply to the US and other places where they use regular compute platforms to build "Internet-connected voting machines". "But Indian EVMs are custom designed, secure and isolated from any network or media - No connectivity, no Bluetooth, wifi, Internet. ie there is no way in. Factory-programmed controllers that cannot be reprogrammed," Chandrasekhar said in a post on X. "Electronic voting machines can be architected and built right as India has done. We would be happy to run a tutorial Elon," the BJP leader added. Shiv Sena-UBT leaders Aditya Thackeray and Priyanka Chaturvedi also shared the news report and demanded that the CCTV footage of the counting day be released. "This is a fraud at the highest level and yet the @ECISVEEP continues to sleep. The manipulated' winner's relative was carrying a mobile phone at the counting centre which had the ability to unlock EVM machine. If ECI doesn't step in this will be the biggest election result scam after Chandigarh Mayor election and will see this battle in the courts. This brazenness has to be punished," Chaturvedi said on X. The news report claimed: "The police are investigating as to how the accused got a hold of a phone that received OTP that unlocked machine." Reacting to the news report, Vandana Suryavanshi, returning officer of the constituency, said an OTP is not needed to unlock an EVM. "The EVM is a standalone system and there is no need for an OTP to unlock it. It is not programmable and has no wireless communication capabilities. It is a complete lie being spread by a newspaper. "We have issued notice to 'mid-day' newspaper under sections 499, 505 of the Indian Penal Code for defamation and spreading false news," Suryavanshi said in a press conference. According to Vanrai police, Mangesh Pandilkar, brother-in-law of Waikar, was booked under Indian Penal Code section 188 (disobeying official order) on Wednesday for allegedly using a mobile phone at a counting centre in Goregaon on June 4, when results of the general elections were announced. Suryavanshi said the personal mobile phone of one Dinesh Gurav, the data entry operator of Jogeshwari assembly constituency, was found in the hands of an unauthorised person and action is being taken in this regard. "Data entry and vote counting are two different aspects. An OTP enables the ARO to open the encore login system for data entry. The counting process is independent and has nothing to do with unauthorised use of mobile phone, which is an unfortunate incident and is being probed," Suryavanshi added. "Advance technical features and robust administrative safeguards are in place to rule out any possibility of manipulation. Safeguards include conducting everything in the presence of candidates or their agents," she said. The official said neither Waikar nor losing candidate Amol Kirtikar of the Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray had sought a recount but verification of invalid postal ballots was demanded and it was done. Suryavanshi said CCTV footage in connection with the issue cannot be given unless there are orders from the competent court. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla cited the poll official's clarification to demand action against opposition leaders. "All those who spread and amplified the lie that OTP is needed for EVMs must be prosecuted @ECISVEEP. Rul Gandhi amplified this article. Phone which had ability to unlock EVM says Priyanka Chaturvedi. This level of lies," he said on X. BJP's IT department head Amit Malviya dismissed the news report as "unadulterated trash" and said the opposition parties "can always file an election petition and challenge it". "BJP led NDA has won a third consecutive term. Learn to live with this fact. People have rejected I.N.D.I Alliance. No point whining endlessly," he said on X and later also posted the clarification by the election official. Targeting the BJP over the issue, former UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav said, "Today, when fears of EVM tampering are being expressed in many elections of the world and the world's renowned technology experts are openly writing about the danger of EVM tampering, then what is the reason behind the insistence on using EVM, BJP should clarify this." The opposition parties have been raising concerns over EVMs for some time now and had demanded a 100 percent count of the VVPAT slips which was not allowed The Calcutta high court has directed the West Bengal government to ensure one percent reservation for transgender persons in all public employment in the state. IMAGE: Transgenders show their ink-marked finger after casting their vote for the Lok Sabha elections, Madhya Pradesh, May 13, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Noting that the state government adopted a policy of equal treatment in employment to transgenders, the court said the reservation has, however, not yet been made for them. Justice Rajasekhar Mantha directed the chief secretary of the West Bengal government to ensure one percent reservation for transgenders in all public employment. The high court order was passed on a petition by a transgender person, who succeeded in the Teachers' Eligibility Test 2014 and also in the TET 2022, but was not called for counseling or interview. In the order passed on Friday, Justice Mantha noted that the Supreme Court had declared in a 2014 case that 'hijras' and eunuchs, apart from binary genders, be treated as "third gender" for the purpose of safeguarding their rights under Part III of the Constitution. The apex court had also upheld transgender persons' right to decide their self-identified gender, and directed the Centre and state governments to grant legal recognition of their gender identity such as male, female or as third gender. Justice Mantha also noted that the top court had directed the Centre and the state governments to take steps to treat them as socially and educationally backward classes of citizens, and 'extend all kinds of reservation in cases of admission in educational institutions and for public appointments.' The West Bengal chief secretary had informed the high court that the state's Department of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare on November 30, 2022, made a notification that transgender persons were entitled to equal opportunity of employment without any discrimination whatsoever. The court said it is clear from the notification that the state itself had adopted a policy of equal treatment in employment to transgender persons. Justice Mantha said the reservation has, however, not yet been made in the state for transgender persons in accordance with the Supreme Court order. He also directed the secretary of the West Bengal Board of Primary Education to arrange for interview and counseling of the petitioner as a special case. The Indian Air Force's Rafale fighter jets carried out complex missions along with F-16 and F-15 combat aircraft at a multi-nation mega military exercise in Alaska in the US. IMAGE: IAF personnel during the Red Flag exercise in Alaska, US from June 4 to 14, 2024. Photograph: Courtesy IAF on X The key takeaways from participating in the Red Flag exercise for the IAF included insight into interoperability with international partners and a collaborative understanding of missions in a multinational environment, the defence ministry said on Sunday. The IAF contingent participated in the exercise from June 4 to 14. Besides the Indian Air Force, the exercise witnessed the participation of the Republic of Singapore Air Force, the UK's Royal Air Force, the Royal Netherlands Air Force, the German Luftwaffe, and the US Air Force. "The transatlantic ferry of Rafale fighter aircraft was enabled by the IL-78 air-to-air refuellers while the transportation of personnel and equipment was undertaken by C-17 Globemaster aircraft," the ministry said. Red Flag is an air exercise conducted with multiple scenarios designed to provide realistic combat settings. This was the first time the IAF Rafale aircraft participated in this exercise. The Rafale jets operated alongside F-16 and F-15 aircraft of the RSAF and the USAF respectively. The missions included Beyond Visual Range combat exercises as a part of large force engagements in offensive counter air-and-air defence roles, the defence ministry said in a statement. It said the IAF crew members were actively involved in mission planning and also assumed the role of mission leaders for designated missions during the exercise. "In spite of the challenging weather and almost sub-zero temperatures, the IAF maintenance crew worked diligently to ensure serviceability of all the aircraft throughout the duration of the exercise and all assigned missions could be undertaken with more than 100 sorties being flown during the exercise," the ministry said. "Key takeaways from the exercise included insight on interoperability with international partners and a collaborative understanding of employment philosophy in a multinational environment," it said. "Experience of ferrying long distances, while undertaking air-to-air refuelling enroute, was both an enriching and thrilling takeaway, especially for the younger crew," it said. The ministry said undertaking its return journey, the contingent split enroute along with their mutual support elements to participate in exercises with air force elements of Greece and Egypt, before landing back in India on June 24. "Enriched with the Red Flag exercise experience, the IAF keenly looks forward to hosting the participating contingents from other countries during Ex-Tarang Shakti-2024, which is the first ever Indian multinational air exercise to be held later this year," it said. A poll official on Sunday said an electronic voting machine was a standalone system with "robust administrative safeguards" to protect it from any kind of manipulation and that there was no need for a one-time password to unlock it. IMAGE: An electoral officer demonstrates the functioning of the EVM and VVPAT during a training programme for polling officials, ahead of Lok Sabha elections, in Prayagraj, April 18, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Vandana Suryavanshi, returning officer of Mumbai North West Lok Sabha constituency, was reacting to a report in newspapers about a kin of Ravindra Waikar, the Shiv Sena candidate who emerged victorious there by a wafer thin margin of 48 votes, using a mobile phone connected to an EVM during vote counting on June 4. "The EVM is a standalone system and there is no need for an OTP to unlock it. It is not programmable and has no wireless communication capabilities. It is a lie being spread by a newspaper," Suryavanshi said in a press conference on Sunday. Suryavanshi said notices had been issued to Mid-day and Marathi daily Lokmat for allegedly publishing false news, adding they have been asked to respond within 24 hours as to why criminal proceedings under Sections 499 and 505 should not be initiated. As per Vanrai police, Mangesh Pandilkar, brother-in-law of Waikar, was booked under Indian Penal Code section 188 (disobeying official order) on Wednesday for allegedly using a mobile phone at a counting centre in Goregaon on June 4, when results of the general elections were announced. Speaking at the press conference, Suryavanshi said the personal mobile phone of one Dinesh Gurav, the data entry operator of Jogeshwari assembly constituency, was found in the hands of an unauthorised person and action is being taken in this regard. "Data entry and vote counting are two different aspects. An OTP enables the ARO to open the encore login system for data entry. The counting process is independent and has nothing to do with unauthorised use of mobile phone, which is an unfortunate incident and is being probed," Suryavanshi added. "Advance technical features and robust administrative safeguards are in place to rule out any possibility of manipulation. Safeguards include conducting everything in the presence of candidates or their agents," she said. The official said neither Waikar for losing candidate Amol Kirtikar of the Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray had sought a recount but verification of invalid postal ballots was demanded and it was done. "The counting ETPBS (electronically transmitted postal ballot system) happens in physical form (postal ballots) and not electronically as is being spread as part of a false narrative. Every counting sheet at every table for ETPBS, EVM and postal ballot counting (including ETPBS) is signed by counting agents after due diligence," Suryavanshi asserted. Suryavanshi said CCTV footage in connection with the issue cannot be given unless there are orders from the competent court. A Mumbai police official also refuted the news report and said no personnel attached to Vanrai police station had given such information (about Waikar's kin's mobile phone being used to generate OTP to unlock EVM). Meanwhile, senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan said the poll result of Mumbai North West Lok Sabha seat must be stayed. The Election Commission of India must call a meeting of all parties and discuss this issue thoroughly, he demanded. "There must be a probe into the unauthorised used of the mobile phone. The FIR report has not been made public," Chavan said. Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) spokesperson Clyde Crasto said the fact that a relative of Ravindra Waikar had access to the mobile phone of an Election Commission official is a cause for concern. The EC's polling officer has said OTP is required only for data entry of the vote counting process, which means generation of this OTP can also give access to data to Waikar's kin and it can be manipulated by him or his team, Crasto asserted. "This is very serious. The ECI needs to come clean on what transpired in the time the phone was with Waikar's team," he said. The Mumbai police registered a new case in connection with firing outside actor Salman Khan's residence here in April and arrested a 25-year-old man from Rajasthan on charges of criminal intimidation, an official said on Sunday. IMAGE: Bollywood actor Salman Khan attends the premiere of web series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, in Mumbai on April 25, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo The accused, identified as Banwarilal Laturlal Gujar (25) hailing from Bundi in Rajasthan, was brought to the metropolis where a court remanded him in police custody till June 18, the Crime Branch official said. Gurjar had allegedly uploaded a video on his YouTube channel in which he said "Lawrence Bishnoi, Goldy Brar and other gang members are with me and I am going to kill Salman Khan as he has not apologised as yet", the official said. The accused made the video on a highway in Rajasthan and uploaded it on his channel. Considering the seriousness of the case, a team was sent to Rajasthan for investigation and it apprehended the accused, the official said, adding the case has been registered at a cyber police station in Mumbai. "We are checking if accused Gujar having any previous criminal background. He has been arrested under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 506(2) (punishment for criminal intimidation), and provisions of the Information Technology Act. Further investigation is underway," the official said. Two motorbike-borne men fired multiple rounds outside Salman Khan's residence in Bandra area here in the early hours of April 14. A total of six persons were arrested in that case. One of them, Anuj Thapan, allegedly hanged himself in police lock-up on May 1. In a separate case, Navi Mumbai Police had arrested five persons, including an alleged member of Bishnoi and Goldy Brar gangs from Haryana, in connection with a plot to attack Salman Khan. Four gang members had recced Khan's farmhouse in Panvel, the area around his home in Bandra, and places he visited for film shooting, the police earlier said. Lawrence Bishnoi is currently lodged in the Sabarmati Central Prison in Gujarat's Ahmedabad in a different case and Mumbai police will move a court to seek his custody, they said. His brother Anmol, believed to be in Canada, has been shown as a wanted accused in the firing case. The fight against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir is in its decisive phase and recent incidents show that terrorism has been forced to shrink from highly organised acts of violence to a mere proxy war, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Sunday. IMAGE: Union Home Minister Amit Shah chairs a high-level meeting to review Jammu and Kashmir security situation as Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha (third from right), NSA Ajit Doval (third from left) look on, at North Block in New Delhi, June 16, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo During a high-level meeting at the North Block here to review the security situation in the Union Territory in the wake of recent terrorist attacks there, he also directed security agencies to implement area domination and zero-terror plans in the Jammu division as they did in Kashmir to achieve success. The government is determined to root out terrorism, Shah asserted. The meeting with top security officials was convened to review the situation in the wake of the attacks in the Union Territory's Jammu region, officials said. Home Minister Shah directed the security agencies to work on a mission mode and ensure quick response in a coordinated manner. He also stressed seamless coordination among security agencies, identifying vulnerable areas and addressing security concerns in these areas. Reiterating the government's zero-tolerance policy against terrorism under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said the government will leave no stone unturned to root out terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir. The efforts of the government of India have yielded great positive results in the Kashmir Valley with significant reduction in terror-related incidents, he said. Shah noted that the improvement in the law and order situation is reflected in the record flow of tourists in the Kashmir Valley. The home minister appreciated the security agencies and the Jammu and Kashmir administration for the successful conduct of the Lok Sabha elections, which witnessed record voter turnout in the Union Territory. He directed the agencies to replicate in the Jammu division the successes achieved in the Kashmir Valley through the area domination plan and the zero-terror plan, the officials said. The fight against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir is in its decisive phase and the recent incidents show that terrorism has been forced to shrink from highly organised acts of violence to a mere proxy war, the minister said. In a subsequent meeting, Shah also reviewed the preparations for the annual Amarnath pilgrimage, which is scheduled to begin on June 29. The officials said the home minister was given a thorough briefing on the prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir where security forces are expected to intensify counter-terrorism operations in the coming days. The operations against terrorists will be carried out in line with the prime minister's directive, they said. Shah presided over the high-level meeting, three days after Prime Minister Modi held a similar meeting where he directed officials to deploy the "full spectrum of counter-terror capabilities" after a spate of terror incidents, including an attack on a bus carrying pilgrims in Reasi district of the Jammu region. National security adviser Ajit Doval, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha, Army chief General Manoj Pande, Army chief-designate Lt. General Upendra Dwivedi, Union home secretary Ajay Bhalla, director of Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka, CRPF director general Anish Dayal Singh, BSF director general Nitin Agarwal, Jammu and Kashmir director general of police RR Swain and other top security officials attended the meeting. In a meeting on Friday last, Shah was briefed about the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the deployment of forces along the International Border and the Line of Control, infiltration attempts, the status of ongoing anti-terror operations and the strength of terrorists operating in the Union Territory, sources said. Terrorists struck at four places in Reasi, Kathua and Doda districts of Jammu and Kashmir within four days last week, killing nine pilgrims and a CRPF jawan and leaving seven security personnel and several others injured. Two suspected Pakistani terrorists were also killed in an encounter with security forces in Kathua district. On June 9, terrorists opened fire on a 53-seater bus carrying pilgrims when it was en route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra from the Shiv Khori temple. The bus, ferrying pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Delhi, plunged into a deep gorge following the gunfire, killing nine people and injuring 41 others. On June 11, terrorists fired at a joint checkpost of the Rashtriya Rifles and police at Chattergalla in Bhaderwah while a search party in the Gandoh area of Doda district was attacked on June 12, resulting in injuries to seven security personnel, including a policeman. Prime Minister Modi spoke to the home minister on June 13, and discussed the deployment of security forces and counter-terror operations. Modi also spoke to the Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant governor as well and took stock of the situation in the Union Territory. Sinha briefed him on the efforts being undertaken by the local administration. In the meeting, the prime minister was given a full overview of the security-related situation in the region and was apprised of the counter-terror efforts being undertaken. The attacks took place ahead of the annual pilgrimage to the shrine of Amarnath, located at a height of 3,880 metres in the south Kashmir Himalayas, which will begin on June 29 and will continue till August 19. The Amarnath pilgrims travel through two routes -- Baltal and Pahalgam -- in Jammu and Kashmir. Sources said last year over 4.28 lakh people visited the shrine and the figure could go up to five lakh this time. India on Sunday was among the countries that did not sign a joint communique at a Switzerland-hosted summit for peace in Ukraine even as New Delhi called for "sincere and practical engagement" between Moscow and Kyiv for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. IMAGE: A view shows the plenary session of the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, in Stansstad, Switzerland, June 16, 2024. Photograph: URS FLUEELER/Pool via Reuters Pavan Kapoor, secretary (West) in the external affairs ministry, represented India at the summit in the Swiss resort of Burgenstock that was attended by delegates from more than 100 countries and organisations, including several heads of state. Russia was not invited to the summit while China decided not to attend it. India did not associate itself with any communique or document emerging from the summit. In a brief address, the senior Indian diplomat said New Delhi's participation in the peace summit and several earlier meetings of senior officials based on Ukraine's peace formula was in line with "our clear and consistent approach that enduring peace can be achieved only through dialogue and diplomacy". The key objective of the summit that concluded on Sunday was to inspire a future peace process. The Indian delegation attended the opening and closing plenary sessions of the summit. "India did not associate itself with any communique/document emerging from this summit," the ministry of external affairs said in a statement. "India's participation in the summit, as well as in the preceding NSA/Political Director-level meetings based on Ukraine's Peace Formula, was in line with our consistent approach to facilitate a lasting and peaceful resolution to the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy," the MEA said. It said a resolution to the conflict requires a "sincere and practical engagement" between the two parties, clearly referring to Russia and Ukraine. "We continue to believe that such a resolution requires a sincere and practical engagement between the two parties to the conflict," the MEA said. "In this regard, India will continue to remain engaged with all stakeholders as well as both the parties to contribute to all earnest efforts to bring about an early and abiding peace," it said. Kapoor also made these points during his remarks at the summit. India has not yet condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and it has been maintaining that the crisis must be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue. In the joint communique, the signatories reaffirmed their commitment to "refraining from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, the principles of sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of all states, including Ukraine, within their internationally recognised borders." A Swiss foreign ministry statement said 83 states and organisations approved the joint communique at the end of the "High-Level Conference on Peace in Ukraine". "We believe that reaching peace requires the involvement of and dialogue between all parties. We, therefore, decided to undertake concrete steps in the future in the above-mentioned areas with further engagement of the representatives of all parties," the joint communique said. This summit was built on the previous discussions that have taken place based on Ukraine's Peace Formula and other peace proposals At the summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sought support for his 10-point peace plan that he first outlined in 2022. "The peace formula is inclusive, and we are happy to hear and work on all proposals, all ideas of what is really needed for peace and what is important to you dear friends," Zelenskyy said. "I urge you to be as active as possible and I am proud all parts of the world, all continents are now represented at the peace summit," he said. Amidst severe strain in bilateral ties, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Saturday that there was a commitment to work together with India to deal with some very important issues after he met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Summit. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Italy. Photograph: @narendramodi/X Modi had posted an image on social media of the two leaders shaking hands on Friday, with a one-liner saying met Canadian PM Justin Trudeau at the G7 Summit. The meeting which took place on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Apulia, southern Italy, is the first amid strained diplomatic relations over pro-Khalistani extremism after Trudeau alleged that Canadian authorities are actively pursuing credible allegations" related to Indian government involvement in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a designated terrorist. The Canadian allegations from last year were strongly rejected by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) as absurd and motivated. "I'm not going to get into the details of this important, sensitive issue that we need to follow up, but this was a commitment to work together, in the coming times, to deal with some very important issues," Trudeau told reporters at a press conference in Savelletri Di Fasano in Italy on Saturday, the concluding day of the three-day G7 Summit. The last meeting between the two leaders happened on the sidelines of the G20 Summit hosted by India in September. Soon after the meeting on Friday evening, the Canadian Prime Minister's Office said the leaders had a "brief discussion on the bilateral relationship", during which Trudeau also congratulated Modi on his re-election. "Of course, there are important issues between our two countries right now. You can appreciate that we won't be making any further statements at this time," spokesperson Ann-Clara Vaillancourt was quoted by the Canadian Press news agency as saying. India has been maintaining that the main issue between the two countries is that of Canada giving space to pro-Khalistan elements operating from Canadian soil with impunity. India has repeatedly conveyed its "deep concerns" to Canada and New Delhi expects Ottawa to take strong action against those elements. Nijjar's murder is being probed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Four Indian nationals have been arrested in this connection by the RCMP. Modi's meeting with Trudeau came at the end of a packed day of bilateral meetings for the Prime Minister, including with French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Japanese PM Fumio Kishida, German Chancellor Olaf Scholtz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni the host of the summit. He also had discussions with other world leaders gathered for the summit, including with US President Joe Biden. Prime Minister Modi joined leaders of Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Jordan, Kenya, Mauritania, Tunisia, Turkiye, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to address the Outreach session on Artificial Intelligence, Energy, Africa and the Mediterranean, along with Pope Francis, on the invitation of Meloni. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath arrived on Saturday in Gorakhpur, where Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat is taking part in a camp for RSS volunteers. IMAGE: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attend the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo There was much speculation on a likely meeting between Bhagwat and Adityanath, especially in the backdrop of the BJP's recent electoral reverses in Uttar Pradesh. However, the leaders did not meet on Saturday. Asked about it, RSS sources said there was no announcement of any scheduled meeting. Bhagwat, who reached Gorakhpur on Wednesday to attend a "karyakarta" camp, will stay here till Sunday. While Bhagwat remained at the RSS camp venue, where the media staked out in anticipation of their meeting, Chief Minister Adityanath, who was on a three-day visit to Gorakhpur, spent time at a local zoo. He released an Asiatic lion, 'Bharat', and the lioness 'Gauri' into their enclosure at the Shaheed Ashfaq Ullah Khan Prani Udyan and also held a meeting with officials. The RSS had on Friday sought to quell suggestions of a rift with the BJP and that Mohan Bhagwat's recent critical references related to the Lok Sabha polls were aimed at the BJP. "There is no rift between the RSS and the BJP," a source had said. Bhagwat had addressed a gathering of RSS trainees at the concluding programme of the organisation's 'Karyakarta Vikas Varg-Dwitiya' in Nagpur on Monday where he had expressed concern over the Manipur situation. Opposition leaders had claimed that Bhagwat's remarks, including "true sevak is never arrogant", were a message to the BJP leadership following its below-par performance in the polls. "There was not much difference in his (Bhagwat) speech from what he had given after the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Any address is bound to make a reference to an event as important as national elections. "But it was misinterpreted and taken out of context to create confusion. His 'arrogance' remark was never directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi or any BJP leader," the RSS source had said. RSS national executive member Indresh Kumar had also taken a swipe at the BJP over its poll performance, saying "Lord Ram stopped those who had become arrogant at 241". "The party which did the bhakti (of lord Ram) but became arrogant was stopped at 241 but it was made the biggest party," he had said at an event in Jaipur on Thursday, adding, "and those who had no faith in Ram, they together were stopped at 234", apparently referring to the INDIA bloc. As a row erupted over his remarks, Kumar had on Friday said the country is happy with the BJP's poll performance and Modi becoming prime minister for the third consecutive term. "At this moment, the latest news is that those who were against Lord Ram are out of power and those who were devotees of Lord Ram are in power," he told PTI. The RSS's Gorakhpur camp started on June 3. Around 280 RSS volunteers from Kashi, Gorakhpur, Kanpur and Awadh regions are participating in the camp named 'Karyakarta Vikas Varg' at the SVM Public School in the Chiutaha area of the city. Tight security arrangements have been made both inside and outside the venue, and only selected volunteers are permitted to enter the event site. In Facebook audio, Cambodias former prime minister says defectors must be recruited ahead of next elections. Hun Sen speaks at a press conference at the National Assembly after a vote to confirm his son, Hun Manet, as Cambodia's prime minister in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, August 22, 2023. Former Prime Minister Hun Sen encouraged supporters of the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party to smash and destroy opposition political activists in audio comments that circulated on Khmer social media this week. The Cambodian government has neither confirmed nor denied the veracity of the audio, which circulated widely on Facebook and other social media. Listeners say it sounds like the veteran leader, who currently serves as Senate president. It was purportedly recorded at a party meeting last week. Please all city, capital and provincial presidents of the party, be informed that in the past few weeks I sent a decision pertaining to a group of people who are experts in destroying the grassroots, Hun Sen says in the audio. You must smash this force to a point that they no longer disturb us, lets make it clear, he said. While we destroy their forces, we can persuade them to join us. In August, Hun Sen stepped down as prime minister, a position he held since 1985, allowing his son to take over. But he retains power as the president of the Senate and head of the Cambodian Peoples Party, or CPP. The run-up to the July 2023 parliamentary elections saw a months-long campaign of intimidation and threats against opposition leaders and activists. Some activists were persuaded to publicly switch their allegiance to the CPP. Additionally, the National Election Committee ruled that the main opposition Candlelight Party couldnt appear on the ballot, citing inadequate paperwork. The decision paved the way for the CPP to win 120 of 125 seats in the National Assembly. Cambodia also held Senate elections in February and local provincial, municipal and district elections in May. Care for the new brothers and sisters In the audio, Hun Sen urged CPP officials to work on persuading opposition activists to defect now instead of waiting to act months before the next round of elections. Cambodia has local commune council elections scheduled for 2027. Its next parliamentary election is set to take place in 2028. Supporters of the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party participate in a campaign rally in Phnom Penh on July 21, 2023. (Tang Chhin Sothy/AFP) Efforts should include incorporating party switchers into the CPPs party structure and encouraging them to recruit more defectors, Hun Sen said. I ask the provincial party and local party offices to expeditiously administer these brothers and sisters [defectors] so they do not feel left out, or that there is a lack of care for them by the local party branches, he said. Lets declare the incorporation [of the defectors] into the party from now, he said. Lets break their grassroot bases now so that they do not have base support. Hun Sen is an avid social media user, with 14 million followers on Facebook and 925,000 on TikTok. RFA messaged Hun Sen on Facebook on Wednesday to verify the audio, but he hadnt responded by Friday. RFA was also unable to reach government spokesman Pen Bona for comment. Psychological threat Eng Chhai Eang, a former opposition lawmaker who now lives in the United States, said the audio was forwarded to him last week after a CPP official had sent it to opposition activists in Cambodia. He told RFA he believed the audio was real and reflects Hun Sens longtime approach to political opponents. Eng Chhai Eang continues to serve as the vice president of the Cambodian National Rescue Party, or CNRP, which was the main opposition party until it was banned by the Supreme Court in 2017. His vicious deeds started after the CNRP dissolution, he said. He ordered attacks against those who refused to defect. Any activists were attacked. The audio was probably intended as a a psychological threat, according to Rong Chhun, a prominent opposition activist who is an adviser to the opposition National Power Party, which was founded last year. Translated by Yun Samean and Sok Ry Sum. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster. Chinese industrial vessels are pictured in Beira, Mozambique, in this undated photo provided by Environmental Justice Foundation A multibillion dollar global fishing industry backed by the Chinese government is driving a surge in Chinese vessels engaged in illegal activities and exploiting fishing grounds off East Africa, spoiling them for local people, according to a London-based environmental group. "Before the Chinese fishing boats came here, we could expect a good catch when we cast our nets, even if we only cast the nets three times," one Mozambican fisher told the U.K.-based Environmental Justice Foundation. "Now we have to stay out at sea for a whole day to catch enough fish." "This is heartbreaking, because these fish are not only for us, but also for our children, he said. They have destroyed our future livelihoods." In October 2023, a State Council white paper said China would focus on "win-win cooperation, safe, stable, green and sustainable" distant-water fishing operations. Yet Chinas vast fishing fleets, which cast their nets as far away as Latin America, West Africa, and even Antarctica, have been adding to the strain on worldwide fishing stocks, according to organizations monitoring the issue in recent years. Government-backed distance trawler fleets scoop up massive amounts of fish in a short space of time, depleting stocks, interrupting breeding cycles and polluting the coastlines of Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique and Madagascar with huge dumps of discarded fish judged not to be valuable enough to process, local witnesses told the Foundation. Mozambique is one of the poorest countries in the world, with around two-thirds of the population living on the coast and dependent on the sea for their food, income and economic activity. This undated photo provided by Environmental Justice Foundation shows an East African coastal community that relies on subsistence fishing for their livelihoods. (EJF) One fisherman near the port of Beira said Chinese fishing boats had damaged his nets, leaving him scrambling to find enough money to repair them. "They catch a lot of small fish but throw them away and only pick the fish they want," the Beira fisherman said. "Whole beaches are covered with dead fish." "The way Chinese fishing boats operate leaves us with nothing," the report quoted him as saying. Shark fin soup But the report the first to detail Chinese fishing operations in the southwest Indian Ocean goes further to say that many ships in the fleet exhibit illegal, unsustainable and abusive behaviours towards marine ecosystems and crew alike. The report, "Tide of Injustice: Exploitation and illegal fishing on Chinese vessels in the Southwest Indian Ocean, found 86 instances of illegal fishing and human rights violations in the area between 2017 and 2023, half of which were linked to Chinese fishing vessels. A shark has its fins removed on board a Chinese longliner authorized in the southwest Indian Ocean in this undated photo provided by Environmental Justice Foundation. (EJF) Illegal fishing and human rights abuses were found to be commonplace on Chinese vessels in the SWIO [southwest Indian Ocean], including routine shark finning, the deliberate capture and/or injury of vulnerable marine megafauna, and crews suffering from physical violence, abusive working and living conditions, intimidation and threats, said the report. The finning of sharks cutting the fin off and tossing the animal back into the ocean is illegal in many countries. The fin is coveted for shark fin soup, a Chinese delicacy served at festive occasions. Some 80% of interviewees who had worked on Chinese longline tuna boats said they had witnessed or taken part in shark-finning. "Some days we would catch as many as 20 sharks," a former Indonesian employee on a Chinese fishing vessel in the southern Indian Ocean told the foundation's film crew in April. "We would just cut their fins off and throw the rest of the shark back." The man was among dozens of former crew on Chinese fishing vessels and Mozambican fishers interviewed for the report. "All of the fishers interviewed by the foundation who had worked on Chinas tuna fleet in the southwest Indian Ocean ... experienced or witnessed some form of human rights abuses and/or illegal fishing," the group said in the June 6 report. China currently ranks bottom of 152 countries and territories in an illegal fishing index known as the IUU Risk Index. Physical and verbal abuse Violence is also rife aboard Chinese vessels, the foundation's East Asia Manager Chiu Shao-Chi told RFA Mandarin in a recent interview. Chiu said 54% of interviewees witnessed or experienced beatings and assault, including with knives and metal implements, kickings and other forms of abuse. Around 70% of interviewees reported being verbally abused or intimidated, sometimes alongside the physical violence, by their superiors. "Tide of Injustice," the investigative report released by the Environmental Justice Foundation in April 2024. (EJF) And around 93% said they had been underpaid, or had deductions from their wages for no good reason amounting to hundreds and even thousands of U.S. dollars. Some were forced to take out loans in order to get the job, and forced to pay back the cost of food, transport and healthcare to their employers, as well as make repayments on the loan. "The conditions on these boats are pretty inhumane," Chiu said. "Many fishermen told us that they were basically enslaved." But the remote nature of fisheries, combined with an industry-wide lack of transparency, continues to make identifying and prosecuting illegal fishing and its human rights abuses challenging, the report found, particularly when vessels are operating far from their home port. State-backed Chinese seafood companies, which are often state-owned or subsidized and backed by local ruling Communist Party officials, have been fishing in the southwest Indian Ocean for several years already. In November 2018, Yu Yi Industry Co. Ltd celebrated its first haul of 359 metric tons of fish and crustaceans from waters near Mozambique at the instigation of Shenzhen Party Secretary Zhou Jiangtou as part of China's Belt and Road global supply chain and infrastructure program, the industry publication Seafood Source and Chinese media reported at the time. But in the waters off East Africa, its distant fishing operations have left many local communities worse off than before. "The southwest Indian Ocean is an area with very rich marine biodiversity," Chiu said. "The excellent local conditions don't just support the local marine ecosystem, but also the livelihoods of coastal residents from one generation to the next." The arrival of state-backed Chinese trawler fleets has changed all that, she said. "Several fishing enterprises subsidized by the Chinese government are pursuing huge profits off East Africa," she said. "These companies may pay lip-service to sustainability and human rights in their annual reports, but they clearly don't actually protect them." Collage of speculation Chinese state media and officials have started hitting back at such criticisms, often with allegations of their own. An opinion piece published by the Global Times in April said Urbina's research contained "unsubstantiated smears," and was "a mere collage of speculation." In September 2023, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning responded to allegations of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing by Chinese vessels from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration by blaming "a small number" of individual skippers. "China exercises the right to develop and use the fisheries resources on the high seas in accordance with relevant international law," Mao said. A fish trader is pictured in Beira, Mozambique, in this undated photo provided by Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) Beijing has implemented voluntary fishing moratoriums in some marine areas, and has worked with other countries to crack down on illegal fishing, she said. Mao said the United States had exceeded catch limits for tuna in the western and central Pacific Ocean in recent years, and that American vessels have also been implicated in the fishing of whale sharks, turtles and in harming sharks. Worsening poverty and food insecurity In 2022, China's longline tuna fleet transhipped more than 12,000 metric tons of albacore, bigeye and yellowfin tuna to refrigerated vessels. But these transport ships could also have taken illegal shark fins without anyone knowing, because they are largely unregulated. "Over the past 25 years, overfishing by industrial fleets and widespread illegal, unregulated or unreported fishing have caused a 30% decline in subsistence fisheries production in Mozambique," Chiu told RFA, citing local government data. Mozambique loses an estimated US$70 million in revenue each year due to rampant illegal fishing, which has a significant impact on the national economy and the livelihoods of coastal residents," she said. The depletion of fish stocks off East Africa has "exacerbated food insecurity and poverty on land," according to an article by Selina Robinson, Senior Lecturer in Forensic Investigation at the University of Winchester. "Some former fishermen, in collaboration with militias and unemployed youth, have turned to piracy as a means of survival," Robinson wrote in an article in The Conversation in May 2024. Earlier this month, the United Nations called for better protection of marine ecosystems to guard against overfishing and pollution. Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster. The extension would go beyond the outer limits of the Philippines 200-mile EEZ in the South China Sea. A Chinese coast guard ship shadows Philippine fishing boats carrying volunteers from a civilian-led mission to transport and distribute fuel and food to Filipino fishermen in the disputed South China Sea, May 16, 2024. The Philippines is seeking U.N. validation to extend its continental shelf in the South China Sea and secure exclusive rights to exploit undersea resources, Manilas foreign office said, amid heightened territorial tensions with China over the waterway. The Department of Foreign Affairs said its mission to the United Nations had submitted documentation with the U.N. Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, or CLCS, on Friday to register the countrys entitlement to an extended continental shelf, or ECS, in the West Palawan Region in the sea. Today we secure our future by making a manifestation of our exclusive right to explore and exploit natural resources in our ECS entitlement, said Marshall Louis M. Alferez, assistant secretary for Maritime and Ocean Affairs at the department. The department indicated that Manila intended to stretch the Philippine continental shelf beyond the outer limits of the countrys 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone, or EEZ, in the South China Sea, but it did not say by how much more. Philippine territorial waters in the sea are believed to be rich in oil and mineral deposits. The Philippines is entitled to establish the outer limits of its continental shelf comprising the seabed and subsoil of the submarine areas extending beyond 200 nautical miles (NM) but not exceed 350 NM from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured, the department said in a statement posted on social media. Philippine territorial waters in the sea are believed to be rich in oil and mineral deposits. The Philippines is entitled to establish the outer limits of its continental shelf comprising the seabed and subsoil of the submarine areas extending beyond 200 nautical miles (NM) but not exceed 350 NM from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured, the department said in a statement posted on social media. It noted that the country was entitled to do this under Article 76 of the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS. Under UNCLOS, a coastal state has exclusive and sovereign rights over the continental shelf for the purpose of exploring it and exploiting its natural resources. Tensions with China The Philippines issued the announcement against the backdrop of tensions with China in South China Sea waters of its EEZ, which Filipinos refer to as the West Philippine Sea. Chinese coast guard ships in recent months have been harassing Filipino civilian boats sailing in EEZ waters that overlap with Chinas extensive territorial claims in the sea. Manila lodged its claim with the U.N. on the eve of a new Chinese regulation taking effect and that authorizes its coast guard to intercept and arrest foreign vessels and crews caught trespassing in China-claimed waters. Incidents in the waters tend to overshadow the importance of what lies beneath, the statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs quoted Alferez as saying. The seabed and the subsoil extending from our archipelago up [to] the maximum extent allowed by UNCLOS hold significant potential resources that will benefit our nation and our people for generations to come. There was no immediate response by the Chinese embassy in Manila to this Philippine diplomatic move. In late May, Chinas foreign ministry defended the trespassing regulation, saying it was established to standardize Chinese law enforcement measures and better uphold order at sea. Individuals and entities have no need for concern as long as they have not done anything illicit, ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular press conference on May 29. China claims the waterway almost in its entirety, putting it at odds with the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam, and Taiwan. UNCLOS was the basis for a landmark lawsuit brought by the Philippines against China in 2012 following a standoff over Scarborough Shoal. In 2016, a U.N. arbitration court ruled in favor of Manila, but Beijing has refused to recognize the verdict and effectively remained in control of the shoal. In 2012, the U.N. commission validated a claim submitted by Manila to partially extend the continental shelf of the Philippine Rise in the Philippine Sea, then known as the Benham Rise, by 135,506 kilometers (52,319 square miles). Manilas latest submission to the U.N. commission was years in the making and had been cleared by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a spokeswoman for the foreign office said in a statement Saturday. We have long prepared for this, and in fact we mentioned in our Philippine (Benham) Rise submission in 2009 that we reserved our right to make further submissions to the west. It was a long inter-agency process that involved deliberate and intensive scientific research and review, Ma. Teresita Daza said. The submission comes after we completed this comprehensive technical and scientific study of our continental shelf in the West Philippine Sea, and with the clearance support of the President. BenarNews is an online news agency linked to Radio Free Asia. After the Taliban's de facto government cut ties with a number of diplomatic missions operated abroad by diplomats loyal to the ousted Afghan republic, the British and Norwegian authorities have opted to shut down Afghan embassies on their soil. Both Oslo and London say their decisions in no way represent official recognition of the Taliban's rule in Afghanistan, which no country recognizes due to concerns over a woeful human rights record and other failures to live up to promises it made before seizing power in August 2021. But experts say the embassy closures are likely to pave the way for more engagement with the Taliban, which controls all of Afghanistan's territory and has increased its hold on power. Diplomats who served the former Afghan government were left in limbo when the Taliban took control, but remained open for business in some Western states and continued to assist Afghan citizens. The window on their operations began to close when the Taliban announced in July that it was cutting ties with 14 such missions in Western countries and that it would not accept any consular documents they processed, a critical source of funding to keep them running. Many of the consular services, such as verification of identity documents or police clearance, offered by the embassies do require a degree of cooperation from the country's government because diplomatic missions might not be able to access all government data. This month, the British Foreign Office announced that it was shutting down the Afghan Embassy in London, explaining to RFE/RL on September 9 that the decision was made after the "dismissal of its staff by the Taliban." Norway quickly followed suit, announcing that the Afghan Embassy in Oslo would be shut down on September 12. Both the British and Norwegian governments have indicated that the move does not amount to a formal recognition of the Taliban's hard-line government. And the embassy buildings, which are Afghanistan's properties, will be eventually handed over to a "recognized" government of Afghanistan. But Hameed Hakimi, an Afghanistan expert, says the decisions to shut the embassies can be taken as "reality setting in" that the Taliban is "unlikely to be replaced in the immediate future." And for the Taliban, he says, it creates an opportunity to argue that its rule is being acknowledged, even without formal recognition. "The Taliban can use this to their advantage in their pursuit of claiming legitimacy with the Afghans and internationally," said Hakimi, an associate fellow at London's Chatham House think tank. More than a dozen countries, mostly Afghanistan's neighbors, already operate embassies in Kabul, and some have accredited Taliban diplomats. The Taliban government also partially controls diplomatic missions in some countries, and has established working relations with Afghan diplomatic missions in the Czech Republic, Spain, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, and the Afghan Consulate in Munich. The missions operating in Western countries staffed by diplomats appointed by the previous government are the outlier. Hakimi said that if all those missions are shut down, it "truly signifies the closure of the chapter of the Afghan Islamic Republic." The Afghan Islamic Republic, as it was formally known, emerged soon after a U.S.-led military alliance toppled the Taliban government in November 2001 following the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. Nearly two decades later, the internationally recognized Afghan republic collapsed as the Taliban seized power in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The Taliban, meanwhile, recreated its brutal emirate from the 1990s by imposing harsh bans and discriminatory laws that resulted in widespread human rights violations. Afghan women and girls are deprived of education and employment in most sectors and lack fundamental freedoms. These Taliban policies have so far kept its government from being officially recognized. This absence of recognition has complicated engagement with the Taliban government on important issues, such as humanitarian aid, and made it difficult for the estimated 2 million Afghans living in Western countries to access consular services. Graeme Smith, a senior Afghanistan analyst at the Brussels-based International Crisis Group, says Western governments might be acting on the UN special coordinator's recommendation to facilitate the processing of documentation for Afghans abroad. In his report endorsed by the UN Security Council in December 2023, Feridun Sinirlioglu, the UN special coordinator for Afghanistan, called for better cooperation between the Taliban regime and the outside world to ensure that Afghans can obtain the paperwork they need to continue with their daily lives. "Afghans have been suffering in limbo without clarity about where to go when they need identity papers or travel documents," Smith said, describing how Afghans who still do not have travel documents from another country suffer from the lack of consular services. "The steps we are witnessing now may represent practical efforts by some governments" to remedy the situation, Smith said. The challenge remains, he said, to ensure that efforts "aimed at pressuring the regime do not sabotage the lives and livelihoods of Afghans." Many Western capitals are also grappling with the complex issue of what to do with Afghan asylum seekers whose applications were rejected. Last month, Germany deported 28 Afghan men convicted of crimes in the country to Kabul, with Qatar playing an intermediary role in securing the Taliban's cooperation in accepting the returning Afghans. Smith said that some countries "are discovering the usefulness" of having a consular presence "connected to the authorities in Kabul" if they need to arrange the return of Afghan migrants. "But it's unclear if that motivated the recent closures," he said. Both Britain and Norway have not said anything about whether they will allow the Taliban government to offer consular services in London and Oslo. The fates of the Afghan Embassy in Berlin and consulate in Bonn are not clear, although the consulate in Munich is likely to remain open because it cooperates with the Taliban government on consular services. In London, Afghanistan expert Hakimi said the closure could create an "opportunity for the Taliban to lobby with the Western countries" and allow its representatives to at least run counselor services. These Afghan diplomatic missions can remain closed indefinitely, similar to what happened in the United States, where the Afghan Embassy and two consulates have been closed since March 2002. The Afghan Embassy in Canada offers remote consular services to Afghans living in the United States. In Norway, Afghans have mixed feelings about their embassy's closure. Sima Nouri, an Afghan woman living in Oslo, is worried over how her compatriots will now access consular services. "There is a possibility that the process of forced deportation of Afghan refugees will begin," she told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi. "This process, however, must be stopped." Mina Rafiq, another Afghan woman in Norway, prefers shutting the embassy down to cooperating with the Taliban. "This might work to the advantage of Afghan asylum seekers," she said, "because the Norwegian government will now have to give them necessary documents." One year ago, Hamas -- the U.S.- and EU-designated Palestinian terrorist group that controls the Gaza Strip -- carried out an unprecedented attack on Israel, the deadliest in the countrys history. In response, Israel launched an aerial bombardment and ground invasion of the Palestinian enclave to destroy Hamas and rescue the 251 hostages taken by the group. Israel has expanded its war in recent weeks by invading Lebanon and launching air strikes targeting Hezbollah, the armed group and political party that controls much of southern Lebanon. RFE/RL spoke to Lior Yohanani, manager of quantitative research at the Israel Democracy Institute, a Jerusalem-based independent research center, which on October 7 released a wide-ranging survey of Israeli public opinion after one year of war. RFE/RL: Can you explain what your study found as to how Israelis view the past year since Hamas's October 7 attack? Lior Yohanani: Well, I think Israelis still don't see October 7 as an event that's over. Sure, the actual horrific events of that day ended, but Israelis are still living with the consequences. There are two main aspects to this. First, since October 7, Israel has been in this multifront war that doesn't seem to have an end in sight. And then, of course, there is the issue of the hostages still being held in Gaza. So, we're seeing a sharp drop in people's sense of personal security. Almost three quarters of the public feel less safe compared to before October 7, and that's despite a year of war and some significant military achievements. On the flip side, we're also seeing that most people say their lives have returned to normal when it comes to things like work, media consumption, and family and social gatherings. Another thing we're noticing is that the Israeli public is giving pretty low marks to all the political and military leaders for the performance since October 7. For example, almost two-thirds of Israelis are rating Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu's performance since then as poor or not good. RFE/RL: How has Israel's involvement in a two-front conflict, in both Gaza and Lebanon, as well as a confrontation with Iran affected public opinion among Israelis? Yohanani: It's tough to answer that question, because we're at the point where things could go in a few different directions. In the last few weeks, we've seen a major escalation in the conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon, and just last week, Iran launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles at Israel, which Israel is expected to respond to. In a survey we just did recently, we asked whether Israeli society and the military could handle fighting on two or more fronts for an extended period of time, and the results were pretty striking. Over 70 percent believe that yes, both Israeli society and the military can handle that kind of prolonged fighting. So, while the situation is complex and evolving, there seems to be a strong sense of resilience and capability among Israelis, even in the face of these multiple threats. But of course, public opinion could shift depending on how events unfold in the coming weeks or months. RFE/RL: Is there support for Netanyahus response to October 7? Is there debate in Israeli society, as well as political circles, over Netanyahus strategic choices? Yohanani: First of all, it's important to say that the Israeli public has largely supported significant military operation against Hamas in Gaza. That said, the Israeli discourse around the October 7 events, the ongoing war, and especially toward Prime Minister Netanyahu, is very polarized between right-wing supporters on the one hand and left and center supporters on the other. People are hoping for a future where Israel can exist without constant threats, rather than expecting a harmonious relationship with its neighbors in the near-term." So, on the left and the center, there is a high level of distrust and suspicion toward Netanyahu and his government. For instance, Netanyahu's apparent reluctance to pursue a deal for returning the hostages in exchange for ending the fighting in Gaza is seen by large parts of the public, even on the right, as resulting from Netanyahu's dependence on far-right, ultranationalist members of his government who refuse any compromise or ceasefire. Now for a long time, Netanyahu and his ministers argued that only significant military force would lead Hamas to compromise and release the hostages. Now, with military attention and resources shifting to the north, people are asking, where is this massive military force that was supposed to bring the hostages home? One question we have asked several times since October 7 in our polls is what should be the main goal in Gaza: Dismantling Hamas or bringing back the hostages? And as time goes on, public opinion is increasingly supporting the return of hostages. In our current survey, 62 percent saw bringing the bringing back the hostages as Israel's main goal, while only 29 percent pointed to dismantling Hamas as the primary objective. RFE/RL: How do ordinary Israelis see the question of the remaining hostages amid the continued protests by the hostages' families? Yohanani: As I mentioned before, most of the public supports a deal to release the hostages, even if it means ending the war and withdrawing the military forces from Gaza. There's this widespread feeling that we've left the hostages behind, and that's really hitting at our sense of solidarity, which is a deep and fundamental value, I think, in Jewish history in general and in Israel society in particular. At the same time, the campaign run by the Hostages And Missing Families Forum has become very politicized. Many right-wing supporters see it as weakening Israel. As time goes on, we're seeing more and more harassment of protesters who support bringing the hostages back. There are cases of passersby cursing, even hitting and throwing eggs, at hostages' families. In our latest survey, we asked about the effectiveness of the protests and actions taken by the hostages' families. Despite most of the public feeling empathetic toward the hostage issue, only less than a third think these actions are actually helping to advance a deal for the hostages' release, while almost 40 percent think they're actually hurting the cause. So, you've got this complex situation where people want the hostages back, but there is disagreement and some backlash about how to make that happen. RFE/RL: Can you explain the reasons behind the apparent contradiction in views regarding prioritizing a negotiated return of the hostages, or destroying Hamas? Yohanani: You're right to point out that apparent contradiction. Let me break it down a bit. As I mentioned earlier, a clear majority of the public sees a deal to release the hostages as the main goal. But there is a big gap between political camps on this issue. In the center and left, about 80 percent support the deal for the hostages' release, while the opinions on the right are evenly split. So, for most of the left and center, the fighting in Gaza has run its course. They feel most military objectives have been achieved, and Hamas's military power has been significantly weakened. From their perspective, continuing the fight now only puts the hostages at greater risk. It's important to know that about half of the right-wing also shares this view of prioritizing the hostages' release, but the other half of those on the far-right thinks dismantling Hamas is more important. Why? For a couple of reasons. First, there's a security stance that Hamas must be wiped out and not allowed to recover. There is also a very strong sentiment of revenge, with minimal consideration for the cost, whether it's the lives of the hostages, soldiers, let alone innocent civilians in Gaza. Another significant component openly discussed in religious nationalist circles is the return of Jewish settlement to the Gaza Strip after Israel evacuated Jewish settlements from there in 2005. RFE/RL: Is there public confidence that Israel will ultimately be able to remove the threat of Hamas and Hezbollah and come out of this conflict with greater prospects for a peaceful and stable near-term future? Yohanani: Right now, the Israeli public isn't showing a lot of optimism. In our current survey, when we asked people if they're optimistic or pessimistic about Israel's future, we found more pessimists, 48 percent, than optimists, 45 percent. I also think it's important to note that a peaceful future, as you put it, or peace in general, isn't really a common concept in the current Israeli discourse. I would say the hope of Israelis is that the military actions against Hezbollah and Iran will lead to a situation where Israel's existence isn't in question, and that Israeli military superiority will prevent events like October 7 from happening again. So, it's less about peace in the traditional sense, and more about security and deterrence. People are hoping for a future where Israel can exist without constant threats, rather than expecting a harmonious relationship with its neighbors in the near-term. U.S. President Joe Biden emphasized the need for a diplomatic arrangement for the return of both Lebanese and Israeli civilians to their homes on both sides of the Israeli-Lebanese border in a call on October 9 with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the White House said. Biden also condemned Irans ballistic missile attack against Israel on October 1, a White House statement said. Biden "affirmed Israels right to protect its citizens from Hezbollah, which has fired thousands of missiles and rockets into Israel over the past year alone, while emphasizing the need to minimize harm to civilians, in particular in the densely populated areas of Beirut," the statement said. Biden spoke with Netanyahu earlier about Israel's plans to retaliate against Iran for a missile attack last week, according to statements from both the White House and the Israeli prime minister's office on October 9. The White House statement said Biden and Netanyahu "agreed to remain in close contact over the coming days both directly and through their national security teams." The call comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, an armed group and political party that controls much of southern Lebanon. The Middle East has been on edge awaiting Israel's expected response to Iran's largely ineffective missile attack, which Tehran carried out in retaliation for Israel's escalation in Lebanon, including the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said in a video published on Israeli media that Israel's response "will be deadly, precise, and above all surprising." Biden last week said he would not support Israel striking Iranian nuclear sites as part of its retaliation. He also said that, if he were in Israel's shoes, he would think about alternatives to striking Iranian oil fields. Israel has faced calls by the United States and other allies to accept a cease-fire deal in Gaza and Lebanon but has said it will continue its military operations until Israelis are safe. U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller warned on October 9 that Israel must avoid conducting military operations in Lebanon like those it has conducted in Gaza. "I'm making very clear that there should be no kind of military action in Lebanon that looks anything like Gaza and leaves a result anything like Gaza," Miller told journalists. The White House statement said Biden and Netanyahu discussed the urgent need to renew diplomacy to release the hostages held by Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and the EU. Biden also discussed the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the White House said. Israels bombardment of central and northern Gaza in recent days has killed dozens of people and trapped thousands in their homes, Palestinian officials said. Hezbollah, a group and political party that controls much of southern Lebanon, is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, while the European Union blacklists its armed wing but not its party, which has seats in the Lebanese parliament. The call between Biden and Netanyahu took place as Israeli forces stepped up their ground offensive against Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon. On October 9, Hezbollah said in a statement that its fighters had used artillery and rockets against Israeli troops near the Lebanese border village of Labbouneh. In a separate statement, the group said it engaged in combat with Israeli forces as they "attempted to infiltrate the border town of Blida" in southeast Lebanon. The Israeli Army said early on October 9 that it had intercepted two projectiles fired from Lebanon as air-raid alarms sounded in and around Caesarea, a coastal city south of Haifa. The latest fighting comes as fears grow of a larger conflict in the region after Israel also claimed that the successor to Nasrallah has likely been "eliminated." Gallant said on October 8 that Hezbollah was an "organization without a head" and there's no one left to make decisions. Netanyahu later echoed those comments, saying, "We've degraded Hezbollah's capabilities." "We took out thousands of terrorists, including Nasrallah himself and Nasrallah's replacement, and the replacement of the replacement," Netanyahu said. Hashem Safieddine, a top Hezbollah official and a cousin of Nasrallah, was widely expected to be named to the group's top position, but his whereabouts and condition remain unknown since an October 2 Israeli strike on a suspected Hezbollah leadership meeting. Hezbollah has not commented on Safieddine's fate, although unidentified members have told various media that the group had lost contact with him since the attack. Safieddine has been declared a global terrorist by the United States. "We live like in olden times," a resident of the small city of Minusinsk, some 450 kilometers south of the capital of Siberia's sprawling Krasnoyarsk Krai, said while describing how he heats his home with buckets of coal. "It's awful running out in the freezing cold to fetch it, but what can I do? We are helpless." Some 12 kilometers from Minusinsk, near the settlement of Bystraya, is one of many locations in Russia's eastern regions where natural gas bubbles up out of the ground. In the summer, locals bring sausages and other food to cook over the open "eternal flames." That gas field, as well as the Novo-Mikhailovsky gas field just 50 kilometers away, has been deemed uneconomical to develop. As in Minusinsk, homes in Bystraya are heated primarily with coal. Although Russia is a global leader in the production of natural gas, millions of residents of its coldest, easternmost regions remain unconnected to gas lines. And Russia's costly war against neighboring Ukraine -- now in its third year since the full-scale invasion with no end in sight -- is eroding any chances that will change soon. "I would pay to get gas," the older man from Minusinsk added.* "But how much? There are no gas lines. No infrastructure. No estimate of the cost to the consumer. We aren't even dreaming about getting gas." Hard Times Connecting consumers in Siberia and the Far East to natural-gas lines has been a dream since Soviet times. Putin made it an issue in his 2004 election campaign, and he has been regularly queried about it during his nationally televised Direct Line question-and-answer sessions. Yet the connection rates remain minuscule: 1 percent in the Irkutsk region and even less in Khakassia, Tyva, and most of Krasnodar Krai. Across the region each winter, officials regularly issued air-quality warnings because of the smog from burning coal. In 2021, children from Minusinsk donned gas masks and recorded video appeals in which they begged Putin to do something about their community's "black skies." Responsibility for the gasification program has primarily fallen to the state-controlled natural-gas monopoly Gazprom, which has reported some progress in the effort in recent years. In January, the government said access to natural gas -- which officials refer to as gasification -- had increased from 73 percent to 73.8 percent in 2023, with 485,000 homes reportedly being connected to the network. At a meeting in the Kremlin in December 2023, Gazprom CEO Aleksei Miller told President Vladimir Putin that the gasification of Russia would "absolutely" be 100 percent completed by 2030. Such optimistic forecasts notwithstanding, Gazprom is facing hard times. Last month, the behemoth reported an annual loss for 2023 of 629 billion rubles ($7.1 billion), its first annual loss in a quarter-century. The revenues lost from sharply declining sales to Europe in the wake of Moscow's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine have not nearly been compensated by increased sales to China, with Beijing -- from a position of strength -- negotiating terms far less lucrative than what Europe has been paying. In 2023, Russia was selling gas to China for $257 per 1,000 cubic meters, while Europe and Turkey were paying $320. A Gazprom-commissioned analysis written in late 2023 said it was unlikely the company would be able to achieve 2020 export levels any earlier than 2035, the Financial Times reported on June 5. Analysts told the paper Gazprom is pressing the government to raise domestic gas prices or provide the company tax breaks or other subsidies. In April, the Russian business daily Kommersant also reported that Gazprom was lobbying the government to "liberalize" domestic gas rates in connection with "the fall in exports since the beginning of military action in Ukraine." Oil-and-gas industry analyst Mikhail Krutikhin told RFE/RL that Moscow and Gazprom are making a mistake by pinning their hopes on sales to China, where future demand is uncertain. Instead of building new infrastructure to sell more gas to Beijing, he argued, Gazprom should look closer to home. "They could be doing something for the domestic market," he told RFE/RL's Russian Service. "They could step up, intensify the gasification of Russian settlements. But this is not happening. Instead, Gazprom goes after another grandiose project that the Chinese haven't even signed off on: the Power of Siberia-2 gas pipeline." 'Not In Our Lifetimes' In March 2023, when the government of Khakassia submitted a gasification plan to the central government comprising three possible ways forward, the Energy Ministry responded that "because of the distance separating Khakassia from the existing gas infrastructure, it is now necessary to consider alternative ways" of reducing the harm from coal heating, including developing electric heating or more modern coal furnaces. "Gasification is not coming," said a resident of the town of Chernogorsk, 5 kilometers north of Abakan. "At least not in our lifetimes. They talk about such projects every year, since some election or another is always happening. I know the process is complicated, but if it isn't going to happen, they shouldn't promise it." A resident of the city of Krasnoyarsk agreed, noting the authorities have also been building a subway system in the city since 1995. "You can see how they are 'building' us a metro and 'bringing' us gas," he said. "We are a city of 1 million people, a region that sends more money to Moscow than it takes. We are pumping gas to China, while we ourselves breathe coal smoke." With reporting by RFE/RL's Russian Service *EDITOR'S NOTE: Some people in this story have not been identified to protect them due to Russia's labeling of RFE/RL as an "undesirable organization." Russia stepped up its military attacks on Ukraine, the General Staff of the Ukrainian military said in its evening assessment on June 16 as the leaders of Ukraine and its supporters wrapped up a two-day peace conference in Switzerland. Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's full-scale invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war in Ukraine, click here. An estimated 88 combat clashes took place during the day, the Ukrainian General Staff said. "Throughout the day, the enemy is intensifying its offensive and assault operations, looking for ways to penetrate our defenses and try to drive Ukrainian units out of their positions," the assessment said. According to the report, the most active area was around the city of Pokrovsk, where the Russian military is attempting to make further advances. Several attacks were ongoing there at the time of the assessment. "In the Pokrovsk area, the Russian troops are not reducing the pace of their offensive. Since the beginning of the day on this part of the front they have attacked Ukrainian defensive lines 36 times. Twenty-five enemy assaults were unsuccessful, another 11 attacks are ongoing," the Ukrainian military said. Russian forces twice attached in the Vovchansk area during the day, firing 16 missiles from the Belgorod region in southern Russia. The Russian military also made 10 attempts to storm Ukrainian positions in the Lyman area and around Kurakhove. Three assaults by the invaders were repulsed by the defense forces, and seven more clashes are ongoing," the summary said, adding that two clashes were ongoing in the Kupyansk area. The General Staff said that since the beginning of the day, Russia lost 54 of its soldiers, one armored fighting vehicle, and a warehouse of ammunition in the Lyman area. The information could not be independently verified. Russia intensified its attacks as representatives of nearly 100 countries attended the peace summit in Switzerland. Russia and China were not among them. Eighty countries and four organizations, including the Council of Europe and the European Commission, joined the the final communique of the meeting. Switzerland will discuss the results of the meeting with Russia, China, and other countries that did not attend, Swiss Foreign Minister Ignatius Cassis said. "We have an active embassy in Moscow, and every two weeks we communicate with the minister of foreign affairs, and we also intend to discuss with Russia the results of this conference," Cassis told a news conference. The Swiss minister said a "detailed discussion" of the results of the conference is planned with those countries that didnt attend, including China, which refused to participate due to the absence of Russia. There are different opinions and ideas about how to continue this path, the path to peace. And these different ideas need to be united in order to find a common way forward," Cassis said. More than 100 Ukrainian women and children have rallied in Switzerland to urge Russia to release all captive Ukrainian soldiers and civilians, including children whom it abducted and gave up for adoption. The protesters gathered in the Swiss city of Lucerne on June 15 as a Ukraine peace summit was being launched in the nearby resort of Burgenstock. Joined by Ukrainians living abroad, the core of the demonstrators came from Ukraine. This group is due to deliver its concerns to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva. Sunday Show at Improteca Today we dive into the vibrant world of improvisation with three extraordinary artists who have journeyed to Romania as part of the Improvising Realities project, hosted by Improteca: Cindy Pittens, Matilda Lindstrom and Michalis Panagiotakis. Sunday Show at Improteca Mihaela Ignatescu, 16.06.2024, 13:30 The IMPROTECA independent improvisation theater in Bucharest hosted over the past two months a cultural residency for three foreign artists, as part of the Improvising Realities project, funded by the European Commission under the Culture Moves Europe programme, implemented by the Goethe Institute. The three international guests are Cindy Pittens from the Netherlands, Matilda Lindstrom from Finland and Michalis Panagiotakis from Greece. So today, we dive into the vibrant world of improvisation with these talented guests, who bring a unique blend of humor, spontaneity, sensitivity and cultural flair to the stage, captivating audiences and bridging cultural divides through the universal language of performance. China is scheduled to release a raft of data on Monday, headlining an otherwise light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. On tap are May figures for house prices, fixed asset investment, industrial production, retail sales and unemployment. In April, house prices fell 3.1 percent on year, while fixed asset investment rose 4.2 percent, industrial production gained 6.7 percent, retail sales added 2.3 percent and the jobless rate was 5.0 percent. Japan will provide April figures for core machinery orders; in March, orders were up 2.9 percent on month and 2.7 percent on year. Finally, the in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia re closed on Monday for Eid-ul-Adha. Malaysia and Singapore will return on Tuesday, while Indonesia is off until Wednesday. 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. New variant launches and glimpses of upcoming products were primary highlights in the 2nd week of June 2024 No big launches were scheduled in the past week. Test mule sightings continued as usual and some OEMs unveiled their upcoming products. Heres a quick review of all the important developments from 9th June to 15th June. 2024 Yamaha Fascino S launched Key updates for 2024 Yamaha Fascino S include three colour options and some new features. The updated scooter is available at a starting price of Rs 94,000. Users can now access the Answer Back function to easily locate their scooter. Suzuki to close Thailand plant Import from India As part of its plans to optimize its global production sites, Suzuki will be closing its Thailand production facility by the end of 2025. However, Suzuki will continue to have a presence in the country. It will be managed via CBU units, imported from Japan, India and ASEAN countries. KTM to launch its big bikes in India Enthusiasts in India will soon be able to ride some of the 500cc+ KTM bikes. Possibilities include the KTM 790 Duke, 990 Duke, 790 Adventure and 890 Adventure. KTM is likely to open exclusive showrooms for its big bikes. Husqvarna big bikes such as Svartpilen 801 and Norden 901 can also be introduced in India. Hyundai Inster EV teased With entry-level electric cars like Punch EV registering strong sales, Hyundai is looking to target this space. A recent teaser reveals the Hyundai Inster EV that is based on Hyundai Casper. Inster has a range of 355 km, as per WLTP standards. Other details are yet to be revealed. Skoda launches Kushaq Onyx Automatic Priced at Rs 13.49 lakh, Onyx 1.0 TSI AT is the most affordable automatic variant of Skoda Kushaq. Earlier, the automatic option was offered with Ambition 1.0 TSI that was priced at Rs 15.84 lakh. Onyx AT is effectively Rs 2.35 lakh cheaper. Along with the automatic gearbox, Onyx trim also comes with paddle shifters. Honda showcases CRF 300 ADV With the ADV segment gaining popularity in India, Honda has plans to introduce some new products in this space. The ADV bikes spotted recently in India include the Honda Sahara 300, CRF300L and CRF300L Rally. However, there is currently no official confirmation from Honda regarding the launch of these bikes in India. Bharat NCAP 5-star rating for Nexon EV, Punch EV Similar to their ICE counterparts, Nexon EV and Punch EV have received 5-star safety rating in Bharat NCAP crash tests. Both Nexon EV and Punch EV are equipped with a comprehensive range of safety features. Bharat NCAP will be revealing crash test ratings of various other cars in the coming weeks. Nissan Magnite was recently spotted at a testing site. 2024 BMW R 1300 GS launched at Rs 20.95 lakh BMW Motorrad has introduced the new R 1300 GS ADV bike in India. It will take on rivals such as Ducati Multistrada V4 and Honda Africa Twin. Three variants are on offer Style Triple Black, Style GS Trophy and 719 Tramuntana. The bike comes to India via the CBU route. JLR EVs to get Chery Exeed platform For its upcoming EVs, JLR will be sourcing electric powertrains from China-based Chery Exeed. Most other Western legacy carmakers have been following a similar strategy of sourcing EV platforms from Chinese OEMs. The benefits come in the form of advanced tech, customization options and cost savings. Fiat Grande Panda sub-4-meter SUV debuts For international markets, Fiat has unveiled the new Grande Panda SUV. It has a retro-inspired crossover design and will be available with electric and hybrid powertrain options. The platform is borrowed from the Citroen C3/e-C3. As of now, Maruti Suzuki Baleno is the only one that lacks a sporty version to rival Tata Altroz Racer and Hyundai i20 N Line The premium hatchback segment is not the flashiest in India. With Honda pulling the plug on Jazz, there are only three offerings left Tata Altroz, Hyundai i20 and Maruti Baleno. However, sportier versions of these premium hatchbacks are getting popular and i20 N Line was the sole hot hatch. It is now challenged by Altroz Racer. At the media drive event held in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, we got to drive and experience the new Altroz Racer on city roads, outskirts, highways and even on a proper race track. Indias first F1 driver, Narain Karthikeyan himself, showed us the true potential of Altroz Racer on CoASTT High Performance Centre. But just how good is it? Should this be your next hot hatchback? Lets find an answer to that question, shall we? What is Altroz Racer? Tata Motors is no stranger to launching high-performance versions of their regular cars. We had Tiago JTP and Tigor JTP with Nexon engines, developed by Jayem Automotives, discontinued in 2020. Tata is re-igniting the spark in petrolheads with a new performance umbrella called Racer and Altroz Racer is the first vehicle to carry this new name. In essence, Racer is to Tata what N Line is to Hyundai and we can expect more Tata vehicles to bear a Racer tag in the future. Looking at you, Nexon. If were being honest, Racer sounds nicer than JTP as well and is more likely to catch on with the target audience. Altroz Racer is targeted at a young and tech-savvy audience that keeps up with trends and prefers to stand out and flaunt their success. How different is it from standard Altroz? Visually, Altroz Racer stands out, especially in the Atomic Orange shade. Less so, with Avenue White and Pure Grey shades. It is to be noted that Orange highlights on the inside and Orange ambient lights are standard, irrespective of exterior colours. All colour options get a black dual-tone roof, blackened C-Pillars, sportier roof spoiler, sporty side skirts, Racer badges on front quarter panel, blackened wheels, and best-of all, a black bonnet and white racing stripes. Quoting esteemed motoring journalist Richard Hammond, Only cool cars get a black bonnet. Objectively, this has to be the coolest mainstream hatchback sold in India. Period. When compared to the recently launched 2024 Altroz with a bump in features and creature comforts, there are a few attributes specific to Altroz Racer. Were talking about 360 camera, leatherette upholstery and ventilated front seats, apart from the aforementioned changes. Main change is under the black bonnet, where Tata Motors is offering a higher-spec 120PS and 170 NM i-Turbo+ 1.2L 3-cylinder Turbo petrol powertrain, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. It boasts similar performance metrics as a Tata Nexon. With the launch of Altroz Racer, Tata has discontinued the 110PS i-Turbo lineup offered with standard Altroz. So, if you want an Altroz with a turbocharged engine or a 6-speed gearbox, you have to buy the Racer. Where pricing is concerned, Altroz Racer starts from Rs 9.5 lakh (Ex-sh) and goes till Rs 10.99 lakh (Ex-sh) as of writing this review. There are three trim levels R1, R2 and R3. Base R1 trim packs almost all necessities, while mid-spec R2 and top-spec R3 trims add a few niceties as you go up the hierarchy. Mechanical upgrades! According to Tata Motors, Altroz Racer has had a lot of mechanical upgrades over standard model. Tata collaborated with Indias first F1 driver, Narain Karthikeyan, for inputs to develop the sportier version of Altroz to achieve the desired ride and handling characteristics. Tata Motors has thoroughly worked on a new and throatier exhaust muffler and a new hydraulic clutch control system, re-tuned cars suspension and fine-tuned cars steering for nimble manoeuvring, sporty performance, fast build-up of pace and accurate feedback. So, Altroz Racer is not just a pretty face. It has the works and there was only one way to find out if they work, a track session with none other than Narain Karthikeyan, himself. Pushing it to the limits, Karthikeyan demonstrated Altroz Racers capabilities around CoASTT High Performance Centre in Coimbatore. We got to experience how much more fun the car was, first-hand, at the track. According to Karthikeyan, Altroz Racer was benchmarked against i20 N Line on the same track and it surpassed the Hyundai in performance. There is a sole 6-speed manual gearbox on offer and it makes the whole experience more engaging. Not exactly quicker, but more engaging. We wish Tata had offered Nexons 7-speed DCA with Altroz Racer. On the track, we felt that gear ratios on Altroz Racer between 2nd and 3rd gear were on the taller side. In many instances, 3rd gear would lack grunt and 2nd gear just slapped me with torque. Drive and Handling Tata Motors claims a 0-100 km/h sprint in 11.3 seconds. Altroz Racer engineering team told us that there have been quicker sprints (even sub 10 seconds) depending on conditions. But 11.3 seconds to 100 km/h is what the official claim is. Coincidentally, thats almost the same number we achieved on our acceleration tests as well. 11.32 seconds! (speedo-indicated 100 km/h reading). Just because it is composed around a track, doesnt mean that Altroz Racer has a wooden suspension when driving on regular roads. That is not the case at all. Tata is known to nail suspension setups in most of their vehicles and offers robust and comfortable rides with a commendable capacity to tackle bumps and potholes. Same stays true with Altroz Racer too. This is a commendable move, considering 99% of Altroz Racer drivers drive it on regular roads instead of a track. Throatier exhaust sounds much better than standard model. It feels the throatiest when idling and mild to intermediate throttle inputs. At full throttle, engine noise supercedes the exhaust sound and we can hear quite a bit of turbo spooling noisesl. High-speed driving on the highways revealed that wind noise, tyre noise and suspension noises were decently low and par for the segment. Space and Features Underneath the sportier clothing, Altroz Racer is still an Altroz and carries forward all of its strengths and positives. There was abundant space on the inside, both for front and rear passengers and the car comes with many creature comforts like fully automatic climate control, sliding front armrest, foldable rear armrest, all-four adjustable headrests, height adjustable drivers seat, cooled glovebox that is also quite large and accommodating, 345L boot space, 90-degree opening front and rear doors and many more. There is a sunroof too, if youre into that. New features that debuted with Altroz Racer are a larger free-standing 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a larger fully digital instrument cluster with a 7-inch TFT screen in the middle, a wireless charger, ventilated seats, an air purifier and 6 airbags, among others. Except for ventilated seats and leatherette upholstery, standard 2024 Altroz gets these features too. A few reservations! Even though we had an overall positive experience with Altroz Racer, there were a few reservations and concerns that we raised with Altroz Racers product team. Also, Altroz is due for an update to continue adhering to its Gold Standard tagline and some of our reservations are likely to be addressed in that facelift. 1. We wish Altroz and Altroz Racer had LED lighting all around to match its overall sporty appeal. Especially those large quarter panel mounted halogen turn indicators, which are an eyesore. 2. Altroz Racer could have had disc brakes at the rear. Despite having adequate braking power, rear disc brakes add that visual appeal over tiny drum brakes. It is almost like Altroz Racer forgot to hit leg muscles at the gym. 3. Considering Altroz Racer is touted as a sporty car, we would have liked a lower drivers seating position. When wearing a helmet on the track, I grazed the roof many times despite being in the lowest seating position and not even sitting straight up. For reference, I am 6 feet tall (182 cm). 4. Punch EV is a smaller car without a premium tag, but it still gets a larger 10.2-inch single-piece instrument screen that supports full-screen navigation and other attributes. Given that Altroz Racer is marketed as a Premium Hatchback, this screen would have made a lot of sense here. 5. Altroz is the successor of Indica Vista which used to come with a fair bit of soft-touch plastics. Top half of Vistas dashboard and top elements of all four interior door trims had soft-touch elements. Hard to believe, right? I know this because I still own one. So, why not Altroz? 6. White stripes are officially confirmed to be decals, but the black dual-tone roof and black bonnet were decals in the test drive units. Altroz Racer product team mentioned that the media samples given to us were pre-production units and production-spec vehicles would get painted black bonnet and roof. 7. Tata has come a long way in interior fit and finish and overall quality. However, a few door seals had begun to show cracks and in some places, these seals had come off their position too. Also, there were a few abnormal panel gaps here and there inside and out. Hopefully, these are limited to the pre-production samples only. 8. Lack of an automatic gearbox is likely to haunt Altroz Racer. Especially considering most of the tech-savvy audience the company is targeting, are city dwellers and would appreciate an auto gearbox option. Tata Motors told us that they are considering an automatic option soon and we hope it is the same 7-speed DCA unit as seen on Nexon. The 6-speed manual gearbox on Altroz Racer is surprisingly notchy and has slightly longer throws than what would be considered sporty. Even my non-sporty Renault Captur has much shorter throws. 9. More colour options would have made Altroz Racer look better for wider audience. Many of us would have liked an all-black theme with red sporty highlights inside and out. Tata is considering something similar in the form of Altroz Racer Dark and we speculate it could launch around festive season. Matte-red and matte-blue options would look rad on this vehicle. Maybe match the interior highlights with exterior colours too, Tata Motors? 10. The infotainment screen had a few bugs and irregularities and it wasnt working as expected. Conclusion Tata Motors has done a commendable job in carving out a sporty version of its premium hatchback. It gets more features, creature comforts, performance and flash value than ever before and is a very well-rounded package. The safety and integrity of Altroz are unrivalled and it is the only 5 Star crash-rated mainstream hatchback in India, ever. Sure, it has a few niggles here and there. But none of them can be coined as a deal breaker, except for the lack of an automatic gearbox, of course. So, should a Tata Altroz Racer belong on your manual hatchback buying shortlist? A big yes! This is now one of my easiest recommendations to most young car buyers looking for a manual gearbox hatchback. Editors note: Welcome to Inside Out, our weekly roundup of stories about Staten Islanders of all ages who are making waves, being seen, supporting our community and just making our borough a special place to live. Have a story for Inside Out? Email Carol Ann Benanti at cbenanti@siadvance.com. At the Iron Hills Civic Association's Summer Meeting and Barbecue are from the left, David Lehr, of counsel, Dr. Philip Otterbeck, vice president Dr. Mohammad Khalid, president, NYPD Detective Kevin Medefindt, honoree, Councilman David M. Carr, honoree, Sherry Diamond, honoree, Carol Ann Benanti, co-chairwoman and a board of director member, Richard Coyle, a representative from Assemblyman Michael Tanoussis's office, and Nina Salerno, a representative from State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton's office. (Courtesy of Steve White)Steve White STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Each year the Iron Hills Civic Association plays host to its annual Summer Meeting and Luncheon with a gathering of members and friends at the Richmond County Country Club. Dr. Mohammad Khalid, organization president since 1996, conducts a formal ceremony to update members in regard to by-laws, security issues and community concerns, a prelude to a formal ceremony that recognizes community leaders. The event also is the organizations way of expressing gratitude to its board of directors, chaired by Dr. Ramanathan Raju, for their support over the past year. Honored for their service to community during the afternoons event were Councilman David M. Carr, Sherry Diamond, district director for Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, and Detective Kevin Medefindt, NYPD Patrol Borough of Staten Island community affairs officer. The Iron Hills Civic Association hosts these events as a way to have members of the community join together and become informed as to updates on quality of life issues, said Dr. Khalid. The issues include addressing security matters and other areas of concern that should be addressed. And we offer ways to solve them in the best interest of our community. The event also brings together new neighbors and current members who socialize and get to known more about one another. The association also recognizes officials who have offered their assistance throughout the years. And the event also presents an opportunity for us to thank them for their kindness and service to community. Dr. Philip Otterbeck, chairman of the Department of Medicine at Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC), where he also serves at the chief of the Division of Endocrinology, was installed as the vice president of the Iron Hills Civic Association. Staten Island is so special, its people and this civic association led by Dr. Khalid, Dr. Otterbeck said. I wonder what the area would be like without the Iron Hills Civic Association. We live in the community and my medical practice is here and we all have all have special interest in the community of Staten Island a community like no other. Thanks you all for the privilege of serving. A LITTLE ABOUT THE HONOREES CITY COUNCILMAN DAVID M. CARR Carr represents the Mid-Islands 50th District. He began getting involved in campaigns at the age of 10. He handled constituent services in the House of Representatives and eventually became the chief of staff to then-Assemblyman Joseph Borelli. Councilman David M. Carr. (Courtesy of Steve White) Steve White Carr went on to serve in that role for former City Council Minority Leader Steve Matteo in 2014. As a focal point of the Mid-Island Council office, Carr managed a broad range of issues from constituent and community matters, to moving legislation in City Hall. In less than seven years, he helped negotiate the passage of 27 of Matteos bills. He also worked closely with many community organizations and city agencies to help the Council member allocate funding and capital resources. He served as chief of staff to Matteo for eight years until his election to the council in November of 2021. From the left, Dr. Philip Otterbeck, Dr. Ramanathan Raju, chair of the board of directors, Councilman David M. Carr, honoree, Dr. Mohammad Khalid, David Lehr, Rosanne Clift, co-chairwoman and Carol Ann Benanti, co-chairwoman and a board of director member. (Courtesy of Steve White)Steve White It was my honor to receive this award from the Iron Hills Civic Association, said Carr. I learned from my predecessors that the fight for a better quality of life begins on your block. My team and I work every day to address the concerns of neighborhood residents and bring critical resources to Staten Island whether be for major infrastructure or impactful programming that serves our borough. I am very proud to have gotten a commitment for a K-8 Gifted and Talented school at Villa, the first ever for Staten Island. Most importantly, I promise to continue to support one of our communitys most important pillars - the NYPD. Their efforts are critical to civil society, and I will always have their backs. Thank you to Dr. Khalid and the entire Iron Hills Board for this honor and for their partnership. SHERRY DIAMOND Diamond currently serves as district director for Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, where she oversees district office operations, emphasizing constituent service and advocating for the community. For more than 30 years, Diamond assisted the residents of Staten Island and Brooklyn in both the public and private sectors. Sherry Diamond. (Courtesy of Steve White)Steve White She began her career in public service in 1994 when she served as former Councilman Vito Fossellas executive assistant and helped to coordinate the Readers are Leaders Reading Challenge. In 1998, she was named district director for Congressman Vito Fossella. For 10 years she oversaw the district officers on Staten Island and in Brooklyn, where she concentrated on constituent services along with local and federal issues. Sherry Diamond, honoree, center left, with staffers from the office of Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, and members and friends of the Iron Hills Civic Association. (Courtesy of Steve White)Steve White In 2009, she was named Staten Island director for Mayor Michael Bloombergs re-election campaign and in 2013 she joined John Catsimatidiss mayoral campaign. After the campaign, she remained with the Red Apple Group as Catsimatidiss director of government relations. A Staten Island native, Diamond lives on Staten Island with her partner Murray Berman. She is the proud mother of five children and seven grandchildren. Working to help the people of Staten Island is something I love doing and it is such an honor to be recognized by Dr. Khalid and the Iron Hill Civic Association for that, said Diamond. But I must thank the wonderful bosses I have had throughout my career who showed me, by example, the best of community service. My current boss, Congresswoman Malliotakis, who has put constituent services at the forefront of her career, Borough President Vito Fossella who taught me so much about government and community service and my friend, John Catsimatidis, whose kindness and support of others is extraordinary. KEVIN MEDEFINDT Mendefindt joined the NYPD in July of 1999, was promoted to detective in 2009, to detective second grade in 2016 and to detective first grade in 2021. Honoree NYPD Detective Kevin Medefindt (Courtesy of Steve White)Steve White Mendfindt was the community affairs officer at the 122nd Police Precinct from November 2004 until he was transferred to Community Affairs Patrol Borough Staten Island in September 2021. NYPD Detective Kevin Medefindt, center right and his family, retired Borough Commander Toscano (Tony) Simonetti, center, members of the NYPD, Medefindt's family and members of the Iron Hills Civic Association. (Courtesy of Steve White)Steve White He is retiring in July after 25 years of service with the NYPD. A Westerleigh resident, Mendefindt is a graduate of St. Peters Boys High School and Kingsborough Community College, where he received a degree in fisheries and marine technology. The community of Staten Island is like no other, he said. Sometimes I received phone calls in the middle of the night. But thats OK. Because Ive had a great career. And my heart is in Staten Island. It was an honor to be a police officer her. I know if youve dealt with the police youve in a bad time. I was happy to help. And anyone who needs me anytime can call me. Former Borough Commander Toscano (Tony) Simonetti was on hand to present the award to Medefindt: I know all of the good work that Kevin does on Staten Island, he said. We have good people running the command. And its going to continue. We are fortunate to have our politicians serving us. Weve had a good friendship throughout the years. I served for 46 years. Staten Island is different from the other boroughs. We are fortunate to live here and do business here. It takes a good community to keep that going. The police are here to serve you. And we are so blessed to have people here like Dr. Khalid. A LITTLE ABOUT THE IRON HILLS CIVIC ASSOCIATION The Iron Hills Civic Association Inc. was established in 1964 and covers most of the Todt Hill and Dongan Hills Colony area. Today close to 1,200 members compose the group. The founders of this civic association chose the name Iron Hills because of the history of the many iron mines in the area centuries ago. The Iron Hills Civic Association is focused on the quality of life issues of the community. Besides being a watchdog group for the area, the leadership and members support civic matters and charitable work. CELEBRATIONS - JUNE 16 TO JUNE 22 JUNE 16 Happy Fathers Day birthday to Concetta Cioffi, Bob Ryan, Laura Acito and her grandson Anthony Kraker who turns 20, Adam Rosa, Paul Glazewski, Julia Andreu and Michelle Mahoney. Happy wedding anniversary Sunday to Edward and Debra Morri. JUNE 17 Birthday greetings Monday are in order today for Joe Piazza, Karen Miraglia, Marianna Giardiello, Diane Diefenthaler, Christopher Armstrong, Chris LaCata and Michael Angelo Petruzzi. JUNE 18 The happiest of birthdays Tuesday to Dr. Larry Arann and Ann Marie Barron, Laura Mazza, Alan Hassell, Mike Polsney, Beth Reilly, Joseph John Ribertelli, Anthony DiCostanzo, Erin Parker, twins Lisa and Michael Pellee and Dana Leclaire. JUNE 19 Wednesday is birthday time for Jim McGinley, Philip Vincent Nielsen, who turns 13 year-old, Christian Dugan celebrates his 29th, Anthony Venturella, Kevin John Beyar, and Cynthia Turrisi. Happy wedding anniversary Wednesday to Irene and Dick Andersen who mark their 40th. (2016) JUNE 20 Birthday best Thursday to to Marion E. Widener, Erik Sorensen, Harry Kashuck, Dr. Karen Costa and triplets Albert, Andrew and Amanda Maddalena. Happy wedding anniversary Thursday to Aurelia and Al Curtis. JUNE 21 Happy birthday Friday to Kenneth Persch, Jared Cauldwell, Tom O Keefe, Robert Costantino, Diane Doucette, and John M. Haas who turns 24. JUNE 22 Heading the birthday list Saturday is Bonnie Bibula, Maggie Riccardi, Lester Puci, Michele Byrne-McGowan and Jennifer Fox. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. After almost three years, Staten Islands very own pop-punk band, Persei, has released a debut album, Whats Left Inside, as an anthem to the struggles of growing through your 20s. The five-member band consists of Jonathan Cutrona and Mike Maldarelli on vocals and guitar, Nick Millus on guitar, Andrew Maino on bass, and Sergio Gorno on vocals and drums. The members first met in the marching band program at Tottenville High School, where they began their musical journey. They then proceeded to release singles and now an album. The whole theme is growing through your 20s, growing up,' said Gorno. A lot of the stuff going on in our life is reminiscent of that, mainly dealing with the reality that we arent kids anymore and life is going to be difficult. Together for six years, the band members have experienced various stages of life, like marriage and kids, each adding to the albums theme of growing up. Before the albums release on May 31, Persei released three singles, Not Okay, Faith, and then Broken Inside. With about 13 to 14 songs written, they released an album of 10 of their catchiest songs. Most of the songs we chose were no-brainers, said Gorno. Its what songs we thought were the best. Although not yet set in stone, the band members hope to perform in venues in and outside of New York, wanting the chance to play their new and favorite songs live. My personal favorite song is Not Okay,' said Gorno. A close second is Hiding My Face because its kind of like a medley of everything. Its got the hard-hitting, pop-punky alternative chorus; type of stuff thats a little bit darker then lightens up at the end and has a lot of different instrumentals that happen at the same time. Of the new ones, thats my favorite. After coming together six years ago, the band members are proud to be doing what they love and sharing it with the world, they said, finding it difficult to imagine their lives without music. A part of me hoped Id still be making music because in high school it was so ingrained in our everyday lives,' Gorno said. When we graduated, it wasnt every minute of every day, so it was a big adjustment period for me. So, when Jay (Cutrona) asked me to help him put together some songs on drums, I missed it and wanted it to be my every day again. Perseis new album can be streamed on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and other major platforms. Check out the band on Facebook, Instagram, and X. A former Catholic monastery that has been a Camden landmark since the early 1900s is being demolished to make way for parking lots for a nearby hospital. The historic stone structure, known as the Dominican Monastery of the Holy Rosary, was a home for nuns before it closed in December 2013 after a farewell Mass. The cloistered sisters were once known for taking turns praying the rosary 24 hours a day, seven days a week behind the monastery walls. The structure will be demolished to make room for a new parking lot and other renovations at nearby Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, a spokesperson said. The renovations will include new private patient rooms. Virtua, the owner of the former monastery, started clearing the site this spring, removing what remains on the lot. These structures, including a former monastery, have been uninhabited since 2014 and present extensive health and safety concerns, Daniel Moise, a spokesperson for Virtua Health, said in a statement. The buildings are being demolished because they are beyond salvageable, deemed unsafe and are in a state of severe disrepair, Moise said. Numerous items, including the monasterys stained glass windows, have been saved and donated to the Diocese of Camden, which serves the Catholic community in South Jersey. Virtua will also be preserving some of the stone from the property to incorporate it into the hospitals renovations, officials said. The Dominican Monastery of the Holy Rosary shuttered in 2013 after 113 years of service, the Diocese of Camden reported that year. At one time, the monastery housed 30 nuns. However, as numbers decreased, it eventually closed its doors. The final three sisters who were living there relocated to a similar monastery in New York, according to the Diocese of Camden. While the sisters living at the monastery had little contact with the outside world and rarely left the grounds, the chapel was open to anyone who wanted to attend Mass there, the Diocese of Camden reported. In April, Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital hosted a ceremony to honor the legacy of the site and announce its future renovations. Neighbors living near the property and hospital have received regular updates about the construction work, according to officials. A spokesperson for Virtua Health did not provide a timeline for when the monasterys demolition will be completed. Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital intends to honor its Catholic legacy by keeping the Our Lady statue atop the hospital, both during and after renovations, a spokesperson said. The hospitals chapel will also continue to be a place for prayer, gathering and reflection, Moise said. As we map out our future, we also intend to honor our legacy most notably the statue of Our Lady that serves as a beacon for Camden residents and the wider region, Moise said. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. When it comes to mental health, the smallest of remedies can have a tremendous impact. The participants at ArchCare Senior Life experienced this firsthand as as their once-therapists who came in size miniature and in the form of horses brought much needed comfort and emotional support. This therapy will resume come June 27. In Feb. 2019, the St. George wellness center organized the first ever miniature horses therapy. More than a dozen senior citizens hearts were captured upon the arrival of the animals, who go by the names Aidan and Pearl. The site has long served as a home for participants in the community to experience social events, this occasion being favored among the crowd with the help of the unconventional visitors. While the COVID-19 pandemic implemented a prolonged pause on some of the activities that regularly took place, the success of the first visit has encouraged a resurgence in the program. Therapy horses comfort participants at ArchCare Senior Life in St. George on Feb. 19, 2019. (Staten Island Advance/Victoria Priola) Staten Island Advance/ Victoria Priola On Thursday June 27, the senior citizens at ArchCare Senior Life will once again be greeted by the miniature horses, offering affection and receiving it in return. The animals will make their rounds from 10:30 a.m. to noon through the assistance of The Carl V. Bini Memorial Fund, sponsor of the event. The Carl V. Bini Memorial Fund was established in the memory of Carl Vincent Bini, an 18-year veteran New York City firefighter assigned to Rescue 5 who lost his life on Sept. 11, 2001. To honor his personal mission of helping others, the organization seeks to build up the Staten Island community through efforts of charity, such as programs and sponsorship. Therapy horses comfort participants at ArchCare Senior Life in St. George on Feb. 19, 2019. (Staten Island Advance/Victoria Priola) Staten Island Advance/ Victoria Priola Participants and staff alike are enthusiastic about the animals reappearance, as their introduction to the center brought about an undeniable sense of comfort. Lauren Abate, who serves as manager at the wellness center, attended the first event and considers it to be one of the best programs that ArchCare has ever had. While small in stature, the miniature horses will hopefully lead to a big difference in the mental wellness of the senior citizens who attend, as they did pre-pandemic. With no COVID restrictions and a sponsor to back us, we are finally able to host the event again, and were very excited, said Abate. Below is a glimpse at the first therapy event, held at ArchCare Senior Life Wellness center in 2019. You can reach the nonprofit organization that is sponsoring the event at info@binifund.org. Therapy horses comfort participants at ArchCare Senior Life in St. George on Feb. 19, 2019. Horses Aiden and Pearl meet for a moment to "make sure the other is OK," handlers say. (Staten Island Advance/Victoria Priola) Staten Island Advance/ Victoria Priola Therapy horses comfort participants at ArchCare Senior Life in St. George on Feb. 19, 2019. (Staten Island Advance/Victoria Priola) Staten Island Advance/ Victoria Priola Therapy horses comfort participants at ArchCare Senior Life in St. George on Feb. 19, 2019. Pictured is Pietro Mione petting the horse. (Staten Island Advance/Victoria Priola) Staten Island Advance/ Victoria Priola STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The summer heat is coming, Staten Island. Today may be pleasant with temperatures reaching about 74 degrees according to the AccuWeather website, but the summer seasons first heatwave is looming. Its not going to be unbearable initially, Senior AccuWeather meteorologist Tom Kines said. The high 80s will be our high-temperature friends for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, according to Kines. The highs will be 84 degrees, 85 degrees and 86 degrees each day, respectively, with no chance of rain coming in to cool things off. Thursday, when summer officially kicks off with the summer solstice, is when things really start to heat up. The high, as seen on the AccuWeather website, is 90 degrees. If we dont hit that mark on Thursday, Kines said we will assuredly be in the 90s on Friday and into the weekend. But as you move inland, Kines cautioned that the temperatures will only get hotter. Thats why he recommends staying by the water this week, if possible. Beach or pool day, anyone? On top of that, Kines said that there is a potential for record-breaking heat on top of above-average temperatures we will be experiencing. Were getting into that part of the year where we can get temperatures upper to the 90s, Kines said. Thats why hes encouraging residents to wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, try to avoid outdoor afternoon activities if possible drinks lots of water, and check in on older folks in the community. Previous Advance/SILive.co reporting states that temperatures on the borough will run 2 to 3 degrees above the historical average from June through August this summer, while locations in western and northern New York will run at least 3 to 4 degrees above normal. In fact, AccuWeather forecasted in May that New York City will see double the number of 90-degree days compared to last year. In 2023, AccuWeather said there were only 12 days in the city that reached 90 degrees this year that number could fly up to 21 to 26 days of brutal heat. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A large number of Pride flags were destroyed after they were taken from an LGBTQ+ monument in Downtown Manhattan this week, according to the NYPD. On Thursday at 8 p.m., the NYPD received a report that flags were removed from the Stonewall National Monument on Christopher Street in Greenwich Village and destroyed. Police said the individual fled the scene to parts unknown after destroying the flag. The NYPD confirmed to the Gothamist on Saturday that approximately 160 flags were stolen and damaged. Police said they have not identified a suspect or made any arrests in connection with the incident. They also said that no injuries were reported. The sought-after individual is described by police as a male with a dark complexion who was last seen wearing a gray sweater, dark pants, black and white sneakers, and carrying a black bookbag. According to the Gothamist, the incident marks the second year that the monuments flags were vandalized during Pride Month. In this 1937 photo of Romana Plaza, the dome of the former Agudas Achim synagogue building is visible in the background. UTSA Special Collections In a photo with your March 3 column, in the background to the left of the M&S hospital is the dome of an old synagogue. Its where the M&S Tower sits today on Main Avenue. It would be interesting to know the name and when built and when sold to the Baptist Hospital. Paul MacNamee, Granbury Thats the second building of Congregation Agudas Achim, chartered in 1889 and now in its fourth permanent premises at 16550 Huebner Road. Originally Orthodox and now Conservative, the congregation started on West Commerce Street and built its first synagogue at Aubrey and Guilbeau streets. Designed by architect J. Riely Gordon, known for his Texas courthouses including Bexar Countys, the synagogue was dedicated in 1898. That location was damaged by the Great Flood of 1921, and Agudas Achim moved temporarily to rented rooms while raising funds for the building you ask about. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The congregation already had outgrown its first purpose-built home and had purchased property on Main Avenue at Quincy Street. Then-Rabbi Nathan Gerstein told the San Antonio Light, April 25, 1918, that the Guilbeau Street synagogue had a seating capacity for less than one-half the members, so great (had) been the increase in the last five years. A rendering of the Agudas Achim synagogue on Main Avenue at Quincy Street shows a blend of Moorish and Oriental influences. This building was the congregations home until it moved in 1955 to another new building on Donaldson Avenue at St. Cloud. File illustration Gerstein said the new building would be among the most up-to-date structures of this country, with an adjoining Hebrew Institute fronting on Quincy Street the forerunner of the Jewish Community Center would be what the YMCA is to the Christian churches. The new synagogue had all modern conveniences and was of Moorish and Oriental design, says the San Antonio Express, Sept. 22, 1923, with domes and arched windows. John M. Marriott (1879-1957) was the architect; some of his other local projects were San Antonios Fire Station No. 1, officers quarters at Randolph Field, a new (1940) wing for the St. Anthony Hotel and the Olmos Theater. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Congregation Agudas Achim, shown here in the 1950s at 1201 Donaldson Ave., began in 1889 and evolved from being an Orthodox congregation to a Conservative synagogue. UTSA Special Collections Once again, the congregation outgrew this new structure. Agudas Achim purchased a large tract on Donaldson and St. Cloud avenues, near Jefferson High School, in what was then the heart of the Jewish community, says a history on its website, www.agudas-achim.org, and moved to its next new synagogue in 1954. Following population trends, it moved once more in 1996 to its present synagogue. The Jewish Community Center remained at 112 E. Quincy St. until its next building was dedicated in 1958 at 215 Rampart Drive. Meanwhile, as described in this column, Dec. 12, 2015, Medical and Surgical or M&S Hospital at 215 Camden St. a few blocks from Agudas Achim on Main merged in 1945 with Physicians and Surgeons or P&S Hospital at nearby 111 Dallas St. The combined institution was acquired in 1948 by the Southern Baptist Convention, which renamed it Baptist Memorial Hospital (now Baptist Health System) and continued growing in the area. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Medical and Surgical Memorial Hospital at 215 Camden St. is now part of Baptist Health Systems downtown campus. UTSA Special Collections Although the former M&S had become a nonprofit entity in the 1930s, it was still perceived as a private business, founded in 1927 by a physicians group. Because it was started by doctors, CEO Marshall Eskridge told the Light, Feb. 18, 1948, It has been impossible to educate the public to the idea that it is a nonprofit organization. M&S wanted to build an additional 100-bed facility but had trouble securing grants, gifts and endowments. The board accepted the Baptists offer in the public interest. An early 1960s postcard image of Baptist Memorial Hospital (now Baptist Health System) shows the former M&S Hospital at left, connected to the rest of the downtown medical complex by a walkway. Courtesy Joseph A. Cooper/www.thealamocity.com Space for doctors offices also was needed for the burgeoning downtown medical complex, and ground was broken in 1963 for the M&S Tower office building. Eight stories tall, the tower held not only doctors offices but laboratories, facilities for X-rays and physical therapy, a drugstore and a snack bar. Covered rampways were built to connect it to Baptist Memorial Hospital. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Clinton, N.Y. Two men who died in a manure tanker accident in Central New York were firefighters, farmers and good friends. Nathan Doody, 33, of DeRuyter, and Tyler Memory, 29, of Tully, were found unconscious Thursday morning inside a manure tanker at Champion Farm in Clinton, police said. They were transported to the Wynn Hospital in Utica, where they were pronounced dead, police said. The men worked for Dairy Support Services, a contracting company that plants, fertilizes and harvests for farms, said Scott Potter, the owner. Memory just started working there this spring and Doody started in 2015, Potter said. Doody and Memory were volunteer firefighters. Doody was a member of the Cuyler department in Cortland County and Memory of the Tully department in Onondaga County. For both men, volunteering with the fire department was a family affair. He married into the department, Cuyler Fire Chief Adam Daley said about Doody. Doodys wife and her family are volunteers for the same department, he said. Doody is survived by his wife and two little girls, Daley said. He joined the department in 2014. Outside of volunteering, he worked as a truck driver, a skill that helped the fire department as well, Daley said. He was a great guy who was always willing to help, Daley said. He always enjoyed the fundraisers and parades the department was involved in because kids would be there, he said. Doody also enjoyed the pushball competitions between departments. Memorys family was involved in firefighting as well. You cant start until youre 14 but he started when he was four, said Kim Memory, Taylor Memorys mom. He grew up in the fire department. Taylor Memorys father was a Tully fire chief and as a young boy he would ride in the truck with his dad, she said. Once he was old enough to be an official firefighter, he would be at every scene, she said. Hed get a call and hop on his bike, pedaling over to the station, often beating members who were driving over, she said. It didnt matter what the scene was, he was there. When there was bad weather, he would wait at the station to be ready to help, she said. Taylor Memory also loved farming because it was a freedom for him, his mom said. As a boy he was bullied for having special needs, she said. In farming and firefighting, there is no judgment. He had three families; a home family, fire family, and farm family, Kim Memory said. Doody and Memory were friends, she said. They died doing their job. Well never know what happened, she said. The gasses were just too strong. Kim Memory said the hospital told them both men were overwhelmed by the gasses and that they both probably went into the tanker. Manure can give off several gasses, including hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane, and ammonia, said Dan Neenan, director at the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety. Hydrogen sulfide is the most dangerous gas. In high concentrations, causes unconsciousness, respiratory failure and death within minutes, Neenan said. Manure is dangerous 24/7, 365, but it becomes more dangerous when you agitate it, Neenan said. If Memory and Doody were moving manure into the tanker, then it has been agitated into a slurry, a mix of liquids and solids, he said. Thats when gases, like hydrogen sulfide, start to bubble up and potentially expel, he said. Kim Memory called Doody and Memorys death an unforeseen and unusual accident. She said she has been struggling with her sons death, at times finding it hard to breathe. Community members have reached out about her son, sharing stories and compliments about him. Now Im learning how many other people thought he was incredible, she said. Which, as a mom, is what you want to hear. *** Memory GoFundMe Doody GoFundMe STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. New York City public school students will have the day off on Monday, June 17. The city Department of Education (DOE) academic 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. Schools will be closed on Monday, June 17, for Eid al-Adha. This is a Muslim holiday that revolves around the concept of sacrifice, also meaning Festival or Feast of Sacrifice. Many Muslims in the United States usually celebrate Eid al-Adha with prayer, giving to charity, and enjoying a festive meal. Students will return to classes on Tuesday, June 18. Students still have one day off from school before the end of the 2023-2024 academic year, according to the school calendar. That includes time off on Wednesday, June 19, for Juneteenth. The last day of classes for New York City public schools is Wednesday, June 26. On Thursday at 10:38 a.m. the National Weather Service issued an updated heat advisory in effect until 8 p.m. for Niagara, Orleans, Erie, Genesee, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany counties. The weather service states, "Heat index values in the mid to upper 90s." "Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat related illnesses to occur," states the weather service. Tips from the weather service for staying safe during a heat wave Stay hydrated: Remember to drink plenty of fluids. Find cool shelter: Opt for an air-conditioned room to stay comfortable. Avoid sun exposure: Stay out of the sun, and make sure to check up on relatives and neighbors. Child and pet safety: Be vigilant about never leaving young children and pets in vehicles without supervision, especially during periods of intense heat, as car interiors can quickly become extremely hot. Caution outdoors: If you work or spend time outside, be sure to take additional safety measures. Time your activities wisely: If possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening when the heat is less intense. Recognize heat-related issues: Familiarize yourself with warning signs and how tp recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Dress comfortably: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing to stay comfortable. Additional tips for outdoor workers: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas for outdoor workers. If someone is overwhelmed by the heat, swiftly relocate them to a cool, shaded location. In emergencies, call 911 for immediate assistance. These NWS heat safety recommendations are vital for your well-being during periods of high temperatures. Stay informed and take the necessary steps to protect yourself and others from the heat's potentially dangerous effects. Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service. The hole was designed to test for near-surface, high-grade copper and to expand western and down-dip extensions of previously-reported high-grade copper-moly intercepts. Culpeo acquired the 5.5-square-kilometre Lana Corina ground from SCM Antares in March 2022. It was drawn to the project by its past production, big copper hits by previous explorers, its perceived low-risk, low-altitude and proximity to good infrastructure and access. The operation encloses a copper-bearing porphyry intrusive with upper-level high-grade, copper-rich breccia pipes and it has a historic production of about 1 million tonnes running from 1.5 to 2.5 per cent copper. In June 2022, the company reported multiple high-grade intercepts from initial drilling, in addition to a new breccia pipe west of the Lana pipe. It was followed in January last year by more long, high-grade copper-moly runs. Culpeo undertook its first systematic geochemical survey between February and March last year along 3km of the north-east-striking key structural zone, in a bid to find prospective copper-bearing surface breccias, alteration, geochemical and structural drill targets. In March this year, the company reported that drilling along the 3km prospective corridor had intersected 257m at 1.1 per cent copper equivalent from 170m, 173m going 1.09 per cent from 313m and 169m at 1.21 per cent from 239m. A month later, it revealed it had kicked off 2000m of diamond drilling at Lana Corina to test the broad zones of high- grade copper-moly identified in the 3km-wide corridor, with that program yielding the latest intercept. Wildcat Resources Tabba Tabba project Pilbara region, Western Australia Hit: 105.3m at 1.1 per cent lithium oxide from 213.7m Wildcat has put 228 holes for more than 90,300m of combined reverse-circulation (RC) and diamond drilling into its Tabba Tabba project since it began work on the project. The locality has been prospected for decades for its range of pegmatite-hosted minerals that include tin, tantalite, niobium, rare earths and lithium. In mid-May last year, Wildcat flagged it would acquire 100 per cent of Tabba Tabba from Global Advanced Metals, noting at the time from historical data that it hosted a high-grade tantalum deposit with an estimated mineral resource of 318,000 tonnes at 950ppm tantalum pentoxide. Tabba Tabba lies about 60km from Mineral Resources Wodgina lithium project and largely within 40km from Pilbara Minerals world-class Pilgangoora lithium project. Wildcat kicked off field exploration at the end of May last year in preparation for a maiden drilling program and, with the assistance of a drone survey, soon identified new pegmatites and extensions to known pegmatites. The company mobilised a rig and launched its drilling the following July, then sooled a second rig into the fray in early August. Mid-September saw Wildcat reveal a major lithium discovery, citing a best RC drill hit of 85m at 1.1 per cent lithium oxide, including 59m going 1.5 per cent lithium oxide, from a pegmatite cluster. A month later, it announced it had completed its acquisition of the project and also unveiled more drill results. The Leia pegmatite produced the best results, including 52m at 1.3 per cent lithium oxide from 117m in one hole and 35m at 1.5 per cent lithium oxide from 200m in another. Back then, the strike length of Leia was said to be more than 1.5km. Then the company began diamond drilling to test it further, targeting down-dip and plunge extensions of the thicker lithium zones. The Leia pegmatite is a strike-persistent, tabular, spodumene-dominant body that has now been extended to more than 2.2km long. It has thrown up a bevy of thick, high-grade zones, many intercepts exceeding 50m true width and assays exceeding 1.3 per cent lithium oxide. In just over a year since the initial project acquisition, Wildcat has massively advanced Tabba Tabba to the point where it can legitimately be designated a significant lithium pegmatite camp. Spartan Resources Dalgaranga project has been transformed by its new deep, high-grade gold discovery at the Never Never zone next to the Gilbeys system. Credit: Supplies Spartan Resources Dalgaranga project, Mid West region, WA. Hit: 19.67m at 19.43g/t gold from 765.33m Spartans recent high-grade hit, that also includes 3.74m at 62.98g/t gold, raises an inspirational story of a change of fortune and company name at its Dalgaranga gold project. In mid-2022, the company then known as Gascoyne Resources, drilled a series of holes northward at Dalgaranga to test the true width, orientation and extent of the newly-named Never Never lode that is part of an extension to the Gilbeys mineralised system. The program led to the discovery of a new high-grade lode system on the western flank of the Gilbeys North near-mine target. Standout intercepts confirmed the consistent width and continuity of the high-grade, west-striking and steeply-plunging discovery, including best results of 59m at 12.5g/t gold from 139m, including 13m at 51.1g/t gold. The change in drilling orientation, resulting in the discovery of a new style of mineralisation at Never Never, proved transformational for the project. The discovery prompted a corporate and strategic re-think and a review of the long-term operating plan for Dalgaranga. It ultimately involved placing the mine on care and maintenance to enable the company to focus on defining additional high-grade resources and ore reserves before rebooting mining and production. The current Never Never mineral resource estimate sits at 952,900 ounces of gold at 5.74g/t, with its deepest down-dip limit below surface being about 850m. Never Nevers latest headline hit lies just below the 850m-deep floor of the current mineral resource estimate. Given the remarkable uniformity of the mineralised structure, the new intercept represents significant down-dip potential and scope for Spartan to re-categorise deeper parts of the resource estimate and a chance for an even more significant company makeover. Terra Metals Onslow project 40km north-east of Onslow, WA Hit: 6m at 179g/t silver from 160m. The high-grade result, which includes 1m at 1060g/t silver, 0.23 per cent copper and 0.99 per cent tungsten, is one of a suite of assays returned from partial analysis of diamond core from Terras three-hole, 1283m maiden reconnaissance diamond drilling program at its Onslow project. The drilling was co-funded by the WA Governments Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS) and designed to test three distinct iron oxide-copper-gold (IOCG) anomalies, allowing the company to qualify for a refund of about $200,000. The project is within the north-western extension of the Proterozoic Capricorn Orogen in the north-eastern portion of the Carnarvon Basin. Nearby exploration by Western Mining in the 1990s identified the potential for Proterozoic banded-iron formation (BIF)- hosted gold, epithermal silver, IOCG deposits and porphyry copper mineralisation styles. The prominent new silver hit occurs within a broader geological zone that also carries respectable silver grades, with the intercept being considered typical of high-sulphidation epithermal zones and likely to occur close to an intrusive porphyry stock. The mineralisation lies within an interpreted high-sulphidation epithermal alteration zone that extends for 26m between 158m and 184m and is considered to be linked to a deeper mineralised porphyry source. Intriguingly, management says the drillhole sits on the edge of an untested electromagnetic (EM) anomaly it identified from its airborne EM surveying of the area in 2022 and also within an aeromagnetic anomaly. Terras data came up with two high-priority EM anomalies about 2km to 3km apart, with an apparent north-west/south-east strike relationship between them. The high-sulphidation epithermal silver mineralisation identified in the core appears to be coincident with the smaller, most north-westerly EM anomaly. The first EIS hole tested the bigger EM anomaly to the south-east, which is interpreted to be a conductive body about 600m long and 120m thick, extending down-dip for 120m. Not all of the core from the hole was assayed. Terra says in view of the recently identified mineralisation associated with the smaller EM anomaly, it will now review and selectively sample the core from first hole in the bigger EM anomaly, in addition to other geochemical and geophysical datasets. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au Billionaire Andrew Forrest has spent years battling Facebook for allowing scam ads on its platform, part of a problem that defrauds Australians of billions of dollars every year. But despite his efforts, its only getting worse. Forests legal counsel, Simon Clarke, said that they had noticed a big step-up in scam ads using the billionaires likeness last year, with generative AI playing a crucial role in the growing menace. Andrew Forrest levelled a criminal case against Meta the owner of Facebook in 2022 over cryptocurrency scam ads bearing his likeness. Credit: Bloomberg/Getty Between April and December, there were 1700 new fraudulent ads posted, aided and abetted by 10 to 15 fake Andrew Forrest Facebook profiles popping up each week supporting them. With the social media groups doing little to combat the problem, Clarke is the spearhead of the billionaires challenge to the reach of US laws that have cloaked its trillion-dollar business from the harm caused by fraud on its platform globally. Bruce Lehrmann, the former Liberal staffer found by the Federal Court to have raped his then-colleague Brittany Higgins, is now facing more legal troubles in the form of an unhappy landlord. Loading Last year, this column revealed that Seven West Media had been paying for Lehrmann to live in a multimillion-dollar Balgowlah pad. The owner of that home, Gaenor Meakes, has launched an action against Lehrmann in the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal, claiming $13,250 over alleged property damage and $6000 in unpaid rent. But its the mysterious identity of Lehrmanns latest, very private legal adversary, represented by her paralegal daughter at last weeks hearing, that has CBD intrigued. The owner of the home, the former partner of famed sailor Mark Richards, was referred to initially in media reports as Lady Gaenor Meakes. But that aristocratic angle to the Lehrmann story might be just a little too good to be true. Hamas killed about 1200 people and took 250 others hostage during its October 7 attack, Israeli authorities claim. Health officials in Hamas-run Gaza say more than 37,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel began its ground invasion of Gaza last year in retaliation; Israel claims 309 of its soldiers have died in the fighting. The vision shows security moving in to escort the man out as he continues to shout at Seinfeld, who responds: Theyre going to start punching you in about three seconds, so I would try and get all of your genius out so that we can all learn from you. To loud cheers, he tells the protester: Its a comedy show, you moron, get out of here. Imagine if this guy actually did solve the current , Seinfeld begins before the protester again shouts and the audience yells back at him. Loading Youre really influencing everyone here, Seinfeld says. Were all on your side now because youve made your point so well, and in the right venue, youve come to the right place for a political conversation. Tomorrow, we will read in the paper, Middle East 100 per cent solved, thanks to a man at the QUDOS Arena stopping Jew comedian. As the man is led away, Seinfeld segues into a classic bit of freewheeling thought association familiar to fans of his comedy routines and his eponymous sitcom. I know there are problems here with Indigenous Aboriginal people and the white so maybe to solve that I will screw up [Australian stand-up comedian] Jim Jefferies at a show in New York. If this works, that will work. You have to go 20,000 miles from a problem and screw up a comedian. That is how you solve world issues. Seinfeld and his wife, Jessica, visited Israel in December, and toured sites of the Hamas attacks. On her Instagram, Jessica posted on Christmas Eve that this was her fifth visit, and I have never seen a more unified country. Among people of all walks of life, from wounded soldiers to families of peace activists whose mothers, fathers or siblings were murdered or are still held captive in Gaza, the horror of October 7th has erased divisions within Israel. Everyone has come together for a greater cause to defeat Hamas, to build a better and safer Israel, and a better, safer world. On October 10, Seinfeld had himself posted an image of a young woman wrapped in an Israeli flag, with the legend I stand with Israel. We believe in justice, freedom and equality, he wrote. We survive and flourish no matter what. I will always stand with Israel and the Jewish people. In an interview with podcaster Bari Weiss last month, he described the visit to Israel as the most powerful experience of my life. Though his statements on the conflict have rarely been overtly political (except insofar as he has taken to dismissing so-called woke culture), they have been deemed partisan enough for anti-war protesters in the United States to take issue. Last month, a number of students at Duke University walked out on their own graduation ceremony as honorary guest Seinfeld began a commencement speech. Loading The protester in Sydney on Sunday night levelled specific accusations at the comedian. You went to Israel to a training camp where you simulated killing Palestinians. You and your wife. That was a reference to a visit the Seinfelds paid to Caliber 3, a West Bank anti-terrorism training camp, in 2018. The visit was widely reported at the time, and sparked a backlash against the comedian when photos of him were posted on the Caliber 3 Facebook page showing Seinfeld holding a machine gun. 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 Ella and Lucy loved working at the Black Star Pastry in the Chadstone Shopping Centre. For them, it was about more than just making coffee. It was a high school job that turned into a livelihood, Ella says. It very much became part of my identity as well. The 22-year-olds who asked that their surnames not be used shared interests in barista techniques, but also human rights. They became regular attendees of the Sunday rallies for Palestine, a weekly fixture among those protesting against the war in Gaza. Just walking in a group, hearing and feeling the emotions of the community going through such a horrific crisis right now, Ella says. It hit me really hard. It was the second day of Keffiyeh Week, a national pro-Palestine campaign in late January, when they decided to wear keffiyehs to work. Ella says the initial reaction was positive. We had a few Muslim women come up, they were overjoyed seeing us in a keffiyeh, they had a lot of gratitude. They actually stopped and bought a couple of cakes and coffees to have a conversation with us, Ella says. We thought this is a great thing for everyone. That changed around lunchtime when Ella received a call from HR, instructing them to remove the keffiyehs. They quickly complied, removed the scarves and continued their shifts. Advertisement Loading We didnt want to risk our livelihood. Id been working there 9am to 5pm for months. Id given a lot of my waking hours to that place, I didnt want to lose my stability, Ella says. The next day, however, two senior Black Star Pastry employees visited the store, pulled them aside, and informed them they were sacked, effective immediately. They were given termination letters that said the keffiyeh was divisive and inflammatory and wearing it to work was serious enough to bring Black Star Pastry into disrepute. The workers had engaged in a deliberate negligent act that breached the companys uniform and social media policies, the letters said. We respect our staffs right to express their political views when they are not representing Black Star Pastry, the letter stated. Your actions have caused serious and imminent risk to the reputation and viability of our business. Advertisement Both Ella and Lucy were shocked. They understood the uniform policy was black and white only, and claim they did not realise the scarves would be a problem. Plus, they thought it was the end of the matter when they followed the instructions on the day. It made me feel pretty frustrated, angry, Lucy says. Like the world really hates Palestine. Ella was a full-time employee so was paid out leave entitlements, but Lucy was casual and says she has had to borrow money from friends to pay for rent and food. Im still unemployed. Its been pretty bad, Lucy says. Loading After losing their jobs, Lucy and Ella attended a protest permanently held on the steps of the Victorian Parliament. There, a fellow activist recommended they see a lawyer. Now, theyve engaged community law firm Young Workers Centre and are taking legal action against the high-end bakery, alleging breaches of the Equal Opportunity Act for loss of employment due to discrimination based on political belief or activity. Lawyer Kelly Thomas is representing them pro bono and believes this is a clear-cut case because the letters confirm the jobs were severed because of the keffiyehs. The link is irresistible. Theres a political belief, activity, its expressed. The next minute, they dont have a job, Thomas says. Its so heavy-handed, this approach, to two young workers who are engaging in a really peaceful showing of support for the Palestinian community. Advertisement Loading Thomas explained the tribunal had broad powers and could award remedies including compensation for lost wages, humiliation, emotional distress, or force the employer to apologise or retrain. Its about accountability, she says. Black Star Pastry general manager Danielle Laskovsky said it would be inappropriate to comment on the case as it was before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal but offered a general statement, echoing the termination letters. Black Star Pastry is committed to providing a safe, positive, and productive working environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. It respects the right of its employees to express their political views when not representing Black Star Pastry. The day Ella and Lucy wore the keffiyehs to work, a shopper posted a photograph of them on X using a since-suspended account, tagging both Black Star Bakery and the Chadstone Shopping Centre official accounts, with the message: Why are your staff at Chadstone wearing Palestinian terrorist headwear? Social media post from since-suspended account about Ella and Lucy. Ella says the whole experience has exacerbated existing mental illness, causing it to spiral. I felt very paranoid but also very worried, concerned, anxious about who that was, where that came from, the spreading of that misinformation by someone I dont know was very jarring. Not just jarring, but scary. Advertisement Police are confident they will catch armed child offenders who robbed four supermarkets in Melbournes south-east on Saturday. The group stole cigarettes and cash from the supermarkets. Four employees suffered minor injuries including a cut hand. The incidents began at 3.50pm in Bernard Street, Cheltenham, and continued to stores in Cochrane Street, Brighton, and Andrew Street, Mount Waverley, before ending at a fourth supermarket, in Through Road, Camberwell, at 6.30pm. Inspector Scott Dwyer said the confrontational robberies by the youths, who were armed with knives and were rough with employees, were not something police saw regularly. The incidents that occurred on Saturday where youths have gone in during the day, armed [with] knives, and got into a confrontation doesnt occur very often, and when it does, it elicits a really high response from us, Dwyer said on Sunday. Even at a diplomatic encounter as soft and fluffy as a trip to a panda enclosure, the harsh realities of the China-Australia relationship managed to break through the bonhomie of Chinese Premier Li Qiangs visit. Sunday marked the first visit to Australia by a Chinese premier in seven years, and Adelaide turned it on with a sparkling winters day. The sun glowing in a clear blue sky was an apt metaphor for the dramatic thaw in tensions since Labor came to power. Two years ago, Chinese ministers were not even taking calls from their Australian counterparts, let alone hopping on a plane to South Australia. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas and Chinese Premier Li Qiang with giant panda Wang Wang at the Adelaide Zoo. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Chinas second most powerful official came to the city of churches bearing a gift. Adelaide Zoo, he announced, would soon be lent a new pair of beautiful, lovely and adorable pandas to replace Wang Wang and Fu Ni, the beloved but unfortunately infertile duo set to return to China after 15 years. China uses pandas as part of its diplomatic arsenal, deploying them around the globe to signal which nations are in and out of favour. The message of Lis visit was clear: Australia is no longer in the diplomatic doghouse. As Australia hosts Chinas Premier Li this week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said the visit is an opportunity for Australia to advance our interests by demonstrating our national values and that Australia continues to pursue a stable and direct relationship with China, with dialogue at its core. The visit is indeed an important moment to raise three core Australian values: democracy, human rights and press freedom. And the prime minister should take the opportunity to highlight how quickly these values are vanishing in Hong Kong, home to one of the largest Australian communities abroad: 100,000 Australians live there. A protester holds a placard ahead of a visit by Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Adelaide Zoo as part of a four-day Australian visit. Credit: AP In the lead-up to this landmark visit, increasingly brazen steps have been taken to crack down on freedoms in Hong Kong. New, draconian national security laws have been introduced despite significant human rights concerns raised by the UN. Peaceful protesters, as well as booksellers, journalists and childrens book authors have been arrested and prosecuted. Fourteen pro-democracy activists have been convicted of subversion for peacefully participating in political activities. Even singing a protest song, Glory to Hong Kong, can now result in prosecution. The prime minister and the foreign minister should raise one particular emblematic case: our client, the media owner and pro-democracy activist, Jimmy Lai, who has been imprisoned since December 2020 under the sweeping National Security Law. Lai was one of Hong Kongs most successful businessmen and his newspaper, Apple Daily, was Hong Kongs most popular Chinese language newspaper. Apple Daily was forced to close in 2021. Amnesty International described it as the blackest day for media freedom in Hong Kong. Burgenstock, Switzerland: It is the heartbreaking tale that even has Madonna enraged. Almost 20,000 Ukrainian children have been kidnapped by Russian forces in occupied cities and towns, leaving war-torn families heartbroken and youngsters with deep psychological scars. The Queen of Pop has taken to Instagram to endorse the efforts of a global peace summit, initiated by Kyiv, to protect young Ukrainians abducted by Russian occupiers. Wherever there is conflict, children suffer Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Yemen, Syria, Nigeria, Congo, Malawi ... The list is endless. We may not agree on many things, but I pray that we all agree that our children need to be protected, Madonna told her followers. She emphasised the importance of the summit focused on humanitarian issues such as the release of prisoners and the return of children deported to Russia, adding she hoped it was a tool to end the war. Burgenstock, Switzerland: Cabinet minister Bill Shorten says a global gathering linking Ukraines path to peace to international law and the UN Charter has shown that Europe and the West remain united behind Kyivs plight against Russian forces. Eighty countries on Sunday jointly called for the territorial integrity of Ukraine to be the basis for any future peace agreement to end Russias two-year war, although some key developing nations including India, South Africa and Thailand - did not join in. Swiss President Viola Amherd, federal cabinet minister Bill Shorten and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the peace summit in Switzerland. The joint communique capped the two-day Summit on Peace in Ukraine meeting at the Burgenstock resort, near Lucerne in Switzerland. The summit was marked by the absence of Russia, which was not invited, though many attendees hoped Russia could join a road map to peace at some point in the future. Shorten, who represented the federal government at the mountaintop resort at the request of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, said the event was a strong expression of solidarity that had reinvigorated global momentum behind Ukraine. PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunications, Grisha Heyliger-Marten met with the Executive Board of the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) on Friday, June 14, 2024. During the meeting, part of the ministers continued efforts to engage all stakeholders in her plans to revitalize the islands economy, she outlined her primary goals, focusing on product enhancement and beautification efforts to improve St. Maartens tourism experience. The minister emphasized the citys Marketplace as the first significant project, now a designated area for marketers, set to improve both vendor and visitor experiences. The project is a collaboration under the Public-Private Initiative (PPI) with a cruise line, and aims to boost the local economy and tourism. Discussions are planned with the co-financier of the marketplace project following which more details will be provided to the public and all stakeholders, said the minister. Regarding the beautification plans, Minister Heyliger-Marten highlighted initiatives like providing free Wi-Fi in town along with other smart city strategies. In response, the SHTA suggested charging stations and internet access for vendors, citing the Aruba model as exemplary. According to SHTA, May 2024 showed positive trends in hotel and timeshare occupancy. It however stressed the need to focus on the summer period for sustained growth. The association further disclosed that 2016 was its benchmark year for Return on Investment (ROI), attributing success to a robust marketing campaign. The organization also called for increased marketing activities in the Puerto Rico market, especially with the Frontier flight launched recently. The Executive Board of SHTA expressed concerns about communication with regards to the challenges GEBE is facing relative to stable and reliable power supply and stressed the need for proactive crisis management strategies in all the islands source markets. The minister emphasized that there is a robust crisis management strategy in place, with regular meetings to stay ahead of potential issues. Other topics discussed included a request by SHTA for the association to be represented on the Socio-Economic Council (SER) in line with International Labour Organization (ILO) standards. Similarly, enhancing public awareness and establishing a tourism curriculum for schools were identified as key initiatives that need to be pursued, along with the training of hotel workers, taxi drivers, and other front-line workers to improve service quality and the tourism experience. Heyliger-Marten informed SHTA about the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) conference, which St. Maarten will host this October. The minister disclosed that she is setting up a Steering Committee to ensure coordination among SXM Airport, the harbor, immigration, and the tourist office. In conclusion, Heyliger-Marten thanked the SHTA Executive Board for the valuable input and reaffirmed her commitment to keeping the organization informed and involved in ongoing projects. Taiwan president says China's 'strong rise' is greatest challenge Kaohsiung, Taiwan, June 16 (AFP) Jun 16, 2024 President Lai Ching-te warned cadets of Taiwan's military academy on Sunday that their biggest challenge was "the strong rise of China", which he said regards the "elimination" of the self-ruled island as a national cause. China claims democratic Taiwan as part of its territory, and Chinese leaders have escalated their rhetoric in recent years to suggest "unification" is an "inevitability". Beijing has also stepped up military pressures, most recently launching war games that encircled the island with warplanes and naval vessels days after Lai was sworn into office last month. Speaking Sunday at the centennial anniversary of the founding of Taiwan's Whampoa military academy, Lai said teachers and cadets must recognise "the challenges and missions of the new era". "The greatest challenge is to face the strong rise of China, which has been destroying the status quo in the Taiwan Strait," he said. "(It) aims for the annexation and the elimination of the Republic of China for its cause of great national revival," Lai said, referring to Taiwan by its official name. "The highest mission is to bravely take up the heavy responsibility and grand task of protecting Taiwan, and safeguarding the peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait." The academy was founded in 1924 in Guangzhou, southern China. It moved to Kaohsiung, in southern Taiwan, after the defeated Nationalists fled to the island in 1949. Lai is regarded as a "dangerous separatist" by China, which said before the launch of war games in May that his inaugural speech was akin to a "confession of Taiwan independence". Lai had vowed in his speech to defend Taiwan's democracy and freedom, while also calling for dialogue with China -- which has been severed since 2016. Like his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen, Lai maintains that Taiwan does not need to have a formal declaration of independence -- a redline for China -- as it is "already independent". Nuclear fears in focus at Ukraine peace summit Burgenstock, Switzerland, June 16 (AFP) Jun 16, 2024 The international Ukraine peace summit was to focus Sunday on food security, avoiding a nuclear disaster and returning deported children from Russia as countries outlined building blocks towards ending the war. More than two years after Russia invaded, leaders and top officials from more than 90 states were spending the weekend at a Swiss mountainside resort for a landmark two-day summit dedicated to resolving the largest European conflict since World War II. After world leaders stood together to offer their support on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky voiced hope of garnering international agreement around a proposal to end the war that he could eventually present to Moscow. "We must decide together what a just peace means for the world and how it can be achieved in a lasting way," Zelensky told assembled leaders at the luxury Burgenstock retreat overlooking Lake Lucerne. The summit, snubbed by Russia and its ally China, comes as Ukraine is struggling on the battlefield, where it is outmanned and outgunned. On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded Ukraine's effective surrender as a basis for peace talks. Putin's call for Ukraine to withdraw from the south and east of the country were widely dismissed at the summit. The talks are framed around areas of common ground between Zelensky's 10-point peace plan presented in late 2022, and UN resolutions on the war that passed with widespread support. The tight remit was an attempt to garner the broadest support by sticking firmly on topics covered by international law and the United Nations charter. Countries were to break out into three working groups on Sunday looking at nuclear safety and security, humanitarian issues, and food security and freedom of navigation on the Black Sea. - 'Stealing of children' - The session on humanitarian aspects will focus on issues around prisoners of war, civil detainees, internees and the fate of missing persons. It will also discuss the repatriation of children taken from occupied Ukrainian territory into Russia. "We have seen around 20,000 Ukrainian children effectively abducted from their families, community and country. How terrifying a thing is that to say, and how can the world turn its back on that?" Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris told reporters. "When did it become acceptable for children to be a weapon of war? It is utterly illegal and morally repugnant. "This is the stealing of children and it's about time the international community calls it out, and I for one intend to do that." Ireland and 27 other countries are focusing on this strand, including Canada, Chile, Colombia, Georgia, Hungary, the Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Qatar, Rwanda and Saudi Arabia. - Food security - Talks on food security will examine the slump in agricultural production and exports, which has had a ripple effect across the world as Ukraine was one of the world's breadbaskets before the war. The 30 countries in this working group include Brazil, Britain, Germany, Ghana, Israel, Kenya, South Korea, Spain, Thailand and Turkey. Talks will look at not only the destruction of fertile land through military operations but also the ongoing risks posed by mines and unexploded ordnance. "Finding a political solution in Ukraine remains crucial to stabilising food prices on the world market," host Switzerland said. Artillery attacks on ships in the Black Sea have driven up the cost of maritime transport. "Ensuring free and safe shipping on the Black Sea would not only strengthen food security in many low-income countries, but also restore stability in the region," Switzerland said. - Nuclear disaster fears - The nuclear safety group will look at the fragile situation surrounding the safety and security of Ukraine's nuclear power plants, notably Zaporizhzhia, where all of the reactors have been shut down since mid-April. Talks will hone in on reducing the risk of an accident resulting from a malfunction or an attack on Ukraine's nuclear facilities. "I am ready to participate in the discussion about nuclear safety because this is really a big threat to our security," said Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda. Thirty countries will participate in this strand, including Argentina, Australia, France, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Philippines, South Africa and the United States. - Second summit - Minds are also turning to a potential second summit, at which Ukraine wants to present Russia with an internationally-agreed plan for peace. Zelensky did not say whether he was prepared to engage with Putin directly in talks to end the conflict, though he has in the past ruled out direct talks with him. "Russia should join this process because Russia is responsible for the starting of the process that's called the war," Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili told reporters. Croatia's Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said Moscow could join the next summit "if we go in the good direction and the conditions are right". But Kosovo's President Vjosa Osmani said Putin is "not interested in peace. President Putin stands for everything that is against peace, against stability and against good neighbourly relations." Others, however, warned Ukraine it would need to make difficult compromises if it wanted to end the war, and the range of positions hinted at the difficulty Kyiv faces in securing an agreement. "Any credible process will need Russia's participation," Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud said. Nuclear fears in focus at Ukraine peace summit Burgenstock, Switzerland, June 16 (AFP) Jun 16, 2024 The international Ukraine peace summit focused Sunday on food security, avoiding a nuclear disaster and returning deported children from Russia as countries outlined building blocks towards ending the war. More than two years after Russia invaded, leaders and top officials from more than 90 states were spending the weekend at a Swiss mountainside resort for a landmark two-day summit dedicated to resolving the largest European conflict since World War II. After world leaders stood together to offer their support on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky voiced hope of garnering international agreement around a proposal to end the war that he could eventually present to Moscow. "We must decide together what a just peace means for the world and how it can be achieved in a lasting way," Zelensky told assembled leaders at the luxury Burgenstock retreat overlooking Lake Lucerne. The summit, snubbed by Russia and its ally China, comes as Ukraine is struggling on the battlefield, where it is outmanned and outgunned. On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded Kyiv's effective surrender as a basis for peace talks. Putin's call for Ukraine to withdraw from the south and east of the country were widely dismissed at the summit. But the Kremlin insisted Sunday that Ukraine should "reflect" on Putin's demands, citing the military situation on the ground. "The current dynamic of the situation at the front shows us clearly that it's continuing to worsen for the Ukrainians. It's probable that a politician who puts the interests of his country above his own and those of his masters would reflect on such a proposal," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Russia on Sunday claimed its troops had captured Zagrine village in southern Ukraine, continuing its progress on the front line. - 'Stealing of children' - The Burgenstock talks are framed around areas of common ground between Zelensky's 10-point peace plan presented in late 2022, and UN resolutions on the war that passed with widespread support. The tight remit was an attempt to garner the broadest support by sticking firmly to topics covered by international law and the United Nations charter. Countries split into three working groups on Sunday looking at nuclear safety and security, humanitarian issues, and food security and freedom of navigation on the Black Sea. The session on humanitarian aspects focused on issues around prisoners of war, civil detainees, internees and the fate of missing persons. It also discussed the repatriation of children taken from occupied Ukrainian territory into Russia. "We have seen around 20,000 Ukrainian children effectively abducted from their families, community and country. How terrifying a thing is that to say?" Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris told reporters. "When did it become acceptable for children to be a weapon of war? It is utterly illegal and morally repugnant. "This is the stealing of children and it's about time the international community calls it out." - Food security, nuclear safety - Talks on food security examined the slump in agricultural production and exports, which has had a ripple effect across the world as Ukraine was one of the world's breadbaskets before the war. Talks will look at not only the destruction of fertile land through military operations but also the ongoing risks posed by mines and unexploded ordnance. Artillery attacks on ships in the Black Sea have driven up the cost of maritime transport. "We in the Global South are suffering also the consequences related to food security and energy," Mexico's Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena told the summit. "This war in Europe is posing an existential security threat not only for Europe but for the global community as a whole." The nuclear safety group looked at the fragile situation surrounding the safety and security of Ukraine's nuclear power plants, notably Zaporizhzhia, where all of the reactors have been shut down since mid-April. Talks honed in on reducing the risk of an accident resulting from a malfunction or an attack on Ukraine's nuclear facilities. "This is really a big threat to our security," said Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda. - Second summit - Minds are also turning to a potential second summit, at which Ukraine wants to present Russia with an internationally-agreed plan for peace. Zelensky did not say whether he was prepared to engage with Putin directly in talks to end the conflict, though he has in the past ruled out direct talks with him. "Russia should join this process because Russia is responsible for the starting of the process that's called the war," Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili told reporters. Croatia's Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said Moscow could join the next summit "if we go in the good direction and the conditions are right". But Kosovo's President Vjosa Osmani said Putin is "not interested in peace. President Putin stands for everything that is against peace, against stability and against good neighbourly relations." Ukraine summit paves way for peace talks with Russia Burgenstock, Switzerland, June 16 (AFP) Jun 16, 2024 Dozens of countries meeting for a landmark international summit on peace in Ukraine agreed Sunday that Kyiv should enter dialogue with Russia on ending the war, while strongly supporting Ukraine's independence and territorial integrity. More than two years after Russia invaded, leaders and top officials from more than 90 states spent the weekend at a Swiss mountainside resort for a two-day summit dedicated to resolving the largest European conflict since World War II. "We believe that reaching peace requires the involvement of and dialogue between all parties," stated a final communique, supported by the vast majority of the countries that attended the summit at the Burgenstock complex overlooking Lake Lucerne. The document also reaffirmed a commitment to the "territorial integrity of all states, including Ukraine". The declaration also urged a full exchange of prisoners of war and the return of deported children. But not all attendees backed the document, with India, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates among those not included in a list of supporting states displayed on screens at the summit. After world leaders stood together to offer their support on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky voiced hope of garnering international agreement around a proposal to end the war that he could eventually present to Moscow. - Kremlin reiterates Putin call - The summit focused Sunday on food security, avoiding a nuclear disaster and returning deported children from Russia as countries outlined building blocks towards ending the war. The summit, snubbed by Russia and its ally China, came at a point when Ukraine is struggling on the battlefield, where it is outmanned and outgunned. On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded Kyiv's effective surrender as a basis for peace talks. Putin's call for Ukraine to withdraw from the south and east of the country were widely dismissed at the summit. But the Kremlin insisted Sunday that Ukraine should "reflect" on Putin's demands, citing the military situation on the ground. "The current dynamic of the situation at the front shows us clearly that it's continuing to worsen for the Ukrainians," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "It's probable that a politician who puts the interests of his country above his own and those of his masters would reflect on such a proposal." Russia on Sunday claimed its troops had captured Zagrine village in southern Ukraine, continuing its progress on the front line. - Children, nuclear fears - The Burgenstock talks were framed around areas of common ground between Zelensky's 10-point peace plan presented in late 2022, and UN resolutions on the war that passed with widespread support. The tight remit was an attempt to garner the broadest support by sticking firmly to topics covered by international law and the United Nations charter. Countries split into three working groups on Sunday looking at nuclear safety and security, humanitarian issues, and food security and freedom of navigation on the Black Sea. The session on humanitarian aspects focused on issues around prisoners of war, civil detainees, internees and the fate of missing persons. It also discussed the repatriation of children taken from occupied Ukrainian territory into Russia. Talks on food security examined the slump in agricultural production and exports, which has had a ripple effect across the world as Ukraine was one of the world's breadbaskets before the war. Talks looked at not only the destruction of fertile land through military operations but also the ongoing risks posed by mines and unexploded ordnance. Artillery attacks on ships in the Black Sea have driven up the cost of maritime transport. The nuclear safety group looked at the fragile situation surrounding the safety and security of Ukraine's nuclear power plants, notably Zaporizhzhia, where all of the reactors have been shut down since mid-April. Talks honed in on reducing the risk of an accident resulting from a malfunction or an attack on Ukraine's nuclear facilities. "When a just and sustainable peace comes, we will all be there to help Ukraine rebuild," Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in the final address from invited leaders. "The people who lost their lives, the families destroyed, they won't be able to bring them back. That's the most painful consequence of war: the human suffering. "This illegal war by Russia needs to end," he said, while accepting that "it won't be easy". - Second summit - Minds also turned to a potential second summit, at which Ukraine wants to present Russia with an internationally-agreed plan for peace. Swiss President Viola Amherd said in her closing remarks: "One key question remains: how and when can Russia be included in the process? "We have heard it in many of your statements: a lasting solution must involve both parties," she said, while acknowledging that "the road ahead is long and challenging". Zelensky did not say whether he was prepared to engage with Putin directly in talks to end the conflict, though he has in the past ruled out direct talks with him. "Russia should join this process because Russia is responsible for the starting of the process that's called the war," Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili told reporters. Key points from Ukraine summit joint communique Burgenstock, Switzerland, June 16 (AFP) Jun 16, 2024 Dozens of countries agreed Sunday dialogue "between all parties" and respect for Ukraine's territorial integrity as a route to ending the war between Kyiv and Moscow. The vast majority of the more than 90 countries taking part in a summit in Switzerland supported a final communique that also urged the return of deported Ukrainian children and a full exchange of captured soldiers. But the document was not endorsed by some countries that maintain close ties with Russia, like India, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Here are the key points from the document: - Russia's war - Russia is blamed for unleashing the war on Ukraine and the document noted the devastation the invasion had wrought as it called for a "comprehensive" peace settlement. "The ongoing war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine continues to cause large-scale human suffering and destruction, and to create risks and crises with global repercussions," the document said. - 'Territorial integrity' - The countries said they "reaffirm our commitment to... the principles of sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of all states, including Ukraine, within their internationally recognised borders." Russia currently controls just under a fifth of Ukraine, including the Crimean peninsula it annexed in 2014. - Release of children, prisoners - There was also a call for the full exchange of captured soldiers and for all Ukrainian children deported to Russia and Russian-controlled territory to be returned home. Kyiv has accused Moscow of illegally abducting almost 20,000 children since the start of the conflict -- the Kremlin says it moved them for their own protection. "All prisoners of war must be released by complete exchange," the document stated. "All deported and unlawfully displaced Ukrainian children, and all other Ukrainian civilians who were unlawfully detained, must be returned to Ukraine," it added. - Nuclear safety - The summit called for Ukraine to have "full sovereign control" of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe's largest atomic energy site that is currently controlled by Russian forces. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has repeatedly warned of the risk of a major nuclear disaster at the facility, controlled by Russian forces since the start of the war. "Ukrainian nuclear power plants and installations, including Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, must operate safely and securely under full sovereign control of Ukraine," the final communique stated. The countries also expressed concern over the possibility the conflict could turn nuclear, condemning the possibility of nuclear weapons being used. "Any threat or use of nuclear weapons in the context of the ongoing war against Ukraine is inadmissible," the document stated. - Food security - On issues related to food and agricultural trade, the communique said: "Food security must not be weaponised in any way. Ukrainian agricultural products should be securely and freely provided to interested third countries." Ukraine is one of the world's major agricultural producers and exporters, but Russia's invasion has complicated its exports through the Black Sea, which has become a battle zone. "Free, full and safe commercial navigation, as well as access to sea ports in the Black and Azov Seas, are critical," the final document stated. It added: "Attacks on merchant ships in ports and along the entire route, as well as against civilian ports and civilian port infrastructure, are unacceptable." - 'All parties' - The document also suggested future talks on a framework for peace would need to include Russia. "We believe that reaching peace requires the involvement of and dialogue between all parties," the joint declaration stated. It said the summit's attendees had "decided to undertake concrete steps in the future in the above-mentioned areas with further engagement of the representatives of all parties". Zelensky says Putin not ready for peace, calls for full Russian withdrawal Burgenstock, Switzerland, June 16 (AFP) Jun 16, 2024 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Sunday that Russia was not ready for a "just peace", insisting Kyiv was open to immediate talks if Moscow pulls its troops out of the country. The Ukrainian leader was speaking at the end of a major diplomatic summit in Switzerland, to which Russia was not invited, designed to rally support for Kyiv's proposals on how the war should end. "Russia and their leadership are not ready for a just peace, this is a fact," Zelensky told reporters at a closing press conference. A final communique, agreed by around 80 states, reaffirmed a commitment to Ukraine's "territorial integrity" and said dialogue between "all parties" would be needed to end the conflict. Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, unleashing the largest conflict in Europe since World War II. Its forces still control just under a fifth of Ukraine's internationally recognised territory, including the Crimean peninsula which it annexed in 2014. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday demanded Ukraine withdraw its own troops from the south and east of the country if it wanted the invasion to end. French President Emmanuel Macron blasted it as a call for "capitulation", while Zelensky rejected the "Hitler"-like "ultimatum". On Sunday, Zelensky called for a full Russian withdrawal and respect for Ukraine's "territorial integrity". "Russia can start negotiations with us even tomorrow, without waiting for anything, if they leave our legal territories," he said. Zelensky also said he would like to see China play a bigger role in discussing a settlement to the conflict. Beijing, a close political and economic ally of Russia, did not attend the summit in protest at Moscow not being invited. "I believe that China could help us. That is why I would very much like to see certain proposals that the Chinese side has," Zelensky said. "Ukraine has never said that China is our enemy," he added. Asked whether he would consider China a friend, Zelensky said: "I believe that friends are those who help when things are difficult. And I would like China to be a friend to Ukraine." * FIRST NAME * LAST NAME * EMAIL Your email address * PASSWORD Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number Show * YEAR OF BIRTH You must be at least 18 years old to create an account 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970 1969 1968 1967 1966 1965 1964 1963 1962 1961 1960 1959 1958 1957 1956 1955 1954 1953 1952 1951 1950 1949 1948 1947 1946 1945 1944 1943 1942 1941 1940 1939 1938 1937 1936 1935 1934 1933 1932 1931 1930 1929 1928 1927 1926 1925 1924 1923 1922 1921 1920 1919 1918 1917 1916 1915 1914 1913 1912 1911 1910 1909 1908 1907 1906 * Required fields I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice CREATE ACCOUNT I'LL TRY LATER Already have an account? SIGN IN By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. I was able to show up for my daughter because I would see in her things I needed. When Tyler Smalls third annual rendition of Father Figures Heartfelt Legacies Exhibition opened on May 31, it took on a very personal meaning because it paid tribute to an exceptional man in his life his grandfather. This years Father Figures event is dedicated to my grandfather, who transitioned in December 2023, Small said. My grandfather helped me build more understanding with my feelings due to his ease with his own deep emotions. The exhibit at The Monaco in the Cherokee neighborhood is displayed in partnership with The Village Path, a non-profit organization that promotes awareness, access, and acceptance of mental wellness in the Black community. Small sells his portraits to help raise funds to support the mission of The Village Path. The exhibit will be at the gallery until June 16. There is no cost to attend the event, but donations are encouraged and the artwork is for sale. This year, Small partnered with The Monaco, where he had his first exhibit displaying his works, taking photos of community members who are father figures in their loved ones lives. The Village Path organization envisions a world where Black self-identified men are holistically well. Founded by Jemar Perry and Bryant Antoine, The Village PATH offers free mental health counseling to Black men in the St. Louis area, the Healing and Writing Circle, and The Village ROPE (Rites of Passage Enrichment Program). Small has been using his gift as an artist for the past three years to highlight the importance that fatherhood has had in his life. Black fathers do exist, said Bryant Antoine, Director of Operations and Co-founder of The Village Path. His exhibit demonstrates there is a lot that goes into fatherhood. Self-care and mental wellness is a part of fatherhood. Antoine describes the artists pieces as combining images of Black fatherhood and having an open dialogue about the importance of Black fathers having a support system. There is beauty in Black parenthood and popular culture doesnt highlight it, Antoine said. Growing up Small didnt have his dad around. This, he said, caused him to try too hard to prove to others he was enough because he wanted to be accepted. He began to create his idea of fatherhood and manhood based on the examples he saw growing up. Those examples, however, dont align with his current ideology of fatherhood and manhood. When he became a dad in 2020, he decided to focus on his mental health so that he could set a better example for his daughter. This allowed me to step up for her, to honor those parts of myself, Small said. I was able to show up for my daughter because I would see in her things I needed. The Village Path helped Small heal from his past traumas and he was able to heal with other Black men. For a long time, I aligned myself with the stoicism, like most men, and taking that pain and doing whatever I can with it, Small said. But being a part of The Village Path allowed him to find father figures to fill that space. Small said, One of the elders of The Village Path, Baba Victor, said things to me I wanted to hear my whole life. And Ive been able to hold space for other men as well. Ricky Hughes, one of the dads that Small used as a subject for his exhibit said being a dad to his two daughters is one of the best gifts God has ever given him. Being a dad allows me to give love and receive love, he said. Hughes opened up about having a hard time loving himself. Being a dad has truly changed my life, he added. When Hughes was seeking a Black therapist, his first instinct was to reach out to Small for direction on getting help. We have to be whole, we have to be our best selves in order to show up for our kids, said Hughes. Mental health and fatherhood go hand-in-hand. Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American. De-Andrea Blaylock-Solar has made history as the state of Missouris first certified Black sex therapist. Baylock-Solar was certified through the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). The history-making sex therapist has been in the field since 2011. What is a sex therapist? A licensed mental health practitioner who has additional certification and training on sexuality and relationships. Not only is Baylock-Solar breaking the glass ceiling, she also works full-time as a licensed clinical social worker. Over time she has been asked why she chose sex therapy as a career, which is not as ordinary as someone choosing to become a firefighter or teacher. I always knew I wanted a career in relationship therapy, said Blaylock-Solar. But she said she wanted to add a twist to being a sex therapist by incorporating her perspectives as a Christian. During undergrad, she was having a conversation with her line sister about their future goals of becoming social workers. She took a course on human sexuality taught by Linda Winer, whom Baylock-Solar considers the OG of teaching human sexuality. This was the future therapists first time meeting a certified professional. That experience set the tone for her. In 2006, she went to the AASECT conference in St. Louis and soon realized there werent many in the room who looked like her an observation that made her reluctant to stay on this career path. She wasnt sure if there was space for her in that line of work and she didnt think AASECT would be receptive to a Black woman. Fortunately, that was not the case. It took me a while to move forward with pursuing the certification, Blaylock-Solar said. I found out the AASECT is open to accepting me. As for her clients, Blaylock-Solar said people seek sex therapy for a variety of reasons, most of which are not all that glamorous. The majority of her clients come in experiencing low libido or, in other words, a low interest in sex. Some couples seek advice on how to please each other, especially when the relationship is a mix-match, with one partner being more interested in sex than the other. Finally, she said she advises several couples who dont prioritize their relationship. And then there is sex addiction. Or is that a real term? Not according to Blaylock-Solar, who tells the St. Louis American that sex addiction is not a diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM5. She said sex addiction refers to individuals whose sexual behavior is out of control. For example, sexual thoughts or behaviors can be intrusive and difficult to control. But she said the cure isnt abstinence. Instead, she recommends that individuals with those behaviors continue to have sex as long as they do so in a way that isnt harmful. You cant talk with a sex therapist without talking about safe sex. Blaylock-Solar recommends communicating with your partner(s) and being open and honest about your health status. Dont be afraid to ask them about theirs. She suggests getting tested for an STI and HIV/AIDS and continuing to have the conversation about safe sex. Dont stop at 60, she said. There is an uptick in STI infections amongst older adults. The topic of sex has been taboo for many generations, largely because of white supremacists who used it to control the oppressed, Blaylock-Solar said. Colonization allowed white supremacists to create their idea of sexual standards that they didnt even live up to. This is the reason why discussions of sex and sexuality are still taboo in some Black families. We are constantly measuring ourselves to those colonized sexual standards and sometimes we dont even know it, Blaylock-Solar said. Fortunately, this expert was raised in a home that talked openly about sex and sexuality. Laughing at her joke she said, Its no surprise I became a sex therapist. She urges parents to have that discussion with young kids when they become curious or ask questions about it. Give age-appropriate information in a way they can easily understand. The questions are coming from a place of curiosity, so provide information without judgment, she said. She said she firmly believes that someone in her position as a Christian sex therapist is so important to the Black community. I enjoy helping people dismantle bad theology so they can have good sex, she said. In her line of work, she has come across people who have learned negative things about sex and it came from their faith community. Some faith leaders attempt to control the sexuality of their congregation, especially women, she added. Blaylock-Solar teaches her clients how to work through negative ideologies so they can have good, healthy experiences with sex even if they believe in abstinence before marriage. She follows the work of Brittany Broddaus-Smith a Christian Sexologist, who believes God created people to be sexual beings, and being abstinent before marriage doesnt mean sexual desires are absent or should be prayed away. How you show up in this world inclusive of your gender identity, inclusive of your sexuality. Thats a gift from God. Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American. There are times when careful observers can deduce subtle warning signs of dangerous political movements in progress. There are other times when those signs are blaring sirens with red spinning lights that only the willfully oblivious could miss. The GOPs pending project to restrict reproductive rights at every level qualifies as the latter. As we outlined in this space last week, the ruling by the Supreme Courts activist majority two years ago ending all constitutional protection for abortion rights has effectively made America into two nations on the topic with right-wing politicians in strict anti-choice states like Missouri aggressively seeking ways to impose their draconian will on women even in pro-choice states. But its not just abortion. On broader reproductive issues like contraception and in vitro fertilization (IVF) as well, an emboldened political right is testing boundaries in service to its fundamental if unspoken doctrine that, with the fall of Roe v. Wade, womens uteruses are effectively public property. They will (usually) strenuously insist otherwise. But as in all issues, what people say isnt nearly as relevant as what they do. Consider: As expected, Senate Republicans this month blocked a Democratic measure to provide federal protection for access to contraception. Yes, Democratic leadership proposed the doomed measure for the purpose of putting Republican lawmakers on the spot in an election year. On the spot is where they belong on this issue. All they had to do to thwart Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumers diabolical plot was to officially support a right most of them publicly claim to support. Yet just two Republicans (both women) put their votes where their rhetoric was on a womans right to this crucial reproductive choice. The rest who were present including Missouri Sens. Josh Hawley and Eric Schmitt voted against protecting legal access to contraception. The need for such federal protection is clear. In his concurring opinion in the overturn of Roe v. Wade, Justice Clarence Thomas specifically called for revisiting other constitutionally guaranteed privacy rights, including contraception. Since then, state-level politicians and judges in red states have repeatedly sought to chip at the right to contraception and IVF access as well generally on the mistaken (or deliberately misleading) premise that those processes involve abortion. The most startling example was the Alabama Supreme Courts ruling that frozen embryos created during the IVF process have full rights of personhood and cannot be discarded. In the real world, leftover embryos are an unavoidable fact of the IVF process. IVF clinics in Alabama had to suspend operations after the ruling until the state legislature stepped in to provide specific protection for IVF treatments. Yet legal experts say even that protection is on shaky ground, given the states continuing official stance that life begins at conception (a stance also reflected in Missouri law). Senate Republicans recently sought to defuse the issue with a for-show IVF-protection bill that wouldnt actually protect IVF. The measure would deny Medicaid funding to states that specifically ban IVF which conveniently ignores the fact that the real threat is de facto banning caused by personhood laws that could make IVF impossible to carry out on a practical level. Crucially, the bill did nothing to ensure that IVF facilities wouldnt be criminally charged or sued for the inevitable discarding of embryos. Democrats rightly called out the charade and killed the legislation. As Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., put it: The stone-cold reality is that you cannot protect IVF and champion fetal personhood at the same time. This bill showed as clearly as anything that Senate Republicans will sacrifice the former for the sake of the latter. As if to prove that point, those same Senate Republicans on Thursday killed a Democratic measure to protect IVF access a measure that, unlike the GOP version, would actually have done that. If GOP politicians are trying to obfuscate their ideological opposition to reproductive rights in general, the ground-level activists who make up their political base are being blunt about that opposition. The Southern Baptist Convention, representing the nations largest Protestant denomination and the epicenter of evangelical GOP support, voted last week to oppose in vitro fertilization entirely. The resolution specifically calls for the government to restrain any processes inconsistent with the organizations version of pro-life protection, which necessarily includes frozen embryonic human beings. And Project 2025, the blueprint for a second Donald Trump presidency put forth by the major conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation, proposes scrubbing all federal laws and regulations of phrases including sexual orientation," gender equality, "abortion" and reproductive rights. Trump himself recently hinted he would be open to some form of federal restriction on contraception, before scrambling to backtrack amid the outraged public response. Given Trump's famously fluid and generally disinterested approach to policy (not to mention his unprecedented willingness to just plain lie), nothing he says today regarding reproductive rights really matters. In terms of where a second Trump administration and Republican-controlled Congress would be on the issue, the activist base of the GOP is what matters and it has been as clear as possible about the fact that it sees reproductive rights as expendable in the post-Roe era. This isn't a drill, folks. (This editorial has been updated to correct a grammatical error.) June 16, 2024: The American Marines have had troops assigned to SOCOM (Special Operations Command) since 2005. Bowing to pressure from the Department of Defense, and SOCOM, the marines are the last of the services to make such a contribution. Since then the marines have made numerous contributions to SOCOM, the latest being new Vision 60 UGVs (unmanned ground vehicles). These are four legged robots that walk and can be equipped with a rifle that opens fire under the control of a remote human operator. Each Vision 60 weighs 51 kg and has a payload of 10 kg, This can consist of a weapon or additional sensors. A Vision 60 can operate up to ten kilometers from its operator. Top speed is 180 meters a minute or three meters a second. The batteries enable three hours of operations. Vision 60 has an AI powered target detection system that can identify hostile targets that must be fired on. A human operator must approve opening fire. Since one controller can supervise the activity of several UGVs patrolling commercial or military installations. In addition to controllers you need one or more maintainers to change batteries and otherwise keep the UGVs in good condition. The marines are using Vision 60s for combat operations. A UGV can be used instead of a marine for a high risk job, like entering a cave, tunnel, or building where armed opponents may be hiding. Vision 60 can climb up or down stairs and handle most terrain that a marine will encounter. Vision 60 is an evolutionary development from the remotely controlled bomb disposal robots used since 2002. That was when the PackBot remotely controlled UGV was introduced for bomb disposal and replacing soldiers for exploring tunnels and caves. In the 1990s the U.S. Army began exploring the small UGV concept but did not expect to have them in service until 2010 or later. September 11, 2001, changed all that. A year later PackBot showed up. Over 2,000 PackBots were used in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere over the next decade and more than 5,000 were sold to military, police and first responder personnel during the same period. Updated PackBots are still produced for military and bomb disposal users. In 2011 the U.S. Army began using SUGV (Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle). This was a UGV developed by Teledyne with cooperation from the U.S. Army. SUGV development took over six years because PackBot was a hard act to follow. SUGV is also still in production, serving the same markets as PackBot and a growing number of competitors. In 2011 the U.S. Army received the production model XM1216 SUGV robots. SUGV was the next generation infantry droid, replacing existing droids like PackBot. Before September 11, 2001, the army didn't expect to have robots like PackBot or SUGV until 2013. But the technology was already there, and the war created a major demand. The robots expected in 2013 were to be part of a new generation of gear called FCS (Future Combat Systems). SUGV was designed to use high tech FCS communications and sensor equipment, and, like PackBot, used off-the-shelf substitutes while waiting for the more ambitious versions the army was still developing. The troops didn't care, as long as it worked. These small robots proved to be quite rugged, having a 90 percent availability rate. The overly ambitious, expensive and much delayed FCS program was canceled two years before SUGV was ready, but successful bits, like SUGV, were allowed to keep moving. This was a big deal for SUGV, because demand for these small droids collapsed when the Islamic terror offensive in Iraq did in 2008. There were plenty of droids left over for service in Afghanistan, where the Taliban provided a much lower workload for the little bots than did Iraq. Packbot is still being used for emergency situations including natural disasters, industrial accidents, as well as bomb disposal. Most major police departments have PackBots or similar UGVs for emergencies. SUGV is a 13 kg robot, similar to the slightly larger Packbot. SUGV can carry 3 kg of gear, and seven different "mission packages" are available. These include various types of sensors and double-jointed arms (for grabbing things.) SUGV is waterproof and shock resistant. It fits into the standard army backpack and is meant to operate in a harsh environment. The battery powered SUGV is operated wirelessly, or via a fiber optic cable, using a controller that looks like a video game controller with a video screen built in. SUGV can also use an XBox 360 controller, with the right drivers. Like PackBot, SUGV can climb stairs, maneuver over rubble and other nasty terrain. Currently the SUGV is still in use by military units. The SUGV design is based largely on feedback from combat troops. For example, it is rugged enough to be quickly thrown into a room, or cave, activated and begin sending video, as well as audio, of what is in there. This feature makes it very popular with the troops, who want droids with the ability to see, hear and smell more acutely. No one likes being the first one to go into dark, potentially dangerous, places. Throwing a grenade at first doesn't always work, because sometimes frightened civilians are in there. Despite all these fine qualities, the current generation of robots is not fast enough, agile enough or sensitive enough to compete with human troops doing this kind of work. Sometimes, however, robots are an adequate, and lifesaving, substitute. SUGV is supposed to be better at this sort of thing. SUGV can also perform outpost and listening post work. These are two dangerous jobs the infantry are glad to hand off to a robot. Outposts are, as the name implies, one or two troops dug in a hundred meters or so in front of the main position, to give early warning of an enemy attack. A listening post is similar, but the friendly troops are often much deeper into enemy territory. The SUGV battery enables it to just sit in one place, listening and watching, for eight hours or more. After that, you send out another SUGV with a fresh battery, and have the other one come back for a recharge. No risk of troops getting shot at while doing the same things, and the troops really appreciate that. Again, the problem with this is that the robot sensors are just not there yet. The sensors are getting close, but not close enough for troops to trust their lives to this thing. Other dangerous jobs for the SUGV are placing explosives by a door to blow it open for the troops, or placing a smoke grenade where it will prevent the enemy from seeing the troops move. Ever since PackBot reached the troops, users filled military message boards with interesting uses they have found for these robots, and new features they could make use of. SUGV is the product of all that chatter. By 2012 the Department of Defense owned about 6,000 small robots. Most of them were in the army, and a little over half were in a combat zone. There would be a lot more of these small robots out there if they were a bit smaller and had better sensors. Because of this, efforts to have the infantry regularly use the small robots in combat have not been successful. The older 19 kg Packbots and 50 kg Talon were fine for dealing with roadside bombs, but too big and heavy to easily haul around the battlefield. But most troops admitted that if the small droids were a bit smaller and lighter and had better ability to sense what was around (situational awareness) them, they would be more welcome. June 16, 2024: The landlocked Mali continues to stumble forward without an elected or effective government. Mali is in northwest Africa just south of the Sahara desert. Its northeastern neighbor Algeria is where drug smugglers move their cargoes to from ports in Guinea or Ivory Coast north via Mali and Algeria and then to markets in Europe and the Middle East. Islamic terrorist groups handle the smuggling that passes through Mali. In 2023 and 2024 the economic and political situation in Mali has gotten worse, with more Islamic terrorist violence and growing areas of northern and central Mali coming under the control of Islamic terrorist groups. The Mali army and a small number of Russian (Wagner Group) military contractors have been unable, or unwilling, to carry on with that effort or prevent the Islamic terror groups from crossing the Niger border and advancing into Mali. The terrorists include groups affiliated with al Qaeda, an alliance called JNIM (Jamaah Nusrah al Islam wal Muslimin, or Group for the support of Islam and Moslems) and the more violent groups like ISGS (Islamic States in Greater Sahara), which is one of the two ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) groups in the region. When they showed up in 2018, ISGS operated mainly in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, especially the area where the three borders met. Until recently those Islamic terrorists were a problem but now, they are a real threat to the normally well defended capitals of all three countries. Islamic terrorist violence in northern Mali has left over a hundred dead each month the fighting continues as does the advance of the Islamic terrorists into Mali and its capital Bamako In central Mali, the Mopti region, thousands of civilians have been blockaded by Islamic terrorist groups angry over the way locals have cooperated with the army against Islamic terrorists. Back in September representatives from Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso met in the Mali capital Bamako to work out details for forming AES (Alliance of Sahel States). The alliance is meant to improve security for all these nations. Currently Islamic terror groups are attacking all AES members. Burkina Faso is the worst hit, with about 40 percent of its territory controlled by Islamic terrorists. Mali and Niger fear the same fate will befall them. The government forced the French and African G5 peacekeepers out by the end of 2021. In 2017 Mali, Chad, Niger, the Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso agreed to form a new G5 counter-terrorism force that would work in cooperation with the similar but larger and better equipped French force that had been operating in the Sahel since 2014. The Sahel is the semi-desert area south of the Sahara Desert that covers much of northern Africa. Back then the French concluded that the Sahel was still troubled by thousands of Islamic terrorists and that this situation could not be taken care of quickly. In order to maintain pressure on the Islamic terrorists, France established a special force of 3,000 troops to fight Islamic terrorists throughout the Sahel. In practice this meant just part of the Sahel and included Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Chad and Burkina Faso. This French force grew to some 4,000 troops equipped with 200 armored vehicles, 20 transport and attack helicopters, six jet fighters and three large UAVs. There are also two twin engine C-160 air transports available for use within the Sahel. Supplies and reinforcements were regularly flown in using long-range transports like the C-17 belonging to NATO allies, especially the U.S. and Britain. From the beginning the French force included a thousand French troops in Mali and the rest dispersed to other Sahel bases and ready to quickly move anywhere in the region where Islamic terrorist activity had been detected. The G5 nations already cooperated by sharing intelligence and providing quick access to their territory by the French force. In addition, the Americans provided satellite and UAV surveillance and other intel services, especially analysis and access to nearly all American data on Islamic terrorist activities in the region. Each of the G5 member countries contribute from 500 to 2,000 personnel and consist largely of special operations troops. Many of these troops have already worked with their French counterparts or been trained by French or American special operations advisors. All this was meant to keep the Islamic terrorists in the Sahel weak and disorganized. That worked until recently when the current Mali military regime ordered the French/G5 force out. AQIM (Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb), which has been around since 2007, was still in business as gangsters smuggling drugs and illegal migrants north and getting support from Islamic terrorists in Europe and the Persian Gulf. Islamic terrorists continue to carry out attacks in Mali, mainly the north and the G5 states to let the world know that Islamic terrorists are still present in the area. Another reminder has been the high casualty rate among peacekeepers in Mali. UN peacekeepers in Mali suffered 26 dead during 2016, the highest number of any UN peacekeeping operation and 90 percent of the UN peacekeeper deaths in 2016, even though the Mali force comprises less than 15 percent of all UN peacekeepers. The Mali peacekeepers have been in this situation for three years in a row. Over a hundred peacekeepers (mostly UN, but some French) have died in Mali since they arrived in 2013. This is the highest casualty rate of all current UN peacekeeping operations. The Mali population is now over 22 million and the economy is one of the worst in the world with millions of Malians barely surviving on foreign aid. There is less foreign aid because Mali has not been able to prevent gangsters or Islamic terrorists from stealing the aid to sell on the market for cash to finance their operations. There are other armed groups like, like tribal militias and rebellions soldiers that interfere with foreign aid distribution. This chaotic situation has been going on s ince 2012, when separatist rebellion in the north was defeated. Continued high levels of corruption, ethnic rivalries and Islamic terrorism kept Mali from achieving a lasting peace and much prosperity. In 2021 the situation got worse when there was another military coup, The Mali military has staged three government takeovers since 2012. May 2021one, in May 2021, was an internal dispute within the military. Since the May coup foreign donors have warned that most of the foreign aid will stop coming if Mali does not carry out a significant reduction in corruption, government ineffectiveness and overall instability. None of these three military takeovers were about corruption, but rather anger at the corrupt politicians stealing money meant to finance operations against Islamic terrorist and separatist minorities in the north. The colonels running the military government are unwilling to step down and are trying to make it on their own, despite the large number of UN peacekeepers and French troops dealing with the Islamic terrorist problem up north. The May 2021 coup was led by the army colonel who had earlier been appointed deputy head of the CNT (National Transitional Council). The colonel replaced the civilian who originally held the job as CNT leader. After that the military-dominated CNT rapidly replaced many existing CNT officials with army officers or civilians known to be pro-military. When foreign donors, including France, criticized this, the army threatened to seek financial aid elsewhere. There was no elsewhere for the Mali coup leaders, at least not one they could afford. The Mali officers threats said a lot about their motives, which was mainly about maintaining their power and helping themselves to a portion of foreign aid. The coup leaders did have one source of wealth, the Mali gold mines. In late 2021 protestors tried to block access to one of the largest mines but that effort only lasted a few days before the security forces cleared the roads. As of 2024 the chaos remains the same even though some military training detachments from the European Union and Russia operate. Russia is also involved in several economic development projects, like a solar power plant The 15,000 UN peacekeepers were gone by the end of 2023. The Mali government, run by rebellious army officers, doesn't want any UN personnel in the country to witness and record the crimes the military government continues to commit. The only thing keeping the Mali military government operating is taxes from the gold mines. These were developed and continue to be operated by foreign firms and recruit their own security personnel to guard the mines and the convoys taking the gold out of the country. Cmdr. David Ruhlig takes command of US Coast Guard Station New York on July 2, 2021. Ruhlig was relieved of command this month, the Coast Guard announced Friday, June 14, 2024. (Daniel Henry/U.S. Coast Guard) The commander of Coast Guard Station New York, the services largest and busiest multi-mission boat station, has been relieved of his duties due to a loss of confidence in his ability to fulfill the expectations of his position. Cmdr. David Ruhlig was permanently relieved for cause on June 3, the service announced Friday. Ruhlig took command of the station in July 2021. The interim commanding officer is Lt. Cmdr. Robert Garris, temporarily assigned from the Coast Guards Office of Boat Forces. Lt. Cmdr. Craig Johnson will assume command of the station in September 2024. Rear Adm. John Mauger, the former First Coast Guard District Commander, recommended removal, and Rear Adm. Russell Dash, Coast Guard Personnel Service Center, approved it. Military officials often cite a loss of confidence when commanders are removed from their posts without providing any specifics that led to the decision. According to a statement provided to military.com, Ruhlig was removed for not adequately responding to reports of harassment within his command. The Coast Guard has been under intense scrutiny over its handling of sexual-assault cases in recent months. On Tuesday, Senators berated Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Linda Fagan for her handling of the services scandal, chiding her for not punishing anyone for the cover-up and stalling their request for more documents about the mishandling of the crisis at the services academy. With more than 140 active duty and reserve personnel, Station New York is the largest and busiest station in the Coast Guard. The station has remained fully operational in all mission areas, the Coast Guard said. Sailors from the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group render assistance to distressed mariners at sea in the Red Sea on Saturday, June 15, 2024. (U.S. Navy) Sailors assigned to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group on Saturday airlifted to safety the crew of a merchant vessel attacked by Iranian-backed Houthis in the Red Sea. The Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned bulk cargo carrier M/V Tutor was struck Wednesday by an Iranian-back Houthi uncrewed surface vessel while sailing in the international waters of the Southern Red Sea, according a service news release. The crew abandoned ship and were rescued by USS Philippine Sea and partner forces, Central Command said Saturday. The Tutor remains in the Red Sea and is slowly taking on water. Sailors from the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group render assistance to distressed mariners at sea in the Red Sea on Saturday, June 15, 2024. (Abbigail Beardsley/U.S. Navy) Rescued mariners board a C-2A Greyhound on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Red Sea on Saturday, June 15, 2024. (Abbigail Beardsley/U.S. Navy) A helicopter from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 74 airlifted 24 civilian mariners from Tutor to Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea. From there, helicopters from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 7 transported the group to USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. After being medically checked, the mariners were flown ashore for follow-on care. Despite these senseless attacks on innocent mariners just doing their job, the Philippine Sea crew stand ready to help preserve safety of life at sea, always, said Capt. Steven Liberty, Philippine Seas commanding officer. On Thursday, M/V Verbena reported damage and subsequent fires on board. One civilian mariner was severely injured. Aircraft from USS Philippine Sea medically evacuated the injured mariner to a partner force ship nearby for medical attention, CENTCOM said. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime stability and security in the Middle East region. Contributing: The Associated Press The USS St. Louis (LCS 19), a Freedom-variant littoral combat ship, during testing in January 2024. () The USS St. Louis left Naval Station Mayport, Fla., on Saturday on its first deployment. St. Louis, a Freedom-variant littoral combat ship, deployed to support U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations, according to a service news release. The primary mission will be to counter illicit drug trafficking in the Caribbean. St. Louis set sail along with the Rangers of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 50 Detachment 4 and embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment. Ive seen this crew work through a challenging schedule in order to ensure we are ready for our maiden deployment to 4th Fleet. Weve overcome every obstacle put in our way, and weve proved we are ready to deploy and execute the mission, said Cmdr. TJ Orth, commanding officer of the St. Louis. This will be St. Louiss first deployment, and the first deployment for many of my crew members, but we are eager to accomplish the mission we have been training for. The ships size, speed, and agility make LCS ideal for narcotics interdictions, partner engagements and port access, the Navy said. Ive been deployed to 4th, 5t, and 6th Fleet several times on other platforms. This will be my first deployment on an LCS, and I am excited for the new challenge, said Chief Quarter Master Kyle Stevens. This crew has worked hard to get to where we are, and it will be a reward for us to see all that hard work pay off. LCS ships are a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-shore environments. The LCS is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control and deterrence. Prisoners walk in a prison yard in Ukraine during a media event last month related to a new law allowing the recruitment of some convicts for the military. (Oksana Parafeniuk for The Washington Post) KYIV To fill a critical shortage of infantry on the front line, Ukraine has embraced one of Russias most cynical tactics: releasing convicted even violent felons who agree to fight in high-risk assault brigades. More than 2,750 men have been released from Ukrainian prisons since the parliament adopted a law in May authorizing certain convicts to enlist, including those jailed for dealing drugs, stealing phones and committing armed assaults and murders, among other serious crimes. Now seeking revenge against Russia, or in pursuit of personal redemption and freedom they are trading their prison jumpsuits for Ukrainian army uniforms and deploying to the front lines. Senya Shcherbyna, 24, who is serving six years for dealing drugs, is waiting to be interviewed by military recruiters and hopes to deploy as soon as possible. I think I can redeem myself, Shcherbyna said in an interview, and seem more useful to my society than if Im just sitting here. Senya Shcherbyna, 24, left, and Volodymyr Barandich, 32, both prisoners, want to be released on parole to join up. (Oksana Parafeniuk for The Washington Post) Prisoner Serhii Lytvynenko, 37, said he hadnt decided whether to join up. Im not sure theyre really going to treat us as normal fighters, he said. (Oksana Parafeniuk for The Washington Post) Fellow prisoner Serhii Lytvynenko, who has served 11 years of a 14-year sentence for deadly assault, said he was still deliberating. Im not sure theyre really going to treat us as normal fighters, he said. We dont know right now if theyre going to take you and just throw you in like meat. Recruiting criminals a common practice in Russia, where tens of thousands were freed to fight in Ukraine is the latest sign of Kyivs struggle to replenish its forces, which are depleted and exhausted after more than two years of virtually nonstop fighting. Although the Ukrainian parliament approved a new mobilization law aimed at widening the draft pool, the legislation has yet to yield enough new troops. In the meantime, the Ukrainian general staff is trying to find able-bodied fighters wherever it can, reassigning some soldiers from rear positions to combat roles and recruiting prisoners. Under the new law, prisoners qualified to join the amnesty program can be assigned only to assault brigades, which can mean face-to-face combat with Russian troops. Ukrainian Justice Minister Denys Maliuska visits a prison colony for a news conference last month on the amnesty program. (Oksana Parafeniuk for The Washington Post) That restriction reflects Ukraines most urgent needs, said Justice Minister Denys Maliuska, adding that he expects at least 4,000 men to volunteer in this first round of recruitment. For now, the convicts will serve only in units made up entirely of former prisoners, commanded by a regular soldier. The motivation of our inmates is stronger than our ordinary soldiers, Maliuska said in an interview at one of the prisons where nearly 100 have already been freed to fight. Their release is only one part of the motive. They want to protect their country and they want to turn the page. Ukrainian officials granted a request by The Post to interview several new soldiers freshly released from prison on the condition they be identified only by first names in keeping with military rules. Dmytro, 28, was sentenced to 4 years behind bars in 2021 for stealing a phone. He was married with two children when his sentence began, but was released last month with no family left: his wife and kids, ages 2 and 7, were killed in an airstrike on their apartment house in Izyum in April 2022. The memory is still so painful that in the interview he could not bring himself to speak their names. Avenging their deaths by fighting in the war motivates me, Dmytro said. The Russian Federation is responsible for this. He was released from prison several weeks ago and is now training at a military base, where he has already learned to handle a rifle. Edward, 35, who was sentenced in 2019 to seven years and seven months for armed assault, said he dreamed of joining the military as a young boy but grew up in poverty and fell into crime. Since Russias invasion in 2022, Edward said, he had hoped the law would change to allow men like him to fight. He was first in line when the law passed and is now in training. A prisoner works on making dragons teeth pyramid blocks meant to foil tanks at a prison colony in Ukraine. (Oksana Parafeniuk for The Washington Post) Finished dragons teeth at the prison colony. (Oksana Parafeniuk for The Washington Post) Edwards hometown knows him only as a criminal, he said. He wants to show them and himself that I still have some humanity left in me. Under Ukraines current mobilization laws, men and women can sign up to fight of their own accord at age 18, but only men 25 and older can be drafted. President Volodymyr Zelensky has resisted lowering the draft age further it was reduced from 27 this spring in part because of social pressure to protect Ukraines youngest men from the war. Instead, to fill the ranks, draft officers stop men of fighting age on the streets to ask for their military registration papers. Recruiters offer financial perks to those who volunteer before they are called up. And now the military is visiting prisons to seek volunteers. Not all criminals qualify. Those who murdered more than one person, committed acts of sexual violence or violated national security laws are ineligible. Any prisoner signing up to fight must be physically fit, pass a psychological exam and be no older than 57, allowing him to serve at least three years before hitting the exemption age of 60. Ukrainian officials insist the prison release program is constitutional, ethical and practical during wartime, given that thousands of fighting-age men are sitting behind bars instead of filling crucial roles on the front. Unlike in Russia, where the recruitment of criminals was pioneered by the Wagner mercenary group, Ukraines convicts will be recruited only into the official military and will receive all the same benefits as regular soldiers. Some commanders are eager to have them. There is a competition between military commanders to hire from prisons, Maliuska said. There is a lack of manpower, so they really want to get access. But not everyone is convinced. No one has trust in this, but we need it, said one military official involved in the process who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the plan candidly. This official said he fears that prisoners will cause disorder on the front line or desert their positions. Theyre all going to run like Forrest Gump, he said. Released prisoner Ruslan, 34, at a military training center. He said he decided to join because he wants his wife and daughter to stop hiding from Russian attacks. (Oksana Parafeniuk) The official said he would prefer that Ukraine lower the draft age to 18 and allow brigades to recruit younger, fitter men rather than convicts. But he said he does not expect Zelensky to change the draft rules again any time soon, out of fear that he could lose support if young men are forced to take up arms. When people see young men die, its political, the official said. Oleh Petrenko, who is recruiting from prisons for Ukraines 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, said he will use the exact same ideology when selecting applicants from prison as he does when sifting through regular civilians. Its up to Ukrainian troops to treat the new troops equally, he said, or else word will get back to the prisons and fewer men will be motivated to join. We need to show were not the same as Russia, he said. Oleksandr, 42, who heads a prison that has already released 98 inmates to join the military, said his staff briefed all the prisoners before welcoming in brigade representatives to discuss specifics and conduct interviews. Those who wanted to move forward underwent medical exams and psychological assessments. Once brigades made their selections, prisoners documents were prepared for court and the men were cleared for release. When they boarded buses for their training, Oleksandr bid them farewell. I told them to stay safe, stay alive and return with victory, he said, speaking on the condition that only his first name be used for fear his facility could be targeted by Russian missiles. Some prisoners expressed fears that the process was unclear. Others were disappointed they did not qualify. Prisoner Serhii Ivachenko, 41, said he wants to fight but is prohibited because of the nature of his crimes. (Oksana Parafeniuk for The Washington Post) Serhii Ivachenko, who was convicted of exploiting minors on the internet, said he wants to fight but is prohibited because of his crimes. Were men, he said. If women are doing it right now, we should be embarrassed of ourselves. Valentin Solovyov, 28, said he was worried about going to war with fellow convicts. He returned home from the eastern front in 2015 deeply traumatized and later killed a man. Now serving time for murder, Solovyov said he fears that if he goes to fight, he will be stuck in a unit with prisoners who are mentally unwell. I dont have faith Ill be with normal people, he said. Ive lived with prisoners for a long time. A Douglas C-47 Skytrain drops candy parachutes during the Berlin Airlift 75th anniversary commemoration on June 16, 2024, in Wiesbaden, Germany. The candy drop paid tribute to "Candy Bomber" Col. Gail Halverson and "Operation Little Vittles. (Bradley Latham/Stars and Stripes) WIESBADEN, Germany Thousands of Americans and Germans gathered at Clay Kaserne over the weekend as the Army and the state of Hessen commemorated one of the largest and most significant humanitarian missions in history. The three-day event, which ends Monday, celebrates the 75th anniversary of the end of the Berlin Airlift, an allied response to the Soviet Unions blockade of all land and waterway access to West Berlin beginning June 24, 1948. The blockade left over 2 million residents without food and fuel supplies. The airlift was a historic act of humanity and solidarity in a time of hardship and suffering, Wiesbaden Lord Mayor Gert-Uwe Mende said Saturday during the events opening ceremony. The history of Wiesbaden and the U.S. Army shows us from the darkest times come the brightest moments of cooperation and understanding. The airlift, codenamed Operation Vittles and Operation Plainfare by the U.S. and the U.K., respectively, sent over 200,000 flights into Berlin delivering more than 2 million tons of food, coal and other supplies until the Soviet blockade lifted on May 12, 1949. U.S. Army Col. David Mayfield, commander of USAG Wiesbaden, speaks at a remembrance ceremony during the 75th anniversary celebration of the Berlin Airlift at Clay Kaserne, Wiesbaden, Germany, on Saturday. (Zoe Tourne/U.S. Army) Wiesbaden garrison commander Col. David Mayfield speaks at the opening ceremony for the Berlin Airlift 75th anniversary June 15, 2024, on Clay Kaserne in Wiesbaden, Germany. (Bradley Latham/Stars and Stripes) Wiesbaden Lord Mayor Gert-Uwe Mende reflects on the enduring German-American partnership formed during the Berlin Airlift at the 75th anniversary ceremony June 15, 2024, in Wiesbaden, Germany. (Bradley Latham/Stars and Stripes) Vera Mitschrich (left) shares her experience living through the Berlin Airlift as a young girl at the 75th anniversary celebration in Wiesbaden, Germany, June 16, 2024. (Bradley Latham/Stars and Stripes) Remembrance ceremonies on Saturday and Sunday honored the roughly 75,000 personnel involved, including 86 American, British and German personnel who died in support of the mission. Today and every day since 1949, Wiesbaden Army Airfield has been considered hallowed ground built on its legacy as the epicenter of one of the greatest humanitarian airlifts the world has ever seen, Wiesbaden garrison commander Col. David Mayfield said Saturday. Let us always remember that freedom and liberty are never free. Even during this historical military operation, the peaceful use of air power did not come without a price. While the main U.S. effort originated out of the now closed Rhein-Main Air Base outside Frankfurt, approximately one-third of the delivered food supplies came from Wiesbaden Army Airfield, known today as Clay Kaserne, said John Provan, a historian and vice president of the Airlift Frankfurt-Berlin Association. Additionally, the command paid tribute to The Candy Bomber, Col. Gail Halvorsen, with the dedication of a newly constructed air traffic control tower Saturday on Clay Kaserne. Halvorsens daughter, Denise Williams, spoke on the inspiration that led to Halvorsen earning his moniker. Somewhere above Germany, Oct. 18, 1949, Capt. Eugene T. Williams, U.S. Air Force assistant German Youth Activities officer, prepares to throw a Schmoo full of candy out of the Bon Bon Bomber. The B-17 Bon Bon Bomber flew from Wiesbaden Air base to drop some 80,000 candies over displaced persons camps at Ludwigsburg, Heilbronn, and Schwabisch-Gmund. (Stars and Stripes) While on a break between missions at Tempelhof Airport in Berlin, Halvorsen spoke to a group of children standing outside the fenced area. He offered the group his last two pieces of gum and promised them he would deliver more. The next day, pooling rations with his fellow crewmates, he dropped the first of many payloads of sweets. The practice was quickly adopted across the force. By the end of the airlift, crews delivered approximately 23 tons of chewing gum, chocolate and other candies. Vera Mitschrich, who was 6 when she lived in Berlin under the flight path of Tempelhof Airport, recalled the hope and joy she and her sister felt receiving candy and supply drops. A Douglas C-47 Skytrain sits on Wiesbaden Army Airfield during the 75th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift held on Lucius D. Clay Kaserne, Wiesbaden, Germany, June 15, 2024. The Douglas C-47 Skytrain was one of the aircraft used by the U.S. during the airlift but was later replaced by aircraft that could transport larger payloads. (Zoe Tourne/U.S. Army) A Douglas C-47 Skytrain taxis underneath a water cannon salute during the Berlin Airlift 75th anniversary commemoration June 16, 2024, in Wiesbaden, Germany. (Bradley Latham/Stars and Stripes) Halvorsen was a regular attendee at Berlin Airlift commemorations, including Wiesbadens 70th anniversary event in 2019. He died Feb. 16, 2022, at 101 years old. I will never, never forget this and I am so proud of you all, Mitschrich said to Williams on Sunday while recounting her story and honoring Halvorsen. Your daddy gave us hope and took care of us and I will never, never forget. The public celebration also included static displays of historic and current military aircraft, U.S. and German army vehicles, and aerial demonstrations of vintage aircraft, including candy drops delivering approximately 10,000 pieces of candy for the young guests in attendance. The 75th anniversary concludes Monday with a closed event for German and American students. The Wiesbaden garrison estimates it will host 50,000 visitors over the three days. An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter delivers supplies to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Laboon in the Red Sea, May 14, 2024. Laboon is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. (Janae Chambers/U.S. Navy) Yemens Houthis said Sunday that they had attacked two civilian ships along with an American destroyer in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea, their latest effort to disrupt shipping in what they say shows their support for Palestinians in Gaza. In a statement, the Houthi military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, said the militant group fired ballistic missiles at the American destroyer, naval missiles at a ship called the Captain Paris and drones at a ship called the Happy Condor. It was not clear whether any of the targets were hit. Early Sunday the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said that a vessel 40 nautical miles south of Yemens al Mukha had reported two explosions nearby. The vessel and its crew were safe and continuing their journey, it said, without identifying the ship. The Iran-aligned Houthis, who control Yemens capital and most of it populated areas, have launched dozens of attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea region since November in solidarity with Palestinians. The attacks have upended global trade by forcing ship owners to reroute vessels away from the Suez Canal, and drawn retaliatory U.S. and British strikes since February. Reporting by Hatem Maher, Muhammad Al Gebaly and Mohammed Ghobari. Iraqi security forces stand guard in front of Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant in Baghdad, Wednesday, June 5, 2024. The recent protests apparently organized by supporters of Iran-backed, anti-American militias in Iraq reflect surging anger against the United States, Israels top ally, over the war in Gaza. (Ali Jabar/AP) BAGHDAD The elite Iraqi counterterrorism force that helped vanquish the Islamic State is back patrolling the streets of Baghdad but this time they have a new mission: protecting U.S. restaurant franchises from vandals angry over the Gaza war. In recent weeks, assailants have targeted several U.S. and American-style food chains as part of an economic boycott of brands they say help fund the Israeli militarys actions in Gaza. The attacks, including assaults by masked men on branches of KFC and Lees Famous Recipe Chicken, began in late May after Iran-backed Shiite militias called on their followers to protest the businesses. The militias, their statement said, reject the use of Iraqi territory for investment projects whose profits they claim are funneled to Israel and its armed forces. The United States is Israels closest ally and chief supplier of weapons and aid, but that assistance comes largely from the government. Iraq has responded to the unrest by deploying U.S.-trained counterterrorism units across Baghdad to guard against more violence. An effort, analysts say, both to reassure foreign investors and signal to powerful, pro-Iran groups that government forces are in control. It feels weird to be deployed to protect a restaurant, said Ali, 23, a member of the Counter-Terrorism Service now stationed in the bustling Karrada neighborhood of central Baghdad, where several international franchises are located. We are special forces, not bodyguards, he said, speaking on the condition he be identified only by his first name, as he was not authorized to talk to the media. Targeting American brands as a way to protest U.S. foreign policy is common in the Middle East and globally. When the war between Israel and Hamas broke out last fall, and a McDonalds franchise in Israel said it would provide free meals to soldiers, several branches of the chain were vandalized in Egypt, Lebanon and Turkey. Suspects in Iraq have also thrown sound bombs at a language institute and an office of Caterpillar Inc., the U.S. construction equipment manufacturer that supplies the Israeli military with armored bulldozers. Small protests were held outside the Baghdad offices of PepsiCo and Procter & Gamble, the Associated Press reported. We are a group of people from this nation that protested against American interests, said one participant, a member of the Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he helped carry out attacks. We will continue the boycott until all American interests are closed. Shiite militias loyal to Iran hold significant political and military power in Iraq, and have long opposed the U.S. military presence here and in the region. The United States has about 2,500 U.S. troops and personnel in Iraq to advise and assist local security forces. Earlier this year, militias operating under the umbrella of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for a drone attack that killed three U.S. service members in neighboring Jordan. After the United States retaliated, killing a senior Kataib Hezbollah commander in central Baghdad in February, the militias pulled back from targeting U.S. facilities. But few expected them to set their sights on burger and fried chicken joints popular with Iraqis in the capital. It was a normal weekday night in Baghdad last month when the chaos first erupted at a new KFC branch on Palestine Street. Dozens of people, wearing masks and armed with sticks, descended on the establishment, breaking windows, throwing chairs and destroying kitchen equipment while patrons hid or fled. Salam Abdul Karim, a 43-year-old engineer, was dining with his family at the time. He said his 8-year-old daughter was facing the door when the assailants entered. Once she saw them, she was scared, and said to look behind me, he said. For a few seconds, I didnt know what to do. Then I immediately told my wife we should leave, as they started to smash the restaurants equipment. Security forces nearby fired warning shots in the air to disperse the crowd. No employees or customers were physically harmed. But similar attacks also took place at branches of Lees Famous Recipe Chicken and the Jordanian-owned Chili House, an American-style burger chain. The Baghdad-based owners of all three establishments declined to comment for security reasons. What happened in Baghdad was an obvious move to send a message that they still have power, Hamid al-Sayid, an independent politician, said of the militias, adding that the message is aimed at leaders in both Baghdad and Tehran. The Interior Ministry said it apprehended suspects believed to be involved in the attacks. And the Security Media Cell, an official body disseminating security information, called the attacks a desperate attempt to destabilize the country and harm its reputation. But the government response has largely been to target only the low rank militia members, without targeting the senior network, Iraqi academic Akeel Abbas said. The biggest loser in this equation is the prime minister, because what is happening is the opposite of the message he is trying to deliver in attracting investment, he said. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has sought to diversify the economy, which relies heavily on oil revenue, and attract U.S. and foreign capital to Iraq. In a statement on May 30, the U.S. ambassador to Iraq, Alina L. Romanowski, condemned recent violent attacks against U.S. and international businesses. These attacks endanger Iraqi lives and property, and could weaken Iraqs ability to attract foreign investment, she wrote on X. For retired Maj. Gen. Ahmed al-Taie, now a security analyst, Sudanis move to deploy the counterterrorism service was both a sign of the militias strength, and of the governments willingness to do whatever it takes to impose the law. The counterterrorism fighters like Ali are now at all major intersections in Baghdad. But the violence has put many business owners on edge. Zain Mohammed owns a cafe in Baghdad. My cafe is right next to Skechers, and I am concerned they will destroy my cafe as well when they attack it, he said. Some restaurants with foreign-sounding names have rushed to issue statements clarifying that they are local businesses with no ties to U.S. corporations. We would like to announce that our restaurant is a pure Iraqi brand, the Ghost Burger fast food chain wrote on its Facebook page. And has no link with any foreign company. Muslims in some parts of the world are sacrificing animals today (Sunday) to celebrate the religious festival of Eid ul Adha, also known as the festival of sacrifice. This festival is celebrated in the 12th Islamic month which is called Zil Hajj. It is the last month of the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims perform the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Today, Muslims across the Middle East, the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia are marking the first day of the three-day celebration of Eid ul Adha. The Middle Eastern countries include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan, Syria, Yemen, Kuwait, Oman, and Iraq. According to the Saudi Gazette, Muslims in Saudi Arabia attended the Eid prayer on Sunday in over 12,000 mosques, including the Grand Mosque of Makkah and Prophet's Mosque in Madinah. Meanwhile, over 1.5 million pilgrims from around 180 countries attended the dawn prayer on Sunday, after staying overnight at the holy site of Muzdalifah following their descent from Arafat on Saturday after sunset, as part of the Hajj rituals. They will now throw pebbles at Jamarat Al Aqabah and perform the sacrifice ritual, men will shave their heads and then leave for Makkah to perform Tawaf Al Ifada and Sai', two other pillars of Hajj, Saudi Gazette reported. Meanwhile, Muslims across the UAE kicked off Eid ul Adha celebrations with prayers and greetings on Sunday morning, Khaleej Times reported. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed on Saturday sent cables of congratulations to the kings, emirs, and presidents of Arab and Islamic nations on the occasion. Sheikh Mohamed wished them and their people continued progress, prosperity and stability. Residents in the UAE are marking the celebration with a four-day weekend that began on Saturday and will last until Tuesday. Additionally, residents of Abu Dhabi and Dubai are set to enjoy stunning fireworks displays at different locations at 9pm on Sunday. He was treated in hospital and had his nose reset before making a statement to police Dr Sean Fennessy didnt have much to say to the Sunday World This is the Irish doctor who instead of mending broken bones broke his brother-in-laws nose in an assault during a family holiday from hell in France. Dr Sean Fennessy, a general physician who has worked at numerous Irish hospitals, also tried to lash out at his father-in-law but missed and only knocked the glasses off his face in the same incident, a court heard. Dr Fennessy (59), with an address at Landen Park, Naas, Co, Kildare, carried out the attack on his brother-in-law John Cosgrave during a family holiday at Mr Cosgraves parents home in Puicheric in the south of France in July 31, 2018. The case finally concluded in May, with Dr Fennessy being found guilty of wilfully committing violence and given a suspended fine of 300. He was also ordered to pay Mr Cosgrave a total of 1,400 for pain and suffering, cosmetic damage and legal costs. Dr Fennessy said he didnt want to comment on the incident when the Sunday World called to his home this week. What happened with John in France, I really have no comment about that, he said. Mr Cosgrave, who was hospitalised with a broken nose after the attack, said he was happy Dr Fennessy was finally convicted but felt he got off lightly. I would expect a doctor to be fixing broken bones and not breaking them, no matter what the situation, he said. He got away lightly. He was ordered to pay 1,400 which I still havent received. I would have been hoping for something a bit more severe, even a suspended sentence, but that is outside my control, he told the Sunday World. The Cosgrave family are from the Naas area, while Dr Fennessy was born in Saskatchewan, Canada, to Irish parents. He grew up in Portland in the US before later moving to Ireland where he got his medical degree from Trinity College before starting his medical career in St Jamess Hospital in Dublin. He subsequently married Mr Cosgraves sister and worked in the US before returning to live and work in Ireland in various hospitals including in Naas, Co Kildare and Tullamore, Co, Offaly as well as other hospitals in the south of the country. He works in general internal medicine departments which are focused on prevention, diagnosis and treatment of internal diseases. The court heard that when the Cosgrave family first met Dr Fennessy they initially found the medic to a be a pleasant person, but later found him difficult to get on with. In 2018, Dr Fennessy and his wife and son as well, as John Cosgrave and his sons, were on holiday together at Mr Cosgraves parents French home. Mr Cosgrave said after Dr Fennessy insulted his mother on July 31 he was asked to apologise or leave the house. He ended up speaking really badly to my mother, Mr Cosgrave said this week. My mother was upset. She told me and I thought here we go, its starting. Mr Cosgrave said there was tension in the house the next day, with Dr Fennessy spending most of the day in his room and not engaging with the family. He then left to go for a walk with his wife. Mr Cosgrave went to find the couple to ask Dr Fennessy to apologise for how he spoke to his mother. I was thinking what was the best way to tell this man what I think, but not to cause a scene in front of the kids. I got into my car and drove through the village to find them, he said. He spotted them in the village and approached Dr Fennessy. I said to him youre going to have to go back up to the house and apologise to my parents for your behaviour here. He looked at me and said, I wont be apologising to anyone, dont tell me what to do. He was starting to square up to me and you could see he was aggressive. I said, OK if youre not going to apologise youre out. Mr Cosgrave then returned to the house first and gathered up Fennessys things. I started to take out his stuff and started putting it in the communal bin outside the house. I said to him your stuff is in the bin now get out. I think that enraged him because he had to go to the bin and take everything out. A fella with an ego like his, I think that drove him mad. Dr Fennessy started packing his things in his room with his wife and John Cosgrave said he heard a loud bang coming from the room which he went to investigate. I ran to the room. Next minute I was greeted by him and he lashed out straight away. He punched me right in the nose. First of all, I was in shock because Im not used to being punched. Then I thought I have to defend myself, so I grabbed him and pushed him on the bed and I was on top of him on the bed. When I pushed him there was a scuffle. Mr Cosgraves father, Thomas Cosgrave, then gave out to Dr Fennessy who became more irate. That enraged him and didnt he reach out to give my father a box. He missed him and hit his glasses which fell on the ground. He grabbed him by the arm and my father had a bruise on his arm which he showed at the hospital. The room was just covered in blood and I was covered in blood. I went out and looked at my nose. It was all bent over to the side of my face. He was treated in hospital and had his nose reset before making a statement to police. Dr Fennessy admitted hitting his brother-in-law, claiming he was blocking his way. He said he punched him in the nose and said he had acted impulsively and had not really wanted to hit him. Dr Fennessy was indicted for wilfully committing violence against John Cosgrave while the case in relation to an alleged assault on Thomas Cosgrave was dismissed as the magistrate said that attempting to commit violence was not a crime. He appeared in the judicial court of Carcassonne in April where he was convicted of the attack on John Cosgrave. Defence counsel for Connors said the father-of-two was normally a mild-mannered individual THIS is the loud and obnoxious thug who carried out an unprovoked glass attack on an innocent pub-goer that left him hospitalised and scarred for life. Paddy Connors (27) from Rockland, Ballywilliam, Co Wexford, was recently jailed for 18 months after a court heard that he smashed a glass so hard into the head of his victim Eamonn Brennan that the glass shattered. Defence counsel for Connors said the father-of-two was normally a mild-mannered individual. His wife had been offering up prayers since he was locked up last month, praying for his early release including prayers to St Rita the patron saint of the impossible, difficult, and hopeless causes. You were greatly burdened during your life and you know what we are going through now. We offer our prayers for relief, please hear and bring our intentions to the Lord. Amen, she wrote in an online post after his jailing, before later adding that she hoped he was back home soon. Connors was jailed by Judge Cormac Quinn at Wexford Circuit Court last month over the attack in the Top Place pub in Ballywilliam on October 29, 2021. Detective Garda Donal Doyle told the court that the victim arrived in New Ross Garda Station to make a formal complaint after receiving 10 stitches to head wounds in hospital following the attack. Connors was identified as the culprit and, once arrested, he took responsibility for the attack, later pleading guilty to assault causing harm. In his victim impact statement, Mr Brennan, who is a farmer and farming contractor worker, told how he met up with a few friends on the night in question after the lifting of Covid restrictions. Though he knew who the defendant was, he had no prior dealings with him. The witness recalled that the behaviour of Connors after he arrived at around 11pm was loud and obnoxious that night, talking about all that he owned. Without warning, Brennan found himself struck to the side of the head and his face began pumping blood. He described the assault as unprovoked and cowardly, leaving him with enduring scars that continue to be sore in cold weather. The fact that he was wearing spectacles probably saved him from eye damage, he suggested. Defending barrister Ronan Kennedy revealed that his client had been drinking that day after the death of his grandfather. His parents, Tom and Anne, were present in court as counsel told the judge that the defendant was ashamed of an incident of which he had limited memory. The court was also told that Connors had raised 5,000 as a token of remorse. The tragedy is that he is otherwise mild-mannered, suggested Mr Kennedy, adding that the accused was not used to consuming alcohol regularly. Connors left school after third year in secondary school, the court was informed, with poor literacy skills. A member of the Travelling community, he worked in the family horse breeding and furniture business. Judge Quinn agreed that the assault was a cowardly attack, which he marked with a sentence of two-and- a-half years with the final year suspended. Connors was bound to the peace before being taken away by prison officer escort, and he was ordered to hand over the 5,000. Yan-Yan Fan (47) told the court at a hearing that buying fashion items was the only hobby I have Yan-Yan Fan said she didnt know why CAB wouldn't believe her A woman alleged to have been part of a Chinese cannabis-growing operation in Ireland is to get back part of her designer goods collection seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB). Yan-Yan Fan (47), who defended herself in the High Court case, had claimed she was a lover of fashion and denied her treasured possessions were purchased with criminal cash. She told the court at a hearing that buying fashion items was the only hobby I have. But last week, Judge Alex Owens found that most of the designer items seized during CAB raids were bought with the proceeds of crime. Yan-Yan Fan said she didnt know why CAB wouldn't believe her A total of 96 items were taken by CAB and valued at 119,000, although Judge Owens did not find CABs evidence supported this valuation. The judge accepted her arguments that in some cases items were valueless or were presents and said they should be returned to her. The list of 19 items to be returned includes tea, earrings, shoes and a keyboard. Included are a Chanel Petite Timeless tote, black caviar leather; YSL grained black leather Small Y Cabas; Chanel Gold Vinyl chain stopper; black ladies Moncler jacket; Louis Vuitton Spheres bag charm; Chanel 4220 sunglasses; Louis Vuitton goldtone pendant bracelet; Ray Ban childrens purple sunglasses; Versace MOD4305 sunglasses; Hermes 90cm Cuivreries scarf; Louis Vuitton tea 100g; Swarovski Swan stud earrings; Apple wireless keyboard; Louboutin Degraspike flat shoe; Furla blue fur bag charm; Hermes silk Twilly Colliers de Chiens; Louis Vuitton purple monogram Shine shawl; Hermes H Belt reversible Swift and Togo; and Louis Vuitton Taiga black Pegase suitcase. The judge also ordered that 89,000 in a frozen account be returned to her parents, who Ms Fan said had helped her to buy an apartment. Yan-Yan Fan However, he accepted CABs argument that Yan-Yan Fan and a co-respondent Guang Ying Wang (49), who came to Ireland in the early 2000s, were working with a grow-house operation. Wang did not contest the case in which CAB sought to have the goods, along with 229,000, declared the proceeds of crime. The Bureaus case is that Ms Fan is linked to an organised crime gang involved in cannabis grow-houses and that she had a role managing properties. The judge said she had a significant link with 7A Henrietta Place in Dublin in late 2012 where a grow-house with 1,490 cannabis plants valued at 1.1m was discovered. She was a tenant of the property in 2012 and 2013, but when interviewed by gardai she claimed a sub-tenant was responsible for the operation, he said. He found it hard to credit her evidence that she was unaware of what was going on upstairs at 7A. The CAB investigation started in 2021 when Wang was arrested on March 19 and questioned about his suspected involvement in a grow-house in Phibblestown, Co Dublin, in which cannabis worth 400,000 had been discovered. Gardai then searched Ms Fans apartment at Cedarhurst Road, Ashtown, Dublin, where Wang was also living at the time, and an apartment she leased in Dublin city centre. Judge Owens stated: Yan-Yan Fan has been, since at least as far back as 2012, knowingly concerned in activity associated with cannabis production and has handled large amounts of cash derived from this criminal activity. He added that much of her day to day living over the years was not routed through her bank accounts. She has lived off undisclosed cash which she used to meet credit card bills and her other expenses, including significant discretionary spending on holidays and designer-label fashion goods. During the hearing Ms Fan told the court that buying designer goods was the only hobby I have. I dont know why they dont believe me, she said about CAB. The bureau linked her to 12 bank accounts which she controls, in which 1.7m went through since 2005. The headline figure of 1.7m put forward by CAB is shocking, she said, but that it is not true when you go into the detail. Chanel Petite Tote Black Cavier Leather LIST OF 19 ITEMS TO BE RETURNED FROM CAB Chanel Petite Timeless Tote black caviar leather YSL grained black leather small Y Cabas Chanel gold vinyl chain stopper Black ladies Moncler jacket Louis Vuitton Spheres bag charm Chanel 4220 Sunglasses Chanel 4220 sunglasses Louis Vuitton Goldtone pendant bracelet Ray Ban childrens purple sunglasses Versace MOD4305 sunglasses Hermes 90cm Cuivreries scarf Louis Vuitton tea 100g Swarovski Swan Stud Earrings Swarovski Swan stud earrings Apple wireless keyboard Louboutin Degraspike shoe Furla blue fur bag charm Hermes silk Twilly Colliers de Chiens Louis Vuitton purple monogram shine shawl Hermes H belt, reversible, Swift and Togo Louis Vuitton Taiga black Pega The fourteen include 12 men and two women, who are all aged between their late teens and 50s A total of 14 people have been charged as part of a Garda crackdown on crime in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) North Division. The 14, including 12 men and two women, all aged between their late teens and 50s, are due to appear before Dublin District Courts sitting at Swords and the Courts of Criminal Justice during the coming days. They were charged after gardai attached to the DMR North targeted those involved in the sale and supply of controlled drugs, associated criminality and money laundering offences as part of an ongoing investigation. Gardai say that since September, 2023 this operation in DMR North has led to the seizure of over 1.2 million in assets from those suspected of being involved in crime. A total of 48 people have been charged. In previous related operations 18 people appeared before Dublin District Courts in September 2023 after Operation Satailt was staged by gardai. Operation Satailt was launched by gardai to target money laundering and the proceeds of crime by focusing on those who profit from drug dealing, drug related-intimidation and extortion. As part of the operation, gardai charged 14 males and four females and referred one juvenile to the Garda Youth Diversion Programme. The 18 people were charged with over 80 offences relating to money laundering, theft, and possession of drugs for sale or supply. In March 2024, gardai attached to the DMR North targeting those involved in the sale and supply of controlled drugs, associated criminality and money laundering offences charged 16 people. A total of 10 men and six women aged in their 20s and 30s were due to appear before the courts on this occasion. Criminal who bludgeoned generous soul Christy to death had a long list of convictions before he admitted murder A 22-year-old man who pleaded guilty to murder is a convicted thief and petty criminal who had amassed 32 convictions prior to the brutal killing. Owen Maughan, of Dun Saithne Avenue, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin, stabbed and bludgeoned neighbour Christy Hall (65) to death at his home in Dun Saithne Green, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin between November 23 and 24, 2021. Maughans pre-trial hearing, which commenced before Mr Justice Paul McDermott at the Central Criminal Court on Friday, had been expected to last two-and-a half weeks. However, on Friday afternoon Maughan indicated he wished to be arraigned and entered a plea of guilty to the single charge on the indictment of murdering dad-of-three Mr Hall. At the time of Christys murder, Maughan was already well known to gardai in Balbriggan. Murder victim Christy Hall A court hearing in July 2022 heard how five months before the attack on Christy, Maughan had stolen a 700 copper cylinder from a local hardware store Maughan pleaded guilty to theft at Chadwicks, Turvey Business Park, Donabate on May 18, 2021 and was sentenced to three months in prison. Garda Aidan Fogarty said he received a call from management at the store on May 19 to report a theft the previous day. The garda viewed CCTV and identified the accused wearing a hi-visibility jacket entering a back store area and taking a copper cylinder valued at 723.18. Maughan was arrested by appointment and charged with the offence. At that stage, Maughan was said to have 32 previous convictions, including four for theft. On a previous occasion, Maughan was jailed for a month for threatening to break a security guards nose at the Millfield Shopping Centre on March 26, 2020. He had previously been barred from the supermarket and when security reminded him of this, he became irate and threatened to break the security guards nose. As this incident was taking place, another member of the security team came over and Maughan was extremely abusive to him. During an inquest into Christy Halls death in 2022, evidence was given that he had died as a result of stab wounds and blunt force trauma. Previously, a relative paid tribute to Christy as a generous soul who would do anything for anyone, including giving you the last euro in his pocket. Christy wouldnt have much money as he lived off his disability payment, but hed happily give you the last euro out of his pocket, she said. Originally from Garristown, Christy, a former employee of Dublin County Council, lived in Whitechapel in Clonsilla for a period before moving to Balbriggan following an accident 20 years before his death. He wasnt expected to pull through after the accident. But he did pull through after a long period on life support. After that, he wasnt able to work anymore, the relative said. He wasnt able to manage stairs because the head injury affected his balance and that was why he was given the house he was in. He had two daughters and a son and Christy adored them. He was really gentle and easy-going. He just couldnt see any fault in anyone. If anyone was short hed say go on there and take that. Hed give money to anyone if they needed it. No-one could ever say a bad word about him. He adored his kids. As long as they were happy, he was happy. Hitting out at Christys killer, the relative said at the time: Christy was one of those people who locked up early. So he would have had to unlock that door from the inside to let that person in and he wouldnt have done that unless he knew who he was opening the door to. And thats the horrible part of it. Because he would have opened the door delighted to see this person. But that animal came for a different reason. Following Maughans guilty plea on Friday, Mr Justice Paul McDermott directed the preparation of a victim impact report and remanded Maughan in custody until July 8, when it is expected that he will be sentenced to the mandatory term of life imprisonment. Today, Lee took to Instagram to share a photo of himself with his dad, writing Happy Fathers Day dad, see you soon with a heart emoji. Lee Byrne has paid tribute to his banged-up gangster father Liam Byrne on Fathers Day, telling him he will see him soon. Liam Byrne, a key member of the Kinahan Cartel, is currently in jail in the UK awaiting trial on firearms and conspiracy charges. The Crumlin man was arrested in Mallorca and extradited to the UK on December 12 2023, after proceedings launched by the UKs National Crime Agency. Liam Byrne appeared in court in March of this year alongside Thomas Bomber Kavanagh where they denied charges linked to an alleged firearms conspiracy. Byrne denied conspiracy to possess a firearm without a certificate, conspiracy to possess ammunition without a certificate, conspiracy to possess a prohibited weapon, and conspiracy to possess prohibited ammunition. He also denies conspiracy to sell or transfer prohibited firearms and ammunition, and one count of possessing an offensive weapon. Today, Lee took to Instagram to share a photo of himself with his dad, writing Happy Fathers Day dad, see you soon with a heart emoji. Lee is in a relationship with Lilly-Ella Gerrard the daughter of former Liverpool captain Steven since early 2022. The young Dubliner has become very close to the Gerrard family, and joined his girlfriend for Christmas in Saudi Arabia where the former Kop idol is based. None have any involvement in criminality. Lilly-Ella (20) recently posted photos of herself and Lee enjoying a night out on Saturday at Taylor Swifts Eras tour at Liverpools Anfield Stadium. She posed wearing a red cowboy hat, a grey Loewe jumper and denim skirt and also shared a clip of herself dancing with dad Steven. "Best time with the best people, she wrote. Sources say there have been between 50 and 80 incidents linked to the feud Images of the attack were shared on social media Associates of a teenager attacked by men with machetes as part of an ongoing feud are suspected of being behind a petrol bomb attack on an innocent womans home. Sources say there have been between 50 and 80 incidents linked to the feud, including the machete attack on a 17-year-old with links to veteran criminal John Gilligan. Gardai have already arrested a number of people in relation to various incidents with some facing serious charges, including firearms charges. Sources say more arrests are expected as part of an operation targeting the feuding gangs. The feud mainly involves young criminals in their teens and early twenties based in Clondalkin, Ronanstown and Lucan in west Dublin. The teen is attacked While an associate of John Gilligan was attacked as part of the feud, Gilligan, who is based in Spain, is not involved. His young associate suffered severe injuries to his leg in the machete attack. Images of the attack have been shared on social media. Sources say associates of the machete victim are suspected of carrying out an arson attack in Lucan last month on an innocent womans home. The woman could have died in the incident when a teenager smashed a window and threw a petrol bomb into her home while she was inside. Both sides of the feud have been involved in numerous incidents including assaults, gun attacks and arson attacks. Gardai from the Dublin Crime Response Team have been drafted into assist local gardai in policing the feud. Gardai carried out searches in the Ronanstown and Clondalkin areas this week where drugs, cash and mobile phones were seized. John Gilligan They also arrested a man in relation to arson and criminal damage at Greenfort Park in Clondalkin on May 9, but he was later released without charge while a file is prepared for the DPP. There have been dozens of other incidents linked to the feud and some of the participants are as young as 15. The incidents include arson attacks to homes and cars as well as a number of serious assaults including stabbings, firearms incidents and attacks involving pipe bombs. The feud has spilled over into prisons with one criminal having to be moved from one Dublin jail to another because of the threat against him. Since being jailed, a property linked to him has been burnt to the ground by his rivals. This criminal, who has more than 70 previous convictions, is serving a significant jail sentence for kidnapping and torturing a man on behalf of The Family drugs trafficking gang. An imitation firearm, syringes and hunting knives were found in a prisoners backpack by warders The prisoner was being moved to Cork Prison An imitation firearm, syringes and hunting knives were found in a prisoners backpack by warders after gardai drove him 120km from Waterford to Cork Prison. Sources have confirmed alarmed prison officers discovered the items in a backpack, following a prisoner handover from gardai on April 29. It is understood the prisoner was originally arrested in Waterford on April 27 while allegedly committing the offences of trespass and criminal damage. He was further discovered to have a small quantity of cannabis on his person during a search at Waterford Garda Station. The inmate appeared before Waterford District Court on April 29 in connection with the offences. At the sitting, he was remanded in custody to appear before the same court again on July 4. Its understood gardai were then tasked to transport the inmate to Cork Prison, where he was to be held until that date. Sources said the custody handover at the prison occurred later the same day. As officers were taking the inmate to the reception area, the weapons and syringes were discovered. Waterford District Court Theres no suggestion he was trying to smuggle these weapons into the prison, a source told the Sunday World. The bag and contents were always going to be searched on his arrival at the prison. And he had made no effort to conceal them. But there was surprise in the prison that these items had apparently not been discovered before it was handed over. The belief is that the prisoner had been camping and living rough in the lead up to his arrest. A spokesperson for the Irish Prison Service this week declined to comment on the discovery of the weapons saying it does not comment on matters relating to individual inmates. Gardai, in a statement, said: Investigations are ongoing following the discovery of offensive weapons in the possession of a prisoner in Cork Prison in April 2024. An Garda Siochana cannot provide any other comment on this ongoing investigation. All persons in Garda custody are searched for their safety and the safety of others and kept under Garda supervision at all times by members of An Garda Siochana. The searching of prisoners and other property at prisons is a matter for the Irish Prison Service. While the incident is not being treated as an effort by the prisoner to smuggle weapons into the prison, sources say it shows how prison officers play a key role in preventing the arrival of such items into the prison setting. Earlier this year, the Sunday World revealed how a total of 308 weapons, 1,272 mobile phones, 1,294 drug packs were seized by prison officers last year. Shockingly, arising from those seizures, a total of just 66 people have been arrested. Speaking at the Prison Officers Association Annual Delegate Conference in Sligo last April, Karl Dalton, General Secretary said: Despite the best efforts of our members on the ground, our prisons are being flooded with contraband, such as phones, drugs and a variety of weapons. From 2015 to 2023, the drug seizures entering prisons were up 160%, mobile phone seizures were up 203%, yet the number of related arrests by were down 52%. During the period the level of mobile phone seizures in Wheatfield Prison alone were up from 35 to 1,374 per year. Over the same period in Cloverhill Prison drug seizures increased by 294% from 104 to 410 per year. Mr Dalton continued: During 2023, our members seized 1,272 mobile phones, 1,294 drug packs and 308 weapons, which were being smuggled into our prisons... It is not acceptable that our members are still grappling with this smuggling problem on the ground, without the necessary support. Why would anyone interfere with the dead? A video recorded by someone interfering with the ancient remains of a child found buried in Ballyfermot during an archeological dig has been blasted by a local councillor. Local People Before Profit Councillor Hazel de Nortuin said peoples ideas of what is right and wrong when it comes to social media have gone out the window. The skeleton of the child, thought to have been buried around 600AD, was recently uncovered during archeological works at the site of the former De La Salle monastery in the Dublin suburb which is being examined prior to a private development. In the video, posted on social media last week, a person recorded the small skeleton and can be seen touching its teeth. There have since been calls from the National Museum of Ireland for people to stop sharing and remove the video. As part of archaeological testing in advance of the construction of a strategic housing development within the grounds of the former Mount Le Salle Monastery and the De La Salle Boys School, a number of Early Medieval burials were identified, a Museum spokesperson said. "These are in a low burial mound, within a shallow-ditched enclosure. The majority are aligned west to east. A full understanding of the significance of the site must await the excavation, analysis, radiocarbon dating and subsequent reporting by the licensed archaeologist. Cllr de Nortuin said: I was shocked when I saw it. Where peoples minds go and what they think is right or wrong for a social media post has just gone out the window. Why would anyone interfere with the dead? Ballyfermot doesnt have much when it comes to evidence of archeology because everything has been knocked and gone for development over the decades, and this find is very significant for the people of the area and it could give them a sense of their history. Archeologists are trying to sketch and record the remains so they can determine how they were buried, and under what circumstances, and this was being interfered with by someone touching it. The site is a secured building site with a security presence, leading to speculation that the person who made the recording had permission to be on the site rather than being a member of the wider public. It is understood more remains could yet be found in the dig which was started after a Section 26 licence was issued by the National Monuments Service to ensure the site is examined by archeologists and recorded before for development can occur. It is understood the remains were found behind the site of the old De La Salle monastery. Ken Larkin, a member of the local Ballyfermot Heritage Group, said the site may uncover more finds from the period between 400 and 800 AD. I heard other finds like buckles have been located, and any other finds will have to be noted. I think what happened last week was disgraceful and I hear the matter has been reported to gardai, he told the Irish Independent. The men, who appeared to have at least two other supporters with them, made a short speech for about a minute calling for mass deportations and talking about the Covid-19 vaccine before a female garda told them to move on Far-right supporters have tried to label a one-minute protest outside the home of Taoiseach Simon Harris as a false flag operation after it was widely condemned online. Three men who covered their faces turned up outside the Taoiseachs family home on Friday evening waving tricolours one of which had Dublin 18 Says No [sic] on it. The men, who appeared to have at least two other supporters with them, made a short speech for about a minute calling for mass deportations and talking about the Covid-19 vaccine before a female garda told them to move on which they did. A garda spokesperson said: Gardai responded after a small number of individuals gathered outside a residence in Greystones, Co. Wicklow, shortly before 8pm on Friday, 14th June 2024. Gardai engaged with those present and instructed them to leave the area, which they complied with. We have no further comment to make at this time, a spokesperson said. Simon Harris The protest was largely criticised and mocked after a video of it was posted on social media. It also sparked off bizarre conspiracy theories that it was a false flag operation designed to make the far-right look bad. Far-right figures have been carrying out protests outside politicians homes for a number of years now bringing up a variety of issues ranging from Covid-19 vaccines and immigration to transgenderism and LGBTQ+. Justice Minister Helen McEntee described the sight of masked men erecting banners outside Minister for Integration Roderic OGormans home in April as vile and repulsive and said she would examine new laws that could make protesting outside homes of politicians illegal. Several anti-immigration candidates were elected around the country last week, including Gavin Pepper in Finglas and Malachy Steenson in Dublins north inner city. Glen Moore, of the Irish Freedom Party, won a seat in Palmerstown-Fonthill. Another member of the party, Paul Fitzsimons, failed to win a seat in the Ongar area of west Dublin in the Fingal County Council elections. Mr Fitzsimons (55), from Grange Road, Baldoyle, was up in court this week on charges of possession of a knife, failing to comply with Garda directions and engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour in an incident at Talbot Street in Dublin city centre on February 5 this year. The case was put back as Dublin District Court heard a witness has Covid-19. Patrick Quinlan, of the National Party, won a seat on Fingal County Council in the Blanchardstown-Mulhuddart area. While Quinlan was celebrating, other members of the party were coming to terms with defeat. The National Party has been at the centre of an internal row between former friends Justin Barrett and James Reynolds, who both claimed to be the leader of the party and ran against each other in Midlands North West in the European elections. Barrett, who has previously quoted Hitler and made fascist salutes, received 0.6pc while Reynolds received 0.47pc and later stood down from the party labelling it a toxic brand. Other well-known far-right figures including Andy Heasman and Philp Dwyer, who regularly film themselves at protests around the country, ran in the Dublin electoral area in the European elections but failed to make much of an impact with just 0.54pc and 1.19pc of first preference votes respectively. When interviewed he bizarrely claimed he was taking revenge for the high-profile murder of the black American This is the ear-biting serial thug whos back behind bars for kicking a PSNI vehicle and telling cops it was payback for George Floyd. Martin Valliday is a notorious criminal who has tortured the town of Antrim where he lives for years, so it surprising to see him striking an apparent blow for the 46-year-old black American who was murdered by a police officer in May 2020 in Minneapolis. Valliday (25) pictured here for the first time wasnt long out of prison for committing GBH and robbery on a man who had contacted him to buy ecstasy tablets from him but ended up nearly having his ear bitten off. It emerged this week that Valliday had launched what a judge described as a terrifying attack on the home of a woman with a crossbow and a hatchet last December. When he was arrested he went berserk, and when interviewed he bizarrely claimed he was taking revenge for the high-profile murder of George Floyd despite that having absolutely nothing to do with the PSNI. Valliday, of Angus Street in Antrim, was charged with attempting to cause criminal damage to a police cell van on December 12. George Floyd He was also sentenced for possessing a crossbow as an offensive weapon, a hatchet without lawful authority in Antrim, causing criminal damage to a window of a property, possession of cannabis and possession of cannabis with intent to supply. Antrim Magistrates Court heard police received a report that a living-room window had been broken at a property in Antrim that night and police found a crossbow bolt lying on the grass. The court was told a female resident had been frightened by the incident. Camera footage showed a man aiming a crossbow, and a window was then hit with a hatchet. Blood was found on the window. After going to the scene, police had then gone to another address in Antrim town and saw Valliday throw items into an alleyway which matched those used in the house attack. Around 200g of cannabis in 15 deal bags, along with scales and a deal list, were also found. When arrested, police noticed Valliday had an injury to his right hand and officers suspected that was from breaking the window. The earlier court heard that during an interview, Valliday said he kicked the window of a police vehicle in payback for George Floyd, while he told police the cannabis was for personal use despite it being found separated in deal bags. Valliday appeared via video link from prison on Tuesday for sentencing at Antrim Magistrates Court, sitting in Ballymena. A prosecutor said a woman and her two children were in the property attacked by Valliday. A defence lawyer said that the defendant had committed the offences when he was in the throes of addiction and Valliday accepted he had been out of control. The house attacked was the home of a woman who had been in a relationship with his brother and Valliday decided in the midst of this drug difficulty to attack the house, but there was never an intention to attack the person. The lawyer added: That doesnt get away from the fact that it was a very frightening episode for this young lady and her children. Jailing him for five months and putting a three-year restraining order in place, District Judge Nigel Broderick said: This would have been a terrifying incident for the complainant and her children in her home. This occurred at ten minutes to midnight. He told Valliday: You are attacking her with a crossbow and a bolt and a hatchet and goodness knows what was going through her mind as you were trying to break this window. The murder of George Floyd by a police officer who knelt on his neck for nine minutes led to protests around the globe, including in the UK and Ireland, with protesters gathering in Custom House Square and Belfast City Hall in June 2020 as part of Black Lives Matter rallies. Valliday was jailed for three-and-a-half years in February 2020 for a shocking attack which left a man with permanent injuries in what was described in court as a drug deal gone wrong. The victim had told the police he had contacted Valliday through Messenger, wanting to buy ecstasy. But when the man turned up at the agreed spot in Antrim, Valliday told him he didnt have the drugs on him and then, with two other men, subjected the victim to a horrific attack. He was repeatedly kicked and punched before having 20 taken from him. The man said he was hit on the back of the head with a beer bottle while Valliday tried to bite his ear off, even shouting I have nearly got it. He was then hit three times on the head with a brick before it was thrown at him. He was left with a serious eye injury, fractures to both eye sockets and nasal bone, and needed eight stitches to a head wound and further stitches to his ear. Valliday eventually pleaded guilty to GBH with intent and robbery and was sentenced to three years and six months behind bars, with 21 months of that to be served in prison and the rest on licence. But sources say Valliday is a constant scourge around Antrim. Hes tortured this town for years, said one Antrim man. Hes an animal and he shouldnt be allowed out until hes no longer a threat to the people of this town. Look what he put that girl through, firing a crossbow at her house and using a hatchet to smash her window. And this is a man who wasnt long out of jail for a disgusting attack on a man whose ear he tried to bite off. Its only a matter of time before some other poor innocent person comes across this creature and ends up traumatised. Five months for what he did, given his record, is a joke. The late Rev Bill Neely was exposed as a child molester in October 2022 Eddie Gorman was targeted in church and at the scouts A professor has implored the Church of Ireland Historical Society (COIHS) to come clean over the paedophile minister who founded the organisation. The late Rev Bill Neely was exposed as a child molester by Sunday Life in October 2022 when courageous former cop, Belfast man Eddie Gorman, spoke out about the abuse he suffered. Eddie Gorman Following the revelations the COIHS quietly removed all mention of Neely from their website despite his central role in its formation and an annual postgraduate prize once bearing his name. No explanation for this has been forthcoming from the COIHS and they have never addressed the abuse inflicted on children by their founder. The society is a separate entity from the church which aims to promote the study of Irish church history and encourage research. Following a recent legal victory by the Belfast Telegraph, Sunday Life and other media groups which struck down legislation granting anonymity to sex offenders who were not charged, a Dublin-based scholar has urged the society to be honest about Neelys crimes. William Neely Dr Niall Meehan, head of the journalism and media faculty at Griffith College Dublin, sent a letter to COIHS top brass insisting there is a need for candour from the organisation. He writes: You have not responded to queries about the silent deletion, without explanation, of your founders name, the Rev WG (William) Neely, from COIHS web pages and/or to alteration of historic pages on awarding the WG Neely Prize. If your mistaken policy was due to an interpretation of provisions of NIs Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act, you are now freed from its restrictions. Belfast High Court struck down the act which granted automatic anonymity to people who are suspected of sexual offences. That decision represents an important victory for media freedom, plus for your freedom and mine. Please, as soon as you can do so, make a statement on your founder Rev WG Neely and insert it on your COIHS web pages. Please include in that statement an explanation for renaming the WG Neely Prize and alteration of COIHS web pages referring to past winners of the prize. Please (also) include some words to the effect that public exposure of gross misuse of adult power over children is important. If nothing else, it gives hope to traumatised victims that their suffering is recognised and it encourages them to speak with confidence. That would be the correct thing to do, morally, ethically and educationally. Eddie Gorman was targeted in church and at the scouts Dr Meehans letter, sent on June 3, has gone unanswered and the COIHS did not respond to request for comment. Last December, the Church of Ireland settled with Eddie Gorman over the abuse Rev Neely subjected him to shortly before Mr Gorman passed away. When Sunday Life and the Belfast Telegraph website carried a story about the settlement, a letter was sent by Keoghs solicitors to Editor-in-Chief Eoin Brannigan, pointing out the sections of the act. The letter sent by Keoghs said: This means that WN (William Neely) cannot be named until 2034 and no reports should have been made by the press doing so. The letter did not say on whose behalf it was sent but Keoghs was the firm instructed by the Church of Irelands Diocese of Down and Dromore in the case brought by Mr Gorman. She said she hopes to join a few public engagements over the summer as she continues treatment for cancer for a few more months Kate Middleton said she continues to receive treatment for cancer after her health announcement in March but said: Im not out of the woods yet. In a statement the Princess of Wales said she is making good progress and has good days and bad days, adding: I am not out of the woods yet. She said she hopes to join a few public engagements over the summer as she continues treatment for cancer for a few more months. Kate appealed for time, space and privacy for her family when she made the shock health announcement, but she said in a statement on Friday that she will attend Britains King Charles Birthday Parade on Saturday and hopes to join a few public engagements over the summer. She was initially admitted to hospital for abdominal surgery on January 16 and at the time her condition was thought to be non-cancerous, but cancer was found after a successful operation. The princess wrote a letter to the Irish Guards to apologise for not being able to take the salute and wish them luck for The Colonels Review in London last Saturday. The Prince of Wales gave a positive update about his wifes treatment during a visit to the Isles of Scilly in May, saying shes doing well when asked by a hospital administrator. William spent a number of weeks with Kate and their children during the Easter holidays before returning to public work in mid-April. Charles was admitted to hospital just days after Kate, also for a procedure deemed unrelated to cancer. In February, Buckingham Palace confirmed that he had been diagnosed with a form of cancer, which is not prostate cancer, that was discovered while the King was being treated at the private London Clinic for an enlarged prostate. In wishing the monarch a full recovery, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said thankfully the cancer had been caught early. Charles initially postponed public-facing duties but resumed at the end of April, speaking of his shock at being diagnosed with cancer as he met patients on a visit to University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in central London. His appearance at a D-Day event in Portsmouth last week was his first public speech and most high-profile appearance since his cancer diagnosis. The Queen provided an update on her husbands health at the Queens Reading Room Literary Festival at Hampton Court Palace in Surrey last Saturday, telling author Lee Child the King is doing fine but wont slow down and wont do what hes told. Sarah, Duchess of York announced a medical procedure at the beginning of 2024, when she revealed a diagnosis of malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer. It was her second cancer diagnosis within a year, having been diagnosed with breast cancer the summer before, which led to her undergoing a mastectomy and subsequent reconstructive surgery. She had discovered an early form of breast cancer during a routine mammogram screening. Naturally another cancer diagnosis has been a shock, but Im in good spirits and grateful for the many messages of love and support, Sarah said on Instagram. Princess Beatrice shared an update on her mothers health on This Morning in May when she said the duchess was all clear and doing really well. In late February, tragedy befell Prince Michael of Kents family when Thomas Kingston, the husband of Prince Michaels daughter, Lady Gabriella Windsor, died from a catastrophic head injury with a gun found close to his body. For many years, it was the estrangement of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex that dominated discourse around the royal family after the pair stepped down as working royals in 2020. Having relocated to Montecito, California, Harry has returned to the UK infrequently but did so after the Kings cancer diagnosis. Though the duke only conducted a whirlwind 45-minute meeting with his father, Harry suggested that the Kings cancer diagnosis could lead to a reconciliation with the family. Asked by a US breakfast show if the diagnosis could have a reunifying effect, the duke replied: Yeah, I am sure. In May, a spokesperson for Harry said he hopes to see his father soon after the Kings full programme meant a reunion was not possible during the dukes UK trip to celebrate his Invictus Games. Former international rugby star Matua Parkinson has admitted purchasing guns to on-sell to someone without a licence, faking a burglary and then making a false insurance claim - but his lawyer is blaming his stupidity on head knocks suffered during his career. Matua has admitted travelling to Auckland in June 2022 where he paid $10,488 in cash for five Alfa Carbine rifles of varying calibres and $450 cash for parts from two Gun City stores. He then passed them on to an unlicensed person. But, the 48-year-olds offending didnt end there. Four months later he reported them stolen, claiming his entire gun safe that was bolted to the floor of a shipping container on his Western Bay of Plenty property had been ripped out. Matua made an insurance claim for the stolen safe, five guns and 40 rounds of ammunition, which he was paid out for, but ESR analysis found that the new safe he purchased was actually the stolen one, with analysis revealing it had never been ripped out of the floor. During a hearing ahead of Matua entering guilty pleas at the Tauranga District Court on Tuesday, Judge Louis Bidois questioned his behaviour. Who in their right mind is going to make an insurance claim for a stolen safe and then use the safe? Things arent going right for Mr Parkinson in his head, thats for sure, somethings gone wrong. Defence lawyer David Pawson says Matua had played more than 700 games of rugby and quite a large portion of those in the black jersey, referring to his time in the Maori All Blacks. Hes taken quite a few knocks to the head over the years and this is clearly not a person who is thinking about what hes doing. The judge asked what evidence there was that his thinking in relation to the offending had been affected by what happened to him on the rugby field. Pawson says further information could be given on that topic before Matua is sentenced, and suggests that a cultural report might also provide some helpful background given his upbringing on the East Coast. However, Judge Bidois says a cultural report wont help him. He had an upbringing like many of the Maori boys down there, but hes been able to rise above that. Hes become an All Black, hes run a business in the Mount, hes had jobs ... Fall from grace He says it is almost unbelievable to see the fall from grace. Matua Parkinson playing sport. Photo: Supplied. Matua Parkinson's lawyer told the judge the "knocks to the head" he received during his rugby career may have impacted his thinking in relation to firearms offending. The judge says there clearly had been premeditation as Matua had gone to Auckland with cash and purchased the rifles, quite deliberately, knowing the person he was going to pass them on to was unlicensed. Pawson says Matua wouldnt mind him saying that it was more stupidity than sinister and would give the shirt off his back for anybody. The judge says that might be the case, but when dealing with firearms in this day and age, the community takes a pretty harsh approach. How many guns do you need, why would this other person want five guns and not one? Pawson replied that the Alfa Carbine was a good pig hunting rifle, and said that the lower-calibre rifles were good for little more than farming. The judge replied that any gun is effective when its used in a hold-up or aggravated robbery. Matua is best known for his sporting accolades including representing the Maori All Blacks, captaining the world champion New Zealand Sevens team, playing for the Auckland Blues, North Harbour, Sanix in Japan and the Bay of Plenty Steamers as well as playing in the NRL for Canterbury Bulldogs. He has held many community positions, including formerly on the Bay of Plenty District Health Board. Matua was the co-owner of Creme bar in Mount Maunganui for seven years before it closed in 2008. He has been a television personality, fronting a Sky TV travel show, Lost in France, alongside Carlos Spencer, and Maori Televisions Hunting Aotearoa. Parkinson will be sentenced next month. In an unexpected turn of events, Skylar the Scarlet Macaw, last seen in the Tauranga area in late February, has made a surprise appearance on Mount Maunganui beach with a boogie board in hand. "Blown off course by recent heavy rains and winds, Skylar has arrived six weeks early for our highly anticipated Topflite National Bird Show," says Tauranga Bird Club president Sheryl Baron. The national prestigious event, hosted this year by the Tauranga Bird Club at the Baypark Stadium Lounge in Mount Maunganui from July 26 -28, will showcase around 1400 birds from 17 different species. Judging will take place throughout the day on Friday, July 26. The public is invited to view these magnificent birds on Saturday, July 27, from 9 am to 5pm, and again on Sunday, July 28, from 9 am to 12 noon. Skylar the Scarlet Macaw arriving at Mount Maunganui early for the Topflite National Bird Show. Photo: Supplied. "Skylar has already begun assisting us in ensuring everything runs smoothly," says Sheryl. "Her beach arrival this morning was met with applause and engagement from the public, who were delighted to see this rare visitor from South America. "Some suggested Skylar might even win Best Macaw at the show." The Tauranga Bird Club's 2023 Tauranga bird show. This year the club will be hosting the Topflite National Bird Show at Baypark. Photo:Supplied. The Topflite National Bird Show will feature a variety of birds, including canaries (rollers, colour-fed, and lizards), budgerigars, cockatiels, various finches (Bengalese, zebra, and Gouldians), British birds, and an array of hookbeaks (red rumps, cockatoos, elegants, and splendids), as well as several types of lovebirds. Skylar the Scarlet Macaw ruffles her feathers. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford. Skylar, with her wet feathers and ruffled demeanor, will face tough competition from birds entered from across New Zealand, including Gisborne, Whangarei, Hawkes Bay, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin. "The Tauranga Bird Club is excited to host this event and looks forward to the fierce competition for Best Bird across all categories," says Sheryl. To contact Tauranga Bird Club email: taurangabirdclub@gmail.com This week the Addison Theatre at Baycourt in Tauranga is coming alive with the enchanting magic of "CATS the Musical," produced by Toni Henderson and Stage Right Threatre Trust. The show opened on Saturday night to a sold-out crowd that included sponsors and supporters. The production surpassed expectations, with a dazzling display of talent, creativity, and heartfelt performance, leaving the audience thoroughly captivated from start to finish. CATS is a musical for those who love spectacle. It's nostalgic for those of us who have seen the show before, and a treat for those who haven't. When the musical first hit the stage in 1982, the concept of an entire show driven by song and dance numbers was relatively new and clearly captivated audiences. Cats ran for 20 years in London's West End and is one of the world's most beloved musicals. George Hiku as Rum Tum Tugger. Photo: Alisha Taylor. The choreography is incredible and well executed distracting the audience from the lack of an overall plot. This probably stems from the fact the entire two-hour show is based on the 1939 poetry collection Old Possums Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot. Although the poems, music and dance are the main focus rather than a traditional narrative structure, the musical tells the story of a tribe of cats called the Jellicles and the night they make the "Jellicle choice" by deciding which cat will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and come back to a new life. The bulk of the musical consists of the different contenders being introduced, either by themselves or by other cats. Key story moments in the show are scenes centred on Grizabella, an elderly cat cast aside by the other felines of the tribe. Portrayed with haunting beauty and emotional depth by Amy Lewin, Grizabellas signature solo, Memory, is the shows main clear plot point as she reminisces about her days as a youthful, jubilant Jellicle. Amy Lewin as Grizabella and Brendon Weatherley as Old Deuteronomy. Photo: Alisha Taylor. Behind the scenes, Grizabella is supported in her ascension to the 'Heaviside Layer' by clever hydraulics from specialist Bruce Andrew, and the fly crew - Paul Le Marquand, Kees Fransen and Charlie Clayton - whisking her gently away. A local teacher, Amy has performed in many musicals in Tauranga including CATS 15 years ago when it was staged in 2009 at Baycourt. She says this is her dream role. Singing the most well-known song Memory made famous by my role model Elaine Paige, has been on my bucket list, says Amy. Anys rendition of "Memory" was a poignant moment that resonated deeply with the audience, with the show earning a well-deserved standing ovation at the end from many in the audience. Kittens. Photo: Supplied. As well as Amy, the show's success on Saturday night was driven by a stellar cast that brought Andrew Lloyd Webber's beloved characters to life with vigour and authenticity. Each performer demonstrated exceptional vocal prowess and precise choreography, making iconic numbers like "Memory" and "Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats" truly unforgettable. The energy on stage was palpable, with the ensemble delivering intricate dance sequences that were both visually stunning and emotionally engaging. Some behind-the-scenes fun facts Leads Kaitlin Spedding as Bombalarina, Remma Mcardle as Demeter, and Abbie Buskirk as Jellylorum all performed in CATS show as youngsters. Their harmonies are flawless and strong and they bring a high level of professionalism to their roles. Carlie Crone, who plays Jennyanydots in the tap number, and Emily Bodman, who plays the lead of Jemima and sings Memory with Amy, have both performed in CATS before. You can see the experience of doing it before, gives them another layer of extending the performance even further. Amazing! says first time CATS- performer Sarah Webb, who plays Garbo. Mr Mistofelees - John Tetley Jones. John also plays Macavity. Photo: Alisha Taylor. Equally impressive is the portrayal of Rum Tum Tugger, whose charismatic and playful presence adds a delightful layer of fun to the show. Talented Maori performer and one-to-watch George Hiku, who plays the lead role of Rum Tum Tugger, is in between professional shows of Madagascar the Musical which is touring New Zealand. Matt Henderson who plays the lead role of Munkustrap is also in "Madagascar The Musical with George, and is another stand out performer in CATS. The two thieves are played by Amy van Leeuwen in the lead role of Rumpleteazer and Jacob West in the lead role of Mungojerrie. Both Amy and Jacob both competed at the NZ Young Performer of the Year Awards in October in Palmerston North. Matthew Karton who plays the lead role of Skimbleshanks is performing beautifully despite a serious toe injury. He is also a small aeroplane pilot. Sean Embling is playing the lead role of Bustopher Jones, while his wife plays the keyboards in the show. Matt Henderson as Munkustrap and Kelsey Andrew as Victoria. Photo: Alisha Taylor. The family-strong aspect continues too with director/producer Toni Henderson, joined by husband Dale as technical director, and two of their three children Paige Henderson as Isis and Matt Henderson playing the lead role of Munkustrap. At the last 'CATS the Musical' staged at Baycourt in 2009, Matt, then aged 12, was a lighting operator and Paige, also aged 12, was on props. Brendan Weatherley, whose voice is like a warm embrace, plays the lead role of Old Deuteronomy. He married another cast member, Laura Weatherley earlier this year. Hes a local teacher and shes a bank manager. The programme also lists Delwyn Weatherley as Green Room Manager, and Rob Weatherley as one of the two assistant stage managers. Kelsey Andrew who plays the lead role of Victoria, is also the choreographer. Her dancing is stunning. To balance both roles would be challenging, but shes done it magnificently with the choreography at times leaving the audience breathless. Superb choreography. Photo: Alisha Taylor. From the start when a cat spirals down unravelling from a long piece of fabric onto the stage below, to the tap dancing, high kicks, leaps and cat antics turned into dance, the well-rehearsed and coordinate display of movement around the stage is mesmerising. A stand out dancer is John Tetley-Jones who plays the lead role of Mr Mistofelees, A former student of KJ Studios, John is a professional dancer who has just finished a season of performing on cruise ships. Chris Grange who plays the lead role of Gus - short for Asparagus - is 67. He played the same role in CATS 15 years ago at Baycourt. Its a privilege to be part of this cast, says Chris. Im thoroughly enjoying it and playing this wonderful role again. Father and son Rick and Rhys Hopcroft. Photo: Alisha Taylor. Father and son Rick and Rhys Hopcroft are both in the cast. Rhys at 13 is one the youngest cast members. Im so proud of Rhys and how much hes learnt during this show, says dad Rick. Its been great to spend so much time with him on and off stage together." Inclusivity is an important part of what we do at the Stage Right Charitable Trust, says Toni. Its not about having the perfect show, but having diversity. We have cast where all ages, sizes and ethnicities are supported. Were putting the community in community theatre." The creative team behind this CATS production deserves immense praise. The set design by Ben Hambling effectively transformed the stage into a whimsical junkyard, complete with atmospheric lighting that enhanced the mystical aura of the evening. The lighting, sound quality, and drifting Moon and clouds across the back of the stage added to the overall wow factor, with the creativity and technical expertise of Dale Henderson, Kees Fransen, Jordan Bailey, and Gareth Wallis being clearly well utilised. Cats climbed out of a filing cabinet, crawled out of stormwater pipes and pounced off a chair - with these items giant size on stage to reflect the proportional size of a cat. Dale Henderson on the barbecue being created for the set of CATS. Photo: Supplied. The set has been built from scratch by the Stage Right Trust with Dale Henderson at the helm, and one of the builders, John Geor, is in his 80s. Tonis mum Trina Hughes is also in her 80s and has helped make the costumes. The costumes, wigs and makeup were another standout aspect, intricately designed and coloured to capture the essence of each feline character, from the sleek and mysterious Macavity to the charming and nimble Mistoffelees. Marlise Hughes did an excellent job with costume and wig design, aided by a team of around 12 people who completed the wardrobes for the show including painting the costumes. Paula Baxter and her make up team of Frith Mudge and Shy Eruiti did a superb job colouring the cats to match their costumes. The crew for CATS the musical. Photo: Alisha Taylor. Under Toni Henderson's meticulous direction, the pacing of the musical was flawless, seamlessly transitioning from moments of high energy to those of quiet introspection. Musical director Elisabeth Hanna has done an outstanding job of coaching the leads to another level of singing. She has also taught the chorus the wonderful harmonies and shaping that really gives the show depth and roundness. The 16-piece live orchestra, led by talented musical director and conductor Hiro Kobayashi, provided a rich and dynamic accompaniment that perfectly complemented the on-stage action. Stage Right's production of "CATS" is a testament to the incredible talent present in Tauranga's theatre and music community. It was clear that every member of the cast, crew and band poured their heart and soul into the performance, resulting in a show that was both professionally polished and emotionally resonant. In conclusion, the opening night of "CATS the Musical" at Baycourt Theatre was a resounding success. A joyous celebration of theatre, music, and dance leaving the audience eager for more despite the more than two hours length of the show. Whether you're a long-time fan of "CATS" or experiencing it for the first time, this production is not to be missed. Congratulations to Toni Henderson and the entire Stage Right team for delivering a truly memorable and magical evening. CATS the Musical is on at Baycourt from June 15-22. Javier Almellones La Mijas Sunday, 16 June 2024, 22:57 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X (antes Twitter) LinkedIn Telegram Threads It is almost a decade since the first section of Malaga province's Senda Litoral along the coast was opened to the public in Mijas. Thanks to this footpath, many visitors, as well as enjoying leisurely strolls along the coastline, have the opportunity to enter a place with more historical importance than one might initially think. The presence of four watchtowers are some of the silent witnesses that remain from the past, when La Cala de Mijas and its surroundings, nowadays of tourist interest, was one of those strategic places in the Mediterranean, being relatively close to the Strait of Gibraltar. A historic episode took place nearby that may well have changed the history of Spain. Specifically, it took place on 2 December 1831, when General Torrijos arrived near this village in Mijas. This soldier, who intended to reach Malaga to re-establish the Constitution of 1812 against the absolutist power of Ferdinand VII, commanded two boats, although he was surprised by cannon fire by the brigantine Neptuno close to the Calaburras lighthouse, which had not been built at that time. This was the first of the betrayals that Torrijos suffered in his attempted rebellion, as the crew of the ship that attacked him had previously agreed to escort them to the Fort of Bezmiliana (Rincon de la Victoria). Faced with this unexpected situation, Torrijos decided to move back a few metres and disembark on the nearby Charcon beach, located relatively close to the aforementioned lighthouse. Zoom The Calaburras lighthouse has been part of the landscape of this coastal area since 1863. J. A. Not far from the beach, in the centre of La Cala de Mijas, one can visit the Torreon, a watchtower dating from the end of the 18th century, which is now a visitors' centre that contains a room dedicated to this historical episode. The building, which is usually open to the public in the morning, has three thematic rooms. The first is dedicated to the watchtowers of both the Mijas coastline and other parts of the coast of Malaga. The second room pays homage to the figure of General Torrijos. The last area is a tribute to the fishing past of this coastal area of Mijas, with boats and other items related to this activity. This is not the only watchtower that served in its day to watch over this area of great strategic value. The other three are the Nueva (also known as Las Pesetas), Calahonda (the westernmost) and Calaburras. Zoom The Torreon de la Cala, which can be visited today, was vital for the security of the area. J. A. The latter, which is not easy to see, as it is located between residential dwellings, is situated just a few metres from the Calaburras lighthouse, one of the emblems of the coastal strip of Mijas. This lighthouse is just a few metres from the Punta de Calaburras, where Fuengirola and Mijas meet. Its origin dates back to 1863, although the current construction dates back to 1928, as the previous one was practically in ruins. Today's lighthouse, which is of great strategic value for vessels travelling from the Mediterranean to the Campo de Gibraltar, is 25 metres high. In addition to all these historical sites, it should not be forgotten that this stretch of coastline, which was once home to residents dedicated to both agricultural and fishing activities, is an ideal place to enjoy the beaches. There are some crowded but well-kept beaches, such as those of Bombo, Butibamba or Calahonda, where one can still see the valuable ecosystems known as intertidal pools, which have suffered a better fate than the dunes that were once part of this coastal landscape. Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription. Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service. Dear Amy: My wife of over 30-plus years makes time for her male friend, X, without telling me. She will then blame being late getting home, for instance, on work. I know for a fact that she is lying, as other friends will tell me they have seen her with X. My wife says that fibbing about who she is with and what she is doing is just because she doesnt think she needs to inform me about every little thing she does. I call BS. I call it cheating when you are not truthful with your spouse, and when you keep secrets, especially when these secrets have to do with seeing the opposite sex. I have seen texts and emails that include serious flirting. I am beginning to think she is a narcissist since she tries to manipulate the conversation and has started gaslighting me. Your thoughts? Fed Up Dear Fed Up: I agree that your wife does not need to inform you about every little thing she does. She does need to tell you about the big things, however and lying about seeing a man you obviously perceive as a rival and a threat to your marriage is a very big thing. I dont know if your wife is a narcissist. I cant tell if she is gaslighting you. But it is quite obvious that your relationship is in serious trouble. You seem to be tracking your wife through talking with her friends and looking at her communications. You obviously dont trust her. Yes, it is time to call BS. Present her with your fears and concerns. Follow up with hard evidence Columbo-style. If you want to stay in your marriage, you should ask her, quite sincerely, to recommit. Counseling can provide a neutral space for you two to express your divergent views. Counseling will not save your marriage (it can oftentimes create a pathway for ending it), but I am a firm believer in the power of therapy to alter a persons perspective and behavior. Dear Readers: Hundreds of readers have contacted me to express their appreciation for my work over the last 21 years, and to offer congratulations on my retirement. Im very grateful! I dont think of this as retirement, however. I have made a choice to continue my work elsewhere, and am showing myself the door. Readers can easily find me at Amydickinson.com and through my weekly newsletter. The next columnist to walk through the door is R. Eric Thomas, writing a column called Asking Eric. Eric is young, smart, and a talented advice-giver. You can help Eric get started by sending your questions to eric@askingeric.com. (You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.) 2023 Amy Dickinson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Syracuse, N.Y. -- A brutal and potentially record-breaking heat wave will descend upon Upstate New York this week, pushing temperatures into the 90s for up to five straight days. High humidity will make the air feel hotter than 100 degrees during the worst of the heat wave midweek, according to the National Weather Service. Temperatures on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in Syracuse are expected to be in the high 90s. A streak that long and that hot has happened only four times before in Syracuse -- and never in June. Daily high temperature records are likely to fall this week, and temperatures could be among the hottest 1% ever measured in Syracuse. Tuesdays high in Syracuse is forecast to be 98 degrees. Thats so extraordinary that it has happened just 15 times in 121 years of record keeping -- about once a decade. And this is not typically the hottest part of the year: Late July is when the normal high temperature peaks as the earth begins to release heat stored by the summer sun. This weeks heat will be so intense that the Syracuse City School District will cancel afternoon classes on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday for most students. Schools are closed Wednesday for Juneteenth. Temperature is just half the story: Humidity will be thick and well above the range the weather service considers oppressive. Hot nights will also make the heat wave more miserable and dangerous, especially for those without air conditioning. Not only will we have to deal with oppressive daytime heat, but the lows during the overnight hours will stay in the 70s, extremely limiting any relief we normally get at night and greatly increasing the heat-related impacts felt across the region, the weather service said. Summer nights are getting hotter overall. Syracuses nighttime lows are about a degree warmer than they were a decade ago. Health impacts from this weeks heat wave could be extreme, according to a new heat risk index developed by the weather service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Extreme is the most serious of four levels in the index. The heat risk index is based not just on the high temperature, but how unusual the heat is for this time of year, how long the heat will last, how hot the nights are, and if those temperatures post an elevated risk of health impacts. Gov. Kathy Hochul has issued a severe weather warning for possible thunderstorms today and the heat wave next week. Normal high temperatures in mid June are in the upper 70s, and lows are in the upper 50s. The heat builds in the week of the summer solstice, when the sun is at its most intense, and kicks off what meteorologists say could be one of the hottest summers on record. Accuweather, a private forecasting company, projects that temperatures in Central New York will be 3 to 4 degrees above normal. The hottest summer in record in Syracuse, 2005 was 4.4 degrees above normal. This year has already been the warmest on record for Syracuse, including a nearly snow-free winter and a May that missed being the warmest month of May by one-tenth of one degree. prakash_ajp BHPian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 850 Thanked: 1,980 Times Re: Honda showcases CRF300 and Sahara 300 ADVs in India I have been thinking of replacing my otherwise stellar H'ness with an adventure tourer and trying out the 310 GS, the Strom 250 SX, a used CB500X etc. but either they are short on features/power or out of my budget and/or hard to find. Just one thing that caught my eyes - doesn't it come with USD? To my eyes, it appears like telescopic suspensions. Quote: maverick029 Originally Posted by I suppose they are a little too late for this segment. The sub-400cc segment now offers bikes with decent electronics and good usable power. In my opinion, purchasing these Honda ADVs solely for Honda's reliability is not something many will do, considering the competition. Hope they are serious about the Sahara and brings into the showrooms in the next year or so. All I want Honda to do is to provide a seat as comfortable as the ones in the 310 GS or the NX500 and price it below 3L ex-showroom. I have my cheque ready.I have been thinking of replacing my otherwise stellar H'ness with an adventure tourer and trying out the 310 GS, the Strom 250 SX, a used CB500X etc. but either they are short on features/power or out of my budget and/or hard to find.Just one thing that caught my eyes - doesn't it come with USD? To my eyes, it appears like telescopic suspensions.For the reasons I just said, there's still a lot of space for a reliable adventure tourer. As you can see, I have left out the Himalayan from my options for the simple reason that it's not reliable and doesn't have a smooth engine. Last edited by prakash_ajp : 13th June 2024 at 12:10 . Reason: add more content A hot potato: Many were surprised to learn that connected vehicles collect data about drivers and sell that information to insurance companies. As it turns out, so do apps on a driver's smartphone. Most drivers are unaware that this is even happening. Earlier this year, the New York Times dropped a bomb on drivers of connected vehicles: manufacturers collect and sell their driving data to insurance companies, which use the information to set rates for individual drivers. Now, a new report shows that this type of data collection is more ubiquitous than even dystopian-minded privacy advocates might have realized. Information about driving habits is also being collected by apps that are only tangentially related to automobiles. You may already have one installed on your phone. Examples include Life360, MyRadar, and GasBuddy. They all have opt-in driving analysis features that rely on sensor and motion data from the phone. The apps also offer insights into things like safety and fuel usage. Many of these apps partner with a company called Arity, a data broker founded by Allstate. Arity uses the data it collects to create driving scores and then sells them to auto insurance companies, which use the data to set rates for drivers using the apps. Arity claims it has over 40 million "active connections" to US drivers, who have opted into sharing their driving data through "consumer mobile apps, in-car devices, and connected cars." // Related Stories Data broker National Public Data files for bankruptcy following massive breach While users must consent to the data collection, the request for the data is often hidden in boilerplate contract language that most smartphone users don't read. The apps also make it difficult to see in the apps' opt-in process. For example, GasBuddy has a feature that rates the fuel efficiency of trips. It is "powered by Arity," but the agreement to opt into the data collection is in a small gray font under a big red button labeled "Join Drives." Furthermore, the disclosure only informs the driver that by clicking "Join Drives" they will share "certain information" with Arity and agree to its hyperlinked privacy statement. The apps essentially double dip on their users, first by charging them a subscription fee, then by selling their driving data to car insurance companies. Consumers know about the cost of the subscription. However, most are unaware of how much information the data brokers collect and how much that data may cost them in their insurance rates. If you don't like the idea of your car insurance company spying on your driving habits, you should avoid apps powered by Arity or all driving-related apps altogether. T-Mobile recently announced that the US Department of the Navy has selected the company to supply wireless solutions under the $2.67 billion Spiral 4 contract. This agreement allows various Department of Defense (DoD) agencies to order wireless services and equipment from T-Mobile over the next decade. The Spiral 4 Contract of T-Mobile, Department of the Navy The Spiral 4 contract will enable the DoD to utilize T-Mobile's advanced 5G network for modern wireless solutions that accommodate the evolving requirements of government operations. This extensive, multi-award contract includes services like voice, data, fixed wireless solutions, Internet of Things (IoT), and mobility management solutions. These provisions aim to ensure dependable connectivity for various government activities, from mission-critical communications to military network solutions. David Bezzant, Vice President of Sales for T-Mobile for Government, said that the Spiral 4 contract underscores T-Mobile's leading 5G network and its commitment to developing solutions that address the critical needs of government customers. According to T-Mobile, the new contract replaces its predecessor, Spiral 3, reflecting shifts in industry standards and technological progress. Since joining Spiral 3 in 2017, T-Mobile has substantially expanded its service offerings for government operations. The company introduced 5G Advanced Network Solutions, an extensive suite of 5G solutions and applications, including 5G private and hybrid networks designed to meet government agencies' performance requirements. Government Internet of T-Mobile T-Mobile has also launched Government Internet, a 5G fixed wireless option designed to serve as a primary internet source or unlimited backup to bolster reliability and support essential communications. T-Mobile has also collaborated with 3rd Eye Technologies to offer a convenient solution for government agencies to comply with federal message archiving regulations. This solution promises to capture and archive SMS and MMS message logs securely. According to the company, government entities may also benefit from T-Mobile's partnership with SpaceX, which aims to integrate T-Mobile's network with Starlink's satellite technology and offer universal connectivity. "With a cutting-edge product portfolio, a proven track record and a clear vision for the future, we're ready to take government innovation to the next level. It's an honor to serve those who serve this Nation," Bezzant said in a press statement. Read Also : T-Mobile Mint Mobile Acquisition Now Complete with Ultra and Plum Also Joining T-Mobile Is Missing in the List of Companies Backing Discounted Internet Plans In related news, T-Mobile's recent decision has drawn attention in the telecom sector. While 14 major telecom companies have supported the Biden administration's push to extend the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) subsidy exceeding the upcoming presidential elections, T-Mobile has opted not to participate. This move has sparked curiosity among industry analysts. Analysts speculate T-Mobile's stance might be part of its strategy to gain regulatory support for its proposed merger with UScellular. Blair Levin, a policy adviser to New Street Research and a former Federal Communications Commission (FCC) official, suggested that the future of the T-Mobile-UScellular merger could hinge on the outcome of the elections and the administration in power. If President Joe Biden is re-elected, a Democratic-led FCC might require T-Mobile to make specific commitments to cater to low-income families, potentially delaying any improved offers for low-income households until the merger is given the green light. Learn more about this story here. Tesla is on the verge of carrying out a Full Self-Driving (FSD) pilot in China, another significant milestone for the American electric carmaker. This initiative underscores Tesla's commitment to innovation and highlights China's strategic importance in the global adoption of autonomous driving technologies. Tesla to Test FSD in China Led by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Tesla plans to test its most advanced autonomous driving software in Shanghai, China. The Nanhui New City district near Tesla's Giga Shanghai plant has allowed 10 electric vehicles (EVs) for initial testing. This move signals a potential future rollout of FSD technology across China. Interesting Engineering reported that Lu Sen, director of the Shanghai Free Trade Zone Administrative Committee's data department, announced this development to local media. However, specific details regarding when the testing will start were not disclosed. Before implementing FSD in China, Tesla must first register the software at the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). MIIT approves all vehicle models and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) software sold in China. Once Tesla obtains MIIT's approval, it will be authorized to conduct FSD testing on public roads. FSD technology enables your vehicle to operate with minimal driver input and is designed to enhance its capabilities over time. FSD includes features such as automatic lane changes, guiding your car from highway on-ramps to off-ramps, suggesting lane changes, navigating interchanges, and automatically using turn signals. When in FSD mode, the vehicle also identifies and responds to stop signs and traffic lights by slowing down and stopping as needed while you actively monitor its operations. Tesla emphasizes that the current FSD features need ongoing driver supervision and do not render the vehicle fully autonomous. Achieving full autonomy will hinge on surpassing human driver reliability, backed by extensive experience spanning billions of miles and regulatory clearance that could vary in duration across different jurisdictions. Read Also : Elon Musk is the Only Foreign Entity to Sign China's Letter to Stop EV Price Competition Early Signs In April, Elon Musk posted on X that Tesla's FSD technology could launch in China soon as he responded to a user query about FSD availability in the Southeast Asian country. Tesla established a data center in Shanghai in 2021 to store and process all data collected in China, including Autopilot functionality, sales figures, production data, and charging statistics. Tesla also formed an FSD operations team and a data labeling team in Shanghai. Engineers from the US headquarters were also deployed to train local staff. Every Tesla vehicle includes the Basic Autopilot (BAP) software at no extra cost in China. Tesla provides the option to upgrade to Enhanced Autopilot (EAP) and FSD software, with EAP priced at half the cost of FSD. Autopilot refers to an advanced driver assistance system designed to improve safety and convenience while driving. When used correctly, Autopilot is designed to lighten the driver's workload. To enhance safety, Tesla equips each new vehicle with multiple external cameras and robust vision processing. According to Tesla, Autopilot and FSD features are meant to be used with a fully attentive driver who keeps their hands on the wheel and is ready to take control at any time. The company continues to improve these capabilities over time. Wells Fargo fired over a dozen workers last month after an inquiry found they used gadgets or applications to imitate computer productivity. The report was based on the studies of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). According to The Verge, it does not clarify whether the dismissed Wells Fargo wealth and investment management personnel were confirmed using these tools while working remotely. During the pandemic, "mouse movers" or "mouse jigglers," hardware and software, became popular because many employees worked remotely without supervision. These technologies move a computer's pointer or produce phantom keyboard entries to simulate activity. Companies use software to monitor remote worker inputs to maintain productivity. Post-pandemic remote work has improved these surveillance methods to spot "mouse jigglers." The development of "mouse jigglers" and detection technologies implies a continual adaptation cycle. As remote work grows, according to the report, firms may need to rethink how they evaluate productivity for remote workers. Remote Work Pros and Cons Despite productivity concerns, companies save money from remote work settings. According to Nicholas Bloom of Stanford University, cutting office and associated expenditures can offset productivity losses and save corporations 10% of their operating costs. Bloom of WFH Research recommends that corporations should prioritize profitability. Bloom noted that companies "should care about profitability" in addition to productivity. Since remote work is profitable, many firms have continued it after the pandemic. Flex Index and Boston Consulting Group concluded that completely flexible enterprises' sales climbed 21% from 2020 to 2022, four times faster than less flexible firms, according to the LA Times. Rob Sadow, co-founder of Flex Index, anticipates further data to show that financial performance and staff retention rates differ for smaller and younger enterprises, which are more likely to implement flexible work practices. Remote work also has its downside. Some company leaders say that it can impair mentorship and teamwork. An anonymous San Diego media executive said his company required workers to work two days a week, including one scheduled day, to stimulate cooperation and mentorship. Remote Work is Here to Stay Over the past year, entirely remote job advertisements have declined differently. According to US News & World Report, Google, Amazon, and Meta have return-to-office rules that require workers to work two to three days a week. LLC.org said remote work had dropped 45.1% in Santa Ana, California, 28% in New York, and 34.7% in Huntsville, Alabama, where male workers returned to the office twice as often as female workers. A Zillow poll of 2024's top housing sites found that people are moving to cheaper, rising employment hubs like Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina; Orlando and Jacksonville, Florida; and Houston and San Antonio, Texas. Remote workers like these places. Florida and Texas were the top states for attracting and keeping workers in Lightcast's 2023 Talent Attraction Scorecard. Vermont, which had previously paid people to migrate there, jumped to No. 3. Six Texas and three Florida counties were among the largest, benefiting from open policies during the epidemic and strong housing markets in the previous three years. Many New Yorkers and Californians moved to warmer climates with greater outdoor space. As communication technology improves, the trend toward remote work is unlikely to reverse. Notably, according to October Economic Innovation Group research, the data reveals remote work has remained consistent over the previous years. Data breaches now pose a huge threat to Australian businesses, with the potential to cause "irreversible brand damage." According to a cybersecurity expert at Fortinet, a global leader in cybersecurity has highlighted increasing concerns about cybercriminals targeting the nation's critical infrastructure. Critical Sectors at Risk Australia's federal government has identified 11 critical sectors under the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act, which was amended in 2018 to introduce stricter regulations. These sectors include communications, data storage, financial services, water and sewerage, energy, health and medical care, higher education and research, food and groceries, transport, space technology, and defense. Under the amended regulations, businesses in these sectors must complete annual reporting to notify the federal government of any attempts to access their networks. Rising Cybersecurity Incidents Fortinet's Head of Operational Technology and Critical Infrastructure, Michael Murphy, recently spoke on Sky News Business Weekend, revealing the extent of cyber threats. During the 2022-2023 financial year, there were 188 reported cybersecurity incidents across critical sectors, emphasizing the ongoing risks to national networks like water and energy supplies. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that 34 percent of businesses experienced resource losses in managing cybersecurity attacks in the 2021-2022 financial year. Additionally, 22 percent of Australian businesses faced a cybersecurity attack during that period, more than double the previous year's figure. What's worse, even small businesses are now vulnerable to any form of cybercrime. The Impact of Cyber Attacks Murphy pointed out that among entities with mandatory reporting, 188 incidents were reported. Moreover, entities outside of critical infrastructure also reported 142 incidents, underscoring the widespread nature of the threat. Cybersecurity expert Murphy explained that hackers are motivated by various factors beyond financial gain, including the desire for control. He highlighted the severe consequences of cyber attacks, where hackers can disrupt systems and cause significant downtime, leading to revenue loss and irreversible brand damage. Challenges in Critical Infrastructure Murphy noted that critical infrastructure sectors face unique challenges compared to the IT enterprise. In many cases, the luxury of quickly restoring systems is not available, and recovery can take a considerable amount of time. This extended downtime not only affects revenue but also damages the reputation and trustworthiness of the affected organizations. "What we've observed is in many incidents there are motivators at play, historically it's been based on financial profiteering. We've seen an increase in socio and political influence and more importantly, some hackers and syndicates simply want to raise their own credibility," he said. As cyber threats continue to evolve, it is crucial for businesses, especially those in critical infrastructure sectors, to strengthen their cybersecurity measures. Annual reporting and adherence to federal regulations are essential steps, but proactive strategies and advanced security technologies are necessary to mitigate risks effectively. The threat of data breaches and cyber attacks to Australian businesses, particularly those in critical infrastructure sectors, is real and growing. With the potential for irreversible brand damage and financial loss, companies must prioritize cybersecurity. In other news, Tech Times reported that Russia may have hacked Ukraine's critical infrastructure. This prompted the International Criminal Court (ICC) to launch an investigation into the Kremlin's potential war crimes. A Chinese state-owned firm tried to utilize a collaboration with Imperial College London to gain AI technology for "smart military bases," according to a report. The Guardian revealed that Jiangsu Automation Research Institute (Jari) contemplated using university scientists' military software, according to communication exchanges via email. Jari, China's top drone battleship designer, told two Imperial employees this goal before negotiating a 3 million ($3.7 million) agreement with the institution in 2019. The UK government has increased security warnings concerning academic ties with China. In April, MI5 warned vice chancellors that hostile regimes are using sensitive research for authoritarian, military, and economic purposes. Former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith warned that China is against "independent scientific study" and compared universities to "lambs to the slaughter" under such agreements. The Imperial Data Science Institute's Future Digital Ocean Innovation Center, led by Prof. Yike Guo, sought to improve marine forecasting, computer vision, and intelligent manufacturing for civilian use. According to emails, Jari considered military options for the technology. These emails were received by the NGO UK-China Transparency through Freedom of Information. In a 2018 email, Jari's research director outlined plans to test Imperial's software with "JariPilot" technology for "smart institutes, smart military bases, and smart oceans." UK-China Transparency director Sam Dunning noted that their findings indicate an effort to link Imperial College London's "expertise and resources to China's military marine combat drone research programs." Established in September 2019, the cooperation ended in 2021. After government negotiations, Imperial College returned 500,000 ($632,975). Charles Parton of the Royal United Services Institute called the relationship "highly inappropriate" and questioned the lack of due investigation. China Investing More on Military AI Beijing's AI investments go unnoticed by experts as they focus on hardware concerns. According to the Center for European Policy Analysis, China is investing heavily in AI to gain a competitive advantage in military technology to win future wars. After the 1991 Gulf War, Chinese strategists saw US knowledge superiority as a key advantage. US capacity to "see" the battlefield, make quick judgments, and launch accurate attacks overwhelmed Iraqi forces. This finding pushed the Chinese military to emphasize information's importance in contemporary combat for decades. China also uses AI to create deepfakes and sway public opinion on social media. In light of the situation, some US government executives and defense industry insiders worry that China might already be outperforming the US in developing and fielding AI-enabled military equipment but China faces enormous AI development challenges. China Partners with Russia in Military AI Development Beijing relies on foreign chips for high-end AI. US export prohibitions hinder China's AI aspirations. However, US military and intelligence officials remain concerned about China's rapid AI development. Amid the challenges, China is working with Russia on developing military AI, a major milestone in Beijing's geopolitical confrontation with Washington. In February, SCMP reported that the Russian foreign ministry said that officials from both nations discussed AI's military implications in Beijing. The meetings included military AI technology assessments, doctrinal standards, and bilateral projects. The UN-backed Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS), a forum under the 1981 Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, agreed to enhance coordination but did not identify the officials involved. Chinese and Russian perspectives on AI in military applications are similar, highlighting the necessity of robust bilateral and international cooperation. The Chinese statement confirmed outer space security, biosecurity, and AI talks, but did not include military AI. These technologies are becoming crucial to future geopolitical conflicts. Japan's Defense Ministry is set to trial laser systems designed to counter drone threats. This initiative aligns with the country's strategic defense plans to address emerging security challenges. Japan to Test Laser Systems to Counter Drones Japan Times reports that the trial involves installing laser systems on vehicles operated by the Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF), including high-mobility vehicles used widely across various infantry units. The Ministry has signed significant contracts to procure these lasers, including a 1.5 billion agreement with Kawasaki Heavy Industries for GSDF vehicles and a 1.9 billion deal with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for truck-mounted systems. Additionally, a radar system from Toshiba Infrastructure Systems & Solutions, intended for drone detection, was secured in February. By March 2026, the Ministry aims to develop a prototype of the laser system, which will then undergo rigorous testing to evaluate its effectiveness in tracking and destroying drones. The initiative is part of Japan's broader defense buildup outlined in key national security documents for fiscal years 2023 to 2027, emphasizing enhanced anti-drone measures. In March 2023, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Heavy Industries publicly showcased prototypes of their laser systems capable of neutralizing hostile unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). At the time, Japan was dealing with concerns of potential Chinese drone swarm attacks near disputed territories like the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands Mitsubishi Heavy Industries officials noted that their counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) has been field-tested for two years on Tanegashima, illustrating its readiness for deployment on ground vehicles. Japan's Push to Acquire Laser Weapons A Ministry official underscored the importance of leveraging advanced technologies from the private sector to expedite the introduction of the laser system, reflecting a strategic partnership between the government and industry. Concurrently, the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency is conducting research on higher-quality laser systems, with findings shared across relevant divisions within the Ministry, including the GSDF. This push for laser defense systems follows incidents where drones captured footage of significant naval assets. Furthermore, the US, allied with Japan, is considering deploying drones in neighboring areas and aims to establish an overwhelming drone presence in the Taiwan Strait, a strategy China intends to counter with even larger drone swarms. The Race for Laser Weapons Globally, the race to develop laser weapons is intensifying. For instance, Israel's laser defense system, Magen or 'Light Shield,' is poised to enhance its air defense capabilities against rockets, drones, and other threats. This High Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS) of 100kW class exemplifies the potential of laser technology to offer a cost-effective and highly efficient defense solution. Similarly, the Pentagon allocates approximately $1 billion annually to directed energy weapons research, focusing on countering drones and missiles through innovative technologies developed since the 1960s. Meanwhile, Chinese scientists have made a breakthrough in laser propulsion. By using lasers to create powerful underwater shockwaves, they can propel submarines at incredible speeds. This new technology, called "underwater fiber laser-induced plasma detonation wave propulsion," generates as much thrust as a jet engine, using laser pulses emitted through optical fibers thinner than a human hair. Stay posted here at Tech Times. San Antonio police officers were dragged by a vehicle during a traffic stop on the Southeast Side late Saturday. Douglas Sacha/Getty Images Officers with the San Antonio Police Department were dragged by a vehicle while attempting to arrest a driver on the Southeast Side, according to police. The incident happened around 11:35 p.m. Saturday in the 2900 block of Pecan Valley Drive. According to a preliminary police report, officers were conducting a traffic stop for an equipment violation and asked the female driver to step out after it was discovered that she did not have a driver's license. A male passenger in the front seat also was asked to step out. Advertisement Article continues below this ad READ MORE: Former CEO of mental health center accused of sexual assault After the man exited the vehicle, he fled on foot, according to the report. Police chased the man, who ran back to the vehicle and got in the driver's seat. Officers tried to pull him out of the vehicle, but he shifted it to drive and began to pull away, dragging the officers a short distance, according to the report. The officers fell to the ground and suffered scratches and abrasions. They were treated at the scene. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Water crisis batters war-torn Sudan as temperatures soar Port Sudan, Sudan, June 16 (AFP) Jun 16, 2024 War, climate change and man-made shortages have brought Sudan -- a nation already facing a litany of horrors -- to the shores of a water crisis. "Since the war began, two of my children have walked 14 kilometres (nine miles) every day to get water for the family," Issa, a father of seven, told AFP from North Darfur state. In the blistering sun, as temperatures climb past 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), Issa's family -- along with 65,000 other residents of the Sortoni displacement camp -- suffer the weight of the war between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). When the first shots rang out more than a year ago, most foreign aid groups -- including the one operating Sortoni's local water station -- could no longer operate. Residents were left to fend for themselves. The country at large, despite its many water sources including the mighty Nile River, is no stranger to water scarcity. Even before the war, a quarter of the population had to walk more than 50 minutes to fetch water, according to the United Nations. Now, from the western deserts of Darfur, through the fertile Nile Valley and all the way to the Red Sea coast, a water crisis has hit 48 million war-weary Sudanese who the US ambassador to the United Nations on Friday said are already facing "the largest humanitarian crisis on the face of the planet." - No fuel, no water - Around 110 kilometres east of Sortoni, deadly clashes in North Darfur's capital of El-Fasher, besieged by RSF, threaten water access for more than 800,000 civilians. Medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) on Friday said fighting in El-Fasher had killed at least 226. Just outside the city, fighting over the Golo water reservoir "risks cutting off safe and adequate water for about 270,000 people", the UN children's agency UNICEF has warned. Access to water and other scarce resources has long been a source of conflict in Sudan. The UN Security Council on Thursday demanded that the siege of El-Fasher end. If it goes on, hundreds of thousands more people who rely on the area's groundwater will go without. "The water is there, but it's more than 60 metres (66 yards) deep, deeper than a hand-pump can go," according to a European diplomat with years of experience in Sudan's water sector. "If the RSF doesn't allow fuel to go in, the water stations will stop working," he told AFP, requesting anonymity because the diplomat was not authorised to speak to media. "For a large part of the population, there will simply be no water." Already in the nearby village of Shaqra, where 40,000 people have sought shelter, "people stand in lines 300 metres long to get drinking water," said Adam Rijal, spokesperson for the civilian-led General Coordination for Displaced Persons and Refugees in Darfur. In photos he sent to AFP, some women and children can be seen huddled under the shade of lonely acacia trees, while most swelter in the blazing sun, waiting their turn. - Dirty water - Sudan is hard-hit by climate change, and "you see it most clearly in the increase in temperature and rainfall intensity," the diplomat said. This summer, the mercury is expected to continue rising until the rainy season hits in August, bringing with it torrential floods that kill dozens every year. The capital Khartoum sits at the legendary meeting point of the Blue Nile and White Nile rivers -- yet its people are parched. The Soba water station, which supplies water to much of the capital, "has been out of service since the war began," said a volunteer from the local resistance committee, one of hundreds of grassroots groups coordinating wartime aid. People have since been buying untreated "water off of animal-drawn carts, which they can hardly afford and exposes them to diseases," he told AFP, requesting anonymity for fear of reprisal. Entire neighbourhoods of Khartoum North "have gone without drinking water for a year," another local volunteer told AFP, requesting to be identified only by his first name, Salah. "People wanted to stay in their homes, even through the fighting, but they couldn't last without water," Salah said. - Parched and displaced - Hundreds of thousands have fled the fighting eastward, many to the de facto capital of Port Sudan on the Red Sea -- itself facing a "huge water issue" that will only get "worse in the summer months," resident al-Sadek Hussein worries. The city depends on only one inadequate reservoir for its water supply. Here, too, citizens rely on horse- and donkey-drawn carts to deliver water, using "tools that need to be monitored and controlled to prevent contamination," public health expert Taha Taher told AFP. "But with all the displacement, of course this doesn't happen," he said. Between April 2023 and March 2024, the health ministry recorded nearly 11,000 cases of cholera -- a disease endemic to Sudan, "but not like this" when it has become "year-round," the European diplomat said. The outbreak comes with the majority of Sudan's hospitals shut down and the United States warning on Friday that a famine of historic global proportions could unfold without urgent action. "Health care has collapsed, people are drinking dirty water, they are hungry and will get hungrier, which will kill many, many more," the diplomat said. Louisiana Inspired Artists created images of Christ that focused not on historical accuracy but on reflecting different communities a scholar of religious history explains At the heart of net-zero accounting is the idea that there are activities that add greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, or sources, and other things that remove it, or sinks, and the two work in tandem like a set of balance scales. This is how the Earth has kept the climate remarkably stable, with only minor fluctuations, for all of human civilisation. Presumably everyone knows that the goal of net-zero by 2050 is a net goal, since the clue is in the name. This is appropriate because it would be extremely difficult to get to zero and still do what we need to do to sustain human life and society without offsets to mop up the residual, impossible-to-abate, but necessary emissions. On paper we can offset our way to net-zero. In the real world, we cannot. With appropriate technology, it might even be possible to move into net negative territory and reverse some of the damage we have done. It is less appropriate to use net carbon accounting for our near-term goals. Yet, our legislated federal target to cut by 43 per cent on 2005 levels by 2030, and similar state-based targets, are all net goals. This is not a criticism of the Albanese government, as the issue is broader than that. The United Nations Paris Agreement requires countries to set and meet, yes, net targets. Yet, at this point in the decarbonisation journey, we should be focusing on making direct cuts as deeply and quickly as possible. Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen expects the safeguard mechanism to drive down on-site emissions. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The researchers behind the Land Use Report 2023 reviewed the climate pledges for all UN member countries, and found that governments have collectively proposed about 1 billion hectares of land for land-based carbon removal as part of their climate mitigation pledges. That is more than the combined areas of South Africa, India, Turkey and the European Union. On paper, we can offset our way to net-zero. In the real world, we cannot. Driving direct cuts Policymakers are alive to this issue. The safeguard mechanism the Albanese governments signature policy to force big polluters to reduce emissions requires big emitters to keep below baselines but allows them to get there by buying Australian carbon credit units (ACCUs) from authorised carbon abatement programs or safeguard mechanism units (SMUs) from other companies that exceed their requirements. About one in five facilities that come under the safeguard mechanism met their obligations by surrendering ACCUs in 2022-23. But Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen told parliament the safeguard mechanism was expected to deliver 260 million tonnes of on-site reductions by 2035. Get that? Hes referring to on-site emissions, also known as in-house or direct emissions, that is before any carbon credits are deducted. Thats good. There are other policies to drive absolute emissions reductions, such as the new vehicle efficiency standard, and the creation of the Illawarra offshore wind zone. There are also companies doing good work in this space, such as Telstras announcement last week it would go harder on direct emissions. Every decision involves trade-offs, and net carbon accounting has benefits, but we collectively need a greater focus on direct cuts. Loading We need a cultural shift within businesses to talk about direct cuts first and foremost. We need citizens to be able to see and easily understand a companys gross as well as net emissions. Could we set binding targets that say net goals must also include a certain percentage of direct cuts? Could state governments rewrite planning laws so they can refuse projects with an unacceptable emissions output, rather than allowing them to offset under the excuse of the emissions being too difficult to abate? Why we need the 2030 goal Of course, a net target is far better than none at all, and Opposition Leader Peter Duttons suggestion last week to walk away from the 2030 goal but keep the 2050 goal is not credible policy. First, its human nature to work for a deadline and interim targets keep us on track. Second, it would put Australia outside the Paris Agreement, and leave us isolated. But the most important point is that net-zero is not the destination, it is just a mechanism to try to prevent runaway global warming. From a scientific perspective, what is important is the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. For millennia, based on ice core data, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere was 300 parts per million. Most scientific experts agree that the safe level is 350 parts per million, a level we breached in the 1980s. According to NASA, in April we reached 420 parts per million. The people of Gaza have spoken time and time again. Up until today, there are videos of them while they are being bombarded saying: We do not want your dua [prayers]. We do not want your money. We want you to mobilise. We want your arms. We want your armies to help us liberate Palestine, he said. Alwahwah is a relative of Hizb ut-Tahrir Australia founder Ismail Alwahwah, who died in May last year after facing regular scrutiny in Australia for virulently antisemitic and anti-Western preaching. Loading The social media footprint of Amers fellow charity director, Ali Abu Hassan, reveals his mobile phone number is linked to the account of an active member of the encrypted Telegram social media platform of Ghosts of Palestine hacktivist group, an organisation involved in cyberwarfare targeting the Israeli government and which has promoted the Hamas attack of October 7. In conversations with other members of the Telegram channel, the Abu Hassan-linked account attacked Hezbollah leader Hasan Nasrallah for his passive stance on the war in Gaza. So Nasrallah at the end was all talk. Just lip service. Absolutely disgusted, Abu Hassan wrote on November 3. Three weeks after the Hamas attack, the Abu Hassan-linked account wrote of Israel: My brother, they cannot defeat an enemy who looks down the barrel of the gun and sees paradise. The account also urged the Ghosts of Palestine to promote an Australian campaign platform, Stand For Palestine, which this masthead on Sunday revealed was closely aligned with Hizb ut-Tahrir. In a statement, the Australian charities regulator declined to comment on Al Rashidun but said all charities must comply with Australian laws and take steps to safeguard its funds against abuse overseas. There is no suggestion by this masthead that Al Rashidun has misused any donor funds, only that two of its four Australian directors, Alwahwah and Abu Hassan, have links to radical groups. Alwahwah and Abu Hassan both refused to answer questions when contacted by this masthead, while a third director also declined to respond. The Sunday revelations prompted calls from the Coalition and the Zionist Federation of Australia for the Albanese government to urgently investigate the possibility of proscribing Hizb ut-Tahrir as a terrorist organisation in Australia. Loading The criteria for terrorism listing is clear, said Coalition home affairs spokesman James Paterson. On face value, Hizb ut-Tahrir has met that test and the Albanese government must urgently investigate proscription to protect Australians from violent extremism. Under the current legislation, the government can list an organisation as a terror group if it considers it is directly or indirectly promoting or praising the doing of a terrorist act, and there is a risk this could encourage others to engage in terrorism. The United Kingdom controversially banned Hizb ut-Tahrir for its antisemitic stance and its calls for jihad (just war) in January. The group, which has also been banned in several Muslim-majority countries, has vowed to fight the proscription in the British courts. In a statement on Sunday morning, Zionist Federation of Australia president Jeremy Leibler said that Jewish community leaders had been warning about serious threats to the nations social cohesion and a rise in extremist rhetoric. For Hizb ut-Tahrir to have so much as a foothold in Australia is dangerous. But it is frankly reckless that our authorities have let it establish a sophisticated operation, Leibler said. Governments must take it seriously and act decisively. When contacted by this masthead, a spokesperson for Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus condemned Hizb ut-Tahrirs rhetoric but declined to comment on a potential proscription. There is no place in Australia for such disgraceful statements, the spokesperson said. We take advice from our security and intelligence agencies about whether to list organisations, but we dont speculate publicly about that process. An investigation published by this masthead on Sunday uncovered a sophisticated operation by supporters of the extremist group in Australia to infiltrate the mainstream pro-Palestinian movement using the front group Stand For Palestine to recruit and spread their radical ideology, including at a student encampment at the University of Sydney. Loading Since the October 7 attack, Hizb ut-Tahrir has issued calls for armies from Muslim-majority countries to ignore artificial borders and respond to their divine obligation to join Hamas in its fights against Israel, and referred to the conflict in Gaza as a first step in the establishment of a global caliphate. On Sunday, the university expressed concerns about Hizb ut-Tahrirs presence on campus and said it had sought advice from authorities. Organisers have been told to dismantle the encampment which sprang up almost eight weeks ago. Theyre a great first step, and this is exciting, said Rowe, who is also head of molecular imaging research at Austin Health. But like the first drugs used for treating any disease, theyre not perfect. These drugs do carry a risk of serious side effects that require careful monitoring with repeated MRI scans over the first six months. Potential serious side effects include swelling of the brain, or bleeding on the surface of the brain, for which regular scans will check. Leqembi has been given full FDA approval to treat Alzheimers in the US and is expected to be approved soon in Australia. Credit: AP Leqembi is delivered by twice-monthly infusions and is already being used in the United States, China, Japan and South Korea, and in several clinical trials in Australia. On June 10, an advisory panel to the US Food and Drug Administration voted to endorse the latest in its class, donanemab. On Thursday, manufacturer Eli Lilly informed the Alzheimers Association International Conference that donanemab slowed the progression of Alzheimers by 60 per cent for early-stage patients. Results were weaker for older patients whose disease was more advanced. Both new drugs work by removing a protein known as amyloid from the brain. Amyloid forms plaques on the brains of people with Alzheimers disease. The accumulation of amyloid can be detected 15 years before the disease becomes evident, Rowe said, and many people with no cognitive symptoms have it. His network did PET scans of 550 healthy Australians for potential inclusion in a local trial and found 100 had amyloid levels suitable for inclusion. Loading Thats how common this condition is in over-60s. If you get into the 80s, more than 50 per cent of people have a positive amyloid scan and if they live long enough, they will start developing symptoms, he said. More than 487,000 Australians live with dementia and Alzheimers disease, and dementia is the second-leading cause of death in Australia the leading cause of death for women. About 40,000 people would be eligible for Leqembi now, Rowe said. To be eligible, patients must be diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia, and have a PET scan or lumbar puncture to show plaques are present, and an MRI to look for other brain diseases. Professor Ralph Martins, director of research at Alzheimers Research Australia, said lecanemab and donanemab were disease modifying drugs, whereas until recently, drugs used for Alzheimers disease worked only to treat symptoms. It really slows the condition down; people can be more functional for a lot longer and need less help with care, which means a lot to them and their families, Martins said. It really slows the condition down; people can be more functional for a lot longer and need less help with care. Professor Ralph Martins, Alzheimers Research Australia We expect donanemab to be released in Australia by the end of this year. They are not the complete answer yet, but they have a profound effect on slowing disease quite significantly compared to other [drugs], and the exciting news is these drugs are getting better and better, he said. The earlier a person started on the drugs, the more benefit they were likely to deliver, he said, which made it important to speak to GPs as soon as cognitive difficulties appeared. Demand for the drugs exists, but Australian health infrastructure was not ready to deliver them and a national taskforce was needed to prepare, said neurologist Professor Amy Brodtmann, head of the Cognitive Health Initiative in the Department of Neuroscience at Monash University. Loading Brodtmann was a co-author of a Medical Journal of Australia paper that argued the system does not yet have capacity to provide disease-modifying therapies for Alzheimers disease. We do not feel Australia is ready at present. We need to provide diagnostic expertise, resources, and monitoring capacity for our patients. However, with some modifications and additions, we could be, the expert authors stated. Brodtmann said there was cautious optimism about the the drugs, but clinics, staff and funding were necessary to triage patients and deliver treatment. Also, questions remain about how the drugs would be funded for use in the public system. Dr Kate Gregorevic, a gerontologist and author of the book Before Dementia, said the new drugs removed amyloid well but had limitations. It is the potential application of the laws to other prisoners that has raised alarm bells. Folbigg, Chamberlain-Creighton unite This month, the women at the centre of two of Australias biggest miscarriages of justice, Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton and Kathleen Folbigg, joined a coalition of high-profile lawyers fighting for the no body, no parole laws to be overturned. Lawyer Rhanee Rego and Kathleen Folbigg after Folbiggs convictions were quashed last year by the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal. Credit: Kate Geraghty In an open letter, organised by the Bridge of Hope Innocence Initiative (BOHII) at RMIT University and delivered to Attorney-General Michael Daley, more than 100 signatories including Folbigg and Chamberlain-Creighton called for the laws to be scrapped due to their disastrous consequences for wrongfully convicted prisoners. Lawyer Rhanee Rego, who acted for Folbigg in the inquiry that led last year to her acquittal over the deaths of her four young children after 20 years in prison, said the laws should be repealed. Wrongfully convicted people cannot help locate a body if they have not committed the crime, Rego said. Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton has backed the campaign to remove the no body no parole laws. Credit: Glenn Campbell Importantly, the same legislation enacted in 2017 in Queensland is not having the desired effect. The legislation does not appear to increase the instances of offenders assisting to locate bodies. In the first case to test the new laws, Keli Lane, who was convicted in 2010 of the murder of her infant daughter, Tegan, was denied parole last month after serving her minimum sentence of 13 years and 5 months. Tegans body has never been found and Lane maintains she gave the baby to her daughters father, who has never come forward. BOHII has called for an urgent review of her case. The 49-year-old is set to remain behind bars until her 18-year sentence expires in December 2028. Judge in Lane case speaks out Anthony Whealy, KC, a former judge of the NSW Supreme Court and Court of Appeal, presided over Lanes jury trial and is a signatory to the open letter. Keli Lane leaves court during her trial in 2010. Credit: Nick Moir The general proposition is this: hard cases make bad law, and [these laws] stemmed essentially from the Chris Dawson trial, Whealy said. One can understand that that was a traumatic trial, and it was certainly so for [Lynette Simms family], very much so, and so the government rushes to make a law without thinking of the consequences. Whealy noted that it was always possible under the existing law for the parole body to take into account the fact that somebody was refusing to cooperate indicating where a victims body might be found. The impact of that [parole] door slamming shut, the emotional, psychological damage that would do to someone, [is profound]. Professor Michele Rutyers, from the Bridge of Hope Innocence Initiative The fact that they cant tell you where the body is should be merely a discretionary factor and not a mandatory exclusion from parole, he said. We should go back to what the law was originally. Judges imposing murder sentences will have very carefully given a sentence which embodies the principal period during which someone must be in jail and the period where its reasonable for them to be released on parole, Whealy said. That would have taken into account the fact that they were refusing to admit that they were guilty and had [not] demonstrated any remorse. Loading During his second reading speech, the then-corrections minister Geoff Lee said the no body, no parole bill recognises the pain and ongoing suffering experienced by victims families and friends who have not only lost a loved one but are unable to locate their remains and put them to rest. But Whealy said that in Lanes case the person whose grief and distress would need to be recognised was Keli Lane herself, in the absence of Tegans biological father, and it was absolutely ludicrous to say that this law should be applied to her. Professor Michele Ruyters, director of the Bridge of Hope Innocence Initiative, said: If the purpose of the legislation is to provide closure to victims families, and if thats not possible because the families are not lobbying for this outcome, or there is no family, as in Kelis case, then the only purpose of these laws is to punish. Thats not the job of the [State] Parole Board, Ruyters said. In Lanes case, she had been taking steps preparatory to release and then all of a sudden that door is shut and then shes back into the mainstream prison, Ruyters said. From a human rights aspect, the impact of that door slamming shut, the emotional, psychological damage that would do to someone, [is profound]. The government response Kirralee Paepaerei was making a bid for a new life. Pregnant with her fifth child, she was thrilled to be having a girl after four boys. Then her life was taken. Josh Homann fatally stabbed her 49 times at the townhouse they shared with her children and sister Kylee. Her unborn baby Mia the only child of the ill-fated couple was also killed. Paepaerei is one of the hundreds of murder victims whose death was captured by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Researchs data. BOCSAR release new data for major crimes across Sydney and NSW every month. The numbers do not refer to murder convictions, but entries of murder into COPS, the NSW Police database. Using this data, the Herald has built a series of interactive maps, pinpointing where murders have occurred over the past decade, including the latest quarterly data released by the bureau last week. The maps are built on Sydney postcodes, as well as local government areas for regions outside the city. They show murders that physically took place within a region, murder victims from that area and local residents accused of committing murder. A long-running Melbourne program bringing together secondary students from Muslim, Jewish and Christian schools has closed due to a lack of funding and community tensions over the war in the Gaza. The Building Bridges school interfaith program started in the aftermath of the September 11 terror attacks and brought together year 10 and 11 students for a chat and pizza. John Rogerson, chair of the WellSpring Centre, which ran the discontinued school interfaith program Building Bridges. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui These kids end up with friendships out of it, said John Rogerson, chairman of the WellSpring Centre, a Christian organisation that ran Building Bridges until this year. We had one kid get up and say, I never appreciated that people from other religions would have an AFL team they support, he said. Money for COVID care Federal government policies for COVID management in aged care homes changed on May 1, 2024. Aged care providers now supply their own Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs), sourced from commercial suppliers. The federal government gives each provider $941 per resident per annum. This money is intended to help private providers fund a COVID outbreak. According to the government website: This approach to funding streamlines payment arrangements, and moves to a more business-as-usual model for managing outbreaks. Once again, the government relies on aged care providers spending the money as it is intended. What could possibly go wrong? Dr Sarah Russell, director, Aged Care Matters No, Dutton is not right Re (Letters Dutton is right 15/6) is contradictory and limited. Your correspondent argues against accepting that fossil fuel emissions cause climate change. Then, he partly argues for nuclear generation on the basis that it is free of emissions. The letter makes unfounded assertions about cost. There is ample evidence that Victorian wholesale coal and gas electricity prices are much higher than solar and wind. Nuclear is assessed to be higher still (CSIRO Gencost). The letter doesnt discuss nuclear lead times, dispatchability, waste disposal, water cooling supply, or technical capability. Nor, does it identify any company in Australia that is proposing or financially backing nuclear. If Peter Dutton thinks he can cause ongoing distraction by generating doubts and confusion over current emissions and energy policy, then he is probably right. Tom Maher, Aspendale Golden Razzie nominees Your correspondent is right to give a bad review to Under Paris and the killer mutated shark adapting to climate change (Letters, Give sharks a break, 16/6). That other horror movie, The Politicians Who Ate Paris, playing now across the country is far scarier and real. Rumour has it the judges will struggle to separate the films leads Peter Dutton, David Littleproud and Barnaby Joyce for the Razzie at the next Golden Raspberries. Bad actors, bad script, one star. Ray Peck, Hawthorn Climate wars, not a gift I was dismayed by Simon Holmes a Courts reaction to the Coalition once again threatening to betray Australias commitment to preventing catastrophic climate change saying, This is a gift. (Fallout Boy, 15/6). I see it not as a gift, but a terrible curse on the country. The LNPs enthralment to climate denial dooms us to reprising the basics of climate change policy every three years, going back and forth in a game of snakes and ladders as the precious remaining time we have left to act decisively slips away. Decarbonising Australias economy, phasing out fossil fuels, protecting citizens and wildlife from the upheaval of transition and the upheaval of climate change are tasks that will take generations. We have barely started those tasks and now must roll again and risk landing on a snake and sliding back the beginning. Its devastating. Georgina Woods, Point Lonsdale Fairer policies Your correspondent (Letters, RBAs failed policies, 16/6) argument for fairer public policies is spot on. The fact an increasing number of Australians cannot even afford a roof, even a rented roof, over their head should alarm everyone. The fact that many cannot afford to eat properly or stay warm in winter should make all of us cry. Why do we tolerate this? Ewa Haire, Moonee Ponds Kids get phonics The news of the education unions order to teachers to disobey the mandate to introduce phonics in the classrooms, comes as no surprise to me. In the days of Reading Recovery, (early 1990s) with the help of a diploma in adult literacy and numeracy, I helped adult non-readers to success. At the same time, while volunteering at schools, where many children were floundering, I attended a meeting of parents and teachers to discuss how to teach the current method. Their children were not to be corrected when their guess at a word invariably failed, or to be given any clues as to what the letters or words sounded like, and were apparently expected to learn to read by osmosis. Some of the parents expressed their disapproval of the Nannas method of trying to help their failing grandchildren by sounding out words and letters, and wished Nanna would desist. So insulting, dismissive, and short-sighted. The struggling children were mainly bright, but failing to understand how to make sense of anything on the page. The secret phonetic help was generally quickly grasped. It was so rewarding when they suddenly got it, to see their relief and sense of achievement. These children were not dyslexic, just failed by the system. To make sense of the squiggles on the page into an understanding of the written word, is magic and miraculous, and should be available to every child in the quickest, easiest and proven method possible. Time for the decades of denial to end. Bette Erskine, Port Melbourne Musical straitjacket Im sad and frustrated when articles about music education equate learning to play an instrument with formal instruction only. Using the voice that comes with birth is the best basis for a musical life before we even get to picking up an instrument. Having provided singing-based classroom music programs over four decades, properly sequenced programs ensure every child can learn to use their singing voice. By the time a child wants to consider learning an instrument, they can have a great range of skills, including the beginnings of useful aural skills, the inner capacity to hear music. Yes, all children should have the opportunity to try out musical instruments, ones that interest them, ones they can learn to play and so much more. But lets get it out of this straitjacket. Fay Magee, Trentham Keep Rising Rising festival deserves and earns the government funding it gets. Unlike many other cultural festivals Ive attended, Rising seems to be fulfilling a charter to involve people who might never before have considered themselves part of the cultural scene that such scenes are the domain of white (haired) people. (Please note, I am a white (haired) person.) Last year, I attended the joyous communal Rising event, 10,000 Kazoos, a triumph of participation never to be topped, I thought. Last night I joined with a cathedral full of strangers in an even more joyous ritual of dance and singalong, Risings Shouse Communitas. Rising is the most diverse and ambitious arts experiment Ive encountered. It warrants generous, ongoing funding. Rose Scott, Moonee Ponds Risen not for everyone Rising is a pale shadow of the Melbourne International Arts Festival. There is nothing now I could comfortably take my family to see. White Night was one of the most special nights of the year and Rising has nothing even approaching a replacement. Rising is not a festival run for everyone, and I would celebrate its end and a return to the events it supposedly replaced. Keiran ONeill, Clifton Hill Please the masses Who is Rising for? Any casual person glancing at the program will not find many events that they find personally relatable or are not just ticketed events for white, inner-city yuppies and I say this as an inner-city yuppy myself. It is disappointing to see the loss of White Night, which drew the masses, and see Vivid Sydney, which had crowding issues, and then to go to a play at Rising where only 40 per cent of seats were full, or the Shouse Communitas show on Saturday which looked amateurish in organisation, logistics and production. Bring back arts for the masses, please. Rising does not reflect Melbourne at all. Julia Nguyen, Richmond Particularly, what we saw after the recent spike over the summer this year, the spike in the number of overdoses and particularly with some of the types of drugs that were circulating around festivals. Thats why as both a parent and premier, my focus is always on looking at ways that we can support young people to be safe and to protect young people, and that is why weve got some advice coming from the Department of Health. Privately, some Labor ministers have expressed concern about pill testing, fearing it will leave the government liable in situations where partygoers had their pills tested but still suffered ill effects. Other ministers, primarily from the partys right, are also expected to raise concerns about whether the public will be open to a conversation about pill testing given other pressing concerns such as housing and cost-of-living issues, which they claim should be the governments primary focus. The ACT trialled a mobile testing site at a music festival in 2018 and has since opened fixed pill-testing sites. Queensland opened its first permanent pill-testing centre in Brisbane in April. Dr David Caldicott, an emergency department consultant and clinical lead with Pill Testing Australia, said festival-goers often changed their behaviour once they had their drugs tested. Dr David Caldicott says there is a certain degree of bravery in Queenslands decision. Credit: Christopher Pearce If a young person is told by a doctor who they know knows a lot about drugs that they could come to a lot of harm from using that drug, people often choose the option of having a great time while abandoning the drug theyve been warned not to take, he said. We might not be able to get everybody to surrender their entire collection of [drugs]. But what we can do is persuade people to behave in a way that makes them far less likely to need to come in contact with healthcare services. Caldicott said the Victorian drug-checking proposal was timely because nitazenes a new group of dangerous synthetic opioids more potent than fentanyl had been found in pills tested in the ACT this year. Theres always another drug coming through, thats part of the problem, he said. The more centres that are monitoring illicit drugs in this way, the earlier the warning that we will get for something particularly unpleasant as it emerges, and the faster we can get the messaging out to ensure that young people wont get harmed. Seven Victorian coronial inquests have previously called on the government to introduce pill testing. Loading On Sunday, the Coalition reiterated its opposition to pill testing. We know there have been trials around the world but I dont support pill testing here in Victoria, opposition police spokesman Brad Battin said. A Victoria Police spokeswoman told The Age that any decision around allowing pill testing is a matter for government. The Police Association did not respond to a request for comment on Sunday. The Victorian Greens drug-harm reduction spokesperson, Aiv Puglielli, said the uptake of pill testing was long overdue and the longer it was delayed, the more young lives are at risk. Loading He said the premier needed to convince her cabinet to get on with pill testing as a matter of urgency if shes serious about protecting young lives. Earlier this year, Greens Legislative Council member for Northern Metropolitan Region, Samantha Ratnam, asked the Parliamentary Budget Office to calculate the cost of a two-year pill-testing trial, including a fixed testing facility and mobile testing that would rove between festivals. The office found the trial would cost about $3.7 million. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and the Victorian Ambulance Union are among more than 70 groups who have campaigned in the past year for Victoria to begin pill testing, according to AAP. Loading Royal Australian College of GPs president Dr Nicole Higgins said on social media on Sunday the move towards pill testing in Victoria was promising. I once again urge the Victorian government to follow the lead of the ACT and Queensland and introduce drug testing. It saves lives, she said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. Broome nurse Rebecca Smith is in the red zone in Gaza, dealing with a fresh flood of patients, treating many of them on the floor, in the blood of those who came before them. Smith is volunteering with Doctors Without Borders at Al-Aqsa hospital, which is crammed with the dead and hundreds of wounded, mostly women and children, after heavy Israeli ground and air strikes on June 8-9. Rebecca Smith is one of many working around the clock to treat mass casualties in Gaza. Her team leader Karin Huster said the smell of blood in the emergency room was unbearable. The situation is apocalyptic, she said. Liberal moderate Katie Allen is expected to seek a return to politics in the suburban Melbourne electorate of Chisholm at the next election and progressive independents may target senior NSW Liberal Angus Taylor after a proposed redistribution triggered a round of jockeying for seats. The Australian Electoral Commissions draft seat boundaries have given more certainty to party officials about the territories in which the next election, due by May 2025, will be fought, prompting a hardening of plans among political aspirants from all sides. Katie Allen lost the seat of Higgins to Labor at the last election. Credit: Eddie Jim In Victoria, Allens former inner-Melbourne seat of Higgins is set to be abolished, with much of the area expected to move into the Labor-held Chisholm, where the margin of Labor MP Carina Garland is estimated to have been halved to 3.3 per cent. Allen will continue to campaign as the preselected candidate in Higgins in the faint hope the electoral commission changes course. But Allen is keen to run in Chisholm where a Liberal candidate has been picked and has support from top party figures to do so, according to senior Liberals not authorised to speak publicly. Playgrounds is integrated into other apps where you might want to whip up a custom image as well, and anywhere you find emojis you can also create custom icons by describing them. Taking a cue from some of its rivals, Apple will also be able to scan your photographs and remove unwanted background elements, or turn your sketches into AI illustrations, with a tap. Loading With its revamped Siri, Apple seems to want its AI to be more personal than the creativity focused chatbots we have seen, securely soaking up context from all of a users data and behaviour in the background, so when you ask for something it knows what you mean. For example, if you mention something to do with the recipe from yesterday, it should know what you are talking about. Though we are still a few months away from Apple Intelligence, the announcements were met with some trepidation. Most AI processes will be handled on-device by Apples processors, but some will need to run through cloud servers to make use of larger and more complex language models. Apple says it has created secure private servers that wont store information, but has not clarified if users will know when their information is moving from their device, or if they will be able to turn it off. To provide the broader chatbot experience some users want, Apple is partnering with other AI providers, much in the same way it partners with search engines rather than develop its own. So far, it has only announced compatibility with OpenAIs ChatGPT, which can accomplish tasks beyond Apple Intelligence, such as drafting entire scripts. Apple has been clear that no personal data from this process is stored by OpenAI, but the announcement still sparked some privacy concerns, and also led some experts to worry about the amount of data being centralised at OpenAI that it could use to further develop its products. Users who pay for an OpenAI subscription will be able to access more powerful capabilities directly through their Apple devices. Microsoft Copilot+ and the ARM race Microsoft is a major investor in OpenAI, but rather than use ChatGPT directly it has adapted the technology into its own offerings, including the AI-powered search engine Bing and various Copilot features that show up in everything from Office to Teams. However, its big consumer push is to integrate Copilot into the Windows and Surface experience, as it moves to head off Apple and its AI-enhanced MacBooks. In fact, you could argue that AI is bringing us back to the good old days of PC vs Mac. Apple had differentiated itself by creating its own ARM architecture Apple Silicon chips, leaving Intels x86 processors behind. But now, in its pursuit of AI power and Mac-beating efficiency, Microsoft is doing the same, with ARM chips from Qualcomm featured in its latest Surface portable PCs due for release this week. It has created a new designation for Windows machines with powerful AI-capable chips and its full Copilot experience (for which other device-makers using ARM or x86 chips can qualify) called Copilot+ PCs. Recall, which will work Copilot+ PCs, remembers everything you do on the PC so you can scroll back through time. These devices have powerful neural processors that allow on-device AI to run much more efficiently than they would on other Windows PCs, and they have a dedicated key to summon the CoPilot chatbot which, like Apples Siri, will be able to take context from whatever you are doing at the time you are asking questions. Like Apple, Microsoft says some AI experiences will need to be processed in the cloud and will be done securely, thanks to a Microsoft-designed security processor in every CoPilot+ PC, but it is unclear where that line between local and cloud is. However, Microsoft is focused on promoting a few AI tasks that are completely local and exclusive to Copilot+. One is Recall, which keeps track of everything displayed on your screen to help you remember it later. Microsoft said it has designed this to be a more friendly alternative to trying to remember what a file was called, or what website had the thing you were reading, or discerning what a picture was when it is called IMG3114.jpg. With Recall, if you were trying to find that video of a dog you were watching earlier, you would just type dog and it would take you back to the Reddit post, even if the word dog didnt appear anywhere on the page. Microsofts Cocreator draws alongside you to create an AI-generated image. Another Copilot+ feature is Cocreator, which lives in apps such as Paint. You tell it what you are attempting to draw, and the AI interprets your drawing in a separate window. Theres a creativity dial you can use to customise that interpretation, giving you more control over composition than standard AI-generated artwork. Loading Of course, hitting the market with an AI PC first also opens Microsoft up to more scrutiny, which we have already seen with Recall. The company seemed unprepared for the backlash against this feature, with security experts wondering if a stolen PC could hand full histories of passwords, banking information and black-mailable material to thieves. The company clarified that this was an entirely on-device feature that was securely encrypted and accessible only to the person enrolled in the devices password or biometric locks. However, ultimately, it walked the feature back and said it will be off by default, and will require biometric authentication and proof of presence to decrypt. It seems unlikely that in this monochrome world, where the grey of the sky blends into the white landscape which in turn seeps into the deep blue-grey of the sea, you would see such spectacular patterns. But there drifts an iceberg a block of flats silently bobbing past. Its side, where it once sheared off from a huge ice shelf, is brilliantly jagged, made up of a million planes, infinite tiny angles all in a different shade. Its like a Kandinsky painting in grey, a stunning pattern that glides past the window and further out to sea where it will one day disappear. The many shades of Antarctica. Antarctica is like that, transient and impossibly beautiful. Small moments grab you and then they vanish. Orcas appear by the side of your ship and then theyre gone; penguins waddle up to the waters edge and disappear; entire days slip through your fingers, lost in the excitement of so much to see and do. And those icebergs appear, each entirely different, a work of art, a jagged fingerprint, a thing of wonder. You get time to ponder this fleeting beauty in Antarctica. The trip Im on is Aurora Expeditions Antarctic Explorer Express which is a nine-day journey surely the shortest itinerary you can have while cruising this remote corner of the world. But still, there is time to think, time to percolate, to sit by a huge floor-to-ceiling window or stand out on a frosty deck and watch icebergs and search the sea for whales and let the Antarctic experience wash over you. The dish: Full English breakfast Fry up, fill up. Credit: iStock Plate up Theres a famous quote from British author Somerset Maugham regarding his homelands cuisine: To eat well in England, you should have breakfast three times a day. And while this might seem harsh on roast dinners and fish and chips, he does have a point. An English breakfast is a glory to behold, genuinely one of the worlds great culinary experiences, and one that is eminently accessible for almost all. A full English, typically, will consist of bacon, eggs, pork sausages, baked beans, tomatoes, black pudding, mushrooms, fried bread or toast, and a cup of tea. This meal is greater than the sum of its considerable parts, a fry-up of epic proportions, and one whose flavours and fattiness come together in a way that will cause angels to chorus and belts to explode and lunch to feel like something you might consider tomorrow. Youd expect airfares between Australia and Europe to be going through the roof by now. In the summer of 2023, it was hard to find a return economy airfare to Europe aboard a budget carrier for under $2000. Flying with a legacy airline, you might have paid upwards of $3500, but in 2024, its a turnaround. When it comes to cheap flights to Europe, China Eastern leads the way. Credit: iStock Those same legacy carriers have shaved about $1000 off their Europe fares, but the real bargains are coming from the Asian carriers, with China Eastern Airlines in the spotlight. Right now, you can snap up an airfare to Paris to coincide with the summer Olympic Games, leaving Australia in mid-July and returning towards the end of August, for under $1500. To London or Frankfurt, youll pay about the same flying with the Shanghai-based carrier. Here are some of the best available fares*: Brussels: There is no sugarcoating it: losing a third of their seats in the European Parliament elections last week, the Greens tanked. The European Union has in recent years emerged as the worlds most ambitious frontier in fighting climate change. It did so through major policy shifts such as setting high targets to cut emissions, preparing to ditch combustion engines, pushing for nature restoration and curbing the effect of farming on the environment. Green parties across the 27 EU member states have successfully driven that agenda. But over the past few years, something has clearly snapped in much of the European electorate. Farmers drive tractors to Paris for a protest against European regulation in January. Credit: The New York Times European voters are anxious about the war in Ukraine and its effect on defence and the economy. A cost-of-living crisis fuelled by the coronavirus pandemic is still gripping core EU members. Curbing immigration has emerged as a voter preoccupation. In this new set of priorities, the Greens appeal seems to have faded or worse, made them appear out of touch. Europe has shifted to the right, even to the hard right in places. In the European Parliament elections this week, Germany, France, Italy, Austria, Poland and Spain voted to send right-wing delegates to the European Parliament. And its not just the older voters, the same demographic that was blamed for Brexit in the UK; Europes young people voted rightward too. France voted so consistently for the Marine Le Pen-backed National Rally that the centrist President Emmanuel Macron called a national election in shock. But its silly to be shocked; the social problems that preceded the significant shift to the right have been brewing for a long time. Marine Le Pen, leader of National Rally, and party president Jordan Bardella at a European Parliament election campaign rally. Credit: Bloomberg Naturally, Australian hand-wringers have immediately found a way to onshore the EU alarm. They have declared Opposition Leader Peter Dutton our own Trump-like figure. The claim is ludicrous. Dutton is a moderate on the scale of the latest EU elections. Canberra is not in the same pickle as Paris because he and others have played the boogeyman when it was needed. But Australia can, with just a little bit of effort, find itself exactly where the EU is now. The first step would be for Australias insulated classes to keep virtue-signalling on immigration. Virtue-signalling is when you telegraph your deep well of empathy on an issue to show others what a wonderful person you are. Sometimes signallers really only want to say nice things. But signal services, virtuous ones included, reach far and wide. A Week In The Life Of An Auto Writer - 2024 MAMA Spring Rally A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF AN AUTO WRITER MAMA Spring Rally 2024 By Steve Purdy Shunpiker Productions Michigan Bureau TheAutoChannel.com Its tough work, but someone has to do it. Someone has to travel to the Road America racing facility, near the lovely tourist village of Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, each spring to spend a few days schmoozing with colleagues and driving as many (or as select a genre) of the eighty new automobiles and light trucks that await us there as we can. Most automakers participate bringing their best stuff to impress journalists who then report to their diverse audiences. Ive been one of those hard-working auto journos for a tad more than twenty years, and I confidently attest: this is the best auto media event of the year for most of us. The Midwest Auto Media Association, based in Chicago, has hosted the Spring Rally for decades most of those years at Road America. We gather for the better part of three days beginning with a Tuesday evening reception dinner - a fish fry at the Lake Street Cafe - hosted by the Chicago Auto Dealers Association. Early Wednesday morning we gather at the nearby, historic, Road America race track for breakfast and a speech or two - in this case Toyota introducing their newest iteration of the trusty Camry and reintroducing the new Crown, soon to replace the mid-size crossover Venza. Outside in the racetrack paddock, those four-score cars and light trucks await our attention. We can drive some of them (the performance-oriented ones) on the famous four-mile-long race track where we must don our helmets; others (the off-roady ones) on the on-site, good n muddy, off-road courses; and the rest on the beautiful country roads around the village. Wednesday evening, having worked so hard all day, an elegant dinner, usually with a presentation by one of the other automakers, along with some raucous social time at nearby Siebkins Bar, wraps the day. Racers have hung out at Siebkins for more than 60 years, including this reporter 50 years ago. Then Thursday, were back at it with Subaru hosting breakfast and touting the newest version of their popular Forester crossover. Race track access is replaced by an autocross where the hot-shoes among us compete for honors in the sportiest of small cars, often dominated by the Mazda Miata. Then, a big lunch, some awards and we adjourn. But first, we had to get there. From the Shunpiker world headquarters in south central Michigan the logical route would be to take I-94 to and around Chicago. That takes about six hours assuming no massive traffic delays. But, if I take the nine-hour route north and across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan I can turn a tedious, stressful, urban drive into a relaxing, therapeutic, wilderness drive at the cost of only three extra hours. Thats a no-brainer for me. Until last year I always drove it straight through both ways, sometimes in the company of a colleague, sometimes all by my solitary self. These past two years Ive indulged myself to make a two-day drive of it one or both ways, leaving time for side trips, explorations or visits along the way. This year, I visited an artist friend east of St. Ignace along the shore then explored Drummond Island, one of those places Ive missed in all my travels. After a relaxed overnight stay at a cheap motel in Manistique, overlooking the Lake Michigan shoreline, I had a surprisingly entertaining mid-morning breakfast at Rosys Diner in downtown Escanaba. Yes, there is a downtown Escanaba. It is a noisy, friendly, aesthetically classic eatery right out of a movie set, with a single, inch-thick pancake so big it overhung its platter, and giggly eggs, just like I ordered them. Arriving at the beautiful Osthoff Resort on the shore of Elkhart Lake is always a treat. Its one of those places regularly visited that become as familiar as grandmas house. The core of this little towns tourist identity and headquarters for the rally, the Osthoff is adjacent to two lakes defined by wooded, glacial hills surrounded by hundreds of square miles of productive farmland. Though every year were warned about local cops who know were here, Ive yet to see one overseeing my exuberant, brisk, country road drives. Behind-the-Wheel Highlights: The first Wednesday drive for me was the, a plug-in hybrid high-performance SUV with 735 horsepower and 735 lb-ft of torque when you add up contributions from the twin-turbo V-8 and the electric motor. If you are feeling frugal you could go about 30 miles on just electrons, though that desire would seem a bit incongruous. Out on a straight country road I loosely measured zero-to 60 at about 3 seconds, confirmed later by our BMW guy. That was perhaps the most sophisticated application of so much power of any vehicle Ive driven. We can think of it as adrenaline on demand. You can get one for less than two-hundred grand. Great way to start the day! On the other end of the size scale, and my second drive, was the little Hyundai Elantra N with a 6-speed manual shifter sticking out from its console. The N designates it as a performance version of the tiny sedan. Sadly, doing ones own shifting is becoming anachronistic. With substantial difficulty, I wedged my oversize self into the cockpit of the Elantra and took a 10-mile, enthusiastic jaunt through the curviest roads around Elkhart Lake, smiling broadly from nostalgia at the pleasure of modulating the clutch and shifter. Another small hot shot, the Dodge Hornet R/T, was fast and fun but considerably cruder with a truly bad user interface on the touch screen. The new Lincoln Nautilus, gets my Way Cool Design award for the instrument panel stretching all the way across the dash - elegant materials, creative, outside-the-box structure and leading-edge graphics make it a special. The small crossovers driving dynamics, however, are rather mundane - just the way Nautilus buyers might like it. The sleek and stylish Buick Envista Avenir, sort of a cousin to Chevys Trax, has a cool speedo in its simple IP screen, and quite good driving dynamics considering it has just a three-cylinder turbo under the hood. We can think of it as a luxed-up version of Trax for just a couple grand more. It might be the bargain of the day. The newly redesigned Hyundai Santa Fe shows a way more stylishly-trucklike look than the earlier version with a thoughtful slot in the C-pillar that has a hinged cover. What could that be, thought we. Well, we asked our media-gal Michele and discovered its a hand-hold to help the owner get to the roof rack when stepping on top of the rear tire. How thoughtful! The Polestar 2 LRSM is from the full-electric, luxury division of Volvo, now Chinese owned but mostly designed and engineered by the Scandinavians. Its roughly equivalent to the Tesla Model 3. Settling into the drivers seat I could not find the start button, search as I might. A colleague finally told me it has the sit-to-go function, that is, the car just senses your butt in the seat and readies itself. The painfully simple interior felt a bit cheap but the big touch screen is a masterpiece of functionality. I had not heard of the INEOS Grenadier when I saw it on the roster. As an off-roader its the real deal, say the reviewers at Motor Trend. The old-school design was created by a Brit to replicate the Land Rover Defender and is built in the French factory that assembled the German Smart car. It looks just like the Defender including old-fashioned door handles with a thumb button. Taking it through the muddy off-road course (we love the rain) it had the function-over-form feel of the most accomplished safari truck - slow steering and unimpressive turning radius is the result of the rugged chassis and powertrain that account for its off-road cred. Kia EV9 GT is the brands new full-size, three-row crossover about the same size as the Telluride. Style and design are fresh and fun inside and out. The shifter is now on a stalk with twisty head. Like the other full-electrics it is fast very fast and great fun to drive. Were looking at new criteria for what constitutes driving fun. Genesis GV80 is the full-size crossover from Hyundais luxury division most often compared to Lexus. This one is elegant, innovative, stylish and functional. The twin-turbo V-6 feels like a V-8 and an enthusiastic drive around the country roads revealed it to be as sophisticated a road car as its more expensive competitors. Cadillac Lyriq Sport stickers at about 63-grand and weighs in at about 3 tons. Striking style and design will catch the eye and contradict those who contend that cars all look alike these days. Like the competing luxury EVs, its blindingly fast, smooth and quiet another contribution to the appreciation of EVs. I drove GMs Hummer EV on both the muddy, rocky, off-road course and on the country roads. It distinguished itself on both. In the dense forest its turning radius was better than the smaller off-roaders while handling mud and rocks with alacrity. On the country roads it presents itself as a big cat quiet and graceful, if not particularly subtle. So, there you have it, friends: with the UP drive both ways it was a week of dedicated hard work that I do for you, the loyal readers of TheAutoChannel. I drove about five times the number of cars Ive reported on here, each with its own approach to the market. And, it reaffirms, at least for this occasionally-humble reporter, that ours is as much a golden era of automobiles as any in the past. We have more choices and better products than weve ever had, and while the modern aesthetic hasnt the elegance of the past it certainly reflects its time. Sure, some styling trends become generic but looking around the paddock at Road America, we can surely say, we have nothing to complain about. (c) Steve Purdy, Shunpiker Productions 8 Naxalites, 1 STF jawan killedin Chhattisgarh encounter NARAYANPUR : Three IEDs planted by Naxalites recovered in Bijapur distric EIGHT Naxalites and a jawan of the Special Task Force (STF) were killed in an encounter in Chhattisgarhs Narayanpur district on Saturday, police said. Two other STF personnel sustained injuries in the incident, they said. A huge cache of weapons and other materials belonging to Naxalites were recovered from the encounter site, they said. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said his Government is fully committed to eliminating Naxalites, and it will not sit quiet till it achieves the goal. The gunfight broke out at around 7 am in the forest of Abhujmad, where a joint team of security personnel from four districts Narayanpur, Kanker, Dantewada and Kondagaon was out on an anti-Naxalite operation, Inspector General of Police, Bastar Range Sundarraj P said. The operation was launched on June 12 based on information about the presence of cadres belonging to Maad division and PLGA company no. 1 of Maoists in forests of Kutul, Farsebeda and Kodtameta villages under Kohkameta police station area of the district, he said. Personnel from the State Polices District Reserve Guard (DRG) and STF, along with the 53rd battalion of the IndoTibetan Border Police (ITBP) and 135th battalion of the Border Security Force (BSF), were involved in the operation, he said. The exchange of fire broke out when security personnel were cordoning off the area, followed by intermittent firing till the afternoon in the forests of Kutul, Farsebeda and Kodtameta villages, he said. After guns fell silent, bodies of eight Naxalites clad in a uniformwererecoveredfrom the site along with an Insas rifle, a .303 rifle, a barrel grenade launcher(BGL) and other weapons and Maoistrelatedmaterials, theofficial said. The identity of the deceased Naxalites was yet to be ascertained, he said. Three STF constables sustained injuries in the gunfight,andoneofthem,Nitish Ekka (27), a resident of Jashpur district, succumbed during preliminary treatment at the encounter site, he said. Injured constables Lekhram Netam (28) and Kailash Netam (33) were evacuated usinga helicopter and admitted to ahospital in Raipur, where their condition is said to be out of danger, the IG said. In a post on his X handle, the Chief Minister said, 8 Naxalites killed in an encounter with security forces between FarasbedaDhurbedainNarayanpurdistrict. There is also sad news that one STF jawan got martyred, and two other jawans sustained injuries in the encounter. The Naxalites are frustrated by the strict action taken against them. OurGovernmentisfullycommitted to eliminating them, and we will not sit quietly until the target is achieved, he said. THREE IEDS PLANTED BY NAXALITES RECOVERED IN BIJAPUR DISTRICT: SECURITY forces on Saturday recovered three improvisedexplosivedevices (IEDs) planted by Naxalites alonganunder-construction roadinChhattisgarhsBijapur district, police said. The IEDs were planted betweenGadamaliandKader villagesunderNaimedpolice station limits, where road construction activity is underway, an official said. A joint team of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)s 231st battalion and the district police along with their separate Bomb Disposal Squad units, who were out on a road safety duty, defused the IEDs while carrying out a de-mining exercise, he said. Three IEDs that were plantedusing the command switchmechanismalongthe under-construction road were recovered by the BDS teams. The two IEDs weighing 30 kg each and another one weighing 10 kg were placed beneath the earth in a bid to harm the patrolling security personnel, he added. The bombs were laterneutralisedbythe BDS,he added. Naxalites often plant explosives to target security forces during anti-Naxal operationsintheBastardivision, comprising seven districts, the police said. CITIZENS WITHOUT RIGHTS Many migrated Sindhi families still deprived of plot lease deed Despite having all documents to prove being an Indian citizen, a city resident Leelarai Daulatrai Sharma is running from pillar to post to get justice for last three decades. (Pic by Satish Raut) By Shirish Borkar : BRING your refugee card. This is the only response Leelarai Daulatrai Sharma is getting for decades whenever he approaches the district administration for lease deed of his plot in the rehabilitation colony at Khamla. Born in a Sindhi family 61 years ago in Nagpur, Sharma is running from pillar to post for last three decades with all relevant documents proving his citizenship of India to get lease deed of his a 430 square feet Nazul Plot No 90 (Khasra No 42/1, Mouza Khamla, City Survey No 1248). A three-storey house of the family, which had migrated from Pakistan after partition between 1947 and 1954, stands at Sindhi Refugee Colony, Khamla. Though the Maharashtra Government, in 2018, had decided to grant freehold rights on the land given to Sindhi migrants who had come to India from Pakistan after Independence, Sharma is deprived of the benefit as he has no lease deed of his plot. Sharma approached Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis by writing letters requesting them to help him in getting the lease deed of his plot as he neither could sell his property nor make any structural changes in it. Moreover, he could not get a loan from any financial institution or mortgage his property in the absence of the lease deed. Taking a serious cognisance of his request; the Prime Ministers Office directed the district administration to solve Sharmas issue on priority. Similarly, Fadnavis, too, had written to the District Collector to release the lease deed to him. However, the district administration allegedly turned a blind eye to the letters received from the Prime Minister, Maharashtra Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister. Sharma had also approached the Home Minister and Guardian Minister who also had written to the district administration directing to issue him the lease deed. However, the officers concerned at District Collectorate ignored the letters allegedly seeking monetary favours. My father was a refugee. He had the refugee card which was lost. Im a citizen of India. All my family members have Aadhaar cards, Voter Identity cards, PAN cards and a ration card. Ive been paying the corporation tax and electricity bills regularly for years. I have my property card and even possess all necessary documents of the City Survey, Sharma shared his plight with The Hitavada. A few years ago, one of the District Collectors and a Tehsildar had asked the security guards to throw Sharma out of their chambers when he had approached them with folded hands to get his work done. The touts and the middle-men are now allegedly demanding a huge sum of money to get the photo-copy of his fathers refugee card from the official records. With tears rolling down his cheeks, Sharma informed that his wife is a heart patient and suffering from diabetes and hypothyroidism. His 36-year-old daughter is mentally-challenged. His son-in-law passed away a while ago. He runs a small utensils shop on the ground floor of his house and struggles to make ends meet. I want to install a small elevator at my house for my wife and mentally-challenged daughter, both of whom are obese and face difficulty to climb stairs. As we often have to visit the hospital, an elevator is a necessity for us. But the permission to install an elevator is denied by the authorities due to absence of lease deed, he added. Sharma said some members of the Sindhi community, mostly belonging to the elite class, are happy as their Nazul plots are now being considered as freehold properties. My case is entirely different. Some authorities say, I cannot make any structural changes in my house as it was built on an encroached piece of land. The plot on which my house is built by my father was allotted to him by the government way back in the early 50s, he added. Sharma said there are hundreds of Sindhi families with similar problems but the district administration has so far failed to redress their genuine grievances by asking them the refugee cards. Sometimes, I feel like immolating myself in front of the office of District Collector after writing a final letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who did a lot for the descendants of the Sindhi migrants in the country, said the senior citizen. Meanwhile, it is learnt that District Collector Dr Vipin Itankar has sought clarification from the ministry on Sharmas case but whether he and other members of Sindhi families would get justice remains a billion dollar question. Death toll rises to eight Relatives taking the body of Dansa Maraskolhe to their village in an ambulance on Saturday. (Pic by Satish Raut) Staff Reporter : Dhamna factory blast case One of the workers injured in the blast at Chamundi Explosives on Thursday is battling for life WITH one more young woman worker succumbing to her injuries, the death toll in the blast at the plant of Chamundi Explosives Pvt Ltd at Dhamna (Turagondi) has risen to eight on Saturday. The deceased, Shraddha Vanraj Patil (22) was a resident of village Dhamna. Shraddha and Dansa Maraskolhe (26), who were seriously injured in the blast at the factory of the company, were rushed to Dande Hospital, Ravi Nagar Square, on Thursday afternoon. Dansa, who had suffered more than 90 per cent burn, breathed his last during treatment on Friday night. Shraddha succumbed to her injuries on Saturday afternoon. Third injured Pramod Chaware (25) is battling for his life. Shraddhas body was sent to Government Medical College & Hospital for post-mortem. Earlier, Pranjali Kisan Modre (22), Prachi Shrikant Falke (20), Vaishali Anandrao Kshirsagar (20), all residents of Dhamna; Monali Shankarrao Aloney (27), a resident of Neri; Sheetal Ashish Chatap (30) and Pannalal Bandewar (50), both residents of Satnawri, were charred to death in Thursdays blast in the companys plant. Hingna Police had arrested Jay Shivshankar Khemka, Director of Chamundi Explosives Pvt Ltd, and Sagar Deshmukh, Factory Manager, Dhamna (Turagondi) plant of the company, for causing death of the workers in the blast due to negligence, causing grievous hurt by the act endangering the life and personal safety of others and negligent conduct with respect to explosive substances. As the police slapped all bailable offences against them, the court released both the accused on cash surety of Rs 50,000 each on Friday. On Friday, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari visited village Dhamna and consoled the bereaved families. He announced financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh to the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the tragedy. The company management also disbursed cheques of Rs 25 lakh each to the bereaved families as compensation. Meanwhile, police personnel have been deployed in the factory premises and Dhamna village to prevent any untoward incident in the aftermath of the mishap. Blast occurred when the workers were packing the micro-chords used in fire crackers, killing six of them on the spot. Later, two workers succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. Officers from the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), who inspected the blast site, are yet to make their inquiry report public. G7 Summit commits toIndia-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor By Aditi Khanna BARI (Italy), THE Group of Seven industrialised nations have committed to promoting concrete infrastructure initiatives such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) in the G7 Summit Communique issued at the end of the threeday G7 Summit, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Communique was issued on Friday evening after the customary family photo at the luxury resort of Borgo Egnazia, where the G7 also reiterated a commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law. Prime Minister Modi attended the G7 Summit at the invitation of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the host. We will further promote concrete G7 PGII (Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment) initiatives, flagship projects, and complementary initiatives to develop transformative economic corridors for quality infrastructure and investment, such as the deepening of our coordination and financing for the Lobito Corridor, the Luzon Corridor, the Middle Corridor, and the India-Middle EastEurope Economic Corridor, also building on the EU Global Gateway, the Great Green Wall Initiative, and the Mattei Plan for Africa launched by Italy, reads the communique. Billed as a path-breaking initiative,theIMECenvisages avastroad,railroadandshipping network among Saudi Arabia, India, the United States and Europe to ensure integration among Asia, the Middle East and the West. The IMEC is also seen as an initiative by like-minded nationstogainstrategicinfluence in the face of Chinas BeltandRoadInitiative(BRI) which has faced increasing criticism over lack of transparency and disregard for sovereignty of the nations. The BRI is a mega connectivity project that connects China with Southeast Asia,CentralAsia,Russiaand Europe. The IMEC initiative was firmed up on the sidelines of the G20 Summit hosted by India in Delhi last year. About the Outreach session on Friday on the topic of Artificial Intelligence, Energy, Africa and the Mediterraneanaddressedby Modi, the Communique reads: Inaspirit of shared responsibility, we warmly welcometheparticipation of the Leaders of Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, India, Jordan, Kenya, Mauritania, Tunisia, Turkiye, and the United Arab Emirates. We will stepupourefforts to enhance interoperability amongst our AI governance approaches to promote greater certainty, transparency and accountability while recognizing that approaches and policy instrumentsmayvaryacross G7 members. We will take a risk-basedapproach in these efforts as we seek to foster innovationandstrong,inclusive,andsustainablegrowth. Amongtheotherpriorities of the summits agenda, the communique registers unwavering support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. It notes: With a view to supportingUkrainescurrent and future needs in the face of a prolonged defence against Russia, the G7 will launch Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) Loans for Ukraine, in order to make available approximatelyUSD50billioninadditional funding to Ukraine by the end of the year. Therefore,without prejudice to possible other contributions and standing together, the G7 intends to providefinancingthatwillbe servicedandrepaidbyfuture flows of extraordinary revenues stemming from the immobilisation of Russian sovereign assets held in the European Union and other relevant jurisdictions. To enable this, we will work to obtain approval in these jurisdictions to use future flows of these extraordinary revenuestoserviceandrepay the loans. Pope Francis became the first pontiff to join the participants of the G7 hosted by ItalyUSPresidentJoeBiden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President EmmanuelMacron,Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel. PM MODI LEAVES FOR HOME AFTER CONCLUDING DAY-LONG VISIT TO ITALY TO ATTEND G7 SUMMIT: PRIME Minister Narendra ModionFridayleft forhomeafterconcludinghis day-long visit to Italy during which he attended the G7 summit and held bilaterals with several world leaders including British Prime MinisterRishi Sunak, French PresidentEmmanuelMacron and Pope Francis. In an address at an Outreach session of the G7 summit in Italys Apulia region, Modi calledforendingthemonopoly in technology and said it must be made creative to lay the foundation of an inclusive society. Sahitya Akademi announces Psychiatrists to help cops read criminals mind By Vikas Vaidya : What compels people to kill their near ones? What makes some people behave in a weird manner on road as they violate traffic norms? What are the reasons for people especially youngsters committing suicide? These and several other issues haunt police personnel while cracking crime cases. If the mindset and psychology of the individuals involved in serious crimes could be understood in a better way, then the serious crimes can be prevented, the suicides can be avoided. Considering all these and some other aspects, Commissioner of Police Dr Ravinder Kumar Singal has taken an initiative to pair with psychiatrists of Nagpur with whom a team could be formed for providing service and conducting outreach programme. Dr Singal feels, it will help in curbing crimes. Dr Singal had invited Psychiatry Society of Nagpur and convened a meeting with senior police officers including traffic, economic offences wing, narcotics, etc. During the meeting, Psychiatrists came up with valuable suggestions which could be implemented by both police and the psychiatrists. All psychiatrists from Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Hospital (IGGMCH), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Datta Meghe Medical College (DMMC), NKP Salve Institute of Medical Sciences (NKPSIMS) and private practitioners, showed readiness to render their services for the larger benefit of the society. Sharing details of the meeting, Dr Sudhir Mahajan, Secretary of Vidarbha Psychiatric Association and Psychiatric Society Nagpur, told The Hitavada, Our members gave a lot of suggestions. A easy-to-remember helpline number can be created where individuals who have developed suicidal thoughts would call. For example: Everyone knows emergency number 100, and if he/she calls, the police attending it can extend it to psychiatrist. The topics discussed in the meeting by the police with psychiatrists included Suicidal tendencies in teenagers and in adults, Runaway children from Home, Family violence and violence due to alcohol and drug addiction, Juvenile delinquency, Overall discipline in society. In a letter sent to Psychiatry Society of Nagpur, Dr Singal has made his idea clear. The letter points out, The purpose of this initiative is to get the expertise and insights of psychiatrists to better understand the psychology and mindset of individuals involved in serious crimes and those attempting suicide. Together, we aim to plan effective remedies to critical crime and create a positive impact on the mindset of people towards life. In cases of addiction, psychiatrists witness youngsters involvement. They need money to buy the products. Everytime they fail to get money from parents so they divert to criminal acts. During the counseling normally psychiatrists ask them the source fromwhere they get drugs or related items. Police have to take efforts finding out the source. The psychiatrists voluntarise to make that source available to police but with a caution of maintaining total secrecy and safety of their patients. This step was welcomed by the Top Cop. The psychiatrists also showed willingness to conduct public forum at schools, colleges or with social organisations to make people aware of psychological aspects. The Psychiatry Society of Nagpur will chalk-out the programme and will submit it to Dr Singal, after which an implementable programme will be formulated. Everyday our police officers face cases where they find individuals suffering from mental and behavioral health challenges who require assistance. There are cases where we find individuals committing suicides for petty reasons. The scope of many such cases is beyond law enforcement response. I personally feel, the psychiatrists will assist us connecting individuals in need, Dr Singal explained. The Economic Financial Crimes Commission acting Zonal Director, Benin Zonal Command, Effa Okim, says the anti- graft agency is unable to arrest ex-Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello because he is being protected by the 'system' Nigerias inability to consistently stay on issues until closure has since 1840 been part of our many nemesis. For, a nation rich in cultural diversity, natural resources, and human capital, we have continued to struggle with the consistent and sustained resolution of pressing national issues. grappling with a myriad of unresolved national issues that span various sectors, including governance, security, infrastructure, and socio-economic development. This inability to see through critical matters until they reach a satisfactory closure has resulted in a cycle of unresolved crises that continue to hamper the country's development. Try as hard, truth is that we have all one way or the other forgotten the you were not informed saga, aka Chibok girls. In April 2014, Boko Haram insurgents abducted 276 schoolgirls from their dormitory in Chibok, Borno State. The incident drew global attention and spurred the #BringBackOurGirls movement. Despite the international outcry and initial governmental efforts, the momentum waned over time. As of today, while some girls have been rescued or escaped, many are still missing, and the Nigerian government's efforts to bring the matter to full closure have been inconsistent and sporadic. Another case study that illustrate this chronic issue is the Niger Delta region that has remained a hotbed of conflict due to issues of oil spillage, environmental degradation, and the perceived marginalization of local communities. Various administrations have launched initiatives, such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Presidential Amnesty Program, to address the grievances. However, these efforts have often been plagued by corruption, mismanagement, and a lack of sustained political will. As a result, the region remains volatile, and the core issues persist. Just for the records, it was the off your volume drama of few years ago, and at the heart of that microphone is one of our current leaders today (sic). If you did not know, over 70percent of Nigerian g=homes and industries do not exactly know what interrupted power supply means, with the other sizable population suffering from rationed power supply, half current, stolen power cables, overbilling, and the entire nation suffered frequent increase in tariff for commodity not supplied. And, so you know Nigeria's power sector has been in a state of perpetual crisis, with successive governments promising reforms that fail to materialize fully. Initiatives such as the unbundling of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and the privatization of the electricity sector were expected to improve power supply. However, due to inconsistent policy implementation, corruption, and inadequate infrastructure, Nigeria still struggles with erratic power supply, affecting both economic growth and the quality of life. Only days ago, Senator Sani Shehu, activist, politician, and political satirist in a public address with the President in attendance to mark 25years of uninterrupted democratic rule pleaded that young persons arrested and detained since the End SARS movement, which began in October 2020 be released. The movement was a significant youth-led protest against police brutality, particularly targeting the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). The government responded by disbanding SARS and promising reforms. Despite these promises, incidents of police brutality continue, and many of the broader issues raised by the protests, such as governance reform and youth unemployment, remain unaddressed. The initial fervor has since dissipated without substantial systemic change. I could go on, and on, and on, as these case studies highlight a pattern where issues that initially receive significant attention and commitment gradually lose momentum without reaching a conclusive resolution. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon: Lack of Political Will: Often, the political leadership lacks the sustained commitment necessary to see through long-term solutions. This is partly due to the electoral cycle, where priorities shift with changes in administration. Corruption and Mismanagement: Corruption at various levels of government often diverts resources meant for resolving issues, leading to ineffective interventions and loss of public trust. Weak Institutions: The institutions responsible for implementing and monitoring resolutions are often weak or compromised, lacking the capacity to enforce policies and ensure accountability. Public Apathy: Over time, the public becomes disillusioned with the lack of progress, leading to reduced pressure on the government to act. This is exacerbated by a short news cycle where media attention moves on to new issues. Complexity of Issues: Many of these problems are deeply rooted and multifaceted, requiring comprehensive and sustained efforts that go beyond superficial or immediate solutions. Addressing these unresolved national issues requires sustained political will, effective policy implementation, robust institutional frameworks, and active civic engagement. Without tackling these challenges comprehensively, Nigeria's progress and development will continue to be hampered. Let me end with a story. In one Catholic Church, members who committed adultery or fornication will come to the Bishop and say during the confession, Father, I have committed adultery (or fornication)". The Bishop eventually changed the policy and announced, Henceforth, if you commit adultery or fornication, just say you fell". No need for the details. He will understand. From then on, confessors say "Bishop l fell" when they confess adultery or fornication. And the Bishop will say, Go and sin no more". One day, the Bishop was transferred, and the new Bishop who came to replace him did not understand what "I fell" meant. He took it literally. After hearing too many of his parishioners saying they fell, the new bishop went to see the Mayor. He told him, You have to do something about the sidewalks. Parishioners have been falling and injuring themselves". The Mayor immediately realised that the Bishop didn't know what "I fell" meant and started laughing at the Bishop. Then the Bishop said to him "If I were you, I would not be laughing. Your wife fell three times this week!" Humans dont take anything seriously until it becomes their reality. Policymakers dont care until it affects them. Our politicians children are not Chibok girls, no one is kidnapping their loved ones, matter of factly speaking, their companies import and sale the generating plants that substitute for regular affordable power supply. Their houses are powered by tax payers and public funded power. I recall that we were offing the mic (sic) not long ago over the fraud perpetuated at the NDDC and that came after years when same commission had budgeted millions of condolences one could only imagined that the entire staff of the organisation was billed to die. For Nigeria to break this cycle and achieve lasting solutions, there needs to be a concerted effort to strengthen institutions, ensure accountability, and maintain political commitment beyond initial responses. Engaging civil society and maintaining public pressure can also play a crucial role in holding the government accountable. Without such changes, the nation risks continuing a pattern of unresolved crises, hindering its progress and development. We will simply continue to fall, the masses will fall, because the system is protecting a man which the system accused of massive looting of public funds, our story is the story of Yahaya Bello, if you knowyou know that we will fell in this matter and not much will come from it, but like I say and believeMay Nigeria win. The West Bengal Congress announced on Saturday that it will contest two out of the four bypolls scheduled in West Bengal on July 10, and support the CPI(M) candidates in the remaining two seats. A senior state Congress leader said that the party has decided to field candidates in Raiganj in North Dinajpur district, and Bagda in North 24 Parganas district, while the CPI-M will contest the bypolls at Ranaghat Dakshin in Nadia district and Maniktala in Kolkata. Incidentally, on Friday night, the Left Front issued a statement announcing the names of the CPI-M candidates for Ranaghat Dakshin and Maniktala, and a nominee from the front ally All India Forward Bloc for Bagda. Advertisement Now, the Congress decision to field its candidate from Bagda will mean that the Congress-Left Front alliance will not be taking shape in Bagda. While the other allies in the Left Front have always been open about seat-sharing talks with us, Forward Bloc is the only ally that has gone against it. In the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections, Forward Bloc fielded its candidate against the Congress in Cooch Behar. So this time we have decided to field our candidate from Bagda as well, the state Congress leader said. Rhyma Castillo is a trending reporter for the Express-News and a member of its Digital Go Team. She can be reached at rhyma.castillo@express-news.net. A native of San Antonio and a Texas A&M University graduate, she is a journalist with nearly a decade of experience. She has reported on politics, immigration, climate change, gun violence, and workers rights. Additionally, she excels in lifestyle and entertainment writing, covering music, television, video games, technology, and relationships. In her free time, she enjoys painting, drawing, cooking, hiking, climbing, gardening, playing video games, cuddling with her cats, and making music with her band. The leader of opposition in West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, on Saturday sought permission from Kolkata Police for a sit-in demonstration outside the Raj Bhavan here with the victims of post-poll violence in the state. Previously, when the Trinamool Congress sought permission from the city police to stage a sit-in at the same spot, they were given the nod. Trinamool then held a sit-in demonstration for five days. Now I have sought a similar permission. I will send another reminder to the police Commissioner on June 18, Adhikari said before leaving for Cooch Behar to meet the victims of post-poll violence. The development came after Governor C.V. Ananda Bose on Friday night issued a statement demanding the immediate replacement of Kolkata Police personnel posted on duty at the Raj Bhavan. Advertisement The Governor issued the statement in the wake of allegations that the police personnel posted at the Raj Bhavan were not allowing Adhikari and the victims of post-poll violence to meet him and update him about their grievances. When Adhikari tried to enter the Raj Bhavan on Thursday along with some of the victims of post-poll violence, they were reportedly denied entry by the police posted there citing Section 144 that has been imposed around the Raj Bhavan. In order to provide an ideal life for the elderly, widows and the disabled, if there is a need to change the rules and regulations of the scheme, then amendments should also be made, Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said. In a meeting on the action plan for the next 100 days of various schemes of the ministry, the Minister emphasised implementing the action plan in a strong and effective manner. We all have to work together with full strength on every scheme of rural development, only then Prime Minister Narendra Modis dream of a developed India will be fulfilled, said Minister Chouhan. Advertisement While discussing the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), the minister mentioned that we have to structure the project for an ideal life for the elderly, widows and the disabled, for which we have to take every problem seriously. Emphasising the importance of District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committees (DISHA), the minister said there is a need to strengthen the Disha Committees further. The minister said he would write a letter to all the newly-elected MPs to request them to ensure that the meetings of the Disha Committees are held on time. On Thursday, Minister Chouhan told officials to work towards achieving the target of creating three crore Lakhpati Didis in villages ahead of the three-year deadline as part of a stepped-up action plan. Delhi BJP Vice-President and Kalkaji Councilor Yogita Singh lashed out at the Delhi Ministers, Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj, for calling the demonstrators as goons, and criticising their protest against Delhi governments failure to check water leakages and theft. Singh said it was shameful that the water minister is condemning the people for demonstrating against her governments shortcoming resulting in the water theft by the tanker mafia. Asserting that the saffron party does not approve of any kind of violence, she said whatever happened today was not a case of violence. She claimed that the entire South Delhi has no water supply for days at end. Advertisement Singh hit out at the local AAP MLAs and the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) employees accusing them of indifference to the people of the area. During a demonstration on Sunday, people from the totally parched Chhatarpur area grew restless over scarcity of water and threw a matka (pitcher) at a DJB office breaking window panes, the Delhi BJP vice-president said, adding that it was shocking to see Atishi and Bhardwaj calling these parched demonstrators as goons. She further said that the people of the city would never forgive such ministers. Claiming that the water minister is totally cut off from not only the people of Delhi but also from her own assembly constituency, she pointed out that the AAP has lost all three wards under her, both in MCD polls of 2022 and Lok Sabha polls of 2024. A massive fire broke out at a factory in Outer Delhis Mundka Industrial Area on Sunday morning, the Delhi Fire Services said. The factory, an LED light manufacturing unit, is located near the metro pillar number 557. No casualties were reported in the incident, an official said. According to the fire department, the factory is built on a 1,000-square metre plot in the Mundka Industrial Area. Due to the severity of the fire, a total of 52 fire department vehicles were engaged in extinguishing the blaze, the official said. Advertisement According to DFS officials, the fire department received the emergency call around 7.17 am on Sunday and immediately despatched fire tenders and firefighters to contain the raging fire. Considering the size of the property, initially around 32 fire tenders were rushed to the scene to extinguish the blaze. Later, more fire tenders were rushed to the spot. An official said that the exact cause of the blaze can only be ascertained after a thorough investigation. In another incident, five shops were gutted after a fire broke out at the Vasant Vihar market in the city early Saturday morning. No injuries were reported in the incident. The Delhi Fire Services rushed 10 fire tenders to the spot after receiving a call at 05.08 am regarding a fire in a shop located in the C-Block of Vasant Vihar. It may be recalled that 50 shops were gutted in a massive fire that broke out in North Delhis Chandni Chowk area on Thursday. Last month, multiple fire incidents were reported across the national capital, including the one that engulfed Baby Care New Born Hospital and claimed the lives of six infants. This tragic incident prompted Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena to order a comprehensive ACB probe into the registration of private nursing homes in Delhi. Other notable incidents include another factory fire in outer Delhis Mundka Industrial Area and a blaze at a garment showroom on Ajmal Khan Road in Karol Bagh. Actor Varun Dhawan marked a significant milestone on Sunday by celebrating his first Fathers Day as a new dad. Varun and his wife Natasha Dalal recently welcomed their baby girl, and the actor took to Instagram to share a touching glimpse of his newborn daughter. In the heartfelt post, Varun shared a tender picture showing his daughter holding onto his finger, with her face partially hidden from view. Alongside this sweet moment, he also included a picture of himself holding his pet dog Joeys paw, creating a beautiful collage of his growing family. Expressing his emotions in the caption, Varun wrote, Happy Fathers Day. My father taught me that the best way to celebrate this day is by going out there and working for your family, so Ill be doing just that. Couldnt be happier to be a girl dad. Advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by VarunDhawan (@varundvn) The post quickly garnered attention from fans, who flooded the comments section with love and admiration for the adorable father-daughter duo. Varuns journey into fatherhood has clearly resonated with many, and his heartfelt message added a personal touch to the celebration. Varun and Natasha tied the knot in a private ceremony in 2021. Earlier this year, in February, the couple announced their pregnancy with a beautiful photo that showed Varun planting a kiss on Natashas baby bump. He captioned the announcement, We are pregnant. Need all your blessings and love. #myfamilymystrength. On the professional front, Varun has an exciting lineup of projects. He will star in the upcoming action thriller film Baby John, directed by A Kaleeswaran and presented by Atlee in collaboration with Jio Studios and Cine1 Studios. Additionally, Varun is set to appear in the Indian adaptation of the Hollywood series Citadel, opposite actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu. The original series, created by the Russo Brothers and headlined by Priyanka Chopra and Richard Madden, has been adapted for an Indian audience by Raj and DK. Fans eagerly await the release date of this much-anticipated series. Moreover, Varun has another project in the pipeline, titled Sunny Sanskari ki Tulsi Kumari. With such a busy schedule, its evident that Varun is balancing his flourishing career with his new role as a father. As Varun Dhawan continues to share snippets of his life, fans can look forward to more heartwarming moments and updates from the actor. This Fathers Day post is just the beginning of what promises to be a beautiful journey of parenthood for Varun and Natasha. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on Sunday, directed security forces to crush growing terrorism in Jammu division, wipe it out from Jammu & Kashmir and ensure complete security for the upcoming annual Amarnath Yatra. The Union Minister chaired a high-level security review meeting in New Delhi today which was attended by J&K Lt Governor Manoj Singh, NSA Ajit Doval, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, Army Chief General Manoj Pande, designate Army Chief, Lt General Upendra Dwivedi, IB Director Tapan Deka, Chief Secretary J&K Atal Dulloo, DG CRPF Anish Dayal Singh, DGP J&K R. R.Swain, ADGP (Law & Order) J&K Vijay Kumar and senior Army and Intelligence officers. Shah directed security forces to crush the emerging terrorism in the Jammu division of the Union Territory and prevent its revival in J&K while ensuring complete security for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra which begins on June 29 and ends on August 19. Advertisement Shah also received a report on the prevailing law and order situation in J&K. Top sources said that the Home Minister directed hard action against the supporters of terrorism. He also advised 24X7 vigil and surveillance of highways, sensitive installations and vulnerable places so that the Amarnath Yatra, Mata Vaishno Devi and Shiv Khori temple pilgrimages are safe. He advised sealing of all infiltration routes through which foreign terrorists manage to enter the UT. He commended the security forces for ensuring a safe environment for the poll process during the Lok Sabha elections, which made participation of a large number of voters possible. Shah assured all resources both material and in terms of manpower to the UT administration to deal a hard blow to terrorism and its supporters. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will chair a security review meeting concerning Jammu & Kashmir on Sunday, officials said. J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, officers of Army, paramilitary forces, J&K Police, and intelligence agencies will be present during todays meeting. Security situation in J&K in general and security arrangements for the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra in particular will figure at the high-level meeting to be chaired by Shah on June 16 in New Delhi. Advertisement Sundays meeting will be the first high-level meeting to be chaired by Amit Shah on J&K after being inducted into the Union Cabinet again. Heightened security is expected for this years Amarnath Yatra in the wake of the June 9 terror attack on the Shiv Khori temple pilgrims in Reasi district. Over 400 additional companies of paramilitary forces are likely to be deployed for this years Yatra. A strategy is being formulated to eliminate the terrorists hiding in Rajouri-Poonch districts, who are believed to have carried out the Reasi terror attack, sources said. Plugging infiltration routes through the International Border between Jammu to Kathua is also likely to figure prominently in the meeting, sources added. The modus operandi used by the terrorists to cross the international border and the line of control in J&K will also come up during the review discussions. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma today paid their respects to Jawan Nitesh Ekka, who was martyred in a Maoist encounter in Narayanpur district. The CM alongwith his deputy, visited the 4th Battalion in Mana to honor the fallen soldier, whose mortal remains were later sent to his native village, Chiraidan, in Jashpur district. As a mark of respect, Chief Minister Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Sharma shouldered the martyrs mortal remains and offered their condolences to the bereaved family. Advertisement Chief Minister Sai stated, Our brave soldier has made the supreme sacrifice in the maoist encounter in the Abujhmad area of Narayanpur district. Since the formation of our government, we have intensified anti-maoist operations, fighting a decisive battle. The martyrdom of our Jawans will not go in vain, and we are determined to establish peace in the region. It is worth noting that the martyred constable of the Special Task Force (STF), Nitesh Ekka, was a resident of Jashpur district. On June 12, a joint force comprising the District Reserve Guard (DRG), STF, and Border Security Force (BSF) launched an anti-maoist operation in the Farasbeda-Dhurbeda area of Narayanpur district. During the operation on June 15, Maoist insurgents opened indiscriminate fire on the security forces. In the retaliatory action, eight Maoists were killed while two security personnel were injured, and soldier Nitesh Ekka was martyred. The tribute ceremony was attended by DGP Ashok Juneja, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Manoj Kumar Pingua, ADG Pradeep Gupta, Divisional Commissioner Sanjay Alang, and other senior police officers, alongside the family members of the martyred jawan. Reiterating zero tolerance policy against terrorism under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said the government will leave no stone unturned in rooting out terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir. Chairing a high-level review meeting on the security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir in the national capital, the Union Home Minister said the fight against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir is in its decisive phase, adding that recent incidents show that terrorism has been forced to shrink from highly organised acts of terrorist violence to a mere proxy war. We are determined to root it out as well, he stressed. Advertisement In the meeting, the Union Home Minister also took stock of preparations for the upcoming annual Amarnath Yatra which will commence on June 29 and conclude on August 19. The meeting was attended by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Lieutenant Governor of J&K Manoj Sinha, Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pandey, Union Home Secretary, Director, Intelligence Bureau, senior Army Officers including Chief of Army Staff (Designate) Lt. General Upendra Dwivedi, Director General of CAPFs, Chief Secretary, DGP of J&K and other senior officers. The Union Home Minister directed security agencies to replicate the successes achieved in Kashmir valley through Area Domination Plan and Zero Terror Plan in Jammu division. Shah asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is committed to set an example by cracking down on terrorists through innovative means. He directed all security agencies to work in a mission mode and ensure quick response in a coordinated manner. Shah emphasised on seamless coordination amongst the security agencies, identifying vulnerable areas and addressing the security concerns of such areas. Shah said efforts of Government of India have yielded great positive results in Kashmir Valley with significant reduction in terror related incidents. He noted that the improvement in law-and-order situation is reflected in record flow of tourists in Kashmir Valley. The Union Home Minister appreciated security agencies and J&K administration for successful conduct of Lok Sabha elections, which witnessed record voter turnout in Jammu and Kashmir. A day after the INDIA bloc hinted that it might field its candidate for the Lok Sabha Speakers post, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday asserted that the Oppositions alliance will back TDPs candidate for the post. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Raut said that the election to Speakers post is important and that the situation is not the same as it was in 2014 and 2019. He claimed that the BJP will try to break the NDA alliance partners if the Speakers post is not given to them. Advertisement This fight of the Lok Sabha Speaker is important. This time, the situation is not similar to 2014 and 2019. The government is not stable We have heard that Chandrababu Naidu has asked for the Lok Sabha Speaker post If a candidate of NDA will not get the post of Lok Sabha Speaker, then PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah will break TDP, JDU and LJP (Ram Vilas) If Chandrababu Naidu doesnt get this position then we will ensure that his candidate gets the support from the INDIA alliance, he said. According to reports, the INDIA bloc has been demanding the post of Deputy Speaker. If not given the post, the Opposition alliance said, it will field its own candidate for the Speakers post as it has the numbers to make it a tough contest. Nitish Kumars JD-U, which is the second largest constituent of the ruling NDA alliance, said that they will support the BJPs pick for the important post of Lok Sabha Speaker. However, Chandrababu Naidus TDP has reportedly demanded an NDA candidate. Speaking to an English daily, a TDP Spokesperson on Saturday said that the decision on the Speakers candidate must be taken after reaching due consensus. The NDA partners will sit together and decide who our candidate for the Speaker is going to be. Once a consensus is reached, we will field that candidate and all partners, including the TDP, will support the candidate, TDP Spokesperson Pattabhi Ram Kommareddy was quoted as saying. The principal Opposition Congress is also wary of the election to the Speakers post and raised concern that BJP may indulge in horse trading if its candidate becomes the Speaker. Not just TDP and JD(U), but the people of the entire country are eagerly watching the election to the post of the Lok Sabha Speaker. If BJP does not have the intention to do anything undemocratic in the future, it should give the Speakers post to one of its allies, senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot said in a post on X. Following the allocation of portfolios in Modis third Cabinet, the election for the Speakers post is being closely monitored. This heightened interest stems from NDA allies, such as the JD-U and TDP, having to accept relatively smaller Cabinet positions. The TDP and JD-U, with 16 and 12 seats each, are the largest allies of the Narendra Modi-led NDA coalitions government. With the BJP well short of the majority mark, their support is crucial for the Modi government to complete the full five-year term. On the occasion of Ganga Dussehra on Sunday, millions of devotees took a holy dip in river Ganga and other rivers and ponds in Uttar Pradesh. There was a huge crowd at the Ganga ghats of Prayagraj, Kanpur, Vindyachal, Varanasi and Garh Mukteshwar along with Saryu Ghat in Ayodhya and in other places. In view of the bathing on Ganga Dussehra on Sunday, UP Director General of Police Prashant Kumar has given instructions to make strict arrangements for the safety of people on the banks of river ghats and other water bodies. Advertisement He has issued guidelines in this regard to all the police commissioners, IGs, DIGs and district SPs, in which they have been asked to make all the arrangements to ensure the safe completion of the Ganga Dussehra bathing festival. DGP Kumar said that police officers should visit the places where there is a possibility of a large crowd of bathers and make other arrangements including security. He has also given instructions to ensure adequate lighting on river ghats, barricading from security point of view and deployment of divers and water police. Officers have been asked to get checking done in advance at bathing ghats and lakes and deploy male and female police personnel in plain clothes. He has also given instructions not to allow any non-traditional event in view of the controversies that have taken place in the past years. The DGP has directed the officers to keep a close watch on all social media platforms and take action against those spreading misleading information and issue immediate refutation of the news. He said that UP-112 vehicles (emergency services) should be mandatorily deployed at crowded places. A report from Varanasi said devotees took a dip in the ghats of the holy Ganga in Kashi on Ganga Dussehra on Sunday. During this period, devotees from nearby districts gathered on the banks of Ganga to take bath and make donations. From early morning, Har Har Gange (Hail Mother Goddess Ganga) started resonating on the ghats amid the sound of gongs in the temples. On Ganga Dussehra, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, Tulsighat, Rajendra Prasad Ghat and other ghats have been decorated with colourful flowers. Devotees who reached Kashi from far and wide, took a dip of faith during this period. After this, they visited and worshipped in other temples including Kashi Vishwanath Dham, Sankat Mochan, Durgakund. It is believed that by taking a bath in Ganga on Ganga Dussehra and making donations, one gets freedom from sins and gets salvation. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday urged all MPs, MLAs, and other public representatives to consistently monitor development and welfare projects. He stressed that public representatives should ensure that eligible individuals in their areas benefit from government welfare schemes. Additionally, he encouraged them to propose new development initiatives to enhance the progress of the state further. Addressing public representatives from the Gorakhpur division here, the Chief Minister congratulated newly elected MPs and commended the efforts of MLAs who worked diligently during the Lok Sabha elections. Advertisement In an informal gathering, CM Yogi Adityanath received updates from all the MLAs present regarding the progress of ongoing development and welfare projects in their respective regions. Emphasising that development is an ongoing process, he urged the representatives to proactively prepare proposals to cover all potential areas for development. He highlighted the importance of ensuring that eligible individuals who have not yet benefited from any government scheme, are identified and connected to both Central and State Government initiatives. The Chief Minister emphasised that in a democracy, the people hold supreme importance. He underscored the responsibility of representatives to attentively address public issues and expectations, and to propel development and welfare initiatives accordingly. He noted that public satisfaction was the true measure of a representatives work and urged them to build and maintain the trust of the people. During the meeting, CM Adityanath also discussed the assembly-wise performance of the party in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections and appealed to all the public representatives to start working on the upcoming target from now on. Among others State Cabinet Minister Surya Pratap Shahi, Minister of State Vijayalakshmi Gautam, MPs Ravi Kishan, Vijay Dubey, Shashank Mani and Mayor Dr Manglesh Shrivastava were present at the meeting. An Election Commission of India (ECI) official on Sunday dismissed allegations of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) hacking at the Mumbai North West Lok Sabha seat, emphasising that EVMs operate as stand-alone devices without any wired or wireless connectivity to external units. Vandana Suryavanshi, the Returning Officer of 27 Mumbai North West Parliamentary Constituency, was responding to a Mumbai-based newspaper report claiming that a relative of Shiv Sena leader Ravindra Waikar carried a mobile phone inside a counting centre in Maharashtras Goregaon and allegedly used it to generate an OTP that unlocked the EVM. She dispelled such reports and clarified that no OTP (One Time Password) on mobile is needed for unlocking EVMs. Advertisement No OTP (One Time Password) can be generated on mobile for unlocking EVM as it is non-programmable and lacks wireless communication capabilities. It is a complete lie being spread by a newspaper, which some leaders are exploiting to create a false narrative, Suryavanshi said in a press conference in Mumbai. The Returning Officer further stated that the incident at Mumbai North West Constituency Counting Centre is about unauthorisedly using a mobile phone of an authorised person by a candidates aide. A criminal case has already been filed by the Returning Officer, she added. Asserting the efficacy of EVMs in conducting polls, Suryavanshi said, EVMs are stand-alone devices without any wired or wireless connectivity with units outside the EVM system. Advanced technical features and robust administrative safeguards are in place to rule out any possibility of manipulation. Safeguards include conducting everything in the presence of candidates or their agents. Sharing details about counting of votes through postal ballot, the Returning Officer said, Counting of ETPBS (Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System) happens in physical form (paper ballots) and not electronically, as is being spread through false narratives. Every counting sheet at every table for ETPBS and EVM counting and postal ballot counting (including ETPBS) is signed by all counting agents after due diligence, she added. The Returning Officer further stated that proceedings are on against the newspaper for spreading rumours to malign Indian voters and the electoral system. Earlier in the day, an FIR was registered against Mangesh Pandilkar, a relative of Shiv Sena leader Ravindra Waikar, for allegedly carrying a mobile phone inside a counting centre in Maharashtras Goregaon. The case has been registered at the Vanrai Police Station. An FIR has also been registered against a polling personnel, Dinesh Gurav, who was an Encore (poll portal) operator with the Election Commission. Mumbais Vanrai Police has sent a notice to Mangesh Pandilkar and Dinesh Gurav under section 41A of Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). The mobile phone has been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to recover the data and fingerprints present on it, the police said. We are also investigating the CCTV cameras at the Nesco Centre, which may help us to find out how the mobile phone reached inside the centre. Besides, investigating whether there are more accused involved in this case, we are also trying to find out who supplied this mobile phone, the Vanrai Police said. Ravindra Waikar won the Mumbai North-West constituency by a small margin of 48 votes. The constituency witnessed a close fight between both Shiv Sena factions Eknath Shindes Ravindra Waikar and Uddhav Thackerays Amol Kirtikar. The constituency witnessed a close fight between both Shiv Sena factions Ravindra Waikar from Eknath Sindes Shiv Sena and Amol Kirtikar from Uddhav Thackerays Shiv Sena (UBT). After the final result, Waikar was declared winner by just 48 votes. Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda along with Minister of State Anupriya Patel presided over a review meeting of the Department of Pharmaceuticals on Saturday. The Minister emphasised the need to focus on PM Modis vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047 and also reviewed the five-year agenda and the 100-day action plan. The five-year plan would focus on enhancing drug security, Aatmanirbharta in medical devices, expansion of the Jan Aushadhi Scheme, and making medicines and treatment affordable for the citizens. Advertisement The Health Minister also directed that quality should receive a renewed focus and that all drugs and medical devices manufacturing plants should be upgraded to world-class standards over the next three years. Senior officials presented a detailed overview of the pharma and MediTech sectors and gave a presentation on the regulatory framework and the schemes implemented by the department. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed deep sorrow over the road mishap in Rudraprayag, Uttrakhand and extended his condolences to the bereaved families. He instructed the Chief Ministers Office and the Relief Commissioners Office to immediately coordinate with the local administration to ensure proper treatment for the injured and necessary safety measures. Following his instructions, a team of senior officials from Saharanpur has been dispatched to Rudraprayag. Advertisement A vehicle carrying pilgrims met with a tragic accident in Rudraprayag on Saturday. By late evening, it was reported that 14 people had died, including some from Delhi-NCR (Noida), Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, five individuals are seriously injured and seven have sustained minor injuries. Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Dhami has ordered an inquiry into the accident. Expressing his grief on platform X, CM Yogi wrote: The loss of lives in a road accident in Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand is very sad and unfortunate. My condolences are with the bereaved families. I pray to Lord Shri Ram to grant salvation to the departed souls and speedy recovery to the injured. The CM has taken note of the incident and directed senior officials to ensure proper treatment and necessary safety for the injured. He has also instructed officials to stay in constant touch with the local administration and provide updates to him regularly. According to reports, the vehicle was traveling from Gurugram to Tungnath with 26 people onboard. The accident occurred near Raintoli, close to Rudraprayag headquarters, when the vehicle plunged approximately 200 meters off the highway into a deep gorge. Ten people died on the spot, while 14 were rescued and taken to the district hospital in Rudraprayag. Upon arrival, doctors declared one person dead, and another succumbed to injuries during treatment. The identities of two deceased remain unknown. Due to the severity of their injuries, seven individuals have been airlifted. While society has started openly discussing issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress, mens mental health continues to be an overlooked area. About 40 per cent of men in India do not talk about their mental health openly, over fear of stigma, said experts on Thursday. International Mens Health Week is observed every year from June 10 to June 16, to raise awareness on mens health issues. The lack of discussions about mens mental health or their propensity to seek help along with the growing suicide rates may be explained by the male gender norms that are socially constructed, Dr Samir Kumar Praharaj, Professor and Head Department of Psychiatry, Kasturba Medical College and Hospitals, MAHE, Manipal, told IANS. Advertisement About 40 per cent of Indian men dont talk about their mental health openly, largely due to stigmas and misconceptions, including the mistaken belief that men should handle their emotions on their own, added Dr Shyam Bhat, Psychiatrist, and Chairperson, of LiveLoveLaugh. Historically, societal expectations have dictated that men embody strength, resilience, and emotional stoicism. Biological and hormonal influences like testosterone also contribute to different emotional responses in men. Dr Samir said that in most cases, men are an example of how to mask emotions since it is considered shameful for them to express feelings or seek help. When depressed, men are more likely to display aggression and anger rather than sadness, compared with women, who may be more in touch with their sadness and vulnerability, Dr Shyam told IANS. Consequently, many men suffer in silence or become isolated and resort to substance abuse, as they battle their internal struggles without the support they desperately need. This increases suicide risk in men, and consequently, death by suicide in men occurs 2.5 times more than in women, he added. The doctors called for awareness campaigns and educational programmes to assist in the elimination of myths and stigmatisation associated with mental disorders as well as foster conversation. Dr Samir stressed healthy habits such as exercising, doing mindful activities, and engaging in creative outlets for better mental health. The emphasis should be shifted to altering the perception of male masculinity and persuading men to take their mental health issues seriously and to seek help if they experience any difficulties, the health expert said. Nara Chandrababu Naidu became the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh for the fourth time on June 12. He has reason to be pleased after having been sidelined in state and national politics for several years. Never ruling out a politician is a simple lesson in politics, Naidus return as the chief minister and the re-emergence of his Telugu Desam Party, the second largest group in the current NDA government, marks a shift in power dynamics. It was a glittering occasion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and top BJP leaders, including NDA chief ministers, looking on as the 74-yearold politician took oath. This event is significant for Naidu, his party and Indian politics, as it could have farreaching implications for Andhra Pradesh. A year ago, Naidus predecessor, Jagan Mohan Reddy, was expected to return. He seemed comfortable with a divided opposition, with Pawan Kalyan not aligned with the TDP and the BJP dilly-dallying about re-admitting the TDP into the NDA coalition. Naidu faced corruption charges, and TDP workers were demoralised. However, Reddy mishandled Naidus arrest. Apart from antiincumbency, the caste coalition of Pawan Kalyans Janasena, the BJP, and the TDP worked. Jagans neglect of infrastructure and agriculture negatively affected the people. Naidus political journey began as a junior minister in 1978. Numerous highs and lows have marked it, and Naidu never gave up. He declared that the 2024 battle would be his final election, and he has been grooming his son Lokesh as his successor for some years. Initially, Naidu remained in the shadows of his father-in-law and Telugu Desam chief N.T. Rama Rao, but soon made himself indispensable. He saw national politics from close quarters during the National Front and United Front governments, gaining valuable experience and insights. His party was part of the V.P. Singh, Deve Gowda, I.K.Gujral and Vajpayee governments. And Naidu was the kingmaker then. While he has been in and out of government, his partys participation in the Modi government now is particularly notable. Naidu will put on his cap for development and become the CEO of the state again. In the past, he had rubbed shoulders with tech giants like Bill Gates, brought investment opportunities to Hyderabad, transformed it into Cyberabad, secured funding for infrastructure from agencies like the World Bank, and overall developed the city. However, he did not focus on developing other parts of the state. In his fourth term, he should not miss the opportunity to bring back the importance of Andhra Pradesh. Advertisement As Chief Minister, Naidus top priority is to secure additional funds for Andhra Pradesh, a crucial step towards the states development. His vision for Andhra Pradeshs development includes reviving long-pending irrigation projects like the Polavaram project to boost the states agricultural sector. With his partys support, Naidu is determined to maximise the states resources and drive development apar t from seeking funds from international agencies like the World Bank. This comprehensive approach to development would be beneficial to the state. State interests are our concern. We are not negotiating on the composition of the Narendra Modi cabinet. This was his response to a question about the TDP getting only one cabinet minister and one Minister of State in the Modi cabinet. Still, they hope to secure more positions during the next expansion. The second important task is to build his dream project of constructing the state capital at Amaravati. His predecessor, Jagan Mohan Reddy, suspended this ambitious project during his two terms. Now that Naidu is back in charge, he aims to complete Amaravati. His plan includes using his good offices in the Centre to secure funds for the capital and various new projects, and he is confident that with the right resources and support, Amaravati will become a symbol of Andhra Pradeshs progress and development, instilling hope for the states future. He must also find funds for his six welfare schemes. Thirdly, the state is in a dire financial condition with a total debt of around Rs 14 lakh crores, including Rs 12 lakh crore borrowed from various sources and pending bills of Rs 1.5 lakh crore. The funds-crunch is a big challenge. During his four decades in politics, Naidu has proved himself a survivor. He was much ahead of his time in his first and second terms. He was forward-thinking, pro-technology, and a showman. Now, he has to find resources to fulfil his manifesto promises. The atmosphere is excellent, as Naidu has the comfort of being a kingmaker. He has no opposition in the Assembly, with YSRCP reduced to just 11 seats. The BJP is dealing with a delicate issue regarding the promise of reservation for Muslims. The TDP needs to consider how to handle this matter carefully. Above all, Naidu must ensure that no MLA is tempted to leave, and the alliance must be maintained. The positive relationship with Modi will last a year, after which demands will be made. With the formation of the new Government, the dust has finally settled on a particularly contentious Election. BJP supporters are ruing the fact that their party did not get a majority on its own, while for the India bloc it was a case of so near yet so far. Be that as it may, a coalition government led by the BJP has taken oath, which is not a bad thing, as it may soften the hard edges of the ideologydriven BJP. Also, coalition dharma may give saner elements in the ruling coalition an excuse for not following an extreme agenda. Before the 2024 elections recede in memory, the ruling party should introspect as to why, despite having an immensely popular leader at its helm, and almost unlimited resources at its disposal, it could not cross the halfway mark? It was not for want of trying; all tricks, ethical and unethical, were tried, but a ragtag opposition took the fight to the final overs. The usual breast beating followed; party loyalists put the blame for BJPs reduced performance on alleged dark machinations by American billionaire George Soros, caste and minority consolidation and even betrayal of Sanatana Dharma by Hindus, and finally, ingrates, that is us, on not deserving a Prime Minister like Narendra Modi. Yet, the sooner reality is acknowledged the better it is; quite obviously, some policies and actions of the earlier government did not find traction with many voters; an obvious solution for the new Government could be to identify such policies and actions, and ensure their modification. On the other hand, the India bloc would do well to realise that it cannot rely only on missteps of the Government to get an electoral majority, it also needs to have an appealing roadmap for governance. Also, the gloom in the BJP camp should not unnecessarily enthuse the India bloc, because this despondency is a consequence of unfulfilled expectations ~ the BJP with 239 seats is only slightly short of a majority. Any attempt by the Opposition to destabilise the NDA Government by covert means may prove unsuccessful or counterproductive, or both. In the interest of democracy, BJP should also desist from its trademark manoeuvres of breaking parties by enticing legislators. All said, it is time for Parliamentarians to get down to the difficult task of governance, in which the Opposition has an equal stake. The second stint (2009 ~ 2014) of the UPA Government and both stints of the NDA Government were marred by an almost dysfunctional Parliament. Instead of healthy, informed discussions, Parliament witnessed disruptions, sloganeering and worse. Important legislation, like the Budget, was passed without debate, in the midst of Opposition walk outs. Unprecedently, hundreds of Parliamentarians were suspended and many times Parliament was prorogued much before the scheduled date. Advertisement Taking a cue from Parliament, Governors and State legislatures functioned in ways, beyond the imagination of our founding fathers. So, the first task before newly elected MPs is to restore the dignity and meaningfulness of Parliament. We all look forward to the 18th Lok Sabha discharging its functions of supervising the Executive, indulging in healthy debate to enlighten the public about the various issues facing the nation, and also passing meaningful laws, leading to peace and prosperity in the country. A heavier responsibility lies on the new ministers. As Walter Bagehot, the renowned nineteenth century essayist had said: A cabinet is a combining committee, a hyphen which joins, a buckle which fastens, the legislative part of the state to the executive part of the state. In its origin it belongs to the one, in its functions it belongs to the other. Therefore, even while discharging their onerous executive responsibilities ministers have to maintain their connect with fellow MPs, even of the Opposition ~ a quality that was found missing in the earlier NDA Government. The present incumbents have to rectify this shortcoming. On the positive side, there has been no change in major portfolios like Home, Defence, Finance, and External Affairs, which would ensure continuity in the functioning of major ministries, but not having a majority would definitely stymie the style of stalwarts holding these portfolios. Moreover, despite the appointment of a record seventytwo ministers from all constituents, minor parties are still dissatisfied, which does not augur well for the coalition. A major task before the new council of ministers is to get the best from the permanent bureaucracy, while not playing into its hands. Mr. Modi had often expressed his disappointment at bureaucratic non-performance; in a longish speech in Parliament on 10 February 2021, PM Modi had questioned the operational capability of IAS officers. Mr. Modi had enough reason for his ire; the quantum changes envisaged by him years ago eluded the country; progress had been incremental, at best, and never exponential. Somehow most success stories scripted by the Government were cut short, never reaching their full potential; many welfare measures were planned with noble intentions and humongous budgets but somehow did not achieve their desired objectives. Agricultural reforms, judicial reforms and a host of other initiatives fell at the last mile. The underlying cause for the failure was common ~ poor planning and execution. Thus, the bureaucracy, which is a stakeholder in the countrys progress, definitely needs to introspect on the cause of the PMs displeasure, because throughout his political career, the PM has reposed immense trust in bureaucrats, tasking them with the job of running their departments with minimal supervision by ministers. Most of Mr Modis advisors and key functionaries are bureaucrats, serving or retired, yet despite the carte blanche given to the bureaucracy, if its performance was below expectation, then some radical changes may be required. The Prime Minister has retained the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, so he would have ample opportunity to reform the bureaucracy. A solemn duty is cast on the other organs of governance, the judiciary, and the press, to discharge their duties without fear or favour. A committed judiciary is the desire of every party in power, but a compromised judiciary would be infinitely deleterious for the country. Similarly, a fawning press burnishes the Governments image, but keeps it away from reality ~ which in the long run only harms the party in power. This phenomenon manifested itself in the just concluded elections, when the ruling party could not sense the discontent against it, simmering just below the surface. The orchestrated exit polls led to acute embarrassment for the ruling dispensation, whose seat count fell woefully short vis-a-vis the absurdly exaggerated exit poll figures ~ making victory feel like defeat for party cadres. Lastly, it is the voters right to oversee the functioning of the Government. To avoid discontent, it may be advantageous for the Government to consult the public before presenting a Bill, or announcing a major policy change. A Pre-Legislative Consultation Policy (PLCP) does exist, which requires all Departments and Ministries to proactively publish the draft legislation or at least essential elements of the proposed legislation, a brief justification for such legislation, its broad financial implications, and an estimated assessment of the impact of such legislation on environment, fundamental rights, lives and livelihoods of the affected people. Thereafter, the summary of feedback received from all stakeholders is to be placed on the website of the Department/Ministry concerned. While examining the draft legislation, the Law Ministry has to ensure that the concerned Department/Ministry had complied with the process of pre-legislative consultation. Finally, before the new policy or Bill is introduced in Parliament, the Cabinet is to be made aware of the feedback of the public and the response of the Department/Ministry. Alternatively, after recording reasons, Departments/Ministries can bypass this procedure. Sadly, the Government has invariably pursued the latter option. Arun PS and Sushmita Singh in their study Democratising Law Making The Tale of PLCP state that 89 per cent of Bills introduced in parliament from June 2014 to May 2019 were passed after little or no consultation. The present Government may be well advised to implement PLCP. As Frank Herbert, the sci-fi author had written: Good governance never depends upon laws, but upon the personal qualities of those who govern. The machinery of government is always subordinate to the will of those who administer that machinery. The most important element of government, therefore, is the method of choosing leaders. (Children of Dune). We have just chosen our leaders. We sincerely hope they are the right ones. (The writer is a retired Principal Chief Commissioner of Income-Tax) It was Lenin who once said that There are decades where nothing happens; and there are weeks where decades happen. These weeks were there in the summer of 1947 when the partition plan was announced and the history of decades was written. Indias then GovernorGeneral and Viceroy Lord Mountbatten addressed the nation over All India Radio on 3 June 1947. He announced his 3rd June Plan, according to which India would be given independence on 15 August 1947. Under this Plan, the British would transfer power to two successor authorities the Congress and the Muslim League. In territorial terms, the dominions of India and Pakistan would remain within the British Commonwealth. British paramountcy over 559 princely states in India would not be transferred to the two dominions and, consequently, would lapse constitutionally. The princely states would be free to join either of the two dominions. The third option of them becoming independent and not joining either dominion was kept open. This was denied to the British Indian provinces. Those were melancholic times: Sir Khizar Hayat Tiwanas government had resigned in Punjab on 2 March 1947 and communal riots had started in Rawalpindi and other cities of the State. Initially, the then Governor of Punjab, Sir Evan Jenkins (ICS 1920), had thought of inviting the Muslim League leader, the Nawab of Mamdot, to form a government in Punjab, but later he decided against it and Governors rule was imposed. Lord Mountbatten had arrived in India on 22 March 1947. After consulting Indian leaders, he made a plan known as the DICKIE BIRD Plan and sent Lord Ismay, his Chief of Staff, with the plan on May 2 to London which was approved by the British Cabinet. It said that each of the 11 provinces of British India and each of the 559 princely states would be given the option to join India or Pakistan or remain independent. However, Pandit Nehru opposed this as he felt that it would Balkanise India, allowing tens of little nation states to emerge. Fearing that opposition by the Congress might end his career, Lord Mountbatten sought advice from the then Secretary of States Department, VP Menon, who advised that power be transferred to two independent British Dominions, India and Pakistan. This was opposed by Mohammed Ali Jinnah, who wanted a referendum in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and Baluchistan. VP Menon had suggested to Mountbatten to give an assurance to Nehru and Sardar Patel that Britain would oppose the princely states becoming independent, and instead persuade them to join either of the two new nation states (which would ensure that most of them would join India) in exchange for Congress support of a fresh reference to the electorate in the NWFP and Baluchistan. Advertisement In less than half a day, this new plan was adopted by Mountbatten and presented to Nehru, who was much more receptive. However, in the process, he was successful in getting the proposal dearest to Britain accepted, which meant dominion status for India and Pakistan and the separation of Baluchistan and the NWFP from India and giving these to Pakistan. Notably, Lord Ismay was earlier Sir Winston Churchills Military Staff officer. He assisted Mountbatten in partition matters. Mountbatten now went to London with his final plan of partition and transfer of power. Prime Minister Sir Clement Attlees Cabinet endorsed the plan, and Sir Winston Churchill (hitherto glowering at every twist and turn of what he saw as Britains capitulation to Congress) was delighted that India had agreed to dominion status. Mountbatten showed him written evidence of Congress support. And when told that Jinnah had not yet endorsed the plan, Churchill retorted, It is a matter of life and death for Pakistan to accept this offer with both hands. By god! He (Jinnah) is one man who cannot do without British help. On 3 June 1947, Mountbatten was able to bring Nehru, Patel, JB Kripalani (as Congress president) Baldev Singh, Jinnah, Liaquat Ali Khan and Abdur Rab Nishtar, around a conference table, where they collectively endorsed Mountbattens plan, under the watchful gaze of Lord Ismay. As per the plan, a Boundary Commission (eventually headed by Sir Cyril Radcliffe, a London barrister who had never previously visited India), was formed as suggested by Lord Listowel, Secretary of State for India. The Commission was tasked with delineating the precise boundaries between India and Pakistan in the provinces of Bengal and Punjab. Radcliffe had worked with Mountbatten earlier and since he had never been to British India, he was considered unbiased. Both Nehru and Jinnah agreed to the appointment, which was formally approved by the Partition Council. At the time of his appointment, Radcliffe was Vice-President of the London Bar Association. According to this Partition Plan, a referendum would be held in the NWFP (as Nehru had agreed earlier), and another in the Muslim-majority Sylhet district of Assam (the rest of which would remain in India). Remarkably, no referendum was called for the Chittagong Hill Tracts, where nonMuslims (Buddhists, Hindus and Christians) were in a strong majority or for the cities of Karachi or Hyderabad-Sindh, (with clear non-Muslim majorities) as they would almost certainly have voted to remain within India. Jinnah had deputed Iskander Mirza to start a jihad in the NWFP when a referendum was held there in July 1947. Mirza was a descendent of traitor Mir Jafar, who had conceded to Lord Clive in the Battle of Plassey in 1757, after taking huge bribes. Mirza was later rewarded with the presidency of Pakistan in the 1950s. It can be summed up that seldom had any plan in history such a walloping, nay humongous and searing, effect on humanity as the 3rd June Plan had because it led to the migration of more than 12 million people, savage death of a million innocents, overnight forcible change of religion of about 2 lakhs and kidnapping of about 80,000 women. The tremors generated by that plan are still felt after 77 years in millions of households in South Asia. (The writer has been a senior IAS officer of the Punjab-Haryana cadre and can be contacted at Kaushikiaspunjab@gmail.com) Time was when Indian cinema thrived on music and melody. Movies were considered incomplete or uninspiring if there were no songs and dances. In fact, some of them had over a dozen songs each. There came a phase in the West as well when musicals became popular: The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady and Mary Poppins were runaway successes. And then there was a huge hiatus, but now, of late, songs and the sounds of musical instruments seem to be sugar-coating even some of the most hardened gangster flicks. At the recent 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, an out-and-out movie about a vicious goon, Emilia Perez, was hopping and skipping to the beats of rhythm and rhyme. Created by the French legend Jacques Audiard, the film about a vile drug cartel big man desperately seeking to change his gender came as a liberating sense of joy, effusively rich with songs and dances. Audiard, a master of myriad movies with gems like A Prophet, Rust and Bone, Dheepan, and so on, has used Spanish this time to narrate a story that is awe-inspiring. How could cruelty and sadism turn into kindness and compassion? We have to watch Emilia Perez to understand this. Advertisement The film got Audiard the Jury Prize (the festivals third most prestigious honour). Not just this. The festival jury, headed by the Barbie helmer, Greta Gerwig, honoured four of the women in the movie with the Best Actress trophy. Well deserved, I must say. The blend of transgender woes and some extremely lively drama were both energetic and uplifting. Shot mostly in France and some of it in Mexican cities, Emilia Perez begins with an aerial view of crowded, bustling streets, which are hotbeds of crime and criminality. The camera takes us to Rita (Zoe Saldana), a young attorney who defends murderers and helps them escape the noose. Interestingly, for all the seedy stuff she does, her introduction is nothing less than glamorous. She is dancing in the market square with a whole lot of actors, and the number has all the zing in it. Not much later, Rita is taken to meet an ace criminal, Juan Manitas Del Monte (played by transgender star Karla Sofia Gascon). Juan soon changes his name to Emilia Perez and ropes in Rita for a complicated surgery that will make him a her. Pumping himself with hormone therapy, Juan decides to leave behind the life of crime in what looks like a remarkable reformation. Emilia, who had built an empire on blood and gore, says goodbye to all this. To firm this change, he fakes his own death and translocates his wife and kids to Switzerland with the help of Rita. The whole operation is conducted with such secrecy that even the wife and children are blissfully in the dark. But Emilia is sad to be separated from her family, and she makes plans to bring them back to Mexico, where she is now living. This is not easy, though. Emilia is still a wanted criminal, and what follows is an often hilarious series of episodes punctuated with songs and dances. I am your aunt, she tells her kids when they finally meet. What is more, both Emilia and Rita embark on a journey to cleanse Mexico of crime. Repentance and atonement come packaged in exhilarating musical numbers, with the camera interpreting these scenes with verve and vitality. Despite a plot that is overwhelmingly about crime, Audiards work throws up profound questions about life, mind, body and soul. In these, we notice Emilias dilemmaabout spirituality, about morality, and about tinkering with Nature. I wonder whether Emilia Perez would have been possible without someone like Gascon. She is fantastic in the titular role; credit goes to Audiard for discovering her. In her own words, she was an actor before becoming an actress and a father before becoming a mother. Obviously, she brings a great deal of authenticity to her character, which adds to the richness of the story. Eminently watchable. The writer is a senior film critic, who has been covering the Cannes Film Festival for 30 years. The monthly classical music events organised by the Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture are serving the cause of music in a big way. These sessions essentially present musicians who, despite their blazing skills, are still waiting in the wings. They get a chance to come under the limelight, and that too on Vivekananda Hall, a highly revered platform. The evening of 6 April was no exception. In the first half, Debdeep Mishra (a disciple of renowned vocalists Tushar Dutta and Aniruddha Bhattacharya, brilliant former scholars of ITC SRA), selected Puria Dhanashri, an early evening raga, followed by Kedar. His confident voice gleamed with bold, open akar of Agra and sur of Kirana. It was a delightful blend that was inevitable in his case. The clear grains of his taans at any tempo were commendable. With steadily rising Suprabhat Bhattacharyas dazzling tabla and Subrata Bhattacharyas sensitive harmonium accompaniment as his companions, he also sang a Bhajan that was picked up at a very fast tempo. It was too much for comfort. Palash Kuri, like most of the musicians of this generation, trained under several gurus guidance (Pandit Arun Bhaduri, Pandit Amiya Ranjan Bandyopadhyay). His choice was Jog Kauns, a late-night raga that has entered the time zone of evening ragas due to its emotive appeal. Palash exploited this very aesthetically right from the beginning. The brief aochar clearly delineated the raga. Supported by tabla virtuoso Debojyoti Bose and popular harmonium player Arpan Bhattacharya, his vilambit ektal displayed very good badhat in aakar, behlawa, and sargam, followed by taans that abhorred gamak taans. During his traditional khayal in medium tempo, the solo round of tabla won attention due to its refined bols. After a few fine-grained taans, he switched to fast ektal for more taans but punctuated it with a long emotive phrase highlighting the chaan of the raga. Advertisement Kamod, replete with Kare jane na dungi and Maanat naahi mor laal, set to fast teental and ektal, respectively, was his second choice to showcase his skills. His full-throated sureela perch on the upper pancham was very pleasing. He concluded the evening session with a bhajan. It lost its spirit due to changing ragas. Celebrating spring Amuzing ACAPA organised Vasantotsava conceived and directed by reputed tabla player Rajnarayan Bhattacharya at Gyan Manch (9-10 April). Inspired by his Guru, Pandit Samar Saha, the organisation has been known for its works related to music, painting, cinema, theatre, and philanthropy for the last 26 years. A clutch of young talents commenced both days of the festival by creating Instrument Ecstasy, based on Raga Jhinjhoti and Hansadhwani, respectively. Directed by Bhattacharya and Chirodeep Sarkar, these pieces were played on santoor (Banani and Mayukh Das), flute (Rik Mukherjee), violin (Pritam Deb Sarkar), and tabla (Abir Mukherjee, Moinak Banerjee, and Shamik Chakraborty) with commendable coordination and confident agility. Amuzing takes pride in providing a stage for such dedicated aspirants. Thirteen-year-old Srija Biswas, from Benares, was another brilliant example who set the stage on fire as the final performer of the festival. Two renowned vocalists, Ashok Nadgir (Kirana Gharana) from Hubli and Gautam Kale (Mewati Gharana) from Indore, debuted in Kolkata thanks to the artistically inclined radar of Amuzing. Nadgir sang raga Maru Bihag and a bhajan with true elements of Kiranas southern stream, led by the legendary Ustad Abdul Karim Khansaheb. Kamalaksha Mukherjees harmonium offered support in the same way. Gautam Kale, disciple of Pandit Jasraj, delineated Puria Kalyan in the ornate style of his legendary guru. His golden voice was at its best while singing a Haveli Sangeet, rarely heard in Kolkata. His chosen holi pada was penned by Krishnadas Swamy and tuned by Pandit Jasraj in Raga Adi Basant. Like the audience, harmonium wizard Hiranmay Mitra too enjoyed his singing while providing support. Both the vocalists were accompanied dexterously by tabla maestro Ashish Sengupta of Delhi. The only session featuring two celebrated sons of the soil, sitar maestro Asim Choudhuri and tabla maestro Guru Samar Saha, staged a grand finale on the first evening. The sitar cast a spell with its mellifluous portrayal of ragas Bahar and Desh, followed by a lilting Bhairavi. For a cause Bandish, inspired by its beacon, Indrani Chowdhurys indomitable spirits, takes care of autistic children and their parents. A vocalist of repute, Indrani dedicatedly works to tap the innate talent of autistic children. A Ganesh stuti by a clutch of seventeen young students of Indrani commenced the Bandish Music Festival at Triguna Sen Auditorium on 11th April. It was hugely supported by Vinay Deshmukh, founder of Sohini Corporation, Hyderabad. Patadeep, a late afternoon raga with a nimble gait, was tamed into a gracefully matured melody by sitar maestro Partha Bose. The long, lingering notes supported by loving meends, soft gamaks, and krintans etched this raga leisurely, despite its limited scope. The madh and drutjod retained the mood. Emotive gat vistar in slow teental displayed steady layakari with tisra and khanda phrases. The medium-paced gat was studded with taans. Subrato Bhattacharyas inspired tabla went very soft when the sitar played intimately. The mukhda of a beautiful gat set to Kafi appeared to arrive in a palanquin. Such was its gait. The second gat-bandish in medium and another in fast teental led to jhala, and a dramatic tihai brought this delightful recital to a close. Marwa, an early evening raga with a sombre mood, was beautifully rendered by well-known vocalist Ambarish Das. His gayaki was steeped in Indore Kirana tradition. His tuneful, deep voice laid the foundation by establishing Sa for the first two minutes, and in the very slow pace of jhumra tala, he elaborated the ragas emotive profile through step-by-step badhat and varied taans. Ujjwal Bharatis tabla remained unobtrusive with respect to the mood. Madhya teental khayal displayed sharp and fast vowel taans dotted with emotive lyric-based phrases. At this stage, tabla was in elements. Subrato Bhattacharyas harmonium followed the vocalist very nicely. Homage Tabla virtuoso Rupak Mitra paid melodic homage to his late vocalist mother, Sarbani Mitra, on her birthday (15th April). He organised the event under the aegis of BR Music College. The main attractions of this event were young tabla virtuoso Rohen Bose and steadily rising star vocalist Sandip Bhattacharya (Kirana Gharana). Sandips melodious voice and soulful gayaki did wonders with Gaoti, a beautiful raga popular with Patiala Gharana masters. Sandip interpreted the ragas persona through the prism of Kirana, with an extra-slow ektal-based emotive badhat, a delightful long and melodious perch on the upper tonic, sargam gayaki as behlawa, heavy gamak-laden taans leading to chhota khayal, and cascading fast taans with varied patterns with crystal clear fine grains. Flanked by Chiranjit Mukherjees aesthetically pleasing tabla and Subroto Bhattacharyas shadowing harmonium, his second choice, Kedar, was short, soulful, and sweet. Earlier, Rohen Bose gave a tabla recital in teental. Adhering to Banaras Gharanas tradition, he began with an Utthaan. The volume variation due to its initial ekhatthi bols inviting the bayan much later was very enjoyable. Kaidas, mostly composed by guru Kumar Bose, followed next. The variety in the selection of bols gave them a musical quality. After playing kaidas composed by other of Gharanas maestros, he displayed some tukras. A beautiful composition by his grandfather, Biswanath Bose, in khandajati was trailed by gats and chakradar. Subroto Bhattacharyas harmonium offered steady naghma to support the tabla solo. The writer is a senior music critic India participated in the two-day Summit on Peace in Ukraine at Burgenstock in Switzerland but did not sign any communique or document. Mr Pavan Kapoor, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, attended the Opening and Closing Plenary Sessions of the two-day summit which concluded this evening. India did not associate itself with any communique/document emerging from the summit, the Ministry of External Affairs said. Advertisement Reports said Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand, Indonesia, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates were also among the countries that did not sign the final communique. Switzerland, which hosted the summit, said over 90 countries took part in the talks, and a vast majority of them signed up to the communique. Brazil, which was listed as an observer on the list of attendees, also did not feature as a signatory. Indias participation in the Summit, as well as in the preceding NSA/Political Director-level meetings based on Ukraines Peace Formula, was in line with our consistent approach to facilitating a lasting and peaceful resolution to the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. We continue to believe that such a resolution requires a sincere and practical engagement between the two parties to the conflict, the MEA added. It said India would continue to remain engaged with all stakeholders as well as both parties to contribute to all earnest efforts to bring about an early and abiding peace. The summit was held a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the margins of the G-7 Summit in Italy and told him that India would continue to do everything within its means to support a peaceful solution to the Ukraine conflict and that the way to peace is through dialogue and diplomacy. A Shiite militia in Iraq has claimed responsibility for an attack with a cruise missile on a site in Haifa in northern Israel. The militia, known as the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, said in an online statement on Saturday that its fighters launched an attack at dawn on Saturday with a long-range al-Arqab upgraded cruise missile on a site in Haifa, Xinhua news agency reported. It provided no further details about the targeted location or any resulting casualties. Advertisement The militia stressed that the attack was carried out in solidarity with the people in the Gaza Strip and pledged to continue its attacks on the enemys strongholds. Earlier on Saturday, the group claimed responsibility for two drone attacks on Friday, targeting Haifa Port and Ramat David Airbase near Haifa. No details on casualties were provided in either instance. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has carried out multiple attacks on Israeli and US targets in the region since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict on October 7, 2023. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky believes that the peace conference in Switzerland will increase the pressure on Moscow, but other conference attendees were not so optimistic. The two-day meeting of 92 states and eight international organisations brought back the idea that joint efforts could stop a war and establish trust and peace, Zelensky said on Saturday shortly before the delegations began their deliberations. We have managed to give diplomacy a chance. Advertisement Swiss President Viola Amherd dampened expectations. Our goals are modest, she said, explaining that the aim of the conference was to inspire a process for lasting and just peace. The importance of international law as the basis of the international order is central to this, she said. Russias attack violates this in the most serious way, Amherd said. Russia was not invited to take part in the conference, and China, an important ally of Moscow, is also not attending. Even if there is only limited hope for concrete results, the summit is seen as an important sign of international solidarity with Ukraine. It is also about gaining the broadest possible international support for the Ukrainian peace plan with a complete withdrawal of Russia from Ukrainian territory. No matter who you are or where you live, you deserve the opportunity to choose the leaders who will shape your countrys future. It is this ethos that compels Indias election officers to trek 40km to Malogam village, a remote tract of land in Arunachal Pradesh, bordering China. Malogam is home to Sokhela Tayangthe lone voter in her village, who made her choice at the ballot on April 19, 2024. In 2024, Indias general election boasted a staggering 969 million eligible voters, solidifying its status as the worlds largest democratic exercise. Electoral laws dictate that no voter should be more than 2km from a polling station, ensuring accessibility. This commitment drives extraordinary efforts, with officials winding their way through Gujarats Gir forest for two days to set up a booth for Mahant Haridas Udasin, the sole voter in the areashowcasing the Election Commission of Indias (ECI) commitment to the universal franchise. As a returning officer and ECI representative, Ive witnessed firsthand the dedication of volunteers. From guiding first-time voters to offering refreshments to those enduring long lines, their actions epitomise the inclusive spirit of our vibrant democracy. Indias election process is a monumental institution in its own right, exhibiting an unmatchable commitment to inclusivity, technology, civic duty, and logistical prowess. In this election cycle, over the course of 1.5 months, 640 million ballots (twice the population of the US) were cast from every type of terrainice, desert, swamp, and thick jungle. Salil Bera Half of the votes were cast by women. Every candidate was safe, every voter was peaceful. In contrast, 37 candidates were assassinated in Mexicos recent elections. In 2021, the US Capitol Building was attacked by a mob to prevent the final counting of votes. These are all democracies, but each paints a very different picture. In the searing heat, poll workers manned 1.1 million polling booths in India, with 5.5 million Electronic Voting Machines (EVM). For context, thats more EVMs than the entire population of New Zealand. The sheer size and scale of this democratic exercise, combined with its meticulous attention to safety and technological innovation, make it a marvel of modern governance. Indias deep-seated democratic traditions date back centuries, long before modern democratic states took shape. Ancient texts and historical accounts reveal a rich customs of democratic practices. The scale of Indias elections necessitates cutting-edge technological solutions. The introduction of EVMs in 1982 revolutionised the voting process, making it more efficient and tamper-proof. These machines, coupled with the Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system, ensure both digital accuracy and physical verification of votes. Despite criticisms and concerns about potential tampering, courts have endorsed the security and integrity of EVMs. The ECIs rigorous protocols, including GPS tracking of vehicles carrying EVMs and VVPATs, make the process undeniably secure. If this election has confirmed one fact, it is that the debate around the safety and efficacy of EVMs must be unequivocally settledit is a tried, tested, and sound method. In comparison with other democracies, where traditional paper-based voting systems are still employed, Indias EVMs have consistently demonstrated their resilience and accuracy. EVMs offer several advantages, including faster tabulation of results, reduced likelihood of human error, and enhanced accessibility for voters with disabilities. The robust security features embedded within Indias EVMs, such as encryption and tamper-proof seals, ensure the confidentiality of the electoral process. The indelible ink, a symbol of pride and participation, has marked the fingers of Indian voters since the 1950s. Produced exclusively by Mysore Paints & Varnish Ltd, it is exported to over 25 countries. This enduring mark not only prevents multiple voting, but also fosters camaraderie among voters, symbolising a sense of integrity, civic duty, and pride in the democratic process. As general elections conclude, one truth stands clear: amidst our nations diversity, there beats a collective heart. From the Himalayas to the Indian Ocean, every vote cast embodies our democratic spirit, guiding us through the complexities of our time with resilience and strength. Author is G20 Sherpa. He is ex-CEO, NITI Aayog. The Narendra Modi government has a wafer-thin majority. Either of Modis partners, the JD(U) with 12 seats or the TDP with 16, can upset the apple cart. That was the condition of V.P. Singhs government. It lasted 11 months. That too was the condition of Atal Bihari Vajpayees first government in 1996. That lasted 13 days. The plug can be pulled at any time. In such circumstances, it is hardly surprising that Modi is offering a consensual government. Implicitly, this acknowledges that his previous governments were authoritarian and built around a personality cult. Both defining characteristics were integral to Modis personality and political past. They are also the defining characteristics of the hindutva ideology he espouses. How then, short of a lobotomy, can his protestations of running a third government opposite to his previous two be taken seriously? First, what becomes of hindutva? Shaheen Bagh has triumphed. The Preamble to the Constitution, symbol of the Muslim womens protest, has won. Love jihad, land jihad, now even vote jihad thrown out of the window. No to bulldozer politics. No more lynching for votes; no more riots for votes; no more genocide for votes. No more demanding that secularists go to Pakistan (and, in my case, take your daughters with you!) No more appeasement of the majority. No more vote banking by demonising religious minorities. Dog whistling and innuendo out. Hate speech denounced. Hate actions even more so. What then remains of hindutva? Illustration: Job P.K. On the very eve of its centenary, hindutva has been stopped in its tracks. After 10 years of power-drunk majoritarianism, will Nagpur accept that the Ram Mandir is all that remains of hindutva? Will the saffron cadre acknowledge that the dismantling of democratic institutions has to stop? That the weaponisation of governance agencies can no longer be fostered? Will they quiescently accept being shorn of their wolfs clothing? Will the electorate further tolerate a fawning judiciary denying the principle of bail, not jail that has made the process the punishment and converted Kashmir into an open prison? And a complaisant Election Commission? The voter cannot hold the courts or EC to account; so, will he/she turn on the government? Nitish Kumar and Chandrababu Naidu are not offering their indispensable support for free. They knowand Modi knowsthat one tantrum and it is curtains for Modi 3.0. Theirs is a case of Dil maange more. Does Modi have the wherewithal to meet their incessant demands? The capture of mainstream media by favoured barons has already led to viewers drifting away, and even media celebrities have. We are in the age of podcasts and YouTubers. They cant be taken over by moneybags. They are a standing monument to fear denied. Freedom of expression has been reaffirmed. Can Modi reverse that? And what of Modi himself? The truth is now out: Modi is a biological being. He is no instrument of divinity, as he imagines himself. His attempt to combine the roles of the prime minister and the chief priest has been mocked. His claim to being the sole source of every welfare scheme and every government initiative has been laughed out of court. His mugshot on every hoarding, every poster, every ad, every document, even Covid inoculation certificates, has been seen for what it is: narcissism and megalomania. His making this election a popularity contest on himself has been punctured. He is alone in asking, Mirror, mirror on the wall/tell me who is fairest of them all. Can Modi so drastically transmogrify himself? Only a psychiatrist can tell. Which is why I foresee only two years at most for the next Lok Sabha election. Aiyar is a former Union minister and social commentator. Imagine being on the top of a mobile tower on a scorching afternoon with temperatures soaring above 42 degrees Celsius. Dizziness takes over as the body grows weak by the second. As the piercing sunlight, takes your consciousness away, there is not much to do but to stay tight and hope help to arrive fast. This is no story but what really happened to a worker in Kerala's Palakkad district. The man was spotted unable to respond on the tower and was brought down using a crane, a doctor who treated him for sunstroke later the day said. He was unconscious on arrival, burning at 106 degrees Fahrenheit, and was quickly intubated. He had suffered a sunstroke, an extreme case of hypothermic disorder. man offers water to another on a hot summer day, near the Taj Mahal | PTI *************************************************** A thin line separates misinformation from disinformation. The margin further frails when it comes to healthcare. The public falling for groundless claims circulated over the internet produces a negative effect on measures taken on the ground. During the COVID pandemic, medical experts worldwide battled such perpetuated beliefs that led to vaccine avoidance, mask refusal, and consumption of unlicensed medications and conspiracy theories ultimately causing increased morbidity. One such bogus claim, though maliciously inferior in comparison to those of the pandemic era, has been doing rounds on social media circles amidst the prevailing heatwave conditions. It warns people against consuming chilled water immediately after returning from the sun. Drinking fluids kept in a refrigerator can harm the consumer's life as a result of his/her body reacting to the temperature, it says. The ice-cold water can cause the blood vessels in the throat to burst, which can even cause death. People returning from the open should thus ensure that they only consume water kept at room temperature immediately after coming from the heat, the viral posts claim. Should one be cautious about serving weary men cold water in the heat? THE WEEK can categorically that no harm comes from drinking chilled water during the heat. Here's why... Debunking the bogus claim In Kerala, it was a long forward text accompanied by a bunch of female voice notes that made the claim. Attributed to ''healthcare workers'', it warned the public of severe consequences if chilled water was consumed for relief from the summer heat. It was shared on WhatsApp as well as Facebook. Workers unload water bottles from a mini truck on a hot summer day in Amritsar | AFP The April-May period was harsh in Kerala as people struggled with heatwaves, sunstroke and sunburn. However, the viral claim was noticed by younger generations of doctors, who were certain no ''healthcare workers'' would bar dehydrated souls from having chilled water. They were quick to debunk the claim. ''You must understand there is no such scientific finding [that cold water causes blood vessels to burst]. It is chilled saline that is administered to sunstroke patients on arrival [at hospitals]. We even pour cold water on their body or place ice cubes on them. Then, what harm can a glass of cold water possibly do? Maybe, the blood vessels in the abdomen may contract a bit after drinking it, but the human body is absolutely capable of dealing with it,'' Dr Danish Salim, who runs the popular Insta handle 'drdbetterlife', had explained in a reel. ALSO READ | Heatwaves in hills cause concern as locals bear the brunt Dr Akhil SL of Palakkad's PK Das Institute of Medical Sciences, who had treated the man stuck on the telephone tower, agreed with Dr Salim. The border district gets cases of heatstroke every year, unlike rest of the Kerala. Dr Akhil is an Assistant Professor in the Emergency Medicine Department that deals with heatstroke cases. ''We always store a few packs of chilled drinks for situations like these so that they can be immediately given to the patient on arrival.'' ''Some patients will regain consciousness soon after they are hydrated... to bring down body temperature by ensuring the body intake of cold fluid.'' This proved one need not think twice before pulling out a bottle of water from the refrigerator immediately upon returning from the heat. It is a practice that is followed even at health facilities. What is heatstroke? Heatstroke or thermic fever or heat hyperpyrexia happens due to the failure of the heat regulation center of the hypothalamus, medical books say. It is caused by failure of cutaneous circulation, which ensures heat exchange between the body and the environment, and sweating. The predisposing factors include high temperature and increased humidity among others. ALSO READ | Heat wave returns to parts of northern and eastern India Heatstroke can be either exertion-induced or sedentary. Exertion-induced heat stroke is seen in people with prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures. Sedentary heatstroke is a disease of elderly or infirm people whose cardiovascular systems are unable to adapt to the stress of a hot environment and release sufficient heat such that body temperature rises. People bathe at a public shower on a hot summer day in Amritsar | AFP What are the symptoms of heatstroke? Patients usually present with a sudden collapse accompanied by loss of consciousness. Typical vital sign abnormalities include abnormally rapid breathing, a heart rate over 100 beats a minute, hypotension, and a widened pulse pressure. Other specific signs include the absence of sweating with dry, hot skin, delirium, coma, convulsions and multiorgan failure. The core temperature of the patient will be above 104.9 degrees Fahrenheit (40.5 degrees Celsius) -- helping the doctors to establish the preliminary diagnosis. What happens to heatstroke victims? ''The temperature of the patient will be very high. If it comes to a stage that the body can no longer take it, he/she will start showing systemic effects,'' Dr Akhil said. Unable to cope with the extreme temperature, multiple organs including the brain of the person may be affected. Elaborating on such worst-case scenarios, he said, ''Some heatstroke patients will be unconscious when brought to the hospital, even fully encephalopathy (conditions that cause brain dysfunction) cases arrive. In such cases, along with decreasing the patient's body temperature rapidly other usual managements need to be attended and the ABCDE (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure) treatment approach is followed. ''An unconscious patient's saliva may reach the lungs and cause pneumonia or their oxygen level may drop. So the doctor may have to intubate them or put them on ventilator support. ALSO READ | May heat wave in India 1.5 degrees Celsius warmer than previous extremes ''Heatstroke is an extreme scenario. While we hope the patient to get better as the body temperature drops, it may take time for them to become normal. Some may even require ventilator support for a day or two.'' How are heatstroke victims treated at hospitals? In case a person is hospitalised, the treatment may differ according to the patient's condition. While some may feel better once they are provided fluids, others may need intubation. The key is to bring down his/her body temperature at the earliest. ''At the emergency room, the priority is to cool the patient's body. Cold saline is rapidly infused to bring down body temperature. At the same time, ice packs are put on the groin area and the patient's entire body is wiped with cold water.'' Bladder wash catheterization is also a regular procedure done at hospitals to bring down the victim's body temperature. It is the insertion of a catheter into the bladder through the urethra to allow urine to drain or to inject liquids used for treatment. In case of a heatstroke, the procedure is done to ensure the body's intake of cold fluids. A volunteer distributes free chilled drinking water to passengers on a hot summer day at Jalandhar Cantonment railway station | AFP There are many methods to cool a patient's body. At some local health facilities, they will turn on a table fan close to the patient. As it starts rotating at a high speed, water is sprayed to provide a kind of sprinkle effect on the patient's body, Dr Akhil said. "In north India, where heatwaves are common, medical institutions have set up facilities that resemble bathtubs. Patients are laid down in it so that their entire body can be cooled." In a nutshell, when there is a heatwave warning, the key is to remain hydrated along with avoiding exposure to the sun. Adding a pinch of salt may prevent dehydration by replenishing lost sodium. The same can be said about social media posts one comes across. FACT CHECK Claim: Drinking chilled water during heatwaves can lead to death as it can cause blood vessels in the throat to burst. Verdict: Not True Fact: There is no such scientific study. Heatstroke patients are administered chilled fluids at hospitals immediately on arrival. Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level meeting to review the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of recent terror incidents in the region. According to reports, Shah directed security agencies to implement area domination and zero-terror plans in the Jammu division like they did in Kashmir to achieve success. Nine pilgrims and a CRPF jawan lost their lives as the union territory witnessed four terror attacks within a week, raising security concerns. At the meeting, the home minister was given a thorough briefing on the prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir. In the wake of the attacks, the security forces are expected to intensify the counter-terror operations in the region in the coming days. The operations against the terrorists will be carried out in line with the prime minister's directive, sources told news agency PTI. Shah also reviewed preparations for the annual Amarnath Yatra which begins on June 29. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha, Army Chief General Manoj Pande, Army Chief-designate Lt. General Upendra Dwivedi, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, Director of Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka, Director General of CRPF Anish Dayal Singh, DG of BSF Nitin Agarwal, Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police R R Swain and other top security officials attended the meeting. Early this week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had held a similar meeting where he directed officials to deploy the "full spectrum of counter-terror capabilities". Spate of attacks On last Sunday, terrorists opened fire on a bus carrying pilgrims when it was en route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra from the Shiv Khori temple. The bus, ferrying pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Delhi, plunged into a deep gorge following the gunfire, killing nine people and injuring 41 others. The attack came on the same day when Modi took oath as the prime minister for the third consecutive term. On June 11, terrorists fired at a joint checkpost of the Rashtriya Rifles and police at Chattergalla in Bhaderwah. On the next day, a search party in the Gandoh area of Doda district came under attack, leaving seven security personnel injured. Two days after he reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will chair a high-level meeting on Sunday in Delhi that will see the participation of National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha, Army Chief General Manoj Pande and Army Chief-designate Lt. General Upendra Dwivedi. The meeting comes amid the spate of terror attacks in J&K, including the terrorist firing at a bus carrying pilgrims that killed nine people. Shah on Friday held a review meeting of the security situation in J&K with senior officers of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Topics on the agenda for Sunday's meeting include reviewing the preparations for the annual Amarnath pilgrimage that will begin on June 29 and counter-terror operations. Shah is also expected to give broad guidelines to intensify counter-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir, sources told PTI. #WATCH | Union Home Minister Amit Shah chairs a meeting at the Ministry of Home Affairs in North Block, Delhi to review the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and preparedness for the Amarnath Yatra. pic.twitter.com/1rnvACJXvA ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2024 The officials attending the high-level meeting are likely to apprise the Home Minister about the security situation in J&K, the deployment of forces along the International Border and Line of Control, infiltration attempts, the status of ongoing anti-terror operations and the strength of terrorists operating in the Union Territory. Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, Director of Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka, Director General of CRPF Anish Dayal Singh, Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police R R Swain and other top security officials will attend the meeting. The Minister may direct immediate action to be taken by the security agencies in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's instruction. The Prime Minister held a similar meeting three days ago where he directed officials to deploy the "full spectrum of counter-terror capabilities" after a spate of terror incidents. On Amarnath Yatra, Shah is likely to insist on ensuring smooth travel arrangements from the airport and railway station to the pilgrimage base camp. He will also direct officials to ensure the proper security of all pilgrims. According to security officials, two Pakistani terrorists, who opened fire on civilians in Kathua last week, were aiming to disrupt the Amarnath Yatra, the annual pilgrimage to the cave shrine located at a height of 3,880 metres in the south Kashmir Himalayas. The Yatra will begin on June 29 and will continue till August 19. The Amarnath pilgrims travel through two routes -- Baltal and Pahalgam -- in Jammu and Kashmir. The authorities expect the number of pilgrims could go up to five lakh this year. All pilgrims will be given RFID cards to trace their real-time location and everyone will be given Rs 5 lakh insurance cover. There will also be an insurance cover of Rs 50,000 for each animal carrying the pilgrims. As Delhi reels under water crisis, AAP leader and Water Resources Minister Atishi has written to Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora seeking police patrol to stop water theft. This comes as the BJP took a jab at the government, urging it to fix theft by tanker mafia and leakages rather than "indulging in melodrama." According to the Delhi Government, the national capital is facing a shortage of 70 million gallons per day (MGD) in production due to a lack of raw water in the Munak Canal and Wazirabad reservoir. In the letter addressed to Arora on Sunday, Atishi requested the deployment of police personnel to "patrol and protect our major pipelines for the next 15 days to stop miscreants or people with ulterior motives from tampering with water pipelines which have now become Delhi's lifelines." "At this juncture, any foul play and sabotage will worsen the already difficult water shortage being faced by the people of Delhi," she wrote. Delhi Water Minister Atishi writes a letter to Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora. The letter reads "I am writing to request deployment of police personnel to patrol and protect our major pipelines for the next 15 days to stop miscreants or people with ulterior motives from pic.twitter.com/CEaspvAIp2 ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2024 She added that the Delhi Jal Board has patrolling teams for main water distribution networks that carry raw water to water treatment plans and to the underground reservoirs. "Yesterday, our ground patrolling team reported a major leakage in our South Delhi Rising Mains - the main water pipeline that carries water from Sonia South Vihar Water Treatment Plant to South Delhi. This was near the DTL substation in Garhi Medhu. Our patrolling team found several large 375 mm bolts and one 12-inch bolt had been cut from the pipeline causing leakage. The fact that several large bolts seem to have cut indicates foul play and sabotage," she said. The AAP MLAs had written to Union Jal Shakti minister C R Patil on Saturday seeking his intervention to solve the water crisis in Delhi. The MLAs reached the residence of Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil at his BD Marg residence in Delhi on Monday. However, they claimed they could not meet the minister. #WATCH | Delhi: On the issue of water shortage in Delhi, AAP MLAs reached the residence of Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil at his BD Marg residence in Delhi. AAP MLA Rakhi Birla says "It is unfortunate that we gave a letter to Minister CR Patil yesterday and today our pic.twitter.com/5XDsciGuMA ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2024 "It is unfortunate that we gave a letter to Minister CR Patil yesterday and today our delegation visited his residence to meet him but we are getting the information that he is not at his residence. We want to request the minister to pay attention to the issue of water shortage in Delhi," AAP MLA Rakhi Birla. However, the BJP questioned the AAP MLAs for approaching the Union water minister when the Supreme Court said only the Upper Yamuna River Board could give extra water to Delhi. It said the AAP needed to fix the water theft by tanker mafia and leakages that account for up to 70 per cent of water produced in the city. The ruling AAP has accused the BJP-ruled Haryana of stopping Delhi's share of Yamuna water. Atishi has claimed that water production in the city has gone down because of the adequate availability of raw water from Yamuna. A senior polling official on Sunday rubbished media reports that a mobile phone carried by a relative of Shiv Sena leader Ravindra Waiker inside a counting centre in Maharashtras Goregaon was allegedly used for generating a One-Time Password to unlock the electronic voting machine. Vandana Suryavanshi, the Returning Officer of 27 Mumbai North West parliamentary constituency, said no OTP on mobile phone is needed for unlocking EVMs. "There is no OTP on mobile for unlocking EVM as it is non programmable and it has no wireless communication capabilities. It is a complete lie being spread by a newspaper, which is being used by some leaders to create false narrative," she said at a press conference. The officer further clarified that the incident at the counting centre in Mumbai was regarding unauthorised use of mobile phone inside the counting centre and that the returning officer has already filed a criminal case against the person. "EVMs are stand alone devices without any wired or wireless connectivity with units outside EVM system. Advanced technical features and robust administrative safeguards are in place to rule out any possibility of manipulation. Safeguards include conducting everything in the presence of candidates or their agents, she said. Suryavanshi said notices had been issued to an English daily and a Marathi newspaper for allegedly publishing false news, adding they have been asked to respond within 24 hours as to why criminal proceedings under section 499 and 505 should not be initiated. As per Vanrai police, Mangesh Pandilkar, brother-in-law of Waikar, was booked under Indian Penal Code section 188 (disobeying official order) on Wednesday for allegedly using a mobile phone at a counting centre in Goregaon on June 4, when results of the general elections were announced. Suryavanshi said neither Waikar or losing candidate Amol Kirtikar of the Shiv Sena (UBT) had sought a recount but verification of invalid postal ballots was demanded and it was done. "The counting ETPBS (electronically transmitted postal ballot system) happens in physical form (postal ballots) and not electronically as is being spread as part of a false narrative. Every counting sheet at every table for ETPBS, EVM and postal ballot counting (including ETPBS) is signed by counting agents after due diligence," she asserted. Congress, NCP raise concerns Former Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan said the poll result of Mumbai North West Lok Sabha seat must be stayed and the Election Commission must call a meeting of all parties and discuss this issue thoroughly. "There must be a probe into the unauthorised used of the mobile phone. The FIR report has not been made public," Chavan said. Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) spokesperson Clyde Crasto said the fact that a relative of Ravindra Waikar had access to the mobile phone of an Election Commission official is a cause for concern. India stated on Sunday that lasting peace can only be achieved through "sincere and practical engagement" between Russia and Ukraine. At the Ukraine Peace Summit held in Switzerland, India refrained from associating itself with any joint communique emerging from the summit. Pavan Kapoor, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs represented India at the summit, which saw the participation of over 90 countries. The summit concluded with many countries agreeing to Ukraine's "territorial integrity" and calling for talks among all parties to find a lasting solution. "The Indian delegation attended the Opening and Closing Plenary Sessions of the Summit. India did not associate itself with any communique/document emerging from this Summit," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. "India's participation in the Summit, as well as in the preceding NSA/Political Director-level meetings based on Ukraine's Peace Formula, was in line with our consistent approach to facilitate a lasting and peaceful resolution to the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy," it said in a statement. India will continue to remain engaged with all stakeholders as well as both the parties to contribute to all earnest efforts to bring about an early and abiding peace, it added. Since the Russia-Ukraine war in February 2022, India has refrained from publicly criticising Moscow's action. India has always pushed for dialogue and diplomacy to find a resolution to the Ukraine conflict. Along with India, Indonesia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates were among the countries that did not sign the joint communique. A total of 92 countries, including the US, the UK, Germany, Italy and Japan, and eight organisations, including the United Nations and the European Commission, participated in the two-day summit. The communique also focused on issues such as nuclear safety, food security and the exchange of prisoners. It also said the UN Charter and respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty...can and will serve as a basis for achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. The summit aimed at initiating a peace process and framing steps leading to the process. Switzerland is contributing to the preparation of possible future peace forums by hosting the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, Switzerlands foreign ministry said in an official statement. All states present at the summit can contribute ideas for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine, and by hosting the summit, Switzerland is facilitating discussions that can lead to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, the statement said. The father of one of the accused in the Renukaswamy murder case in which leading Kannada actor Darshan and his actress friend Pavithra Gowda are the key accused, died of heart attack, family sources said. Anukumar, who is the seventh accused in the police FIR, lost his father Chandrappa, on Friday. Family sources said Chandrappa was depressed ever since his son was arrested. As Anukumar's mother was adamant that her son should be present during the funeral, police brought him from Bengaluru to Chitradurga under tight security after seeking permission from a court late Saturday night, sources said. "Chandrappa had died of a heart attack on Friday evening. Anukumar's mother and family insisted on not picking up the body until Anukumar came," the sources added. Bengaluru police brought Anukumar to Chitradurga after obtaining permission from the court late Saturday night. An Additional Metropolitan Magistrate court on Saturday extended the police custody to Darshan and his 12 aides for five more days, which was to end on Sunday. The extension of police custody was sought to complete the police investigation. The accused will remain in police custody till June 20. Police have already recovered Rs 30 lakh as the proceeds of the crime, which Darshan had given to his aides to admit that they committed the murder for monetary gain. Meanwhile, more horrifying details have emerged from the investigation into Renukaswamy murder case. Investigation has revealed that Darshan and his gang had branded Renukaswamy with a hot metal and also gave him an electric shock. Darshan, Pavithra Gowda and the gang were arrested on June 11 for murdering Renukaswamy from Chitradurga on June 8 for sending obscene personal messages to Pavithra Gowda. He was abducted from Chitradurga and brought to Bengaluru where he was tortured leading to his death. The Karnataka police on Sunday seized a car allegedly used by actor Darshan and his gang to kidnap Renukaswamy. According to police, one of the accused Ravi, had parked the car at a house at Ayyanahalli village in Chitradurga district. Forensic experts reached the spot and collected evidence in connection with the case. Police reportedly interrogated Ravis family and seized several articles from the vehicle. Renukaswamy, who was allegedly tortured and beaten to death by popular Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa and his aides, died of haemorrhage and shock, the postmortem report has revealed. A total of 15 wounds were identified on the victim's body during the autopsy, news reports said. Darshan and a dozen of his men were arrested on Tuesday for the murder of the 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a fan of the actor. Renukaswamy, a resident of Chitradurga, allegedly commented on the social media account of Pavithra Gowda, a small-time actress, accusing her of creating a rift between the actor and his wife. He also allegedly used "indecent language" and posted offensive messages, according to police sources. -with PTI inputs. Congress leader P.Chidambaram slammed the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam for boycotting the by-election to the Vikravandi Assembly seat and added INDIA bloc should work for the resounding victory of the DMK candidate. Chidambaram, accusing the AIADMK of heeding to the BJPs directions, tweeted, AIADMK's decision to boycott the Vikravandi by-election is clear evidence that it has received instructions from the 'top' to facilitate the electoral chances of the NDA candidate (PMK). He added, Both BJP and AIADMK are fighting the battle through a proxy (PMK) The I.N.D.I.A. bloc must ensure the resounding victory of the DMK candidate. The AIADMK on Saturday in a statement said it is boycotting the bypolls condemning the atrocities of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government in the state. In the statement, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami charged the DMK wouldnt let the public vote independently in the election. He also charged free and fair election wouldnt be conducted hence the party is boycotting Vikravandi bypolls. The Pattali Makkal Katchi, a constituent of the BJP-led NDA in Tamil Nadu announced on Saturday that the party's vice-president C. Anbumani, will contest the Vikravandi bypoll. Ahead of the others, the DMK had announced its candidate Anniyur Siva for the bypoll. -with inputs from agencies. National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) director Dinesh Prasad Saklani has rejected allegations of saffronisation of school curriculum and said the tweaks in text books were part of the annual revision. Saklani defended the omission of references to Babri Masjid demolition and Gujarat riots in school textbooks, saying teaching about riots "can create violent and depressed citizens." "Why should we teach about riots in school textbooks? We want to create positive citizens not violent and depressed individuals, he said in an interview to news agency PTI. "Should we teach our students in a manner that they become offensive, create hatred in society or become victim of hatred? Is that education's purpose? Should we teach about riots to such young children ... when they grow up, they can learn about it but why school textbooks. Let them understand what happened and why it happened when they grow up. The hue and cry about the changes is irrelevant," he said. The NCERT has dropped references to Babri Masjid, politics of Hindutva, 2002 Gujarat riots and issues of minorities in its political science textbook for Class 12 students that came into effect from this academic session. According to reports, the revised textbook does not mention the Babri Masjid but refers to it as a "three-domed structure". It has also pruned the Ayodhya section from four to two pages and deleted details from the earlier version. "We want to create positive citizens and that's what is the purpose of our textbooks. We cannot have everything in them. The purpose of our education is not to create violent citizens ... depressed citizens. Hatred and violence are not subjects of teaching, they should not be focus of our textbooks," Saklani said. The board has also deleted references to several other topics like BJP's rath yatra from Somnath in Gujarat to Ayodhya, the role of kar sevaks, the communal violence in the wake of the Babri masjid demolition, President's rule in BJP-ruled states etc. The NCERT is revising the curriculum of the school textbooks in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The Ukraine peace summit being held at a Swiss Alpine resort saw world leaders shunning Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposals for peace in Ukraine. The Russian President said on Friday that Russia would end the war if Kyiv agreed to drop its NATO ambitions and hand over four provinces claimed by Moscow. The world leaders, including heads of state from the UK, Italy and Germany, opted not to discuss the Russian proposals. According to Ukraine, Putin's proposals were "offensive to common sense". The US, represented by Vice President Kamala Harris, said Putin was calling for surrender. "Let nothing about the end of this war be decided without Ukraine," she added. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also said Putin had no interest in a genuine peace. "He has launched a sustained diplomatic campaign against this summit ordering countries to stay away, spinning a phoney narrative about his willingness to negotiate." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen too slammed the Russian President stating that freezing the conflict today with foreign troops occupying Ukrainian land was not the answer. "It is a recipe for future wars of aggression," she added. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Putin's proposal: "It doesn't seem particularly effective to me as a negotiation proposal to tell Ukraine that it must withdraw from Ukraine." The Summit was shunned by Russia and its powerful ally China, thereby blunting its impact. Here are some key takeaways from the summit: 1) The draft of a final summit declaration blames Russia's "war" in Ukraine for causing "large-scale human suffering and destruction". It also calls for Kyiv to regain control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and access to its seaports, according to Reuters. 2) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the summit a success, stating that "history being made." "Today is the day when the world begins to bring a just peace closer," he told leaders. 3) Many participants, including Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Kenya, cited the absence of Russia as a hurdle. "I must also note that this summit could have been more result-oriented if the other party to the conflict, Russia, was present in the room," said Turkey's foreign minister, Hakan Fidan. Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said credible talks would involve "difficult compromise". 4) Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer batted for building a broader global consensus to pressure Russia."It's like we're in a Western echo chamber. That is: all Western European countries, the USA, we agree on what we want to happen with Ukraine," Nehammer said. "But that alone is not enough." 5) Three topics will be discussed in detail in working groups at the summit on Sunday. These include nuclear safety, freedom of navigation food security, and humanitarian aspects. These will look at Black Sea shipping, prisoners of war, civilian detainees and deported children. Duct-taped for violent, unruly behaviour, an American Airlines passenger is facing a record fine of $81,950. Heather Wells, the US woman onboard the plane, was accused of attempting to open the cabin door, physically assaulting the flight attendants and aggressively behaving towards her fellow passengers. The incident occurred on July 7, 2021. Wells, 34, hailing from San Antonio was travelling in first class from the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport in Texas to the Charlotte Douglas International Airport in Charlotte. Her aggressive behaviour on the plane had cost her dearly. This is the high-ever fine assessed by the Federal Aviation Administration for unruly behaviour. She was now sued by FAA for failing to pay the fine. Wells had to be duct-taped to her seat so that she could not attempt to create panic in the aircraft. According to the lawsuit filed against her, it was alleged that she had ordered a whiskey and later became agitated. After the drinks, she "wanted out" of the plane. Causing utmost inconvenience to her fellow passengers, Wells began running towards the back of the plane, where she dropped to her knees in the aisle and began "talking incoherently to passengers, before crawling back toward the main cabin." When cabin crew members attempted to calm Wells, she became verbally aggressive and told the flight attendant that she would hurt him if he didnt get out of her way. According to the court document, she moved to the front of the plane where she lunged toward and attempted to grab the cabin door, all the while screaming and yelling profanities. That's when the cabin crew members tried to restrain her. The lawsuit also mentioned that Wells struck one of the flight attendants in the head multiple times, reported The New York Times. Though the flight attendants were able to restrain her with duct tape and flex cuffs and place her on a seat, she continued to kick and spit at the passengers and crew members. Therefore, she had to be further restrained with tape on her mouth. She had to be sedated on reaching the destination in Charlotte before removing her from the plane, said the document. Meanwhile, Wells, after the incident, said that she was having mental health issues and apologised in a statement. I know that it was not rational and I was not actually in any external danger but at the time I was genuinely afraid for my life, the statement read. Words cant express how sorry I am for the fear I caused and the people I hurt," she told KENS 5 news in San Antonio. According to the lawsuit, Wells is liable for a civil penalty of $45,000 for her violent behaviour toward the crew and passengers; $27,950 for attempting to open the cabin door; and $9,000 for interfering with the performance of crew members duties. Jaipur, Jun 16 (PTI) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has approved the proposal to allot 4,780 hectares of land to set up four solar projects, an official statement said on Sunday. The move is aimed "to make Rajasthan a leader and self-reliant in the field of energy", it said. According to the proposal, 4,780 hectares has been allotted to Rajasthan Solar Park Development Company to set up three solar parks of 2,450 MW in Bikaner district and about 910 hectares to NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd to set up a solar project of 500 MW in Phalodi district. Two solar parks of 1,000 MW each and one of 450 MW will be set up in Bikaner district. Approval has been given for allotment of about 1,881 hectares in village Surasar of Pugal tehsil for the first solar park, as per the statement. Similarly, 2,000 hectares will be allotted for the second solar park of 1,000 MW, of which 1,194 hectares are in Surasar, and about 807 hectares are in Bhanavatawala village, it said. Approval has been given for allotment of 900 hectares in Sardarpura village to set up the third solar park of 450 MW in Bikaner. These solar parks will be developed by Rajasthan Akshay Urja Nigam in three phases under the Solar Park Scheme of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy of the central government, it said. Sharma has also approved the allotment of 910 hectares in Bhadla village of Phalodi district to NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd for setting up a 500 MW solar project. The chief minister said through these projects will help fulfil the state's resolve to be self-reliant in the field of energy. He said these projects will not only create employment opportunities at the local level, but also give new impetus to economic activities in the region. Sharma said these solar projects will also play an important role in environmental protection and will reduce carbon emissions by about 2 lakh tonnes annually. Through these projects, an investment of about Rs 10,000 crore will be made in the state, the CM said. Being an MNRE approved project, 33 per cent grants will be received and it can be completed in the next two years. According to the statement, the state government signed MoUs worth Rs 1.5 lakh crore on March 10 between Rajasthan State Electricity Generation Corporation Ltd, NTPC Ltd, NTPC Green Energy Ltd, Coal India Ltd and NLC India Ltd to set up 3,325 MW thermal projects and 28,500 MW renewable energy projects under joint venture. Jerusalem, Jun 16 (AP) Israel's military announced on Sunday that it would pause fighting during daytime hours along a route in southern Gaza to free up a backlog of humanitarian aid deliveries for desperate Palestinians enduring a humanitarian crisis sparked by the war, now in its ninth month. The tactical pause," which applies to about 12 kilometres of road in the Rafah area, falls far short of a complete cease-fire in the beleaguered territory that has been sought by the international community, including Israel's top ally, the United States. The limited halt in fighting could help address some of the overwhelming needs of Palestinians that have surged in recent weeks with Israel's incursion into Rafah. The army said the pause would begin at 8 am (0500 GMT) and last until 7 pm (1600 GMT). It said the pauses would be daily until further notice. The pause is aimed at allowing aid trucks to reach the nearby Israel-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing, the main entry point for aid, and travel safely to the Salah a-Din highway, a main north-south road, the military said. The crossing has had a bottleneck since Israeli ground troops moved into Rafah in early May. COGAT, the Israeli military body that oversees aid distribution in Gaza, said the route would increase the flow of aid to other parts of Gaza, including Khan Younis, the coastal area of Muwasi and central Gaza. Hard-hit northern Gaza, an early target in the war, is being served by goods entering from a crossing in the north. The military said the pause Sunday, which begins as Muslims start marking the major Eid Al-Adha holiday, came after discussions with the United Nations and international aid agencies. Following criticism of the move by ultranationalists in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, who oppose a halt in the war, the military said fighting is not being paused in the rest of southern Gaza and there is no change regarding the entry of aid in general. A UN humanitarian spokesperson, Jens Laerke, told The Associated Press that Israel's announcement was welcome but no aid has been dispatched from Kerem Shalom today," with no details. Laerke said the UN hopes for further concrete measures by Israel including smoother operations at checkpoints and the regular entry of needed fuel. Israel and Hamas are weighing the latest proposal for a cease-fire, a plan that was detailed by President Joe Biden in the administration's most concentrated diplomatic push for a halt to the fighting and the release of hostages taken by the militant group. While Biden described the proposal as an Israeli one, Israel has not fully embraced it. Hamas has demanded changes that appear unacceptable to Israel. The fighting continues unabated. Israel announced the names Sunday of 11 soldiers killed in recent attacks in Gaza. That puts the number of soldiers killed since Israel began its ground invasion of Gaza last year at 308. Hamas killed 1,200 people during its October 7 attack and took 250 hostage, Israeli authorities say. Health officials in Hamas-run Gaza say more than 37,000 Palestinians have been killed. Israel's military offensive against Hamas has plunged Gaza into a humanitarian crisis, with the UN reporting widespread hunger and hundreds of thousands of people on the brink of famine. Another crossing, the Rafah terminal between Gaza and Egypt, has been closed since Israel moved into the city. Hamas' supreme leader, Ismail Haniyeh, on Sunday called for more pressure to open border crossings into Gaza. Egypt has refused to reopen the Rafah crossing as long as Israel controls the Palestinian side in Gaza. From May 6 until June 6, the UN received an average of 68 trucks of aid a day, according to figures from the UN humanitarian office. That was down from 168 a day in April and far below the 500 trucks a day that aid groups say are needed. The flow of aid in southern Gaza declined just as need grew. More than 1 million Palestinians, many of whom had already been displaced, fled Rafah after the invasion, crowding into other parts of southern and central Gaza. Most now languish in tent camps, using trenches as latrines, with open sewage in the streets. COGAT says there are no restrictions on the entry of trucks. It says more than 8,600 trucks of all kinds, both aid and commercial, entered Gaza from all crossings from May 2 to June 13, an average of 201 a day. But much of that aid has piled up at crossings and not reached its final destination. A spokesman for COGAT, Shimon Freedman, said it was the UN's fault that its cargo stacked up on the Gaza side of Kerem Shalom. He said its agencies have fundamental logistical problems that they have not fixed, especially a lack of trucks. The UN denies such allegations. It says the fighting between Israel and Hamas often makes it too dangerous for UN trucks inside Gaza to travel to Kerem Shalom. It also says the pace of deliveries has been slowed because the Israeli military must authorise drivers to travel to the site, a system Israel says was designed for the drivers' safety. Due to a lack of security, aid trucks in some cases have been looted by crowds as they moved along Gaza's roads. The new arrangement aims to reduce the need for coordinating deliveries by providing an 11-hour uninterrupted window each day for trucks to move in and out of the crossing. It was not immediately clear whether the army would provide security to protect the aid trucks moving along the highway. (AP) GRS GRS Patna, Jun 16 (PTI) Four persons are still missing, while 13 have been rescued following the boat tragedy near Umanath Ganga ghat in Barh sub-division of Patna district on Sunday morning, officials said. "So far, 13 people have been rescued, including those who managed to swim to the banks. Rescue operation is still on to trace the four missing persons," Patna district administration said in a statement. "The mishap took place around 9.15 am near Umanath Ganga ghat when the boat carrying 17 people, mostly belonging to a Nalanda-based family, capsized midway. While 13 people have been rescued so far, four are still missing," Shubham Kumar, Barh sub-divisional magistrate told reporters. "Search operations to trace the four missing persons is continuing. They have been identified as Avdesh Kumar (60), Hardev Prasad (65), Nitish Kumar (30) and a 45-year-old woman," Kumar said. "The district administration has engaged personnel of the state disaster relief force and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to trace the missing persons," the SDM added. Meanwhile, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has instructed officials to intensify their search operations to trace the missing persons. According to a statement by the CMO, "The CM has categorically instructed officials to continue search operations till the missing persons are found". Kolkata, Jun 16 (PTI) BJP MLA and leader of opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, led over 100 'victims' of post-poll violence to the Raj Bhavan on Sunday to meet Governor CV Ananda Bose. During the meeting, Adhikari briefed the Governor on incidents of violence against BJP party workers and urged him to ensure that central forces remain deployed in the state until Durga Puja, scheduled for early October. "I have informed the Governor that all four pillars of democracy in Bengal are affected. Ration cards of more than 5,000 people have been confiscated. Even cattle were taken away," Adhikari told reporters after the meeting. After individually listening to the alleged victims of post-poll violence, Bose assured them of efforts to eliminate all forms of violence in the state. At the meeting, the Governor said, "The Calcutta High Court has issued an order. They are surprised that the Governor is seemingly under house arrest, as those who were attacked could not meet him. We will ensure Bengal is free from violence. I pledge in the name of Netaji, Rabindranath, and Swami Vivekananda that I will fight till the end." Assuring the invocation of Constitutional provisions, Bose mentioned his intention to press upon the state government to fulfill its duty in protecting citizens' lives and property. The Governor also promised to take up the matter with the Centre. On Saturday, Adhikari, who visited Cooch Behar to meet alleged post-poll violence victims, announced his intention to meet Bose at the Raj Bhavan on Sunday. Earlier, on Thursday, police prevented Adhikari from entering the Raj Bhavan with alleged victims of post-poll violence, citing Section 144 of CrPC, which prohibits large gatherings outside the Governor's House. The following day, the Calcutta High Court questioned whether Bose was effectively under "house arrest" and allowed Adhikari to visit Raj Bhavan with the victims upon receiving permission from the Governor's office. Adhikari and another person had filed a petition in court, asserting that despite having written permission, police had barred their entry into the Governor's House. The BJP has accused the TMC of post-poll violence, which the ruling party in the state has denied. New Delhi, Jun 16 (PTI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said the Narendra Modi government's priority is to ensure the smooth conduct of the Amanath Yatra and that devotees do not face any difficulties during the pilgrimage to the Himalayan cave shrine. At a meeting convened here to review the preparations for the yatra, which will begin on June 29 and end on August 19, Shah instructed security agencies to be vigilant and ensure sufficient deployment of personnel for the pilgrimage to the shrine located in the south Kashmir Himalayas. The meeting was held in the wake of recent terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir that claimed nine lives and injured several. "Modi government's priority is to ensure that devotees of the Shri Amarnath Yatra can have a holy darshan with ease and they do not have to face any difficulty," Shah said at the meeting, held soon after after he reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir in another meeting at the North Block. He also reviewed the security and logistics arrangements for the yatra. The home minister instructed officials to ensure perfect inter-agency coordination for effective security arrangements, including a well-established standard operating response mechanism. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the government is committed to ensure a convenient and hassle-free experience for devotees and adopt eco-friendly measures in the management of the Amarnath pilgrimage, he said. The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has undertaken significant initiatives to make the Amarnath pilgrimage safe and comfortable for devotees, an official statement said. Last year more than 4.5 lakh devotees visited the cave shrine located at a height of 3,880 metres. The Jammu and Kashmir administration has made elaborate arrangements for smooth conduct of the pilgrimage, including seamless registration, convoy movement, camping facilities, medical facilities, upgrading tracks, providing power and water supply and mobile-phone connectivity, the statement said. Pilgrims travel on two tracks -- Baltal and Pahalgam -- in Jammu and Kashmir to reach the shrine. All pilgrims are expected to be given RFID cards so that their real-time location can be traced and everyone is likely to be given Rs 5 lakh insurance cover. The meeting was attended by National Security Adviser AjitDoval, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, Director Intelligence Bureau Tapan Deka, Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande and Chief of Army Staff (designate) Lt. General Upendra Dwivedi besides others. Gorakhpur (UP), Jun 15 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath arrived on Saturday in Gorakhpur, where Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat is taking part in a camp for RSS volunteers. There was much speculation on a likely meeting between Bhagwat and Adityanath, especially in the backdrop of the BJP's recent electoral reverses in Uttar Pradesh. However, the leaders did not meet on Saturday. Asked about it, RSS sources said there was no announcement of any scheduled meeting. Bhagwat, who reached Gorakhpur on Wednesday to attend a "karyakarta" camp, will stay here till Sunday. While Bhagwat remained at the RSS camp venue, where the media staked out in anticipation of their meeting, Chief Minister Adityanath, who was on a three-day visit to Gorakhpur, spent time at a local zoo. He released an Asiatic lion, 'Bharat', and the lioness 'Gauri' into their enclosure at the Shaheed Ashfaq Ullah Khan Prani Udyan and also held a meeting with officials. The RSS had on Friday sought to quell suggestions of a rift with the BJP and that Mohan Bhagwat's recent critical references related to the Lok Sabha polls were aimed at the BJP. "There is no rift between the RSS and the BJP," a source had said. Bhagwat had addressed a gathering of RSS trainees at the concluding programme of the organisation's 'Karyakarta Vikas Varg-Dwitiya' in Nagpur on Monday where he had expressed concern over the Manipur situation. Opposition leaders had claimed that Bhagwat's remarks, including "true sevak is never arrogant", were a message to the BJP leadership following its below-par performance in the polls. "There was not much difference in his (Bhagwat) speech from what he had given after the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Any address is bound to make a reference to an event as important as national elections. "But it was misinterpreted and taken out of context to create confusion. His 'arrogance' remark was never directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi or any BJP leader," the RSS source had said. RSS national executive member Indresh Kumar had also taken a swipe at the BJP over its poll performance, saying "Lord Ram stopped those who had become arrogant at 241". "The party which did the bhakti (of lord Ram) but became arrogant was stopped at 241 but it was made the biggest party," he had said at an event in Jaipur on Thursday, adding, "and those who had no faith in Ram, they together were stopped at 234", apparently referring to the INDIA bloc. As a row erupted over his remarks, Kumar had on Friday said the country is happy with the BJP's poll performance and Modi becoming prime minister for the third consecutive term. "At this moment, the latest news is that those who were against Lord Ram are out of power and those who were devotees of Lord Ram are in power," he told PTI. The RSS's Gorakhpur camp started on June 3. Around 280 RSS volunteers from Kashi, Gorakhpur, Kanpur and Awadh regions are participating in the camp named 'Karyakarta Vikas Varg' at the SVM Public School in the Chiutaha area of the city. Tight security arrangements have been made both inside and outside the venue, and only selected volunteers are permitted to enter the event site. New Delhi, Jun 16 (PTI) The city police have told the Delhi High Court that smaller teams from their existing strength of five bomb disposal squads (BDS) and 18 bomb detection teams (BDT) can be formed to meet the requirement of more such units in case of an emergency. The Delhi Police said there are also 23 BDS/BDT units of the Central Armed Police Forces stationed in the national capital, which can be deployed after due approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs. It further said five batches of BDS/BDT, having 15 personnel in each batch, will also be trained in this regard. The stand of the police, which has earlier said there are a total of five BDS and 18 BDT for over 4,600 schools here, came on an additional affidavit filed in a 2023 petition by Arpit Bhargava, a lawyer by profession, in the wake of a hoax bomb threat in Delhi Public School (DPS), Mathura Road here. "There are 18 Bomb Detection Teams working in Delhi Police located at base stations with the objective of minimizing response time and to ensure coverage of the geographical area of the concerned District. "There are five Bomb Disposal Squads presently working in Delhi Police located at base stations," said the police in its latest affidavit. "There are provisions to form smaller teams in case of emergency to meet the requirement of more BDS/BDT teams. During the G-20 Summit we have formed 33 teams using existing resources and staff of above mentioned teams and met our objective efficiently," it said. It further said the trained staff of BDS/BDT undergo refresher courses periodically to update the changing scenario and technology. The response added that as per the standard operating procedure, BDS is pressed into action only after the BDT concerned has inspected the spot and reported something suspicious in the nature of an IED/explosive, which requires the intervention of BDS. AI movement command for a BDS is under the control of the district DCP concerned where the said BDS is stationed and on the demand of the BDS by the BDT, the district control room makes available the nearest available BDS for responding the call, the affidavit added. In an earlier report, the police had stated that there was one BDS each in Central, East, New Delhi and South "ranges", having 1,764, 1,032, 76, 1,762 schools, respectively. There is one squad with railways and metro unit range, it had said. "There are 18 Bomb Detection Teams, one each stationed in all 15 districts and one each for IGI Airport, Railway Unit and Metro Unit. The reporting authority for the BDT is the concerned district DCP or Unit DCP. A total of 120 mock drills have been conducted in schools from 01.01.2023 till 06.05.2024," the earlier report had stated. It had further said that a detailed Standard Operating Procedure for Bomb Disposal Squads & Bomb Detection Teams was already issued in 2021 and the nodal officers would respond to threat calls accordingly. The Directorate of Education (DoE), in its status report, earlier said that it has a "zero-tolerance policy" in matters of safety in schools and its officials are doing their best to ensure the effective implementation of the guidelines for dealing with disasters, including bomb threats. The DoE said it has issued several directions to the institutions to "step up" their safety and security measures, including a circular dated April 16 on precautionary measures and the role of the school authorities in cases of bomb threats. Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 16 (PTI) The BJP in Kerala on Sunday hit out at the Congress party in the state over its social media post on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Pope Francis during the G7 Summit and alleged that it's X handle was seemingly run by "radical Islamists or Urban Naxals". Earlier in the day, the grand-old party posted a picture of PM Modi with the Pope on its X handle along with a sarcastic comment that "Finally, the Pope got a chance to meet God!" Irked by the post, BJP state chief K Surendran accused the grand old party's state unit of posting derogatory and humiliating content against nationalistic leaders on its social media handle. He alleged that AICC general secretary K C Venugopal was certainly aware of the posts and sought to know whether party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi endorsed it. "The @INCIndia Kerala "X" handle, seemingly run by radical Islamists or Urban Naxals, continues to post derogatory and humiliating content against nationalistic leaders. Now, it has even stooped to mocking the respected Pope and the Christian community. It's certain that the AICC General Secretary from Kerala, @kcvenugopalmp, is aware of this. The question is, what are @RahulGandhi and @kharge's interests in supporting this?" Surendran said in his X handle. Soon after his criticism, the Congress again gave a sarcastic reply throught it's X handle and wished "better luck next time" to Surendran and others from "Modi ka parivar". "When you manage to make intelligent smiles gush from the lips of even one spectator, you make even God smile." Pope Francis Pope Francis said this on Friday, 14th June on the same day after he met Narendra Modi. Better luck next time, @surendranbjp, @Georgekurianbjp and others from Modi ka parivar!" the Congress in Kerala said it's post. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday invited Pope Francis to visit India and said he admired the pontiff's commitment to serving the people. They met with a warm embrace at the Outreach session of the G7 Summit in Italy where they joined other world leaders to deliberate on the topic of Artificial Intelligence, Energy, Africa and the Mediterranean. Chennai, Jun 16 (PTI) The Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam, which fought the recent Lok Sabha polls in alliance with the main opposition AIADMK, announced on Sunday that it will boycott the July 10 bypoll to the Vikravandi assembly constituency. The DMDK's decision came following the announcement by the AIADMK on June 15 that it was giving the bypoll a miss, alleging that the ruling DMK would unleash "violence" and not allow people to vote "independently". The DMDK, founded by late actor-politician Vijayakanth, said it does not have "faith" in this bypoll. In a statement, DMDK General Secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth said her party had so far contested all the general elections and bypolls but it would now "boycott" the Vikravandi bypoll. "The reason is: Elections should be conducted honestly in a democratic manner," she said, adding that in the present-day context, elections are, however, held in the "wrong" fashion. Hinting at abuse of power, without explicitly naming Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK, Premalatha said, "We do not want the hard work of our cadres to go to waste; we are not inclined to waste our time and money since we have no faith in this bypoll." There is a "big question mark" on the democratic nature of elections under the present rulers, she alleged, adding that people and the party workers are aware of it. Meanwhile, S Ramadoss, founder of the Pattali Makkal Katchi, a constituent of the BJP-led NDA in Tamil Nadu, announced that his party's vice-president C Anbumani, will contest in the Vikravandi bypoll. The DMK had already announced that its functionary Anniyur Siva will contest in the bypoll. Tamil nationalist Naam Tamilar Katchi has also announced its candidate, Abinaya, a homoeopathy doctor. Budaun (UP), Jun 16 (PTI) A 55-year-old farmer was trampled to death by a bull when he tried to stop it from grazing crop in his field in a village under the Dataganj Police Station jurisdiction here, police said on Sunday. According to police, a bull charged at farmer Atarpal in Simri Boura village on Saturday evening, when he tried to drive it out of the field. Atarpal was first taken to a community health centre, where he was referred to the district hospital. He succumbed to injuries late that night. Dataganj Police Station SHO Arihant Kumar Siddharth said that the post mortem of the farmer's body is being done. Dataganj Sub-Divisional Magistrate Dharmendra Kumar Singh said that a Revenue Department team was sent to the village to assess compensation for the family. If you work for a midsize or large company, you may soon be able to review your employee benefits package, as we are entering the open enrollment season. So, cons Read moreFinancial Focus: Take advantage of your open enrollment period Donald Trump used back-to-back stops Saturday to court Black voters and a conservative group that has been accused of attracting white supremacists as the Republican presidential candidate works to stitch together a coalition of historically divergent interests in battleground Michigan. Trump hosted an afternoon roundtable at an African American church in Detroit. Later he will appear at the Peoples Convention of Turning Point Action, a group that the Anti-Defamation League says has been linked to a variety of extremists. Its a very important area for us, Trump told the crowd at the 180 Church, a modest brick building with Black Americans for Trump signs affixed. Derelict vehicles sat nearby, while rap music and barbecue smoke wafted from a pre-event gathering organized by the Black Conservative Federation group. The former president promised to return some Sunday for a sermon. Roughly 24 hours before Trump planned to address the Turning Point convention, meanwhile, well-known white supremacist Nick Fuentes entered the hall surrounded by a group of cheering supporters. Security quickly escorted him out. Fuentes created political problems for Trump after attending a private lunch with the former president and the rapper formerly known as Kanye West at Trumps Florida estate in 2022. Still, Trumps weekend schedule underscores the evolving political forces shaping the presidential election this fall as he tries to deny Democratic President Joe Biden a second term. Hes been the worst president for Black people, Trump said at the church. He also argued that the Black community is being hurt by people in the country illegally, adding, Theyre invading your jobs. Few states may matter more in November than Michigan, which Biden carried by less than 3 percentage points four years ago. And few voting groups matter more to Democrats than African Americans, who made up the backbone of Bidens political base in 2020. But now, less than five months before Election Day, Black voters are expressing modest signs of disappointment with the 81-year-old Democrat. Michael Whatley, the new chairman of the Republican National Committee, told Michigan Republicans at a dinner Friday that the state could not be more important. Let me be more blunt: If we dont win Michigan, were not going to have Donald Trump in the White House, Whatley said, adding, We are going to determine the fate of the world in this election. Trump argues he can pull in more Black voters due to his economic and border security message, and that his felony indictments make him more relatable. At the church on Saturday afternoon, he repeatedly vowed to bring back the auto industry while also noting, The crime is most rampant right here and African American communities. Kimberly Taylor, who was invited on stage at the church by the Trump campaign, thanked Trump for coming to the hood, while pastor Lorenzo Sewell said Biden attended an NAACP dinner in the city but never came to the hood. The pastor asked Trump how to keep the Black dollar in the Black community and the former president said that the Black community needs to stop the crime. Democrats are offering a competing perspective. Donald Trump is so dangerous for Michigan and dangerous for America and dangerous for Black people, said Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, who is African American. He called it offensive for Trump to address the Turning Point conference, which was taking place at the same convention center that was the epicenter of their steal the election effort. Indeed, dozens of angry Trump loyalists chanting Stop the count! descended on the TCF Center, now named Huntington Place, the day after the 2020 presidential election as absentee ballots were being counted. Local media captured scenes of protesters outside and in the lobby. Police prevented them from entering the counting area. The protests occurred after Trump had tweeted that they are finding Biden votes all over in several states, including Michigan. The false notion that Biden benefited from widespread voter fraud has been widely debunked by voting officials in both parties, the court system and members of Trumps former administration. Still, Trump continues to promote such misinformation, which echoed throughout the conservative convention over the weekend. Speaking from the main stage, Turning Point founder and CEO Charlie Kirk falsely described the conference location as the scene of a crime. Such extreme rhetoric does not appear to have hurt Trumps standing with Black voters, however. Among Black adults, Bidens approval has dropped from 94% when he started his term in January 2021 to just 55%, according to an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll published in March. About 8 in 10 Black voters have an unfavorable opinion of Trump, with roughly two-thirds saying they have a very unfavorable view of him, according to an AP-NORC poll conducted in June. Trump won 8% of the Black vote in 2020, according to AP VoteCast. And in what is expected to be a close election, even a modest shift could be consequential. Omar Mitchell, a Detroit restaurant owner who participated in the church roundtable, said he supports Trump because money was pumping when he was president. In the old days, how we grew up was just because youre Black means youre a Democrat, Mitchell said. Thats out the door nowadays. Elsewhere, thousands of conservative activists, most of them young and white, were eagerly awaiting Trumps keynote address Saturday night. Turning Point has emerged as a force in GOP politics in the Trump era, particularly among his Make America Great Again movement, despite the ADLs warning that the group continues to attract racists. Numerous individuals associated with the group have made bigoted statements about the Black community, the LGBTQ community and other groups, the ADL, an international anti-hate group, wrote in a background memo. While TPUSA (Turning Point USA) leaders say they reject white supremacist ideology, known white nationalists have attended their events. Turning Point spokesperson Andrew Kolvet dismissed the ADLs characterization as smears and lies. He added that Turning Point has been blocking Fuentes from attending its events for years. The ADL is a scourge on America, which sows poison and division. Theyve completely lost the plot, Kolvet said, describing the ADLs criticism as a badge of honor. Turning Point, long popular among Trumps MAGA fringe, is now a central player in mainstream Republican politics. The groups weekend speaking program featured a long list of established Republican politicians and former Trump counselor Steve Bannon, who is set to report to prison by July 1 to begin serving a four-month sentence for defying a U.S. House subpoena. In his remarks Friday night, Vivek Ramaswamy, who has emerged as a fierce Trump ally since unsuccessfully challenging Trump for the GOP presidential nomination, called on conservatives to reject what he said was the Democrats embrace of diversity. I am sick and tired of celebrating our diversity, Ramaswamy charged. It means nothing unless there is something greater that unites us. (AP) Dozens of world leaders converged on a Swiss resort Saturday to discuss how to bring peace to war-ravaged Ukraine, though any hopes of a real breakthrough were muted by the absence of Russia. More than two years into the war, the combatants remain as far apart as theyve ever been, with Kyiv sticking to its demands that Russia leave all Ukrainian territory it has seized and Moscow pressing on with its grinding offensive that has already taken large swaths of eastern and southern Ukraine. Despite Russias absence from the conference at the Burgenstock resort overlooking Lake Lucerne, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested that one measure of the two-day events success was bringing back to the world the idea that joint efforts can stop war and establish a just peace. Attendees faced a tricky balancing act, with many chastising Russia for breaking international law while hedging their positions to leave the door open for Moscow to join future peace talks that might bring about an end to the conflict one day. Here, there are representatives from Latin America, Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, the Pacific, North America and religious leaders, Zelenskyy said. Now, there is no Russia here. Why? Because if Russia was interested in peace, there would be no war. We must decide together what a just peace means for the world and how it can be achieved in a truly lasting way, he said. At the first peace summit, we must determine how to achieve a just peace, so that at the second, we can already settle on a real end to the war. About half of the roughly 100 delegations were led by heads of state and government. Analysts said turnout would be a key indicator about how much pull Ukraine and its staunch Western backers have with the broader international community. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday sought to cast a shadow over the Swiss-Ukrainian initiative for the conference. Some countries such as India, Turkey and Saudi Arabia that have retained ties, at times lucrative, with Moscow unlike Western powers that have sanctioned Russia over the war were also on hand. Saudi Arabias foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, told the conference that credible peace talks will need Russias participation and require difficult compromise. Turkeys foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, acknowledged the mistrust between Russia and Ukraine, saying each side regards the other partys steps (in floating proposals) as an extension of broader war effort. Excellencies, I must also note that this summit could have been more results-oriented if the other party to the conflict Russia was present in the room, he added. Entering the venue, President Gitanas Nauseda of Lithuania, a NATO member country that has been one of the most stalwart supporters of fellow former Soviet republic Ukraine, said Russian troops must leave Ukraine, and that Moscow must be held accountable for crimes there and pay reparations for the war damage. Right now it seems unrealistic, but I think we have to stay united, and if international society will push the Russian Federation, everything is possible, he told The Associated Press. I think the situation is very clear: Ukraine has to seek territorial integrity. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, representing the United States while President Joe Biden attended a fundraiser in California, reiterated Americas full backing for Ukraine and announced $1.5 billion in new U.S. assistance for an array of projects such as energy infrastructure and civilian security. China, which backs Russia, joined scores of countries that sat out the event. Beijing has said any peace process would require the participation of Russia and Ukraine, and has floated its own ideas for peace. In a separate initiative last month, China and Brazil agreed to six common understandings toward a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, asking other countries to play a role in promoting peace talks to be held at a proper time with both Russia and Ukraine involved. The standoff over Ukraine is steeped in security for Europe it is the continents deadliest conflict since World War II and big-power geopolitics. U.S. intelligence officials say China has increased sales of machine tools, microelectronics and other technology to Russia that Moscow is using to produce missiles, tanks, aircraft and other weaponry to fuel its war effort. What is clear is that China is not here, and I presume theyre not here because Putin asked them not to come and they obliged Putin, said Bidens top foreign policy advisor, Jake Sullivan. And I think that says something about where China stands with respect to Russias war in Ukraine. I think countries should take notice of that. Harris and Sullivan both acknowledged that not all participants were on the same page about an eventual peace settlement. Russian troops who control nearly a quarter of Ukraine have made territorial gains in recent months. When talk of the Swiss-hosted peace summit began last summer, Ukrainian forces had recently regained large tracts of territory, notably near the southern city of Kherson and the northern city of Kharkiv. The conference centers on three agenda items seen as the least controversial bits of a 10-point peace formula laid out by Zelenskyy: Nuclear safety, including at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia power plant; possible prisoner of war exchanges; and global food security. The war has disrupted shipments of food and fertilizer through the Black Sea. Zelenskyys plan also called for the withdrawal of Russian troops from occupied Ukrainian territory, the cessation of hostilities and the restoration of Ukraines original borders with Russia, including Russias withdrawal from occupied Crimea. With Ukrainian mostly on the defensive these days, those appear to be increasingly distant hopes. Putin wants any peace deal to be built around a draft agreement negotiated in the early phases of the war that included provisions for Ukraines neutral status and limits on its armed forces, while delaying talks about Russian-occupied areas. Ukraines push to join NATO over the years has rankled Moscow. He wants Ukraine to drop its bid to join NATO and pull its forces out of regions that Russia illegally annexed in 2022. The situation on the battlefield has changed dramatically, said Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, noting that although Russia cant achieve its maximalist objectives quickly through military means, it is gaining momentum on the battlefield. As world leaders discussed a pathway to peace in Switzerland, the war ground on in Ukraine, where shelling killed at least three civilians and wounded 15 others on Friday and overnight into Saturday, regional officials said. Meanwhile, Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of Russias southern Belgorod region, blamed Ukraine in a social media post for shelling that struck a five-story apartment building in the town of Shebekino on Friday, killing five people. There was no immediate comment from Kyiv. (AP) Even though the median U.S. CEO pay package last year was nearly 200 times more than a worker in the middle of their company pay scales, Elon Musks record-setting Tesla compensation dwarfs them by comparison. Tesla shareholders on Thursday voted overwhelmingly in favor of restoring Musks 10-year pay plan, valued by the company in April at $44.9 billion. It was worth more early in the year, but Teslas stock value has fallen about 25% since then. The all-stock package, approved by the board and shareholders in 2018, rewards Musk for hitting milestones that include raising Teslas market value, pretax income and revenue. It had been tossed out by a Delaware judge in January who said the process for approving it was deeply flawed. The court ruled that Musk controlled the companys board, and shareholders werent fully informed. But the company said Musk deserves the pay because he turned Tesla into the top-selling electric vehicle maker in the world, increasing its market value by billions. Even with the reapproval vote, Musk wont get access to the stock options just yet. Tesla is expected to ask the judge to revisit her decision in light of the vote, and if she doesnt, the company probably will appeal the ruling to Delawares Supreme Court. The whole process could take months. No matter the outcome, Musks package the largest award to a CEO of a U.S. public company is far above whats been granted to other chief executives. Heres how the package compares: WITH THE MEDIAN CEO PAY The median pay package for an S&P 500 U.S. CEO last year was $16.3 million, according to data analyzed for The Associated Press by Equilar. If you multiply that by 10 to get $163 million for a decade of work, Musks earnings still would be 275 times greater. In her January ruling that struck down the package, Delaware Chancellor Kathaleen St. Jude McCormick wrote that Musks package, then worth about $56 billion, was 250 times larger than the median peer CEOs pay plan. WITH INDIVIDUAL CEOS The top earner in the APs survey was Hock Tan, CEO of artificial intelligence company Broadcom Inc. His package, mostly consisting of stock awards, was valued at about $162 million, when given to Tan at the start of fiscal 2023. Thanks to a surging stock price, Broadcom in March valued Tans pay package, plus older options he hadnt yet cashed in, at $767.7 million. Thats an amount easily eclipsed by Musks potential haul of 304 million shares worth almost $45 billion. Other CEOs at the top of APs survey are William Lansing of Fair Isaac Corp, ($66.3 million); Tim Cook of Apple Inc. ($63.2 million); Hamid Moghadam of Prologis Inc. ($50.9 million); and Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix ($49.8 million). Technically, Musk got no compensation last year because he didnt get any stock options. But he stands to get even richer if his pay package goes through. WITH TESLA WORKERS Its difficult to calculate what Musks annual pay would have been last year. The company says he got nothing. But if his compensation package makes it through the courts, his pay will be in the billions. According to the companys proxy filing this year, the median annual pay of a non-CEO Tesla employee last year was $45,811. (AP) The Supreme Court on Friday struck down a Trump-era ban on bump stocks, the rapid-fire gun accessories used in the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history, in a ruling that threw firearms back into the nations political spotlight. The high courts conservative majority found that the Trump administration overstepped when it changed course from predecessors and banned bump stocks, which allow a rate of fire comparable to machine guns. The decision came after a gunman in Las Vegas attacked a country music festival with semiautomatic rifles equipped with the accessories. The gunman fired more than 1,000 rounds into the crowd in 11 minutes, sending thousands of people fleeing in terror as hundreds were wounded and dozens killed. The ruling thrust guns back into the center of the political conversation with an unusual twist as Democrats decried the reversal of a GOP administrations action and many Republicans backed the ruling. The 6-3 majority opinion written by Justice Clarence Thomas found the Justice Department was wrong to declare that bump stocks transformed semiautomatic rifles into illegal machine guns because, he wrote, each trigger depression in rapid succession still only releases one shot. The ruling reinforced the limits of executive reach and two justices conservative Samuel Alito and liberal Sonia Sotomayor separately highlighted how action in Congress could potentially provide a more lasting policy, if there was political will to act in a bipartisan fashion. Originally, imposing a ban through regulation rather than legislation during Donald Trumps presidency took pressure off Republicans to act following the massacre and another mass shooting at a high school in Parkland, Florida. Prospects for passing gun restrictions in the current divided Congress are dim. President Joe Biden, who supports gun restrictions, called on Congress to reinstate the ban imposed under his political foe. Trumps campaign team meanwhile, expressed respect for the ruling before quickly pivoting to his endorsement by the National Rifle Association. As Trump courts gun owners while running to retake the presidency, he has appeared to play down his own administrations actions on bump stocks, telling NRA members in February that nothing happened on guns during his presidency despite great pressure. He told the group that if he is elected again, No one will lay a finger on your firearms. The 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas was carried out by a high-stakes gambler who killed himself, leaving his exact motive a mystery. A total of 60 people were killed in the shooting, including Christiana Duarte, whose family called Fridays ruling tragic. The ruling is really just another way of inviting people to have another mass shooting, said Danette Meyers, a family friend and spokesperson. Its unfortunate that they have to relive this again. Theyre really unhappy. Republican Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo, the former county sheriff in Las Vegas who has refused to sign multiple gun control measures the Democrat-controlled Legislature has sent to his desk, said in a statement Friday, While I have always been a supporter of the Second Amendment, I have been a vocal opponent of bump stocks since my time in law enforcement, and Im disappointed by the Supreme Courts decision today. The opinion comes after the same Supreme Court conservative supermajority handed down a landmark decision expanding gun rights in 2022. The high court is also expected to rule in another gun case in the coming weeks, challenging a federal law intended to keep guns away from people under domestic violence restraining orders. The arguments in the bump stock case, though, were less about Second Amendment rights and more about whether the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, a Justice Department agency, had overstepped its authority. Bump stocks are accessories that replace a rifles stock, the part that rests against the shoulder. Invented in the 2000s, they harness the guns recoil energy so that the trigger bumps against the shooters stationary finger, allowing the gun to fire at a similar speed as an automatic weapon. The Supreme Court majority found that the 1934 law against machine guns defined them as weapons that could automatically fire more than one shot by a single function of the trigger. Bump stocks dont fit that definition because the trigger must still be released and reengaged to fire each additional shot, Thomas wrote. He also pointed to over a decade of ATFs findings that claimed bump stocks werent automatic weapons. The plaintiff, Texas gun shop owner and military veteran Michael Cargill, applauded the ruling in a video posted online, predicting the case would have ripple effects by hampering other ATF gun restrictions. Im glad I stood up and fought, he said. In a dissent joined by her liberal colleagues, Justice Sotomayor said that bump stocks fit under the ordinary meaning of the law: When I see a bird that walks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, I call that bird a duck, she wrote. The ruling, she said, could hamstring the ATF and have deadly consequences. ATF Director Steve Dettelbach echoed the sentiment, saying that bump stocks pose an unacceptable level of risk to public safety. The high court took up the case after a split among lower courts. Under Republican President George W. Bush and Democrat Barack Obama, the ATF decided that bump stocks didnt transform semiautomatic weapons into machine guns. The agency reversed those decisions at Trumps urging. That was after the Las Vegas massacre and the Parkland, Florida, shooting that left 17 dead. Sixteen states and the District of Columbia have their own bans on bump stocks that arent expected to be affected by the ruling, though four state bans may no longer cover bump stocks in the wake of the ruling, according to the gun-control group Everytown. Cargill was represented by the New Civil Liberties Alliance, a group funded by conservative donors like the Koch network. His attorneys acknowledged that bump stocks allow for rapid fire but argued that they are different because the shooter has to put in more effort to keep the gun firing. The Biden administration had argued that effort was minimal, and said the ATF came to the right conclusion on bump stocks after doing a more in-depth examination spurred by the Las Vegas shooting. There were about 520,000 bump stocks in circulation when the ban went into effect in 2019, requiring people to either surrender or destroy them at a combined estimated loss of $100 million, the plaintiffs said in court documents. (AP) Speaker Mike Johnson said Friday that the House will go to court to enforce the subpoena against Attorney General Merrick Garland for access to President Joe Bidens special counsel audio interview, hours after the Justice Department refused to prosecute Republicans contempt of Congress charge. It is sadly predictable that the Biden Administrations Justice Department will not prosecute Garland for defying congressional subpoenas even though the department aggressively prosecuted Steve Bannon and Peter Navarro for the same thing, Johnson said in a statement. This is yet another example of the two-tiered system of justice brought to us by the Biden Administration. In a letter to Johnson earlier Friday, a Justice Department official cited the agencys longstanding position and uniform practice to not prosecute officials who dont comply with subpoenas because of a presidents claim of executive privilege. The Democratic president last month asserted executive privilege to block the release of the audio, which the White House says Republicans want only for political purposes. Republicans moved forward with the contempt effort anyway, voting Wednesday to punish Garland for refusing to provide the recording. Assistant Attorney General Carlos Felipe Uriarte noted that the Justice Department under presidents of both political parties has declined to prosecute in similar circumstances when there has been a claim of executive privilege. Accordingly, the department will not bring the congressional contempt citation before a grand jury or take any other action to prosecute the Attorney General, Uriarte said in the letter to Johnson. The letter did not specify who in the Justice Department made the decision. Republicans were incensed when special counsel Robert Hur declined to prosecute Biden over his handling of classified documents and quickly opened an investigation. GOP lawmakers led by Reps. Jim Jordan and James Comer sent a subpoena for audio of Hurs interviews with Biden, but the Justice Department only turned over some of the records, leaving out audio of the interview with the president. Republicans have accused the White House of suppressing the tape because they say the president is afraid to have voters hear it during an election year. A spokesperson for Jordan criticized the Justice Departments move Friday, saying, The rule of law for thee, but not for me. A transcript of the Hur interview showed Biden struggling to recall some dates and occasionally confusing some details something longtime aides say hes done for years in both public and private but otherwise showing deep recall in other areas. Biden and his aides are particularly sensitive to questions about his age. At 81, hes the oldest-ever president, and he is currently seeking another four-year term. The attorney general has said the Justice Department has gone to extraordinary lengths to provide information to the lawmakers about Hurs investigation. However, Garland has said releasing the audio could jeopardize future sensitive investigations because witnesses might be less likely to cooperate if they know their interviews might become public. In a letter last month detailing Bidens decision to assert executive privilege, White House counsel Ed Siskel accused Republicans of seeking the recordings so they can chop them up and distort them to attack the president. Executive privilege gives presidents the right to keep information from the courts, Congress and the public to protect the confidentiality of decision-making, though it can be challenged in court. The Justice Department noted that it also declined to prosecute Attorney General Bill Barr, who was held in contempt in 2019. The Democratically controlled House voted to issue a referral against Barr after he refused to turn over documents related to a special counsel investigation into former President Donald Trump. The Justice Department similarly declined to prosecute former Trump White House chief of staff Mark Meadows after he was held in contempt of Congress for ceasing to cooperate with the Jan. 6 Committee investigating the attack on the U.S. Capitol. Years before that, then-Attorney General Eric Holder was held in contempt related to the gun-running operation known as Operation Fast and Furious. The Justice Department also took no action against Holder. Two former Trump White House officials, Peter Navarro and Steve Bannon, were prosecuted for contempt of Congress for defying subpoenas from the Jan. 6 committee. They were both found guilty at trial and sentenced to four months in prison. Navarro has been behind bars since March, and Bannon has been ordered to report to prison by July 1. The special counsel in Bidens case, Hur, spent a year investigating the presidents improper retention of classified documents, from his time as a senator and as vice president. Hur said he found insufficient evidence to successfully prosecute a case in court. Hur cited limitations with Bidens memory and the presidents cooperation with investigators that could convince some jurors that he made an innocent mistake. Hurs report also described the president as someone for whom jurors will want to identify reasonable doubt. (AP) Two armed men believed to be Venezuelan migrants carjacked an off-duty NYPD officer in Harlem on Friday night, law enforcement sources reported. The suspects, identified as Jomar Crespo, 21, and Jose Rivera, 20, allegedly approached the officer while he was sitting in his personal vehicle around 11:30 p.m. at West 146 Street and Bradhurst Avenue. The men, who had tattoos associated with a Venezuelan gang, drew their weapons and demanded the officers keys. One of the suspects knocked the officers gun out of his hand, and they sped off in the officers 2020 BMW. The vehicle was later found empty less than a mile away; the officers iPad, which was inside the car, was used to track it down. Police recovered two guns, including a fully automatic pistol with a Glock switch, a weapon not commonly found in New York City. The suspects, who allegedly provided fake names, were charged with multiple crimes, including robbery, grand theft auto, and possession of a machine gun. This incident marks the second time in a month that an attack on the NYPD has been linked to migrants. Earlier in June, a 19-year-old migrant connected to a Venezuelan gang opened fire on two police officers, leaving them wounded. The suspect, Bernardo Raul Castro Mata, allegedly told police he was recruited by a violent Venezuelan gang in New York City and got distinctive tattoos to show allegiance. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) A total of 10 IDF soldiers lost their lives in Gaza in the past 24 hours. Eight of them were killed on Shabbos morning in the same incident in Rafah, and two were killed on Motzei Shabbos in Northern Gaza. The Rafah disaster occurred at about 5:00 a.m. when an engineering unit attached to a Givati Brigade was returning from a night operation to the building where they would be spending the night. Suddenly, an explosion occurred, setting the fifth or sixth APC traveling in a convoy on fire. It is still unclear if the explosive device was hidden underground or attached to the APC. The initial explosion may have sparked secondary explosions from the explosives carried by the APC. The APC burned for an extended period and rescuers were unable to approach it for about two hours. Afterward, it was dragged to a secure area under Israeli control within the Gaza Strip. The APC was very badly damaged, indicating a powerful charge. The soldiers so far identified as having been killed in the APC explosion are: Sergeant Elyahu Moshe Zimbalist, 21, from Beit Shemesh. Sergeant Itay Amar, 19, from Kokhav YairTzur Yigal Staff sergeant Stanislav Kostarev, 21, from Ashdod Staff sergeant Orr Blumovitz, 20, from Pardes Hanna-Karkur Staff sergeant Oz Yeshaia Gruber, 20, from Tal Menashe Captain Wassem Mahmoud, 23, from Beit Jann The names of the final two soldiers are due to be released later today. Meanwhile, an additional two IDF soldiers were killed in the northern Gaza Strip, when an explosive device detonated near their tank. They were identified as: Captain Eitan Koplovich, 28, from Jerusalem Senior Staff Sergeant Major Elon Waiss, 49, from Psagot Two additional soldiers were seriously wounded in the tank incident in Northern Gaza. (YWNs Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis haShabbos in Israel) Israel Police on Motzei Shabbos published footage of the moments that Israeli security forces broke into the apartment where hostage Noa Argamani was being held. Noa, everything is all right. Were taking you home, one of the officers is heard saying. Youre safe. Were taking you to the car. The video continues in the car and the officers are heard saying: Were from Yamam and the Shin Bet. Were taking you home. Were very excited that youre here and were proud of you. Noa is then heard saying: Im excited. Im simply very afraid of the way back. The Yamam officers later said that Noas first question was: Is my mother still alive? (YWNs Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis haShabbos in Israel) El Al has announced the end of its discount program for baggage containing donations, which was introduced after the October 7 massacre. The program, which offered a significantly reduced rate of $50 per bag, will revert to its normal policy of $200 per bag starting June 15. According to El Als head of corporate communications, Shira Kesselgross, the decision was made due to the resumption of other cargo transport options and a decrease in demand for donations. We understood there was a major national effort, and we were the only ones still offering service to the United States, Kesselgross said. There were a lot of donations at first, but, baruch hashem, the army managed to stand on its own two feet and started supplying itself. We saw demand drop dramatically, so we returned to our normal policy. El Al has delivered tens of thousands of bags under the program, which was initially introduced to support the militarys efforts during a time of widespread shortages. However, the airline says that the need for donations has decreased as the militarys purchasing has caught up. Charities and civilian volunteers collecting donations in the United States and Israel have expressed mixed reactions to the decision. While some acknowledge that the flood of donations has slowed over time, others argue that there is still a significant need for equipment, particularly among combat soldiers. If we suddenly see a new military need because of a major new military campaign in one arena or another, we are prepared to return to an emergency discount program, Kesselgross added. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Plans for a potential US-led rescue operation were initially made in October, shortly after the outbreak of the war, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, killing nearly 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages, including eight US citizens. However, the lack of specific information about the US hostages hindered the operation. Since then, US officials from various agencies, including the State and Defense Departments, CIA, FBI, and Joint Special Operations Command, have been working in Israel to investigate Hamas attacks on US citizens and assist in hostage recovery efforts. The US intelligence assistance has provided Israel with capabilities it never had before, including highly detailed satellite imagery. While there are limitations on how Israel can use US intelligence, there is no apparent enforcement mechanism in place. Additionally, using US intelligence to locate hostages inevitably enables Israel to target lower-level Hamas operatives as well, raising questions about the effectiveness of the agreement. Ultimately, the United States played a significant role in Israels recent hostage rescue operation, providing crucial intelligence that helped locate and extract four American-Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. According to a report by The Washington Post, US intelligence agencies provided Israel with overhead imagery, advanced imaging, and data analysis technologies, which were instrumental in planning the daylight rescue operation on June 8. The operation, carried out by Israeli security forces, rescued Noa Argamani, Almog Meir Jan, Shlomi Ziv, and Andrey Kozlov from two separate apartments in the Nuseirat camp in central Gaza. The US intelligence assistance was critical in locating the hostages, as Israel relied heavily on technology to gather information. However, this dependence on technology has also been criticized for Israels lack of traditional human intelligence gathering methods, particularly in Gaza. The country has since increased its efforts to gather human intelligence, including interrogating detained Hamas operatives and scouring documents and digital files discovered during operations. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Israels High Court of Justice has issued an interim order instructing State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman to suspend aspects of his investigation into the October 7 attack that involve the IDF and Shin Bet. The investigation, which began in December, aimed to probe the multi-level failings that led to the devastating attack and the governments response. However, some watchdog groups and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi opposed the investigation, citing concerns that it would compromise the IDFs operational capabilities and ignore political responsibility for the attack. The State Attorneys Office also sided with the petitioners. Initially, High Court Justice Gila Canfy-Steinitz ruled in May that she would not halt the investigation. However, after receiving classified responses from the security agencies, she has now ordered Englman to suspend the investigation until a High Court hearing in July. In her ruling, Canfy-Steinitz wrote, In view of the complex security reality, the planned scope of the investigation and the preparation required to respond to it at the current time I order the suspension of the investigation procedures in everything that relates to the IDF and Shin Bet. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Likras is making waves across Israel as a beacon of hope for shmiras Shabbos. Founded 23 years ago under the guidance of Gedolei Yisroel, Likras has been distributing Shabbos candles to thousands of unaffiliated Jewish families on a weekly basis in cities all around Israel. With a steadfast commitment to preserving the sanctity of Shabbos, Likras aims to kindle the flame of yiddishkeit through the beautiful mitzvah of Neiros Shabbos. Understanding the profound impact of this mitzvah, Likras believes that neiros can plant the seeds of observance, nurturing the potential for these families to embrace and practice Judaism in their lives. Now more than ever! Since October 7th, rl, the demand for Shabbos candles has skyrocketed, leaving countless families in darkness. Now, Likras distributes upwards of 50,000 packages containing candles and the zman for hadlakas neiros every Erev Shabbos and Yom Tov, but its not enough to meet the demand! This Shabbos! To that end, Likras extends an invitation to the Jewish community to join in its noble mission. By sponsoring just $72, you can ensure Shabbos candles in a Jewish home every week for an entire year, starting this coming Shabbos! As Likras expands its outreach efforts, it looks to individuals within the community to join together in ensuring that every Jewish home in Israel has access to the mitzvah of Neiros Shabbos. We call upon our fellow brothers and sisters in the Jewish community to join us at a time when people around Israel are looking for a deeper religious connection says Rabbi Yossef Lok, CEO. Weve seen a profound impact in homes where candles are lit. Many women have shared that their husbands become so emotionally inspired that they put on a kippah and make kiddush. Bring neiros to a Jewish home for a year before this Shabbos at Likras.us ! Switch-up: Northcoders owner Chris Hill used to run a gastropub The Aldwark Arms is a quaint but popular gastropub in North Yorkshire. Once a run-down village inn, the pub was turned around by young chef, Chris Hill and his brother Nick. But in 2015, Chris, aged 30, wanted a change. The pub was sold and Hill retrained as a software engineer. It was then he discovered that even graduates with computer science degrees were not properly equipped to work in tech. Hill set up Northcoders to put that right. Today, Northcoders trains thousands of people from all walks of life to become 'coders', techno-specialists who make computers do what we all want them to do. Based in Manchester, the company runs three-month coding bootcamps, designed to lead successful candidates into lucrative new careers. Competition is fierce, with 14,000 applicants trying for 1,000 places in 2023 but opportunities are open to all, with successful candidates ranging from 17 to 70 and from rail workers to City lawyers. In 2021, Hill won a contract to train would-be coders as part of the Government's Skills Bootcamp initiative, to help the UK produce more workers in key sectors. Today, around 80 per cent of Northcoder's Bootcamp applicants are government-funded, and Hill's contract was renewed this year. The group also works directly with businesses to train their employees and parachutes in graduates from its own bootcamp to work on projects. Last year was tricky for Northcoders. Tech hiring faltered and growth slowed down, just as Hill and his team increased investment in the business. Revenues still rose 27 per cent to 7.1million but profits slumped from 900,000 to 100,000. A swift recovery is expected this year, with earnings bouncing back at least to 2022 levels and sales continuing to rise. Further gains are forecast for 2025 and beyond. There are high hopes for the company-focused side of the business, with more growth expected from government contracts and from individuals looking for a change, just like Hill once did himself. Midas verdict: Computer programming is integral to almost everything we do today and Northcoders is helping to make the UK better at it. For adventurous investors keen to back Britain's technical expertise, the shares, at 1.65, are a buy. Traded on: Aim Ticker: CODE Contact: northcodersgroup.com or 0333 050 4368 BP risks being slapped with lawsuits from employees after serious concerns were raised about its crackdown on relationships at work. The oil giant last week revealed it has demanded all staff disclose any intimate relationships with colleagues including those dating back to 2021 or face being sacked. BP's 90,000 employees, of which 4,500 are senior managers, have been given three months to reveal any affairs. Previously, they were only obliged to disclose relationships with colleagues if there was a potential conflict of interest, for example if one partner was the manager of the other. The rules follow the sacking of boss Bernard Looney in December for serious misconduct over his failure fully to disclose his past relationships to the board. Crackdown: Top City lawyers have said that retrospectively demanding information on relationships reek of the Stasi The scandal rocked the 115-year-old company, raising questions not only about Looney's workplace liaisons but also the company's culture. The Irish businessman was stripped of 32 million in pay and bonuses after his dismissal. Looney was renowned for championing female staff but there were allegations he had promoted women with whom he had previous secret relationships. The policy has been met with uproar. Staff are particularly upset by the retrospective demand for details of relationships as long as three years ago. It has 'generated an awful lot of ill will', one City source said. Employees feel the controversy around Looney had 'left problems' in its wake, the source added. Top City lawyers have told The Mail on Sunday that retrospectively demanding information on relationships reek of the Stasi, could be illegal and open the firm up to lawsuits. Solicitors said applying new rules to past actions was effectively a breach of an employee contract. There are also worries about invasion of privacy. Hina Belitz, partner at Excello Law, said: 'I understand the forward-looking change to the policy, but to retrospectively seek information raises a lot of issues. That seems unreasonable. 'It reaches back in history and exposes the company to claims and unlimited compensation.' One possible explanation for the change, according to City speculation, is that BP wants to know how and why some managers had been promoted over the past three years. Belitz added: 'Clearly they want to see how many employees were promoted via a conflict of interest.' BP is standing by the policy changes, adding that a review of workplace relationship rules was scheduled for this year. It was last updated in 2018. The new policy says: 'Employees were previously required to disclose and record such relationships if they felt there could be a conflict of interest. Now they are required to disclose intimate relationships at work, whether or not they feel they represent a conflict of interest. 'As a policy that forms part of BP's code of conduct, non-compliance with the policy could result in disciplinary action.' The firm confirmed this could include dismissal. Many corporations require employees to disclose all workplace relationships. Last year ITV drew up strict rules in the wake of Phillip Schofield's resignation over a workplace affair. But lawyers said it was rare for multinational corporations to ask for so much past information. Joseph Lappin at Stewarts Law added: 'I've never seen a retrospective policy like this implemented before on this scale. If BP is trying to rebuild employer-to-workforce confidence this is not the way to do it. A soft touch policy would have been a much better option.' The company has said the updated rules do not affect new chief executive Murray Auchincloss' relationship with fellow BP high-flyer Julia Emanuele, chief operating officer of the lucrative crude trading division. Auchincloss notified the board of the relationship in July 2020, when he was hired as finance chief. When he took over last September, the board confirmed Auchincloss was in a 'long-standing relationship and his partner also works in BP'. A fund manager at BP investor Jupiter Asset Management said: 'Unfortunately this is Looney's legacy. He set the culture as chief executive and now everybody is paying for it.' Cutting back: Customers have reined in their spending on expensive handbags Michael Kors saw its UK sales plunge sharply last year as customers reined in their spending on expensive handbags and clothes. The US brand, which was set up in 1981, counts celebrities and political figures including Reese Witherspoon, Taylor Swift, Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton among its fans. Sales in the UK were down by a tenth. The firm said trading in stores was lower but that online transactions had been strong in the year to April. Michael Kors also warned it may hike prices further after a rise in the cost of basic materials. The brand, named after the designer and self-made billionaire, raised prices by an average of 6 per cent in the previous year to April 2023. It comes as the luxury industry is adjusting to shoppers spending less after a period of blockbuster trading in the aftermath of the pandemic. Michael Kors bought the Jimmy Choo shoes brand for nearly 900million in July 2017 and snapped up Versace for 1.6billion just over a year later. Shortly after the acquisition of Versace the three brands were folded into a parent company called Capri Holdings which is valued at 3billion on the New York Stock Exchange. TSB has become the latest major bank to fall victim to the working-from-home culture as it plans to move to a smaller head office in the City of London this summer. The lender is upping sticks from its base in Gresham Street which is often half empty to a smaller site at Bishopsgate, also in the Square Mile. TSB chief executive Robin Bulloch is understood to be keen on seeing more staff at their desks, especially as those in its branches cannot work from home. But the banking group is not imposing minimum attendance requirements on staff. Working from home became unavoidable for many during the pandemic, but its persistence long after there is any necessity has been criticised by some major corporations including Goldman Sachs. Some politicians believe it is holding back the economy. Making a move: TSB hopes that the smarter new site will encourage more staff to make the journey into work TSB hopes that the smarter new site will encourage more staff to make the journey into work. The bank would like to lure people in every day and not just on the Tuesday to Thursday timetable that is favoured by many, the Mail on Sunday understands. It follows the decision of banking giant HSBC to downsize from its headquarters in Canary Wharf to a new home near the London Stock Exchange last year. It emerged last week that Lloyds Banking Group, previously spread across four City of London locations, would be consolidating into three and quitting its London Wall offices next year. Working from home has become entrenched after the exodus from the office during the Covid lockdowns in 2020. Some business leaders and ministers have argued that a return to nine-to-five working, five days a week from an employer's premises, is necessary to restore productivity and revitalise city centres. TSB's HQ is understood to be just 50 per cent to 60 per cent occupied for much of the time. Bulloch has made clear to a leading group of more than 100 senior staff that he expects them to be in for at least a couple of days a week. However, there is no plan to make attendance obligatory, after managers observed the huge backlash at larger rival Lloyds when it said all office staff had to be in for at least two days. Bulloch splits his time between offices in London and Edinburgh. This contrasts with the approach taken by Mike Regnier, chief executive of rival Santander UK, who recently revealed that he spends much of his time working from home in Yorkshire. Regnier told a newspaper that he would have turned down the job offered by the Spanish-owned lender if it had refused to let him work from Harrogate. It comes as TSB faces an uncertain future amid a hostile takeover approach for its Spanish parent company Sabadell by Madrid-based rival BBVA. BBVA is seen as at best non-committal in what it has said so far about the future of TSB should it win the takeover battle. Staff at the UK lender are anxious about what the future could hold should BBVA take over. Some speculate that the banking group could be sold to a private equity buyer or returned to the stock market. TSB was previously briefly listed in London after being spun off by Lloyds Banking Group. It was then bought by Sabadell in 2015. A TSB spokesman said: 'We've made changes to some of our offices to provide more modern collaborative workplaces for colleagues that align to our ways of working model. 'This includes Birmingham, Barnwood, Swansea and our upcoming move to Bishopsgate, London.' The site of Britain's biggest mining development is a hive of activity. Builders and engineers are working to sink twin shafts that are both almost one-mile deep at the Woodsmith fertiliser project near the picturesque seaside town of Whitby. Under the North York Moors National Park, another team is racing to drill a 23-mile tunnel that will connect Woodsmith to Teesside. Woodsmith was billed as a transformational project. Hopes were that it could produce so much fertiliser, its economic value could be as much as 4 per cent of Britain's entire national income. That is not how it has turned out. The bustle is set to end within months after the mine's owner, Anglo American, pledged to dramatically cut investment. Locals believe that move is 'a disaster'. The Mail on Sunday, This is Money's sister title, can reveal that the starting gun has been fired on mass job cuts at Woodsmith. Staff at a major contractor on the site were last week told that more than 300 people would be let go by the end of the year, a source in Whitby said. In a hole: The North York Moors (top) and deep underground in the Woodsmith mine (bottom) As many as 80 per cent of the site's 1,400 contractors could be affected in total, the Mail revealed last month. This is deeply unhelpful for the Tories, who are desperate to hang on to seats in red wall areas such as nearby Teesside, and for Rishi Sunak, whose North Yorkshire constituency of Richmond to be known as Richmond and Northallerton from the General Election is only a few miles away. Woodsmith's slowdown has alarmed Tories defending marginal seats in the surrounding area at the election next month. Sir Simon Clarke, defending Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, has called the slowdown a 'very unwelcome surprise'. And Jacob Young, Tory candidate for Redcar, who won his seat in 2019 and has a slim 3,500 majority, urged Anglo American to reverse its decision. He said: 'If contractors are demobilised and staff are laid off then the project may never be restarted.' Anglo American is due to make a public announcement on Woodsmith's future later this month. However, the company told The Mail on Sunday it would 'gradually' halve its own workforce to 160 people over the coming year. The slowdown will bring development to a halt, putting the partially complete mine into hibernation. It will leave a skeleton staff to help with basic maintenance. The local economy is braced for the shock of losing the business provided by the mine contractors and the delay to the creation of permanent jobs at Woodsmith. It brings back bad memories for many. People here have seen other once-thriving industries, such as steel, wind down, leaving thousands with nowhere to go. The upheaval at Woodsmith is part of a strategy put together last month by Anglo's chief executive, Duncan Wanblad, to help fend off a 39billion takeover attempt by rival BHP. Wanblad won the deal was abandoned. Woodsmith, however, was collateral damage. Anglo may not make a final decision on the future of the mine for a couple of years but the omens are not good. It is a huge setback for a project that began with high hopes eight years ago under the original developer, a now-defunct company called Sirius. Such is the local concern that a task force is due to be set up by North Yorkshire County Council. It will involve others, including Teesside Mayor Ben Houchen, to help subcontractors find alternative work. Carl Les, leader of Tory-controlled North Yorkshire County Council, said: 'The only positive thing is that the Teesside area is quite prosperous at the moment and there's a lot of other work going on which may provide opportunities for those affected by the slow-down.' Les said areas of the wider local economy benefiting from the mine contractors range from hoteliers and those renting houses to cafe owners, pubs and retailers. He said the project has helped widen the local economy from dependence on tourism. Anglo is seeking an investment partner possibly in the form of another miner or a sovereign wealth fund with which to share the huge cost of the project. John Cook, chairman of the Yorkshire Coast Mineral Association, a collection of farmers who lease their land to the mine, said Woodsmith would be a 'decent prospect' for a partner because its fertiliser reserves could be mined for 100 years. He said: 'When Anglo American took over the mine there was optimism locally. They're a big quoted company and were seen as potentially being a safe pair of hands.' Cook was one of thousands of small investors who put their faith and their money into Sirius Minerals back in 2015. He said: 'Like many people, I invested a bit of money in it as a small investor I felt a duty to back something that could be so huge for this area, I wanted to be part of it.' He and an estimated 85,000 other individual investors, many of whom were locals, lost thousands of pounds or even their life savings when Sirius's share price collapsed. It was rescued by Anglo in a cut-price 400million deal. The grand plans unveiled by Sirius captured the imagination of a region brutalised by the loss of thousands of steel jobs in neighbouring Teesside. The company was to construct two 4,900 feet shafts to reach a 230 feet mineral seam, making it the deepest mine in Europe. Bad taste: Sackys Cafe owner Steve Swales will be affected The polyhalite was then to be transported 23 miles in a tunnel to the company's processing plant at Teesside on a giant conveyor belt. The project was originally due to be completed by 2021 but the most recent estimates for completion before the slowdown was announced were 2027. The timeline now is unknown. The scale of job losses will have a seismic impact on Whitby. Steve Swales, 50, owner of Sacky's Cafe on the harbour, said: 'I know lads who gave up good jobs to go and work in the mine. 'Now we're hearing 80 per cent could lose their jobs. 'Make no mistake, a lot of job losses up at the mine will have a big effect on everything in this town.' Frank Iddon, 66, is operations director of the Whitby Endeavour, a museum boat and restaurant dedicated to the legacy of explorer Captain James Cook. 'It is another blow the area could do without, especially after the loss of all the steel jobs on Teesside,' he said. Peter Donichey, 70, was selling joke books to tourists on the harbour but felt the situation at Woodsmith Mine was no laughing matter. He said: 'I actually worked for Anglo American back in the 1980s in a gold mine in South Africa. It was a massive operation and I know the sort of money that company is worth because I've seen it first-hand. Tom McCulley, chief executive of Anglo American's crop nutrients division, said: 'We are carrying out a full evaluation process of all workstreams to satisfy the new business plan.' Recruitment adverts from South Australia Police aimed at gardai have been popping up on social media again in recent days. The ads on Facebook feature the above image with the caption: "Down here it's a pretty great career." The post also encourages gardai to "explore the benefits of relocating with South Australia Police." South Australia Police says it is looking for "experienced" gardai as well as police officers from New Zealand and the United Kingdom to join their ranks. South Australia Police recently said it was "excited to announce an international recruitment drive focusing on these three countries has opened." "Police officers from Australian and approved overseas jurisdictions (excluding British Transport Police, Civil Nuclear Constabulary and Military / Defence Force Police), must have a minimum of three years continuous and active service within the past five years (not including any initial training period)," a statement read. READ NEXT: 'Fly high you beautiful soul' - Missing Rose of Tralee contestant found dead It adds: "Love where you live and discover the diverse and captivating wonders of South Australia! From the vibrant city of Adelaide with its thriving arts scene and world-class dining, to the breathtaking landscapes of the Flinders Ranges and the iconic beauty of Kangaroo Island's wildlife, South Australia has it all. "Whether you're an adventure seeker, a food and wine enthusiast, or a nature lover, South Australia promises an unforgettable journey of exploration and delight. Come experience the magic of South Australia today." The ads may entice some gardai with morale in the force here understood to be at an all-time low. Gardai are particularly aggrieved by Garda Commissioners Drew Harris attempted to change the working roster for rank and file members. 147 gardai resigned from the force last year, an increase of 41 from 2022. Resignations are said to be high again in 2024. A few inconvenient facts this evening . . . - Missouri legal weed has proved doubters wrong. The economic boom remains unprecedented and provides the greatest cash crop in a generation. - With BILLIONS in revenue earned . . . The so-called gateway drug effect hasn't materialized that the legal weed trades seems much safer than all of those poor souls addicted pharmaceutical grade opioids. - Legal weed has turned old school "drug war" morality upside down and generations of hyperbolic "reefer madness" sentiments are now silent whilst Missouri REPUBLICANS & DEMOCRATS look to cash in on this trend while it lasts. And all of these Saturday night sentiments seem to be backed up the another impressive cash accounting of the LEGAL Missouri cannabis trade earning REVENUE for local coffers whilst politicos figure out even more ways to tax it . . . Take a whiff . . . The combined state and local tax revenue generated from cannabis sales in Missouri is projected to reach $238 million in 2024, according to estimates by the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association. For perspective and scale, thats one million more dollars than what Gov. Mike Parson recommended to fund Missouris Departments of Health & Senior Services and Public Safety combined in 2025. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . What Environment Canada is calling a prolonged heat event is expected to begin on Monday (June 17). Dangerously hot and humid conditions are expected through most of the week, the weather agency said on its website. Areas under this heat warning include London, Waterloo, Guelph, Mississauga, Brampton, Halton Hills, Milton, Durham Region, Niagara, Simcoe County, Parry Sound-Muskoka, Haliburton/Minden area, Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes, Renfrew, Arnprior and Calabogie, North Bay and Powassan area, and the Windsor area. Daytime highs on Monday, and through much of the week, are expected to be 30-35 C with humidex values of 40 to 45. There will be little relief through the overnight, as lows are expected to be 18 to 23 C with humidex values of 26 to 30. Hot and humid air can also bring deteriorating air quality and can result in the air quality health index approaching the high risk category. It's expected many municipalities will open cooling centres to give people a break from the heat. Check with your local town, village or city to see where you can find respite from the humidity. Please continue to monitor alerts and forecasts issued by Environment Canada. To report severe weather, send an email to ONstorm@ec.gc.ca or tweet reports using #ONStorm. The Peace Summit, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky, shows that international support for Ukraine is not weakening. The head of state said this at a press conference following the Global Peace Summit in Burgenstock, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "This summit shows that international support is not weakening, it is strong. On the contrary, I believe that a large number of other countries have joined," Zelensky said. As for the support, the President noted that it is different, because Ukraine is provided not only with military assistance, but also with humanitarian and political support. "We need the word of the overwhelming majority of the world to put pressure on Russia to end this unprovoked and unjust war," the President emphasized. According to him, there are two ways to put pressure, and the first one is diplomatic. "Peace summit, then meetings, joint plan - this is the way. As for the second way, it is a strong defense, a strong army, and a strong Ukrainian soldier on the battlefield who defends his family, his country, and his statehood. And this is very important," Zelensky said. The President emphasized that Ukraine has always spoken about peace. "Almost two years have passed since we proposed the Peace Formula at the G20, at the peak of the war. And at the peak of the war, we talked about peace. We wanted to end this war. We wanted the world to put pressure on Russia and end this war," Zelensky said. As reported, the first Peace Summit is taking place in the Swiss resort of Burgenstock on June 15-16. It discusses nuclear security, food security, and the humanitarian dimension - the exchange of prisoners and the return of abducted Ukrainian children. The results of the summit will be handed over to Russia. Forget Crazy Earth, Look to the Future: Voyager and Fortran 5 Early 2024 (Updated: 10-Oct-2024) The Voyager spacecraft, Voyager 1 and Voyager 2, were not programmed in Fortran 5. Or in any Fortran for that matter. This widely accepted misbelief can be traced back to a widely misunderstood statement in a single magazine article. "Voyager and Fortran 5" by Charles A. Measday is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) This is a personal project of mine. Everywhere I turned the past few years, someone was saying that the Voyager spacecraft were programmed in Fortran 5. I didn't believe it. I gathered a few links here and there, but, in early 2024, I sat down and did some serious online research. Well, kind of serious and not particularly systematic. This is what I found. It's wordy, it rambles, and the writing is somewhat uneven, but I hope you'll find the information useful or at least follow the links in your own explorations. There are many fascinating aspects of the Voyager project that one normally might not think of and only learn of by accident. I think you'll find that even casual browsing can yield rich rewards! Sections 1 through 5, about 10 printed pages, are specifically about the Voyager-Fortran 5 meme. Section 6 adds another 5 pages and seeks to prevent memes such as this from arising. The remaining tens of pages began as simply a source of more detailed information about things presented in the earlier sections, things such as command sequencing and the AACS computer. However, I gradually added more unrelated information such as the flight computer electronics because (i) the information was interesting and, as a justification in hindsight, (ii) collecting this information in one place will save other Voyager tech fans the effort of, for example, tracking down and connecting nuggets from obscure posts in lengthy online discussions. You'll find phrases like "apparently", "perhaps", "it seems", and "it suggests" throughout the text. They mean I can't definitively assert what the sentence is about to say. For example, a great deal of my discussion of sequencing and simulation is based on McEvoy's Viking Orbiter paper. There is no comparable Voyager paper that provides his level of detail, so I can't with certainty say that something done on Viking is done in the same way on Voyagerit just seems likely! These uncertainties do not affect the fact and central thrust of this piece that the Voyager onboard computers were not programmed in Fortran. My background: I'm a retired software developer. In the 1980s, I worked on the image processing ground system for NASA's LANDSAT 4 and 5 remote sensing satellites; we used VAX/VMS Fortran 77. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, I worked on a configurable, Unix workstation-based, control center for NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, mostly written in C. In the late 1990s through the mid-2000s, I worked on a similar system in C++ for commercial satellite fleets. (The latter was originally based on the former thanks to NASA's generosity in sharing technology with industry.) My brother, Andy, got interested in ham radio when we were in junior high school and I picked up a rudimentary knowledge of electronics and radio through osmosis. (Andy's got an Extra Class license; originally WA3RML from Maryland, he's now WA5RML in Texas.) Acknowledgements : The bulk of this page was written in early 2024. In the swirl of useful and not-useful papers and articles I read or skimmed, bouncing here and there on the web, I generally didn't remember how I came across individual sources and therefore I was unable to properly credit people through whom I found many of these sources. Later in the year, I began being more meticulous about recording the sources of the sources in my (disorganized) offline notes and then crediting them on this web page. My sincere apologies to those I failed to acknowledge in the past and to those I may inadvertently fail to credit in the future. And many thanks to all those who post good or tentative bits of information in online discussions and blogs. The title of this piece is constructed from the titles of two songs by Fortran 5 (Wikipedia) released on their 1991 album, Blues : "Crazy Earth" (YouTube) and "Look To The Future" (YouTube)! 1. Introduction The Voyager program took advantage of a rare planetary alignment to send two spacecraft on a tour of the solar system's gas giants: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. In addition to the cameras and scientific instruments, each Voyager has 3 computers (plus their backups, for a total of 6): Computer Command Subsystem (CCS) - is the basically the master controller of the spacecraft. As such, it "provides sequencing and control functions. The CCS contains fixed routines such as command decoding and fault detection and corrective routines, antenna pointing information, and spacecraft sequencing information." (Voyager: The Spacecraft, JPL) The CCS CPU is the same as used on the Mars Viking Orbiters. Attitude and Articulation Control Subsystem (AACS) - "controls spacecraft orientation, maintains the pointing of the high gain antenna towards Earth, controls attitude maneuvers, and positions the scan platform." The cameras and a couple of other instruments are mounted on the scan platform, hence adjusting their orientation must be done in conjunction with the spacecraft's orientation. (Voyager: The Spacecraft, JPL) The AACS computer uses a modified CCS CPU and is not the at-the-time experimental HYPACE computer. The latter claim turned out to be an unexpected rabbit hole; see "AACS, HYPACE, and HYBIC" below for more details. Flight Data Subsystem (FDS) - "controls the science instruments and formats all science and engineering data for telemetering to Earth." (pre-launch Voyager Press Kit, August 4, 1977, p. 22, PDF) The FDS used a custom-designed CPU. Dr. James E. Tomayko's Computers in Spaceflight: The NASA Experience (1988) is an oft-cited, authoritative (and eminently readable) source of information about computing systems in space up until 1988. The link takes you to the Bibliography where further links to specific sections of the report can be found. Chapter Six, Section 2 gives the history of and details about the three Voyager computers. (Since the CCS computer was borrowed from Viking, also see the more detailed description of the Viking Orbiter CCS in Chapter Five, Section 6.) And, expanding our vocabulary: Flight Computers - are the computers onboard a spacecraft, like the three above. Flight Software - is the collection of programs and routines that run on the flight computers. Like any computer program, the flight software is composed of low-level CPU instructions such as "Load CPU register A with the value at memory address 1234". Flight software engineers write and maintain these programs. Spacecraft Commands - are binary commands that perform operations on the spacecraft. Uplinked to the spacecraft by mission control, they are not CPU instructions. In a spacecraft without computers, the commands are fed to a hardware decoder that effects the desired operations. In a spacecraft with computers, the software interprets the commands and runs the sometimes complex code needed to perform the operations. (Think of the Unix bash shell, where the "flight software" is the bash executable and the "spacecraft commands" are the command-line commands: cd , ls , etc.) Command Sequences - are sequences of spacecraft commands uplinked to the spacecraft as a singular bundle. A given sequence may be executed immediately, executed at a scheduled time, or executed only when the spacecraft's hardware or software detects some condition. Sequence engineers design and develop command sequences. (A simplified definition of sequences; see Sequences and Simulators below for more details.) In the telemetry data radioed back to Earth: Engineering Data - has to do with the health and operation of the spacecraft; e.g., temperatures, power levels, spacecraft attitude, and readouts of flight computer memory for debug purposes! Science Data - is that returned from the scientific instruments. The prime example is the image data from the cameras. A brief Voyager timeline (the fly-by dates are actually years of closest encounters): 1977 - Voyager 2 and then Voyager 1 launched. 1979 - Both Voyagers fly by Jupiter. 1980 - Voyager 1 flies by Saturn. 1981 - Voyager 2 flies by Saturn. 1986 - Voyager 2 flies by Uranus. 1989 - Voyager 2 flies by Neptune. 2004 - Voyager 1 crosses the termination shock. 2007 - Voyager 2 crosses the termination shock. 2012 - Voyager 1 enters interstellar space. 2018 - Voyager 2 enters interstellar space. After the 1980 encounter with Saturn, Voyager 1 angled north from the ecliptic (planetary) plane at about 35. After the 1989 encounter with Neptune, Voyager 2 angled south of the ecliptic plane at about -48. (Voyager Fact Sheet, JPL) Entering interstellar space means the Voyagers have emerged from the heliosphere, the region in which solar winds predominate. The spacecraft have not yet escaped the Solar System, as the Sun's gravity still holds sway. That will take another 30,000 years until the spacecraft cross the outer edge of the hypothetical Oort Cloud! For a real treat, see the real-time Voyager Mission Status! I noticed that Voyager 1 's distance from Earth was rapidly decreasing (!) while Voyager 2 's was slowly increasing. At the same time, both spacecraft's distances from the Sun were increasing at a constant rate as expected, both at about 10 miles every second. I eventually figured this out. (Completely missing, like an idiot, the "Distance from Earth" link that pops up an explanation!) Earth is traveling around the Sun at nearly twice the speed of the Voyager spacecraft. For half of its orbit, Earth will be moving towards, for example, Voyager 1 and is thus "catching up" to the spacecraft. (That's a rough, simplified explanation. Given the Earth's and Voyager 1 's full 3-D velocities, you must separate out the components along the changing Earth- Voyager 1 axis. When the Earth's speed along that axis exceeds Voyager 1 's, the distance will decrease. So the distance will decrease on only a portion of that half-year half-orbit.) And the DSN Now page shows the real-time status of the Deep Space Network antennas and which spacecraft they are talking to, VGR1 and VGR2 being the Voyager spacecraft. 2. How It Started Wired In 2013, Wired published an article based on an interview with Suzanne Dodd, Voyager project manager at the time and, currently, also Director of the Jet Propulsion's Interplanetary Network Directorate. In the article, the author, Adam Mann, wrote (his words, not a direct quote from Dodd): The spacecrafts' original control and analysis software was written in Fortran 5 (later ported to Fortran 77). Some of the software is still in Fortran, though other pieces have now been ported to the somewhat more modern C. Adam Mann, "Interstellar 8-Track: How Voyager's Vintage Tech Keeps Running", Wired , September 2013. My impression upon first reading this was that the ground-system mission control and science data analysis software was written in Fortran and parts were later ported to Fortran 77 and C. (I now think Dodd was referring to mission control-related analysis instead of science data analysis.) I'd never heard of "Fortran 5", but the rest was unremarkable and tracked with my own experience. In the early 1980s, I worked on the image processing side of the LANDSAT-4/5 ground system, programming in Fortran 77 on VAX/VMS minicomputers. The mission-control developers on the other half of our cubicle farm at NASA's Goddard Spaceflight Center programmed in Fortran on DEC-2060 mainframe computers. And, in the late 1980s, I was part of a small team developing a generic, UNIX workstation-based ground system, TPOCC, for Goddard programmed in C, of course! So, aside from the "Fortran 5" oddity, Mann's article was spot-on and provided an excellent update for me on the Voyager project. Others, however, inferred more from the quote and, shortened to one sentence with the "control and analysis" phrase dropped, a misleading form of the quote spread in the popular press and in numerous hardware and software forums. The inference or "meme", easily identified by the "Fortran 5", is that the Voyagers' onboard computers were programmed in Fortran, etc., etc., as shown here: The initial software program was Fortran 5, then they were reprogrammed during flight to Fortran 77, and finally C. South Australian Doctor Who Fan Club Inc. (SFSA), "Voyagers disco party!", The Wall of Lies , No. 169, Nov-Dec 2017, p. 2. (4-page newsletter, PDF) (I'm not dumping on the fan club. For my example, the juxtaposition of Doctor Who and disco practically screamed, "Choose me! Choose me!") Popular Mechanics I originally dismissed the following 2015 article in Popular Mechanics as just another knock-off of the Wired article. However, I was wrong and, upon rereading it more closely, I have to say it is a superb article. Based on the author's own phone interview with Suzanne Dodd, the article is about the Voyager project seeking a new software developer to replace the soon-to-retire Larry Zottarelli, "the last original Voyager [software] engineer". From other information I gleaned from the web, it appears he was one of the original flight software engineers, joining the project pre-launch in the early-to-mid 1970s. Don't judge the article by this isolated quote (again, the author's words, not Dodd's): Know Cobol? Can you breeze through Fortran? Remember your Algol? Those fancy new languages from the late 1950s? Then you might be the person for the job. John Wenz, "Why NASA Needs a Programmer Fluent in 60-Year-Old Languages", Popular Mechanics , October 29, 2015. Between Wired and Popular Mechanics , I'm starting to wish Suzanne Dodd had been a bit clearer in these interviews about what the programming languages were used for. On the other hand, in her defense, Dodd has spent decades having to and trying to convey scientific and technical information in a meaningful way to the public and non-tech-oriented journalists (in general; I don't mean Wenz). In this particular case, I expect that knowledge of Fortran is needed for some of the support software, but not for actually programming the onboard computers. (Keep in mind that Fortran is not hieroglyphs! Moderately experienced programmers should be able to pick it up fairly easily.) Aside: Algol? Really?! I have long taken some small measure of pride in the fact that I am one of the few people in the U.S. who have actually programmed in Algol! When I first caught the computer bug in 1977, I read one of Daniel McCracken's Fortran books and his Algol book ... before I even took my first computer class and got access to a computer. In two classes where the other students used Fortran, I used Algol because I wanted to try it out I liked it. This was the Norwegian University (NU) Algol 60 compiler on a Univac 1100-something mainframe. Unrelated aside: In the Popular Mechanics article, Wenz contrasts the Voyagers' programmability with that of other spacecraft with fixed-hardware operation sequencers, such as ISEE-3. The generic, UNIX workstation-based, misson control system I worked on at Goddard, TPOCC (mentioned above), was used to replace ISEE-3's Xerox Sigma-based (if I remember correctly) control system in the early 1990s! Launched in 1978, ISEE-3 was repurposed in 1982 as the International Cometary Explorer (ICE) and underwent a complex set of maneuvers leading to a rendevouz with Comet Giacobini-Zinner in 1985. (See this cool graphic of the maneuvers.) (The mission control system was called the ICE/IMP control center, so it was controlling two spacecraft, the second probably being the Interplanetary Monitoring Platform, IMP-8.) 3. What is Fortran 5? A distinct detail in every replication of this meme is "Fortran 5". I haven't used Fortran since the 1980s, but the unknown-to-me Fortran 5 was an immediate red flag. In all the online discussions of this subject that I've seen, no one questions "Fortran 5". Even in a Fortran Discourse thread where the users are very knowledgeable about Fortran. It can't just be me ... please! On Wikipedia's Fortran page, Fortran 5 is called an obsolete variant (i.e., non-standard version) of Fortran: Fortran 5 was marketed by Data General Corporation from the early 1970s to the early 1980s, for the Nova, Eclipse, and MV line of computers. It had an optimizing compiler that was quite good for minicomputers of its time. The language most closely resembles FORTRAN 66. Data General's Nova 840 minicomputer was introduced in 1973; a contemporary DG brochure, "840: The Loaded Nova", touts the Fortran 5 compiler in its feature list: Fortran 5, an extremely thorough, multipass compiler that produces globally optimized code that's nearly as efficient as assembly language code And Data General advertised Fortran 5 with "It's a Real Pig": "Pigs are the Smartest Animals in the Barnyard"! The Fortran 5 compiler was slow because it was taking the time to produce smaller and faster executables. (Flickr image) Data General's 1978 Fortran 5 Reference Manual (PDF) lists 1972 as the first copyright date, incidentally the year the Voyager project officially began. 4. Fortran V? I've seen no mention of Data General computers in connection with the Voyager project in my research, so the use of Fortran 5 on the project seems highly unlikely. My guess is that, when speaking to Wired 's Adam Mann, Suzanne Dodd said "Fortran Five", meaning "Fortran Roman Numeral Five", or Fortran V. This is consistent with Fortran II being known as "Fortran Two" and Fortran IV as "Fortran Four". (Fortran III, in case you're interested, was an unreleased, internal IBM compiler dating to 1958.) Fortran V, like Fortran 5, is one of Wikipedia's non-standard, obsolete variants of Fortran: [In addition to Control Data Corporation,] Univac also offered a compiler for the 1100 series known as FORTRAN V. A spinoff of Univac Fortran V was Athena FORTRAN. Now things fall into place. Remember that Suzanne Dodd spoke of "control and analysis" software. She joined the Voyager team in 1984 as a sequence engineer in the lead-up to Voyager 2 's January 1986 fly-by of Uranus. These engineers designed/developed sequences of spacecraft commands for upload to the Voyagers ... work done on one or more Univac 1100-series mainframe computers. From an interview: DODD: When I first started, I started on a I don't even remember the name of it, but I do recall it had an eight-inch floppy drive. That was our command medium, an 8-inch floppy drive. Not a memory stick, not even a CD. When we did these designs and plots that showedthere was a program that you could design an observation, like you want to make a mosaic over Uranus, and you could lay out the observation, and then it would tell you what the commands you need to do it are. That was done on a UNIVAC computer, so kind of more of a mainframe refrigerator-size computer. David Zierler, "Suzy Dodd (BS '84), Engineer and Deep Space Pioneer", 2023 Caltech Heritage Project, June 9, 2023. I found more specific information about JPL's mission control computing facilities in a pre-launch press kit (Voyager Press Kit, August 4, 1977, pp. 106-107, PDF): Mission Control and Computing Facility (MCCF) - three IBM 360-75 mainframes used for the day-to-day operations of the spacecraft, including command uploads and tracking. General Purpose Computing Facility (GPCF) - three Univac 1108 mainframes used for "navigation and mission sequence systems ... [and] prediction programs and detailed spacecraft engineering performance analysis". These are the systems that Suzanne Dodd would have used. (Assuming JPL hadn't upgraded the 1108s to newer models in the intervening 7 years.) Mission Test and Computing Facility (MTCF) - "three strings of UNIVAC and Modcomp computers to receive, record, process and display" the engineering and science data downloaded from the spacecraft. (The Univac computers here were minicomputers such as the UNIVAC 1230. The Modcomp minicomputers included the MODCOMP II and MODCOMP IV; for some reason, Tomayko [Chapter 8, Section 3, p. 265] calls them the ModComp 2 and 4, respectively, though everyone else on the web uses the Roman numerals!) Sun Kang Matsumoto is a CCS flight software engineer who joined the Voyager program in 1985, also, like Dodd, in the ramp-up for the Uranus fly-by. In a 2016 paper about the Voyager Interstellar Mission (VIM), she gives some more details about the evolution of Dodd's "control and analysis" software from Univac to Unix (and thus from Fortran to C, presumably): During the prime mission and early VIM, Voyager had been using the JPL-developed software programs called SEQTRAN (to generate sequences) and COMSIM (to simulate sequences and CCS FSW changes). They ran on now-antiquated UNIVAC mainframe computers. Shortly after the start of VIM [in 1990], these programs were converted over to more modern UNIX-based SEQTRAN and High Speed Simulator (HSSIM). They were rewritten to maintain the same functionality of the old SEQTRAN and COMSIM, and tailored for VIM. Rewriting and testing required significant effort from the developers and the project personnel; however, the end result is much improved speed and efficiency. Sun Kang Matsumoto, "Voyager Interstellar Mission: Challenges of Flying a Very Old Spacecraft on a Very Long Mission" (PDF), 2016 p. 4, 2016 SpaceOps Conference, Daejeon, Korea. SEQTRAN and COMSIM are programs Dodd would have used as a sequence engineer in the 1980s. I'm a connoisseur of good program names, so I can't fail to mention Matsumoto's mention of two new programs: VAMPIRE (Voyager Alarm Monitor Processor Including Remote Examination) and MARVEL (Monitor/Analyzer of Real-time Voyager Engineering Link)! Matsumoto's paper is well-worth reading not only for the technical information, but because she provides a valuable portrayal of how the Voyager team has managed to overcome, by hook and by software crook, the very real problems of aging hardware at a great distance. And have done so despite steep technological and budgetary challenges. I think (or hope) it is clear by now that, in the 2013 Wired article, Suzanne Dodd was referring to the ground system software and not the software running on the flight computers in space. Okay, Univac and Fortran. But what about Fortran V? I could only find one instance of "Fortran V" being explicitly mentioned in connection with a Voyager mission operations program. (I do not include academic papers whose authors used Fortran V programs to analyze the Voyagers' science data at institutions outside of JPL; e.g., universities.) The scarcity of "Fortran V" and "Voyager" on the web is not surprising. Most programming languages maintain backwards compatibility between versions, so, for example, a Fortran IV program usually can be recompiled with a Fortran V compiler without error and with identical functionality. Consequently, programmers do not in general specify versions when speaking about languages. A C programmer doesn't say, "I wrote this program in C89 and later ported it to C99." Instead, it's just an unadorned "C program". (This is not a slight on the Dodd-Mann remark.) Also, Univac's Fortran V compiler was available as early as 1966, so it probably would have been the default Fortran compiler on Univac mainframes throughout the 1970s. Many Fortran users may therefore have been unaware that the specific version they were using was Fortran V. (The documentation that I could find online showed that a generic @FOR invoked the Fortran V compiler and @FTN invoked the ASCII Fortran compiler discussed in the second aside below.) Aside: I anticipate eventually having to eat my pontificating words on programming language versions! In the meantime ... I couldn't find an online copy of Univac's Fortran V manual, but the 1970 UNIVAC 1108 System Description (Section 10, p. 7) had this to say: "FORTRAN V, being an outgrowth of the earlier FORTRAN languages (in particular, UNIVAC 1107 FORTRAN IV and IBM FORTRAN IV as announced in IBM form C-28-6274-1), accepts these languages as compatible although the reverse is not necessarily true." Aside: The transition to Fortran 77 on a Univac mainframe would have been non-trivial. Univac's Fortran 77 compiler, ASCII FORTRAN, largely accepted Fortran V source code with a few, documented, mostly Univac-specific exceptions. The big problem, I think, would have been character sets. Univac's 36-bit mainframes used 6-bit FIELDATA characters stored 6 per 36-bit word. The ASCII FORTRAN compiler used the incompatible 7-bit ASCII character set. (On the Univac 1108 computer I worked on c. 1980, ASCII characters were stored as 9-bit quantities, 4 per word.) Vanilla character strings in the source code would just be converted to ASCII without complaint by the compiler, but programs that depended on specific characteristics of FIELDATA characters would require changes. That includes programs that must read or write FIELDATA-compatible tapes. (I have no experience with ASCII FORTRAN, so these are just my thoughts from perusing the ASCII FORTRAN Reference Manual ; Appendix A addresses the differences between FORTRAN V and ASCII FORTRAN.) Unrelated aside: Circa 1980, I overheard a graduate student remark that the shell pipe, | , was Unix's gift to mankind and @ADD was Univac's gift to mankind. He was right! The Voyager ground-system software I found that was explicitly stated to have been written in Fortran V is the Orbit Determinaton Program (ODP), which was also used on other missions. The mathematics in the following 1983 paper is way beyond me, but it establishes the ODP's host system: To give an idea of the computational burden that is involved, consider a typical radiometric SRIF/SRIS solution with 67 state variables (Table I). This model contains only 4 process noise states (line-of-sight acceleration and 3 camera pointing errors); there are 3500 data points and 132 time propagation steps. The problem run on a UNIVAC 1110, in double precision, used 275 CPU s[econds] for filtering; smoothed solutions and covariance computation used 265 CPU s[econds]. The entire run scenario including trajectory variational equation integration, observable partials generation, solution mapping, and generation of smoothed residuals used 4320 CPU s[econds]. ... We note in closing this factorization algorithm discussion that the SRIF and U-D algorithms that were used in this application have been refined and generalized, and are commercially available in the form of portable Fortran subroutines. James K. Campbell, Stephen P. Synnott, and Gerald J. Bierman; "Voyager Orbit Determination at Jupiter" (PDF), IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control , Vol. AC-28, No. 3, March 1983, pp. 259-261. For those not mathematically inclined, the paper is still worth skimming just for the enumeration of some of the esoteric details of the Voyager spacecraft that they had to account for in the calculations. We learn what language was used in a 2008 presentation by Lincoln J. Wood of JPL: The mainframe computers used include the IBM 7090, IBM 7094, UNIVAC 1108, and UNIVAC 1100/81. During the 1980s the ODP was transported to minicomputers, with the software maintained in both mainframe and minicomputer operating environments to fulfill the desires of various flight projects. The ODP consisted of 300,000 lines of code as of 1979, with FORTRAN V being the primary language. Lincoln J. Wood, The Evolution of Deep Space Navigation: 1962-1989" (PDF), p. 6, 31 st Annual AAS Guidance and Control Conference, 2008, Breckenridge, Colorado. Shortly after writing the above, I came across this entry in NASA's long-gone, COSMIC software catalog: Calculating Trajectories and Orbits Two programs calculate the motions of spacecraft and landers. The Double Precision Trajectory Analysis Program, DPTRAJ, and the Orbit Determination Program, ODP, have been developed and improved over the years to provide the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory with a highly reliable and accurate navigation capability for their deep space missions like the Voyager. DPTRAJ and ODP are each collections of programs that work together to provide the desired computational results. DPTRAJ, ODP, and their supporting utility programs are capable of handling the massive amounts of data and performing the various numerical calculations required for solving the navigation problems associated with planetary fly-by and lander missions. They were used extensively in support of NASA's Voyager project. ... DPTRAJ-ODP is available in two machine versions. The UNIVAC version (NPO-15586) is written in FORTRAN V, SFTRAN, and ASSEMBLER. (A processor is supplied for SFTRAN, a structured FORTRAN.) DPTRAJ and ODP have been implemented on a UNIVAC 1100-series computer. The VAX/VMS version (NPO-17201) is written in FORTRAN V, SFTRAN, PL/1 and ASSEMBLER. It was developed to run on all models of DEC VAX computers under VMS and has a central-memory requirement of 3.4 Mb. The UNIVAC version was last updated in 1980. The VAX/VMS version was developed in 1987. NASA Tech Briefs , September 1989, p. 33. A whopping 3.4 MiB of memory required for a lousy 300,000-line program? Software hogs like that were the reason why we couldn't have nice things back then ... 5. So What Language was Used? Let's ask an actual Voyager flight software engineer what language was and is used to program the onboard computers. Perhaps the Voyager Fault Protection and CCS Flight Software Systems Engineer who's worked on Voyager since 1985: Both the AACS and FDS use assembly language. The CCS uses assembly language and Voyager-unique pseudo code (interpreter). As a result, it is difficult to attract younger programmers to join the project. Sun Kang Matsumoto, "Voyager Interstellar Mission: Challenges of Flying a Very Old Spacecraft on a Very Long Mission" (PDF), 2016 p. 6, 2016 SpaceOps Conference, Daejeon, Korea. In the acknowledgements at the end of the paper, Matsumoto thanks fellow flight software engineer Larry Zottarelli, now retired, and Suzanne Dodd, among others, for reviewing the paper. I assume Zottarelli, Dodd, or one of the others would have spoken up if they took issue with the above paragraph. Along with Tomayko's report, Matsumoto's paper was the key source for this page and answered many of my questions. Many thanks to Vincent Magnin for sharing this link with myself and others! That would be two or three assembly languages: one for the CCS CPU, possibly a variant for AACS's modified CCS CPU, and definitely another for the completely different FDS CPU. The phrase "pseudo code (interpreter)" makes me think of an embedded scripting language, but Matsumoto is probably referring to executing uplinked spacecraft commands and sequences. The CCS also must process internally generated power codes received from the AACS computer: A "power code" is a 6 bit message sent to the CCS computer, which may be only informational or may cause a power command to switch power to an AACS component. Such power switching commands are usually the means by which redundant elements are exchanged. These power codes are an important part of the fault protection logic, allowing the CCS computer to issue commands in response to a fault condition. These commands may be a simple power command (A gyro on) or a command sequence which will turn the spacecraft in a pattern designed to re-oriented the spacecraft towards the sun from an entirely random attitude. Some serious faults result in an OMEN power code, which causes CCS to save the next three power codes (normally lost) for later analysis. Assessment of Autonomous Options for the DSCS III Satellite System , 1981 Prepared for the U.S. Air Force by JPL personnel (Donna L. S. Pivirotto and Michael Marcucci?), "Volume III: Options for Increasing the Autonomy of the DSCS III Satellite" (PDF), p. 179, Aug. 6, 1981. In her paper, Matsumoto discusses a problem with the "power decoder relay matrix": The power decoder relay matrix problem that first manifested in 1998 makes commanding of the spacecraft extremely difficult. Basically, the faulty decoder may cause an issuance of extraneous power commands in addition to the intended command. Sun Kang Matsumoto, "Voyager Interstellar Mission: Challenges of Flying a Very Old Spacecraft on a Very Long Mission" (PDF), 2016 p. 8, 2016 SpaceOps Conference, Daejeon, Korea. I wonder if this is the interface used to convey the power codes from the AACS to the CCS. Later, she describes a patch for this error made to AACSIN , the CCS routine that she notes receives and processes power codes, but the specific description of the patch again uses the term, "power commands". 6. Why Assembly? Since so many commenters in discussion forums had no problem with "Fortran 5", it might be valuable to examine some possible reasons why the flight software was written in assembly language. The CPUs There is not much information available specifically about the Voyager CCS computer , borrowed from the Viking Orbiter. Fortunately, Tomayko does provide details about the Viking CCS: In general, the design of the processor was exceedingly simple, yet fairly powerful, as indicated by the use of direct addressing, a minimal set of registers, and a reasonably rich set of 64 instructions. The key is that the design placed relatively light demands on spacecraft resources while replacing both the programmable sequencer and the command decoder used in the Mariners. The fact that the processor was later adopted by the Voyager project as its Command Computer and modified for use as the attitude control computer is not only a statement of JPL's frugality but also a testament to the versatility of the design. ( p. 157 ) [On the Viking Orbiter, the] Command Computer's central processor contained the registers, data path control and instruction interpreter. The machine was serial in operation, thus reducing complexity, weight, and power requirements. It had 18-bit words and used the least significant 6 bits for operation codes and the most significant 12 for addresses, as numbered from right to left. This permitted 64 instructions and 4K of direct addressing, both of which were fully utilized. Data were stored in signed two's complement form, yielding an integer range from -131,072 to +131,071. Average instruction cycle time came to 88 microseconds. Thirteen registers were in the Command Computer, mostly obvious types such as an 18-bit accumulator, 12-bit program counter, 12-bit link register that pointed to the next address to be read, and a 4-bit condition code register that stored the overflow, minus, odd parity, and nonzero flags. (Box 5-3, p. 159 ) James E. Tomayko, Computers in Spaceflight: The NASA Experience , 1988 Chapter Five, Section 6. Note the 12-bit addresses, giving an addressing range of 0..4095. And note, in the following, that the Viking CCS flight software engineers masked most interrupts in routines, thus simplifying code (which reduced memory usage) and increasing performance: Viking Orbiter software had to be written in an assembler, which fortunately had relocatable addresses, simplifying the maintenance task. The 64 instructions were mostly common to other computers, but there was no multiply or divide. There were two sets of loads, stores, increments, and subroutine calls: one used during independent operation and one aimed at dual operation, so that the two memories could be kept equivalent. Even though many interrupts were available, most routines as coded had all but the internal error and counting interrupts disabled. Many routines were free to run out without being interrupted, in contrast to the highly interrupted Apollo and shuttle software. Programmers avoided the memory and processing time overhead required to preserve the current accumulator and register contents during an interrupt. James E. Tomayko, Computers in Spaceflight: The NASA Experience , 1988 Chapter Five, Section 6, Box 5-4, p. 162. The Voyager AACS computer uses a modified CCS CPU (e.g., with the added index register), so most of the CCS details above apply as well to the AACS: JPL's Guidance and Control Section wanted to use a version of HYPACE as the computer for the Voyager. However, there was considerable pressure to build on the past and use existing equipment. [Edward] Greenberg proposed using the same Viking computer in all systems on the Voyager spacecraft that needed one. A study showed that the attitude control system could use the CCS computer, but the Flight Data System could not due to high I/O requirements ... Guidance and Control grudgingly accepted the CCS computer on the condition it be speeded up. Requirements for active control during the kick stage burn meant that real-time control programs would have to be written to operate within a 20-millisecond cycle, roughly three times faster than the command computer ... Guidance and Control asked for a 1-megahertz clock speed but wound up getting about three quarters of that. The attitude control engineers also added the index registers that proved so useful during the HYPACE experiment. Documentation for the system still refers to the attitude control computer as HYPACE, even though its heart was the command computer. James E. Tomayko, Computers in Spaceflight: The NASA Experience , 1988 Chapter Six, Section 2, pp. 177-178. (In Box 6-1 on the next page in the report, Tomayko uses "HYPACE" to refer to the AACS despite just pointing out that the term is a misnomer.) The FDS CPU was developed especially to meet the high-rate data handling requirements of the Voyager spacecraft. Designed by Jack L. Wooddell, the CPU, in the form of a breadboard prototype, evolved in a collaboration between Wooddell and flight software engineer Richard J. Rice. For some reason, I picture Wooddell seated in front of a really large breadboard with a soldering iron in one hand and a wirewrap tool in the other. Rice is standing beside him with an open laptop in the crook of his left arm, his right hand is typing on the keyboard, and the changing flight software is downloaded via wi-fi to the breadboard computer for testing. Wrong era, I realize, and Rice may well have been left-handed! Voyager's data computer is different from most small general-purpose computers in several ways. Its special registers are kept in memory, permitting a large number (128) of them. Wooddell also wrote more powerful shift and rotate instructions because of data-handling requirements. Despite its I/O rate, the arithmetic rate is quite slow, mostly due to byte-serial operation. This meant 4-bit bytes are operated on in sequence. Since the word size of the machine is 16 bits, it takes six cycles to do an add, including housekeeping cycles. If all the arithmetic, logic and shifting were not done in the general registers, the machine would have been even slower. Reflecting its role, in addition to the usual ADD, SUB, AND, OR, and XOR instructions found on most computers, the data computer has many incrementing, decrementing, and branching instructions among the 36 defined for the flight version of the machine. Overall, the Flight Data System requires 14 watts of power and weighs 16.3 kilograms. Its computer needs just one third of a watt and 10 volts, less than the power required for a temperature sensor! At first the estimated throughput required was 20,000 16-bit words per second. By flight time, the instruction execution rate was 80,000 per second, with data rates of 115,000 bits per second, much higher than previous Flight Data Systems. James E. Tomayko, Computers in Spaceflight: The NASA Experience , 1988 Chapter Six, Section 2, Box 6-2, p. 184. Note that Tomayko uses the term byte-serial for non-8-bit "bytes", in this case, when describing how the FDS CPU's arithmetic logic unit processes 16-bit operands 4 bits at a time. The last two sentences about throughput, while not wrong, seem to ask the reader to compare apples and oranges. The breadboard prototype began with the same 4K-by-18 plated wire memory as the CCS computer. I don't know if this means the CPU was originally designed as a 18-bit processor, but, in any case, it ended up as a 16-bit processor with 8K-by-16 CMOS memory. From Tomayko's description on p. 183 of Chapter 6, Section 2, my impression is that the CPU used the same 12-bit addresses as the CCS, but two, independent-of-each-other address lines were added that effectively provided a 13-bit (8K) address range for instruction fetches and a 13-bit (8K) address range for data accesses. I don't know if these extra address bits were incorporated into the CPU's instruction set or if they had to be explicitly set/reset in a separate operation by the programmer. If my understanding of Tomayko's description on p. 183 is correct, an FDS CPU can run code anywhere in its lower and upper 4K words of RAM and, likewise, can read and write data anywhere in those lower and upper 4K of RAM. (Accessing a sequence of code or data that crosses the 4K boundary may or may not be seamless depending on the computer architecture.) About a month after I wrote the previous paragraph, a commenter in an online discussion (probably about the Voyager team's workaround for the November 2023, Voyager 1 FDS memory problem) said that code is stored read-only in the lower 4K of RAM and the data is stored in the upper 4K of RAM. I thought either the commenter had a different interpretation of p. 183 or that JPL simply followed a convention of maintaining a strict separation of code and data. (Tomayko doesn't mention read-only.) However, rereading Tomayko another month later revealed an interesting twist I had overlooked. Tomayko has three relevant descriptions of FDS memory in Chapter Six, Section 2: ... JPL's project staff believed that equipment would last longer if unpowered. Although both CCSs are always powered, rarely are both Flight Data Systems running, and both attitude control computers are never turned on at the same time. Full bit-for-bit redundancy is not maintained in the dual memories. For example, "expended" algorithms, such as the deployment sequence executed shortly after separation from the booster, need not be maintained. Both memories are accessed by the single active processor in each system. The Flight Data System keeps a copy of its instructions in both memories, but intermediate data and variables can be stored in either memory. ( p. 174 ) ... Along with the new chips, the memory changed with an expansion to 8K. Two "external" address bits were added to flag whether the top or bottom half of the memory is being accessed. One bit is used to select the memory half used for data access; the other, for the half used for instruction access. ( p. 183 ) ... Also, since the machine can directly address the lower 4K of memory, programs were to be kept there, with the upper portion for transient data. Later the flight configuration of the computer evolved to one processor accessing both memories. Therefore, a copy of the programs is kept in the lower portion of each memory, but both upper portions are usable by the single processor as a scratch pad. If dual mode is required, the memories are separated. ( p. 185 ) James E. Tomayko, Computers in Spaceflight: The NASA Experience , 1988 Chapter Six, Section 2. According to the descriptions on p. 174 and p. 185, an FDS CPU runs code from its own lower 4K of RAM and can read and write data both in its own upper 4K of RAM and in the other CPU's upper 4K of RAM. So 4K of code and 8K of data. Note that this is not an increase in physical memory each CPU still only has 8K of RAM and the first CPU is just borrowing 4K from the second CPU. If Tomayko's description on p. 183 of the two additional address bits is accurate and these bits only select the lower and upper banks of a CPU's own 8K of RAM, it is not clear how an FDS CPU addresses the upper 4K of the other CPU's RAM. Or, more generally, how any of the spacecraft's CPUs CCS, AACS, or FDS access their alternate CPU's RAM, as the description on p. 174 seems to suggest they are all capable of doing. On a related note, how are software (and associated data) updates received from the ground routed to and stored in their target CPU's memory? For example, if the active CCS computer is the one that receives and interprets an upload as a software update for FDS CPU 2, how does the CCS computer directly or indirectly store the code in FDS CPU 2's RAM? Dual mode, p. 185, is when both FDS computers are powered up and running independently of each other. Tomayko states that the two CPUs' memories are separate in this mode of operation. That may have been JPL's nominal intention, but the practical needs of the mission would supersede this convention when necessary. During Voyager 2 's flybys of Uranus and Neptune, the secondary FDS CPU compressed the image data and I think it would have been most efficient for the primary CPU to directly access the compressed data in the other CPU's RAM for packaging and downlink to the ground. (Tomayko's report was published in 1988 in between the 1986 Uranus and 1989 Neptune encounters and he may have written the Voyager section much earlier.) The FDS is not the fastest CPU on or off the planet: FDS processing speed (1008 machine cycles per 2.5 ms) (p. 4) ... While faster image readout rates are both desired and recoverable at the downlink signal levels available in the extended mission, FDS processing speed constrains the compressed image readout rate to no faster that 1 image per 4 min, the same as was used at Saturn. At this rate the FAST compressor in FDS software is compressing 2666 2/3 pixels per second. (p. 8) Michael G. Urban, "Voyager Image Data Compression and Block Encoding", 1987 International Telemetering Conference, October 26-29, 1987, San Diego, California. (Thanks to LouScheffer for pointing me to this paper.) The clock rate works out to 403.2 kHz; if instructions average 5 cycles (e.g., add is 6), that is consistent with Tomayko's figure of 80,000 instructions per second. Don't be dismayed by the CCS and AACS CPUs' lack of multiply and divide instructions and the FDS CPU's slow arithmetic operations. Spacecraft computers don't crunch numbers. (Out of necessity, in my ground-software experience up to the mid-2000s. More modern flight computers with more powerful processors and abundant RAM may have changed this dynamic.) Sensors and detectors return unit-less raw counts. If these readings are needed in real-time for autonomous spacecraft operations, it is faster and more memory-efficient for command sequences or flight software to work with these counts directly. Otherwise, the ground system can apply its sizeable CPU, RAM, and disk resources to perform what are called engineering unit conversions; e.g., the conversion of a hypothetical temperature sensor's raw 0-255 count to degrees Celsius. The FDS computer is focused on assembling and formatting science and engineering data for transmission back to Earth, so fast bit and byte manipulation is more important than fast arithmetic operations. Memory Constraints Wise words: The Voyager flight software design was very heavily impacted by the limited memory space. Extensive effort and ingenuity was required to perform the necessary functions in the available space. The flight software was written in assembly code. Assessment of Autonomous Options for the DSCS III Satellite System , 1981 Prepared for the U.S. Air Force by JPL personnel (Donna L. S. Pivirotto and Michael Marcucci?), "Volume III: Options for Increasing the Autonomy of the DSCS III Satellite" (PDF), p. 179, Aug. 6, 1981. Words that annoy me: The computers aboard the Voyager probes each have 69.63 kilobytes of memory, total. Adam Mann, "Interstellar 8-Track: How Voyager's Vintage Tech Keeps Running", Wired , September 2013. An otherwise good article, but ... First, I'm old-school, so the use of "kilobytes" in the modern 1,000 sense annoys me. Second, the pointless (and truncated) precision of 69.63 is annoying. Third, the sentence is wrong because of the confusing wording. The computers don't each have that much memory. The sum total of memory for all 3 computers and their 3 backups is 69,632 bytes: CCS - 4,096 18-bit words = 73,728 bits = 9,216 bytes AACS - 4,096 18-bit words = 73,728 bits = 9,216 bytes FDS - 8,192 16-bit words = 131,072 bits = 16,384 bytes ------ 34,816 bytes x 2 for the backup computers ------ Total for all 6 computers: 69,632 bytes When examining the memory limitations from a programming standpoint, expressing the memory size in bytes can be misleading. The CCS computer, for example, has 9,216 bytes of RAM. Readers may mistakenly infer from that figure that there are 9,216 addressable code/data units when, in fact, there are only 4,096 addressable code/data units, a significantly lower number that more accurately reflects the limits in which the programmers had to work. For example, if you want a variable that counts from 1 to 10, you can't use a memory-efficient single byte and must instead use 2 bytes (18 bits). Yes, you can pack multiple data items into an 18-bit word and I'm sure the Voyager assembly language programmers did just this, but doing so incurs added memory/performance costs for packing and unpacking the individual data items. And, yes, clever coding can reduce those costs and or even avoid the need for packing/unpacking altogether. Which makes a strong case for using assembly language rather than a higher-level language like Fortran 5! A given computer's memory holds the flight software code (CPU instructions), the software's dynamic variables, and uplinked data (tables, command sequences, and such). Regarding the AACS, Dr. Tomayko wrote (emphasis added by me): The programmers must have done an outstanding job, considering the slow processor and limited memory. At launch, only two words of free space remained in the 4K of plated wire. Tight memory is now a problem because the scan platform actuators on Voyager 2 are nearly worn out, and software has to compensate for this during Uranus and Neptune encounter periods. James E. Tomayko, Computers in Spaceflight: The NASA Experience , 1988 Chapter Six, Section 2, p. 178. (Interestingly, Tomayko's 1988 report was published after the Uranus encounter and before the Neptune encounter! He was writing not a history of the distant past, but an account of a still very much active and prominent project.) A big chunk of Voyager 2 's CCS memory is consumed by the Backup Memory Load (BML), identified by name in Matsumoto's paper and described by Tomayko as follows: As pioneered on Mariner X, a disaster backup sequence was stored in the Voyager 2 CCS memory for the Uranus encounter, and later for the Neptune encounter. Required because of the loss of redundancy after the primary radio receiver developed an internal short, the backup sequence will execute minimum experiment sequences and transmit data to earth; it occupies 20% of the 4K memory. James E. Tomayko, Computers in Spaceflight: The NASA Experience , 1988 Chapter Six, Section 2, p. 176. In other words, if Voyager 2 loses the ability to receive commands from the ground, the BML ensures that, on its own, the spacecraft will continue to perform science operations and to downlink science and engineering data. The original BML (or an early BML) covered a long period of operations: Since the failure of one of the receivers on Voyager 2, the spacecraft has had a "back-up" mission sequence stored in its CCS occupying roughly one-half of the available sequence memory. Affording protection of limited mission return in the event of a second receiver failure, and thus loss of commandability, the back-up mission sequence of Voyager 2 will control the spacecraft for about 4-1/2 years (until early in 1986) and includes in it a sequence for a Uranus flyby encounter. Christopher P. Jones and Thomas H. Risa, "The Voyager Spacecraft System Design" (abstract), 1981 pp. 7-8, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), 16 th Annual Meeting and Technical Display on Frontiers of Achievement, May 12-14, 1981, Long Beach, California. Fault protection is very important in a remote unmanned spacecraft and is, incidentally, one of Sun Kang Matsumoto's areas of expertise. In the 1981 Assessment of Autonomous Options for the DSCS III Satellite System , Volume III, we learn that 8 CCS fault routines take up 26.5% of the CCS memory (Table B-3, p. 176) and 9-plus AACS fault routines take up 19.4% of the AACS memory (Table B-4, p. 180). This suggests that nearly half of Voyager 2 's CCS memory was devoted to the fault routines (26.5%) and the BML (20%), leaving only a little more than half of the memory, about 2,200 words , for other CCS functions such as command sequence storage and processing: Fault S/W BML Everything Else! This seems hard to believe and the sizes could well have changed up or down over the decades since this 1981 study and Tomayko's 1988 report. A couple of weeks after I wrote the above, I came across a 1987 paper by the Voyager Flight Operations Manager, published between the Uranus and Neptune encounters. This paper seems to indicate that, on Voyager 2 , there was even less memory available for sequence storage and processing, about 1,250 words: Out of the total CCS memory, the fault recovery routines, other fixed routines, and flight reserve leave only about 2,500 words available for sequencing of preplanned activities. These activities involve spacecraft maneuvers, scan platform movements, data mode changes, data recording or playback, scientific observations, etc. ... Since the failure of one of the Voyager 2 command receivers in 1978, that spacecraft has had a back-up sequence stored in its CCS that occupies approximately one-half of the available sequencing space. In the event of a failure of the remaining receiver, this back-up sequence will execute until late in 1989, allowing for limited mission return including data-taking during the Neptune encounter. Terrence P. Adamski, "Command and Control of the Voyager Spacecraft" (abstract), 1987 p. 3, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), 25th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting, March 24-26, 1987, Reno, Nevada. (And a couple of more weeks later, I found the exact number: 1,239 words per CCS computer! See Morris's 1986 paper, p. 173.) The "fixed routines" would probably have included the core software such as the executive discussed below, interrupt handlers, communications with the AACS and FDS computers, ground communications, etc. At the beginning of the Voyager Interstellar Mission in 1990, a BML was installed on Voyager 1 too (see Matsumoto's paper, p. 3). It and probably an updated Voyager 2 BML would have been tailored to the post-planetary-encounter, interstellar mission. (I suspect that Voyager 2 's original BML, intended for the Uranus and Neptune encounters, could have been reduced in scope and size afterwards.) Performance Constraints I couldn't find much detailed information about the actual flight software. Both Tomayko and the Autonomous study describe the cyclic executive used on the AACS computer to schedule routines (functions) in regularly-spaced time slots: A flow chart of the AACS flight software is shown in Figure 4-14 in the main body of this report. Normal program execution occurs in three different rate groups having periods of 10 ms, 60 ms, and 240 ms. The fourth rate group shown (20 ms) was used only for the Propulsion Module operation. Functions requiring high rates such as thruster activation and scan platform stepper motor operations are performed by the 10 ms logic. The bulk of the attitude control functions, such as attitude sensor 'reads' and control law algorithms, are accomplished by the 60 ms logic. The 240 ms logic performs a variety of tasks that do not require the higher execution rates, such as decoding CCS commands from the input buffer, fault monitor and correction, and "power code" processing. Assessment of Autonomous Options for the DSCS III Satellite System , 1981 Prepared for the U.S. Air Force by JPL personnel (Donna L. S. Pivirotto and Michael Marcucci?), "Volume III: Options for Increasing the Autonomy of the DSCS III Satellite" (PDF), p. 179, Aug. 6, 1981. In a more visual form, here are the 10-ms time slots and the 60- and 240-ms intervals: .-- 10 ms v | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <- 60 ms -> | | | | | <- 240 ms -> | Difficult-to-update, hand-drawn flowcharts are a thankfully retired relic of the 1970s software industry and I provide here a pseudocode version of the scheduling algorithm on the AACS. It is not apparent from the Autonomous study's flowchart, but I do make an assumption that the 60-ms routines, for example, are not all run in a single 10-ms time slot every 60 ms. Instead, the per-slot load is lessened by distributing them over the six 10-ms time slots in the interval. So, given 60-ms routines ABC and DEF , then ABC might be run in the 10-ms slots 2, 8, 14, 20, 26, ... and DEF might be run in slots 5, 11, 17, 23, 29, etc. Offset60 = 0 Offset240 = 0 EVERY 10 ms DO { Run all of the 10-ms routines. Run any 60-ms routines scheduled for time slot Offset60. Increment Offset60. If 6 then reset Offset60 to 0. Run any 240-ms routines scheduled for time slot Offset240. Increment Offset240. If 24 then reset Offset240 to 0. } Within a time slot, all the scheduled routines must be sure to finish before the start of the next time slot. The programmers must quantify beforehand the worst-case execution times for each of the routines and ensure that the sum does not exceed 10 ms. The programmers probably are counting instruction cycles for the assembly statements in each routine. (I use the present tense because this would have been done for the routines prior to the 1977 launch and still needs to be done for routines updated/uploaded nearly 50 years later.) If the time exceeds 10 ms and offloading some 60-ms and 240-ms routines to other time slots is not a possibility, the programmers must speed up the routines. This is most easily done working directly with the assembly language. It would be awkward to do this in a higher-level language because the quanitification still has to be done at the assembly language level. Both Tomayko and Autonomous also mention the FDS computer's P periods, with Tomayko providing a little more detail. With 2.5-ms time slots, the execution constraints were even more stringent than those on the AACS. There is no indication of whether or not the FDS had multiple levels of intervals like the AACS. And apparently the CCS software was also built on a cyclic executive? Like the command computer, the data computer has a simple executive. Time is divided into twenty-four 2.5-millisecond intervals, called "P periods." Each 24 P periods represent one imaging system scan line. Eight hundred of those lines is a frame. At the beginning of each P period, the software automatically returns to memory location 0000, where it executes a routine that determines what functions to perform during that P period. Care is taken that the software completes all pending processes in the 2.5-millisecond period, a job made easier by the standardization of execution times once the direct memory access cycle was added. James E. Tomayko, Computers in Spaceflight: The NASA Experience , 1988 Chapter Six, Section 2, Box 6-3, p. 185. Unrelated to performance concerns, the use of an executive proves the truth in Richard Rice's wry quip: Rice characterized the unique nature of the data computer software this way: "We didn't worry about top-down or structured; we just defined functions." James E. Tomayko, Computers in Spaceflight: The NASA Experience , 1988 Chapter Six, Section 2, pp. 183-184. The executive provided the top-level structure, so the programmers really were just writing functions to be called when their time slot came up! Simulators & Other Random Thoughts I'm sure you'd just love the reputation of being the guy who lost 2 deep space probes that had gone the furthest of any manmade object and had been doing just fine for decades. Through your bright idea for how Things Could Be Done Better. Mike Pellatt, comment on The Register forum, October 31, 2015, for "Think Fortran, assembly language programming is boring and useless? Tell that to the NASA Voyager team" (based on John Wenz's Popular Mechanics article). In the comments on an Ars Technica article, Humanity's Most Distant Space Probe Jeopardized by Computer Glitch" (February 6, 2024), there was an interesting subthread about the lack of simulators for the flight computers. (Actually just for the AACS and FDS computers? Matsumoto mentioned the COMSIM/HSSIM simulator for command "sequences and CCS FSW changes".) I wanted to address some of the issues raised in this section, but then I decided to get into some of the more general issues; hence the "& Other Random Thoughts" in the title. In every online discussion of anything touching on the Voyager computers, there are always a number of questions such as "Why didn't they do this?" and "Why don't they do that?" The answer to the first question is more than likely, "Well, you had to have been there." The second question is ably answered by Mike Pellatt above. Shoestring Space Exploration The Voyager spacecraft had more than fulfilled their nominal missions after Voyager 2 flew by Neptune, so they've been living on borrowed time ever since. However, NASA had long been keeping a close eye on budget concerns after being raked over the coals by Congress in 1974 for Viking cost overruns. (See Viking project hearings in the bibliography.) Suzanne Dodd spoke of a bathtub effect in personnel levels between the Saturn and Uranus flybys: DODD: Now, Voyager went through Jupiter and Saturn, and then it had a bathtub, because it had five years to get out to Uranus. So a lot of people left. Because Jupiter and Saturn were like 18 maybe two years apart, 18 months to two years apart in encounters. Then there was this lull, so they had to cut a lot of people left, and/or they just needed to trim staffing. A bathtub in staffing, because there was such a long duration. David Zierler, "Suzy Dodd (BS '84), Engineer and Deep Space Pioneer", 2023 Caltech Heritage Project, June 9, 2023. (McLaughlin and Wolff also refer to the bathtub effect and describe how JPL tried to reduce the effect between Uranus and Neptune by spreading the expected work out more evenly in the interval.) The "bathtub" after Neptune would be endless and the Voyager team was very small in the succeeding decades. For those of us interested in the software side of things, keep in mind that programming would only have been one of the areas of engineering expertise needed on the team. And the 10-12 full-time employee equivalency means that some, if not many, of the team were and are working only part-time on Voyager. As knowledgeable people retired, the remaining members by necessity assumed multiple roles. The Voyager program was almost cut off completely in the 2000s: NASA officials said the possibility of cutting Voyager and several other long-running missions in the Earth-Sun Exploration Division arose in February, when the Bush administration proposed slashing the division's 2006 budget by nearly one-third from $75 million to $53 million. Guy Gugliotta, "Historic Voyager Mission May Lose Its Funding", The Washington Post , April 4, 2005. (Voyager's share of the $75 million was $4.2 million.) Thankfully, this didn't happen, but program leaders like Dodd (who returned to Voyager in 2010) have probably had to fight for funding every year. Between the lack of personnel, the part-time nature of the work, and the sword-of-Damocles-like budget cut-off hanging over the project, the time and money resources available for writing new simulators, rewriting the flight software in C++ or Python, etc. were scarce. And both would run up against an insurmountable obstacle: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" We've got a very tenuous connection with two spacecraft, one 15 billion miles away and the other 12 billion, and you want to do what?! Paging Mike Pellatt ... Okay, resources are scarce and have been so for decades ... In November 2023, Voyager 1 experienced an FDS memory anomaly. Incredibly, the JPL ground team diagnosed the long-distance problem and, in April 2024, began uploading software changes to successfully work around and recover from the memory problem. In July 2024, the team held an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on Reddit. There were some great questions from readers and some great replies from the JPL team about both the engineering side (e.g., the memory anomaly) and the science side of the Voyager project. A couple of replies left me flabbergasted however: Unfortunately, we no longer have any test or simulation platforms for Voyager. Also, we no longer have any of the conventional software development tools one might expect, such as assemblers/compilers. Therefore, we had to manually translate all of the code changes into binary (object code). We created a very exhaustive checklist that we then used in order to manually examine all of our proposed code changes, to convince ourselves that the changes were sound. We then iterated over that checklist multiple times before uplinking the changes to the spacecraft. -[Dave Cummings] (Question and reply) ... We do not have a flatsat (a hardware-in-the-loop testbed). The spacecraft have three computers, and we have a working simulator of one of the three. We are developing simulators of the other two. When we uplinked the code fix a few months ago, we did not have a simulator of the computer with the failure, so we had to do our best to analyze the code fix by reviewing it. One of the reasons we are developing simulators is so that we can actually simulate such a code fix next time. -[Kareem Badaruddin] (Question and reply) Reddit AskScience AMA Series: We're the team that fixed NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft and keeps both Voyagers flying. Ask us anything!, July 16, 2024. Cummings and Badaruddin are simply describing the computing environment in which the memory anomaly effort took place. You have to work with what is available; you don't get to put off recovering from the anomaly until new tools are developed. The lack of simulators for the AACS and FDS computers was not surprising; see my discussion of sequences and simulators below. (Cummings and Armen Arslanian played a significant role in the resolution of the anomaly; see Waggoner.) I was taken aback by several things. First: There is no FDS assembler and they manually translated assembly code into machine code? Was there ever an FDS assembler? If not, over the past 50 years did no one (a) ever think to write an assembler or (b) think it worth the effort? If there used to be an FDS assembler, that was probably early on, the assembler probably ran on a Univac mainframe, and it probably didn't survive the move off the mainframes (Linick and Weld, 1992). In this case, over the past 30 years did no one (a) ever think to port the old assembler or write a new assembler or (b) think it worth the effort? Writing an assembler is not rocket science. Even a simple assembler would at least avoid the manual translation step. In the late 1970s, I wrote such an assembler in hand-assembled assembly language for my 6800 microcomputer with 13KB of memory. No labeled memory locations, just numeric addresses. I would type a program in on my ham-radio brother's surplus Baudot teletype and the assembler would generate a machine code/assembly listing; I'd then manually calculate and annotate the listing with the relative branch offsets. If no one at JPL could afford the time to write an assembler, couldn't JPL have reached out to Caltech and asked a professor to offer an independent study project for credit to an undergraduate to write an assembler for a computer onboard one of the most amazing technological achievements of all time? (I'm not familiar with Caltech other than by reputation, so maybe this is not something the university would do.) I understand not being willing to roll out an untested, new software tool in operations, especially prior to and during the planetary encounters. However, it's been 35 years since Voyager 2 flew by Neptune. A new FDS assembler would have had years to prove itself in side-by-side runs with manual translation. And I understand, as I argued a few paragraphs above, that inertia is sometimes a good thing and you don't just willy-nilly rewrite software or procedures that already work. But one would think someone in management over the past 30 years thought to themselves, "Hey, these spacecraft are lasting a lot longer than we expected. Maybe we should consider upgrading the flight software development and maintenance environment so we are better prepared to handle the inevitable future problems of aging hardware ..." Does the flight software team have disassemblers for generating readable listings from raw memory readouts of the onboard computers' RAM? These are also not rocket science. In 1985, to enhance listing memory and single-stepping through code, I added a simple disassembler to an 8086 monitor program borrowed from another project. For Voyager's more sophisticated purposes, you would want additional inputs of (i) a memory map indicating instruction/data/failed memory locations and regions and (ii) a mapping of memory locations to labels. Second: JPL is currently developing simulators for the FDS and AACS computers? As I write this in September 2024, both spacecraft have been in space for 47 years. It is not known exactly how long both spacecraft will still be operational as far as Earth is concerned. NASA's Voyager Frequently Asked Questions estimates the last science instruments will be turned off in 2025 and that the spacecraft may continue sending non-science engineering data until 2036 while enough power remains for the transmitters. The FAQ also says that Voyager 2 has not yet entered interstellar space, which it did in 2018, so these estimates are a few years out of date. An April 2024 news release from NASA reports on how additional power was made available on Voyager 2 by disabling a voltage regulator, which will push the shutdown of the science instruments further out. (The same change was made on Voyager 1 according to Waggoner.) Regardless, the Voyager spacecraft are probably in their last few years or decade of contact with Earth. Why wait until now to build simulators? This is doubly odd since JPL has had a simulator software framework, HSSIM (discussed below), for almost 30 years, already used for the CCS computer. I have only found one paper about HSSIM, Patel, Reinholtz, and Robison, 1996 (plus two 1997/1998 papers by Saghi, Reinholtz, and Savory about HSSIM's scheduler). The paper promised delivery of the CCS simulator to the Voyager project by the end of 1996; Matsumoto (2016, p. 4) indicates that HSSIM is in use by Voyager. I have not found any later papers about experience, good or bad, with HSSIM. HSSIM was implemented in C++ and Tcl; 30 years later, both of these languages are still in active use around the world, so expertise in these languages would not have been difficult for JPL to find, now or in the past. About a month after the Reddit AMA session, Bruce Waggoner, Mission Assurance Manager for Voyager and other JPL projects, gave a talk about the FDS memory anomaly and he spoke of some of the challenges faced by the team. (The following text is based on the video captions; any awkwardness in the text is not apparent in Waggoner's speaking, which flows very naturally.) (14:05-16:00) So our top priority was to figure out what the FDS was and how it worked. Because unfortunately the person who was the real expert had retired decades ago and the person who was their fill-in, their backup, had retired two years ago. ... These are some examples of some of the documentation we dug up on the FDS ... So they're all handwritten. The one up on the upper left [of the presentation slide] has got some handwriting. These are very dim circuit diagrams and these are handwritten timelines for how to change FDS processors. So this was ... We were lucky to find these. Some things we couldn't find. A lot of it was like this. That had been scanned. And [frequently] these sources were contradictory, ambiguous. Why? Because we changed the way the spacecraft worked with every planetary encounter and entering the VIM and when things broke. So there was a lot of opportunity for ambiguity to arise in the documents over the course of 50 years. This is my favorite example. So this is a page out of an important FDS document. The change bar on the far side indicates it's a change, but somebody went in and made the very cryptic circle of the sentence and crossed it out. I have no idea to this day what it means. I have no idea. Maybe it was important. Maybe they crossed it out, because they thought crossing out was important. I'm not sure. So there were other cases like this. So we were even so confused in some cases, we weren't sure if we were sending data to the FDS should it be least significant bit first or most significant bit first? We had that level of uncertainty. So the only thing we could do is dig in and research more and debate. So we had a lot of debates between our flight team and tiger team, trying to figure out what the best thing is to do. But ultimately, we had to suck it up and guess at some point. And we made the right guesses, which is good. ... (26:40-27:10) We didn't know we had the right instruction set. I showed you the instruction set there [in an earlier slide]. We didn't know that was the one used to build the software, back when there was an assembler. We didn't know the source code version was the same as what was running on board the spacecraft. We had a listing of the code, but it was a Microsoft Word document, optical character recognition scans. We didn't know if there were errors in it. We have no assembler. So they're just playing with bits. Bruce Waggoner, "Saving Voyager 1! - Bruce Waggoner at !!Con 2024" (YouTube), 2024 !!Con 2024, August 25, 2024. "Instruction set" usually refers to the set of instructions a CPU is capable of executing and that hasn't changed over the years, so I believe Waggoner might be referring to the assembly language mnemonics/syntax or to the source code generally. The lack of up-to-date source code is a big red flag. According to Matsumoto (2016, p. 7), Voyager 2 has an "annual full [memory readout]" of all 3/6 computers and I assume the same is done for Voyager 1 . JPL should have had a source code listing current as of the last FDS memory readout. If a disassembler wasn't available before the anomaly effort, one should have been written as part of the effort, with the memory block flags and location-label map I mentioned earlier built iteratively as the engineers explored the code. I realize the code is a rat's nest of peeked and poked patches over decades, but, if the CPU can execute it, a disassembler can certainly make sense of the code. Please tell me the anomaly team weren't hand disassembling the new memory readout with an old Microsoft Word document up on the screen. I'm of two minds about the poor documentation. On the one hand, I get the impression of a skunkworks environment at JPL highly innovative but not so good on the follow-up production and management of documentation, etc. In this context, I can understand, for example, NASA's decision on the Mars Viking project to bring in a large aerospace contractor (Martin-Marietta) to build the Viking Lander. (The skunkwords impression is just an impression; JPL is obviously a very large organization in its own right.) On the other hand, it has been 50 years and it is easy to imagine documentation bit by bit dropping between the cracks or disappearing into obscurity in a large government warehouse a la the end of Indiana Jones's Raiders of the Lost Ark . Stepping down off my soapbox ... From reading about the software challenges and accomplishments on Voyager and on other JPL projects, it's obvious that JPL has (and had) many highly talented and motivated software developers. So I'm honestly puzzled by this glaring lack of tools. At this late stage, I can understand preferring to work on shinier objects, but in decades past Voyager was the shining object. (Okay, not that shiny after the planetary encounters, but I imagine there was a significant amount of flight software programming during the transition to the Voyager Interstellar Mission, enough to warrant, for example, an FDS assembler.) Finally, a few words about spacecraft operations. The constraints on flight operations range from the mundane to out-of-this-world. Examples of the mundane are staffing levels. Adamski (p. 4) notes that during the long, hopefully uneventful, cruise intervals between planets, operations were limited to daytime hours since the control center was not manned around the clock; this was a contraint taken into consideration in the design of a sequence. Skipping in-this-world concerns such as earthquakes (see Kohlhase, p. 120) and going straight to out-of-this-world constraints, everyone seems to know that the Voyager spacecraft are very far away and that it takes about 40 hours to send a command and receive a response back. (This is called the Round Trip Light Time, or RTLT.) However, I sometimes wonder if people also understand that the Voyager team is not in constant contact with the two spacecraft. You can't just make a change to the flight software, recompile it, and uplink it to the spacecraft. I use 40 hours as a nice round number for RTLT. More specific values in 2024 are about 45 hours for Voyager 1 and about 38 hours for Voyager 2 . If you need even more accuracy, the real-time Voyager Mission Status page has the hours, minutes, and seconds of the one-way light times. As I noted in the "Introduction", the distance of each spacecraft goes up and down depending on whether the Earth in its orbit is falling behind or catching up with the spacecraft. As the distance changes, so does the transmission time. Communications with the Voyager spacecraft are handled by NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN), which consists of three tracking stations spaced about 120 of longitude apart in Goldstone (California), Madrid (Spain), and Canberra (Australia). Each station has a 70-meter dish antenna, multiple 34-meter antennas, and others. According to Matsumoto's predictions (p. 6), by now (2024), a 70-m antenna is required to send commands to either Voyager spacecraft and a 70-m antenna or two 34-m antennas are required to receive engineering and science data. Aside: A 70-meter dish antenna is 230 feet in diameter, of the length of an American football field, as you can see in this fanciful picture of the Goldstone 70-m antenna placed in Pasadena's Rose Bowl stadium! (Pasadena is also home to JPL. Source: The Voyager Neptune Travel Guide , p. 28.) The Voyagers are not the only spacecraft using the DSN, so the Voyager team must request and compete for transmitting and receiving time on the DSN. (At DSN Now, you can see in real-time which antennas are talking to which spacecraft.) When scheduling time, the team must take into account the 40-hour round trip light time. Depending on a variety of factors, it is possible that they might have to settle for time slots more than 40 hours apart, in which case the team must ensure they can still verify the results of an operation. Matsumoto gives an example: Command Loss (CMDLOS) timer, the timer that triggers CMDLOS FPA entry when it reaches to the pre-set value, is set for six weeks. It is still desirable to send the command to reset the timer every week but it is a best effort approach based on the DSN resources, usually without downlink coverage for command receipt verification. (The receipt of a command is verified indirectly by the CCS hourly status data when the telemetry is available.) Sun Kang Matsumoto, "Voyager Interstellar Mission: Challenges of Flying a Very Old Spacecraft on a Very Long Mission" (PDF), 2016 p. 5, 2016 SpaceOps Conference, Daejeon, Korea. After passing Saturn, Voyager 1 angled north of the ecliptic (planetary) plane as it headed out into space. After passing Neptune, Voyager 2 angled south. Consequently, communications with Voyager 2 are only possible via the Canberra DSN station in Australia. This became a problem in 2020 when Canberra's 70-m dish was taken offline for 11 months for upgrades. Voyager 2 continued transmitting data to the smaller dish antennas, but commands could not be sent to the spacecraft. Contact was successfully reestablished in early 2021 when the 70-m dish came back online. (The prior preparation and the actual downtime are featured in the 2022 film, It's Quieter in the Twilight , about the Voyager team.) The DSN stations send commands to the Voyagers at a radio frequence of about 2.1 gigahertz. Because of the Earth's rotation (as well as the revolution of the Earth around the Sun and other factors), a dish antenna as a whole moves around in space. As a result, the relative motions of the antenna and the spacecraft (which is also moving) cause a continuously varying Doppler shift in the radio signal's frequency as seen by the spacecraft. (Kobele, p. 13, says that the Doppler shift can be up to 3 kilohertz during a DSN pass.) The Voyager's receivers were designed with this in mind and use a phase-lock loop (PLL) circuit to detect, lock onto, and maintain the lock on a varying frequency signal within a 100-kilohertz range. In 1978, less than a year after launch, ground control forgot to reset Voyager 2 's Command Loss timer and the aforementioned CMDLOS function was tested for real when the timer expired. The CCS computer thought the primary receiver was no longer working, so it switched to the backup receiver. Unfortunately, the backup receiver's PLL circuit had failed partially prior to this switchover and the receiver could not lock onto the command signal. After 12 hours, the CMDLOS function switched back to the primary receiver and contact was reestablished. "Phew!", as Wordle likes to say. A half-hour later, the primary receiver failed completely. Back again, a week later, to the backup receiver that couldn't receive. (The CMDLOS timeout value was 1 week for the primary receiver and 12 hours for the backup receiver.) (Note that human error triggered these two problems, it didn't cause them. The partial failure of the backup receiver's PLL circuit had already happened and the complete failure of the primary receiver was just waiting to happen. The project was actually fortunate that this occurred early on and not later, for example, in the middle of flying by Jupiter.) I don't know how they did it, but somehow the engineers figured out that the backup's PLL circuit was limited to a single, nominal frequency with a tolerance of only 100 Hz that's 100 cycles-per-second in a 2.1 billion cycles-per-second radio frequency. Wow! Since Voyager 2 's receiver could no longer compensate for the Doppler shift (up to 3 kHz during a pass), the DSN transmitter had to compensate by sending a varying frequency signal that canceled out the pre-calculated, expected Doppler shifts, thus delivering a constant-frequency signal to the spacecraft. Note: The 100 kHz and 100 Hz figures are from Ludwig and Taylor, pp. 39-40; other sources have slightly different values. Would that things were so simple! The frequency at which the backup receiver is listening for commands is called the best-lock frequency (BLF). The BLF is extremely sensitive to the temperature of the receiver and small changes in temperature cause shifts in BLF exceeding the 100-Hz range. Many activities on the spacecraft cause these temperature changes. To cope with this added difficulty, the ground system must (1) limit uplinks to no-activity periods when the receiver's temperature is stable and (2) regularly recalibrate the BLF. The former is accomplished by following a period of activity with an uplink-free, 24- to 72-hour command moratorium that gives the temperature time to stabilize. The latter is done with a scatter-shot approach, sending something (probably a test command of some kind) at multiple frequencies and seeing which one actually gets through. (McLaughlin and Wolff, p. 5, describe using the scatter-shot approach to uplink emergency or time-sensitive commands during active periods: send the same command at multiple frequencies in hopes that one will get through. This technique may have been used in planetary fly-bys to upload onboard sequence updates.) Amazingly, all this was made to work and Voyager 2 successfully flew by Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune and returned valuable images and science data under these operational constraints. And continues to do so. (The 2020 MAG-roll-gone-awry in It's Quieter in the Twilight was probably followed by a command moratorium.) Addendum: Various sources attribute the crippling of the backup receiver to the failure of a tracking-loop capacitor in the PLL. Kobele, 1989, p. 14, was more specific: "a resistive short in the tracking loop capacitor due to particle migration through the dielectric material". This necessitated a periodic maintenance operation to prevent complete failure: "It has been demonstrated that particles which have not yet completed their migration can be destroyed when the capacitor charge is maximized by periodically pulling the uplink signal to the extremes of the loop bandwidth." (I have not seen this mentioned elsewhere.) Sequences and Simulators Regarding simulators, you'll find comments such as, "Give me the CPU details and I'll whip up a simulator over the weekend." These comments and the earlier questions are not bad and I admit to often having similar thoughts myself. However, as software developers, we of all people should have but don't have an instinctual reaction that nothing is ever as simple as it first seems. In this case, simulating the CPU may be the least complicated part of a flight computer simulator, itself part of a larger system. It turns out that, much to my amazement, the engineers back in the 1970s without JavaScript and Rust, without gigabytes of RAM, and without 55-MB web pages somehow managed to write sophisticated and complex programs! (The link is to a page about JavaScript bloat, not to an actual 55-MB web page.) The following discussion is largely based on the papers by McEvoy (1975) and Adamski (1987) about the Viking and Voyager simulators, respectively. The descriptions here are my understanding of the systems, which may likely be imperfect. The intended takeaway is that the systems were complex and I think that will be made clear in spite of any errors. (Linick and Weld's 1992 paper examines the streamlining of the prior sequencing process, as described in Adamski, for the Voyager Interstellar Mission, an effort that successfully met two goals, among others, of moving off the Univac mainframes and operating with greatly reduced personnel in the long term. The paper provides a somewhat managerial evaluation of the changes and doesn't provide the new hardware and software details I would have liked.) Note something that I completely missed in my initial readings. The Viking Orbiter had only one computer (and its backup), the CCS. Its Attitude Control Subsystem (ACS) and its Flight Data Subsystem (FDS) did not have their own computers. The Viking FDS did have a 1K-by-8-bit plated-wire memory: The FDS memories were required to perform a number of essential tasks and were additionally used to accomplish a variety of FDS housekeeping functions, including reading engineering identifiers for the flexible formats; buffering MAWDS, VIS, and IRTMS (A/PW) science data; storing and updating VO time; storing PN sequences for the VIS and science formats; executing memory-alteration commands from CCS; performing most of the science format multiplexing; and counting TV pictures taken and controlling related FDS logic. Neil A. Holmberg, Robert P. Faust, and H. Milton Holt, Viking '75 Spacecraft Design and Test Summary, Volume II: Orbiter Design (NASA Reference Publication 1027), p. 61, November 1980. Because of signal transmission delays, the Viking and Voyager spacecraft were designed to function autonomously, a form of operation that depends heavily on stored command sequences as opposed to single, separate, "real-time" commands. Consequently, simulation is especially geared towards the testing of command sequences. In the introduction, I defined a command sequence as a sequence of commands, but they are much more than that. A sequence is composed of blocks, each of which consists of: Events - are actions (?) that may or may not be associated with spacecraft commands . In McEvoy's sample Viking Orbiter block (Figure 9, p. 414), events with CCS spacecraft commands are actions targeted to the external subsystems such as the ACS and FDS. In one entry, the CCS instructs the ACS: "Inertial mode; stop roll turn; stop yaw turn; negative turn direction". Events without CCS commands are actions taken internally by the CCS, as in this CCS event: "Disable the ACS accelerometer calibration within the CCS". Data - any data required by the block; e.g., tables. Flight software - is the non-core software needed to support the commands/events in the block. In developing a sequence, engineers such as Suzanne Dodd could draw on previously defined blocks in the block dictionary for subtasks, much like programmers use functions from libraries. Blocks used in such a manner are customized via block options and pull in their own required flight software. A Viking block's flight software was stored as OSTRAN macros (McEvoy, p. 415); OSTRAN was the Viking counterpart to Voyager's SEQTRAN. The output of OSTRAN is assembly source code that is passed on to an assembler and linker, ultimately resulting in the memory load (containing sequence, data, and flight software) that will be uplinked to the spacecraft. It appears that the flight software resident in memory consists of (i) the core software that is always present (executive, sequence processing, fault protection, etc.) and (ii) only the non-core software needed to support the currently loaded sequences. Throughout the development and simulation of sequences, there are automated and human checks for physical and operational constraint violations. When a violation is detected, engineers determine how serious the violation is and, if necessary, go back to the drawing board to remedy the problem. The engineers also need to verify that a sequence actually does what it is supposed to do; e.g., take a picture of Neptune. Consequently, the design-develop-test cycle for sequences is an iterative process. A block diagram for the Voyager simulator (COMSIM) would look similar to that of the Viking Orbiter simulator (OCOMSM) below. (I think I haven't been able to find detailed information about Voyager's simulator. Incidentally, the Viking Lander simulator was called L COMSM.) Note that the nested CCS and FDS simulators are subsystem simulators. I'm puzzled by the absence of an ACS simulator. The Viking Data Storage Subsystem, DSS, handled the Digital Tape Recorder (DTR), a function taken over by Voyager's FDS. Viking Orbiter Simulator Functional Block Diagram (click image to enlarge) (McEvoy, Figure 11, p. 417) The simulator outputs on the right side of the diagram are very important and provide: Visibility into the internal sequence processing to the sequence and flight software engineers. A step-by-step timeline for the flight controllers to follow (after the fact because of the time delay!) as the sequences are actually executed on the spacecraft. The step-by-step timeline is called the Sequence of Events (SOE) on Voyager: In addition to the blocks of load commands, the sequence generation process provides other products that are used in the command and control of the spacecraft. A Sequence of Events (SOE) is produced that is a printed, time-ordered listing of the activities contained in the CCS sequence. Performance predictions are generated for power usage, scan platform pointing, and other spacecraft functions. Additional uplink commands may also be generated along with the main sequence. These commands are held for subsequent transmission at pre-identified points in the sequence in order to perform discrete functions or enable checkpointed events. Terrence P. Adamski, "Command and Control of the Voyager Spacecraft" (abstract), 1987 p. 5, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), 25th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting, March 24-26, 1987, Reno, Nevada. A spacecraft is more than just its flight software and simulators must also simulate the hardware. McEvoy suggested APL for both describing and simulating hardware, although he didn't come right out and say they used APL. I wasn't aware of APL's role in the hardware realm, but it's a real thing. (I do question the widely asserted notion that APL was originally a hardware description language. That doesn't seem to agree with Kenneth Iverson's contemporary writings and later recountings of APL's history, but it is a Fortran 5-like rabbit hole that I'll leave to someone else to explore!) One difficulty in modeling digital hardware is the different languages used in the hardware and software disciplines. Hardware description languages that describe hardware at the logic-gate bit-time register-transfer level provide a commonly understandable detailed definition that can bridge the gap. The APL language itself provides an excellent basis for describing digital hardware. Power-on-reset states and hardware idiosyncracies, that could affect a sequence, must be considered in the modeling stage. Any of these that could affect operation of the hardware, software, timing, or other subsystems should be modeled. Maurice B. McEvoy, "Viking Orbiter Uplink Command Generation and Validation via Simulation" (PDF), 1975 p. 417, The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS) Winter Simulation Conference 1975 Conference Proceedings . Voyager's CCS subsystem simulator would also have looked similar to Viking's: Viking Orbiter CCS Simulator (click image to enlarge) (McEvoy, Figure 12, p. 418) Each of the CCS, AACS, and FDS subsystem simulators would have had to simulate: the two CPUs, the internal elements of the subsystem (e.g., memory banks), interfaces with elements external to the subsystem (including interfaces with the other computer subsystems), cross-strapping (switching) between primary/redundant elements both internal and external, and the timing of everything. The two CCS CPUs could also work independently of each other and not in a strict primary/backup relationship. Despite my listing of the simulation "requirements" above, there is a lot I don't know about the simulators: Were CPUs simulated in software or were actual hardware spares used? For CPUs simulated in software, was the simulation at the instruction-set level or was it a simulation of the CPUs' actual electronic circuits (e.g., using APL)? And similar questions about interfaces with the various non-CPU elements: Was an interface simulated at a logical level or as an electronic circuit? Or was a real interface with a hardware spare used? What elements could be cross-strapped? And was cross-strapping simulated? In other words, my ideas about the simulators are largely guesswork. McEvoy does provide a few more details about the CCS simulator, although some of my questions are still unanswered: The Computer Command Subsystem (CCS) simulator (Fig. 12) accurately models the Block redundant CCS processors, output units, and memories at the instruction and register transfer level. The accuracy with which software programs (in the memories) are simulated is dependent primarily on the accuracy with which the bit-time clocks can be calibrated during flight and timing accuracies of the 32 priority interrupts and 24 level indicators. Output simulation consisting of discrete commands (relay closures), coded commands, and telemetry data can be routed through either or both output units. A hardware and software self-test must be satisfied before access can be obtained to an output unit. ( p. 418 ) ... The large amount of time used to simulate uplink command decoding is due primarily to the CCS hardware and software self-test activity, which in turn is affected by the FDS engineering telemetry rate and format. ( p. 419 ) Maurice B. McEvoy, "Viking Orbiter Uplink Command Generation and Validation via Simulation" (PDF), 1975 The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS) Winter Simulation Conference 1975 Conference Proceedings . (I don't understand the purpose of the "hardware and software self-test" in the last sentence of the first paragraph. Was this done on the actual spacecraft? The later sentence seems to indicate "Yes". I can understand self-tests performed repeatedly in the background or prior to a set of operations, but I am perhaps overestimating the frequency of the self-tests.) The validation end of the software development process was handled by the Capability Demonstration Laboratory (CDL). Completed after the initial software was produced, it was a collection of either breadboard or flight surplus computer and science hardware, and its interfaces interconnected in the same way as those on the actual spacecraft. Its function is identical to that of the Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory (SAIL), in which both software and hardware changes could be tested to see if they functioned successfully. James E. Tomayko, Computers in Spaceflight: The NASA Experience , 1988 Chapter Six, Section 2, p. 175. And the CDL lapsed into disrepair: In addition, the [Voyager flight team] also has to work around a lack of a hardware test bed, the limited memory of on-board computers, and antiquated programming languages. The Capability Demonstration Lab (CDL), the testbed used during the prime mission, could not be maintained and had to be abandoned at the start of VIM. The failures of the testbed were too often, even in pre-VIM, due to aging hardware and disappearing repair expertise. The project had to move to a new location in early VIM and the CDL did not survive the move. There are no simulators for the AACS or FDS and only the CCS has a simulator, i.e., HSSIM. As a result, any FSW changes other than something very simple have to be done in the CCS. Sun Kang Matsumoto, "Voyager Interstellar Mission: Challenges of Flying a Very Old Spacecraft on a Very Long Mission" (PDF), 2016 p. 6, 2016 SpaceOps Conference, Daejeon, Korea. The last sentence above suggests to me that a non-trivial change to the AACS or FDS flight software is considered risky and that, if possible, it is better to leave the existing AACS/FDS software as-is and have the CCS take over responsibility for the changed functionality. That's my impression at least; given the lack of rigorous simulation capabilities, I think it's a sensible decision. Oddly, searching on Google for JPL's "Capability Demonstration Lab", mentioned by both Tomayko and Matsumoto, only brings up a couple of references to Matsumoto's paper; on Bing, you get a single result ... Moldova will make efforts to restore peace in Ukraine based on the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. President of Moldova Maia Sandu said this during the plenary session of the Peace Summit in Burgenstock, Switzerland, according to a Ukrinform correspondent. "We all want peace. But what defines peace? We know what is not peace. Surrender is not peace. Occupation of a country is not peace. And it can never be the basis for peace. Does anyone here at this summit believe that giving up part of their territories will ensure a lasting peace? We all need to defend peace. We need a peace that is powerful. And we need to support Ukraine on this path," she said. Sandu emphasized that "Moldova will continue to make efforts to restore peace in Ukraine, peace with the preservation of territorial integrity and sovereignty." "Moldova supports the Peace Formula of Ukraine," she added. The Moldovan president also pointed out that the enlargement of the European Union, "a fundamental project of peace," is a guarantee of lasting peace. "I want to say clearly: Ukrainian peace is Moldova's peace. In this world, which is interconnected, peace cannot exist only in one country. We have a common future for everyone. Glory to Ukraine," Sandu concluded her speech. As reported, the first Peace Summit officially started on Saturday afternoon in the Swiss Burgenstock resort with the participation of 100 delegations - 92 countries and eight international organizations. Finnish President Alexander Stubb believes that China can play a key role in bringing about peace in Ukraine. He told this to journalists on the sidelines of the Peace Summit in Switzerland, Ukrinform reports, citing Yle. "I urge China to influence Putin to put an end to this war," the Finnish leader said. At the same time, he emphasized the importance of the role of the Global South in achieving peace. "There are many representatives from Latin America, Africa, Asia and especially the Middle East [at the Peace Summit]. This gives hope that we can take the path of peace, and I think it is important that this happens on Ukraine's terms," Stubb said. The Finnish leader also urged Putin to end the war. At the same time, he rejected Russia's "peace initiative." Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine Argentina's President Javier Milei called his participation in the Global Peace Summit part of "big changes" in his country, stressing that under his leadership it is returning to the civilized world. He said this in his speech at the Peace Summit in Switzerland, according to an Ukrinform correspondent. "For us, for Argentina, this is an important step: we first visited the G7 Summit and now this Peace Summit. This is part of the big changes we are making as a country after turning our backs on the world for decades," Milei said. He said that now Argentina is being reborn and is re-adopting the ideas that made it one of the most prosperous in the world 150 years ago. "We, Argentinians, are well aware of the value of peace and democratic coexistence, which are the guiding principles of life and society. On behalf of the people of Argentina, I want to express our full support for the people of Ukraine and our friend President Zelensky," Milei said. He also noted that his country, which defends the ideas of freedom, condemns any form of violence. "For us, peace between free nations is not only a moral obligation, but also a necessary condition for prosperity," he said. Photo: KEYSTONE/EDA/POOL//Urs Flueeler As part of the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky met with Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen. This is said in a post on the presidents Telegram channel, Ukrinform reports. During our meeting, we discussed preparations for the transfer of Danish F-16 aircraft, which will be delivered to Ukraine shortly, the post reads. They also discussed the approval of the negotiating framework and the launch of Ukraine's EU accession talks in June. Zelensky thanked Mette Frederiksen for participating in the Peace Summit and for Denmark's active assistance in engaging the countries of the Global South in the Peace Formula implementation. As reported, Denmark, which is one of the initiators of the so-called aircraft coalition for Ukraine, is planning to send F-16s to Ukraine this summer. Norway has announced it will provide an additional NOK 1.1 billion (more than USD 73 million) to Ukraine help rebuild damaged energy infrastructure. This is said in a press release published on the Norwegian governments website, Ukrinform reports. Norway hopes this new funding will make it possible to alleviate some of the damage and secure electricity in Ukraine, Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre said. He noted that his country is in close dialogue with Ukraine on how it can use these funds most effectively. However, it is important to begin infrastructure repair efforts quickly, before winter arrives. It has already been determined that NOK 120 million (more than USD 8 million) will be channelled via the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). These funds will be used to repair energy infrastructure providing electricity to the Kharkiv region, which has been particularly hard hit by Russian attacks this spring. This funding will help, among other things, to ensure a stable electricity supply to maternity units and operating theatres at seven hospitals in the Kharkiv area, said Prime Minister Stre. The press release says that seven hospitals in the Kharkiv region will be equipped with solar panels to ensure a stable power supply to critical facilities such as maternity units and operating theatres. As reported by Ukrinform, on June 12, the Norwegian Ministry of Defense announced the Norwegian government would allocate EUR 240 million to Ukraine for the purchase of air defense equipment. SUKKUR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jun, 2024) Like other parts of the country, people of northern Sindh are going to celebrate Eidul Azha with great religious fervour and enthusiasm falling on Monday, to commemorate the supreme sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS). The day will dawn with special prayers in mosques for the wellbeing of the Ummah and progress, prosperity, safety and security of the country. Big Eid congregations will be held at mosques, Eidgahs and open places in all cities, towns and villages across the country. Ulema and Khateeb will highlight significance of the festival and the philosophy of sacrifice. In Sukkur, the main Eid congregation will be held at Jamia Masjid Sukkur. After offering Eid prayers, the faithful will slaughter their sacrificial animals. The district administrations has chalked out elaborate security arrangements across the Sukkur division to ward off untoward incidents. PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jun, 2024) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Governor, Faisal Karim Kundi here Sunday congratulated the entire nation especially the residents of KP including the merged tribal districts on the holy occasion of Eid ul Azha which will be celebrated on Monday with great religious enthusiasm. The governor said that Eid ul Azha was celebrated every year in line with the matchless example of unwavering faith, steadfastness and obedience demonstrated by Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hazrat Ismail (AS) for the submission and willingness of Allah Almighty, which was a beacon of light for the entire mankind. In a message on the occasion of Eid ul Azha here, the governor said, "the virtues of exemplary devotion, reliance and submission to Allah as shown by these Holy Prophets had demonstrated that we should not hesitate to sacrifice our loved ones for the willingness of Allah Almighty and achievement of a sacred objective". "The basic philosophy of Eidul Azha is to show an unwavering faith, compassion, obedience and sacrfice of the most loved ones in the way of Allah Almighty", he added. The governor said on this joyous blessed day nation needs to look above personal likes and dislikes and end prejudices by working for the progress and welfare of humanity and supremacy of islam by keeping the spirit of the sacrfice and unwavering faith on the Allah Almighty alive. In the present era, he said that the nation needs to sacrifice personal wishes for the sake of bringing happiness and easiness into the lives of others. He said Eid ul Azha was a day of making a strong commitment to work tirelessly for the progress and prosperity of the people of the country for being a civilized nation. KP governor appealed to Muslim Ummah especially the residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to include the poor and underprivileged in the celebrations of Eidul Azha with dignity and respect. "The spirit of sacrifice takes an individual, society and nation to a high degree of morality that leads to social prosperity" governor said. He said it is the spirit of sacrifice that prepares Muslims Ummah to serve humanity and help others. In the prevailing situation in the country especially in KP, he said that it was the spirit of the age to keep unity in our ranks by working untiringly for the progress, development and prosperity of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Through the spirit of sacrifice and a high level of devotion, he said that it was time to make this province a cradle of peace, love and collective happiness. The governor on this holy blessed day has prayed for unlimited blessings and acceptance of worship and sacrifices besides granting strength to work for the welfare of humanity and the progress and development of Pakistan. RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jun, 2024) Rawalpindi district administration would not allow anyone to collect the hides of sacrificial animals without permission. According to a district administration spokesman, the Punjab government had made prior approval for the collection of sacrificial animals hides mandatory for the welfare organisations and others. He informed me that the district administration had been directed to strictly implement the plan regarding the collection of sacrificial animals hides during Eid ul Azha. The administration warned that anyone found violating government orders would be dealt with in accordance with the law. The spokesman said that any organisation or person who would collect the sacrificial animal hides without prior approval would be treated as an offence and would be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law. It has been decided that no one will be allowed to collect hides without the permission of the administration. Likewise, monitoring of the banned organizations and their affiliated elements would be conducted, he informed. DG KHAN, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jun, 2024) Federal Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari said on Sunday that the Pakistan Muslim League (N) government had prioritized public welfare and the improvement of public services. Addressing a meeting at the Commissioners Office in Dera Ghazi Khan, he emphasized the importance of collective efforts for the country's development amidst the ongoing economic crisis. The meeting was attended by Sardar Muhammad Jamal Khan Leghari, MNA Sardar Ammar Awais Khan Leghari, MPA Sardar Ahmed Khan Leghari, PML-N leader Sardar Usama Fayaz Leghari and various district officials. Sardar Awais Khan Leghari acknowledged the challenges faced by the government but affirmed the commitment to serving the nation with sincerity. He praised the officials and employees who sacrificed their Eid holidays to serve the public. PML-N leader and Leghari tribal chief Sardar Muhammad Jamal Khan Leghari highlighted the need for teamwork and national unity to navigate the current critical period. Addressing the meeting, Commissioner Dr. Nasir Mehmood Bashir stated that due to unique geographical significance of Dera Ghazi Khan Division, the activation of joint checkpoints at provincial, divisional and district borders to enhance security were of great importance besides special arrangements for Eid-ul-Azha. Additionally, to improve sanitation and municipal services, he said the Eid holidays of the officials have been cancelled and field camps have been set up at various locations. Environmentally friendly bags are being distributed door-to-door for the safe disposal of animal waste, he told. The Commissioner also stated that efforts were being made to enforce public transport fare regulations to ensure that no passengers are not overcharged. KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jun, 2024) Senior journalist of Sindhi media and former president Hyderabad Press Club Ishaq Mangrio passed away here on Sunday due to kidney ailment. He was 65. Ishaq Mangrio was under treatment at Dow University Hospital for the last several days but could not survived. He was one of the best investigative journalist and served in different Sindhi dailies and tv media outlets. According to family sources Magrio's body is being shifted to ancestral village Gul Hassan Sirewal in district Sanghar and will be laid to rest there at his ancestral graveyard. Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah expressed deep grief and sorrow over sad demise of journalist Ishaq Mangrio. According to statement issued from the CM House, Syed Murad Ali Shah said that late Mangrio was nice investigative journalist who had also filed special reports on environment. The contribution of late journalist in journalistic field will always be remembered, CM said and added that Sindh Government was already bearing all his treatment expenses and Information Minister Sharjeel Memon was in contact with the family of the deceased during his admission in Dow University hospital. The chief minister also expressed condolence to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul be in eternal peace. Burgenstock, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jun, 2024) The international Ukraine peace summit focused Sunday on food security, avoiding a nuclear disaster and returning deported children from Russia as countries outlined building blocks towards ending the war. More than two years after Russia invaded, leaders and top officials from more than 90 states were spending the weekend at a Swiss mountainside resort for a landmark two-day summit dedicated to resolving the largest European conflict since World War II. After world leaders stood together to offer their support on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky voiced hope of garnering international agreement around a proposal to end the war that he could eventually present to Moscow. "We must decide together what a just peace means for the world and how it can be achieved in a lasting way," Zelensky told assembled leaders at the luxury Burgenstock retreat overlooking Lake Lucerne. The summit, snubbed by Russia and China, comes as Ukraine is struggling on the battlefield, where it is outmanned and outgunned. On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded Kyiv's effective surrender as a basis for peace talks. Putin's call for Ukraine to withdraw from the south and east of the country were widely dismissed at the summit. But the Kremlin insisted Sunday that Ukraine should "reflect" on Putin's demands, citing the military situation on the ground. "The current dynamic of the situation at the front shows us clearly that it's continuing to worsen for the Ukrainians. It's probable that a politician who puts the interests of his country above his own and those of his masters would reflect on such a proposal," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Russia on Sunday claimed its troops had captured Zagrine village in southern Ukraine, continuing its progress on the front line. UNITED NATIONS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jun, 2024) UN Children Fund (UNICEF) spokesperson James Elder has said that almost 3,000 malnourished children were at risk of dying before their families eyes in Gaza, where Israeli attacks over the past eight months continue unabated. Speaking from besieged Gaza ton UN news, a media website, Elder described a dire landscape, with a focus on child malnutrition and the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict amid growing concerns of famine. The destruction of health facilities, including specialized centers that are critical for staving off malnutrition, has severely hampered efforts to address severe hunger among children against a backdrop of constant bombings and attacks alongside the lethal lack of access to basic necessities that have already left children physically and psychologically scarred. The UNICEF spokesperson emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire to address the humanitarian crisis, get the hostages home and allow for the delivery of aid, education and medical care. Meanwhile, in a stark assessment of the dire situation, the head of the UN World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has warned that significant proportion of Gaza population is now facing catastrophic hunger and famine-like conditions. "To date, more than 8,000 youngsters have been diagnosed and treated for acute malnutrition, including 1,600 children with the most dangerous form of the condition," the WHO Director-General said. "Despite reports of increased delivery of food, there is currently no evidence that those who need it most are receiving sufficient quantity and quality of food," Tedros maintained. "Lifesaving treatment for dangerously malnourished children is dwindling in the war-shattered enclave, with only two of three specialized nutrition stabilization centers for seriously undernourished youngsters in Gaza still open," according to the UN Children Fund (UNICEF). "Despite, the ongoing operational and security challenges for aid teams, humanitarian partners are currently reaching some 280,000 people per week in Gaza with health service," OCHA said. "Before noting that shortages of cooking gas and lack of a power supply have made it difficult to keep community kitchens and bakeries running." "Efforts to distribute food remain constrained by the active fighting, damaged roads, a limited number of entry points into Gaza, suboptimal operating hours at crossings and checkpoints, and the limited number of trucks allowed access. To roll back months of near-starvation conditions in Gaza, other types of critical aid must also reach people in need," the UN aid office said. APP/ift Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Sao Paulo on Saturday as protests sweep across Brazil in opposition to a bill that would further criminalize abortions. If passed, the law would equate the termination of a pregnancy after 22 weeks with homicide. The bill, proposed by conservative lawmakers and heading for a vote in the lower house, would also apply in cases of rape. Critics say those who seek an abortion so late are mostly child rape victims, as their pregnancies tend to be detected later. To rally opposition, rights groups created the A child is not a mother campaign that has flooded social media. Placards, stickers and banners emblazoned with the slogan have abounded during demonstrations. And viral visuals depicting women in red cloaks compare Brazil to Gilead, the theocratic patriarchy Margaret Atwood created in her dystopian novel, The Handmaids Tale. About 10,000 people, mostly women, filled several blocks of Sao Paulos main boulevard on Saturday afternoon, organizers estimated. It was the biggest demonstration yet, following events in Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, Florianopolis, Recife, Manaus, and other cities. Marli Gavioli, 65, has mostly refrained from protesting since demonstrations in the 1980s that called for the end of the military dictatorship, but she told The Associated Press she's too outraged to remain home. "I couldnt stay out of this, or I would regret it too much. We are being whipped from all sides, us women. Its past time we do something," she said. Brazil only permits abortion in cases of rape if there is an evident risk to the mothers life or if the fetus has no functioning brain. Aside from those exceptions, Brazils penal code imposes between one- and three-years jail time for women who end a pregnancy. Some Brazilian women fly abroad to obtain abortions. If the bill becomes law, the sentence will rise to between six and 20 years when an abortion is performed after 22 weeks. Critics have highlighted that would mean convicted rapists could receive lesser sentences than their victims. Experts say that late access to abortion reflects inequalities in health care. Children, poor women, Black women and those living in rural areas are particularly at risk. "We cannot be sentenced to prison for having suffered a rape and not receiving support and care," Talita Rodrigues, a member of rights group National Front against the Criminalization of Women and for the Legalization of Abortion, said by phone. Of the 74,930 people who were victims of rape in Brazil in 2022, 61.4% were under 14 years old, according to a 2023 study of the Brazilian Forum on Public Safety, an independent group that tracks crimes. "For children, it is common for a pregnancy to be discovered only after 22 weeks," Ivanilda Figueiredo, a professor of law at the State University of Rio de Janeiro, said by phone. For example, they might not know that periods a sign a woman isn't pregnant are monthly, she said. Among the protesters in downtown Rio on Thursday was Graziela Souza, a 25-year-old student who was sexually assaulted as a child. "I think its very important for victims to be present, as much as it hurts," Souza said. "We must speak out and fight against it, because if we stay at home we are going to lose." Defenders of the bill have argued that abortions at a later stage were unimaginable when Brazils penal code was adopted in 1940, which explains why there is currently no time limit. Had it been envisioned, they argue, it would be considered infanticide. The bills author, lawmaker and Evangelical pastor Sostenes Cavalcante, declined an interview request from the AP. On Wednesday, the lower house Speaker Arthur Lira rushed through a procedure to fast-track the bill in under 30 seconds, with many lawmakers reportedly unaware it was taking place. The maneuver allows the plenary to vote without the bill first clearing committees. Lira has been a top target for protesters' ire. Signs on Saturday read "What if it happened to your daughter, Lira?" and simply "Lira out." Conservative lawmakers proposing the bill who protesters have dubbed the rape caucus are playing politics, hoping to boost turnout and support from Evangelical voters in October municipal elections, Fernanda Barros dos Santos, a political scientist at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, said by phone. Abortion is a topic of high concern for Christians, who make up a majority of voters in Brazil. "The bill puts people who are progressive in a very difficult situation, because they lose votes by defending abortion rights," said Figueiredo, the law professor. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silvas government has been seeking inroads with Evangelicals, a key voting bloc for far-right former President Jair Bolsonaro. Lula beat Bolsonaro in the 2022 presidential election. "The president sent a letter to Evangelicals in the campaign saying he was against abortion. We want to see if he will veto it. Lets test Lula," Cavalcante, the bill's author, told local news outlet G1 on Tuesday. First lady Rosangela da Silva, known as Janja, slammed the proposal on social media Friday, saying women and girls who are raped need to be protected, not revictimized. Lula finally weighed in on Saturday, speaking at the G7 in Italy. "I had five kids, eight grandchildren and a great-grandchild. I'm against abortion. However, since abortion is a reality, we need to treat abortion as a public health issue," he said in a news conference. "And I think it's insanity that someone wants to punish a woman with a sentence that's longer than the criminal who committed the rape." Although strict abortion laws have long been the norm across the predominantly Roman Catholic region of Latin America, feminist movements have gained momentum in recent years and delivered successive victories for abortion-rights campaigners. Colombias Supreme Court decriminalized abortion in 2022, following a similar breakthrough ruling by Mexico. Argentinas Congress legalized abortion in 2020, and a few years earlier Chile rolled back a strict ban. Chinese Premier Li Qiang said he agreed with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday to properly manage their nations' differences as they emerge from a hostile era in which minister-to-minister contacts were banned and trade barriers cost Australian exporters up to $13 billion a year. Li, Albanese and senior ministers of both administrations met at Parliament House to discuss thorny issues, including lingering trade barriers, conflict between their militaries in international waters and China's desire to invest in critical minerals. Li, China's most senior leader after President Xi Jinping, arrived in the South Australian state capital of Adelaide on Saturday and the national capital of Canberra late Sunday in the first visit to the country by a Chinese premier in seven years. Li told reporters after Monday's meeting that the bilateral relationship was "on the right track of steady improvement and development." "We ... had a candid exchange of views on some differences and disagreements and agreed to properly manage them in a manner befitting our comprehensive strategic partnership," Li said through an interpreter. Albanese described the discussions as "constructive." "Australia advocates that we should all work together to promote a regional balance where no country dominates and no country is dominated," Albanese said. "I've made it clear as nations with different histories, political systems and values, we will cooperate with China where we can, disagree where we must and engage in the national interest," the Australian leader added. Their relations have improved markedly since Albanese's center-left Labor Party was elected in 2022 following nine years of conservative government in Australia. Most of the official and unofficial trade barriers Beijing introduced in 2020 on coal, cotton, wine, barley and wood have been lifted since Albanese was elected. Beijing had banned minister-to-minister contacts as it froze out the previous Australian government diplomatically. Agriculture Minister Murray Watt said before the meeting that he would raise the issue of China's ban on Australian rock lobsters and exports from two beef processing plants. "The mere fact that we have the first visit by a Chinese premier, the second-most powerful person in China, ... since 2017 is an enormous opportunity to continue that dialogue, to continue stabilizing our relationship and address some of the outstanding issues," Watt said. Li planned to underscore China's interest in buying a bigger stake in Australia's critical minerals sector, which is essential to the global transition to renewable energy sources, by visiting a Chinese-controlled lithium processing plant in Western Australia state Tuesday. Li visited New Zealand before Australia and is scheduled to stop in Malaysia late Tuesday before returning to China. Australia shares U.S. concerns over China's global dominance in critical minerals and control over supply chains in the renewable energy sector. Citing Australia's national interests, Treasurer Jim Chalmers recently ordered five Chinese-linked companies to divest their shares in the rare earth mining company Northern Minerals. Watt said Chinese investment was not banned from the sector but must meet national security criteria. Albanese later told Li at a state lunch, "We won't always agree and the points on which we disagree won't simply disappear if we leave them in silence." That appeared to be in response to a statement by Li, released by the Chinese Embassy in Canberra on Sunday, that he recommended "shelving differences" between the two countries in the interests of bolstering relations. Earlier, Albanese had said he would raise with Li recent clashes between the two countries' militaries in the South China Sea and Yellow Sea that Australia argues endangered Australian personnel. Relations tumbled over Australian legislation that banned covert foreign interference in Australian politics, the exclusion of Chinese-owned telecommunications giant Huawei from the national 5G network because of security concerns, and Australia's call for an independent investigation into the causes of and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Benjamin Herscovitch, a China expert at Australian National University, said he did not expect China to get any firm commitments from Australia during Li's visit. Beijing would like to remove Australian opposition to China joining a trade bloc known as the CPTPP, more investment in Australian critical minerals and ambitious new cooperative agreements on science and technology, Herscovitch said. But Australia had already made a concession to China in rebuilding relations through inaction by not imposing sanctions on Chinese entities that help Russia's war effort in Ukraine, he said. "Australia is essentially giving China a free pass on that issue," Herscovitch said, while Australian allies, including the United States, Britain and the European Union were imposing sanctions. Hundreds of pro-China demonstrators, human rights activists and democracy advocates have lined the routes of Li's motorcades in Adelaide and Canberra. The World War II mystery of what happened to a Finnish passenger plane after it was shot down over the Baltic Sea by Soviet bombers appears to finally be solved more than eight decades later. The plane was carrying American and French diplomatic couriers in June 1940 when it was downed just days before Moscow annexed the Baltic states. All nine people on board the plane were killed, including the two-member Finnish crew and the seven passengers an American diplomat, two French, two Germans, a Swede and a dual Estonian-Finnish national. A diving and salvage team in Estonia said this week that it had located well-preserved parts and debris from the Junkers Ju 52 plane operated by Finnish airline Aero, which is now Finnair. It was found off the tiny island of Keri near Estonia's capital, Tallinn, at a depth of around 70 meters. "Basically, we started from scratch. We took a whole different approach to the search," Kaido Peremees, spokesman for the Estonian diving and underwater survey company Tuukritoode OU, explained the group's success in finding the plane's remains. The downing of the civilian plane, named Kaleva, en route from Tallinn to Helsinki happened on June 14, 1940 just three months after Finland had signed a peace treaty with Moscow following the 1939-40 Winter War. The news about the fate of the plane was met with disbelief and anger by authorities in Helsinki who were informed that it was shot down by two Soviet DB-3 bombers 10 minutes after taking off from Tallinn's Ulemiste airport. "It was unique that a passenger plane was shot down during peacetime on a normal scheduled flight," said Finnish aviation historian Carl-Fredrik Geust, who has investigated Kaleva's case since the 1980s. Finland officially kept silent for years about the details of the aircraft's destruction, saying publicly only that a "mysterious crash" had taken place over the Baltic Sea, because it didn't want to provoke Moscow. Though well documented by books, research and television documentaries, the 84-year-old mystery has intrigued Finns. The case is an essential part of the Nordic country's complex World War II history and sheds light into its troubled ties with Moscow. But perhaps more importantly, the downing of the plane happened at a critical time just days before Josef Stalin's Soviet Union was preparing to annex the three Baltic states, sealing the fate of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania for the next half-century before they eventually regained independence in 1991. Moscow occupied Estonia on June 17, 1940, and Kaleva's doomed journey was the last flight out of Tallinn, though Soviets had already started enforcing a tight transport embargo around the Estonian capital. American diplomat Henry W. Antheil Jr., who is now considered one of the first U.S. casualties of World War II, was aboard the plane when it went down. The 27-year-old Antheil, the younger brother of the acclaimed composer and pianist George Antheil, was on a rushed government mission evacuating sensitive diplomatic pouches from U.S. missions in Tallinn and Riga, Latvia, as it had become clear that Moscow was preparing to swallow up the small Baltic nations. An Associated Press wire item dated June 15, 1940, noted that "Henry W. Antheil Jr. of Trenton, N. J., attached to the United States Legation in Helsinki, was killed in the mysterious explosion of a Finnish airliner yesterday." In the U.S. media, Antheil's death was overshadowed by much bigger news from Europe at the time: the Nazi occupation of Paris. The U.S. Embassy in Tallinn has thoroughly documented and researched the case over the years. Embassy spokesperson Mike Snyder told the AP that "news of the possible location of the wreck of the Kaleva passenger plane is of great interest to the United States, especially since one of the first U.S. casualties of the Second World War, Diplomat Henry Antheil, occurred as a result of the plane being downed." Earlier this month, the U.S. ambassador in Estonia, George P. Kent, shared a post on X that included photos of Antheil, Kaleva and a memorial plaque by the American Foreign Service Association in Washington with Antheil's name engraved in it. Kaleva was carrying 227 kilograms of diplomatic post, including Antheil's pouches and material from two French diplomatic couriers identified as Paul Longuet and Frederic Marty. Estonian fishermen and the lighthouse operator on Keri told Finnish media decades after the downing of the plane that a Soviet submarine surfaced close to Kaleva's crash site and retrieved floating debris, including document pouches, that had been collected by fishermen from the site. This has led to conspiracy theories regarding the contents of the pouches and Moscow's decision to shoot down the plane. It still remains unclear why precisely the Soviet Union decided to down a civilian Finnish passenger plane during peacetime. "Lots of speculation on the plane's cargo has been heard over the years," Geust said. "What was the plane transporting? Many suggest Moscow wanted to prevent sensitive material and documents from exiting Estonia." But he said that it could have simply been "a mistake" by the Soviet bomber pilots. Various attempts to find Kaleva have been recorded since Estonia regained independence more than three decades ago. However, none of them have been successful. Not even the U.S. Navy's oceanographic survey vessel Pathfinder could locate remains of the plane in a 2008 search around the Keri island in a venture commissioned by the Estonian government from the Pentagon. "The wreckage is in pieces and the seabed is quite challenging with rock formations, valleys and hills. It's very easy to miss" small parts and debris from the aircraft, Peremees said. "Techniques have, of course, evolved a lot over the time. As always, you can have good technology but be out of luck." New video taken by underwater robots from Peremees' company show clear images of the three-engine Junkers' landing gear, one of the motors and parts of the wings. Peremees and his group are "absolutely" convinced the parts belong to Kaleva because of the distinctive and recognizable design of the German-made Junkers Ju 52, one of the most popular European passenger and wartime transport planes in the 1930s and early 1940s. The plane was operated by the predecessor of the Finnish national airline Finnair. Jaakko Schildt, chief operations officer of Finnair, described Kaleva's downing as "a tragic and profoundly sad event for the young airline" that Finnair, then named Aero, was in 1940. "Finding the wreckage of Kaleva in a way brings closure to this, even though it does not bring back the lives of our customers and crew that were lost," Schildt said. "The interest towards locating Kaleva in the Baltic Sea speaks of the importance this tragic event has in the aviation history of our region." Peremees said his company would now focus on creating 3D images of Kaleva's debris and discuss with Estonian authorities about the possibility of raising some of the items and, if found, the plane's cargo and human remains. Snyder from the U.S. Embassy in Tallinn said that Washington is closely monitoring the diving group's efforts. "We are following the investigation of the site and will be happy to discuss with our Finnish and Estonian (NATO) allies any developments resulting from recovery efforts," Snyder said. A stone memorial set up in the early 1990s to the victims of the Kaleva crash is located on Keri, and Helsinki's old preserved Malmi airport terminal building, where Kaleva was supposed to arrive, has a memorial plaque set up in 2020 with the names of the victims. France has twice rejected visa applications from Nabil Tabarout, a 29-year-old web developer from Algeria who hopes this year to visit his sister there. He's among the many people navigating the often-arduous visa process throughout Africa, which faces higher visa rejection rates than anywhere else in the world when it comes to visiting Europe's Schengen Area. Appointments are often difficult to secure. Applicants often must prove a minimum bank balance, substantiate the purpose of their visit and prove they plan to return home. "That's how it is. Every pleasure deserves pain," said Tabarout, who has succeeded just once in obtaining a French visa. Though much of Europe's debate about migration centers on people who arrive without authorization, many more people choose to come by legal means. It's painful, then, to discover that following the rules often fails. The disproportionate rejection rates 10% higher in Africa than the global average hinder trade, business and educational partnerships at the expense of African economies, according to an April study from U.K.-based migration consultancy firm Henley & Partners. The study called the practices discriminatory and urged Schengen countries to reform them. Nowhere are applicants more rejected than in Algeria, where more than 392,000 applicants were rejected in 2022. The 45.8% rejection rate is followed by a 45.2% rejection rate in Guinea-Bissau and 45.1% in Nigeria. Only one in 25 applicants living in the United States were rejected. While the study found that applicants from poorer countries experienced higher rejections in general, it noted that applicants from Turkey and India experienced fewer rejection than applicants from the majority of African countries. The reasons for that anti-Africa bias could be political, according to the study's author, Mehari Taddele Maru of the European University Institute's Migration Policy Center. Visa rejections are used as a political tool by European governments, including France, to negotiate the deportation of those who migrate to Europe without proper authorization. North African governments have refused to provide consular documents for their citizens facing deportation. In an interview, Maru said Algeria has continent-high rejection rates because its number of applicants outpaces those from other African countries for geographic, economic and historical reasons. Many Algerians apply for visas in France, where they speak the language and may have family ties. And North Africa's proximity to Europe means flights are short and cheap compared to flights from sub-Saharan Africa, leading more people to apply, he said. Beyond rejection rates, the difficulty of applying is also a policy choice by European governments, Maru said. "When we talk about increasing barriers for potential applicants, it's not only the rate of rejections, it's also the restrictions to apply." That means the challenges can be local too. For Algerians like Tabarout, VFS Global is a new player in the visa application process. The subcontractor was hired by French consular authorities after years of criticism about the previous system being dominated by a so-called "visa mafia." Applicants previously faced challenges securing time slots, which are quickly reserved by third-party brokers and then resold to the public similar to how scalpers have dominated concert platforms. Rumors swirled about intricate computer programs connecting to appointment platforms and gobbling up slots within moments. "They're a bunch of swindlers who've been at it for years, making fortunes on the backs of poor citizens by making them pay dearly to make an appointment to apply for a visa," asserted Ali Challali, who recently helped his daughter submit a French student visa application. Under the previous system, applicants told The Associated Press they had to pay 15,000 to 120,000 Algerian dinars (103 to 825 euros) just to get an appointment. In Algeria, many decide to pursue opportunities in France after not finding adequate economic opportunities at home or seek residency after going to French universities on student visas. According to a 2023 report from France's Directorate General for Foreign Nationals, 78% of Algerian students "say they have no intention of returning to Algeria" upon finishing their studies. The visa issue has historically been a cause of political tensions between the countries. Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune is scheduled to visit France later this year. "Everything that can contribute to increasing trade between France, Europe and Algeria must be facilitated in both directions," French Ambassador Stephane Ramotet said at a recent economic conference in Algiers. "Algerians who want to go to France to develop a business must be able to benefit from all the facilities, particularly visas." South Africa's uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party will join an alliance of smaller opposition parties in parliament in a bid to take on the African National Congress and Democratic Alliance-led coalition government, it said on Sunday. The ANC and its largest rival, the white-led, pro-business Democratic Alliance, agreed on Friday to work together in a coalition it called "government of national unity," a step change after 30 years of ANC rule. Former President Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto we Sizwe party came in a surprisingly strong third in the May 29 election which saw the ANC lose its majority. MK won 14.6% of the vote, which translated into 58 seats in the 400-seat National Assembly. However, MK lawmakers boycotted the first sitting of the National Assembly on Friday after filing a complaint at the country's top court alleging vote-rigging, which the court dismissed as without merit. Reading a statement on behalf of Zuma, spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela told reporters that the MK party will join the alliance called the "Progressive Caucus," which includes the Marxist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the center-left United Democratic Movement. This alliance commands close to 30% of the seats in the National Assembly, Ndhlela said, sitting next to Zuma - who had a cough but answered questions after the statement - and the leaders of a number of small parties. "This united effort is necessary because the 2024 election has also resulted in the consolidation of right-wing and reactionary forces who are opposed to economic freedom, radical economic transformation, racial equality and land repossession," he said. Ndhlela said that MK had decided to take up its seats in the National Assembly after receiving legal advice and that it would continue to raise its allegations of a rigged election in parliament and in courts. The Independent Electoral Commission has said the election was free and fair. Zuma also slammed the unity government -- which includes two smaller parties, the socially conservative Inkatha Freedom Party and the right-wing Patriotic Alliance -- calling it "meaningless" and a "white-led unholy alliance." Pilgrims performed Sunday the last major ritual of the hajj, the "stoning of the devil", in western Saudi Arabia, as Muslims the world over celebrated the Eid al-Adha holiday. Beginning at dawn, the 1.8 million Muslims undertaking the pilgrimage this year threw seven stones at each of three concrete walls symbolizing the devil in the Mina valley, located outside Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. The ritual commemorates Abraham's stoning of the devil at the three spots where it is said Satan tried to dissuade him from obeying God's order to sacrifice his son. The stoning ritual has been witness to multiple stampedes over the years, most recently in 2015 when up to 2,300 worshippers were killed in the worst hajj disaster. The site has been revamped since then to streamline the movement of the large crowds. Roads leading to the concrete walls were nevertheless packed early Sunday, with some pilgrims visibly struggling under the morning sun. Some sat on the side of the road to rest and drink water, while others stretched out on the ground, apparently exhausted. On Saturday, temperatures reached 46 degrees Celsius (114.8 degrees Fahrenheit) in Arafat, where pilgrims performed hours of outdoor prayers. One treatment center in the area recorded 225 cases of heat stress and fatigue, the official Saudi Press Agency reported. That figure was not comprehensive. Last year more than 10,000 cases of heat-related illnesses were documented during the hajj, 10 percent of which were heat stroke, a health ministry spokesman told AFP. "It was very, very hot," Rohy Daiseca, a 60-year-old Gambian living in the United States, told AFP on Saturday night as pilgrims collected stones to throw. "Alhamdulillah (praise be to God), I put a lot of water on my head and it was OK." Worshippers have tried to take the grueling conditions in stride, seizing what for many is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to pray at Islam's holiest shrines. "I am so happy that I can't describe my feelings," said Amal Mahrouss, a 55-year-old woman from Egypt. "This place shows us that we are all equal, that there are no differences between Muslims around the world." One of the five pillars of Islam, the hajj must be performed at least once by all Muslims with the means. This year's figure of 1.8 million pilgrims is similar to last year's, and Saudi authorities said on Saturday that 1.6 million of them came from abroad. Feast of the sacrifice The stoning ritual coincides with Eid al-Adha, or the feast of the sacrifice, which honors Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son before God offered a sheep instead. Worshippers typically slaughter a sheep and offer part of the meat to the needy. This year's hajj and Eid al-Adha holiday have been clouded by the war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip. "We don't feel the Eid holiday because our brothers in Gaza are oppressed under the (Israeli) occupation," said Najem Nawwar, a 43-year-old Egyptian pilgrim. King Salman invited 2,000 Palestinians to the hajj at his own expense including relatives of Gazans who have sought refuge elsewhere. But Saudi authorities have warned no political slogans would be tolerated during the pilgrimage. That has not stopped many worshippers from voicing solidarity with Palestinians. "We pray for them... and for the liberation of Palestine, so that we have two holidays instead of one," said Wadih Ali Khalifah, a 32-year-old Saudi pilgrim. In a message to hajj pilgrims on Saturday, Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said "the ironclad resistance of Palestine and the patient, oppressed people of Gaza... must be fully supported in every way." A Swede freed in a prisoner swap with Iran, 33-year-old EU diplomat Johan Floderus, said in his first words since his release that he was "in seventh heaven", in a video published Sunday. In the video obtained by AFP from the Swedish government, Floderus can be heard speaking to Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson by satellite phone while on a flight home from Iran on Saturday. "I'm in the sky and I feel emotionally like I'm in seventh heaven. I've been waiting for this for almost 800 days," an audibly exhilarated Floderus told a smiling Kristersson. "I've dreamt of this day so many times," he said, adding: "It's beginning to sink in that I've left Iran's airspace and am on my way home." Floderus could later be seen hugging his family members at Stockholm's Arlanda airport after he landed, in images released by the Swedish government. Floderus was arrested in Iran as he was about to return home from a holiday in April 2022. He was accused of espionage, for which he risked a death sentence. He and another Swedish national, Saeed Azizi, were released on Saturday in exchange for Hamid Noury, a 63-year-old Iranian former prisons official handed a life sentence in Sweden in 2022 for his role in mass killings in Iranian jails in 1988. A Swedish court had convicted Noury of "grave breaches of international humanitarian law and murder". He had said he was on leave during the period in question. Swedish officials have defended their decision to issue a pardon for Noury, amid criticism from exiled Iranians in Sweden, among others. "Under normal circumstances, Hamid Noury should have served his prison sentence," Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer told reporters late Saturday. "On the other hand, we had an exceptional situation, with two Swedish citizens detained in Iran on arbitrary grounds, with the risk of a death sentence in one of the cases." "This was a difficult decision, but one the government had to take," Strommer said. Another Swede, dual national and academic Ahmad Reza Jalali, has been on death row in Iran since 2017 after being convicted of espionage. His wife has criticized the Swedish government for not including him in the prisoner swap. Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said Stockholm had tried to secure his release, but Tehran refused to discuss his case as it does not recognize dual nationality. "Unfortunately, Iran refuses to recognize him as a Swedish citizen," Billstrom said. A Romanian "mercenary" and two Congolese soldiers were killed, and a U.N. peacekeeper was wounded in three separate incidents in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, several sources said Sunday. A security official in the east of the country told AFP on the condition of anonymity that a private military contractor was killed, and three others wounded Saturday by a missile strike on a Congolese army base around 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of Goma. The origin of the strike was not confirmed. The capital of North Kivu has been surrounded to the north and west by the Rwandan army and M23 rebels for several months. Fighting regularly takes place against the Congolese army on the outskirts of the city, while the rebels, backed by Kigali, continue to extend their hold in the east of the country. The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Sunday that the deceased and two injured people were Romanian nationals, and that the fourth injured person was of another nationality. Several Romanian television channels including the state-owned TVR Info described the dead fighter as a "Romanian mercenary" under contract to the Congolese army. Around 200 kilometers north of Goma, in Butembo, at least two soldiers were killed in an ambush, local administrator Colonel Alain Kiwewa told AFP. He said he did not yet have any details of the identity of the assailants and that an investigation had been opened. But Kiwewa said the slain soldiers had been supplying others fighting against the ADF rebels. Since the start of the moth, around 150 people have been killed in attacks attributed to the ADF, which originated in neighboring Uganda and most of whose members swear allegiance to the Islamic State Group. Also, around Butembo, a MONUSCO (U.N. mission in the DRC) convoy was attacked by unidentified armed men Saturday evening as it returned from a mission. One peacekeeper was shot in the leg during the attack. Vivian van de Perre, second-in-command of the U.N. mission, condemned "the violence perpetrated against peacekeepers" and reiterated the need for "unhindered access for the protection of civilians." On Sunday, Pope Francis deplored the surge in violence in eastern DRC and appealed to the national authorities and international communities to "safeguard the lives of civilians." Ki'inaniokalani Kahoohanohano longed for a deeper connection to her Native Hawaiian ancestors and culture as she prepared to give birth to her first child at home on the north shore of Maui in 2003. But generations of colonialist suppression had eroded many Hawaiian traditions, and it was hard to find information on how the islands' Indigenous people honored pregnancy or childbirth. Nor could she find a Native Hawaiian midwife. That experience led Kahoohanohano now a mother of five to become a Native Hawaiian midwife herself, a role in which she spent years helping to deliver as many as three babies a month, receiving them in a traditional cloth made of woven bark and uttering sacred, tremorous chants as she welcomed them into the world. Her quest to preserve tradition also led her into a downtown Honolulu courtroom this week, where she and others are seeking to block a state law that they say endangers their ability to continue serving pregnant women who hope for such customary Native Hawaiian births. "To be able to have our babies in the places and in the ways of our kupuna, our ancestors, is very vital," she testified. "To me, the point of what we do is to be able to return birth home to these places." Lawmakers enacted a midwife licensure law in 2019, finding that the "improper practice of midwifery poses a significant risk of harm to the mother or newborn, and may result in death." Violations are punishable by up to a year in jail, plus thousands of dollars in criminal and civil fines. The measure requires anyone who provides "assessment, monitoring, and care" during pregnancy, labor, childbirth and during the postpartum period to be licensed. The women's lawsuit says that would include a wide range of people, including midwives, doulas, lactation consultants, and even family and friends of the new mother. Until last summer, the law provided an exception for "birth attendants," which allowed Kahoohanohano to continue practicing Native Hawaiian birth customs. With that exception now expired, however, she and others face the licensing requirements which, they say, include costly programs only available out of state or online that don't align with Hawaiian culture and beliefs. In 2022, the average cost of an accredited midwifery program was $6,200 to $6,900 a year, according to court documents filed by the state. Attorneys for the state argued in a court filing that the law "undoubtedly serves a compelling interest in protecting pregnant persons from receiving ill-advice from untrained individuals." State Deputy Attorney General Isaac Ickes told Judge Shirley Kawamura that the law doesn't outlaw Native Hawaiian midwifery or homebirths, but that requiring a license reduces the risks of harm or death. The dispute is the latest in a long history of debate about how and whether Hawaii should regulate the practice of traditional healing arts that dates to well before the islands became the 50th state in 1959. Those arts were banished or severely restricted for much of the 20th century, but the Hawaiian Indigenous rights movement of the 1970s renewed interest in the customary ways. Hawaii eventually adopted a system where councils versed in Native Hawaiian healing certify traditional practitioners, though those suing say their efforts to form such a council for midwifery have failed. Practicing midwifery without a license, meanwhile, was banned until 1998 when, lawmakers say, they inadvertently decriminalized it when they altered the regulation of nurse-midwives, something the 2019 law sought to remedy. Among the nine plaintiffs are women who seek traditional births and argue that the new licensing requirement violates their right of privacy and reproductive autonomy under Hawaii's Constitution. They are represented by the Center for Reproductive Rights and the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation. "For pregnant people whose own family may no longer hold the knowledge of the ceremonial and sacred aspects of birth, a midwife trained in Native Hawaiian traditional and customary birthing practices can be an invaluable, culturally informed health care provider," the lawsuit states. When Kahoohanohano was unable to find a Native Hawaiian midwife to attend the birth of her first child, she turned instead to a Native American one, who was open to incorporating traditional Hawaiian aspects that Kahoohanohano gleaned from her elders. She surrounded herself with Hawaiian cultural practitioners focusing on pule, or prayer, and lomilomi, a traditional massage with physical and spiritual elements. It all helped ease her three days of labor, she said. And then, "two pushes and pau" done the boy was born. The births of her five children in various Maui communities, Kahoohanohano said, were her "greatest teachers" in herself becoming one of the very few midwives who know about Native Hawaiian birthing practices. She is believed to be the first person in a century to give birth on her husband's ancestral lands in Kahakuloa, a remote west Maui valley of mostly Native Hawaiians, where her daughter was born in 2015. The community is at least 40 minutes along winding roads to the island's only hospital. Kahoohanohano testified about helping low-risk pregnant women and identifying instances where she transferred someone to receive care at the hospital but said she's never experienced any emergency situations. Among the other plaintiffs are midwives she has helped train and women she has aided through birth. Makalani Franco-Francis testified that she learned about customary birth practices from Kahoohanohano, including how to receive a newborn in kapa, or traditional cloth, and cultural protocols for a placenta, including taking it to the ocean or burying it to connect a newborn to its ancestral lands. The law has halted her education, Franco-Francis said. She testified that she's not interested in resuming her midwifery education through out-of-state or online programs. "It's not in alignment with our cultural practices, and it's also a financial obligation," she said. The judge heard testimony through the week. It's not clear how soon a ruling might come. Security forces stormed a detention center in southern Russia on Sunday, killing inmates who had taken two members of staff hostage, Russian state news agency RIA Novosti reported Sunday. The hostages at the pretrial detention center in Rostov-on-Don were uninjured, said RIA Novosti, citing Russia's Federal Penitentiary Service. It said that the hostage-takers had been "liquidated," with other local news outlets reporting that at least some of the prisoners had been killed. Earlier, state news agency Tass, citing unnamed sources in law enforcement, had said that six hostage-takers were in the central courtyard of the Rostov region's Detention Center No. 1, armed with a penknife, a rubber baton and a fire ax. The prisoners include men accused of links to the Islamic State group, it said. IS have carried out a number of attacks on Russian soil in recent years, including most recently in March when gunmen opened fire on a crowd at a concert hall in suburban Moscow, killing 145 people. Seventy-eight countries attending a two-day international summit on peace in Ukraine in Switzerland, signed a document saying that Ukraines territorial integrity should be the basis for a peace agreement with Russia and that Kyiv should enter dialogue with Moscow on ending the war. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan was at the meeting and hailed the convergence of nearly 100 nations and institutions as a tremendous success. What this summit has done is define what the core character the core foundation of what a just peace looks like, and that is the principles of the United Nations Charter, the principles of international law, the notion of sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the basic proposition that no nation should be allowed to conquer another nation by force. Period, Sullivan said. During a news conference in Switzerland, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said there are two ways to force Russia into peace. The first is diplomatic, the second is with a strong defense and a powerful army. "The biggest success for us is, of course, the end of the war. It is not a success, it is the only possibility of existence in this world, the only fair possibility of life. And we will do everything to end the war. Today is only the first step, but it is a powerful one," he said. Russia was not invited to attend the summit at the Buergenstock resort in Switzerland, dimming hopes for setting a path to peace. China, Russias key ally, did not attend the conference and Brazil, participated only as an observer. India, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were among those that did not sign onto the final document, which outlined issues of nuclear safety, food security and the exchange of prisoners. Ukrainian children, key points to peace The declaration also urged the return of deported Ukrainian children to their families. Qatar Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said at the meeting that his country hosted talks with both Ukrainian and Russian delegations on the reunification of Ukrainian children with their families that has so far resulted in 34 children being reunited, but there is much more to be done. The Ukrainian government believes that 19,546 children have been deported or forcibly displaced, and Russian Children's Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova has previously confirmed that at least 2,000 were taken from Ukrainian orphanages. Regarding food security, the discussions focused on how the destruction of Ukraines fertile land, as well as ongoing risks posed by landmines there, have caused a slump in Ukraines agricultural production and exports. This has led to a crisis on global food exports as Ukraine was part of the world's breadbasket before the war. Artillery attacks on ships in the Black Sea have also driven up the cost of maritime transport. The meetings nuclear safety session looked at the precarious situation regarding the safety and security of Ukraine's nuclear power plants, notably Zaporizhzhia, where all the reactors have been shut down since mid-April. Long journey to peace European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen cautioned Sunday that though the summit has brought peace closer to Ukraine, real peace will not be achieved in one step, and the path will require patience and determination. "It will be a journey," she said. Swiss President Viola Amherd, who hosted the event, told the final news conference a lasting peace solution must involve both parties," and acknowledged that "the road ahead is long and challenging. Zelenskyy did not say whether he was prepared to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin directly in talks to end the conflict, though he has in the past ruled out direct talks with him. "Russia can start the negotiations with us tomorrow, not waiting for anything, if they pull out from our legal territories," Zelenskyy told a news conference at the end of the summit in Switzerland. "Russia does not want peace, that is a fact," Zelenskyy added. "Russia and their leadership are not ready for a just peace, that's a fact. Kremlin reacts The Kremlin said Sunday that Ukraine should "reflect" on Putin's demands that Ukraine drops its bid to join NATO and gives up the four provinces Russia now claims: Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. "The current dynamic of the situation at the front shows us clearly that it's continuing to worsen for the Ukrainians," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said. "It's probable that a politician who puts the interests of his country above his own and those of his masters would reflect on such a proposal," Peskov said. Russian advances, Ukrainian drones Russia claimed Sunday its troops had captured the Zagrine village in southern Ukraine, continuing its advances on the front line. A Russian journalist was killed in a drone attack in eastern Ukraine, near the town of Vuhledar, his news organization, News.ru said, Sunday. The area in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine has been marked by fierce fighting in the past three months. The Russian foreign ministry said a Ukrainian drone had "purposefully hit the Russian journalist preparing a report in the area," two days after the death of another Russian correspondent near the front line. "This is the second attack on media workers in a week, bearing the same signature," ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said, blaming Ukraine. Ukraine has not commented on the allegations. Some information for this report came from Reuters, Agence France-Presse and The Associated Press. Afghanistans Taliban government said Sunday it will send a delegation to the two-day United Nations conference on Afghanistan, set to commence in Doha, Qatar, June 30. This will mark the first time the de facto Afghan rulers will attend a gathering of international envoys on Afghanistan since U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres started the process over a year ago, aimed at developing a coherent and unified world approach to engagement with the Taliban. Zabihullah Mujahid, the chief Taliban spokesman, told an Afghan television channel Sunday that their government had held internal discussions on the agenda for the third Doha conference and agreed to participate. We will announce the composition of the delegation later, God willing. We believe this will serve the interest of Afghanistan, Mujahid said in his interview, aired by TOLO News. He defended the decision and did not mention any conditions from their government, saying they consider any meetings facilitating humanitarian aid and investment in Afghanistan to be crucial. The Taliban Foreign Ministry spokesman later said in a formal statement that the decision to participate in the upcoming Doha meeting had stemmed from their own two months of discussions with the U.N. on the agenda and the list of the participants. If there are any changes to the agenda and participation, it would naturally affect our decision which we will share with all sides at that time, Abdul Qahar Balkhi cautioned. The U.N. has stated that the third Doha meeting aims to increase international engagement with the Taliban and Afghanistan at large "in a more coherent, coordinated and structured manner. Guterres did not invite the Taliban to the first Doha meeting in May 2023, and the Afghan rulers refused an invitation to the second this past February. The fundamentalist Taliban had asked the U.N. during the lead-up to the second Doha meeting to only recognize their delegates as the country's official representatives. This meant that Afghan civil society leaders and women's rights activists would not be allowed to be present. The Taliban authorities also sought a meeting between their delegation and the U.N. at a very senior level. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres rejected the conditions. The international community does not recognize the Taliban government, as many of its top leaders remain under terrorism-related U.N. sanctions. Mujahid did not specify any conditions for their involvement in the forthcoming Doha conference. Curbs on women Sundays Taliban announcement comes amid persistent calls from Afghan and global rights monitors to ensure womens representation at the table in the Doha meeting, with womens and girls rights at the center of discussions. The hardline Taliban stormed back to power in Afghanistan almost three years ago, imposing sweeping curbs on womens right to education and public life at large in line with their harsh interpretation of Islam. Afghan girls ages 12 and older are banned from attending secondary school, while women are prohibited from public and private workplaces, including the U.N., except for Afghan health care and a few other sectors. Women are not allowed to travel long distances by road or air unless accompanied by a close male relative and are banned from visiting public places such as parks, gyms, and bathhouses. The elusive Taliban supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, has rejected international criticism of his governance, including restrictions on women, as an interference in Afghanistans internal affairs. The Taliban's ban on educating girls reached 1,000 days last week, with UNICEF, denouncing it as a "sad and sobering milestone and demanding its immediate removal. For 1.5 million girls, this systematic exclusion is not only a blatant violation of their right to education but also results in dwindling opportunities and deteriorating mental health," UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said. The Talibans return to power in August 2021 has led to the worsening of economic and humanitarian conditions in the impoverished nation of more than 40 million people, reeling from years of war and the devastation of natural disasters. The World Food Program estimates that more than a quarter of the population needs food assistance for survival. More than 12 million people in Afghanistan do not know where their next meal will come from, the U.N. agency stated. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visits the Czech Republic Thursday for an informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers. While in Moldova on Wednesday Blinken pledged $135 million in aid to the country for energy security and to counter Russian disinformation. It is not suggested Bhuiyans extreme views are endorsed more broadly by a protest movement that has mobilised to raise justified concerns about Israels bloody response to the Hamas attack, which has cost more than 37,000 Palestinian lives, according to Gaza health authorities. Police threatening to shut down student encampments are acting in obedience to the corrupt state, while Muslim groups that deal with Australian politicians are sell-outs. In social media posts, Bhuiyan has written that Muslims will continue resisting until Israel is completely wiped off the map, from the river to the sea. He supports armed resistance against Zionist barbarism. In a break from filming, as students in graduation garb flanked by their parents passed the university quadrangle where the protesters had also set up camp, Bhuiyan explained he was Stand For Palestines multimedia co-ordinator but politely declined an interview. Hes not so reserved online. The group emerged shortly after the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7 that left more than 1200 Israelis dead and dozens taken hostage, and as Israels brutal and bloody response was under way. Hours later, the vision compiled by Al-Aksha Bhuiyan was edited and distributed online via a slick campaign platform, Stand For Palestine. On a sunny Friday afternoon in May, as prominent Sydney sheikh Ibrahim Dadoun led protesters through Sydney Universitys quadrangle chanting free Palestine slogans, a diligent encampment regular filmed with his mobile phone. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Where Hizb ut-Tahrir is regarded warily by many in the Muslim and broader community due to its hardline views, limiting its membership, Stand For Palestine has no obvious extremist baggage. The most prominent is Stand For Palestine, a pop-up group that operates across multiple online platforms and works in coalition with several Muslim groups, including at least one that was unaware of Hizb ut-Tahrirs role in pulling the strings. As it seeks to recruit and radicalise, Hizb ut-Tahrir is using front groups to infiltrate the university encampment and pro-Palestine movements. Bhuiyan is a cog in Hizb ut-Tahrirs sophisticated campaign to seize on legitimate grievances about the Gaza conflict to muster support for the controversial groups goal to destroy Israel as part of the creation of a caliphate ruled by Islamic law and stretching across majority-Muslim nations. While there is no suggestion Hizb ut-Tahrir has any official role in the regular weekend rallies that have drawn thousands to the streets in Sydney and Melbourne, the groups Australian chapter is highly active and seeking to influence the broader protest movement. But Bhuiyans activities on campus and online shed rare light on a hidden and fringe pocket of the pro-Palestine movement: that involving the Australian operation of a radical international Islamist group, Hizb ut-Tahrir. In January, the group was banned in Britain as a terrorist organisation after it expressed support for Hamas, itself a proscribed terrorist outfit. As for Hizb ut-Tahrirs banning as a terror outfit in Britain, Bhuiyan says it is a wake-up call for Muslims to finally come out of the illusion of their cozy relationship with the West and embrace the struggle of Islam v kufr [non-belief] . The enemies know very well the voices they need to suppress, he wrote. Two weeks after October 7, Bhuiyan, who regularly shares and promotes Hizb ut-Tahrir events and media releases on social media, decried Facebooks decision to shut down one of the groups accounts. Despite the groups long history of antisemitism and hate speech, and its January banning in Britain, it has attracted almost no recent public scrutiny in Australia, save for the occasional removal of content deemed offensive by the tech giants. A deep dive of the online accounts of its backers also reveals that Hizb ut-Tahrir Australia has stepped up its presence in mosques and youth groups. In a few months, it has gained 33,000 followers across social media, helped organise protests in Sydney and Melbourne and encouraged demonstrations and the defacing of the prime ministers office. Founded in 1953 in the Middle East, Hizb ut-Tahrir has publicly differentiated itself from violent outfits such as Islamic State. IS, in turn, has snubbed Hizb ut-Tahrir as too soft and scholarly. The ban was supported by the Labour opposition but sparked intense debate in Britain about whether it was justified or a politically charged stunt by a Conservative government lagging in the polls. Some critics highlighted Hizb ut-Tahrirs historical repudiation of violence in its quest for a caliphate. Hizb ut-Tahrirs UK chapter had earlier published a media release describing Hamas attackers as heroes and urging the Muslim world to be inspired by the stunning impact of the resistance group. British officials also cited Hizb ut-Tahrirs involvement in a pro-Palestine rally in London. He claimed the group was an antisemitic organisation that actively promotes and encourages terrorism, including praising and celebrating the appalling 7 October attacks. In mid-January, British Home Secretary James Cleverly announced Hizb ut-Tahrir would be declared a terrorist organisation to ensure that anyone who belongs to and invites support for them will face consequences. Roose is a sceptic of the British decision to ban Hizb ut-Tahrir as a terror group, but he insists the group should be scrutinised in Australia, just as he supports scrutiny of neo-Nazi cells. This masthead is not suggesting Hizb ut-Tahrir supporters are terrorists or that all its members condone terrorism. They might not be necessarily crossing that line into advocating terrorism, but there is inherent violence in what theyre doing, he says. Deakin University extremism expert Josh Roose says Hizb ut-Tahrir has used the Gaza conflict to boost its activism. Credit: 60 Minutes Deakin University extremism expert Josh Roose says the group is unquestionably extremist and has seized on the violence in Gaza as their time to shine. Hizb ut-Tahrir was also criticised during the Lindt Cafe siege inquiry, which found that gunman Man Haron Monis had attended several of the groups events before taking hostages in the Sydney cafe in December 2014. The inquirys final report cited terrorism experts who labelled Hizb ut-Tahrir an Islamic extremist group that could act as a gateway to explicitly violent groups. The British debate about the effectiveness of the ban mirrored discussion in Australia in 2015, when former prime minister Tony Abbott sought but failed to have the group proscribed, arguing the federal government had to tackle the people and the organisations that justify terrorism and act as its recruiting agents such as Hizb ut-Tahrir. Australia and the UK have differing legal tests for proscription. He also believes there is a pressing and clear case to strength Australias hate speech legislation to combat Hizb ut-Tahrirs violent rhetoric and antisemitism. Yet, it has avoided publicity in Australia, even as the groups local adherents engage in activities almost identical to its British counterparts. Like so much modern activism, it began with a series of online posts. Hours after fighters flooded into Israel, Hizb ut-Tahrirs international headquarters posted a historical video of the founder of the groups Australian arm, Ismail Alwahwah, who died last year after a busy life that included a stint in a Jordanian jail and frequent scrutiny in Australia for virulently antisemitic preaching. Ismail Alwahwah, traditionally known as Abu Anas (father of Anas), founded Hizb ut-Tahrirs Australian branch. Credit: Hibz ut-Tahrir In the video, Alwahwah is portrayed as a visionary who foresaw the calamity befalling what he called the evil illegal occupier and who had vowed that Israels inevitable humiliation would inspire Muslims to celebrate, laugh and smile. Shortly after that, Ismails Sydney-based son, Anas Alwahwah, posted his own video. Under a caption that read, May God have mercy on my father and grant quick victory, it showed a man on a motorcycle wearing a black balaclava and military battle vest favoured by the Hamas fighters who had just streamed over the Gaza border. Anas Alwahwah is the son of Hizb ut-Tahrir Australias late founder, Ismail Alwahwah, and is a senior activist for the group. Anas Alwahwah is a senior Hizb ut-Tahrir activist in his own right. While generating none of the public profile of his father, he was named on the paperwork when Hizb ut-Tahrir applied to the Office of Fair Trading NSW to be registered as an incorporated association in 2013. He has become an active organiser and participant in the groups events over the past 12 months. Another of Ismails relatives, Amer Alwahwah, who is also closely aligned with Hizb ut-Tahrir, gave a speech describing the events of October 7 as an inspirational moment that set the spark but that required further friction from our end. This is why the flood of al-Aqsa was initiated because what does a flood do? It runs, it moves, it drags and it drowns. And all it took was one flood to drown many traitors. On October 8, Hizb ut-Tahrir called an emergency gathering for Palestine at Lakemba in Sydneys south-west. A video of the event shows Anas Alwahwah passing through the screen as radical Islamist Ibrahim Dadoun, another regular at previous Hizb ut-Tahrir events, embraced Ismail Alwahwahs video prophecy. Im smiling and Im happy, Dadoun said, as news bulletins around the world were still broadcasting images of terrified Israeli hostages, including civilians who had attended a dance party, being bundled into Hamas trucks. Following Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, Sheikh Ibrahim Dadoun said he was elated and described the deadly offensive as a day of courage. Credit: Instagram Im elated. Its a day of courage, its a day of pride, its a day of victory. This is the day weve been waiting for. While Dadouns comments, which he later denied, condoned the killing of civilians, were reported in Australian news bulletins and condemned by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, no one drew the link to Hizb ut-Tahrir. The groups Australian chapter similarly avoided scrutiny after it republished a call to arms issued by Hizb ut-Tahrirs Palestine branch aimed at convincing armies in Muslim nations to join Hamas fight against Israel. The Mujahideens Attack on the Jewish Entity Mandates the Ummah and its Armies to Rush to Support Them, the press release republished by Hizb ut-Tahrir Australia stated. It also described how Hamas capturing of Israeli soldiers and the hoards [sic] of their settlers arouses feelings of pride and dignity. The release lauded the killing of Jewish soldiers and settlers and the courage of the mujahideen. A separate press release issued by Hizb ut-Tahrirs Australian office on October 8 endorsed the surprise dawn raid of October 7 undertaken by the brave Muslims of Palestine. There is no solution to occupation except to persist with resistance efforts, the release said, attacking Albanese while praising the courage of individuals involved in the terror attack and calling on neighbouring Muslim armies to join the fight against Israel. In the days after October 7, Hizb ut-Tahrirs Australian activists would issue this call to arms repeatedly. On December 2, during a fiery speech, Anas Alwahwah claimed Hizb ut-Tahrir was actively lobbying Muslim soldiers to break their chain of command and enter the Gaza war to realise the dream of a caliphate. The sharia obligation is for people who have the capability to rise and wage jihad they have an obligation to wage jihad today, right now, Anas preached. Hizb ut-Tahrir has a wing a secret wing thats [sic] job is only to contact armies to convince them to be on the side of the ummah [global Islamic community]. Hizb ut-Tahrir has statesmen ready to assume [caliphate] rule from day one. So when you present that to the armies, it shows that this is serious work. We are not playing games here. Anas Alwahwah also celebrated the new year in Australia with a social post. It pictured Hamas rockets being fired towards Israel, comparing them to New Years Eve fireworks that reached many cities inside Israel including Tel Aviv. His post also celebrated that, despite widespread bombardment of Gaza, Hamas tunnel network was intact: One thing is for sure; the underground city has not been harmed! Roose says the post is one of several that reflect the way Hizb ut-Tahrir has sought to wrap its long-standing vision for a caliphate around the Gaza conflict, hoping the latter would propel the former. Hes celebrating the launch of missiles on Israel Its clear as day, Roose says. Its their attempt to go out there and build, and to talk about the legitimacy of their struggle and their movement, and to attempt to recruit. Anas talking points mirror Hizb ut-Tahrir Australias press releases, both depicting the war in Gaza as a fight between Islam or the Kuffar [non-believers]. In early January, Hizb ut-Tahrir Australia released a branded video showing footage of Hamas terrorists on October 7 firing RPGs, shooting automatic rifles and paragliding into Israel. Flier promoting Hizb ut-Tahrirs protest in Lakemba the day after the October 7 attacks. Credit: Instagram The video was accompanied by the words: The Al-Aqsa Flood has made clear the reality of the clash. It is a clash of civilisations, between the Muslims and their enemies. It is a clash between kufr [non-belief] and iman [faith]. It is enmity against the Islamic Ummah. When it was Amer Alwahwahs turn to inspire, he published a video on social media with a caption describing the October 7 attacks as the flood of Aqsa battle that would ensure the liberation of Palestine. He said it was written today by the blood of martyrs and advocated for the installation of Jerusalem as the future capital of the caliphate. Hizb ut-Tahrir activist Amer Alwahwah. In another post, he quoted the spokesperson of the military wing of Hamas, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Abu Ubaida: This battle will change the face of the region. God willing, there will be a region without a Zionist entity or Zionist Arab regimes. But Hizb ut-Tahrir in Australia also had a less radical face. It was on display at the Sydney University quadrangle at a series of events in May. Its genesis was many months earlier. The birth of a front group Before Stand For Palestine, there was Stand4Uyghurs. In 2022, Al-Aksha Bhuiyan posted about the latter group as part of a new campaign raising awareness about the injustices facing the Uyghur Muslims of east Turkistan at the hands of the Chinese government. The campaign platform appears to be in line with what extremism scholar Richard McNeil-Wilson who is a strident critic of the British decision to proscribe Hizb ut-Tahrir has described as the groups adept use of front groups to mask their operations. One of the two authors/administrators for the groups website was Moey Alwahwah, another of the relatives of Hizb ut-Tahrir Australias founder. Speakers at its launch included Sheikh Ibrahim Dadoun and another Hizb ut-Tahrir activist, who noted the important contribution of Hizb ut-Tahrir in lending help and an important hand with the logistics and the volunteers. After October 7, multiple Stand4Uyghurs social media platforms were quickly patched over with a new name: Stand For Palestine. If Stand4Uyghurs was busy, Stand For Palestine was prolific. One of Stand For Palestines first messages was circulated online by former senior Australian Hizb ut-Tahrir activist Uthman Badar (he resigned from the group in 2019 but remains closely affiliated) on October 13. Titled Friday Khutbah [sermon] Talking Points, it praised the Hamas attack as a justified response to years of Israeli oppression, describing October 7 as an act of audacious resistance that had left the worlds Muslims happy. Badar also mentioned the Stand For Palestine design was to be used across multiple initiatives in a campaign to support Palestine. Soon, Anas Alwahwahs name would appear as one of the administrators of the Stand4Palestine WhatsApp group, along with his relatives Amer and Mohammed. Mohammed Alwahwah, a relative of Hizb ut-Tahrir Australia founder Ismail Alwahwah. He is the administrator of the Stand4Palestine WhatsApp group. Metadata reveals the Stand4Palestine Telegram group is administered by a Tunisian Hizb ut-Tahrir activist. On November 6, the new group encouraged a boycott of Jewish-owned businesses Spotlight and Anaconda, with a follow-up on November 8 featuring a change.org petition. On November 21, it pressed for a boycott of Kogan, calling it a propagator of Zionism and its ideology. On November 10, it joined other pro-Palestine groups in encouraging its supporters to protest in Caulfield for the Burgertory restaurant subjected to arson attack with a call to display our disdain and strength of our community. The protest involved violent clashes between supporters of Israel and Palestine that required a synagogue to be evacuated. When the Sydney University encampment was created, Stand For Palestine activists arrived with tents and cameras. Among them was a familiar cast of longtime Hizb ut-Tahrir supporters. On May 23, the group promoted a talk at the university quadrangle by Mohammad Alwahwah, the second he had delivered on campus. Two days later, Amer Alwahwah hosted an on-campus talk with a Palestinian activist. Amer and the same activist gave the same talk under the Hizb ut-Tahrir banner a week after that. Hizb ut-Tahrir backer Dadoun also appeared on the university campus as part of events organised by Stand For Palestine, with Dadoun leading a march while chanting from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free. Dadoun explained to the encampment that the chant needed to be repeated often and loudly because this is what makes the Zionists tremble in the knees. When this masthead approached Dadoun on campus, he refused to answer questions. In May, Al-Aksha Bhuiyan introduced himself to this masthead on campus as the multimedia organiser for Stand For Palestine. When called by this masthead in early June, Bhuiyan described himself as a Hizb-ut Tahrir supporter but said the Alwahwahs were its leaders. He confirmed Hizb-ut Tahrir was involved in both Stand4Uyghurs and Stand For Palestine, but said the group was working as part of a broader coalition of activists. Asked about his own online comments, such as his seeming support for armed resistance against Zionist barbarism, the quietly spoken and polite Bhuiyan declined to offer an explanation. Like the Alwahwahs, Bhuiyans online advocacy makes it clear he believes Islam endorses the removal of Israel, with the Jewish state subsumed into a wider Islamic caliphate. He recently urged his social media followers to attend a Hizb ut-Tahrir Australia meeting that shouldnt be missed because it would explain why the two-state solution endorsed by the UN and Australia should be opposed. Bhuiyan also believes Hizb ut-Tahrir is being unjustly targeted. We have seen pervasive attempts to ban the advocacy for the khilafah [caliphate] worldwide, now made clear in the UK through the example of proscribing HT the only prominent group with a focus on advocating for the re-establishment of the khilafah. Loading In a statement, organisers of the Sydney University protest said the camp was made up of a variety of groups and organisations including socialists, queer activists and Muslim students. Were a broad and diverse community here to simply demand our university cut ties with genocide and Israel, the statement said. On Friday, the university instructed the protesters to end their eight-week occupation. If the proscription debate does flare up in Australia, it is likely it will only entrench the Islamist groups narrative that the west offers Muslims nothing except persecution. At a Hizb ut-Tahrir Australia event in early May, Anas Alwahwah urged Australians to recognise the Gaza conflict as a clash of civilisations ... between the West and Islam and hold on to this fact with an iron fist. Everything that came from the West, from systems, from monies, from concepts, from nation states, from rulers, from borders, from identities, has been utter evil for us and a source of humiliation. For more, watch 60 Minutes on Sunday night at 8.05pm. We wont always agree, and the points in which we disagree wont simply disappear if we leave them in silence, Albanese will say, according to his speech notes. Creating channels of dialogue and building understanding is how we make it possible for benefits to flow. Albanese will say: There is much that remains to be done, but it is clear that our nations are making progress in stabilising and rebuilding that crucial dialogue. Albanese has vowed to raise points of disagreement in his meeting with Li, including Yangs situation and recent dangerous military encounters between the Chinese and Australian militaries. The federal opposition is also calling on Albanese to raise the issue of foreign interference after this masthead revealed federal police told two prominent Australian critics of the Chinese Communist Party they were the suspected targets of a foreign interference operation. Supporters of Yang, a former Chinese Ministry of State Security official, described him as an Australian political prisoner who has been sentenced to death because of his writings in support of individual freedoms, constitutional democracy and rule-of-law. Loading Authorities have now reviewed and upheld his original suspended death sentence, the supporters said in a statement, adding they understood that Yang was being moved to prison confinement after more than five years in a security detention centre. Clearly, it is not possible to achieve a stable, respectful bilateral relationship with China while their officials are threatening to execute an Australian political prisoner without any semblance of due process, they said. During his visit to Adelaide Zoo, Li said China would provide a new pair of beautiful, lovely and adorable pandas as soon as possible. We can give you some candidates and invite you to China to pick the ones you want to bring to Adelaide Zoo, he said. Li said China would provide a new pair of beautiful, lovely and adorable pandas as soon as possible. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Li said Beijing had decided to loan Australia two pandas to fulfil the wishes of Adelaide-based Wong, who had raised the issue several times with her Chinese counterparts during her most recent visit to China. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas thanked Li for the generous offer, saying: It is one that the South Australian people will very much embrace. Leaving the panda enclosure, Li interacted with a brush-tailed bettong named Rambo before heading to the Penfolds Magill estate for lunch with local wine exporters. In a nod to the major remaining trade disputes between Australia and China, the dignitaries dined on an entree of South Australian rock lobster before eating a main course of wagyu striploin from South Australias Mayura Station. Protesters and supporters of Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the entrance of Adelaide Zoo. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Australia is seeking to regain access to the Chinese market for rock lobster and crayfish exporters, as well as two beef abattoirs, after previous restrictions on Australian wine, coal, timber and barley exports were removed. Australian officials are confident the seafood restrictions will soon be lifted, but are not sure when. Wong and Farrell both faced questions on Sunday about whether Australias more conciliatory tone towards China meant compromising on democratic values as China continues its aggressive behaviour in the region. Farrell said Labor was overturning blocks on Australian exports by acting more maturely than the Coalition did when in government. Weve managed to get all these things without kowtowing to the Chinese government, he said on Sky News Sunday Agenda. Wong said Duttons recent stance of putting off decisions on a 2030 emissions reduction target would diminish Australian ties with Pacific nations deeply worried about climate risks. We are now in a position where Australia is a partner of choice but the opportunity to be the only partner of choice has been lost by Mr Dutton and his colleagues, and we are in a state of permanent contest in the Pacific, she said on ABCs Insiders. Anti-CCP protesters gathered outside the Adelaide Zoo chanted slogans including Uyghur lives matter and Human lives over profit as they waved Uyghur, Tibetan and Hong Kong flags. Loading We want Prime Minister Albanese to classify what China is doing to the Uyghurs in East Turkistan as a genocide and crime against humanity, Adam Turan, the president of the East Turkistan Australian Association, said. He should raise human rights and call for him to end the concentration camps. Pro-CCP protester Mike Wang said he and his family had come to show support for the Chinese premier and to support improved trade ties between the two nations. The May 2022 election was a breakthrough moment for the Australian Greens. For the first time in the partys history it won a second Senate seat in every state of Australia, taking its representation in the red chamber to a record high of 12 seats (though theyve since lost one after Lidia Thorpe defected to the crossbench). But more significantly, after 12 long years as the partys only MP in the lower house, party leader Adam Bandt was joined by three new colleagues in the green chamber as the Greens swept the Queensland seats of Griffith, Ryan and Brisbane. Max Chandler-Mather with Greens party leader Adam Bandt. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen In the lead-up to that election, a then-member of the Morrison cabinet confidently told me that if teal candidates were standing in the northern capital, the Liberals might have been in trouble but because the alternative was either a Greens or Labor candidate, they would be OK. How wrong they were. The next election could be even more consequential for the balance-of-power party. The Greens are targeting a long list of lower house seats (thats nothing new) and their ambition should not be lightly dismissed. Planning and urban design experts say the state government should better support councils asked to accommodate hundreds of thousands of new homes by delivering new infrastructure. Concerns have also emerged that the targets set by the government will direct even heavier housing growth to Melbournes CBD and on the citys urban fringe. On Sunday, Premier Jacinta Allan visited a new development in Cheltenham to spruik the governments draft housing targets for each council area in Victoria. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has released housing targets for all Victorian council areas. Credit: Eddie Jim Allan said the draft targets provided an overall picture of how we grow as a state equitably so that more Victorians could afford a home in a location where they wanted to live. Everything you post or share on Facebook or Instagram can be used to train Meta AI. Generative AI tools have been caught regurgitating exact copies of their training data for example, spitting out verbatim paragraphs of New York Times articles (now the subject of a legal complaint) and images of real people. It means your Facebook status update from a decade ago may end up in AI-generated text without your explicit consent. Generative AI tools have been caught regurgitating exact copies of their training data. Credit: AP Meta has been hit with complaints in 11 countries over the practices but says its simply following the same approach as other AI firms, such as Google and OpenAI. A Meta spokeswoman said the company was committed to building AI responsibly. With the release of our AI experiences, weve shared details about the kinds of information we use to build and improve AI experiences which includes public posts from Instagram and Facebook consistent with our privacy policy and terms of service, the spokeswoman said. While we dont currently have an opt-out feature, weve built in-platform tools that allow people to delete their personal information from chats with Meta AI across our apps. Depending on where people live, they can also object to the use of their personal information being used to build and train AI consistent with local privacy laws. Loading Trust must be earned Photoshop parent company Adobe faced a wave of user complaints this month when changed its terms of service, suggesting it was giving itself access to users work, even work protected by non-disclosure or confidentiality agreements. Adobe may access, view, or listen to your content through both automated and manual methods, but only in limited ways, and only as permitted by law, its terms of service read. The company clarified that we may access your content through both automated and manual methods, such as for content review. Photoshop customers were up in arms about the changes, before the company issued a blog post saying it would not train its generative AI on customer content and that its language should have been clearer. In a world where customers are anxious about how their data is used, and how generative AI models are trained, it is the responsibility of companies that host customer data and content to declare their policies not just publicly, but in their legally binding terms of use, the company said. Trust must be earned. The reality is that weve already trained AI. Without your explicit permission, major AI systems have been trained on large swathes of the internet, including your public Facebook posts, your Reddit comments, or the blog you made in high school. If youve ever made a YouTube video, it may have been used by OpenAI to train ChatGPT. Everything you post or share on Facebook or Instagram can be used to train Meta AI. Mark Pesce, author and futurist The tech giants initially used data scraped from all corners of the internet for their AI models. Theyre now beginning to pay the likes of News Corp, Associated Press and Reddit for their data, as well as turning to their own users, who they can effectively mine for free. The murky methods employed by the tech giants to train their AI and the subsequent backlash from users who feel theyve gone too far raise issues of user consent and questions about the direction of the internet. The issue is not new: were already used to giving up our data to help make our online experience more personalised. Netflix might suggest movies based on what youve watched, your fitness app will likely provide data to third-party companies to drive targeted ads, and your news app likely tracks your location to serve you more localised stories. What is new, however, is a push to allow Australian users to opt out of the mass digital data scrape. Very few Australians would have a detailed understanding Australias former human rights commissioner Edward Santow says the fact we cant opt out of Facebooks AI training is cause for an urgent privacy overhaul. Former Human Rights Commissioner Edward Santow. For Australians to not have an opt-out, that reflects that Australias legislation has become out of date and really needs to be modernised to deal with these sorts of issues, said Santow, who is now a professor of responsible technology at the University of Technology Sydney. Australians shouldnt be subjected to inferior protections of their privacy as compared with places like the European Union. Santow wants Australias privacy laws to shift closer to privacy-conscious Europe, which gives its users more control over how their personal information is used. Privacy reform has been in the works for years, and legislation to overhaul Australias outdated privacy laws is expected later this year. What we hear all the time from Australians is what they really want is purer and stronger protections regarding when a persons information can and cannot be used. And this is a very good example of where government could be clearer in simply drawing some red lines, Santow said. Loading I think very few Australians would have a detailed understanding of how those larger language models have been trained on their data. I would be fairly confident in saying that the vast majority of Facebook and Instagram users wouldnt have anticipated that their posts would be used for that purpose. There are also worries that the now-constant stream of cyberattacks and data breaches will inevitably reach the personal data used to train AI models. Artificial intelligence expert Niusha Shafiabady, an associate professor at Charles Darwin University, says when companies such as Meta collect their users data to feed AI algorithms, it puts those users at a heightened security and privacy risk. AI to be used to identify the patterns is not something new. It has been used for this purpose and similar ones before. Users are right to have concerns about their security Using and collecting data from emails and different sources of communication opens another door to security risks for the users, she said. Users should decide how much they get out of these technologies in trading their privacy and security. Active consent is needed Some companies are taking the opposite stance to Meta and are declaring they wont touch user data to train their AI models. Tech giant Apple says it does not train its models with private data or user interactions, in a clear distinction from Meta and Google. Another such company is Leonardo Ai, an Australian start-up that has more than 15 million users. Its software competes against the likes of Midjourney and ChatGPT, and more than 1 billion unique artworks have been created on its platform. The companys latest model, dubbed Leonardo Phoenix, has been trained on a combination of licensed, synthetic and open-sourced data, rather than data from its users. JJ Fiassons Leonardo Ai is one of the most hyped companies in Australias technology scene. Credit: Oscar Colman According to Leonardo Ai co-founder JJ Fiasson, its incumbent upon AI companies to communicate clearly how users data is or isnt being used to maintain trust. Weve already got a couple of agreements in place around large licensed datasets, he said. I believe thats generally where the market is headed, and I think it makes a lot of sense. Loading I know theres concern around the use of user data, and thats something people need to have a level of active consent around. The rapidly heating up AI arms race means there is urgency for regulatory action now, according to Santow. Its maybe another year or so where that process of building takes place, and then its moved through a different phase, which is really about tuning those large language models, he said. Achill landscapes make up the bulk of Marie Howet's 25 paintings in her monumental book, A La Source d'Ara, published in Paris on June 7, 1934, exactly 90 years ago, and her extraordinary island legacy will finally be celebrated on Achill over the August bank holiday weekend. The famous Belgian impressionist, whose work was acclaimed by none other than Henri Matisse, included in that book sumptuous island landscapes and portraits of many locals like Dooaghs Annie McNulty (who carried her painting stool) and Eva O'Flaherty. She painted Gielty's pub and Slievemore too, all works undertaken in the months following her first visit in August 1929, when she arrived off a bus at the door of St Colman's Knitting Industries, now Abha Teangai. Howet revisited Dooagh on a score or more occasions over the decades, and loved the island dearly. To mark the anniversary of that extraordinary 1934 publication, and to pay tribute to her artistic genius on the 40th anniversary of her death, the celebration in August will include special guest speakers, experts on the above Parisienne masterwork, and on Howets incredible island body of work. Author Mary J Murphy will also launch her third Achill-themed book there. Entitled Achill Remembers Marie Howet, a follow-on to Achill Painters, this detailed, thoroughly researched, full-colour monograph, brim-full of original material, will contain photos taken at Howet's grave and at many other locations in Belgium that were vital to her artistic evolution, plus many island paintings never seen on Achill before. It also includes contributions from Belgian and American family members and friends of Howet, who hosted Murphy in Belgium recently while she was tracing the painter's tenacious associations with Achill. Foremost among these connections was her indomitable 53-year friendship with the Burkes of the Brae, a heart-link copper-fastened by Anne Burke's inscribed Dooagh pebble which was laid on Howet's Libramont grave. Anne's mother, 'Brigitte' McNulty Burke, formed a forever-friendship with Howet after the artist painted her portrait as a little girl in 1929. John Twin and Mary McNamara, lifelong admirers of Howet, also sent a piece of tributary amethyst from Keem, now also resting on Howets grave beside Anne Burke's tiny Dooagh beach stone. Eight specially commissioned biographical banners charting Howet's adventurous, travel-filled life will also form part of this unique August anniversary tribute event. Acclaimed chef and enterprise hub serve-up wellbeing food parcels for families in Wrexham This article is old - Published: Sunday, Jun 16th, 2024 An acclaimed restaurant group and social enterprise organisation are serving up more than 900 wellbeing food boxes for families in Wrexham. Led by the Childrens University and supported by Menter Mons Neges scheme, the initiative is funded by HEFCW (Higher Education Funding Council for Wales). The boxes will be given to children in Wrexham, Denbighshire, Gwynedd, Conwy, Anglesey, and Flintshire, and contain locally sourced ingredients and recipe cards to help educate pupils, parents and carers on nutrition and healthy eating. The food and drink will be prepared and distributed by the award-winning Dylans group, which has restaurants in Conwy, Llandudno, Criccieth, and Menai Bridge. Nina Ruddle, Head of Public Policy Engagement at Wrexham University a driving force behind the North Wales Childrens University said the collaborative project will benefit hundreds of people living in areas of food poverty across the region. Healthy eating is a challenge for young people in certain areas, so we want to develop the food boxes with locally sourced items where possible, with the aim of encouraging families to cook together and enjoy a fresh, hearty meal, said Nina. We are working with schools in each county and there will be three meals in a box with delicious ingredients, and information cards will come with a QR code that opens to YouTube videos demonstrations, so they can cook along with them. She added: This is a fantastic opportunity for us to extend the reach of the Childrens University while working alongside Menter Mon and Dylans, who have been incredibly supportive. The project is a pivotal element of our overarching civic mission, with the aim of ending social inequality and developing strong partnerships to tackle key issues facing families across North Wales and beyond. Menter Mons David Wylie added: We hope this will be the start of a long-running collaboration that will help families in this region. This is a chance for us to really make a difference to how young people in particular approach food and nutrition, encourage healthy eating and also develop independent skills for the future we are privileged to be a part of it. David Evans, Dylans owner and founder, said: This project fits perfectly with our mission of showcasing the best that this region and nation has to offer. We are extremely proud to be working with schools across all counties of North Wales, providing boxes full of fresh, nutritious food sourced wherever possible from superb local suppliers. Working on an initiative such as this gives the whole team a sense of pride, being part of something which supports so many families in our communities. We are proud to be partnering with North Wales Childrens University and Menter Mon, who share our commitment to supporting communities and driving positive change. Gwynedds Deputy Leader Cllr Nia Jeffreys reinforced those comments and says ensuring all children and young people in the county have access to locally sourced, healthy, and fresh food is a priority for the council. This scheme is to be welcomed and I hope it will complement the other food schemes currently available within the county such as the Gwynedd Community Hubs and Food Pantries, she said. I am grateful to all the partners involved in this scheme and am optimistic it will be another way of breaking down some of the barriers preventing our young people from enjoying nutritious and affordable food. The project comes after local authorities in Wales signed up to the Larder Cymru Welsh Food for Schools pilot scheme Wrexham, Flintshire, Anglesey, Gwynedd, Cardiff, and Caerphilly councils with the aim of increasing the volume and range of Welsh produce purchased and used by education catering departments in their counties. For more information, visit the website http://www.lardercymru.wales or email david@mentermon.com. Alternatively, follow @mentermon on social media. Information appeal following Caia robbery This article is old - Published: Sunday, Jun 16th, 2024 North Wales Police are investigating a report of a robbery that took place at around 0330hrs on Saturday 15th June 2024 in the area of Queensway, Caia. Police said, We ask that if anyone has any information that may help us in our investigation, or if you were in the area and have a dashcam, please call 101 or contact us via the webchat facility on our website quoting reference 24000529477. Alternatively you can report contact the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111 No further detail has been released. Seven candidates vying to become first MP for new Clwyd East constituency This article is old - Published: Sunday, Jun 16th, 2024 The newly formed Clwyd East constituency is set to be hotly contested on July 4. The Independent Boundary Commission have redrawn the lines in North Wales so nine constituencies have now become seven. Some areas of Wrexham are now included in the new ward including Llangollen Rural. This means the former Vale of Clwyd seat no longer exists so MP Dr James Davies is one of seven candidates fighting to take the seat at Westminster. Liberal Democrats candidate Alec Dauncey says he wants to return the power back to the people. I want to see a Fair Deal for people in Britain so much has become broken and unfair, he said. We need to bring power closer to people. That means more local responses from councils and respecting and strengthening our Senedd, holding it to account on health, education agriculture, and transport. Westminster politicians have no place interfering in that. The UK government needs to get to grips with economic fairness and a greener, more innovative economy. Well-being and security mean we should work together much more closely to rebuild our relations with our European Union allies and neighbours in an increasingly uncertain world. We need to get on with clear steps towards eventually rejoining the European Union. He added: Im proud that the Liberal Democrats have stood up for the rule of international law in the face of Israels response to the appalling attacks of October 2023. Conservative candidate Dr James Davies, the former MP for the Vale of Clwyd, has backed Tory plans to alter the Welsh Governments newly introduced 20mph speed limit. I know how unpopular the default 20mph limit has been in this area, he said. The manifesto proposes that the Conservative Government at Westminster would ensure that the Backing Drivers Bill gives power to local people in local communities to object to inappropriate designations of 20mph along roads, so I hope that will appeal to those who are looking for a common sense policy. Dr Davies also has strong opinions on the NHS. He said: Time and time again, I hear of concerns and have done as MP, of course, about the state of the health service in North Wales. Its been run by Labour from Cardiff for 25 years now. Really I think the time has come for greater intervention. We need a public enquiry into Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. We need access for patients in North Wales for the NHS elsewhere in the UK should they wish it. We need more comparable data and statistics across the UK so that the Welsh Government is held to account in terms of its delivery, and we need auditors and inspection mechanisms that are broadly UK wide to make sure there is patient safety. Labour candidate Becky Gittins is determined to beat the Tories and claims to have a rich heritage with her party. Standing up for what is right and fighting for my community, those are the principles that have been passed down from generations of my family, she said. My familys roots are deep in North Wales, a family proud of our mining heritage. My parents met, struggling through industrial unrest, at the hands of Thatcher. Just like my great grandad, a trade union activist and Labour council candidate, my parents stood up to the injustice of a Conservative Government. Right now, families across Clwyd East are struggling through a cost-of-living crisis, not of their making. People need more secure work, better public services, and further opportunities through a well-resourced education system. I cannot let another general election go by without knowing I did all I could to help Labour win again here at home. I know that people here want an MP they can be proud of. As a new constituency, Clwyd East needs a candidate that will unify members from different areas, celebrating the traditions and successes each branch brings, joining together to beat the Tories. She added: I know what it takes. Ive taken on the Tories before and won. Plaid Cymru candidate Paul Penlington took aim at both the Labour and Conservative parties when outlining his pledge to the people of North Wales. In many ways life is harder in this part of the UK than anywhere, he said. In this constituency we have the highest levels of poverty in the UK. 35% of children live in poverty. 18% of pensioners live in poverty. 22% of working people live in poverty. The NHS is in serious crisis, people are dying in ambulances, and people are pulling their own teeth, but the two main parties do nothing but bicker about whose is performing best and blame each other for their failings. Its a very long list of failures from the red and blue, too long to list here, but you know we are being failed and even put at risk by their failures. He added: Theres a lot of talk in this election about change and a plan but their policies remain the same: blame each other, do nothing and pander to their billionaire sponsors. Plaid Cymru can deliver change and do have a clear plan. We only represent you, we have no billionaire backers, and our candidates are all local community champions who only work for the benefit of our communities. Lee Lavery is the candidate for the Green Party. A Green Party spokesman said: Lee is a local lad. He was brought up in Mostyn and attended Ysgol Bryn Pennant there, moving on to Holywell High School. After attending university in Durham, he worked for a few years in London, before returning to care for his parents in Mostyn. He now works in Mold for a mental health charity. Mr Lavery said: British politics needs to change. With the Tories now moving further to the right and Labour decidedly mired in the centre, the people of Clwyd East need a truly progressive candidate who will stand up for their rights: the right to earn a decent living wage, the right to feed their families, and keep them warm without breaking the bank. I believe I am that candidate for Clwyd East. Reform candidate Kirsty Walmsley claims Clwyd East holds a special place in her heart. I was educated at Llanfyllin High School, where I gained a basic knowledge of the beautiful Welsh language. I am now moving to Llangollen, where I have so many fond childhood memories, she said. I am married to Jonathon, and we have two children, Emily and Isaac, who I hope will get to enjoy picnics and paddling in the River Dee, just as much as I did. I believe I would make an excellent advocate for Clwyd East, having both real world and political experience. I started working life in my familys carpet and flooring business and went on to have my own furniture business later. She added: My experience as a parent makes me passionate about children, family, and education, which I gave keynote speeches on at Reform UKs first two national conferences. I also have political experience working behind the scenes for three Members of Parliament as a caseworker. So I know, and understand exactly how to get issues resolved, which is one of the most rewarding parts of being a local MP. The Local Democracy Reporting Service was unable to contact independent candidate Rob Roberts. The full list of candidates Alec Dauncey (Lib Dem) James Michael Davies (Conservatives) Becky Gittins (Labour) Lee Lavery (Green Party) Paul Penlington (Plaid Cymru) Rob Roberts (Independent) Kirsty Walmsley (Reform UK) By Richard Evans Local Democracy Reporter Wales has a long way to go to eradicate racism, Senedd committee warns. This article is old - Published: Sunday, Jun 16th, 2024 Wales still has a long way to go to eradicate racism, a Senedd committee warned. Jenny Rathbone led a debate on an equality committees report, entitled Action, not words, following an inquiry on the Welsh Governments anti-racist Wales action plan. Ms Rathbone, who chairs the committee, said racism remains an all-too-familiar part of the day-to-day experience of far too many Welsh citizens. She warned governance arrangements set up under the plan, which aims to make Wales an anti-racist nation by 2030, are far too complicated and risk being overengineered. Ms Rathbone raised concerns about access to language interpretation in the health service, with family members, including children, too often being relied on as translators. Bullying It really is a breach of a persons human rights not to have proper interpretation, she said. Ms Rathbone raised a Royal College of Nursing survey which found nearly half of Asian and black respondents had been bullied by colleagues, compared with 38% for white staff. Turning to education, the Cardiff Central MS warned that many schools and colleges do not have anti-racism policies nor escalation mechanisms. She said: Race Council Cymru told us that many people from ethnic minority backgrounds dont have confidence that education settings have effective policies to prevent racist bullying or micro-aggressions, and that these are dealt with effectively when they do occur. Ms Rathbone called for a consistent, pan-Wales approach to reporting anti-racist incidents in education similar to the Datix Cymru reporting system in the NHS. Structural racism Altaf Hussain, for the Conservatives, told the chamber Wales is among the most tolerant nations but, sadly, racism still exists. It is not the overt kind that is prevalent in our nation; it is the more covert structural racism, he said, adding that the hidden nature of structural racism makes it difficult to tackle. Mr Hussain, who represents South Wales West, warned that only a tiny percentage of teachers are from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. Last year, only 0.2 per cent of the newly-qualified teachers were black, he said. Just 44 out of the nearly 1,500 newly-qualified teachers had a BAME background. How can we possibly hope to put an end to racism, discrimination and, ultimately, hate crime via education and celebrations of diversity if our teachers are not representative? Beg, steal and borrow Sioned Williams, Plaid Cymrus shadow social justice secretary, warned of an action gap, saying progress on race-based prejudice and inequality has been too slow. She said witnesses flagged funding as a barrier, quoting Ceri Harris, Betsi Cadwaladr health boards head of equality, as saying she has had to beg, steal and borrow for initiatives. Turning to criminal justice, Ms Williams said people from ethnic minority backgrounds are over-represented at all levels of the system. She said: In 2021, 51 out of every 10,000 black people in Wales were in prison, compared to 14 white people, and more black people were also under the care of probation services. The length of sentences is also longer for black people than white defendants. In the same way, the limited data available confirm high levels of disproportionality in the use of stop and search by Welsh police forces. Racist framework Jane Dodds warned people from ethnic minority backgrounds continue to face disparities in housing, education, employment, health and justice despite pockets of progress. The Mid and West Wales MS welcomed the ambition of the anti-racist action plan, stressing that it needs to dismantle Wales racist framework. Ms Dodds said: Complacency remains the enemy of progress and the committees report highlights the formidable challenges that the Welsh Government needs to surmount. The Lib Dems leader in Wales criticised ministers response to recommendations, accusing the Welsh Government of appearing to abdicate its role in improving strategic equality plans. She added: By rejecting the need for concrete timelines and binding commitments, the government further undermines confidence and risks allowing this blight to fester. Unacceptable John Griffiths focused his contribution on the Gypsy, Traveller and Roma community. Warning their voices too often go unheard, the Labour backbencher stressed the need to combat discrimination against all sections of society in Wales. Mr Griffiths, who represents Newport East, raised the childrens commissioners concerns about an unacceptable level of bullying faced by Gypsy and Traveller children. He told the Senedd: The level of exclusions is way beyond what we see for the rest of the population. That community is not represented amongst teaching staff Mr Griffiths raised concerns about a lack of any spending from a Welsh Government pot specifically for sites for the Gypsy, Traveller community in the last financial year. Priority Responding to the debate on June 12, Lesley Griffiths said significant structural foundations have been laid for long-term change and tangible progress has been made. The social justice secretary told the chamber a refreshed anti-racist Wales plan will be published this year, with goals and actions spanning the whole of government. Ms Griffiths pointed out that Wales was the first UK nation to make the teaching of black, Asian and minority ethnic histories mandatory. She added that the Welsh Government is also considering the recommendations of the childrens commissioners report which put a spotlight on racism in secondary schools. In closing, Ms Griffiths said: Im committed to tackling systemic and cultural racism in all forms as a priority. What we need to do is absolutely use every lever available. We all need to take a leading role in eradicating racism here in Wales. By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter A Missouri woman who has spent 43 years in prison for murder had her conviction overturned after defense lawyers argued that a corrupt cop committed the grisly killing. Sandra Hemme, 64, was ordered freed within 30 days unless prosecutors retry her, the Associated Press reported Saturday. A spokesperson for Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey didn't immediately respond to messages, AP said. Judge Ryan Horsman ruled late Friday that Hemme had presented evidence of actual innocence and that prosecutors wrongly withheld information that could have cleared her, AP said. Hemme's lawyers filed a motion for her immediate release and said the case marked the longest time a woman has been imprisoned on a wrongful conviction. "We are grateful to the Court for acknowledging the grave injustice Ms. Hemme has endured for more than four decades," her lawyers said in a statement. In 1981, Hemme pleaded guilty to avoid the death penalty in the slaying of library worker Patricia Jeschke, 31, whose mother found her nude body in a pool of blood in Jeschke's St. Joseph, Missouri, apartment on Nov. 13, 1980. Jescke's hands were tied behind her back with a telephone cord, a pair of pantyhose was wrapped around her neck and a knife was under her head. The case against Hemme, who had a history of mental illness, was based on incriminating statements she made a month later after being arrested when she showed up with a knife at the home of a nurse who had treated her. During her interrogation in a hospital, Hemme was being treated with antipsychotic drugs and seemed "mentally confused," according to the detectives who questioned her. Her guilty plea was thrown out on appeal but she was convicted again in 1985 following a one-day trial at which jurors weren't told about what her lawyers now call the "grotesquely coercive" nature of her questioning by police. Meanwhile, investigators also identified another suspect, then-police officer Michael Holman, who was a arrested about a month after the slaying for falsely reporting the theft of his pickup truck, which was spotted near the crime scene Holman also tried to use Jeschke's credit card on the same day her body was found and a search of his home turned up a pair of Jeschke's earrings and jewelry stolen from another woman during a burglary earlier in the year. But the investigation of him was abruptly dropped after four days and prosecutors never told Hemme's lawyer about it. Holman was eventually fired from the police force and died in 2015, AP said. In Friday's ruling, the judge wrote that "no evidence whatsoever outside of Ms. Hemme's unreliable statements connects her to the crime." "In contrast, this Court finds that the evidence directly ties Holman to this crime and murder scene," Horsman added. Warning Wales Additional Learning Needs reforms are not delivering This article is old - Published: Sunday, Jun 16th, 2024 The architect of Wales additional learning needs system warned the reforms are not delivering on the aim of transforming support for children and young people. Alun Davies, who steered the Additional Learning Needs (ALN) Act through the Senedd, said the reforms had to deliver a sea change in learners experiences. But the Labour MS for Blaenau Gwent, who has been on the backbenches since 2017, said implementation of the legislation has not delivered some of the initial ambitions. He told the Senedd: All too often, Im speaking to parents who have children with very real needs and those needs are not being met because the resources are simply not available. It breaks my heart sometimes to listen to the stories of parents, who are fighting hard for their children and who deserve the support to flourish. Rather bleak The former minister for lifelong learning called for confirmation that children and young people do not need a diagnosis to receive support in schools and colleges. Lynne Neagle, who previously chaired the committee that scrutinised the 2018 legislation, confirmed support should be based on need rather than a diagnosis. Stressing ALN is very much a priority, Wales education secretary told her Labour colleague: I dont agree with your rather bleak assessment of how the reforms are going. Ms Neagle acknowledged challenges with consistent implementation of the reforms, which are being phased in to replace the special educational needs system. She said the Welsh Government has invested more than 60m to support implementation, with 54m budgeted for ALN in this year. Black hole Also during education questions on June 12, the Conservatives Tom Giffard raised concerns about Labours pledge to apply VAT to private schools. Mr Giffard, who represents South Wales West, told the chamber the Welsh Government has not carried out an impact assessment of such a policy. The shadow education secretary estimated the cost to Welsh schools at 18m, asking how Welsh ministers would fill the black hole. Accusing her opposite number of coming up with a back-of-a-fag-packet calculation, Ms Neagle said the policy will actually release funding for schools. She replied: You should know all about black holes, given that we have a black hole in our budget of 700m as a result of being short-changed by the UK Conservative Government. No idea Meanwhile, Cefin Campbell criticised Keir Starmers pledge to recruit more teachers given education is devolved and Labour has run Wales for 25 years. Mr Campbell, who took over the education brief in a Plaid Cymru reshuffle last week, said a survey shows three-quarters of teachers in Wales had considered leaving the profession. The former lecturer raised concerns about the initial teacher education incentive scheme, saying the Welsh Government has no idea if it is working due to a lack of evidence. Ms Neagle said Sir Keir is well aware education is devolved, suggesting consequential funding will be used to address Wales-specific needs such as shortages in certain subjects. She agreed about the importance of data on incentive schemes: Ive been very, very clear about that with officials. You cant change policy without having effective data. By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter On Saturday the Socialist Equality Party campaigned in Holborn and St Pancras with a stall on Camden Road. Tom Scripps, 28, is challenging Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and is the only candidate advancing a socialist programme for workers and young people against capitalism and war. SEP campaign team speaking to residents at the stall on Camden Road Hundreds of copies of the SEP election manifesto were distributed outside Sainsburys and near Aldi on Camden High Street. The SEP is fielding Scripps in London and 25-year-old Darren Paxton in Inverness to build a socialist anti-war movement based on the international working class. The SEPs election statement alerts the working class to NATO plans to escalate their proxy-war in Ukraine into a direct military confrontation with Russia: The SEP is using this election to break the conspiracy of silence maintained by the capitalist media, the major parties, the trade unions and what passes for the left over the acute dangers facing the working class. We intend to build a socialist alternative. Dozens of workers, youth and retirees stopped and spoke with SEP campaigners. The stall, with its large placards denouncing Labours support for the Gaza genocide and NATOs proxy-war in Ukraine, attracted interest throughout the day, despite heavy rain at times. Mali, a self-employed worker, pointed to the SEPs election manifesto and said, The first thing I agreed with when I saw you was no to the Gaza war and build an anti-war movement. That is why I am supporting Tom. I dont know his background, but I believe in those words. I believe in justice in the world, and peace in the world. The people who are dying in Gaza and Ukraine are the same people. The Americans are pushing the western countries into war. I agree there is a connection to the war in Gaza and Ukraine. Mali Mali has attended all the mass protests in London against Israels slaughter in Gaza. He linked Britains support for genocide to the criminalisation of protest and free speech: Democratic rights includes the right to say what you want. These protests are not antisemitic as they are saying. If you look at many of the normal Israeli peopleIm not talking about the Netanyahu government, but the peoplethey are against the war. They dont want anything to do with genocide. I agree that Starmer is just as much a war criminal. I dont know any more of any difference between the Labour and Conservative parties. Mali took some of the manifestos to share with his family and friends. A young worker told SEP campaigners, I have been to all the marches on Gaza, and I was shocked, shocked when Keir Starmer, my MP, agreed that Israel had the right to stop Palestinians receiving water and food. Starmer is a lawyer and knows human rights, and he has broken humanitarian rights so much. SEP campaign team speaking to residents on Camden Road He led what was in effect a coup against Jeremy Corbyn in the Labour Party yet Corbyn being nice is also his biggest downfall. He would not fight them. I work seven days a week with only a morning off. I am for the whole political set-up to be swept away and replaced with a socialist society where what is needed is given. I am interested in this campaign. Hawie, a musician from Camden, took a copy of the SEPs election manifesto and told an SEP volunteer: I havent heard that take before, about the mobilisation toward war with Russia. Im following lefty discussion all over the place, on Twitter, YouTube discussion, I havent heard anything like that before. There seems to be a lot of talk around allowing Ukraine to strike territory inside Russia, and possibly other countries such as Poland, so everythings moving toward escalation. Ill have a look at your website certainly. I wasnt planning to vote Labour, and I was thinking that Feinstein was a good alternative, but maybe Ill think again. Hawie Hawie had supported Corbyn as leader of the Labour Party in 2015: I was pleased that someone seemed to be steering the Labour Party back in the direction worthy of its name, closer to its origins coming out of the labour movement. He described Starmers Stalinist tactics in purging thousands of left-wing members from the party. But he was also critical of Corbyn for leaning into that and refusing to challenge his attackers. He should never have given in to the Labour Party. The campaign team encountered widespread opposition to the Gaza genocide, but there was little awareness of NATOs push for direct military confrontation against Russia. Several young people expressed surprise at the Zelensky regimes imprisonment of our comrade, the Ukrainian socialist Bogdan Syrotiuk for opposing the war. I thought Zelensky was in favour of democracy, a youth said in surprise, after an SEP member explained his role in cancelling elections, arresting youth for resisting the draft, imprisoning left-wing opponents, banning strikes and promoting fascist wartime leaders such as Stepan Bandera, who played a leading role in the Holocaust. He took a leaflet and expressed support for Bogdans struggle for the unity of Russian and Ukrainian workers against the war. An SEP team member speaking to a resident on Camden Road Outside Aldi, an SEP member was confronted by an angry member of the public who mistook us for the Labour Party. He demanded to know why Labour had supported members of Ukraines fascist Azov battalion being invited into the UK parliament. An SEP campaigner quickly explained our opposition to the Labour Party, but said he was right to be alarmed over Labours promotion of fascists. He took a manifesto and said he would read it with interest. Outside Sainsburys the SEP encountered volunteers campaigning for Independent Andrew Feinstein and handing out flyers. One of their campaign managers approached us and accused the SEP of splitting the left vote before walking off. Feinsteins election flyer and website does not mention the word socialist, while the Gaza genocide is referenced just once, as a call for divestment by Camden Council. While Feinstein is running as an Independent, he represents the Collective group formed last month by supporters of Jeremy Corbyn and self-billed as the first organised mass movement of the left outside of the Labour Party. Until recently a member of the Labour Party, Feinstein holds up as his model Corbyns leadership of the Labour Party and bases his programme on the five demands of Corbyns Peace and Justice Project: a pay rise for all, green new deal with public ownership, housing for all, tax the rich to save the NHS and welcome refugees in a world free from war. Andrew Feinstein in Copenhagen in 2016 [Photo by Mogens Engelund - Own work / CC BY-SA 3.0 Election leaflets produced by Feinstein in the constituency promote a crass anti-political party localism and municipal politics, with statements such as, An Independent candidate serves only local people, not political party agendas and I want Camden to thrive again. Such a perspective conceals the implications of imperialist genocide and war, austerity and the rise of the far-rightprocesses rooted in the breakdown of world capitalism, radicalising millions of workers and young people around the world and demanding a political solution fought for by a socialist party. Like Corbyns election platform in neighbouring Islington North, Feinsteins campaign is calibrated to appeal to popular hostility toward Labours right-wing programme, while blocking a socialist and revolutionary challenge to capitalism by the working class. His sole reference to Starmer is not that he supports genocide and should be tried as a war criminal, but that he views residents as a stepping stone to power. Feinstein concludes, We deserve an MP who is active locally and shares our moral values. The SEP is intervening in the British general elections to politically educate the working class and youth in the struggle against war and for socialism, in direct opposition to the pro-capitalist politics of Andrew Feinstein and the Corbynite left. We urge workers and youth everywhere to read our election manifesto and join the SEPs campaign. Last week, the former military chiefs Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot, two of the so-called centre-right opposition leaders, announced they were quitting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus war cabinet. Speaking at a press conference, Gantz accused Netanyahu of preventing us from progressing to real victory by obstructing important decisions, including refusing to present a viable plan for Gaza after the war, for his own political gain. Therefore, We are leaving the emergency government today with a heavy heart but wholeheartedly. He voiced his support for the Biden administrations proposals for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange, called for early Israeli elections and appealed to other politicians, including Defence Minister Yoav Gallant whom he called a brave and determined leader, to quit the government. Benny Gantz, a member of Israel's three-member War Cabinet, announces his resignation in Ramat Gan, Israel, on June 9, 2024. [AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg] Eisenkot said he was resigning because the government had completely failed in all its objectives. In an empty gesture, their National Unity Party submitted a bill to dissolve the 120-seat Knesset that would trigger fresh elections, safe in the knowledge that it had no chance of winning the vote, and to set up an independent inquiry to investigate the circumstances leading up to the Hamas attack on October 7 and other aspects of the war. Their resignations, a day after a self-imposed deadline that they postponed due to the news of the rescue of four hostages after a massive attack on the Nuseirat refugee camp that killed at least 274 Palestinians and wounded more than 600, was a damp squib. Not a single protester took to the streets on Sunday night to support Gantz and Eisenkot, or to demand Netanyahus ouster and fresh elections. Even had such a demonstration been organised, it would not have called for an end to the genocide in Gazawhich both these war criminals support. Netanyahu greeted their resignation with a shrug, merely saying, Dont leave the emergency government; dont give up on unity, secure in the knowledge that their departure will not collapse his government of ultra-nationalists and religious Zionists. Their aims are to annex the West Bank, ethnically cleanse Israel, re-establish settlements in Gaza and impose authoritarian rule along with a greater role for the religious forces. Gantz and Eisenkots tactical differences with Netanyahu The pair have no principled differences with Netanyahu. They demonstrated their loyalty throughout the war to his government and the Zionist state, defending every single one of the bloody crimes the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have committed. Their decision to quit was clearly made in consultation with Washington, as Genocide Joes ironclad support for Israel faces mass opposition from workers and youth in key Democrat-voting states. Gantz and Eisenkot are keen to pause the war to secure the release of the surviving hostagesat least 43 of the 120 are believed to be deadto reinforce domestic support for the war going forward and hopefully bring a temporary halt to the almost daily skirmishes with Lebanons Hezbollah in the north. This would enable Saudi Arabia, Egypt and other states to sign on to some form of post-war policing of the ruins of Gaza that Washington is seeking to organise. Last month, Gantz submitted a six-point plan for Gaza and threatened to quit if the government did not agree to it. The plan included a temporary US-European-Arab-Palestinian system of civil administration, with Israel retaining overall control of security; the normalisation of relations with Saudi Arabia that would necessarily involve agreeing to some illusory Palestinian statelet alongside Israel; and an end to the ultra-Orthodox Jews exemption from army service. For months last year, Gantz was one of the self-proclaimed leaders of the nine-month-long protest movement against Netanyahus efforts to establish dictatorial rule. One of the factors driving the mass protests was deepening social inequality within one of the most unequal societies in the OECD group of advanced countries, sparking fears of a civil war. More than 10,000 army reservists announced they would refuse to serve and risk their lives for an undemocratic government if Netanyahus judicial coup went ahead. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, center, poses along side Israel's Minister of Jerusalem Affairs and Heritage Meir Porush, right, and other members the cabinet in Jerusalem on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. [AP Photo/Gil Cohen-Magen] The massive opposition movement gave the lie to claims that criticizing Israel was tantamount to antisemitism. Israel and the imperialist powers who back the Zionist regime as the custodian of their interests in the resource-rich region have used such claims to silence the left and discredit opponents of Israels repression of the Palestinians and apartheid rule. But Gantz, Eisenkot, and other opposition leaders, such as former Prime Minister and Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid, were able to come to the head of a movement that never politically challenged Zionism, or linked the struggle against Netanyahu to opposition to the oppression of the Palestinians. They ensured that the protest was characterised by the waving of Israeli flags and a commitment to defend the states bogus democratic credentials on the world arena. The opposition leaders did nothing to oppose Netanyahus escalating provocations against the Palestinians, aimed at inciting a response that could be used as the pretext for all-out war. From the moment Netanyahu seized on the Palestinian October 7 incursion into Israel, which the security services clearly allowed to happen, to launch his genocidal war on Gaza, Gantz and Eisenkot called a halt to all opposition and rushed to join his war cabinet. Gantz said, We are brothers, we all have a common destiny. These are not days for political arguments, there are no winners and losers today. Today we have only one common goalto win the war, together. While Lapid refused to join Netanyahus war cabinet, not one of the opposition leadersformer military and intelligence chiefs and politicians who had all served under Netanyahuopposed Gantz and Eisenkots decision. They all lined up behind the warmongers. Their opposition was confined to blaming Netanyahu for the supposed political, military and intelligence failures that had enabled the October 7 attack. This murderous war cabinet, acting in the name of national unity, authorised the mass bombing of Palestinian civilians along with a deliberate effort to starve the population of Gaza into submission. The Israeli military have killed more than 38,000 Palestinians, most of them women, children and the elderly, wounded 85,000 more and forcibly displaced three quarters of Gazas 2.3 million population from their homes, most of which have been destroyed. There is nowhere safe for the Palestinians to go. As a United Nations commission reported earlier this week, the Israeli government and its military have committed systematic crimes against humanity, including extermination.. The commission concluded that the Israeli military and government committed the war crimes of starvation as a method of warfare; murder or willful killing; intentionally directing attacks against civilians and civilian objects; forcible transfer; sexual violence; outrages upon personal dignity; and [sexual and gender-based violence] amounting to torture or inhuman and cruel treatment. Gantz and Eisenkots bloody record The record of Gantz and Eisenkot, which the mainstream media continues to describe as a restraining hand on Netanyahu that will be sorely missed, is of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Both were war criminals long before October 7. Like so many of Israels leaders, they spent most of their working lives in the military, in both cases reaching the top slot with Netanyahus approval, before moving into politics. Gantz was appointed chief of staff of the IDF in 2011 in preference to the expected appointee, Yoav Gallant, now Minister of Defence. He headed the IDF during its murderous assaults on Gaza in 2012 that killed 177 Palestinians, while the 50-day assault in 2014 claimed close to 2,200 Palestinian lives, overwhelmingly civilians, and destroyed much of the enclaves infrastructure. He boasted of returning Gaza to the stone age and pulverizing entire neighbourhoods, repeating this in media adverts during his 2019 election campaign. He served as defence minister and deputy prime minister under Netanyahu, when he presided over Israels 11-day war on Gaza in May 2021 that killed more than 250 Palestinians, including at least 66 children and 41 women. Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz visits IDF bases as a part of Operation Brothers Keeper. [Photo by Israel Defense Forces / Flickr / CC BY 2.0 As for Eisenkot, he succeeded Gantz as IDF Chief of Staff in 2015, serving until 2019. He authored the infamous Dahiya Doctrine, named after the Beirut suburb that Israel had pulverised during its 2006 war on Lebanon. It outlines what will happen to any enemy that dares attack Israelan indiscriminate and disproportionate retaliatory attack. He said in 2008, What happened in the Dahiya quarter of Beirut in 2006 will happen in every village from which Israel is fired on, adding, We will apply disproportionate force on [the village] and cause great damage and destruction there. From our standpoint, these are not civilian villages, they are military bases. This is the doctrine now guiding the assault on Gaza and the slaughter of innocent civilians and destruction of schools, hospitals and other public services and infrastructure. Gantz and Eisenkots leadership of the opposition movement Gantz and Eisenkots despicable role in bolstering the Netanyahu regime in its war on Gaza came as no surprise to the World Socialist Web Site. As the WSWS explained, these opposition leaders, backed by Israels high-tech industry that paid for the mass production and distribution of the Israeli flag for the demonstrations, were never concerned with the democratic rights of Israeli citizens. They insisted on loyalty to the Zionist state and prevented any turn to Israels Palestinian citizens, let alone those of the Palestinians in the occupied territories who are subject to arbitrary military rule, and banned Palestinian flags at their demonstrations. They made no attempt to bring down the government, despite polls showing the overwhelming opposition to the Netanyahu government. Their concern was not with democracy, but that Netanyahu was destabilising Israel and risked discrediting it politically, under conditions where Israel is a social and political powder keg and the entire Middle East has been destabilised by the deepening global economic crisis, the pandemic, climate change and US-led plans to escalate the war against Russia in Ukraine and its regional allies, Iran and Syria, with Tel Aviv as its chief attack dog. Israelis opposed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial overhaul plan set up bonfires and block a highway during a protest moments after the Israeli leader fired his defense minister, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, March 26, 2023. [AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg] For all the oppositions support for the judiciary against Netanyahu, at no point have Israels senior law enforcement officials, including the High Court justices, the Attorney General and the State Prosecutor, taken any action against senior politicians and officials for their declarations of genocidal intent. Neither have they investigated war crimes committed by the IDF or called for a halt to the war following the International Court of Justices ruling that there were plausible grounds for believing Israel was committing genocide in Gaza and that Israel must actively ensure the protection of the lives and basic needs of civilians in any Rafah operation. The terrible experience of the last eight months has confirmed that it is impossible to have democracy in a state based upon rights for one people at the expense of another and the forcible expulsion and brutal repression of the Palestinians. The end result of the Zionist project has been the growth of fascistic forces in Israel that have paved the way for war and genocide. Israels war against Gaza, backed by the US and imperialist powers, is a second front in a wider war for hegemony against Iran, Russia and China for which Israeli workers and youth will pay with their lives. Putting an end to the war is impossible without rejecting the Zionist project and taking a stand against both nationalism and capitalism on which it depends. It means adopting a socialist strategy based on the revolutionary unification of Jewish and Arab workers in a common strugglebeginning by workers in Israel fighting for the defence of the Palestinians and not just the hostagesagainst the Israeli bourgeoisie and imperialism and its other regional puppets, championing a binational and socialist state. Such a struggle can only be conducted on an international scale. Trotskyist parties must be built throughout the region to unite the working masses under the banner of the United Socialist States of the Middle East, as part of the world socialist revolution. This struggle must be consciously linked with the mounting struggles of workers in the advanced capitalist countries, many of which have large populations of Arab workers from the Middle East. On Jan. 23, The Sunday Oregonian published an obituary for Elizabeth Dunham, who had died a week earlier at 49. Nothing in the five-paragraph obit indicated that when she died, Dunham took with her a troubling piece of Oregon history. Although she has remained anonymous until now, Elizabeth Dunham was the victim whom former Gov. Neil Goldschmidt raped in the mid-1970s, beginning when he was mayor of Portland and she was a young teenager. As long as she was alive, the media withheld her name. We're identifying her nowafter much internal discussionfor two reasons. First, the list of things Goldschmidt stole from Dunham should not include her identity. Second, the story of this powerful man's abuse can be more fully told now that his victim can no longer suffer from it. (For what others think of that decision, see "Naming Names" below). Dunham died Jan. 16 after spending most of the last month of her life at Hopewell House, a hospice in Southwest Portland's Hillsdale neighborhood. Her death came after decades of battling substance abuse and mental illness. Dunham's mother, who had worked for then-Portland Mayor Goldschmidt in the mid-'70s, told WW she was at her daughter's side when she died. The tragic arc of Dunham's life was not preordained. A 1975 yearbook photo at Portland's St. Mary's Academy shows a ninth-grader with wavy chestnut hair, big glasses and the final traces of the pudginess that in elementary school earned her the nickname "short and fat and curly toes." But in high school, the onetime ugly duckling became a beautiful young girl. Her transformation did not escape the notice of teenage boys, according to Anne Grgich, a Portland artist and Dunham's friend since fifth grade. "She was very pretty and had so much potential," Grgich says. She also captured the attention of Goldschmidt, a family friend 21 years her senior. Goldschmidt, a handsome and charismatic married father of two young children, was putting Portland on the map and becoming a national political player. He transformed a downtown expressway into Tom McCall Waterfront Park and a surface parking lot into Pioneer Courthouse Square, and engineered the beginnings of Portland's light-rail system. As mayor, Goldschmidt worked only five blocks from St. Mary's, where Dunham went to high school, and his home was only six doors away from the Dunham family's in Northeast Portland's Alameda neighborhood. He saw Elizabeth at political eventsher mother was a City Hall aide and campaign stafferand she also served as a City Hall intern and as his children's baby-sitter (Goldschmidt's ex-wife disputes that Dunham baby-sat for the couple; others, including Dunham, say she did). When Dunham was a St. Mary's freshman and classmates were stressing over homework and dances with boys from Jesuit and Central Catholic, Goldschmidt lured her into a sexual relationship. Dunham confided to friends that she had met Goldschmidt for sex dozens of times. The meeting places were manyin her basement, at the Hilton Hotel, at a downtown apartment and at friends' houses on Alameda Ridge. Illicit sex with a political powerhouse would be a lot for anybody to process, let alone a young teen navigating adolescence. People who knew Dunham well say she never came to terms with the impact Goldschmidt had on her life. "She wasn't able to contend with issues of abuse she'd suffered and still feel OK about herself," says former boyfriend Zorn Matson, a Portland photographer who lived with Dunham from about 1979, when she was 18, until 1982. "She tried to ignore negatives in her life," Matson says. "But they eventually destroyed her." Only snippets of Elizabeth Dunhamas story saw publication during her lifetime (see aThe 30-Year Secret,a WW, May 12, 2004). One of the questions the previous coverage left unanswered was how long Goldschmidt's abuse of her lasted. When WW first reported the story, we referred to Dunham by the pseudonym "Susan" and wrote that the sexual abuse started when she was 14 and continued for three years. (That abuse would have constituted statutory rape, but the statute of limitations expired before Goldschmidt's actions came to light.) That chronology of abuse came from court records related to a $350,000 settlement Dunham and her lawyer, Jeff Foote, reached with Goldschmidt in 1994. In return for the payment, Goldschmidt required Dunham to never speak of his abuse. When WW broke the story, Goldschmidt tried to soft-pedal his conduct. He said the abuse, which he called "an affair," lasted "nearly a year." Mitru Ciarlante, director of the Teen Victim Initiative at the National Center for Victims of Crime in Washington, D.C., says the word "affair" is inappropriate. "First of all, we're talking about a crime," Ciarlante says. "But we are also talking about an imbalance of power and exploitation at a time in a child's development when she is particularly vulnerable." Since that time, Dunham, in conversations with WW and others, has said the abuse started not when she was 14, but rather 13. She also said the relationship continued not for three years but through Goldschmidt's divorce in 1991, until she was nearly 30 (although after she turned 18, legal issues would have ceased to apply). Dunham's account to WW is consistent with what she had told close friends before and after the story became public. A former boyfriend, Portland lawyer Mark Smolak, with whom Dunham lived from 1989 to 1993, confirms that's what Dunham told him as well. "Apparently it was a 14- or 15-year event," Smolak says. Another unanswered question is when Elizabeth Dunham's troubles with substance abuse, mental illness and despaira descent counter to Goldschmidt's continued rise to influence and wealthbegan. Classmates say Dunham, who was born in Eugene, was among the brightest in her class at All Saints Elementary in Northeast Portland. "She was really charismatic and smart and had a lot of savvy," says Grgich. Dunham spent her eighth-grade year in Zaire, where her parents temporarily relocated. (After working at City Hall, Dunham's mother, Pamela, later served as a TriMet spokeswoman and then joined the Foreign Service, where her postings included stints in Bangkok, the Bahamas, Rome and Ankara, Turkey). But by the time Dunham entered high school, she'd lost interest in academics. "She skipped a lot of school but skated on the homework because she was so smart," Grgich says. At 15, Dunham dropped out of St. Mary's. She later earned a GED and briefly enrolled at the University Oregon, but she was primarily self-taught. "She had books all over the place," says Philip Sawyer, a Portland real-estate agent who says he first met Dunham in 1979. "She was extremely well-read and she knew so much." In her late teen years, Dunham ratcheted up her consumption of booze, speed and cocaine, Grgich and others say. "It's hard to put a date on when things went wrong," says Matson, the Portland photographer. There were times during the 1980s when Dunham functioned well enough to hold a job. She waitressed at the now-defunct Pink's, a bar on Southwest Jefferson Street near I-405, and at the Lovejoy Tavern on Northwest 21st Avenue, now Swagat, an Indian restaurant. "Pink's was her best time," says Sawyer. "She had a small French car and a nice apartment. She was happy and went to work on a regular basis." Sawyer says that on good days, Dunham was "as charming as you can imagine." "She was very polite, extremely funny and solicitous," Sawyer says. "She knew everything about music and was a phenomenal cook." On at least one occasion, Dunham tried to put Portland and her increasingly complicated entanglements behind her. She moved to New York in 1982, when she was 21, and enrolled at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. That experiment did not last long. "I was good at improvisational comedy, but I could not sing," Dunham told WW in 2004. Dunham's inability to focus or follow through is typical of victims of teenage sexual abuse, says Ciarlante. "Teen sexual abuse victims are very likely to develop PTSD, depression and alcohol problems," Ciarlante says. "All of those on top of the trauma of sexual abuse make it very difficult for teen victims to have goals and succeed in life." Another attempt on Dunham's part to break away from Portland ended in disaster. In 1988, in the middle of Goldschmidt's term as Oregon governor, Dunham's erratic behavior in Portland became increasingly threatening to his career. She was simply talking too much. Goldschmidt arranged a job at a Seattle law firm where a former colleague at the U.S. Department of Transportation (Goldschmidt was secretary of the department under President Jimmy Carter for two years) worked as a senior partner. In Seattle, on Dec. 13, 1988, a man named Jeffrey Jacobsen abducted Dunham at knifepoint, took her to her apartment and raped her. Jacobsen was convicted and sentenced to 53 years in prison. Suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, a condition for which she would receive monthly Social Security payments, Dunham moved back to Portland, where her life continued to spiral downward. It was about this time, when she was in her late 20s, that her sexual relationship with Goldschmidt ended. Over the next four years, she would be arrested more than a dozen times, mostly for drug- or alcohol-related offenses. For part of that time, she lived with Smolak, a criminal defense lawyer. "She was curious about my work, and for a while she tried working with my private investigator," Smolak recalls. But Dunham could not stay focused. "She was a roller-coaster gal," Smolak says. "She could be on top of the world one minute and in the depths of hell the next." After her four-year relationship with Smolak ended in about 1993, Dunham entered an in-patient facility for substance abuse. But she was soon on the street hanging out with a rough crowd. A 1992 police report described her being found face down in a pool of blood on the South Park Blocks near the exclusive Arlington Club, the epicenter of Goldschmidt's sprawling network of corporate and civic leaders. In 1992, Dunham pleaded guilty to cocaine distribution. She served five months at a federal penitentiary in California. The prison time and the monthly $1,500 check resulting from Dunham's 1994 financial settlement with Goldschmidt prompted a stretch of relative stability. In 1996, she married Steven Cummings, a sometime taxi driver and air-conditioning contractor from California. The couple relocated to Las Vegas, where she stayed out of trouble. Living off the monthly settlement check and a monthly$400 Social Security stipend for PTSD, she helped Cummings raise his daughter, devoted herself to her dogs, Zoe and Harley, and rode horses. But Dunham and Cummings divorced in 2006 and she moved back to Portland, where she continued to struggle with alcohol until her death. Whether Dunham's parents knew about Goldschmidt's abuse of their daughter while it was occurring remains a matter of speculation. People who knew the Dunhams say that when Goldschmidt "adopted" Elizabeth as his protegee, it was a point of pride for Pamela Dunham. Whether the Dunhams ignored or overlooked the evidence that Goldschmidt's mentoring of their daughter went much further, only they know. Barbara Bingham, Pamela Dunham's niece, says that based on conversations she had with Elizabeth and Elizabeth's late maternal grandmother, and Bingham's own observations, she believes Pamela Dunham knew Goldschmidt was having sex with her daughter by the time Elizabeth was 16. Bingham is less certain about Arlyss Dunham, Elizabeth's father, who Bingham says was only sporadically present during her teenage years. Bingham says she once witnessed Elizabeth sitting on Goldschmidt's lap and making out with him in the Dunhams' basement when Elizabeth was 15 or 16. She says she asked Pamela Dunham's mother, who lived in the house, whether Pamela knew about Elizabeth and Goldschmidt spending so much time alone. "She [the grandmother] said, 'I've told Pam, and nothing happens,'" Bingham recalls. Asked when she learned of the abuse, Pamela Dunham told WW, "That's none of your business." Asked what she did when she learned Goldschmidt abused her daughter, Dunham said, "I confronted him," but declined to answer further questions about what she did. In 1986, when Elizabeth was 25, her mother took a paid position with Goldschmidt's gubernatorial campaign. Bingham's outspokenness on what she perceives as the Dunhams' failure to protect Elizabeth has caused her estrangement from the family. "The way I see it, they let that girl down, and it got to the point where there was nothing left of her to save," Bingham says. Although her adult life was a chronicle of nearly uninterrupted misery, Dunham expressed a range of conflicting feelings about Goldschmidt. As a young girl, friends say, she was thrilled to be the object of a powerful leader's attention. Later, she would come to blame him for her problems. But, according to friends, there was always a part of her that was lovestruck, a part that felt he was, in her words, "a savior." WW first interviewed Dunham in April 2004, when she was prohibited by the terms of her legal settlement from speaking honestly about her sexual abuse. Even so, Dunham referred to Goldschmidt as "a mentor" and "a visionary" to whom she and all Oregonians owed "a debt of gratitude" for his public service. She also talked about the impact Cry, the Beloved Country, a 1948 novel about pre-apartheid South Africa, had on her. Goldschmidt gave her the book when she was a teen, and she said it remained among her favorite books. Smolak says the relationship with Goldschmidt dominated Dunham's life, and her unresolved feelings about him plagued her. aNeil Goldschmidt was her savior one moment and the devil incarnate the next,a Smolak says. "Goldschmidt had an enormous impact on her life," adds Matson, a former boyfriend. "She was probably in love with him as a teenager and flattered by his attention. But she was very damaged, and she was a person who could not help herself." Ciarlante, whose group works with victims all over the country, says predators manipulate teens to create a sort of psychological dependency. "What we've seen is that children can form very unhealthy attachments to their abusers," Ciarlante says. "The abuser creates a dominance and may frame himself as a protector. The victim may have conflicting feelings and a resentment and shame that they are never able to resolve." One of the many medical professionals who treated Dunham over the past four decades says this of Goldschmidt: "He took everything from her except her life." And now, that is gone as well. Naming Names There will be readers who ask, "Why name Elizabeth Dunham now?" Part of the answer is her death. The journalistic convention of protecting sex crime victims' identities aims to spare them anguish while they are alivenot afterward. When murder victims are also raped, the latter crime is often disclosed and, of course, the victim is identified. During her life Dunham agreed not to talk about Goldschmidt in exchange for a $350,000 settlement. In effect, he purchased her silence, her story and her right to use her own name. But there is ample evidence Dunham wanted her story told. After "The 30-Year Secret," WW's 2004 report of Goldschmidt's sex abuse, Dunham gave lengthy interviews to WW and others. She also worked extensively with Hollywood screenwriter Bryce Zabel, a former Oregon television reporter. He wrote and sold a script for a TV movie that has never been produced. He met repeatedly with Dunham and spoke to her dozens of times. "She wanted to tell her story, fully and completely, to somebody," Zabel says. "She wanted to go on the record, almost as an act of cleansing." Still, journalism ethics experts disagree on naming Dunham. "My personal opinion is that the story has been told. Goldschmidt has suffered the consequences," says Tom Bivins, chairman in media ethics at University of Oregon's School of Journalism and Communication. "I don't see any justification for exposing her memory and her family and friends to further inquiry and potential embarrassment this far after the fact." But professor Stephen Ward, director of the Center for Journalism Ethics at the University of Wisconsin, says preserving Dunham's anonymity beyond her death would be dishonest. "It is time to name the victim, to put a human (and specific) face on an anonymous victim," Ward wrote in an email. "Putting a name on the victim adds strength to your storyit allows you to tell readers about a real, identifiable person. Specifics in stories of this kind can be very important." On Tuesday, The Oregonian published its profile of Goldschmidts victim but did not name her.NJ WWeek 2015 The 20th BMW Art Car, created by artist Julie Mehretu, was just unveiled in Paris. Based on the BMW M Hybrid V8 endurance race car, Mehretus rolling masterpiece will join the past 19 BMW Art Cars created since 1975 in collaboration with renowned art icons such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Jeff Koons. More excitingly, the art-in-motion will compete in the storied 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 15th. The French capitalfull of wonder, excitement, and charmwill sit on the world stage as it hosts the 2024 Summer Olympics. It's also why BMW selected Paris to introduce the prestigious M Hybrid V8 by the prodigiously talented Mehretu, who works out of New York City and Berlin, and hails from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. BMW stated that its global cultural commitment is driven by the collaboration of the art world and the automotive performance arena. Artist Julie Mehretu and Oliver Zipse, chairman of the board of management of BMW AG, presented the 20th BMW Art Car at the world-renowned Centre Pompidou museum in Paris Courtesy Image In fact, Mehretu and her business partner Mehret Mandefro have cultivated ideologies to help promote young artists and filmmakers in Africa, providing a medium to showcase their work through BMW resources. Dubbed PanAfrican Translocal Media Workshops, the educational project will visit six African countries and conclude with the 20th BMW Art Car going to the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa in Cape Town in the first half of 2026 for exhibition. Related: We've Tasted Hundreds of Bourbons. These Are the Best of 2024 The whole BMW Art Car project is about invention, imagination, and pushing limits of what can be possible," said Mehretu. "I dont think of the BMW Art Car as something you would exhibit," she added. "I'm thinking of it as something that will race in Le Mansa performative painting that is only completed once the race is over. BMW unveiled the 20th Art Car at the world-renowned Centre Pompidou in Paris, also featuring previous BMW Art Cars. Courtesy Image BMWs immersive program leading up to the exhibit at the world-renowned Centre Pompidou in Paris highlights the rich heritage and lineage of BMW Art Cars. Media guests toured a few epic exhibits to understand the cinematic depth of visual art. We sat with BMW designers, corporate executives, and Mehretu to learn about the particular creative process of the race car. Of course, the past plays a vital role in the future, since inputs of the Alexander Calder-designed 1975 BMW 3.0 CSL, the Andy Warhol BMW M1/1979, and the Esther Mahlangu BMW 525i/1991 have all led to the manifestation of the Julie Mehretu BMW M Hybrid V8/2024. The BMW M Hybrid V8 is a silent attraction powered by a 4.0-liter V8 engine and a hybrid drive system that generates around 640 horsepower. Its styling is dynamic, featuring a forward-leaning shark nose, wide laser-lit kidneys, iconic twin diagonal headlights, triangular elements that cascade across the vehicle, and some hints of blue and purple highlights to articulate the natural colors of electricity. Increased aerodynamic performance stems from the air that passes beneath and through the wide kidneys, which is fundamental for cooling and efficiency of downforce. In all, it's the perfect vehicle type for the art installation. At the Centre Pompidou, guests from various walks of life attended the evening celebration to witness a new fusion of expression. Dedicated to modern and contemporary art, the multifaceted glass and metal venueshaped like a hexagonis in the Beaubourg plateau, one of the city's oldest neighborhoods. Once uncovered, BMW reps and Mehretu highlighted this undertaking as performative art. Energy, space, and movement are recurring themes in Mehretus work, pairing perfectly with the dynamics of a race car. Courtesy Image Mehretus paintings are kinetic, showcasing recurring themes of movement, space, and energy in her workand an explosion of inspiration conjoining race car and art. This particular design is based on Julies painting Everywhen (2021 to 2023), gracefully displayed at the Grassi in Venice. Soon, it will become a feature collection at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. Notably, the 20th BMW Art Car has not been painted on directly. Instead, the motif was digitized, strategically cut, and meticulously wrapped, so the work would not negatively impact the vehicles racing performance. Whatever its results on the track, it represents quite the winning intersection between corporate entities and innovators seeking to positively change the world through artistic expression. Related: Men's Journal Grilling Awards: Meet the Best Grills of 2024 The weekly cartoon caption contest in the New Yorker magazine is what retired Judge Glen Reiser calls "a thing." It attracts more than 5,000 entries every week. Roger Ebert, the late film critic, submitted captions 200 times and won once. Chicago lawyer Lawrence Wood entered more than 900 times. He won on eight occasions and was a finalist in seven more, setting the contest's record, according to an essay he wrote in The Atlantic. The task of composing the perfect bit of dialogue for a drawing that may involve rabbits, tubas or clowns stirs a frenzy. Some participants post losing entries on social media. Frustrated competitors feel emboldened enough to approach Emma Allen, cartoon editor at the New Yorker, pretty much anywhere. The caption contest or, more specifically, the deep injustice of not having won the caption contest is the first thing most new acquaintances, distant family members, and total strangers on the subway feel compelled to confront me about, she said in an email. Glen Reiser, retired Ventura County Superior Court judge, won a cartoon caption contest in The New Yorker magazine on his first try. Reiser, 70, of Camarillo, unknowingly dipped his toe into that pool of obsession in April. Hes a California native who once harbored a career goal of becoming a comedy writer. He ended up a lawyer, and for 20 years, served as a Ventura County Superior Court judge. He presided over land-use cases ranging from a bitter dispute over the view-challenging height of a Ventura County Medical Center tower to a lawsuit involving the modernization of Los Angeles International Airport. He ruled against an oil-drilling project in upper Ojai and also an Oxnard city approval of a development near the Ormond Beach wetlands, earning a reputation as a steward of the environment. After retiring from the bench five years ago, he took on an even heavier workload trying to find middle ground as a mediator in disputes over conservatorships, probates and trusts. Nearly two months ago, he was wading through a morass of briefs and needed a break. Though he doesnt subscribe to the New Yorker, he receives an emailed newsletter from the magazine. On this day, he glanced at a cartoon that showed a pair of clowns in full regalia discussing a painting in an art gallery. It made him think. Ive always been terrified of clowns, he said. Theyre not funny; theyre frightening. An idea emerged. In less than 10 minutes, Reiser submitted his first-ever entry into the contest. Ever since I can remember, one clown mutters to the other, paintings of children have given me nightmares. Reiser dove back into his legal work, dismissing the contest from his mind. A couple of weeks later, he was told his entry was one was one of the three finalists selected by contest judges. All of the captions appeared in an April edition so readers could vote. Reiser learned of the results in a stream of emails from people he once knew. His whim won. Its akin to the lottery with a notable exception. Theres no cash. The prize comes in seeing the caption with the winners name in the magazine. Reiser hasnt told many people. In a contest marked by people who enter week after week after week, he felt his victory was undeserved. Its a little embarrassing, he said. I didnt put in the effort. He did tell Tony Trembley, Camarillo city councilman and a friend for some 40 years. Trembley wasnt surprised because of the judges razor wit and his ability at reading people, even caricature ones. It's right in his wheelhouse, Trembley said. Reiser likely wont enter again and knows that if he did, lightning almost certainly wouldnt strike twice. With or without the judge's wit, thousands of people will compete and vent about it afterwards, as cartoon editor Allen can attest. I'd wager that for many, it's not just a popular pastime, it's a bit of an obsession, which is great, but please stop talking to me on the subway, she said. Tom Kisken covers health care and other news for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at tom.kisken@vcstar.com. SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM: To see more stories like this, subscribe. This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Retired Camarillo judge wins New Yorker's caption contest Among the cluster of still-naked mannequins and undressed dress forms, bits of old-school Hollywood glamour are starting to shine like a theater marquee. Silvery embroidery gleams on an orange cape worn by Martha Raye in the 1938 movie musical "Tropic Holiday," and rhinestones glimmer on the cloak of a pale green circus outfit Cornel Wilde stepped into for Cecil B. DeMille's 1952 drama "The Greatest Show on Earth." One form has been dressed to impress in a black two-piece suit with intricate beading and a tiny waist that Beverly Garland donned in the 1957 musical biopic "The Joker Is Wild," while a mannequin garbed in an elegant off-white suit has its stylized hands gracefully posed in the fashion of the outfit's former wearer, Audrey Hepburn. Tantalizing swaths of dresses once worn by Veronica Lake and Ginger Rogers can be glimpsed beneath draped sheets of protective paper, while labels offer teasing hints of other costumes from Hollywood's Golden Age outfits worn onscreen by the likes of Joanne Woodward, Susan Hayward and Shelley Winters that have yet to be revealed. Textile conservator Cara Varnell talks about what goes into setting up each display in a behind-the-scenes look on May 29 at the upcoming exhibition "Edith Head: Hollywood's Costume Designer," opening June 22 at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. "The mannequin issues are huge in a costume exhibition. It is the biggest challenge. ... One of the most challenging, potentially damaging things you can do to a costume that's been archived is to put it on a form, because think about yourself getting dressed in the morning, when you wiggle into your clothes. These ladies don't move. So, there's no wiggling. They're not helping me at all," Cara Varnell said on a recent morning as she held court amid the couture chaos reigning in the Oklahoma City Museum of Art's third-floor galleries. "I have to get these things over a form, so that means I do it as few times as possible. ... Minimal handling is what matters and it matters a lot. Things can look sturdy. And they can just decide, 'Now is the moment I'm going to give up.'" A California-based textile conservator with 40 years of experience, Varnell is back in OKC this spring to reprise her starring role in helping the Oklahoma City Museum of Art prepare an exhibit on cinematic costume design. Edith Head: Hollywood's Costume Designer," a retrospective of the beloved film industry icon, premieres June 22 at the downtown OKC museum. "We are expecting that this is going to connect with the Oklahoma City audience in a really substantial and profound way," said President and CEO Michael J. Anderson, who joined the museum's staff in 2014, during a behind-the-scenes media tour of the exhibit's setup. "This is an exhibition that could only happen with Cara and her team. It's exhausting for us, too. The amount of work that our entire staff has put into this, it's just overwhelming. I think this is the biggest exhibition that I remember (doing) here, and it's certainly the most complicated because of everything that you're seeing here. So, we're just so thankful that she agreed to do this, because this exhibition literally would not happen without her." A dress worn by Beverly Garland in the 1957 film "The Joker Is Wild" is displayed on May 29 during a behind-the-scenes media tour of the upcoming exhibition "Edith Head: Hollywood's Costume Designer," opening June 22 at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. Who was Edith Head? Organized by the OKC Museum of Art, "Edith Head: Hollywoods Costume Designer" will pay tribute in glamorous fashion to the behind-the-camera legend whose influence remains so potent that she helped inspire the character of Edna Mode from Disney/Pixar's "The Incredibles" movies. With more than 400 films to her credit, Head (1897-1981) ruled the costume design departments at Paramount and Universal Studios from the early 1920s to the early 1980s. She helped define the style of classic Hollywood with her striking designs, which snagged her 35 Academy Award nominations and eight Oscar wins more than any other woman to date. Signage is ready for display on May 29 in a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming exhibition "Edith Head: Hollywood's Costume Designer," opening June 22 at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. "Her career covers so many different important moments in Hollywood history. The earliest costume, I think, is from '38 in this exhibition. ... There are costumes that are worn in a number of famous noir films from the '40s. We have (her costumes from) musicals, we have Hitchcock's masterpieces in the '50s, and then the changing style of Hollywood in the '60s," Anderson said. "Her career was so long; her achievement was so substantial. And a big part of this is that people cared enough to save these costumes. ... The care and the passion of the collectors for Edith Head's work give us this opportunity." An outfit worn by Cornel Wilde in the film "The Greatest Show on Earth" is set up for during a behind-the-scenes look Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at the upcoming exhibition "Edith Head: Hollywood's Costume Designer," opening June 22 at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. What can people expect to see in the OKC exhibit 'Edith Head: Hollywoods Costume Designer?' The exhibit, which will be on view through Sept. 29, will span the museum's entire third floor and include about 70 costumes, 20 sketches, three Oscar statuettes and two screening areas devoted to Heads life and work. The blockbuster summer show, presented by the Ann Lacy Foundation, will feature Heads designs for many of the biggest stars of Hollywoods Golden Age, including Grace Kelly, Barbara Stanwyck, Kim Novak and more. The original exhibit also will highlight her collaborations with legendary Hollywood directors Alfred Hitchcock, Billy Wilder and Preston Sturges, and showcase the breadth of her work, from screwball comedies in the 1940s to an Elvis Presley musical in the '60s. A dress worn by Audrey Hepburn, right, is ready for display during a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming exhibition "Edith Head: Hollywood's Costume Designer," opening June 22 at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. "We're a museum that has film as one of our key tenets of our identity, and to do a costume exhibition of this scale, of this caliber ... with objects from these films that people care so deeply about, that was the motivation for us," Anderson said. The museum will celebrate the exhibit's opening June 21-23 with a limited run of Susan Claassen's one-woman play A Conversation with Edith Head in its Noble Theater. Also in conjunction with the exhibit, the museum will present its "Edith Head Film Series," with Saturday matinees of some of the most famous films she contributed to showing from June 29 through Sept. 28. Titles on the series include Sturges' "The Lady Eve," Hitchcock's "Rear Window," "Vertigo" and "To Catch a Thief" and Tulsa native Blake Edwards' "Breakfast at Tiffany's." "The costume helps create the character, and the performer feeds off of that ... so then, the costume designer helps to interpret that character for them," Varnell said. Textile conservator Cara Varnell talks on May 29 about what goes into setting up each display during a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming exhibition "Edith Head: Hollywood's Costume Designer," opening June 22 at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. What works goes into creating a Hollywood costume design exhibit? Renowned for her work as a textile conservator, Varnell previously played a key role in helping the OKC Museum of Art create its 2010 blockbuster exhibit "Sketch to Screen: The Art of Hollywood Costume Design." "That was more a survey of Hollywood movies that we all know and actresses that we recognize. ... This is just focused on one designer, which is interesting, because then you can see the body of her work, and you get a sense of her, whereas the other was getting a sense of the evolution of film costume," Varnell said. "My dad's family's from northwestern Arkansas, so I love Oklahoma. And I love Oklahoma City. And I particularly love this museum." Textile conservator Cara Varnell talks on May 29 about what goes into setting up each display in a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming exhibition "Edith Head: Hollywood's Costume Designer," opening June 22 at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. For the upcoming exhibit, Varnell has been working for a couple of years with the museum's staff, as well as with lenders Larry McQueen, Greg Schreiner and Randall Thropp, who works with Paramount's archive department as a costume and prop archivist. Claassen lent an Edith Head dress to the show, too. "Anybody that does this has to know a lot about clothing construction ... and understand bodies. ... It's tricky. It's very labor intensive. And to be honest, it's kind of stressful. But I've been doing this a really long time," Varnell said "When I did 'Sketch to Screen' here, I spent three days making a size six (mannequin) fit a Liza Minnelli costume, and she was probably a size 14. It took me three days, because I had to build this soft sculpture thing basically layers and layers and layers and sewing it down so it wouldn't shift, carving it out. ... It was a strapless dress from 'New York, New York,' and you're putting it on this form. But I have to make it look like it's a body underneath a real body and it's not easy." Although actresses like Judy Garland and Katharine Hepburn are no longer living, Varnell has gained intimate knowledge of their forms and figures over the years by handling their costumes for exhibits like the ones in OKC. "I believe our history is important. ... I'm interested in the history of dress. Just because we think we've made decisions here ourselves about how we look today, we haven't. We look the way we look because this is accepted. And why did it get to that point?" Varnell said. She said she is looking forward to attending the opening of festivities for "Edith Head: Hollywoods Costume Designer," with the understanding that "nobody should be thinking about the magic" that goes into putting together such a big, complicated exhibit. "There's no point in doing this if people aren't going to look at it. I can look at these things anytime and I get to touch. But you want people to enjoy it, and you want people to understand it and to appreciate it in a way that you do," she said. "Film is really a collective art form. It takes a whole lot of people to make that happen just like an exhibition takes a whole lot of people. And I actually think that it's OK that people don't realize that. It's nice if they do appreciate the individuals that went into making something. ... But no part of it should stand out. It should be all wonderful." 'EDITH HEAD: HOLLYWOOD'S COSTUME DESIGNER' When : June 22-Sept. 29. Where : Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive. Tickets and information: https://www.okcmoa.com. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC museum spotlights 'Edith Head: Hollywood's Costume Designer' Jerry Seinfelds performance in Australia on Sunday was briefly derailed by an anti-Israel heckler who was mercilessly mocked by the comedian. We have a genius ladies and gentlemen, he solved the Middle East, Seinfeld joked as the crowd in Sydney jeered the heckler. As security moved to eject the person, he continued, Theyre going to start punching you in about three seconds, so I would try to get all of your genius out so we can all learn from you. The roast didnt stop there. Youre really influencing everyone here were all on your side now, because youve made your point so well, and in the right venue, youve come to the right place for a political conversation, he said. You have to go 20,000 miles from the problem and screw up a comedian, that is how you solve world issues. Jerry Seinfeld demolishes anti-Jewish heckler. - Sydney, Australia Crowd cheers as security boots the activist. Taken by AJA CEO Robert Gregory pic.twitter.com/9rUhfHu7tG Australian Jewish Association (@AustralianJA) June 16, 2024 Several of Seinfelds recent comedy sets and his commencement speech at Duke University have been targeted by pro-Palestinian protesters after it was revealed Seinfelds wife had financed counterprotests at UCLA right before the counterprotesters launched a violent attack. Seinfeld has been an outspoken supporter of Israel and its war on Hamas, and he traveled to a kibbutz in December to meet with hostages families. He has also recently griped about a grab-bag of culture war issues, from the extreme left purging American television of good comedy to his desire for the return of dominant masculinity. When we get protesters occasionally, I love to say to the audience, You know I love that these young people, theyre trying to get engaged with politics, we have to just correct their aim a little bit, they dont seem to understand that as comedians we really dont control anything, Seinfeld said in May. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. How Lena Dunham and Stephen Fry Brought Their Personal Family History to New Movie Treasure (Exclusive) Dunham filmed parts of her new movie in odz, Poland, where her she herself has family roots Bleecker Street and FilmNation Stephen Fry (left) and Lena Dunham in Treasure Lena Dunham and Stephen Fry have a profoundly personal connection to their new movie. In Treasure, the costars play Holocaust survivor Edek and New York journalist Ruth, a father-daughter duo en route to Poland in 1991 to visit the sites from Edeks past including the Auschwitz concentration camp. While we had thought that our family was Hungarian, we were actually informed that Hungary was where the surviving members of our family went post-Holocaust, Dunham, 38, tells PEOPLE. Her maternal ancestors, she says, actually were from odz, Poland, which is one of the places where we shot [Treasure]. Related: Lena Dunham Says She's in a 'Peaceful' Place in Her Life Thanks to Her 'Lovely Husband' (Exclusive) Fry, 66, can also trace his Jewish heritage back to Europe on his mothers side. My grandfather grew up in a small settlement a shtetl, I guess you'd call it in Hungary, which is now Slovakia. My grandmother was in Austria, the English actor-filmmaker says. And fortunately they both had gone to England in the early 30s and so therefore, I'm alive, he adds. Because all the family they left behind perished. Similarly, members of Dunhams Russian-born family were killed in 1941, she says, in a march out to the woods where a large group of Jews were shot in what was considered an original Holocaust of bullets. An adaptation of Lily Bretts 1999 novel Too Many Men, Treasure is directed by Julia von Heinz and adapted by von Heinz and John Quester. Like the story's main character Ruth, Brett was the daughter of Holocaust survivors coping with intergenerational trauma. While Dunhams Ruth is determined to learn everything about her parents upbringing, Edek finds revisiting his roots difficult, hiding his grief under careless cheer. I saw in the character so many echoes of my grandfather, reveals Fry. And I heard his voice as I read it. 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. On Henry Louis Gates Jr.'s PBS docuseries Finding Your Roots, Dunham learned it was her great-grandmothers nine aunts and uncles who were killed in Russia. My mother knew her great-grandmother, who never spoke about the siblings who died, explains the Girls Golden Globe winner. Growing up, she asked her grandparents constantly about that family history. "This story of repressed trauma, speaks so deeply to the way in which my family which was in so many other ways, an open, loving, connected, Jewish family chose to speak about these issues," Dunham says of the film. Sebastian Reuter/Getty Stephen Fry (left) and Lena Dunham Related: Lena Dunham Goes Goth, Dyes Her Hair Black for 'Ghouls Night Out' While she notes that she was lucky enough that her late grandmother was at three Girls premieres despite being 93, 94 and 95 years old She even sat through the sex scenes, thank you Grandma Dottie! Dunham says Treasure is the kind of film that would make her proud. She adds, I also felt like it was the kind of film that starts important conversations, not just for Jewish Americans, not just for people who survived the Holocaust, but for anyone whose family has dealt with the intergenerational effects of persecution and violence. Treasure is in theaters now. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Warning: This post contains descriptions of sexual violence. Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher have maintained a relatively low profile since publicly supporting Danny Masterson throughout his rape trial and subsequent conviction. While Mastersons ex-wife, Bijou Phillips, has started to move on with a new beau, Kunis and Kutcher find themselves in a more complicated situation, recently being spotted dining at the Grill in Beverly Hills with Jordan Masterson, Dannys half-brother, at the end of May. The two are also reportedly close with Jordans sister, Alanna, who they consider part of their extended family. More from SheKnows Danny Masterson, known for his role on That 70s Show alongside Kunis and Kutcher, was convicted in September 2023 on two counts of rape and sentenced to 30 years to life in prison. The conviction followed testimonies from multiple women who accused Masterson of drugging and sexually assaulting them in the early 2000s. In an effort to sway the judge towards leniency, Kunis and Kutcher wrote letters highlighting their experiences with Masterson as a friend and colleague. These attempts were met with significant public backlash, questioning the judgment of the Hollywood couple who have been purported supporters of womens rights. Relationship experts believe there could be trouble afoot in Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher's marriage https://t.co/MsE2AyrKhe SheKnows (@SheKnows) May 11, 2024 An insider provided some insight into the couples continued connection with the Masterson family: Ashton and Mila grew up on the set of the original That 70s Show with the younger Masterson kids around all the time. They look at them almost like younger siblings of their own because Danny was their best friend on planet earth at the time. This longstanding bond complicates the situation, even though they do not condone Dannys actions. Do they forgive Danny for his horrible crimes? Not in the slightest, says the insider. But he was their friend for many years and in that time they became close to Dannys family. Thats not an easy bond to break, the source told In Touch Magazine. When do we excommunicate friends because of their associations? This lingering connection poses challenges, particularly for Kunis, who is reportedly striving to secure more serious acting roles reminiscent of her performance in Black Swan. Public perception is critical in Hollywood, and maintaining ties to such a scandal can be detrimental to her career ambitions. When does loyalty become a liability? This question looms large as their connections to the Masterson family remain in the public eye. Adding another layer of complexity to all of this, reports suggest that Kunis and Kutchers marriage has faced strain since Mastersons conviction. Their ongoing support for the Masterson family, despite Dannys heinous crimes, undoubtedly puts pressure on their relationship. Kunis and Kutcher face a challenging situation. Although Jordan isnt responsible for his brothers actions, their association with him, a fellow Scientologist, complicates matters, particularly in the public eye. Before you go, click here to see celebrities who have left the Church of Scientology. Celebrities Who Left the Church of Scientology / Laura Prepon Best of SheKnows Sign up for SheKnows' Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you're someone who's never had the misfortune of working for a truly terrible boss, then I'm very jealous of you. But, if you have, then you're going to find this post VERY gratifying. Hulu Reddit user u/Wholikesfruits asked fellow Redditors, "What was your final 'f you' to a boss you didnt like?" And the responses are both petty and cathartic. Here are some of the best: 1."I worked at a dry cleaner for a summer. Front desk, cash under table type of job. I worked 50 hours one week, and he told me he'd pay me time and a half for the overtime. I go to work on payday, and my cash envelope is not in the drawer. I called him and asked about it, and he told me he couldn't pay me for my work yet. I kindly informed him that I was taking the money I was owed, and locking up the shop. I did that and left." u/DiamondHandDwight 2."On my last day at the bowling alley, I sent an email to the head office detailing all the shit hed been up to that everyone was too afraid to report (including trying to fire someone when he found out she was pregnant a big no-no in my country). I heard later that the next day, the regional manager and a couple of executives turned up for a surprise inspection. He was found in the office, having backed a 16-year-old female colleague into the corner, screaming at the top of his lungs, with his big red vein-throbbing face touching hers. She was distraught and obviously crying her eyes out. This manager was escorted off the premises there and then, and never heard from again." u/FrostyBallBag Bravo 3."I was thinking about quitting but was holding back. I scheduled a vacation with three extra days. It was a once-in-a-lifetime type of trip. He rejected my vacation request. I thought about it for a couple of hours. I went into his office and told him, 'I'm taking the trip no matter what.' The next morning, the boss met me at HR and gave me a formal written warning. I responded by giving him my two week notice. They apologized and tried to convince me not to leave, but it was too late." u/[deleted] 4."As far as my life goes this was the shittiest job I ever took. Long hours, a lot of crunch, no company vehicle, and a lot of travel. Every time I'd go to a different site, I would get like 20 different phone numbers for the various people I was communicating with. Anyway, all of the contacts for these people were on my company phone, which was synched up to my personal Gmail (which stored all the phone numbers). At some point, management decided my job was redundant and laid me off without notice or severance. The first thing I did was wipe my company phone clean before handing it over. A few days later, they called me to ask where all the contact information was stored. I said, 'Sorry, I don't work for you anymore.'" u/garlicroastedpotato Netflix 5."I gave him a two-hour notice when I quit. He had a habit of firing people on the spot when they gave advance notice." u/California_Sun1112 6."My boss and I had butted heads a few times after she took over the office. After finding a much better job, I handed her a list of my job responsibilities, which she'd asked for because she didn't understand what I did there. 'This is too much, we'd have to distribute all this to like four different people,' she said. And I said, 'yeah,' and walked out. Spoiler: she didn't do any of that, and was fired less than a year later as the office was falling apart." u/ijustcomment Roku 7."I was a mechanic at a commuter airline. The boss wanted me to sign off a plane pre-flight inspection. I refused to sign because the plane was not airworthy. He told me that if I wished to continue working, I'd better sign. My response: 'Then I guess I dont work here anymore. I picked up my toolbox and left. And I reported it to the head of maintenance as well as the FAA." u/Griffie 8."Working retail, I quit at the register on Black Friday. I had recently gotten another full-time job and was keeping this retail gig because I liked the employee discount and due to my other job, this check was pure fun money. All that is to say, I didn't need the retail job. My store manager comes over at hour seven of my shift, with chaos and a line 100 people long, and has the nerve to tell me my up-sales (fishing for promo signups, i.e. rewards, credit cards, etc) weren't cutting it for how much traffic I was seeing. In front of the customers! I already couldn't stand them, so I said, 'You know what, you do it. I'm done.' Then I apologized to my coworkers on the way out." u/GreedoInASpeedo Starz 9."I was a program director developing and piloting a new program, and after a year of being overloaded and telling our executive director I either needed a second person or a smaller caseload, he pulls me into his office and goes, 'We dont really think youre a good fit for this position, but youre a bright young lady, and wed hate to lose you. Im giving you the option to stay and be my secretary. You have until 7 a.m. tomorrow to decide.' I took an early lunch, walked to my other job, asked if I could take on more hours, walked back, and told him I had found other employment and would have my stuff cleared out by noon. He asked if I could stay two more weeks to train a new person, and I told him no. 'What if we paid you a consultation fee?' No. 'But youre the only person certified in the county!' Should have thought of that earlier." "Bonus: this was in the middle of an audit, where it was discovered that he owed me about $3,000 from unpaid hours. I like to call it my leaving bonus." u/Intrepid_Knowledge27 10."When I left, he promised to take half what I was making and spread it among the team as raises to cover the extra work. My boss was trying to stop the exodus, as I was the third person to leave in a short time. So when I left, I handed my pay stub (minus social security info) to the team and said, 'Just in case he tried to lie, this is what I make.' He tried to lie. They also realized they were being underpaid by a good chunk. He told me that was a breach of confidential information and they could sue me. I told him to sue me then. Never heard from that company again except for tax docs." u/AlphaTangoFoxtrt Amc 11."My senior year of high school, I worked at IHOP and my direct supervisor was leaving, so the general manager was going to take over my schedule. Well, he didn't like me or my two friends who also worked there. So when he posted the new schedule and drastically cut our hours, all three of us walked out and quit. He still had to fill like four or five weekday shifts, and cover all of our weekend hours because all of us worked both the Saturday and Sunday morning rush." u/JakeFrank08 12."I interviewed for a new job and got an offer. I wrote my two-week notice that same day and handed it over the next morning. The complete waste of oxygen that was the general manager at the time tried to compete with the new job, and I laughed in his face. I told him that in order for me to even consider staying, he would have to give me a $9/hr raise, PTO, and health insurance. He made a hateful comment, so I took my notice, changed the final date to the current date, and told him to have fun working seven nights a week." u/Successful_Tone5456 TV Land 13."I worked in China in a language training center. I left the country without informing anyone at work. Once I was out of China, I posted all the info I had about the benefits foreign workers were supposed to have, but never got (tax reimbursement, pension savings, etc.) and how HR and finance appropriated them in regional and local WeChat groups, both in English and Chinese. I also posted addresses of local government offices where foreign workers could inquire about the aforementioned benefits, or complain about lack thereof." u/Gombock 14."I was in line for a promotion after my old supervisor was fired for ethics issues. My boss decided to open the requisition, interview and hire a person all in the two days I had off. Since the person hired had no experience in my department/field, I was expected to train my new supervisor and the other new people they also hired. I did none of that, quit (gave my two weeks), and didn't explain a single thing to anyone in those 10 days. It supposedly took almost half a year to get close to where they were before I left." u/180Proof ABC 15."My boss called me in on a Thursday and told me they were going to have to let me go. She offered to have me work Friday and Saturday, and I told her no. She came back with, 'Well, it's really busy, and we need the help.' I told her that was her problem and she should have let me go on Saturday. Her response was, 'I'm not scheduled to be in on Saturdays.' F you, Cindy. She had to come in on Saturday, and was an anchor to the team. She got fired a few weeks later." u/Danobing 16."I worked at a fake French cafe, and the manager was an idiot who made a point of giving me the shittiest jobs just to show he was in charge. One day, he pulled me off the floor (where I earned tips as a server) and made me polish silver for hours. He kept returning and throwing every second piece back at me, telling me to do it over, saying, 'missed a spot.' So I walked out...and kept the apron. I kept the beautiful black apron with the embroidered logo, and still wear it when I cook." u/WeedFairie NBC 17.And finally, "I had a boss that was terrible to me. He and his wife owned a restaurant together, and one day, when he was yelling at me while I was getting the bar ready, I saw him put in his password on his phone. It was 'space, period, space.' We all knew something was going on with him and another employee. Months later, he wouldn't give me three days off because my niece died of SIDS. So I walked out, bought a $30 burner phone, and texted his wife his phone password. They got divorced, she kept the steakhouse, and he's had two failed attempts at opening any establishment. I make more than him now, and he lives in the crappy apartments down the road from me." u/Broad_Victory9016 Did you ever enact petty revenge on a crappy boss? Share your story in the comments. Responses have been edited for length/clarity. The annual Trooping the Colour event, which celebrates the official birthday of the Sovereign in the United Kingdom, unfolded on Saturday, June 15 this year. Though King Charles IIIs actual birthday is on November 14, Trooping the Colour has been the ceremonial celebration of the monarchs birthday since 1748. The event is performed annually with a Horse Guards Parade in London, England, by regiments of the Household Division. The event is marked with the King conducting an inspection of his troops. This year, after his diagnosis with cancer, Charles reviewed the troops of his Kings Birthday Parade from an Ascot Landau carriage rather than on horseback, as he did in last years celebration On Friday, Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, released a personal message, stating she would be attending The Kings Birthday Parade, after all. This marked the Princess first public-facing official outing since she attended the Christmas Day 2023 celebrations in Sandringham. Though the royal stated she is not out of the woods yet, regarding her own diagnosis of an undisclosed type of cancer following a planned abdominal surgery earlier this year, she said she is making good progress. She is hoping to attend a few other events this summer as well. I have been blown away by all the kind messages of support and encouragement over the last couple of months. It really has made the world of difference to William and me and has helped us both through some of the harder times. I am making good progress, but as anyone going pic.twitter.com/J1jTlgwRU8 The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) June 14, 2024 Here are 10 surprising facts about the annual Trooping the Colour event. Trooping the Colour was not always about the Monarchs birthday According to The Household Divisionthe division of the British Army that perform State Ceremonial and public-facing duties, especially in London and Windsorthe ceremony of Trooping the Colour is believed to have been performed first during King Charles IIs reign in the 17th century, when the colors (flags) of the battalion were carried down the ranks so that they could be recognized by all soldiers. In 1748, it was decided that this parade would be used to mark the official birthday of the Sovereign. Eventually, it became an annual event after George III became King in 1760. There are two ceremonial rehearsals before the big day Each year, the full parade is actually conducted three times on consecutive weekends. This year, the first occasion, known as The Major Generals Review, took place on June 1, and the second occasion, The Colonels Review, took place on June 8. In The Major Generals Review, the salute is taken by the Major-General commanding the Household Division. In the Colonels Review, the salute is taken by the Royal Colonel of the regiment whose color is being troopedthis year that was the Irish Guards The Princess of Wales was originally set to salute the Irish Guards (a Foot Guards regiment of the British Army) this year during The Colonels Review, but did not attend. Lieutenant General James Bucknall, the former commander of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, took her place to perform the salute. Still, she sent a heartfelt letter to the Irish Guards, wishing them luck on their final rehearsal and apologizing for her absence. The Irish Guards were deeply touched to receive a letter from our Colonel, Her Royal Highness, The Princess of Wales this morning. We continue to wish Her Royal Highness well in her recovery and send Her our very best wishes. Quis Separabit@KensingtonRoyal@ArmyInLondon pic.twitter.com/KQUgB1RmBE Irish Guards (@irish_guards) June 8, 2024 There were certain occasions where Queen Elizabeth II did not take part in the parade The late Queen Elizabeth II took part in the parade throughout her reign, except for in 1955, when the event was canceled due to a national rail strike, and 2020 and 2021, due to the pandemic. The Queen appeared on the balcony for the event in 2022, but let Charles, then the Prince of Wales, take the parade. The Queen rode on her favorite horse called Burmese from 1969 until the horse retired in 1986. In 1981, the Queen had a scare at the annual ceremony In 1981, 17-year-old Marcus Serjeant pointed his pistol at the Queen as she rode down in the Horseguards Parade, and shot six blanks. Though Burmese was visibly startled by the shots, the Queen was unharmed. After Serjeant was seized by the police and guardsman, he reportedly said: I wanted to be famous. I wanted to be somebody. King Charles III and Prince William on horseback during Trooping the Colour on June 17, 2023. Neil MockfordGetty Images The horses of the Household Cavalry are unique The horses in the Kings Birthday Parade are known as the Household Cavalry, and have been taking part in ceremonial occasions since 1660. They are often carefully selected to have good weight, temperament, and presentation. Each horse is trained for several months at the Household Cavalry Training Wing in Windsor and the Hyde Park Barracks in London, which includes both basic training and riding the horses through the streets to desensitize them to loud noises, cars, and people. In April, four horses training in the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment broke loose and bolted across London. The British Army confirmed ahead of Saturday that three of these horsesTennyson, Trojan and Vanquishwould be taking part in the parade. More From TIME The royal family line-up tends to be a talking point In the past, Trooping the Colour has been a very popular public-facing event for certain members of the royal family as they gather on the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch the parade. This year, for the second year in a row, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, were not in attendance. Much to the delight of the public, the Prince and Princess of Wales attended, alongside Charles and Queen Camilla. Trooping the Colour is one of the largest military events of the year The sheer size of the military parade, and the pageantry of it, makes this event unique. Over 1,400 officers and soldiers form the parade, together with 200 horses; over 400 musicians from ten bands and Corps of Drums march and play in unison, their tunes ringing for all onlookers. The assembled military perform drills to 113 spoken commands. The Household Divisions official site calls it this impressive display of pageantry. In recent years, viewers have been able to watch in-person or online Trooping the Colour was first broadcast by BBC Radio in 1927 with commentary by Major J. B. S. Bourne-May, a retired officer of the Coldstream Guards. Now, in-person onlookers hoping to catch a glimpse of the parade can stand on The Mall or on the edge of St James' Park overlooking Horse Guards Parade. This year, the leading U.K. network, the BBC, broadcast the event for virtual onlookers. That coverage kicked off at 10:30 a.m. local time, and The Daily Mails online portal hosted a livestream on its YouTube channel from 8 a.m. The whole event can last over two hours This year, Trooping the Colour officially kicked off at 10:30 a.m., but troops started to gather in London at 10:00 a.m. ahead of the royal familys departure from Buckingham Palace. The ceremony lasts two-and-a-half hours. It begins with the King examining the troops, and being greeted by a Royal Salute on Horse Guards Parade and a 41 Gun Salute fired by The Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery from Green Park. At the end, the monarch joins their family on the Buckingham Palace balcony, as they all watch a fly-past performed by the Royal Air Force. Ahead of Trooping the Colour next week, The King has presented New Colours to No. 9 and No. 12 Company The Irish Guards at Windsor Castle. His Majesty is Colonel-in-Chief of the seven Guards regiments of the Household Division, who are often seen on duty at the Royal Palaces. pic.twitter.com/n51XCSCNKk The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) June 10, 2024 There is a dress code for those attending in-person According to the Household Division, the event is a formal State Ceremonial Parade in the presence of the country's ruler, and therefore those attending are expected to dress accordingly. Military personnel are expected to wear their ceremonial attire, but the public are also expected to dress nicely. The dress code for this year stated: Morning dress; lounge suit; or jacket, tie & trousers for gentlemen / equivalent for ladies, specifying no denim, shorts, or sandals. Contact us at letters@time.com. 7 Sets of Twins Born Within Days of Each Other at Ohio Hospital: 'This Is Something We Don't See Very Often' "Weve been feeling double the love," Cleveland Clinic's Hillcrest Hospital wrote in a Facebook post about the June baby boom Getty A stock image of babies' feet An Ohio hospital's neonatal ICU stuff has their work cut out for them after seven sets of twins were born within just a few days of each other. In a Facebook post shared on Tuesday, June 11, the Cleveland Clinic's Hillcrest Hospital in Mayfield Heights wrote that the hospital's NICU and postpartum units have been very busy with the large number of twin births over the past week. "Weve been feeling double the love caring for 7 sets of newborn twins, at the same time," the hospital wrote in the post. Getty A stock image of babies' legs Related: Mom Confesses to Potentially Mixing Up 10-Year-Old Identical Twin Girls at Birth (Exclusive) "Some parents welcomed their first babies, while others like Jason and Kara expanded their now family of seven!" the post continued, alongside photos of a couple and their newborns, as well as several more snapshots of the sets of twins. "Best wishes to all!" Hospital nurses Karoline Ferencak and Halle Wedler told local ABC affiliate station News 5 Cleveland that while they're used to taking care of a large number of babies at once, the 14 newborns who were born in Mayfield Heights this week have had them seeing double. "How are we gonna get them all done?" Ferencak told the outlet, describing her and her fellow nurses' reaction to more and more twins coming into the mix. "Because we had 'boom, boom, boom.' " The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! "We had a great team on, and we had a good plan, and everyone kind of knew the plan, and we kind of just went for it and got them all delivered, and we racked them out," Wedler added. Just one set of twins born in the last week has been a boy and a girl all the other sets of siblings have been both boys or both girls. New mom Shannon Holz, from Shaker Heights, Ohio, was the only mom who welcomed both a boy and a girl, News 5 reported. Related: Gabourey Sidibe Is a Mom! Actress Welcomes Twins Cooper and Maya with Husband Brandon Frankel 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. "We didn't think we were gonna have twins," Holz told the outlet. "It's a blessing at the end of the day, and we're very happy to have these two healthy babies." Although 14 twins is a lot for any hospital to handle, Hillcrest told local Cleveland station FOX 8 that its staff once cared for nine sets of twins at once. We like to say, 'Not double the work, double the fun.' Honestly the workload has been great with them," nurse Jessica Cunningham told the outlet. We do a NICU reunion every year, so it would be really cool for all these families to come back just to see how big they are," Cunningham added. "Because this is something we dont see very often." For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Bad diners: The 10 most offensive things you can do at a restaurant, survey says (NEXSTAR) Be honest: Have you ever carried your own alcohol into a restaurant? What about arguing with the wait staff over prices? If so, youve broken some unwritten rules of dining out. But those arent even the top two offenses, according to a recent survey conducted by the UK-based market research firm YouGov. The company polled more than 1,000 Americans back in April to find out which behaviors from restaurant customers are the most unacceptable. While many survey respondents were split on certain acts, like making modifications to a menu item, the vast majority agreed on one thing. About 90% said the most annoying thing you can do at a restaurant is refuse to pay for a meal that you ate but didnt like. Waffle House is raising menu prices, CEO says: What to know Bryan Hull, a contracts professor at Loyola Law School in California, previously told financial news site Kiplinger that in most cases youll be obligated to foot the bill for an unsavory dish that you still scarfed down. However, many restaurants would simply take the meal back to the kitchen and not charge the customer if they didnt eat it entirely, Hull explained. Allowing your kids to roam freely around a restaurant is another big no-no when it comes to eating out, said 90% of respondents. Some restaurants have gone as far as banning younger children altogether, such as Netties House of Spaghetti in Tinton Falls, New Jersey. In February 2023, the Italian eatery made headlines after announcing on social media that it would no longer allow kids under age 10 to dine-in. We love kids. We really, truly, do, Netties post read, according to TODAY. Between noise levels, lack of space for high chairs, cleaning up crazy messes, and the liability of kids running around the restaurant, we have decided that its time to take control of the situation. Youll pay the most for coffee in these states, new report finds Despite the ban drawing mixed reactions online, its still in effect, per Netties website. Debating menu prices with the staff, staying past the restaurants closing time and snapping your fingers to get a waiters attention rounded out the top five. See the top 10 bad diner behaviors below, along with the percentage of survey respondents who deemed them unacceptable. Say they wont pay for a dish they didnt like but ate (90%) Allow their children to roam freely (90%) Debate menu prices with the staff (84%) Stay past the restaurants closing time (83%) Snap their fingers to get the waiters attention (81%) Bring outside food or drinks into the restaurant (71%) Show up 15 minutes late to a reservation (66%) Leave a mess at the table, such as spilled drinks or food crumbs (60%) Occupy a table for an extended period during busy hours (58%) Flirt with the staff (57%) Click here to see the full results of the survey. Copyright 2024 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 News 4 Buffalo. How boring is Delaware? See the rank for people in states most eager to move abroad Since everyone has heard the phrase "Delaware is boring," where do you think the state ranks nationwide for residents most eager to ditch it and move abroad? A new study conducted by luggage shipping experts MyBaggage.com revealed Delaware ranks eighth nationwide for residents who can't wait to relocate from the United States. Delaware is the only state from the Mid-Atlantic region to rank in the top 10, while Wyoming ranked No. 1 for residents most interested in bailing to live out of the country. States with people most eager to move out of the USA A new report by MyBaggage.com reveals Wyoming ranks No. 1 in the country with residents who are most eager to move abroad. Pictured are buffalo crossing a road in the Grand Teton National Park in northwestern Wyoming. Wyoming Vermont Alaska North Dakota Hawaii Montana Rhode Island Delaware Oregon Colorado New Hampshire Maine South Dakota Washington Nevada Utah Idaho Arizona Nebraska Florida What are the reasons to move out of America? Paul Stewart, managing director of MyBaggage.com, shed light on the report's findings and explained why some Americans would want to leave the country. Americans leave the U.S. for a number of factors, including better job prospects, a lower cost of living, better quality of life, studying abroad, better healthcare, marriage and relationship, or just travel and adventure," Stewart commented. Google tells us people want to ditch the USA Research conducted in the study analyzed all 50 states (and two U.S. territories) based on the number of times per month that each state Googled a term related to moving abroad. The report said data included 285 keywords such as best countries to move to, best European countries to live, minimum wage by country 2024, how to move to USA from UK, should I move to Australia, and legal requirements to move to Portugal. The number of searches for each term was then added to give a total for each state. This was then compared to the population to calculate the number of searches per 100,000 people. Wyoming, which ranked No. 1, had an average of 115 searches per 100,000 residents and 672 per month. 10 best countries to move to Switzerland is ranked as the best country in the world, according to a 2023 ranking by U.S. News & World Report. In 2023, U.S. News & World Report ranked the 85 best countries in the world, and America ranked fifth. The data was based on various metrics that included quality of life, cultural influence, and entrepreneurship. The USA ranked as the No. 5 country in the world. Below are the top 10 countries in the world. Switzerland Canada Sweden Australia United States Japan Germany New Zealand United Kingdom Netherlands $80 round trip flights out of ILG: Here are the cheapest flights to take this summer Amtrak summer sale 2024: Can save Delaware travelers time and money Delaware hopes to boost tourism Memorial Day weekend at Rehoboth Beach marks the start of the summer season, drawing visitors to the beach and boardwalk to enjoy warm and sunny weather. Families rode bikes, indulged in French fries and ice cream, and had a great beach day. Traffic on Coastal Highway was heavy and parking was crowded on Rehoboth streets. To make Delaware a more attractive state, legislation introduced House Bill 444 on June 6, with plans to designate "Orange Crush" as the state cocktail. The primary sponsor for the bill is Rep. Peter Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach. While lobbying for a state cocktail might sound silly, it would allow the First State to claim another tourism item as it has done with scrapple. Language in HB 444 states: "Orange Crush has been made famous and become synonymous with Dewey Beach, Delaware" and "The Starboard in Dewey Beach, Delaware perfected the Orange Crush and serves the most Orange Crush cocktails of any bar in Delaware every beach season." If Delaware adopts Orange Crush as a new state symbol, will it push the Small Wonder out of the top 10 for people most keen to move abroad? Answering yes to this question likely means youve had too many cocktails, and should strongly consider taking an Uber home. If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Where does Delaware rank among US states most eager to move abroad? Colorado family has a unique reunion thanks to discovery of a long-lost brother FORT COLLINS, Colo. (KDVR) A Colorado family grew larger late last year, but not in a traditional way. Chaz Varady had his world turned upside down at 11 years old when the man he thought was his father gave him the truth. He wasnt my dad, you know, Im not his son, Varady recalls. 1 airlifted to hospital after off-road vehicle rollover crash His mom told him another man was his real dad. More than 40 years later, Varady found out that man wasnt his biological father either. Disbelief. Just shocked, he said. Looking for answers, he turned to a DNA Ancestry test. His wife helped create a family tree, desperate to find a relative. Facebook revealed a surprise in the search: a woman who could be Varadys sister was living in Rockford, Michigan, where Varady also lives. He messaged her right away. I said Hello Brook, I live in Rockford also. I recently joined Ancestry and from what I can tell, we may have a family link and wanted to see if we could discuss further,' said Varady, reading the message he sent. Even stranger, the two had kids that were already friends at school. Brook Sharp, who Varady messaged, was stunned. I thought could this be a scam? Or who is this guy? said Sharp. She agreed to meet for coffee anyway. Right away, she knew the claim was legitimate. It was literally like walking in and seeing a younger version of my dad, Sharp said. I knew this was not just a relative. I mean, this is a brother. Scammer moves stranger into Denver womans home She called her sister, Brenna Massa, who lives in Lakewood, as well as her two brothers in South Dakota. The feeling was the same. They still did the DNA test the following week as a formality but it was like, theres no doubt, said Massa. That DNA test came back as a match, confirming what they already knew the family of four siblings was growing to five. I knew it, but that was, I needed that, said Varady. It was like a Band-Aid, that was like a healing thing for me. Together in Fort Collins now for a larger-than-usual family reunion, they couldnt be happier. People say you dont know what you have until its gone, said Massa. For us, it was like, we didnt know what we were missing. And Varady now has the sibling connection hes longed for. Its what Ive always wanted, he said. Copyright 2024 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. This column appears every other week in Fosters Daily Democrat and the Tuskegee News. This week Guy Trammell Jr., an African American man from Tuskegee, Ala., and Amy Miller, a white woman from South Berwick, Maine, write about staying cool in summer's heat. Amy Miller In 2001, my father was shocked that neither my car nor my house had air-conditioning. It was a 90-degree day and I assured him this kind of weather was rare in Maine, and that I could put up with a few days of sweltering when most of the year was much cooler. Air conditioners were for the rest of the country, I knew. No more. Twenty years ago, many of us Mainers did not think we needed AC. But in 2024 the picture feels different. I still manage without AC in the house, as did about 30% of Maine homes in 2020, compared to 10% nationwide, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. This put Maine in sixth place behind Alaska, Washington, Hawaii, Montana and Vermont.But temperatures high enough to cause heat advisories in our state have become more common over the last few years. A study by the Union of Concerned Scientists found that Maines former expectation of a few days per year with a heat index above 90 degrees will now rise to between seven and 21 days a year with a heat index over 90 by mid-century. And we can also expect more days over 100. Amy Miller and Guy Trammell Jr. For that shrinking number of people without air-conditioning, heat can be dangerous, especially for senior citizens and children. More people die each year from extreme heat than any other kind of weather. While intense heat is a mental and physical health threat across the country, in Maine, where people are not used to high temperatures on a regular basis, the effects will be greater. The problem is, like so many other challenges, this one leaves people with lower incomes hurting the most as they can less afford air conditioning and are more likely to live in older homes or rental apartments. The conundrum, of course, is that more air conditioning leads to more greenhouse gases which leads to rising temperatures. The solution to the immediate problem exacerbates the bigger challenge. In Maine, significant rebates are available for the installation of heat pumps, a more efficient way to cool homes that without rebates start with a price tag of $4,000 and can go much higher. On a positive note, the impacts of rising temperatures are increasingly recognized by town planners. In South Berwick, the new comprehensive plan has a section devoted to the risks and repercussions of climate change and more storms. While floods and sea level rise are often the focus, I am interested to see what they will have to say about the increasing impacts of of heat. Those of us without air conditioning can shut blinds, stop using our ovens for a few days, and spend more time at the library, in a cafe or at a swimming hole, if we are lucky. These moments of relief, of course, are not sustainable answers. Guy Trammell Jr. My mother told me how, during her early encounters with Alabamas summer heat, she stayed cool by eating melons. My father removed seeds from his half a melon, filled the holes with ice cream, and enjoyed the treat. While living in Indonesias humid, tropical climate, my family complained of the homes cold water running out while bathing. Daily, our cook Yem prepared my lunch, and at school I cooled off by sipping her sweet, freshly squeezed tangerine juice. (Yes! I was spoiled!) As a teenager, I helped my father wire houses down the long, hot dirt roads of Macon County. The pay was great, but I detested rising before the sun got out of bed. However, I noticed we worked in the cool and were back home before temperatures became unbearable. From that time on, during hot weather I did my outside work either at sunset or before sunrise. My main way to get cool, from nursery school age, was swimming. Our family met at our cottages in Michigan, and even without electricity we swam in the lake, sat talking and cooking out under the trees, then in the evening enjoyed cool cups of water from our well. We stayed cool, and it was great! Back home, my mother beat the heat by freezing a can of grapefruit juice, cutting open the top and scraping the contents with a metal fork to enjoy a treat similar to Italian ice. When finished, we were quite cool. Since "public" parks meant no African Americans, Village of Greenwood families had cookouts and summer gatherings at lakes and in large shaded yards created and owned by local Blacks. I remember Loves Lake, where a couple had a beauty salon and barbershop - with a hamburger grill. Reids Lake was owned by the dry cleaner and haberdashery businessman. There was also Mr. Randolphs yard of a few acres, shared with others in Chehaw. He was the Sunday School superintendent. These and other locations always delivered on good food, good fun, and amazingly no one ever became overheated. We had a tub with lots of crushed ice and plenty of bottled soft drinks, and later canned drinks. Even without coolers, they remained cold. The Village of Greenwood also had the Lincoln Drive-In that people frequented on hot summer weekends, windows down, with a big jar of fruit punch or sweet tea on the back seat. As time passed, public parks were open to Blacks and movies were air conditioned, but our family still enjoys going to our cottages, drinking well water and having long talks under shade trees. Amy and Guy can be reached at colorusconnected@gmail.com This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Commentary: Maine learns what Alabama knows about how to beat the heat Work continues in April on the renovations and addition to the historic Debs Store on Florida Avenue in the Eastside neighborhood. When completed, the ground floor will be a grocery store for the community and the upper floor is scheduled to house various offices for community services. New development is happening throughout the urban core of Jacksonville. As a resident of the historic Eastside neighborhood, it has been inspiring to see so much excitement around revitalization. There is one standout example that we should all be paying closer attention to and that is the Phoenix Arts & Innovation District. The moment the developer, Future of Cities, purchased the 8.3 acres sandwiched between the Eastside and Springfield, their team in Jacksonville immediately connected with the residents of these historic communities. They identified and addressed the needs of residents and sought to better understand how to minimize displacement for those whove lived here for generations. The Historic Eastside Community Development Corp. has partnered with them on property workshops to educate residents on how to navigate changes in the real estate market and preserve ownership of their homes. The presence of a vibrant arts and cultural district can increase property values in the neighborhood, which can benefit homeowners and attract new residents. Our shared goal is to accomplish this with minimal displacement and increased opportunities for current residents. We have also worked together on food distributions to residents, holiday markets and other community events. Eastside residents also have access to Phoenix District facilities to hold their own meetings, workshops and activities. It has been inspiring to see a developer be so inclusive. As an artist, entrepreneur and advocate for equitable community development, I am excited and honored to work alongside Future of Cities to foster creativity and economic vitality in our area. Cultural events can enhance the overall quality of life in Springfield, Eastside and the city by providing opportunities for residents to engage in creative, enriching activities. This can lead to improved mental health and well-being for residents. It can also help bring citizens together and create a sense of community. Increased social connections and a stronger sense of belonging among residents are other positive results. Letters: Retired Jacksonville doctor says abortion laws not based on religion, but science But it is not just about the locals. The Phoenix District will attract tourists and visitors to the neighborhood, which will bring in additional revenue for local businesses and create job opportunities. This can help stimulate economic growth and revitalize the area. Small businesses in these neighborhoods need the support of locals and tourists alike to thrive. The Phoenix Arts and Innovation District will help promote cultural exchange and diversity in the neighborhood and throughout the city of Jacksonville by fostering a greater sense of understanding and appreciation among residents from different backgrounds. The creative community is excited and has been anticipating this type of development for decades. It is wonderful to see it finally coming to fruition for all people from all walks of life to enjoy. Pickett Suzanne Pickett, CEO, Historic Eastside Community Development Corp., Jacksonville This guest column is the opinion of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of the Times-Union. We welcome a diversity of opinions. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Entire Eastside benefits from Phoenix District's inclusive approach WELLSBORO, Pa. (WETM) Thousands of people gathered on Main Street in Wellsboro for the parade at the annual Laurel Festival to celebrate Pennsylvanias state flower, the Mountain Laurel. Willow Lockett who attended the parade for the twenty-fourth time today said, I think everybody who comes to the parade they feel its a feel-good feeling. Its great for our town Wellsboro, and it just makes everybody feel really great as a family. Pennsylvania State Laurel Festival coming up in Wellsboro First time goer Jerry Slagger stated, I also like that theyre upholding all the traditions. We got to see a lot of the bagpipes, got to see some of the older vehicles and the older tractors. I think that it helps the younger generation see where they really come from and see what people have done before them. Philenda Davis-Dolingeo, who hadnt been to the parade since 2011, came from Florida to see it. I like the bagpipes. The Irish bagpipes, added Dolingeo. Copyright 2024 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 WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. Restaurant operators will add 525,000 jobs for the summer season, according to the National Restaurant Associations annual Eating and Drinking Place Summer Employment Forecast. This is the first time on record that demand has reached this level two summers in a row. And that means there are plenty of new places for employment opportunities. Here are some restaurants and shops in Delaware that have opened recently: 3421 Kirkwood Highway, Unit A-D, near Prices Corner; theopulent.us The luxury-themed restaurant and lounge recently opened near Prices Corner. Many may remember it as the site of back-in-the-day restaurant Caffe Belissimo and later the Palace of Asia. The Opulent offers fusion dishes inspired by American, Mediterranean and Asian flavors. There's fine dining in the dining main and hors doeuvres, crafted drinks and music in the lounge. A "retreat' section of the restaurant has a rainforest theme and a private room, known as "the Crown," can be reserved for parties and events. The menu includes chicken Reshmi Kebabs from Mughal cuisine cooked in a clay oven, $18; a $15 Mediterranean platter with hummus, olives, cherry tomatoes, pita, feta cheese and cucumbers; lamb chops, $32; Shanghai fried rice, $24; burgers, $21; and butter chicken, $30. The restaurant is hosting a "Bollywood" night with food, drinks and DJ Jeet at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 22. The Opulent is open daily from 5:30 p.m. to midnight. 70 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 302socialrehoboth.com In Rehoboth Beach, 302 Social Eatery & Barroom is taking over the location at 70 Rehoboth Ave. previously occupied by Cooter Brown's restaurant. May 16, 2024 A prime spot of Rehoboth Beach real estate once home to Hooters and Cooter Brown's is now housing the new restaurant 302 Social. "We want a great vibe, good atmosphere, a welcoming staff," co-owner Marcos Lopez said. The second-floor spot in First Street Station is at the corner of First Street and Rehoboth Avenue. Co-owners and operators Lopez and Brandon Tolan met working together at Fager's Island in Ocean City, Maryland, where both grew to love the hospitality industry. Two years ago, they opened 410 Social in Berlin, Maryland. With partner Albert Gjoni, the three formed MBA Hospitality Group. 302 Social's menu is mainly burgers, sandwiches and tacos, but Lopez said they'll bring more entrees into the mix as they get established. Right now, entrees include fish, crabcakes, steaks and shrimp. Also available are salads and a seafood-heavy appetizer list. See the menu at 302socialrehoboth.com. 714 Greenbank Road, Prices Corner, 302-482-3103, facebook.com/Elpatronmexicanyfood. El Patron Mexican Restaurant and Bar in Prices Corner held its grand opening June 1 serving tacos, burritos, tortas and huaraches with more than a dozen meat fillings, as well as seafood platters from shrimp cocteles to whole fried fish. As of Saturday, June 1, the storied former home of the "Big Pit" location of Charcoal Pit, and Alyson's Restaurant before that, is now a sprawling 5,000-square-foot restaurant and cantina at home to tacos, huaraches, enchiladas and long-braised birria or barbacoa. El Patron Mexican Restaurant and Bar, also a popular food truck on Pulaski Highway in Bear, offers specialties from Mexico City to the southwestern state of Guanajuato. Closer look at El Patron: In the former Charcoal Pit, an ambitious Mexican restaurant with tacos and barbacoa At El Patron, owners Maria and Hugo Ramirez offer an ambitious array of tacos, burritos, huaraches and weekend specials that include slow-braised lamb barbacoa or pancita carnitas with rich consome for sipping, birria enchiladas and tender carnitas. New at the restaurant are platters that range from enchiladas to multiple takes on chilaquiles, as well as whole-fried fish, shrimp in garlic or diablo sauce, shrimp cocktails and stone bowls heavy-laden with seemingly every version of grilled meat. 7288 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin; 302-239-3999; bladekebabsteak.com/ First, it was Pat's Pizza and later, and briefly, Sunny's Pizza and then Sunny's Mediterranean Grill. Now the restaurant in the Hockessin shopping center with Doc's Meat Market and Mexican Table, is home to Blade Kebab and Steakhouse. Chef/owner Kadir Kadyrov features Brazilian and Turkish steakhouse cuisine. The casual, family-friendly BYOB restaurant (a rarity in Delaware) has starters like a mezze platter of dips with pita bread, $8.25, and lahmacun, $9.75, a flatbread with seasoned ground beef. There are doner kebabs and lamb kebabs; lamb, chicken and salmon skewers, Mediterranean salad, baklava, and Turkish coffee. Here's Blade's menu. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday. 1241 N. Dupont Highway, Dover; insomniacookies.com Insomnia Cookies opened earlier this month between Papa John's Pizza and Mattress Warehouse in the Dover Commons shopping center next to the Dover Mall on Route 13 north. Specializing in satisfying customers' late-night cravings, Insomnia Cookies held its grand opening Saturday, June 8, in the Dover Commons next to Dover Mall. The companys signature service is delivery to your door until midnight or later, with some locations open as late as 3 a.m. Cookies also can be shipped throughout the continental U.S. A college student started the business in 2003 at his University of Pennsylvania dorm room, baking and delivering warm cookies around campus. Today, the company has more than 180 stores in 39 states and Washington, D.C. This is the second Delaware location for the chain, with the first at 70 E. Main St., Newark. The menu features a variety of cookies from the basic sugar cookie and chocolate chunk to more unusual flavors like caramel apple pie and blueberry pancake, with vegan and gluten-free options. Cookie cakes are available. Ice cream is also on the menu, including the monsterwich ice cream cookie sandwich. The store even sells frozen dough so you can make your own cookies at home. Pastries, Deli and More 147 S. Governors Ave., Dover; 302-465-8838 From left, Gloria Brown, Michael Payne and Andrea Jones are business partners at Pastries, Deli and More, 147 S. Governors Ave., Dover. Three friends opened Pastries, Deli and More bakery and takeout restaurant May 6 in downtown Dover on Governors Avenue just north of Loockerman Street. Andrea Jones, Michael Payne and Gloria Brown create custom cakes, pies, pastries and cupcakes along with sandwiches, salads, chicken wings and probably their customers favorite chicken and waffles. James Beard winner: University of Delaware grad-turned-bartender wins biggest prize in food and drink Jones had been making cakes and pastries at home for years, but when the store on Governors Avenue became available, she talked with Payne and Brown about the possibility of opening a bakery and restaurant. This place has a long history as a bakery, Jones said, referring to the most recent tenant, Sweets & Treats, and to Fleischers Bakery which was in business more than 50 years. We wanted to continue that tradition, but also bring some different ideas and different flavors to Dover, she said. We want to take it and make it our own. Payne owned two different restaurants in New York, one specializing in wings. He moved to Delaware and now works with people with disabilities. While he loves that job, when Jones told him about the idea for a bakery and restaurant, he jumped at the chance. He focuses on the deli and chicken wings at the restaurant. The third group member brings years of restaurant experience to the business. Known as Mama G, Gloria Brown recently sold the restaurant named Mama Gs in Cheswold, and she also owns Tropical Delight Cafe on Bay Road near Dover Air Force Base. Hours are Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with later hours planned this summer until 7 p.m. 103 N. DuPont Blvd., Smyrna; 302-592-1786, instagram.com/elserranitotacosandbar. Embedded content: https://www.instagram.com/p/C6rTGOIx-zf/ Often taco-starved Kent County gets a new entrant with El Serranito, which opened in April in Smyrna. The restaurant takes an all-things-to-all-people approach, ranging from traditional Mexican dishes rarely found north of the border to American-inflected Tex-Mex fare. Street tacos abound, of course, with a wide array of meats on fresh corn tortillas. The ever-popular quesabirria is of course also in attendance. Sutffed torta sandwiches and burritos likewise abound. But the restaurant ranges happily north of the border with wings, burrito bowls, chimichangas and fajitas. Traditionalists can pick up a rarely-seen-in-Delaware pipian platters with chicken or pork smothered in pumpkin-seed mole. Other more traditional plates include posole, menudo, whole-fried fish, shrimp cocteles and a braised hidago (liver) platter. 370 Walmart Drive, Suite 3, Camden, and 1225 N. Dupont Highway, Building 3, Dover; tropicalsmoothiecafe.com Tropical Smoothie Cafe opened in February in the Camden Town Center on Route 13 south near Walmart and Bob Evans at 370 Walmart Drive, suite 3. Tropical Smoothie Cafe is expanding in Kent County with two locations. The first opened in Camden in February in the Camden Town Center on Route 13 south near Walmart and Bob Evans. Another started serving customers in early June in Dover on Route 13 north near Panda Express and Wing Stop, across from Delaware State University. The new Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Dover features a drive-thru on Route 13 north at 1225 N. Dupont Highway, building 3, near Panda Express and Wing Stop. They are among seven in Delaware, including two in Newark at 3252 Fashion Center Boulevard and 230 E. Main St., two in Wilmington at 4742 Limestone Road and 3216 Kirkwood Highway, with a third planned in the city at 824 N. Market St. Starting with a smoothie cafe in Florida in 1993, the company opened its first franchised shop in 1998 and now has more than 1,100 restaurants in 44 states and Washington, D.C. Best Bar honor: This Delaware bar, open only 16 hours a week, is one of Esquire's 'best bars in America' The cafe specializes in healthy smoothies like mango magic with mango, pineapple and nonfat yogurt, the avocolada with avocado, pineapple, spinach, kale, coconut and lime and the acai berry boost with acai, pomegranate, banana, blueberries and strawberries. But the menu also includes wraps, flatbread sandwiches, salads and bowls like the tropic bowl with acai, chia oatmeal pudding, green dream yogurt and mixed berry Greek yogurt. 36740 Seaside Outlet Drive, Rehoboth Beach, 302-257-5292, mission-bbq.com. MISSION BBQ has been a national favorite for its slow-cooked barbecue and from scratch sides since opening its first location on September 11, 2001. Wildly popular barbecue chain Mission BBQ is opened its first Sussex County location in April, the third location in Delaware for the Maryland-based barbecue chain, founded in 2011 by former executives from Under Armour and Outback Steakhouse. Mission is well-known for its patriotic branding, charitable donations and pan-regional approach to barbecue. Expect the usual array of brisket, pulled pork, jalapeno-cheese sausage, baby backs, turkey and pulled chicken with sauces running the map from Memphis Belle to Tupelo Honey, KC Classic, Texas Twang, Alabama White, Carolina Vinegar and Georgia Mustard. The closest the Maryland-founded chain gets to a mid-Atlantic or Chesapeakean sauce is "Bay-B-Que." 70 Rehoboth Ave., Unit 2, Rehoboth Beach; lemacaron-us.com/locations/rehoboth-beach/ Le Macaron is a new shop on Rehoboth Avenue in Rehoboth Beach that sells the French pastries that resemble sweet sandwiches. It also offers gelati and coffee. A franchise of Le Macaron French Pastries has opened in Rehoboth Beach. The business was founded by Rosalie Guillem and her daughter, Audrey Guillem-Saba, who loved delectable French pastries. Upon moving to the United States from France, the family was surprised to find that the American take on the macaron often was simply sugar spun into a cookie shape or confused with the familiar coconut cookie macaroon." The confections are around 80 calories each and are made with no gluten-containing ingredients. Flavors range from Belgian chocolate to bubble gum. The shop is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. A grand opening is set for June 25. 907 N. Dupont Blvd., Unit #105, Milford; 302-305-2109; thetwistindian.com Maulin Patel and his wife Pratiksha Patel opened their first Indian fast-food restaurant called "The Twist Indian Grill" in Dayton, Ohio. The pair blended Indian street food in a fast-food format and were joined by partners Priyanka and Priyank Patel. Now, they've brought the concept to Milford. The menu at The Twist Indian Grill includes Indian burritos filled with curries, bowls with rice and meats, quesadillas, naan tacos and Indo-Chinese dishes such as hakka noodles. Drinks include masala tea, lassi and milkshakes. Abbott's Grill opened a second restaurant this month in the former space of Sydney's, at Paynter's Mill in Milton. Inside the new Abbott's Grill at Paynter's Mill in Milton. Abbott's has been operating in Laurel since 2014 and had a location in Milford, now closed, for about a decade. The Milton restaurant is "a collaboration of co-owner and executive chef Kevin Reading and business partner Ryan Maloney, co-owner of Brick Works and Belly Up (food truck)," the website says. Reading also served as chef at past Rehoboth Beach culinary destinations such as Espuma and Nage. The menu at Paynter's Mill is the same as in Laurel, featuring modern mid-Atlantic cuisine. Entrees include pan-seared scallops, citrus-roasted salmon, crabcakes, and New York strip. "We look forward to creating memorable dining experiences and continuing to push the boundaries in the kitchen," Reading said. Midway Cafe 8585 Coastal Highway #14, Rehoboth Beach; facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558887535751 Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Midway Cafe is open in Midway Center, off Route 1 in Rehoboth Beach. Midway Cafe has a huge menu, from breakfast to subs to pasta, as well as certain Mediterranean foods. Most items are under $20. Owner AJ Demir immigrated the U.S. from Turkey in 1999, he said when reached by phone. He owned, operated and sold three restaurants prior to opening Midway Cafe. Midway Cafe opens at 7 a.m. seven days a week and closes at 9 p.m. every day except Sunday, when it closes at 3 p.m. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: New Delaware restaurants include Mission BBQ, birria, Insomnia Cookies (COLORADO SPRINGS) Bristol Brewing Company turned 30 this week. On June 13, 2024, the local brewery celebrated 30 years in business. The family-owned, independent craft brewery was started by Mike and Amanda Bristol on June 10, 1994. At the time, the fledgling brewery was one of only a few Colorado craft breweries, competing against giants like Coors and Miller. Today, their two original offerings, Laughing Lab Scottish Ale and Red Rocket Pale Ale, are famous statewide. It wasnt always easy, convincing bar managers we werent brewing it in our basement, and explaining to customers that the bitter flavor they were tasting was supposed to be in there and that it was hops, said Mike Bristol. But we loved what we were doing and people were pretty receptive. Bristol Brewing Companys beer has been praised for its high quality and consistency. Laughing Lab has won 11 medals from the Great American Beer Festivaland its the only Colorado beer to achieve that feat. Bristol gives back to the community, too. They support nonprofits with a per-pint donation each week, and they have Benefit Beers including a local favorite, Venetucci Pumpkin Ale. Bristols award-winning beers are available only in Colorado on draft and in six-packs. They are also available at their pub and brewery inside Ivywild School. For more information visit bristolbrewing.com or follow them on Instagram @bristolbrewing or Facebook @bristolbrewingcompany. Were proud to be a part of Colorado Springs and were endlessly grateful to the beer drinkers of our town and all of the staff weve worked with over the years whove helped us build our brewery, said Amanda Bristol. Copyright 2024 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 FOX21 News Colorado. The American Red Cross will host A Taste on the River on Thursday, June 20 at 6 p.m. The event will take place at Bend XPO, 922 Mississippi Parkway, in East Moline, according to a press release. Food from local chefs will be featured along with live music from The Yoyos and a silent auction. Some silent auction items will include a Treehouse Getaway, a Fly the Flag Picnic Quilt and A Sweet Year basket. Local chefs and restaurants will include: A Guy and a Grill Ballys Quad Cities DeBord Catering Gs Gourmet Popcorn Isle Casino Hotel Nothing Bundt Cakes Ohhh Wee Taste and See Catering Quartet Senior Living Senior Star at Elmore Place Proceeds from the event will support the American Red Cross mission of providing free smoke alarms and free fire safety education in addition to helping people impacted by disasters like fire and severe weather. Tickets are $50 and are on sale now. To buy a ticket and participate in the silent auction, click here. Copyright 2024 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. We All Rise executive director Robin Scott (in blue) speaks on stage during the 5th annual Juneteenth Celebration, put on by We All Rise, on Saturday at Joannes Park in Green Bay. GREEN BAY - Artists, local business owners and community members gathered at Joannes Park in Green Bay on Saturday for the fifth annual Juneteenth celebration hosted by We All Rise, African American Resource Center. Music and the smell of food grilling filled the air as families of all backgrounds came together to celebrate the holiday, which commemorates the anniversary of when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to free the last enslaved people on June 19, 1865. This year's theme, Black men are caregivers, shined a spotlight on the impact that local Black men have on their community and emphasized the importance of Black mental health, according to Robin Scott, executive director of We All Rise. "The hope is that we can create a restorative community for them to heal," said Scott. The Milwaukee Hittaz perform in a parade during Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday in Green Bay. We All Rise asked community members to nominate local Black men who are leaders and caregivers, said Scott. In front of the main stage, signs with the community nominees were displayed to honor their work and their impact. Additionally, signs with Black historical figures were displayed throughout Joannes Park to educate community members on the leaders who came before them. Delorean Walls, a community nominee and a leader of Brothers Helping Brothers of Wisconsin, puts an emphasis on self-care and men's mental health. He said he's honored to have been nominated and hopes to see other community members nominated in the coming years. "To see these 24 men up here, including myself, we really have to dig deep and understand that there's men behind those men. Because you have to connect yourself with wise counsel ... we're all one community," Walls said. "I just wanted to give honor to those brothers that's not up here today ... I hope next year, we can have a big billboard of every man stepping up and doing what they've been called to do, with their purpose within our community." Khalil King, a local entrepreneur and one of the community nominees, says he was grateful to be recognized as a leader, but recognition is never his goal. His goal is to encourage the younger members of the community to follow their passions and start businesses that are assets to the local community and beyond. "There's not enough young entrepreneurs. That's another thing I wanted to let them know. Don't wait to get in your 30s and your mid 30s and say, 'oh, I want to go into business for myself.' Now is the time," King said. "I don't care if it's a lemonade stand ... There's a lot of different ways to make residual income. It's just, you have to be willing to do it, and you have to be open minded." Black-owned businesses highlighted at the celebration Customers line up at the booth for Granny's Food for the Soul during the 5th annual Juneteenth Celebration, put on by We All Rise, on Saturday at Joannes Park in Green Bay. We All Rise originally had 60 vendors registered to attend the celebration, but in the days leading up to the event, that number rose to 90, according to event organizers. Amy Woods attended the Juneteenth celebration as a vendor. She was there promoting her husband Josh Woods' holistic skin care brand Favoryt. "This is probably the most diverse group of vendors I've seen in terms of offerings. And so, I think it just highlights the amount of talent that is in this area, that people might not be exposed to normally," said Woods. "It's a great platform for businesses to get out in the community and share more about what they're doing." Woods says that she and her husband attend events as vendors year-round, but the Juneteenth celebration is particularly important to them because they are among community members who are both family and friends, while also being able to connect with new groups of people who are interested in their business. Kristyl E. Thomas, a doula, writer and social entrepreneur, was another vendor at the Juneteenth celebration. She said that attending the event as a vendor has helped to boost her sales and given her a sense of accomplishment as community members come by to connect with her business. Uplifting the arts at the Juneteenth celebration Baptiste Paul autographs one of his books for a customer during the 5th annual Juneteenth Celebration, put on by We All Rise, on Saturday at Joannes Park in Green Bay. Baptiste Paul, an author of children's books, had a similar experience to Thomas. He was able to connect with the Green Bay community and share his art at the event. Paul grew up in St. Lucia in the Carribean, but he travels around the world to do research on different cultures. He uses what he learns through his travels to write children's books, to educate them about other cultures. The Juneteenth event has helped connect Paul to local teachers and librarians, who invited him to come into their schools and give presentations to their students. "I want the Black and brown kids who are here to be able to see people like me, who are successful at doing something that we thought many years ago that we could not do," Paul said. "They can see me as a Black man being an author, so that's going to motivate them to be an author as well." Children play in a splash pad provided by the Green Bay Fire Department during the fifth annual Juneteenth Celebration, put on by We All Rise, on Saturday4 at Joannes Park in Green Bay. A 25-year-old local artist and entrepreneur, Alexsis Manns, was also able to share her artwork with the Green Bay community at the Juneteenth celebration. She says that being an artist and a vendor at the Juneteenth event makes her feel like she's doing her part for the community while promoting her artwork. "My mom is an entrepreneur, so I learned a lot of stuff from her," Manns said. "I feel like being here is growing my business tremendously because my art kind of speaks for itself, but I love being out here and making connections." A 4-on-4 basketball tournament was held during the fifth annual Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday in Green Bay. Beyond the vendors at the celebration, musicians and dance groups from across the state of Wisconsin were brought in to perform. Britney Freeman-Farr, or B~Free as she is known on stage, is a Milwaukee-based musician who performed at the event. "It really means a lot to me to be able to tap in with things like this," she said. "I have such a strong appreciation for my culture ... And the fact that I'm doing it in a city outside of my own, makes it even more special to me, because it doesn't matter where we're from. We all have that same source of love and same source of connectedness and oneness that we come forward for today." This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Juneteenth celebration held at Joannes Park in Green Bay Courtney Freeman first met her husband, Jake, when he visited her moms house for a holiday gathering in 2020. Their moms were friends, and all she knew about her future spouse was that Jake Freeman was a welder whose work took him constantly on the road. The two clicked almost immediately and married the following year, making a home near The Woodlands, a leafy, master-planned community in the north Houston suburbs. They were ready to build a family. But after a year of unsuccessful attempts, the couple learned Jake struggled with male infertility, a diagnosis medical professionals say has become increasingly common. The couple is now overjoyed to mark Jakes first Father's Day as a dad. After pursuing fertility treatment, they'll be celebrating the gift they thought they might never have: their son, Walker, who was born in April. Its amazing, said Courtney, a 27-year-old ICU nurse. I cant even put into words how lucky and blessed we are. Were so thankful for him every day. Infertility is a global health issue, according to the World Health Organization, thought to affect at least one in six people during their lives. Jake and Courtney Freeman, who married in 2021, tried for a while to have a child until they discovered Jake was struggling with male infertility. After the couple pursued fertility treatment through the Family Fertility Center at Texas Children's Pavilion for Women in Houston, they welcomed their son, Walker, in April 2024. Couples are generally deemed infertile after they've tried for a year without success to conceive, said Jason Griffith, a reproductive endocrinologist in Houston and board member of RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. About 80% of infertility cases can be pegged to an identifiable diagnosis, Griffith said, and men's health accounts for or contributes to roughly half of cases. One study published by Canadian researchers in 2019 found that 1 in 20 men worldwide faced reduced fertility. Causes of male fertility tend to fall into two categories, according to Griffith it's either a problem with sperm production or obstruction of the reproductive tract. Diagnoses are determined through bloodwork, imaging or exploratory medical procedures. For some men, learning they have a low sperm count or theyre unlikely to be able to father biological children prompts self-doubt and questions about their manhood. It is a direct challenge to how they view themselves, and that can be difficult, Griffith said. However, the conversations that follow the diagnosis have evolved in recent years. The medical profession increasingly views infertility as a disease, and a growing willingness to discuss the issue, aided by personal testimonies on social media, has nudged it out of the shadows, gradually erasing the stigma the issue once had. Earlier this year, former Bachelor star Colton Underwood opened up about his struggles with low sperm counts as he and husband Jordan Brown looked to become fathers. Similar issues plagued chef Gordon Ramsay and wife Tana, who eventually turned to in vitro fertilization (IVF) to become parents. Other celebrities who have gone public with their infertility challenges include actor Tom Arnold, whose struggles with low sperm counts date back to his college days; and British speedster Toby Trice, who now fights to decrease the stigma of male fertility by driving race cars featuring the logo of fertility organization TestHim. A lot has changed for the better when it comes to perception of infertility, Griffith said. Its less of a private issue. People realize theyre not struggling alone with this. Sharing his story to 'pay it forward' Jake Freeman, 34, is a man of few words but hasnt shied away from discussing his experience. It is what it is, he said. He hopes his story will inspire other men struggling with male infertility. His exact words were to pay it forward, said his wife, Courtney. Hes always been very open about it, as in its just our journey and thats how we got our gift. When they first started trying to get pregnant, Courtney, who is a nurse, tracked everything closely circling dates on calendars, noting peak times to have sex or not to have sex. Jake had already started to feel resigned to not having kids; fatherhood had never really been a priority for him, he said, and it wasnt until marriage that he began to consider it seriously. Jake and Courtney Freeman, who live in the Houston area, pose with ultrasound images of their child. After seeking fertility treatment in Houston, they welcomed baby Walker in April 2024. When they disclosed what they'd learned to Jakes parents, they discovered something Jake never knew about himself: Around the time he was finishing high school, he developed a painful kidney stone requiring surgery. In the process, doctors noticed he had a varicocele, in which veins swell around a testicle and block proper blood drainage, a condition that can hamper sperm production. Jake describes it simply as theres too much heat for the sperm. Doctors had told his parents the condition might cause fertility issues later, but they never shared that news with him. Still, the couple had suspected something was wrong. Really, we knew, Courtney said. You can tell his testicle is different. It feels like a ball of veins. The growing causes of male infertility Varioceles are one of the more common causes of male infertility, said Laura Detti, chief of fertility services at the Family Fertility Center operated by Texas Childrens Hospital in Houston, where the Freemans found help. Other causes include retrograde ejaculation, in which semen travels backward into the body, and rarer conditions linked to cystic fibrosis. Low sperm counts are another cause, the condition that can result from long-term illness, chromosome issues or childhood infections such as mumps, according to the Urology Care Foundation. Doctors have also begun to see more sperm abnormalities caused by testosterone products men use to build muscle or treat sexual dysfunction, Detti said. These products cause testes to function less, and they will not produce good quality sperm for as long as the products are taken, she said. The first step in diagnosing infertility is doing a semen analysis that looks at the volume of the ejaculate and concentration of sperm, as well as their structure and mobility, Griffith said. If irregularities appear in successive tests, providers can do additional testing depending on the severity of the abnormality. Across the board, sperm counts have been dropping over the generations, a phenomenon researchers cant fully explain. In 2022, epidemiologist Hagai Levine of Hadassah University Medical Center in Jerusalem found that counts dropped by more than 1% annually from 1973 to 2000 and 2.6% between 2000 and 2018, which he characterized as an amazing pace. The underlying reasons for this phenomenon, Griffith said, could involve a combination of environmental pollutants, hormone-treated food products or struggles with obesity and chronic disease. But no one is really sure. Deciding to see a fertility specialist In late 2022, after a year of trying, the Freemans decided it was time to see a fertility specialist. Tests confirmed that Jakes sperm count was severely low. The first doctor they saw said they had little chance of conceiving naturally and that their only option was IVF, a procedure they preferred to avoid. For Courtney, in her mid-20s, the diagnosis hit hard, and she knew Jake felt bad for her as well. From the time I was a little kid, I always wanted to be a mom, she said. I was hopeful, but there was also this feeling of, Is this ever going to happen? I kind of doubted it. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois, and Sen. Cory Booker, D-New Jersey, speak at a news conference about access to in vitro fertilization outside of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., on June 12, 2024. Ultimately, the Freemans learned that Texas Childrens, the sprawling medical system where Courtney worked, also had a fertility center. A new set of lab tests showed that Jakes sperm count was just high enough to pursue intrauterine insemination, or IUI. The procedure involves a health care provider inserting sperm directly into the uterus, reducing the obstacles it would normally have to overcome to reach ovulating eggs through the fallopian tubes. The cervix is a great filter mechanism, Griffith said. Only thousands of sperm make it to the uterus, and only hundreds make it to the tubes. With IUI, youre getting millions of sperm into the uterus so that thousands make it into the tubes. The treatment is recommended for couples if the man's sperm count is high enough for insemination and the woman is under 35 with no obstacles to fertility. For men with extremely low sperm counts, IUI is unlikely to overcome that deficit. Sperm quality is enhanced, but the sperm still needs to do its job, Detti said. It needs to activate once it finds the egg and it has to penetrate the shell surrounding the egg. Courtney took Clomid and Ovidrel, medications designed to induce and boost ovulation. A doctor later inserted Jakes sperm into her cervix using a catheter. Then the couple went home and waited. When Courtney got her period as scheduled, the two repeated the process the next month. Again, it didnt take. A third attempt was delayed because Courtney developed a cyst on her ovary. Nearly five months after they'd begun the process, the Freemans decided if Courtney didn't get pregnant after the third attempt, theyd take a break. Despite the couple's growing dismay, Courtney said the experience strengthened her relationship with Jake. I could see he cared about me, she said. He was doing everything he could to make our dream come true. 'You don't really want to get your hopes up' In July 2023, Courtney's period failed to come on time. As she prepared to administer a home pregnancy test, she tried not to get excited. Jake was at work when the test read positive. She called the fertility center, where staff immediately summoned her to the lab for bloodwork. She didnt want to say anything to Jake until she knew for sure. The confirmation came back an hour later. The third time had worked. I was freaking out, she recalled. But until we saw the ultrasound, you dont really know, you dont really want to get your hopes up. Thats when it hit us that we were really pregnant. Jake and Courtney Freeman welcomed baby Walker in April 2024. Seeing those images was life-altering, Jake said. I was like, this is for real now. While their journey was physically and emotionally difficult, Courtney said theyd do it all again for the incomparable reward. Having an infant son, Jake said, makes it even harder to be away at work 10 to 12 hours, but hes looking forward to celebrating his first Fathers Day as a parent. Well probably have the family over and cook some ribs or brisket and hang out, he said. It feels good. Its like, Yeah. Im a dad. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: On Father's Day, man celebrates journey from infertility to parenthood With Fathers Day 2024 upon us, this seasoned grandpa cannot resist the temptation to offer some advice to fathers. I do so with two expressions in mind. First, If in doubt, offer advice, and second, a bumper sticker I saw last week that strikes home: Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult. Tip No. 1: Relax. Whether youre an expectant father, or one wrestling with diapers, or facing off with teenagers, or making sense of decisions by your adult offspring concerning themselves or your grandchildren its not all up to you. You should be pleased that the long ago, traditional role of a father as the sole responsible breadwinner and authority is no longer the idealized expectation in many areas of our country. It was the expectation when our first child arrived in the early 1970s. Thats largely why I worked two jobs, at the same time, for more than 50 years. That expectation likely factored into many mens decisions about what kind of job to aspire to. Higher pay often meant longer hours or more hazardous conditions. Obviously, at the same time as this now long-ago expectation was occurring, single mothers were also often working two or more jobs and facing financial disaster while the father was nowhere around or worse. I saw a lot of that as a legal aid attorney in Baltimore in the early 1970s. Yet, the point is that responsible fathers these days have some advantages shared responsibilities. While the judicial system has largely normalized any distinction between being a married father and simply being the father of children, the judicial system has on the other hand helped responsible fathers by enabling them to enforce some aspects of child raising as a two-party arrangement after split-ups of marriage or co-habitation. Larry Little Tip No. 2: Youre a guy, expect to be bashed. For just a moment lets get real. When Mothers Day is recognized, rarely are mothers criticized. Its completely different regarding Fathers Day. The media falls over itself to be sure fathers responsibilities are emphasized, and their failure to meet that responsibility is the frequent focus. Luckily, in recent years some writers, including myself, have recognized this issue and tried to present some sort of balanced approach. A warning about the problem of the absence of fathers in the home was raised in the 1960s by Prof. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, later a U.S. Senator, focusing on the Black community. The study was essentially ignored. Very much to his credit, President Barack Obama tried to address the issue during his presidency. But the focus is still on bashing men. All that does is plant seeds that indirectly grow into election issues, both in this country and overseas. If you are going to pick on men and sometimes we do deserve it, to be fair just remember that there is system where women typically get a break: In our prison population men outnumber women over ten to one. Tip No. 3: Do something you love to do. If you enjoy lifting weights go for it. If you enjoy fly-casting go for it. If you enjoy reading a book while sitting on your backpack next to a steam in the Olympic mountains go for it. If you enjoy doing all those things and a million others all alone or in mens groups, go for it. I have seen too many men chained to duty. I enjoyed taking solo trips. Once I solo climbed Mt. Ellinor, once I traveled solo to Ireland to interview attorneys, clergy, and mental health professionals for a book I have been writing in my spare time. Once I played hookey from a conference in Los Angeles and spent the evening by myself enjoying the rides at Disneyland. Tip No. 4: Think long term. Many of my mistakes were made when I thought of only the moment, or of only myself. However, one thing I did right. On virtually all my business trips I brought along my family, or very often just one of our children. New York rocks when your daughter at age eight dances on the stage in the off-Broadway show, Three Guys Named Moe, and our son learned a valuable lesson at age ten perhaps with lasting political ramifications when we stayed in a dump of a hotel in Atlantic City. Tip No. 5: Learn from your wife, children, and if youre lucky, your grandchildren. Virtually every day when I have some form of communication with one of my children or grandchildren, I learn something and not just about AI and robots. Some of the best communications are lessons that are tough to hear like mistakes I made as a father 30 years ago. Every day my wife teaches me something and not just the right length of time to microwave a leftover. Contact Larry Little at larrylittle46@gmail.com. This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Advice for dads from Larry Little on Father's Day Onlookers dance during the Juneteenth celebration at The Gateway in Salt Lake City on June 19, 2023. Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and has been celebrated since the late 1800s. | Ryan Sun, Deseret News Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19 each year. In 2024, the national holiday will fall on a Wednesday. Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and has been celebrated since 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Texas received the news that they were free. The holiday is also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, and in 2021, President Joe Biden signed the bill that made Juneteenth a federal holiday, per The New York Times. In recent years, more and more communities have begun holding Juneteenth events. Parents might feel hesitant to explain Juneteenth to their children because it involves the discussion of sensitive topics like race and slavery. But the holiday holds great importance, like other national holidays celebrated in the United States. Here is what some experts suggest when it comes to talking with your kids about Juneteenth. Talking about Juneteenth with kids Juneteenth is a time for celebration and reflection with the whole family, says the National Museum of African American History and Culture. For young children, the abstract concept of freedom and the hard history of slavery can be challenging to grasp. This is why, according to Aisha White, you might not want to explain Juneteenth to kids if you dont want to explain slavery to them. It may be too scary a topic for kids that arent old enough and while childrens ability to understand and manage that kind of information varies, its safer to not start until theyre closer to 6 or 7 years old. Pittwire met with White, director of the Positive Racial Identity Development in Early Education program at the University of Pittsburgh. She emphasized that Juneteenth gave people both freedom and hope, which is something theyd yearned for for a long time. Telling this particular story offers an opportunity for kids to know how important it was for people who had been treated so badly for so long to begin to experience a whole new way of life to be truly free and thats always something to celebrate, she told Pittwire. White also referred to a TED Talk by Beverly Daniel Tatum, former president of Spelman College. In the address, titled Is My Skin Brown Because I Drank Chocolate Milk? Tatum explained the concepts of race and slavery to her young son in a simple and succinct way. White paraphrased what Tatum said in this way: A long time ago, before there were companies, stores and buildings, there were some people who needed to work the land in the United States. There was a need for smart, strong workers and they went to Africa and brought them to the United States against their will which wasnt OK. They were people, but they were called slaves. Those people made them work, but never paid them and they were never allowed to leave the plantations where they worked; it was very unfair. But there were also good people who were working to end slavery, Black and white people, and they were eventually successful. What parents should be the most mindful of, according to White, is that conversations are important. How to celebrate Juneteenth as a family PBS Kids provided a few ideas for parents looking to do Juneteenth activities with their kids: Read books together . There are a variety of kid-friendly, educational books about Juneteenth. Consider finding one online or at the library and reading one or two with your child. Host a cookout . With summer in full-swing, now is a great time to cook good food and enjoy the holiday with family and friends. Go to a local celebration. See if there are any parades, festivals or Juneteenth-themed events in your area. LANCASTER The father/son bond is strong at Hamburg Fireworks/Jerry's Fireworks Factory. Jerry Sprague started the business at 2240 Horns Mill Road in 1972. His son, Ken Sprague, is now the majority owner along with his sister, Lynn. Ken's son, Josh Sprague, also works there and is the project manager. Josh Sprague (left) and his father Ken Sprague, of Jerry's Fireworks Factory (also known as Hamburg Fireworks) stand in front of a fireworks inside of the showroom at Jerry's Fireworks Factory on June 5, 2024, in Lancaster, Ohio. "It's got its challenges, believe me," Ken Sprague said of working with his son. "We don't always agree and have the same opinions and stuff. But we both have the passion for it. It goes back to when my dad actually started the business and his love for fireworks and being part of the tradition. I think that's what keeps us together, knowing that we're successful. And we see it because our business continues to grow." Josh Sprague said he agrees with his father's take on working together. "It's been a lot of fun," he said. Josh Sprague said his father taught him to emphasize safety in working with explosives. He said his grandfather taught him the value of hard work, work ethic and integrity. "Even when he stopped working he loved to be around it," Josh Sprague said. "He was always around until he wasn't able to be around. He always wanted to be there to see what we were doing and how everything was going. He loved it just as much as we did." While Father's Day is a time to reflect, it's also one of the Hamburg's busiest times of the year with the Fourth of July fast approaching. But that doesn't mean Father's Day is forgotten. "With Dad being gone it's certainly a time to reflect on all the memories I had with him, for sure," Ken Sprague said. "Now that Josh is here, he's given me a granddaughter. I look at that as a pretty good way to celebrate Father's Day as well now that he's a father." Last year was Josh Sprague's first Father's Day with his daughter. "Now, finally having a child and Dad having a grandchild has definitely stepped up the meaning of Father's Day for both of us, I believe," he said. Ken Sprague said while the family may cook out for Father's Day, the main focus is the store's Fourth of July busy season. jbarron@gannett.com 740-681-4340 Twitter/X: @JeffDBarron This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Hamburg Fireworks/Jerry's Fireworks Factory have father-son dynamic If you're tuned into the bourbon world even a little bit, you're probably familiar with the bourbon boom that has swept the country in recent years. The massive growth the industry has enjoyed can be difficult to wrap your head around if you're a layman. Maybe you've noticed a few new bottles popping up at your local liquor store? But to really appreciate just how successful bourbon is right now, there's no better indicator than the meteoric rise in the number of bourbon distilleries operating out of Kentucky. Back in 2008, Kentucky was home to a humble 19 distilleries, all owned and operated by 10 companies. In 2023, 15 years later, there were 100 bourbon distilleries in Kentucky owned by 84 companies with several more facilities set to fire up their stills in the coming months. That's an increase of more than 500% in about as much time as it takes for a top-shelf whiskey to finish barrel aging. Bourbon doesn't always have to be made in Kentucky but there's a long history of bourbon production in the state that looks set to continue. We're not going to list all 100 distilleries here but the range is about as varied as you can imagine. There's everything from small craft bourbon producers focused on niche projects, all the way up to massive global enterprises providing the bulk of the material that keeps this billion dollar industry running smoothly. Read more: The 27 Best Bourbon Brands, Ranked Kentucky Remains The King Of Bourbon Jim Beam bourbon barrels - Bryan Woolston/Getty Images Kentucky's total share of bourbon production has been shrinking over the years, though the state remains the undisputed leader of the bourbon world. Some of the most popular whiskeys come from Kentucky, after all, including big hitters Jim Beam and Wild Turkey. The new popularity of bourbon is exactly the reason Kentucky accounts for a smaller percentage of distilleries as more crop up across the country. There's an often quoted statistic claiming that 95% of the world's bourbon is produced in Kentucky but those numbers are likely dated. The Kentucky Distillers' Association estimated that Kentucky distilleries only accounted for 6% of the nation's distilleries as of 2022. While the majority of these are small distilleries with a minor output, the volume of bourbon produced in the state is high partly because global best-sellers are produced here and also because some bourbons distilled in other parts of the U.S. are bottled and processed in Kentucky. The growth in distillery numbers has solidified bourbon's importance in Kentucky's economy. Although making and selling bourbon is the primary focus of distilleries, tourism isn't far behind. Post-pandemic bourbon tourism in Kentucky has skyrocketed, despite how long it takes to do the entire Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Bourbon distilleries' ability to pull in out-of-state tourists has secondary benefits for the hospitality and service industries as well. All this is to say just how important the bourbon boom has been for the Midwestern state whose manufacturing industry has experienced a steady decline. Read the original article on Tasting Table. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Juneteenth celebrations are kicking off around mid-Michigan this weekend, drawing in hundreds of festivities, including here in Lansing. The holiday commemorates June 19 of 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Texas were declared free by Army forces at the end of the Civil War. A Juneteenth parade in Lansing on Saturday, June 15, 2024. (WLNS) In Lansing, a Juneteenth parade took classic cars, African American sororities and fraternities, and emergency vehicles through neighborhoods from Sexton High School to St. Joseph Park. Organizers say the parade has grown in recent years, as a sign of the holiday being one that everyone can celebrate. How you can celebrate Juneteenth in mid-Michigan We have folks from all nationalities out here, showcasing and being part of this great event, said Juneteenth parade organizer Calvin Jones. People gathered with family and friends to celebrate Juneteenth in Lansing on Saturday, June 15, 2024. (WLNS) And thats what we want. We want everyone to come together. We are the heart of the citywe are the heart of the state of Michigan. At St. Joseph Park, the Freedom Festival brought together community resources, games and family activities. Attendees say events like todays help create a wider understanding of why the date means so much, especially for the next generation. Laraine Walton was attending the event in Lansing with family. Helps build the culture, it helps with family, it helps build relationships and it just helps with bonding, Walton said. When you know where you come from, when you know your information, its easier to claim your Blackness. Copyright 2024 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 WLNS 6 News. North Jefferson Family Y in Wrens will distribute meals for area children through July 31, Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and noon until 1 p.m. Family YMCA of Greater Augusta is providing free meals to children all summer long through the Summer Food Service Program in partnership with Bright From the Start. The Y strives to fill the hunger gap when school is out of session. Thousands of meals will be provided daily to children at YMCA locations and partner sites across Burke, Columbia, McDuffie, Jefferson and Richmond counties in Georgia and Aiken and Barnwell counties in South Carolina. North Jefferson Family Y in Wrens will distribute meals through July 31, Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and noon until 1 p.m. View all locations and mealtimes at https://thefamilyy.org/food-program/ Its heartbreaking how many children dont have access to nutritious food when school is out for the summer, said Catie McCauley, chief operating officer at the Y. Thats why our Summer Food Program is critical in ensuring no child goes hungry. Cheryls Kitchen Food Program is part of the YMCAs year-round effort to address child hunger. Since March 2020, the Y has provided more than 3.1 million meals and snacks to individuals in need. All area YMCA locations also serve as food pantries through Golden Harvest Food Bank, and shelf-stable groceries can be picked up on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Those seeking groceries through the food pantry program are encouraged to call 706-547-2653 in advance to ensure availability. Meals will be provided to all children without charge. Acceptance and participation requirements for the program and all activities are the same for all regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service. YMCA membership is not required to receive meals. This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Local YMCA provides meals for kids, groceries for families EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) New Mexico residents celebrated the Land of Enchantment by exploring the outdoors. National New Mexico Day lands on Friday, June 14. According to the news release by the the New Mexico Tourism Department (NMTD) and New Mexico State Park, residents could enjoy the celebration by visiting 35 state parks for free. New Mexicos State Parks are cherished by generations of residents across our great state. We are honored to take this opportunity to support New Mexicos love for these special places by offering free day-use to New Mexicans on National New Mexico Day. Its a fantastic opportunity to get outside to explore, experience, and enjoy the diverse outdoor recreation opportunities that your state parks offer, said State Parks Director Toby Velasquez. New Mexicans needed to show a valid ID at any of the 35 state parks to enter for free, according to the New Mexico State Parks. The New Mexico State Parks said the free entry waiver does not include camping or rental fees. Residents were also encouraged to support small businesses, artist and merchants. We are truly blessed as New Mexicans to have such plentiful access to nature and the outdoors through our State Parks system. We hope that New Mexicans take advantage of this chance for free access to any of our State Parks and find the time to share in their own way what makes the Land of Enchantment #NewMexicoTrue, said Acting Tourism Secretary Lancing Adams. According to NMTD, over 450 New Mexico products are certified through their New Mexico True Certified program. These products can be seen in shops, grocery stores and retail locations throughout the state. To find a new experience to try in New Mexico, you can visit the New Mexico True Certified Visitor Experience here. For more ideas, you can also visit New Mexicos Travel and Tourism website here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. No AC? Here's where to stay cool or swim in Indianapolis amid heat wave As excessive heat and humidity arrives in Indianapolis, city government has provided a list of public cooling centers residents can go for relief from the first 90-plus days of the year. Splash pads, pools, Indy Parks Family Centers and public libraries will be open during normal business hours to help residents, especially those without access to air conditioning, stay cool. The city recommends residents take extra precautions against the heat, such as drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoiding or delaying strenuous outdoor activities until late evening hours. The public is also reminded to check on relatives and neighbors without access to air conditioning, and to never leave children and pets unattended in vehicles. Here's a list of where you can go and keep cool during the heat. Heat wave in Indy: Here's how to stay safe Indianapolis public swimming pools now open Pools are open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays; and noon until 6 p.m. on Sundays. Broad Ripple Park: 1426 Broad Ripple Ave. Brookside Park: 3500 Brookside Pkwy. S. Drive Eagle Creek Beach: 7602 Eagle Beach Dr. Ellenberger Park: 5301 E. St Clair St. Frederick Douglass Park: 1425 E. 25th St. Gustafson Park: 3110 Moller Rd. Indy Island: 8575 E. Raymond St. Krannert Park: 605 S. High School Rd. Northwestway Park: 5343 W. 62nd St. Rhodius Park: 1720 W. Wilkens St. Sahm Park: 6801 E. 91st St. Indianapolis splash pads Bel Aire Park Bertha Ross Park Carson Park Christian Park Clayton & LaSalle Park Frank & Judy OBannon Park Grassy Creek Park Haughville Park Jake Greene Park Riverwood Park Stout Field Park Wes Montgomery Park Wildwood Park Willard Park Indy Parks Family Centers Broad Ripple Park Family Center: 1426 Broad Ripple Ave. Brookside Park: 3500 Brookside Parkway S. Dr. Christian Park: 4200 English Ave. Ellenberger Park: 5301 E. St. Clair St. Frederick Douglass Park's Family Center: 1616 E. 25th St. The Garfield Park Arts Center: 2432 Conservatory Dr. A look at a sign Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, welcoming patrons to Stanley Strader Park, formerly Bethel Park, on Indianapolis' south side. Garfield Park Burrello Family Center and Aquatic Center: 2345 Pagoda Dr. The Garfield Park Conservatory: 2505 Conservatory Dr. Holliday Park Nature Center: 6363 Spring Mill Rd. Krannert Park Family Center: 605 S High School Rd. The Riverside Park Family Center: 2420 E Riverside Dr. Stanley Strader Park: 2850 Bethel Ave. Click here for a full list of family centers at Indy Parks. Indianapolis Public Library branches Central Library: 40 E. St. Clair St. Beech Grove: 1102 Main St. College Avenue: 4180 N. College Ave. Decatur: 5301 Kentucky Ave. Eagle: 3905 Moller Road East 38th Street: 5420 E. 38th St. East Washington: 2822 E. Washington St. Fort Ben: 9330 E. 56th St. Franklin Road: 5550 South Franklin Road Garfield Park: 2502 Shelby St. Click here for a full list of Indianapolis Public Library branches. Contact IndyStar investigative reporter Alexandria Burris at aburris@gannett.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, at @allyburris. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis public pools, splash pads and more: Stay cool with no A/C Nominate someone for the 2025 Manitowoc County Conservationists Hall of Fame class. Here's how, and more in the latest outdoors report. Sandhill cranes make a bugling call together in the 80-acre wetland restoration area at Woodland Dunes Nature Preserve on March 20, 2019, in Manitowoc, Wis. Manitowoc County Conservationists Hall of Fame is planning for its 2025 banquet, which will be June 18, 2025, at Maribel Sportsmans Club. Clubs and individuals should start thinking now about who to nominate for the Hall of Fame, Special Achievement and corporate/business awards. Every club has people who step up when needed and businesses that support them during their fundraising events. Nominating them for an award is a perfect way to show appreciation for their support. Descriptions of the awards and nomination papers can be downloaded from the Manitowoc County Fish and Game website at mantyfg.org. Deadline for returning nomination papers is Dec. 31, 2024. Read last week's column: Big weekend of trap shooting set in Maribel, and more in the latest Manitowoc outdoors report Preliminary turkey totals mark fourth-highest spring harvest Wisconsin turkey hunters registered 50,435 birds in the 2024 spring turkey season, making it the fourth-highest spring harvest on record and a 22% increase from the five-year average, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources said. The 2024 spring season started April 13 with the two-day youth hunt for hunters younger than 16 years old. A total of 3,967 birds were registered, a 37% increase from the five-year average. A total of 246,068 authorizations were available this spring, and hunters applied for or purchased 224,630 of them. The regular season is divided into six separate one-week periods, from April 17 to May 28. These separate periods help maximize hunter opportunities while minimizing interference for a more sustainable harvest. The robust participation and harvest numbers show ample opportunities across the state, the DNR said. Deadline to apply for next springs (2025) turkey season is Dec. 10. Hunters can apply for harvest authorizations online through the Go Wild license portal. Learn more about turkey hunting in Wisconsin on the DNRs Turkey Hunting webpage. Despite rain, good panfish catches reported at local lakes May and June have been quite rainy. Despite those conditions, good catches of panfish have been reported from Manitowoc County lakes. Most of the information I am receiving comes from fishermen who frequent Long Lake and Harpt Lake. Fishermen have been using crappie jigs for the crappies and then switching over to worms to catch their bluegills. Even though these are the lakes I am hearing about, I am thinking most of the inland waters have been somewhat the same for panfish. I have not had any reports of people catching any gamefish like northern pike, walleye or bass. Before you go out fishing, be sure to check DNR regulations for the lake you intend to fish because bag limits differ throughout Wisconsin. DNR Learn to Hunt Deer program accepting applicants Wisconsin DNR is accepting applications for the 2024 Learn to Hunt Deer program at Sandhill Wildlife Area. Applications will be accepted through July 1. Sandhills Learn to Hunt workshops combine classroom instruction and hands-on field experience with a mentored hunt on thousands of acres of intensively managed wildlife habitat. This unique opportunity will provide participants with an exciting educational experience while helping the DNR reach deer management objectives associated with an ongoing study within the 9,150-acre property. The program is open to young hunters ages 12-15. Adults (age 16 and older) without previous experience hunting deer with a firearm may also apply. A chaperone must accompany all hunters. Registration for the program is $40. In-person workshop dates for this year are Aug. 21, 23 and 24. Each of the three workshops will cover the same material, including: deer biology and management; hunting rules and regulations; ethical hunter behavior; basic firearm safety; and practice sighting and firing a hunting rifle. Generations of hunters have come through this long-standing program, and we are excited to offer this opportunity again in 2024, said Darren Ladwig, DNR wildlife biologist at Sandhill Wildlife Area. This hunt will aid in reaching our deer harvest quota, which for this year has been set to maintain the population at its current level. All participants (and accompanying mentors) must attend one of the workshops. The program will culminate with a two-day hunt Nov. 2 and 3 at Sandhill Wildlife Area in Wood County. All participants must complete a hunter education course before the hunt. Sandhill Wildlife Area lies within the bed of ancient Glacial Lake Wisconsin an expansive region of flat, marshy land interspersed with forests covering parts of seven counties in central Wisconsin. The property features low, sandy uplands of oak, aspen and jack pine forests, large marshes and many flowages. A small herd of American bison, white-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, Canada geese, ducks, loons, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, shorebirds, songbirds, hawks, owls and furbearers call Sandhill home. Apply for the 2024 Sandhill Learn to Hunt on the DNR application webpage by July 1. More Bob Schuh: Click here for more Scoping the Great Outdoors columns Larrabee club donates to Denmark Archery Chuck Kunish (from left), coach of Denmark Youth Archery, accepts a $700 check from Larrabee Sportsmens Club President Paul Tuschel. This money was raised at the clubs pancake breakfast and was donated by Jeff Krause, aka Uncle Pancake. Thanks to everyone who supported the fundraiser. Thats it for this week, so have fun in the great outdoors. Outdoors columnist Bob Schuhs Scoping the Great Outdoors column appears each Sunday in the Herald Times Reporter. He can be reached at 920-682-3106 or bobschuh@lsol.net. This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Manitowoc County Conservationists Hall of Fame: How to nominate From left, Sandy Womack, Dudley Edmondson, Angela Chapman, Tim Moloney and Kwesi Kambon assisted in Edmondson's presentation last month to students at South High School. Dudley Edmondson, as seen in the New York Times, PBS and NPR, returned to his hometown of Columbus to inspire youth. Columbus City Schools, Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks and Friends of Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks collaborated last month to host an event with the nature photographer, author and South High School graduate. Edmondson returned to South High School and spoke to current students to highlight metro parks and outdoors-related career paths. This process was started when Kwesi Kambon, a metro parks volunteer, reached out to Edmondson. Kwesi contacted me, said Edmondson. I think he saw the PBS piece and asked me to come and participate in the program to help young people understand that nature and the environment have potential career opportunities for them. Edmondson referred to his appearance on the March 26, 2021 episode of the PBS "Almanac" series to share his nature photography. He said he had an optimistic feeling about his May event at South High School. I think it went well, Edmondson said after his talk to the students. Hopefully weve set up a situation where young people who saw the program can sign up to be mentored and helped educationally to potentially go down the path of having nature-based careers. Hopefully, there will be more than a couple of young people that will sign up. Edmondson said he was grateful and enjoyed returning to his former high school to pay forward the career he pursued and the success he achieved. I graduated from here in 1980; its nice to be back in the building and see the place that really helped shape my life. The high school presentation was followed by a hike in Blacklick Woods the following day. Dudley Edmondson is done with Columbus But Edmondson is not done in Columbus. The nature photographer is returning shortly for another guided hike with the community at the Juneteenth and Father's Day Celebration. Ill be at the Grange (Insurance) Audubon Center doing another bird-related event, taking people for a bird hike and Ill probably give a short presentation there as well. The Juneteenth and Fathers Day Celebration event at the Grange Insurance Audubon Center takes place Sunday, June 16 from 2 to 5 p.m., with Edmondson speaking from 2 to 3 p.m. To learn more about Edmondson and his work, check out his books, "The Black and Brown Faces in America's Wild Places" and "What's That Flower? A Beginner's Guide to Wildflowers," both available for purchase on his website. nfishman@gannett.com This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Edmondson tells of possible career opportunities to South students Boat Captain John Jaques has been helping families spread their loved ones ashes in the ocean for more than 16 years. And while Jaques has seen a lot of ways people have chosen to celebrate the deceased, he had to admit he was surprised by the contents of one box delivered to his home. Inside were a container with the ashes, pink flamingo float, a Solo cup and a letter. It described how the familys mother would bring them to the Myrtle Beach area and it was a magical time in my childhood, Jaques recalls. The letter described how the mother would sit on the beach, drink her drink and watch the children play. The family wanted Jaques to spread her ashes with the cup in the float. Jaques did as requested, but added one more thing. He found out the mother liked to drink margaritas, so on the day of the service he filled the cup with a margarita and dropped it into the ocean. As funeral costs continue to rise, cremation has become a popular, and less costly, option for families after a loved one dies. Many of those families opt to choose a special place for the cremated remains. Jaques and other boat charter services in the Myrtle Beach area have seen an increase in the number of people seeking to have their loved ones ashes spread in the ocean. In addition to a spreading of the ashes service Jaques had scheduled the morning of April 22, he also had at least six more scheduled for the following week, he said. Spreading ashes in the ocean gives it a special sort of meaning, said Jaques, adding that it was a day of celebrating someones life. Memorial different for each family Jaques captains the boat Enchantress, which is docked at the Cricket Cove Marina in Little River. He works for the company Enchanted Sailing Charters that offers the service of spreading ashes. The service takes about 2 1/2 to 3 hours, Jaques said. While the memorial is different for each family, generally Jaques reads a poem and then spreads the ashes among flowers that he cut from around his home. Jaques then records the date, time and coordinates and sends them to the family in case they ever want to come back and visit the location. Jaques tries to make the service as special as he can, understanding what it means to lose a loved one. He and his wife recently lost their 37-year-old daughter Jessica, who suffered from addiction. On the morning the father of six and grandfather of seven received the news of Jessicas death, Jaques had just found a new poem that he wanted to read at upcoming services. Jaques plans to spread Jessicas ashes in the ocean, a place that she loved, he said. It makes me happy that Ive ever had her in my life, Jaques said about his daughter. A biodegradable urn and a brass vessel used for the scattering of cremated remains line the rail of the Enchantress in Little River, S.C. Captain John Jaques uses his sailboat to take families to sea to help spread the cremated ashes of their loved ones. April 26, 2024. What does the law require? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulates the spreading of ashes in the ocean, requiring that people be at least three nautical miles in the ocean before the ashes can be placed in the water. It also requires a permit. The EPA does not permit the scattering at beaches or in wading pools by the sea. In addition, you must notify the EPA within 30 days of scattering ashes at sea. There were seven burial at sea permits filed in South Carolina in 2020, the latest numbers available online. But the numbers are more than likely higher as each company must file a permit for the service. The EPAs regulations include what can and cannot be placed with the ashes. That includes flowers and wreaths that are plastic or synthetic and would not be expected to decompose rapidly. Jaques has seen many biodegradable items being used during services, including urns and sea creatures, such as turtles, which can hold the ashes before they are placed in the ocean and eventually sink. Captain John Jaques holds cremation identification tokens left to him by the families of the deceased. Jaques uses his sailboat Enchantress to take families to sea to help spread the cremated ashes of their loved ones. April 26, 2024. How much does it cost? Jennifer Jones-Poore said cremation is a more affordable option for many people. The co-owner of Express Watersports in Murrells Inlet said the 27-year-old company offers the service of spreading ashes in the ocean and has been doing so for about 15 years. It began after the business received a number of requests to do it, Jones-Poore said. It has only increased over the years, she said. Its a growing concept for people to embrace, Jones-Poore said. The company even honored one of its own about six years ago when employee Chris Chong, a scuba diver, passed away. Jones-Poore said his family came from Malaysia and they spread his ashes in the ocean. It costs $800 at Express Watersports to secure the boat that can hold up to 42 passengers and be used for up to hours. The company also offers places where family members can get biodegradable flowers and items, as well as catering. At Enchanted Sailing Charters, a private cruise for up to six people costs $565 and $1,130 for seven to 12 people. I think its another great option for people to be able to go and be a part of the ever changing nature and ocean, Jones-Poore said. The closure is a little bit different, and thats what people are looking for. SILVER LAKE (KSNT) Silver Lake Public Library hosted its inaugural car show earlier this morning. Rev up the Renovations is a fundraiser apart of the 3-phase renovation process for the library. Over 40 contestants entered the show wit a $20 participation fee that will go towards the renovations. The library completed the first two phases through other fundraisers including dinners, bingo and trivia. Phase three is taking out the cinder block shed building and being able to add on to the back of the building, Lori Clark, Silver Lakes Public Library foundation chair said. Being able to add on to the back buildings so that we can have a private directors office, a meeting room and another ADA bathroom. The top five cars received a trophy, as well as the Peoples Choice Winner who was voted on by the attendees. Additionally, the library hopes to eventually add a parking lot off the highway to make it safer for the patrons. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2024 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 KSNT 27 News. Strawberries are ripe for the picking at these Brockton-area farms BROCKTON It is the height of strawberry season here in Massachusetts. Whether you are craving fresh strawberries, strawberry shortcake or a strawberry sundae there is no better time than now to get your hands on the red berries that signal summer is here. Strawberries are ripe for the picking at local farms and make a great family activity now that kids are out of school for the summer. Local farms offer the freshest and juiciest red berries. Some farms also offer other special treats, including fresh-made strawberry donuts and jams. Strawberry picking generally starts beginning mid-June and ends mid-July, so don't miss out on the opportunity to pick the ripest berries at Brockton area farms. Here are six Brockton-area farms where you can pick your own strawberries to get the most delicious berries. C.N. Smith Farm located at 325 South St.in East Bridgewater offers fresh strawberries and more. C.N. Smith Farm, East Bridgewater C.N. Smith Farm, located at 325 South St. in East Bridgewater, has been a family owned and operated farm for over 100 years, according to its website. Pick-your-own strawberries hours are daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather and crop permitting. The doughnut barn is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday offering strawberry shortcake, ice cream, milkshakes, floats, sundaes, raspberry lime rickeys, cider slush, cold brew coffee and other beverages. Fridays through Sundays they offer all that great stuff and strawberry doughnuts, strawberry cream doughnuts and strawberry doughnut sundaes. C.N. Smith Farm located at 325 South St.in East Bridgewater offers fresh strawberries and more. Strawberry cream doughnuts are a strawberry doughnut cut in half and stuffed with homemade whipped cream cheese frosting and their own fresh strawberries. The strawberry doughnut sundae is made with a strawberry doughnut topped with strawberry ice cream, homemade strawberry topping, whipped cream, sprinkles and a cherry. Strawberry shortcake is their homemade shortcake biscuits with their own strawberry topping and whipped cream. Theyre dangerous, manager Kate Smith said. The main farmstand is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily for fresh produce and strawberries. It is recommended to call 508-378-2270 or visit the farms Facebook page prior to arrival to check for updates. For more information, visit cnsmithfarminc.com. Robert Mello and daughter Annabelle Mello, 11,pick their own strawberries at CN Smith Farm in East Bridgewater on Sunday, June 20, 2021. Gerrys Farm, Brockton Gerrys Farm, loacted at 810 Pleasant St. in Brockton, is a local, family owned farm stand established in 1920. Gerrys Farm has cemented its place as a Brockton landmark, providing fresh produce and flowers for city and surrounding residents as one of the last working farms in the city. You can't pick your own strawberries at Gerry's Farm, but you can buy their fresh and delicious strawberries at their farm stand. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The farm is closed on Mondays. Visit Gary's Farm Facebook page for more information. Gerry's Farm, 810 Pleasant St., Brockton, offers fresh produce and flowers. Langwater Farm, Easton Langwater Farm, at 215 Washington St. in North Easton, will have hayrides out to their far berry field through Sunday, June 16, with the option to walk out to the close field everyday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. to "pick-your-own sweet, certified organic strawberries," according to its Facebook page. Fields will be open Tuesdays through Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the field managers discretion. Check picking conditions and field closure notices on its Facebook page, updated daily. For more inormation, visit langwaterfarm.com. Old Earth Orchards, Taunton Spring Rain Farm and Old Earth Orchards are both farm businesses run at 692 Caswell St. in East Taunton. Old Earth Orchards offers no-spray, pick-your-own strawberry patch. Hours are 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. The farm is closed on Mondays. Before heading to the farm, call 508-822-2849 or visit the Old Earth Orchards LLC Facebook page for udates on closings due to weather or availability. Gerry's Farm, 810 Pleasant St., Brockton, offers fresh produce and flowers. Vineyard Farm, West Bridgewater Vinyard Farm at 175 East Center St. in West Bridgewater, "offers a wide variety of delicious produce and locally-sourced food and gift items plus seasonal fun for the whole family," according to its wbesite. You can pick your own berries or purchase pre-picked berries from the Farm Stand. Pick-your-own hours are daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weather permitting and while supplies last. While you are at the farm, you can also pick up some strawberry milk, strawberry jam, strawberry honey sticks or freeze-dried strawberries. Call 508-857-0657 or visit www.vineyardfarm.com for more information. Wards Berry Farm, Sharon Wards Berry Farm is a family farm located at 614 S. Main St. in Sharon. "Brothers Jim and Bob Ward have run the farm since 1982, offering the finest quality fresh picked fruits and veggies," according to its website. You can pick your own strawberries from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The farm store is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. The farm manager reserves the right to close the fields at any time, due to weather, picking conditions or other factors that may necessitate closing the fields. For updates, visit wardsberryfarm.com or call 781-784-3600. Staff writer Kathy Bossa can be reached by email at kbossa@enterprisenews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Enterprise today. This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Brockton-area strawberry season: Pick your own farms, locations Good news for if you want to channel your inner White Lotus dreams (or just dream of working remotely from Thailands white sand beaches and vibrant cities). As of June 1 its way easier to stay in the popular Southeast Asian country for longer, thanks to a new visa extension specifically for digital nomads, according to Reuters. Interest in visiting Thailand has skyrocketed in recent years. While its probably not because of the highly anticipated, Thailand-based third season of White Lotus, an extension to Thailands digital nomad visa means remote professionals can work, live, and travel in Thailand for up to five years so if its been on your bucket list, you can pretend youre a star on the show (minus all the murder). Remote workers in Thailand were previously only able to stay in the Southeast Asian country for 60 days straight with the earlier version of the digital nomad visa, so this is a huge change. Whether youve daydreamed of sampling food from Bangkoks famed food markets during your lunch hour, or taking a Zoom meeting next to the crystal-clear water of Koh Samui, heres what to know about applying to Thailands digital nomad visa and the changes you should be aware of. How to Qualify for Thailands Five-Year Digital Nomad Visa Despite its name, you dont actually have to be a remote worker to qualify for the new visa. As long as youre at least 20 years old, dont work for a company thats based in Thailand (being self-employed is fine), and can meet certain income or savings requirements, youre welcome to apply. In addition to accepting remote workers and freelancers, travelers who are interested in learning Thai cultural activities and traditions are also welcome to complete an application. Just keep in mind that youll be paying Thai taxes. Thai officials didnt share whether there are new income requirements for the visa extension, but digital nomads previously had to make at least $80,000 to qualify. You can also be eligible if you can prove that you have 500,000 Thai baht ($13,600) of savings to live off of. How to apply for Thailands Five-Year Digital Nomad Visa Thailands new digital nomad visa extension is in effect as of June 1, but that doesnt mean you can just book a one-way trip there and start making Tanya McQuoid your new personality. Youll need to apply by making a visa appointment, which you can do online or in-person at a Thai Embassy, and pay a $270 fee. You can check the website to see if your country is eligible for completing the visa application online. Another important thing to know about the digital nomad visa is that you wont be able to stay in Thailand for five years straight, and that fact racks up hidden fees. You will need to leave and re-enter the country every 180 days and pay a $270 fine each time you do so. With its new visa extension, Thailand has one of the best digital nomad visa policies for travelers who want to stay and immerse themselves in a culture the longest. However, with over 50 countries around the world offering some kind of permit for remote workers, there are plenty of options if Thailand isnt on your travel radar. Tokyo, Japan, Da Nang, Vietnam, and Seoul, South Korea, were named the three fastest-growing locales for digital nomads last year. At the Alamogordo Rotary Club meeting Wednesday, June 12, Rotary President Bert Atkins introduced his daughter, Erin. Erin is president of the State Bar of New Mexico, the first woman from southern New Mexico to hold that position, something quite notable. As this is Fathers Day weekend, its also notable she practices her law here in Alamogordo, with her Dad. You see that father-child working combo a lot in Alamogordo. The first day I returned to Alamogordo I visited Doug Brabson at Print Plus to order business cards. Dougs father, Ed Brabson, has long been active in Alamogordos business community, and for much of that time, he and his son, Doug, worked as business partners. Richard Coltharp, publisher of the Alamogordo Daily News Last week I had a nice conversation with Ken Eaton of EZ TV and Appliance. Kens son, Mark, has been running the show at EZ TV for many years. Ken is mostly retired now, or so he says. The day I popped into the store, he was there. And my guess is, hes there on a fairly regular basis. It used to be more commonplace: Business owners would train their children in the profession, building toward the day the next generation would take over. But lets face it, a lot of kids just dont want to do what Mom and Dad did. And even if they do, the struggles and challenges of small, private business can be a big obstacle. At the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association meeting in Ruidoso last week, I saw Bebo Lee of the Hat Ranch, a generations-old family business. Bebos father, Charlie T. Lee, might be, to some folks, just a name on a sign along the relief route. But if you knew Charlie, who passed in 2003, and saw him in his element on the ranch in southern Otero County, you know his larger-than-life character could never be captured in a blue-and-white sign. I asked Bebo how things were going at the ranch. He curled up his face and said, Oh its been bad for 25 years! Bebo was talking mainly about the droughts that have plagued our region for the last quarter-century, and the frustration that his son, Colton, might be left with a ranch less healthy than the one Bebo and Charlie ran in its heyday. I dont know what the opposite of the clothing business would be, but practicing law might be close. John Wheeler did not follow the family business started by his father, Jack, and his mom, Eileen. But John stayed in Alamogordo and has run his law firm for years. Jack was one of the first people I met in Alamogordo in 1995, when his clothing store was in White Sands Mall. When I became publisher of the Alamogordo Daily News in 1998, I felt it was time to get a proper business suit, so Jack Wheeler came to my office with his big black box of cloth samples and measuring tapes. That suit jacket, and three pairs of pants, he sold me lasted more than 20 years of regular wear before finally wearing out. Jack Wheeler had another interesting hobby. Every now and then, at a funeral or other event, youd see and hear -- Jack playing his bagpipes. Jack passed in 2022 and, fittingly, one of his bagpipe pupils, Brian Blankenship, was there to play Flowers of the Field and other tunes Jack loved. Mark Eaton, Doug Brabson and Erin Atkins are still blessed with the opportunity to talk shop and celebrate birthdays and do all the things with their fathers. Thats an opportunity Bebo Lee, John Wheeler and myself (my Dad passed in 2020) no longer have. Often, though, your relationship with your father doesnt end with his passing. Thats the case with me. In some ways, I almost feel closer to him than before. When Im working on my vehicle, or doing anything mechanical, I can hear in my head the guiding voice of my Dad, who taught me how to do so many of those things. Or when Im driving his 1993 Ford F-150 he sold me a few months before he died, I find myself tuning the radio to a classic country station. That reminds me of my childhood, when he used to drive me around the streets of Tulsa in another pickup, a 1965 Chevy, whose push-button AM radio typically echoed with the tunes of George Jones, Loretta Lynn and Charley Pride. We all have memories of our fathers, not all of those memories necessarily positive. But if your Dads still around, I hope you get to spend some quality time this weekend. And if your father has passed, I hope youre able to remember the good times you had together. Richard Coltharp, publisher of the Alamogordo News, has practiced journalism in southern New Mexico, primarily in Alamogordo and Las Cruces, for 29 years. You can reach him at rcoltharp@elritomedia.com. This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: This weekend: an appreciation of fathers Why do some Columbusites celebrate emancipation two months before Juneteenth? June 19, or Juneteenth, celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. Its the official federal holiday in the United States, a day (or several days or more) when commemorations and events mark the day. But while the federal holiday takes place in June, Georgians can trace the emancipation date two months prior. And some even celebrate it two months earlier. In fact, Gary Sprayberry, a history professor at Columbus State University, said its origins can be traced back nearly 160 years ago to a town in south Texas. Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended, he said. Organizers of Columbus first Unity Week and Juneteenth Jubilee Celebration in 2022 re-created the events of June 19, 1865, when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to take control of the state, and make sure that all enslaved would be freed. Grangers announcement informed the people of Texas that all slaves are free and mandated an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves. Grangers words were based on the Emancipation Proclamation, which had been put into effect by President Abraham Lincoln over two and a half years earlier. Sprayberry said the delay between the law and its implementation occurred nationally. The Proclamation only referred to slaves still held in Confederate controlled territories, he said. Those slaves wouldnt actually taste freedom until they were liberated by Union troops, they escaped or ran away, or they fled to Union lines. Juneteenth was initially celebrated in Texas alone, becoming an official holiday in the state in 1979. It was designated a federal holiday in 2021 by President Joe Biden, but Sprayberry said the date doesnt necessarily hold the same significance in Columbus as it does in Galveston. Thousands of enslaved people in Georgia gained their freedom long before Grangers arrival in Galveston, he said. They reacted to emancipation in a variety of ways All of them wondered and worried about what the end of slavery meant for them. Columbus and Juneteenth Many Columbusites celebrate the end of slavery about two months before Juneteenth because slaves in Columbus and Phenix City were freed by the Union Army April 16, 1865. John Lewis, a 63-year-old Columbus resident, was raised celebrating Emancipation Day in April every year. As far back as I can remember, weve been marking our freedom on April 16, he said. From what we can tell from the records, our familys been around Columbus since the 1870s, so we figured they were freed in April rather than June. Volunteers set up the Craftin Creations booth for the Juneteenth Celebration Reloaded event Friday evening, June 26, 2020. Slaves in Columbus were freed over two months before those in Galveston, but the city organizes nearly a dozen events around Juneteenth every year. This year, the events include: Threads of Change - A historical Black fashion exhibit at the Springer Opera House. It is free and open to the public until June 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Men of Motown - A musical show featuring Motowns greatest hits from The Temptations, Stevie Wonder and more. Ticket and show information can be found on the Springer Opera House website. Historic bike ride - Join other cyclists June 18 at 5 p.m. on a free tour of the Black Heritage Trail through Columbus, culminating in a block party at Woodruff Park at 8 p.m. Juneteenth Jubilee - A party organized by the Columbus city government with live music, vendors and games to honor the holiday. The event is June 22 from 5-10 p.m. at the Columbus Civic Center. If the walls of the Douglas Park Auditorium could talk, they might well speak Yiddish. A three-story structure, its facade sporting bas-relief lions and angels, it stands at the intersection of Kedzie and Ogden avenues. When it opened around 1911, Eastern European immigrants were transforming North Lawndale into a Jewish neighborhood. Their ears were attuned to the overtly sweet and unabashedly sentimental cadences of the Douglas Park Auditoriums Yiddish theatrical troupe. Maynard Wishner was child member of the troupe who went on to a distinguished legal career that included a stint as executive director of Chicagos Commission on Human Rights. The Douglas Park Theatre did not aspire to great artistic theater, Wishner recalled in a 2000 interview with the Chicago Reader. This was a peoples theater. They were all so alike, he recalled, rattling off a series of typically schmaltzy plays: A Mothers Heart, A Mothers Tears, A Mothers Heart and Tears. The Yiddish theater was just one of many activities that made the Douglas Park auditorium a vibrant hub of community life in the first half of the 20th century, after which it became a church for the neighborhoods African American residents. In the early years, it served as a stylish setting for events ranging from alumnae reunions of the Marks Nathan Jewish Orphan Home; benefits for the Council of Jewish Juniors summer camp; and dinner dances for the Chicago Bindery Womens union. The auditorium was designed by Alexander Levy, the Missouri-born son of immigrant Jewish parents who got a degree in architecture from the University of Illinois and taught mechanical drawing at Hyde Park High School while also picking up design work. In 1900, a benefit bazaar for the Orthodox Home for Aged Jews was held on the 12th floor of a Loop building where Levy recreated a street in Jerusalems teeming Old City. He eventually was able to move into architecture work full time. Dramatic touches became his architectural signature, as was witnessed by the ornate lions and angels of the Douglas Park Auditorium. But he also built neo-classical synagogues, such as Ohave Sholom Mariampol at 733 S. Ashland Blvd. that subsequently became a Greek Orthodox Church. Levys flexible aesthetics likely drew Samuel Polakows attention when he was looking for an architect for an auditorium on the property he purchased for $20,000 at Ogden and Kedzie. Polakows marching orders were straightforward. Make the Douglas Park Auditorium one of the finest equipped amusement buildings in Chicago. Levys blueprints specified that the building would house profit centers, top to bottom. It had six ground-level stores. There was a dining room and a large ballroom on the second floor, and on the third floor, a smaller ballroom and six lodge halls. Polakow sold the building in 1912, a year after he sued two of his tenants, Ted Kallish and Abraham Kramer. charging them with violating an ordinance prohibiting the sale of liquor on Sunday. A clause of their lease bound them to do nothing that would disturb the tenants of same building or the neighborhood. The outcome of that dispute is unclear, but it was not the only event of note in that year. In March 1912, the venue was set to host speeches by Joseph E. Slattery, a former priest, and his wife Mary Slattery, a former nun. They represented the Guardians of Liberty, a militantly anti-Catholic organization. The cops feared they would draw furious residents of nearby neighborhoods dotted with church spires. Two hundred police officers were assembled for riot duty. The Tribune reported getting calls from people asking about rumors that the building would be blown up. The riot call never came. There was no lecture, the Tribune reported. Isadore Gillman, manager of the hall, notified the speakers that their lease for the hall had been cancelled. The auditorium in 1921 was the target of an unscrupulous promoter who told the press that Mme. Pavlova would give a benefit performance in the building. The assumption was that he meant the celebrated Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. The Tribune told the back-story under a headline it used in those days to make clarifications on stories: BEG YOUR PARDON: Louis L. Seldman who will present Mme. Anna Pavlova here at a later date writes that the dancer who will appear at the Douglas Park Auditorium is not the famous artist. The Russian consul general here sends a similar message. The auditorium was for many years national headquarters of the Workmens Circle. A shenere un besere velt, was its socialist war cry. A more equitable and beautiful world! It operated schools that taught Yiddish to youngsters. But union activities didnt always live up to that motto. Under the headline: Chicken Killers Balk at Defense Fund for Elkin, the Tribune in 1929 reported that Schechters, Judaisms ritual slaughters, objected to being assessed a weeks salary to pay Joseph Elkins legal expenses. The unions business agent, he had been indicted for conspiracy., allegedly using union funds to pay vandals to set fire to a chicken killing plant run by a woman who didnt follow union rules. The conservative element among the chicken killers charge that last Thursday nights meeting at the Douglas Park Auditorium was packed with Elkins gang of hoodlum friends, the Tribune reported. An enterprising reporter for the newspaper sought comment from several rabbis, none agreed to talk. To mention my name with the Elkin charges would mean my death, one explained. In addition to being the site of worker struggles, the Douglas Park Auditorium was a forum for politicians courting the Jewish communitys vote or asking its forgiveness. The Jews of Chicago who feted Senator William Lorimer last Thursday night at a banquet in the Douglas Park Auditorium in celebration of his vindication were hotly rebuked by Dr. T. Schanfarber in his sermon at K. A. M. Temple, the Tribune reported in 1911. Lorimer had allegedly paid $1,000 to secure a vote necessary to his appointment to a U.S. Senate seat from which he was ultimately expelled. Schanfarber wasnt happy to see his fellow Jews cut the politician any slack. There ought to be more religion in politics and less politics in religion, Schanfarber said. We deprecate the actions of Jews in this community who feasted the acquitted senator who is held in suspicion by the most of the people in this country. A few years later, Adolph Germer, secretary of the Socialist Party, was arrested and charged with violating the espionage act in the Douglas Park Auditorium as a result of a fiery speech he was making against the draft instituted when the United States entered World War I. The United States has purchased 200,000 coffins and every one will be occupied by our American boys, he said in his speech. None of Rockefellers jewelry or oil will be buried with them. Stinging rhetoric of that sort seemed to be a staple of events at the auditorium. Four years after the contretemps over an auditorium saloon pouring drinks on Sunday, the venue hosted a debate on the Sunday dry law. The speaker on the con side of the argument cited the example of Chicago Mayor William Big Bill Thompson, who, he noted, likes a drink. And there is something he likes better than two drinks, the speaker added. Twenty drinks. I believe beer is a good thing, the debater concluded. And if it is a good thing on Wednesday and Friday why isnt it a good thing on Sunday? Chicago continued to embrace the free flow of liquor, even during Prohibition, but neighborhoods like the one around the auditorium went through inevitable changes. The Yiddish theater closed in 1951 and, as Jewish residents abandoned Douglas Park for greener pastures, the auditorium was sold a few years later to the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. Its minister, Otis Hunter, said in a 2003 interview with the Chicago Reader that he still heard from people who remembered the glories of the buildings previous incarnation. Ive met quite a few older Jewish people that went to many parties here, Hunter said. They said theyd have five or six parties going on at one time. Have an idea for Vintage Chicago Tribune? Share it with Ron Grossman and Marianne Mather at rgrossman@chicagotribune.com and mmather@chicagotribune.com. DENVER (KDVR) One person was airlifted to a hospital after an off-road vehicle rolled over Saturday afternoon. The crash happened near W. County Road 54E and N. County Road 25E. At 2:33 p.m. there were reports of an off-road vehicle rollover with a patient pinned by his arm in a remote location, Poudre Fire Authority said in a post on X. Vehicle fire causes backup on Interstate 70 near Dinosaur Ridge Dispatchers used the Prepared Live 911 system, which feeds a live video stream to dispatchers to help determine the location. Around 5:30 p.m., Poudre Fire Authority said crews were working to free the person with extrication tools and winching, which involves lifting or hauling a heavy object like a vehicle with steel cables, chains or rope. Rescue crews are working to extricate and transport a patient to the hospital after an off-road vehicle rolled over Saturday afternoon. (Poudre Fire Authority) Rescue crews are working to extricate and transport a patient to the hospital after an off-road vehicle rolled over Saturday afternoon. (Poudre Fire Authority) Through winching and the use of extrication tools, PFA crews are working to free the patient who will be carefully moved to the roadway for transport for further medical care, Poudre Fire Authority said. Poudre Fire Authority said the patient was taken to a hospital via helicopter at 6:35 p.m. after an extensive carry out process. Crews from multiple agencies responded, including PFA crews, UC Health EMS, UC Health Lifeline, Larimer County Emergency Services and the Larimer County Sheriffs Office. Copyright 2024 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. Evidence markers indicate the position of spent shell casings following a mass shooting at the Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad in Rochester Hill By Rich McKay and Kanishka Singh (Reuters) -An armed man shot and injured nine people, including two children, at a water-park near Detroit on Saturday evening before shooting himself after being cornered by police, authorities said. Authorities called the incident random gunfire and said they cornered the suspect in a house nearby, where he died after shooting himself. The local sheriff showed an image of a semiautomatic rifle from inside the house to which the unnamed suspect was tracked. A handgun was recovered from the scene of the shooting, officials added. The suspect was described as a 42-year-old man, while the motives for the shooting were not clear. An 8-year-old boy was in critical condition after being shot in the head while his 4-year-old brother was also wounded but stable. Their mother was in critical condition, too, after being hurt in the abdomen and leg, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard told reporters. The other six victims, all aged 30 or older, were in stable condition according to Bouchard. The suspect had got out of a vehicle in front of Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad park in Rochester Hills, Michigan, about 5 p.m. (2100 GMT) and fired about 30 shots from a 9mm semiautomatic Glock, reloading several times, Bouchard said in a press conference. Rochester Hills is about 30 miles (50 km) north of Detroit. The neighboring community Oxford Township, also in Oakland County, was the scene of a 2021 mass school shooting where student Ethan Crumbley, then 15, killed four students and wounded six other students and a teacher at Oxford High School. "It's a gut punch, obviously, for us here in Oakland County," Bouchard said on Saturday. "We've gone through so many tragedies, you know. We're not even fully comprehending what happened at Oxford." Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said on X, "I am heartbroken to learn about the shooting in Rochester Hills." (Reporting by Rich McKay in Atlanta and Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by William Mallard) BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) Buffalo police are investigating two shootings that occurred over the weekend. In the first one, 15-year-old boy was injured on Mapleridge Avenue early Saturday morning. Police responded to the shooting, on the first block of Mapleridge, just before 1 a.m. Saturday. The teen was transported to ECMC, where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries. The second occurred on the 2000 block of South Park Avenue around 9:15 p.m. Saturday night. Police said a 31-year-old man was shot while outside in connection to some type of dispute or argument with others. The man was also transported to ECMC, where he is listed in stable condition. Both shootings are still under investigation. Anyone with information on either is asked to call or text the confidential TIPCALL line at 716-847-2255. Latest Local News Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here. Copyright 2024 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 News 4 Buffalo. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A 19-year-old Tampa man was killed in a shootout after he allegedly killed both of his parents and injured a deputy in an overnight standoff, according to Florida authorities. Shortly after 11 p.m. Saturday, deputies from the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office were called to a Tampa home after a woman called dispatch, saying her husband had been shot. While she was on the phone, several more gunshots were heard by the dispatcher. When deputies arrived, they found the alleged shooter, 19-year-old Christos Alexander, and his mother outside the home. Pasco deputies find human remains amid search for missing family The sheriffs office said the suspect then shot his mother in the back of the head and fired his gun at the law enforcement officers, injuring 26-year-old Deputy Shane McGough. Five deputies returned fire at the suspect, hitting Alexander and knocking him to the ground. However, he then crawled back inside the home and barricaded himself inside, Sheriff Chad Chronister explained. The HCSO SWAT team, crisis negotiators, and a robot arrived on scene to help enter the home. Deputies used their robot to enter the home through the front door. Unfortunately, the first person we encounter on the ground is the father, the sheriff said. The father had succumbed to his injuries. The SWAT Team then entered the home, finding Alexander dead from his injuries in another room. The monster we encountered this evening isnt just responsible for injuring our deputy, hes also the subject who killed his own mother and father, Chronister said after the incident. McGough was hospitalized at St. Josephs Hospital and is expected to recover, officials said. He was expected to undergo surgery to remove the bullet from his leg on Sunday morning. [The] deputies do a great job, the sheriff continued. Their training kicks in. They start rendering aid. They remove the deputy from this dangerous position and place where he was exchanging gunfire, get him out of the line of sight from our bad guy, and immediately start lifesaving measures by applying a tourniquet on his leg so he doesnt bleed out. According to Chronister, Alexander lived with his parents. Deputies were called to the home 10 times before the deadly shooting, mostly for mental health services and violence against his parents. Video: Sheriff Chronister provides an update to the media following Saturdays incident. The details he provides may be disturbing, viewers discretion is advised. The sheriff said there was also an active risk protection order against Alexander that led to deputies seizing his guns. Investigators are working to find out how he obtained the gun used on Saturday. How did this mentally ill subject have access to any type of firearms when we took his firearms, the sheriff said. Theyre in our custody. How did he have access to any type of firearms to be able to inflict this type of violence this evening? The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is now investigating the incident. None of the deputies involved used deadly force prior to Saturday night, according to authorities. Copyright 2024 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 Queen City News. ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) Two people are dead and multiple others were injured after a shooting at a Juneteenth celebration in Texas. Police in Round Rock, a city located less than 20 miles north of Austin, said the shooting began just before 11 p.m. at Old Settlers Park after a fight between two groups who were at the Juneteenth event. The unfortunate part is that we had innocent victims as a result of this reckless actions of certain subjects, Police Chief Allen Banks said during a media briefing. Were here to celebrate Juneteenth and the unfortunate part is these folks could care less about someones life and take someones life and on a day were here to celebrate community. Police respond to shooting at Juneteenth Celebration in Round Rock on June 15, 2024. (KXAN Photo: Frank Martinez) Police are searching for suspects after a Juneteenth Celebration shooting that left two dead and multiple people injured. (KXAN Photo: Frank Martinez) Banks shared that officers and members of the Round Rock Fire Department who were there immediately tried to help the victims of the shooting. Austin-Travis County EMS medics also responded to the incident and said four adults and two kids had potentially serious injuries. Two people were pronounced dead at the scene. Their ages and identities have not yet been released. 2 children among 9 injured in Detroit splash pad shooting Those injured, who were not part of the fight, were taken to area hospitals. My thoughts and my prayers go out to the victims, said Banks. My condolences go out to the families of the deceased. Watch the briefing from RRPD Chief Allen Banks: No additional details were immediately available. Banks said police believe the suspects fled the scene but that there is no threat to the public. Anyone with video or information about the incident is asked to reach out to the Round Rock Police Department at 512-218-5500. Copyright 2024 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 Queen City News. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Two convicted felons have been taken into custody for multiple charges including attempted homicide in connection with a hold-up and shooting along Elm Hill Pike early Saturday morning. The incident took place at approximately 1:20 a.m. on Saturday, June 15 in the 2500 block of Elm Hill Pike. According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, officers responded and found a male victim shot in the arm. The victim told authorities he and 38-year-old Jessie Wooten Jr. are acquaintances, adding that Jessie and 55-year-old Tracy Wooten were waiting for him outside his room. Jessie and Tracy said they were interested in buying some tools from the victim, but once they got inside his room, Jessie allegedly pointed a gun at him and demanded his belongings. Police searching for minivan driver after deadly hit-and-run crash on E. Thompson Lane Police said the victim tried to grab the gun; Jessie fired, striking the victim in the arm; and then the two men fought. When the victims girlfriend attempted to intervene, she reported that Tracy who was armed with a knife held her back and physically/sexually assaulted her. According to officials, both the shooting victim and his girlfriend ended up with non-life-threatening injuries. The MNPD said the investigative efforts of its Specialized Investigations Division detectives led to the arrest of both men during the early morning hours on Sunday, June 16 at a convenience store in the 2800 block of Lebanon Pike. At the time of their arrest, Jessie was reportedly in possession of a firearm and Tracy had a large hunting knife. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com During an interview, both men admitted to their involvement in the robbery, authorities said. Jessie Wooten Jr. (Source: MNPD) Tracy Wooten (Source: MNPD) Police said Jessie is charged with attempted criminal homicide, aggravated robbery, possession of a firearm as a felon, commission of a felony while in possession of a gun, and driving on a suspended license. His bond is set at $126,000. Meanwhile, Tracy is charged with attempted criminal homicide, aggravated robbery, and aggravated sexual battery. He is being held on a $100,000 bond. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. 2 people seriously injured after crash on I-95 North at SR-206 in St. Augustine Two people are seriously injured after a crash on I-95 North at SR-206 in St. Augustine. Florida Highway Patrol reported it around 7:34 p.m. The crash involved two cars, St. Johns County Fire Rescue told Action News Jax. Based on their initial notes, they say it could have been a rollover incident from the nearby overpass. Two trauma alerts were issued, and two people are being taken to the hospital by helicopter. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Action News Jax has reached out to Florida Highway Patrol for more information. All lanes are open again. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. In this photo illustration a pencil lies on a U.S. presidential election mail-in ballot received by a U.S. citizen living abroad that shows U.S. Republican President Donald Trump and his main contender, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, among the choices on September 21, 2020 (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images) Having lost an election, I know it hurts to lose. I know, too, that there is a good life beyond losing because Ive been living it for the past 20 years. I know that the peoples will in a democracy can only be determined by a process of elections; American democracy has successfully functioned on that model since George Washington. When the people lose their faith in elections, democracy is finished. There have been as many losers as winners in our legacy of elections extending back more than 230 years. By their respect for the will of the people in elections, those who have lost have served to preserve our government of the people, perhaps more than those who have won. Richard Nixon is remembered for standing aside in the face of impeachment because of his Watergate crimes. But Nixon also stood aside after his defeat by only 0.17% of the popular vote to John F. Kennedy in 1960. In that election, Kennedy carried Illinois by less than 9,000 votes. The tiny margin came from the Democrat bastion of Chicago, controlled by party boss Mayor Richard Daley. While not as close as Illinois, in Texas there was suspicion that Kennedy might not have fairly won there, either. While knowing these things, Nixon chose not to put the country through the turmoil that litigating the election would inevitably have brought. Nixon conceded on election night when the trend for Kennedy in the electoral count appeared clear. In his comments, Nixon said: One of the great features of America is that we have political contests. They are very hard fought, as this one was hard fought, and once the decision is made, we unite behind the man who is elected.My congratulations to Sen. Kennedy. While some may still question Nixons motives, his actions demonstrated clearly that he placed the good of the country over his personal ambitions. That example was demonstrated again in the election of 2004 by then-Vice President Al Gore and then-Texas Gov. George W. Bush. (I met and visited with both Bush and Gore in the 90s before they were presidential contenders. They couldnt have been more different. Bush was easy-going and conversational. Gore, about as warm and personable as a pet rock.) But, as former Montana Gov. Ted Schwinden was known to say, You can really tell what a man is made of by how he loses an election. By that measure, Gore was as solid as a rock. Gore actually beat Bush by about 500,000 popular votes in 2000, but as the result of a one-vote Bush majority in the U.S. Supreme Court, Gore lost by an almost as thin three-vote majority in the Electoral College. Gores reaction was swift and sure. While I strongly disagree with the (Supreme) Courts decision, I accept it. And for the sake of the unity of our people and the strength of our democracy, I offer my concession. I also accept my responsibility, which I will discharge unconditionally, to honor the new President-elect and do everything possible to help him bring Americans together. The 2020 election, which Trump has never conceded, was not close. Biden won the popular vote by 7,000,000 and carried the electoral college 306-232. There would have to have been systematic and coordinated fraud in numerous states to reverse that decisive outcome. Yet loser Trump has stridently lied for more than three years that the national election, with hundreds of candidates on hundreds of ballots, was uniquely rigged just against him. Sadly, and perhaps tragically, this years election will be between the dangerous old sleazer and the plodding old geezer. Barring miracles at the upcoming party conventions, thats what our choice will be. If Trump ultimately wins, he promises to be a vengeful winner. It is a certainty that if he loses, he will continue to be the divisive sore-loser he has always been. Bob Brown is a former Republican Montana Secretary of State and state Senate President. He lives in Whitefish. The post In 2024, its a plodding geezer versus a grifting sleazer appeared first on Daily Montanan. Welsh Labour has trapped its citizens in a cycle of dependency and welfare which is most disgraceful - Maja Smiejkowska Adam Smiths dictum that there is a great deal of ruin in a nation is being tested to the limit in 21st century Wales. After 25 years of Labour control, it lags behind the rest of the UK on a range of metrics. Nigel Farage is wise to launch his contract with the people in Merthyr Tydfil, if his aim is to warn the British public just how much they might suffer under Keir Starmer. The Welsh economy has shrunk by 1pc since 2018, while Englands has grown by 2pc. Its productivity rate is lower than in most other regions, and its schools produce among the worst results in the UK. A third of children in Wales are classed as living in poverty. Then theres the pandemic response, the anti-car policies, the anti-business, anti-agriculture and anti-tourism agenda. Farmers have protested against a government they feel has turned its back on the countryside, specifically a sustainable farming scheme that would require them to sacrifice 10pc of agricultural land to be used for trees and 10pc for wildlife habitat. A tourist tax could be imposed as soon as 2027 on overnight visitors, who will find themselves clobbered in the name of fairness. This should be a golden period for the Welsh tourism industry, as the era of cheap air travel nears its end and heatwaves deter many Brits from holidaying in the Med. Yet anti-foreigner sentiment is driving it into the ground. All but three Welsh councils, out of 22, have introduced tax premiums on second or empty homes. It was reported in May that Labour are now planning to deploy satellites to spy on homeowners to verify the size of houses, with those living in areas with good schools or lower crime rates likely to be punished under a new council tax regime. But against this stiff competition, it is the way that Welsh Labour has trapped its citizens in a cycle of dependency and welfare which is most disgraceful. An under-reported statistic this week came from the Office for National Statistics labour market report, which revealed the economic inactivity rate in Wales is worse than in any other region of the UK. Figures from the ONS suggest that 28.4pc of 16-64 year olds in Wales were economically inactive in the three months to April, compared to a UK average of 22.3pc. According to the latest data, 160,000 people are long-term sick, the most in 17 years accounting for 34pc of all economic inactivity. Is anyone surprised? In addition to driving its economy to the brink, the devolved Labour administration has slowly and deliberately destroyed the culture of work. It has promoted four-day weeks, only to then decree that they might be racist because they discriminate against ethnic minority groups working in frontline public sector roles. It trialled a Universal Basic Income scheme, paying 1,600 each to a group of 635 care leavers, only to concede it cannot be continued after the initial pilot ends in 2025 due to cost. No wonder seven local authority areas saw falls in population in 2021 compared with 2011. What hope is there for the hard-working and aspirational in a country which has, at government level, given up on growth and prosperity? Across the UK, talent and capital flight is becoming a clear and present danger there was a surge in the number of wealthy people leaving last year. Investment migration consultant Henley & Partners estimated that the UK last year experienced the third-largest exodus of millionaires in the world, with more than 3,000 moving to places where they can keep more of their hard-earned cash instead of watching it be wasted by the state. It is true that Waless predicament is a hangover from the decline of heavy industry in the 1970s and 80s, compounded by a lack of skills and infrastructure. But the show-boating, virtue-signalling and litany of government failures has entrenched this sorry situation. Only under Plaid Cymru, which in its manifesto has proposed accelerating towards Net Zero by 2035 and rejoining the single market, could matters conceivably deteriorate further. In 2022, Starmer said that the Welsh Government provided a blueprint for what Labour can do across the UK. Whats happened in Wales may be the future of the whole UK just weeks from now. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. In recognition of National Womens Veterans Day on Wednesday, June 12, the 25th Navajo Nation Council honored the strength and sacrifice of all women warriors who serve to protect our sacred homelands and freedom. National Womens Veterans Day is celebrated on June 12, on the anniversary of the 1948 Womens Armed Services Integration Act signed by President Harry S. Truman. This year marked the 76th anniversary of that groundbreaking legislation for Americas military women, granting women a permanent place and an opportunity for a career in the nations military. Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Although women were legally permitted to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces with the signing of the Womens Armed Services Integration Act by President Harry S. Truman in 1948, women served in the military in various capacities since the American Revolution and World War I, said Speaker Crystalyne Curley. Overall, 20 percent of all Native American military service members are women. The sad reality is that our women veterans do not always receive the recognition they deserve, which causes them to face many challenges in the military. As we honor our women veterans today, we must pledge to address the disparities they face in their service to our country. As veterans, women face the highest rate of suicide, homelessness, PTSD, and sexual assault. Many women veterans still struggle to get access to basic care. About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. " Contact: news@nativenewsonline.net The 2024 election cycle is heating up with summer about to officially start and a handful of key political events to watch fast approaching. The summer will see both President Biden and former President Trump formally become their respective parties nominees for the White House; the first criminal sentencing of a former commander in chief; and the first debate between Biden and Trump since 2020. Here are five political events to watch for this summer: Presidential debates After months of uncertainty about whether Biden and Trump would actually participate in the traditional quadrennial debates that have been a mainstay in presidential elections for almost 50 years, the candidates quickly agreed to terms for two debates to happen this summer. The Commission on Presidential Debates, which has hosted these events every election year since 1988, had already scheduled three debates for the fall, as per usual. But the Biden and Trump campaigns essentially sidelined the commission swiftly last month in agreeing to two separate debates to be held in June and September. The first one will be held in less than two weeks, on June 27, hosted by CNN in Atlanta. ABC will host the second one on Sept. 10. The events will be the first time Biden and Trump meet to debate the issues since they opposed each other four years ago. That year included the infamous first debate that went off the rails when Trump regularly interrupted Biden and moderator Chris Wallace. A vice-presidential debate may happen as well, but logistics still need to be sorted out, with the Biden campaign accepting an offer from CBS to host it and the Trump campaign accepting an offer from Fox News. The campaigns have also differed on the possibility of holding additional debates. Regardless, debates are regularly memorable parts of an election, and they will be happening earlier in the election calendar than ever before. Trump, Hunter Biden sentencing Another unprecedented aspect of the 2024 race is that one of the two major candidates is the first former president and presumptive major party nominee to be convicted of a crime. Trump was convicted in the first of four criminal trials he is facing after the New York jury found him guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. The case concerned payments that the jury determined Trump made to try to cover up alleged affairs he had in the lead-up to the 2016 election. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 11, just four days before the start of the Republican National Convention, where he is set to officially become the GOP nominee. Although Trump is unlikely to receive a steep sentence as a first-time offender convicted of a low-level felony, the sentence depends on the discretion of the judge and could include incarceration. While the other cases may not go to trial ahead of Election Day, Democrats will try to seize on Trumps conviction to demonstrate that he is unfit for office. At the same time, Trump allies may seek to muddy the waters with President Bidens son, Hunter, having been convicted on Tuesday of three felony gun charges. Hunter Biden is the first child of a sitting president to be convicted of a crime, and he will likely also be sentenced this summer. The president is not involved in the case against Hunter, and the charges against him and Trump are quite different, but Republicans have sought to use Hunters legal challenges, including the tax case against him set to go to trial in September, to paint Bidens family as untrustworthy. Nominating conventions The presidential nominating conventions are typically the high point of pomp and circumstance for the major parties, a multiday gathering that features the top party leaders. Per tradition, the Republican Party, as the party not holding the presidency, will host their convention first, from July 15 to 18, and the Democrats will follow from Aug. 19 to 22. But both conventions could look at least a little different than usual. Organizers for the Republican convention are reportedly planning for the possibility that Trump will not be able to attend, in part because of his sentence being handed down four days earlier. NBC reported that preparations are underway for Trump to accept the nomination in Milwaukee or his Mar-a-Lago property, though a Trump campaign adviser told the outlet that convention planning has only included Trump accepting the nomination in person. Meanwhile, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) was put in a tough spot with Biden potentially unable to make the ballot in Ohio because of the states Aug. 7 certification deadline. The Ohio Legislature has yet to fix the issue, and so the DNC plans to virtually nominate Biden in a roll-call vote ahead of the convention. Candidates have also historically seen a slight polling bump after their conventions, which could give a boost to either candidate, at least temporarily. Key congressional primaries Though the presidential primaries have concluded, states across the country will hold notable primaries for major congressional races all throughout the summer. Two of the most significant primaries are coming up in the next two weeks with incumbents trying to hold off well-financed challengers for their seats. Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.), the chair of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, is running for the nomination Tuesday against state Sen. John McGuire. Good is among the most conservative members of the House, but Trump has endorsed McGuire, in part because Good originally endorsed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) for president before backing Trump. One week later in New York, Democratic Rep. Jamaal Bowman will try to fend off a challenge from Westchester County Executive George Latimer for his House seat in a race that has become a proxy battle between moderates and progressives. Later in the summer, the match-ups for key Senate races that will determine which party controls the body will be set. Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) and Republican Kari Lake are likely to win their parties nominations in Arizona in late July, and Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) and former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.) will likely become the Michigan Senate nominees during the states August primary. An early surprise Some unexpected development has historically occurred in presidential races that shake up the contest before the election, even in less unprecedented elections than this one. Polls have continued to show 2024 will likely be a razor-tight race despite all that has happened so far, but a surprise affecting one or both candidates could certainly change the situation. This type of development has historically been referred to as an October surprise that roils the election just weeks before voters go to the polls, but one of course could happen sooner. Biden and Trump are the two oldest presumptive major party nominees in U.S. history, and health events requiring one or both candidates to leave the race remain at least somewhat more likely than for most others who have run for president before. Wars are already ongoing in Ukraine and Israel that the U.S. is supporting, but a wider clash, stemming from these conflicts or elsewhere, more directly involving U.S. forces could direct national attention away from the current main policy discussions. Meanwhile, another surprise thats not anticipated at all something like the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. in March 2020 could end up dominating the race. Copyright 2024 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. Seven people were shot, including some victims in their late teens, in northeastern Massachusetts early Sunday, during what law enforcement officials described as a spontaneous car meetup. Police officers responded to an area on Lindbergh Avenue in Methuen, Essex County, shortly before 2 a.m. ET following multiple 911 calls regarding a shooting, Methuen Police Chief Scott McNamara said at a Sunday news conference. When officers arrived, McNamara said they found seven victims suffering from gunshot wounds. The injured were taken to a nearby hospital and one victim was taken by air ambulance from the scene, according to officials. The victims ages range from late teens to 22 years old and they are from all over Essex County, authorities said. Five of the victims were in stable condition and two of the victims were listed in critical condition, Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker told reporters. No one has yet been released from the hospital, according to Tucker, who added an eighth victim was found at the scene. The victim was fleeing the area when they suffered serious head injuries. I want to reassure our community that while these spontaneous car club meetups do not generally escalate to this type of violence, our policy has been and always will continue to take law enforcement action whenever appropriate to discourage this activity from occurring in the first place, McNamara said. The shooting occurred during a car party, which typically happens in an abandoned parking lot where young people between the ages of 16 and 20 listen to music, dance, vape and drink, according to McNamara, who said area law enforcement agencies have been dealing with the gatherings over the past several years. In the past, when we found it here in Methuen, weve always taken law enforcement action, McNamara said. Well cite them for trespassing. McNamara said police have been able to infiltrate and learn where these events will take place, but this incident was different. Unfortunately, where the incident happened last night, theyve never had that type of meetup in that type of area before, McNamara said. No arrests have been made and police are reviewing several pieces of security footage from the area, authorities said. Authorities do not yet have a motive for the shooting, according to Tucker. CNNs Ashley R. Williams contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A woman reported missing from California was reunited with her family after Portland police arrested nine men during a prostitution sting this past Tuesday. Focusing on a stretch of Southeast 82nd Avenue, police arrested seven of the men ranging in age from 22 to 51 on charges of prostitution procurement and sexual solicitation. Victim in February fatal Marine Drive crash identified A 46-year-old Portland man was arrested on charges related to illegal possession of a firearm and first-degree theft. His stolen gun was seized by police. A 24-year-old Gresham man was also taken into custody for second-degree theft. This gun was seized during a prostitution sting in SE Portland, June 11, 2024 (PPB) Police say they identified other potential suspects and towed four vehicles as well. The California woman was reunited with her family, authorities said. No further information has been released at this time. If you or someone you know is being labor or sex trafficked, please call 911 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or report tips to humantrafficking@police.portlandoregon.gov. Copyright 2024 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. Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard talks about what police know about the Rochester Hills shooting, June 15, 2024 | Anna Liz Nichols Families had filled up Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad in Rochester Hills on Fathers Day weekend when a man with a handgun open fired on the crowd, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said at a news conference Saturday just hours after the shooting. At around 5 p.m. Saturday, a man pulled up in a vehicle to the splash pad and fired at least 28 shots, injuring nine people, Bouchard said. Some of the victims were from the same families, Bouchard said, including 4- and 8-year-old brothers and their mom, 39, as well as a wife and husband. The 4-year-old boy suffered a wound to the thigh, but is stable, while his 8-year-old brother was wounded in the head and his mom was wounded in the abdomen, Bouchard said. Both are in critical condition. The victims are 4, 8, 30, 31, 37 39, 39, 40 and 78. Their names have not yet been released. The investigation is ongoing. An Oakland County Sheriff's vehicle blocks the Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad in Rochester Hills after police say up to 10 people were injured in a shooting on June 15, 2024 | Anna Liz Nichols U.S. Rep. John James at a press conference on the Rochester Hills shooting, June 15, 2024 | Anna Liz Nichols An AR-style rifle police found in the house the gunman had fled to after the Rochester Hills shooting, June 15, 2024 | Anna Liz Nichols Rochester Hills Mayor Brian Barnett at a press conference on the Rochester Hills shooting, June 15, 2024 | Anna Liz Nichols After 911 was called, it only took two minutes before the first emergency responder arrived.But the sounds of cars whipping away from the splash pad and one woman yelling from her car sent one neighbor into action immediately. Jarrett Schmidt, 43, told news reporters he was at his mothers house down the street when he sprang into action, grabbing his medical kit he owns because he concealed carries. Some of these people I know personally, Schmidt said. Ive lived here all my life. I put compression bandages and tourniquets on people, thats what I was here to do. The shooter, a 42-year-old white male, died by suicide after leaving the scene to go to a house, Bouchard said. Police had been trying to communicate with the man with little success. A 9mm handgun and three empty magazines were from the splash pad. But what was found in the house showed that the shooter may have had other plans, Bouchard said, showing a photo of an AR Platform rifle laying on the kitchen table. In my worst nightmare, I couldnt imagine standing up here again talking about another active shooter, Bouchard said. This was the second mass shooting in Oakland County on Saturday, with six people shot at a house party at 12:20 a.m. in Lathrup Village. Police said all of the victims are expected to survive. Earlier in the day as Bouchard was sharing preliminary details about the shooting, he talked about the scars the Oxford High School shooting has left on the county. In November 2021, a 15-year-old student killed four other students and injured several others in the school. Its a gut punch, obviously, for us here in Oakland County; weve gone through so many tragedies. Were not even fully comprehending what happened at Oxford and now we have another complete tragedy that were dealing with, Bouchard said. Although police are looking for a manifesto or a motive for the shooters actions, the victims appear random, with no relationship to the shooter. Bouchard said the location even seems random, as the shooter was not a resident of Rochester Hills. It may be very much like Michigan State University where the person had no connection to Michigan State, but just decided to go there and find victims, Bouchard said. MSUs shooting happened on the eve of Valentines Day, killing three students on Feb. 13, 2023. Saturdays shooting in Rochester Hills took place just before Fathers Day on Sunday. None of us in this room in this community or in this country, anticipated going into Fathers Day weekend with this kind of tragedy that families will be deeply affected by forever, Bouchard said. Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad is across the street from an ice cream shop and a short walk down the street from Reuther Middle School. The splash pad is a popular spot for kids who then hobble across the street with their families after a hot summers day for ice cream, the Advance was told in talking with locals on the scene. Its a close-knit community. The Brooklands neighborhood is the oldest one in Rochester Hills, Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan K. Barnett said. And the city is committed to supporting the families impacted by the shooting with its full focus. When I got on scene I started to cry because I know what a splash pad is supposed to be. Its supposed to be a place where people gather, where families make memories, where people have fun and enjoy a Saturday afternoon and it wasnt today, Barnett said. Throughout the 18 years Barnett has been mayor, hes sent messages to other community leaders offering support when tragedy knocks on their door, but Saturday stands as a reminder that these kinds of things can happen anywhere, he said. What normally happens in our city didnt happen, Barnett said. U.S. Rep. John James (R-Shelby Twp.) stood with Bouchard at the press conference urging individuals to seek out mental health help if they need it and implored the public to understand government needs to work on all levels to ensure communities stay safe. Under no circumstances is it normal for ice cream cones and flip flops to be strewn amongst blood and bullet casings, James said. The post 9 shot at metro Detroit splash pad, including 4- and 8-year-old siblings and their mom appeared first on Michigan Advance. One Indigenous leader entered the global spotlight to stand up to the oil and gas industry's plans to drill near her small community of Point Hope, Alaska, as reported by One Earth. Situated in the heart of Alaska's Arctic region, Point Hope is home to Indigenous Inupiat people, who depend on its marine ecosystem to survive. Drilling for dirty fuel threatened both Point Hope's environment and its residents' way of life. What happened? In 2007, oil companies started expressing interest in tapping into the oil reserves surrounding Point Hope, and the U.S. government released plans for offshore oil and gas leases. Caroline Cannon leaped to action, traveling to Washington, D.C., hundreds of times to advocate for her community, as One Earth reported. She also became the voice of the Inupiat in a federal lawsuit opposing the drilling of and exploration for dirty fuels in the Arctic. In the end, Cannon's efforts paid off. She won the lawsuit, which put a stop to oil and gas exploration in Point Hope. Her victory earned her the 2012 Goldman Environmental Prize. A global solution Cannon's actions not only protected her people's way of life, but also helped to safeguard wildlife in the area. One Earth called Cannon's fight against offshore drilling a "global climate solution." That's because dirty fuels, like oil and gas, are by far the biggest contributors to our overheating climate, accounting for over 75% of all planet-warming pollution, according to the United Nations. If we do not curb the use of these dirty fuels, we can expect terrible consequences, including extreme weather events, more heat-related illnesses, and droughts that threaten our food supply. Cannon said she is motivated by her 26 grandchildren and stressed the importance of her work, telling One Earth: "We have to take it seriously because one incident, and that's all it takes. One mistake, a blowout, and we saw what happened at the Gulf of Mexico." You too can be a climate hero by taking local action. You can also reduce your dependence on dirty energy sources by changing how you get around get started by opting for more environmentally friendly transportation options like riding your bike or taking public transit. Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) The community came together on Saturday in downtown Albuquerque to commemorate Juneteenth. The holiday celebrates the day federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. On this day, the troops ensured all enslaved people were freed. How does AFR stack up against other fire departments around the country? Saturdays event at Civic Plaza honored the communitys ancestors and event reflected on those like Dr. Opal Lee who has continued to put a voice to what the day truly represents. Her call was to say the people were liberated by Juneteeth. Yes, we have the Fourth of July which liberated our lands, but this day is so special because it liberates our people, said Neema Picket, Liaison, City of Albuquerques Office of Black Community Engagement. The Black Business Summit was also held at Civic Plaza on Saturday. Juneteenth will be celebrated nationally on Wednesday. Copyright 2024 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. (PORTLAND TRIBUNE) The proposed large residential redevelopment of the former 51-acre Alpenrose Dairy in Southwest Portland is raising concerns among area residents. A community meeting on the potential regional transportation impacts is scheduled from 5-7 p.m. Monday, June 24, at Hayhurst Elementary School, 5037 S.W. Iowa St. Stretch of I-84 to close in July for graffiti, trash removal We know housing needs to be built. But we want it to be smart and safe, said Beth Blenz-Clucas, a member of Friends of Alpenrose, a volunteer organization working to reduce the potential adverse impacts of the project. The reaction is representative of the tension that exists between the need to increase housing but also protect livability throughout Oregon. The shortage of all kinds of homes contributes to the lack of affordable housing, which has been called a primary cause of the homeless crisis. STUDY: While 1 Pacific Northwest city attracts retirees, another loses them Officials at all levels of government are calling for the construction of more housing. But those living near proposed developments are concerned about unintended consequences. The most dramatic recent example was when North Plains voters in Washington County passed an initiative measure to block an urban growth boundary expansion at the May 21 election. It was intended to create jobs that would support more housing. Plans have been submitted to redevelop the former dairy as a new neighborhood called Raleigh Crest. As proposed by West Hills Land Development, the property would be subdivided and built in multiple phases, with completion expected in 2030. Up to 269 lots are proposed, with 130 attached homes and 139 detached homes, to be supported by a series of local streets that will connect to two existing nearby roads. Four acres would also be donated to the city for a public park. Read more at PortlandTribune.com The Portland Tribune and its parent company Pamplin Media Group are KOIN 6 News media partners Copyright 2024 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. UPDATE: The Texas Department of Public Safety has discontinued this AMBER alert, and said that the child has been found. The original story is below. SAN ANTONIO, Texas (KXAN) An AMBER Alert has been issued for a missing 15-year-old girl last seen in San Antonio, the Texas Department of Public Safety announced Sunday afternoon. The girl is described as a 54, 150-pound white female with brown eyes and black hair. She was last seen around 6 a.m. on Thursday near 191 West Loop 1604 South in San Antonio around 6 a.m. on Thursday. Police are searching for a 45-year-old woman with blonde hair who was last seen with the child. Other descriptors of the woman are unknown at this time, per the AMBER Alert. The suspects vehicle is a silver Ford Fusion with an unknown license plate, licensing state or year. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. SACRAMENTO, California A push by blue states to warn consumers that gas stoves release toxic fumes is the latest offensive in Americas culture war over cooktops. State legislators in California, New York and Illinois have pitched bills to tell shoppers that gas stoves which are in some 40 percent of U.S. homes put them, their children and even (in California) their pets at risk of asthma, leukemia and other illnesses. Appliance manufacturers behind major household brands like Samsung and LG are pushing back, accusing proponents of demonizing the fossil fuel for political gain and succeeding in weakening some of the warnings. Its a new skirmish in the fight over regulating gas stoves, an effort Republicans have cast as a symbol of Democratic overreach in addressing climate change. But backers insist theyre not trying to stamp out the stoves. While the broader battle over stoves centers on natural gas contribution to climate change, the labeling fight is focused on educating consumers about the fuels indoor health effects. Were not banning gas stoves, said Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, a California Democrat who authored the states warning label proposal. Were just basically requiring them to be labeled, warning people about how to best use them with good ventilation. A defeat for Democrats on the warning labels would be a further setback after courts quashed stove bans that proliferated across liberal cities after Berkeley passed the first ban in 2019. It could also provide more fodder for Republicans in a crucial election year to cast Democrats as out of touch with Americans on more pressing issues. Even some Democrats have reservations. Sen. Sean Ryan, a Democrat from the Buffalo area, called New Yorks labeling proposal ridiculous and said hes concerned it plays into gas stove hysteria. Ryan said theres not enough evidence about the purported health risks of gas stoves and that if they are dangerous there should be a program to do something rather than just attaching a label. If the concern is carbon emissions, he said, other appliances like furnaces and hot water heaters use far more energy. The label language is softening as each states legislative session progresses. New Yorks proposed warning originally noted that components of natural gas, nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, are poisonous and could lead to the development of asthma, especially in children. Lawmakers removed those phrases June 3, after the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers pushed back on the asthma link in particular. The American Medical Association has recognized links between nitrogen dioxide and asthma, and environmentalists point to recent Stanford University studies that found benzene and nitrogen dioxide from stoves hang around inside houses for hours. But a World Health Organization review found there wasnt a significant connection to childhood or adult asthma. The group argues theyre being scapegoated and that electric stoves also pollute the air when food and oils are heated. Were an industry that has been attacked over and over again over gas, which is a political agenda, said AHAM spokesperson Jill Notini. The trade group also asked for all references to specific gases, illnesses and agency findings to be taken out so the label would warn only of gases, odors, particles and byproducts from heated food, which can affect indoor air quality. The group's preferred label would also advise appropriate ventilation or filtration in the area when cooking appliances are in use, rather than New Yorks warning that properly installed and operating ventilation to the outdoors can reduce but not eliminate emissions. The bills sponsor, Assemblymember Michaelle Solages, a Democrat from Long Island, said the compromises have resulted in a common sense bill that should move forward. They made that suggestion and we kind of concur with them, she said. Folks should know that proper ventilation might lessen some of the effects. Californias proposed label originally cited the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and a state environmental health agency saying stoves emit pollutants indoors at concentrations that exceed outdoor air quality standards. Pellerin amended it last week to remove those references, while New Yorks and Illinois bills retain the EPA reference. The nonprofit Public Interest Research Group, which is sponsoring the California and Illinois bills, said the organization changed the language to safeguard against industry lawsuits. The changes align more closely with California air regulators stove advisory language. Jenn Engstrom, director of the groups California chapter, said the warning labels are mostly about health, but also climate. The group is also suing GE Appliances over the companys alleged failure to notify the public of stoves health hazards. Its both, she said.Were focused on the health aspects more. But they release methane as well. The appliance manufacturers association remains opposed to all the bills despite the changes, said Notini. Its not our language and its not better, she said. Its still a very direct hit at gas products only. What were trying to do is change the conversation and say to these legislators, if this really isnt about gas cooking, then lets talk more broadly about indoor air quality. The labeling campaign comes after environmentalists crusade against natural gas appliances has suffered several setbacks. A lawsuit from the California Restaurant Association against Berkeleys first-in-the-nation ban on natural gas connections in new buildings resulted in a March settlement in which Berkeley agreed to drop the ban. Cities and California state agencies have since been relying on building efficiency standards instead of bans. In New York, lawmakers passed a bill to limit gas stoves and furnaces in new buildings last year. But a proposal from Gov. Kathy Hochul to limit the replacement of gas heating equipment in the next decade became conflated with a federal battle over gas stoves. The federal fight flared up last year after Republicans seized on a suggestion by one member of the five-member Consumer Product Safety Commission who mentioned the possibility of a future ban on new gas stoves. The Biden administration then clarified it wasnt interested in doing that. The labeling bill became a bigger focus in New York for groups including Climate Action Now, the Sierra Club and Natural Resources Defense Council as a more aggressive measure to open the door for neighborhood-scale transitions to electric heating and cooking faltered this year. Proponents see the labeling measure as lower-hanging fruit with less chance of triggering vociferous opposition. This bill is just educating consumers on a potential hazard, and they can make their own choice and thats what America is about, Solages said. New Yorks bill failed to advance before the states legislative session ended last week, while Illinois most recent proposal got no traction this year. Both are expected to be reintroduced next year. Meanwhile, Californias bill is attracting opposition from the building industry, a gas utility and the Western Propane Gas Association, along with appliance manufacturers, although the natural gas main industry arm, the American Gas Association, hasnt taken a position. Kevin Messner, a vice president with the appliance manufacturers group, said the proposals ignore what he said was a bigger risk: the little particles, known as PM 2.5, that come from cooking on both gas and electric stovetops. The industry wants any labels to focus on ventilation. Lets get real about indoor air quality, Messner said at a bill hearing in California. If you cook you need to ventilate electric or gas. American found dead on Greek island as search continues for three other missing tourists American found dead on Greek island as search continues for three other missing tourists An American has been found dead on the small island of Mathraki on Sunday, the latest tourist who has died or been reported missing in Greece this summer. Authorities are still searching for three missing tourists across the Greek islands. Another tourist found the mans body on a beach close to Mathrakis old port, according to AFP. Mathraki is located close to the more populous island of Corfu. The American, who had not been identified, was reported missing on Thursday, and was last seen alive at a tavern on Tuesday with two female tourists who later left the island. The tourist was on Mathraki for a vacation, and staying with a Greek-American who contacted police after finding his home with the front door open, lights and air-conditioning on, but no trace of his friend or his ID or travel documents. The 1.3 square-mile island has a population of only about 100 people and is heavily wooded. Law enforcement were called in from Corfu as Mathraki has no coast guard or police station. A landscape photo showing the Greek islands of Mathraki and Othoni (Filippos Parginos / Wikimedia Commons) A coroner was traveling to Mathraki on Sunday to begin a preliminary investigation. Officials said the body is set to be taken to Corfu for an autopsy, according to ABC News. It is the third tourist death on Greek islands in a matter of weeks. Last Sunday, British TV personality, Dr Michael Mosley, was found dead on the island of Symi. A coroner found that he had died four days earlier while on a hike in hot conditions across rocky terrain. A Dutch tourist was found dead early on Saturday on Samos. The 74-year-old man was located by a fire service drone facedown in a ravine around 1,000ft from where he was last seen on Sunday, struggling to walk in the heat. Samos and Symi are both located close to the Turkish coast. Eric Calibet, 59, had been vacationing on the island but was reported missing by a friend on Tuesday afternoon (Municipality of Amorgos) Three tourists remain missing on Greek islands. Retired Los Angeles County Sheriffs deputy Albert Calibet, 59, from Hermosa Beach, California, was reported missing after he didnt return from a hike on the island of Amorgos. Were sick to our stomachs, knowing hes out there somewhere, his girlfriend Debbie Leshane told KABC. She said that Calibet called her just before he left to go on a hike. At about 9.20am local time on Tuesday, he had sent an image from the trailhead sign. That was the last time she heard from him. Two French tourists were reported missing on the 400-person island of Sikinos in the Aegean Sea on Friday, CBS News reported. The two women, aged 73 and 64, had left their hotels to meet up. American Legion Arkansas Convention kicks off in North Little Rock American Legion Arkansas Convention kicks off in North Little Rock NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. The American Legion Arkansas Convention is underway this weekend in North Little Rock. On the agenda Saturday, the organization recognized accomplishments at American Legion posts across the Natural State as well as the work of outstanding first responders. Colonel Nathaniel Todd appointed to American Legion Arkansas Boys State Commission Officer Alex Shipley of Russellville was named the American Legion Department of Arkansas Law Enforcement officer of the year. Bart Noland of Russellville was named firefighter of the year. Im excited because this is the best part of the program, I get to honor those people that do the work of the Legion out in our communities, in our schools and our families, Marie Wilbanks, Arkansas Department Commander said. Cabot High School student Mattie Jimerson represented Arkansas in a national speech competition and Saturday morning addressed the American Legion Convention. Arkansas Girls State shuts down early following Arkansas Department of Health recommendation, 70-plus infections Attendees also heard from the two Senators from Arkansas Boys State that are going to attend Boys Nation in Washington D.C. Boys State and Girls State are sponsored by the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary. Copyright 2024 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. Americans used to unite over tragic events and now are divided by them A scene in Minnesota after George Floyd died in the custody of Minneapolis police and residents erupted in anger. Floyd's death sparked a wave of protests across the country and renewed calls for police reform. (Photo by Tony Webster/Minnesota Reformer) Tragedy seldom unifies Americans today. Every year, horrific crises induce tremendous suffering. Most are privately tragic, affecting only those directly harmed and their immediate relations. A small number, though, become politically notorious and, therefore, publicly tragic. Natural disasters, school shootings, terrorist attacks and economic crises can become public tragedies. Sexual assaults primarily of women by abusive executives and other men in positions of power recently emerged as a public tragedy, as has police brutality against African Americans, which has sown political unrest across the United States. Even the COVID-19 pandemic, a seemingly natural disaster, quickly transitioned into a public tragedy as deaths mounted and a pervasive sense of mismanagement, distrust and blame galvanized the public on the political left and right. Events like these represent a change in how tragic circumstances are cast and how they are responded to in the United States and beyond. Public tragedies are heartrending events that gain widespread public attention. They involve stylized public expressions of shock, outrage, social blame, claims of victimization, protest and memorialization. My book, After Tragedy Strikes, explores the recent proliferation of public tragedies as a distinctive kind of political crisis that has produced far-reaching positive and negative effects on social and political relations in the 21st century. As a sociologist who studies risk, politics and social movements, I didnt set out to evaluate the authenticity of claims made in public tragedies. Rather, through comparison, my goal was to understand better why some of these events exert tremendous influence, while other, objectively similar, traumas do not. Public tragedies have contributed to the increasing political polarization and the sectarian tone of political rhetoric today. One question I sought to answer in my book is why? Acres of white flags planted in the ground, with a tall obelisk behind them. Old way: God, fate, bad luck The short answer is that the publics understanding of tragic events has changed. Well into the 20th century, tragedies were mostly explained differently than now. Explanations often referenced forces such as God, fate, bad luck, blameless accidents or, in line with the U.S. liberal political tradition, individual responsibility. Even when suffering was extreme and known to have been caused or worsened by the actions or omissions of other persons, explanations of what caused it typically took these forms. Take Pennsylvanias Johnstown Flood of 1889, in which more than 2,200 people and much of the city were swept away by a deluge after a dam failed. The wealthy South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club had built the dam to create a private lake. Despite the failure due to poor construction and maintenance, neither the club nor its wealthy members would be held responsible. In the most prominent legal case brought against the club, the final verdict attributed the tragic deaths and destruction to an act of God. Today, this explanation would be indefensible. New way: government, industry, culture After a tragedy, accounts now focus on assigning blame. I found that they also typically center on social blame, in which societal institutions such as the government, industry, civil society and even American culture are held responsible. Social blame attributes harm to social forces, not individuals or God. And because some group or aspect of society is blamed, public tragedies involve political conflict. Another reason public tragedies have become so politically consequential lies in a change in the contemporary American mindset. Polls show that many Americans are experiencing fear and a deep sense of vulnerability to circumstances that feel beyond their control. This mindset inspires sympathy for victims of tragic circumstance, especially when the harms they suffer are portrayed by political elites, the media and social activists as reflecting political failure and an unfair society. Political interests on both the left and right now routinely use claims of victimization to gain support and advantage. George Floyds murder: A public tragedy Take the story of George Floyd, killed in 2020 by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Floyds murder provoked nationwide outrage as video footage of it circulated first on social media and then through sustained news media coverage. The news and social media story of Floyds death emphasized his innocence: As a Black man, he had suffered an unjustified death at the hands of the police. This representation was unusual at the time. Standard coverage of such killings often focused on resistance to arrest, prior indiscretions or the victims criminal record, which implies individual responsibility. Stories regarding Floyds death did not emphasize these elements. Nor did the stories suggest Floyds death was a necessary part of police fighting crime another common feature of news accounts. Nor did stories emphasize that Chauvin was a rogue cop, which would have suggested his killing of Floyd was his responsibility alone. Rather, the initial stories connected Floyds killing to police violence across the country, suggesting it was a common police behavior. Thus, Floyds murder was quickly blamed on policing, gaining enormous public sympathy and notoriety and, with this, political significance. It became a public tragedy, highlighting a set of societal conditions surrounding Floyds death in a way that few police killings of Black men had achieved. Good people brought low In the past, Americans might have attributed Floyds killing to fate, bad luck, accident or his individual responsibility, which might have weakened public outrage. Yet explanations of this kind are not as believable as they once were. Instead, the heartrending stories characteristic of public tragedies follow a routine storyline I call the trauma script. It is a stylized rendering that taps into American fears and vulnerabilities and prompts emotional response and moral panic. The script centers on innocent victims harmed by unforeseeable, uncontrollable and unwarranted circumstances blamed on the actions or omissions of society. In this telling, public tragedies convey a moral struggle in which good people are brought low by a bad society. This tragic struggle is not internal and personal but external and socially focused. Its a scenario in which bad things happen to good people who have no choice. The public perception of trauma and loss and its underlying causes has, therefore, changed over time. In an earlier era, Americans often justified hardship because it reflected the sacrifice necessary to get ahead. Now, a shift in sentiment reflects a change in view. Americans now focus on unjustified hardship caused by society. This reflects a cultural shift from a progress-centered worldview toward a risk-focused one. Victimhood as a political identity As Americans have become more aware of risks, they increasingly view them as reflecting political choices. Whether the issue is climate change, energy sources, guns, sexual harassment, discrimination, policing, abortion or even free speech, these are now understood as involving decisions regarding risks that will benefit some and victimize others. Politically, these have become zero-sum disputes, leading to political polarization among Americans and social distrust of American institutions. Recent Pew surveys show that two-thirds of Americans believe other Americans have little or no confidence in the government or other citizens. Gallup, too, has shown that American confidence in the government and other major societal institutions has fallen to historic lows. Growing American distrust of their fellow citizens and perception of an unfair government have also intensified political competition. Americans increasingly blame their political rivals for their hardships and show compassion only toward those who share their beliefs. This shift has also cultivated sympathy for claims of societal victimization and elevated victimhood as a political identity. These conditions are the context within which public tragedies, as polarizing not unifying political events, have proliferated. The Conversation This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The post Americans used to unite over tragic events and now are divided by them appeared first on Louisiana Illuminator. The "culture wars" raging around us with white-hot intensity are better understood as psychological warfare. So argues journalist and science-fiction author Annalee Newitz in their new book Stories Are Weapons: Psychological Warfare and the American Mind, a sweeping look back at how we got into this heightened state of war and how we might be able to escape it. The avalanche of lies, disinformation, demonization and conspiracy theories ushered to center stage by Donald Trump was hardly his own creation and shows little sign of letting up, even if Trump himself appears somewhat diminished. To gain a foothold to make sense of it all to stop feeling the dread and gain a deeper perspective Newitz turned to history, especially to World War II and the early Cold War era, when the practice of psychological warfare was formalized as a permanent facet of American military doctrine, and also further back to the "Indian wars" of the 19th century, which "created a uniquely American paradigm for psychological operations" and also called forth a powerful counternarrative of resistance the Ghost Dance. As both a science journalist and a speculative novelist, Newitz is ideally suited to the task. Paul Linebarger, author of the foundational textbook Psychological Warfare, also became a prominent science fiction author under the pseudonym Cordwainer Smith. He wasnt even the first to mix those worlds, though he remains the quintessential example. World-building creating resonant, believable alternative realities is central to both sci-fi and psyops. At least in his first edition Linebarger saw ending psychological warfare as integrally connected to waging it. He dropped that from the second edition, as the Cold War looked less and less as if it had a definite or foreseeable end, but it signals the intellectual kinship Newitz shares with him, as well as with other key figures like psychologist William Moulton Marston, the creator of Wonder Woman. Salon interviewed Newitz by Zoom. This transcript has been edited for clarity and length. In your preface, you talk about turning to history, researching American ideological conflicts of the past 200 years to make sense of our current state of intense cultural conflict. Then you describe visiting the Hoover Institute archives to explore the personal papers of Paul Linebarger, the author of the classic Cold War handbook Psychological Warfare as well as a corpus of quirky far-future science fiction, under the pen name Cordwainer Smith. Why start with him? That's a really good question. Partly, it was where my interests started. I came to it through having known Cordwainer Smith's work as a science fiction writer, which I'd been interested in for a long time. Looking into his background I discovered he also had this other career working in intelligence with the military. Then I discovered the book "Psychological Warfare" and started reading that. I wanted to structure the book by starting in the Cold War and then kind of doing a record-scratch and going all the way back to the very beginning of the nation. There were two reasons: One is that people in the United States are familiar with psyops and psychological warfare being used during the Cold War, so no one would be shocked or surprised to learn more about it. I wanted to bring readers into a familiar world before defamiliarizing it, and saying, "Actually, you guys, this has been going on much, much longer." But the other thing is that the Cold War is a period that's very important in the United States for psychological warfare. That's when the military, particularly the Army, decides to have an ongoing group devoted to psychological operations. Before that, there were ad hoc groups put together for a specific war, and then they would be disbanded when the war was over. But after World War II, the Army was like "No, we need ongoing psychological operations expertise." That's really the moment when the field gets professionalized and institutionalized. So what we know today as psychological warfare in the United States really does grow out of that moment. Which isn't to say that the 19th century and 18th century aren't incredibly important. They are, but they represent a different phase. Chapter 1, "The Mind Bomb," deals primarily with early Cold War psyops, from World War II through the 1960s, though with some stage-setting: Freud's identification of the unconscious, and what followed. You write that Linebarger's work "depended on the idea that psyops campaigns would always be overshadowed by the threat of nuclear annihilation." Yet as you describe, they took on a wide variety of forms, and the awareness of psyops in the popularized form of "brainwashing" became part of American culture at that time. It's a complex, multi-strand story. so What's the most important takeaway for readers, in terms of what follows? There's a couple of threads I found really intriguing. One I've already talked about: the idea of professionalizing psychological warfare, and the idea that you could have a full-time job as a psy-warrior. That's happening throughout the 20th century, partly thanks to fields like public relations and advertising, where you get this professionalization of what would once have been referred to as flimflam or scamming. It's become a professional job, and so does psychological warrior. So that's one piece of it. The other piece is what we see in the 1950s, during the Cold War, with the brainwashing scare, but also the Red Scare, the HUAC hearings, the Lavender Scare hearings, All of that is an example of how psychological warfare strategies spill over into the realm of domestic cultural politics. If we take Linebarger seriously, if we take the military definition of psychological war seriously, it is a practice that is intended to be aimed at a foreign adversary, not something that Americans are supposed to use against each other. These are weaponized messages. They are intended to demoralize, intended to be full of lies and threats. But during the 1950s, in the Cold War, we see political leaders, cultural and community leaders using these same exact strategies that we had been using against our adversaries in World War II, using them against groups of Americans who are being scapegoated and demonized. So that's an incredibly important shift in the understanding of how psyops should be used and, again, that's the world we live in today. Chapter 2 deals primarily with the 19th-century "Indian wars," which you call "a period of violent myth-making," saying, "Many of the psychological weapons developed during the Indian Wars became prototypes for the professional psyops products deployed during the 20th century and beyond." Central to this era was the "last Indian" myth, which served to obscure what was going on, both physical violence and cultural annihilation. Talk about how that worked, and also how Native Americans responded with their own psyop, the Ghost Dance? The thing I think is interesting about that period in U.S. history, which encompasses hundreds of wars with thousands of tribes and nations and confederacies of group of tribes and nations, is that we see the U.S. government doing what it did during the Cold War, which is to say waging total war while at the same time also engaging in cultural warfare. One of the pervasive cultural myths that you see coming out of pop culture, as well as the government, is this idea that Indigenous tribes and nations will naturally go extinct to make way for white settlers. These myths borrow from both science and mythology. There's definitely a strand of social Darwinism in this idea that some groups just naturally go extinct, which of course is not how natural selection works. Were all human, so that isn't the proper window to look at this. But we also see this popularity, partly based on James Fenimore Cooper's 1830s novel "The Last of the Mohicans." It's basically a meme about the claim that indigenous people are dying out, there's only one left from this huge tribe, and of course we know this is a myth. Even today, there's tons of Mohicans walking around who can tell you, "Hello, we're still here!" But it's a very powerful myth because it justifies westward expansion for the nation, justifies the selling of real estate in the West where the U.S. government had promised Indigenous nations that they could continue living. But if they've disappeared, then white settlers feel justified going out there and buying land and settling down. But the other part of the of the psychological operation here that's very powerful is that it works against Indigenous people to undermine their sense of self: Oh, you think you're Indigenous, you think you're part of the Mohican nation and tribe, but actually you don't exist." This is a big strand in how culture war works in the United States. We're seeing it now with the way that trans people are being treated, especially trans teenagers, just being told, "You just can't be trans. I'm sorry even if you think you are, you can't be. That's just not a thing." And what about the Ghost Dance? There was never a last Mohican. Many tribes and nations resisted very successfully, and by the late 19th century you see this incredible resistance movement both the military resistance, of course, and also a cultural resistance movement known as the Ghost Dance. It takes off among the Plains nations and tribes, and what it is it's a dance, it's a song, it's a spiritual belief, it's a political movement. It has different forms depending on what tribe or nation you're in. There are actually recordings you can listen to on the Smithsonian website of a couple of different examples of how people engaged in Ghost Dances. What the Ghost Dance tells is a story about what happens to North America when the white settlers go away. It's an alternate future of of this land: All the industry, all the Western farming practices roll up like a poster and underneath is the land as it was before farming and roads and Western-style cities. The buffalo return. Today we would call it a kind of utopian vision. It grows out of a long, long history of Indigenous philosophy and politics, but it was an incredibly effective form of resistance because it was a story of Indigenous survival. It was a story that Indigenous people told to each other, and it was incredibly threatening to the U.S. government. It was not associated with war or violence, but it was portrayed that way and was outlawed. This is ultimately how Sitting Bull, one of the great leaders of Indigenous resistance to the U.S. government, is shot and killed by cops on the Pine Ridge reservation. He's allowing his people to do the Ghost Dance and he's been engaging in the Ghost Dance, and he's refusing to obey the government. So it becomes this symbol of of resistance. You can see how that type of resistance, which is decentralized it's taking place all over the place, it involves music and singing as well as meaningful political engagement becomes a model of resistance in the United States up until today. In Chapter 3, "Advertisements for Disenfranchisement," you deal with psyops in recent elections, once again with some earlier stage-setting. What do you have to say that is often missed by other people who've written about this? This is probably the part of the book where most people will be familiar with the territory, about what now gets called Russian election meddling online during 2016, and of course this continues up into the present. Now we have AI election meddling and that kind of thing on social media. One thing I like to point out is that a lot of that so-called meddling, a lot of the propaganda that came in 2016, mostly from Russia, came through the form of buying ads on Facebook. So it goes right back to the early history of psyops in the United States, where we see people coming out of the field of advertising, coming out of public relations, and going into psychological warfare as a profession. That relationship between advertising, propaganda and psyops continues to be very relevant today. In Chapter 4, "Bad Brains," you distinguish between military psyops and culture-war psyops, which "have two goals: convince your audience that some of their fellow citizens are the enemy and convince the enemy that there is something deeply wrong with their minds." A prime example of that is the culture war focused on the brains of Black people, particularly the resurgence of discredited "race science" in the 1990s with the publication of "The Bell Curve." How does the psyop perspective help to clarify what's going on? Part of the idea for this chapter came from a comment that N.K. Jemisin, the science fiction writer, made a number of years ago, that white supremacy is a psyop. I just thought that was a great observation and incredibly true. What we see with the "Bell Curve" psyop is a strategy that goes all the way back to the Indian wars where you have a psyop aimed both at your adversary and also your allies. Because remember, the "last Indian" myth is intended to convince white settlers that it's cool to go take over other people's land, because they're gone. But it's also intended to undermine the morale of Indigenous people by telling them they don't exist. So the same idea comes into play with the "Bell Curve" myth, which is that it's aimed mostly at white people. It's intended to convince white people that Black people are mentally inferior, and therefore it's no big deal if they don't have Black people as colleagues or it just makes sense that there are few Black people in professional, middle-class technical or scientific jobs. It's calling on the ideas of race science, eugenics and social Darwinism to reassure white people that programs aimed at diversifying workplaces, diversifying science, diversifying astronauts, whatever area you like, those efforts will never succeed because there are these groups including Black people who are inherently biologically inferior. So that's the psyop as it works for white people. Black people know this is a lie, so it doesn't really work as well aimed at the Black community. But to the extent that it does work, it's about undermining people's faith in their ability to be heard or taken seriously. If you're Black and you are in, say, the field of science which is an area that I write about a lot and there's this myth out there that Black people have inferior intelligence, it makes it three times harder to get taken seriously in the field. It becomes yet another barrier to success. But because it's a myth, a story, it's very diffuse. It's hard to go to the HR department and say, "People are treating me like I'm dumb." That's not the kind of complaint that gets taken seriously. So it's a very effective psyop at undermining Black excellence. And it's been very harmful. It's the story that approaches people, gets into their face and says, "Sorry, you think you're thinking great thoughts, but actually you're not." So it's a perfect way of of undermining Black sovereignty and Black ideas. In Chapter 5, School Rules," you write about the effectiveness of calling someone a criminal, especially one as odious as a pedophile, and the long history of that attacking the LGBTQ community, particularly in and around education. How does that illuminate what's taking place right now? This is one of the most relevant chapters in terms of the contemporary culture war because we are in a phase where politicians like Ron DeSantis or any number of other hard-right leaders are calling LGBTQ people "groomers," which is just the modern word for what in the '50s was called "sex deviants." It's a class of criminality: A groomer is someone who's trying to molest children, trying to engage in child sexual abuse. So again, it's the oldest trick in the book. It's a psyop that works against LGBTQ people, but also is aimed at non-LGBTQ people, at straight people, to convince them that there should never be LGBTQ people in any organization that they're in, particularly if there are children around. It convinces straight people that LGBTQ people are beyond the pale, and it works to undermine the effectiveness of LGBTQ people on the job. It is a way of terrorizing queer people. So many teachers and librarians who are queer right now are receiving death threats. People have had to quit their jobs because they're being harassed so much, because this idea that you're a child sexual abuser brings out that kind of mob mentality, people showing up at your door with pitchforks. Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. It's a very old psyop that goes back to the 1930s. J. Edgar Hoover, who was director of the FBI for many years, coined the idea of the "sex criminal," by which he meant anyone who is LGBTQ. And whenever you have a myth that goes back three or four generations, it's easy to reawaken it, because people feel like they've heard it before. So it may be incredibly cliched to try to demonize LGBTQ people by calling them criminals, but it's a formula that's worked over and over. Ultimately the goal is to make LGBTQ people unemployable. It means taking away people's ability to survive. In the next chapter, "Dirty Comics," you start to turn the corner and tell a much more upbeat story. This is the story of William Moulton Marston, the creation of Wonder Woman and its continuing impact, surviving through the 1950s comic-book panic up through today. What lessons does this chapter have about how to fight back? The Ghost Dance reimagines the land that the United States is on as decolonized. It's a beautiful utopian myth, a powerful one. Wonder Woman is also kind of a decolonization story. It's a story about a world where women have as much or more power than men, politically, intellectually, socially. Wonder Woman was invented by William Moulton Marston, who was a psychologist and a feminist. He says overtly in many places that he considered Wonder Woman to be propaganda, that we needed a female hero who was also peace-loving. She was not just a strong woman, she was antiwar in many of her incarnations. He, I think rightly, believed this character would provide hope to women who were being told to stay in the home, who were being told that their brains were inferior, just the way Black people have been told. I call Wonder Woman a "culture bomb" to recall some of what we talked about earlier with the actual bomb, how the atomic bomb was really key to the effectiveness of Cold War psyops. But you can also have a culture bomb, like Wonder Woman and Wonder Woman could not be stopped. The character was so popular that DC Comics never wanted to get rid of her because she was such an audience favorite. One of the things that gave me pleasure in writing this book was that I got to interview Vita Ayala, who is a comic book writer and editor. They live in New York, they're Puerto Rican and they grew up thinking that Wonder Woman was Puerto Rican, because of how she dressed and she uses Spanish sometimes. So they were telling me when I interviewed them, "You know, at one point my mom finally told me, 'Honey, she's like a Greek myth.'" But I think for people like Rita who are now comic book creators and editors in their own right, Wonder Woman has remained a symbol and she's a changing symbol. She can be a force for feminism, she can also be a force for women of color and for reimagining different kinds of women in different ways, how women can take power in the world.Vita Ayala worked on a Wonder Woman comic that basically had a theme of abolishing prisons, and it's a great new way of thinking about Wonder Woman's pacifist nature, and how Wonder Woman would never want there to be prisons. So Wonder Woman as a culture bomb is testimony to how effective a story can be, just the way the Ghost Dance was for Indigenous people in the 19th century all the way through today. In Chapter 7, "History Is a Gift," you introduce the U.N.'s three-step post-conflict peacekeeping process: disarm, demobilize, reintegrate, and apply it to psychological warfare. Most importantly, you write that reintegration involves "a process of rebuilding our history so that it reflects the perspectives of everyone who lives in the United States." Can you describe what this means, with the example of the Coquille tribe in Oregon? This is part of the book where I am trying to think through what it means to undo a psyop. So I wanted to revisit the scene of the crime in the 19th century, where the U.S. government is not just stealing land from Indigenous nations, but also terminating the status of many tribes that had been recognized. These termination programs took place throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, where the government would decide that a tribe or nation didn't qualify for recognition anymore. They would lose their sovereignty, they would lose land, they would lose their special relationship with the government, and that could be crushing. This is economic and social and cultural destruction. Jason Younker, who is a Coquille chief, told me this incredible story about one way a psyop can be undone, which is by creating a publicly accessible archive of historical documents showing the history of the Coquille and the Coos tribe and several other tribes in southwestern Oregon. When he was a scrappy young grad student, studying anthropology at the University of Oregon, the Coquille chief at that time said "Listen, you have to go be an anthropologist and help us find information about the history of our tribe," because they had been terminated and they did not have status in the eyes of the government. His tribe had a story that the reason why they had lost status was that there was a map that representatives of the government had made showing where the Coquilles' traditional land was, but the map had been lost. Without that map, they couldn't prove to the government that they deserved tribal status. So he and several grad students and their professor got a small grant from the Smithsonian and National Archive in Washington to look for any documents that anthropologists working with the War Department had stored about the Coquille tribe. Because the U.S. government believed there would be so little information, they were like, "We'll make free copies of everything that you find." So they went in and they found 60,000 documents, including the map that had been lost, which showed very clearly the Coquille ancestral lands in southwest Oregon, the Coos lands, a bunch of other tribes around there. So Jason Younker said to me, "You know, I've had this weird experience of having been terminated and recognized all in the same lifetime." The government had denied his existence as a Coquille person, and then had acknowledged it, and now they have this incredible archive which is housed at the University of Oregon in Eugene, which proves their existence. So there's nothing like having receipts. To me, it was a great story about undoing, just in a small way, part of the horrible damage that has been done to Indigenous tribes. It's a small thing, but I think it really matters. It's psychologically very powerful. The last two chapters go further into the topic of creating peace. Tell us about what that means creating psychological peace instead of war? Part of creating psychological peace now is about reinvigorating a public sphere where people are able to listen to each other. That can be very technical, if you're talking about social media or social platforms. We need groups of people who are devoted to trust and safety, who are labeling misinformation, who are keeping tabs on abuse and trying to prevent abuse, not because they are partisan but because they want people not to be mobbed and drowned out. I conclude by talking about how we need a new mental model for the public sphere. I offer the library as a model, because I think the library is a perfect example of a place where you can go, you can be in community, you can learn many perspectives, whether they are propaganda or history, and no one is trying to shove it down your throat. You're able to go and learn and make your own decisions. Librarians are there to help you answer questions not to give you answers, but to give you the tools to answer those questions. Right now, we imagine the public sphere sphere as a theater of war, and I want to recommend that we start thinking about it as a library, where we listen to each other and no voice is louder than another voice, and we do reach disarmament and peace and we learn to negotiate again. Finally, what's the most important question I didn't ask? And what's the answer? I think the most important question is, how do we find communities of people where we can have open debate and discussion without psyops, without violent threats, without lies? I think we're all working on that now, we're trying to find those spaces. I think part of the breakup of social media into these smaller areas is about that, trying to find places where we can have conversations. There's all kinds of new news sources coming into existence, often worker-owned cooperatives like 404 Media, like Defector. I think that's where the hope lies, is places where we can disagree, we can argue, but we don't lie and threaten each other. Former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci shared his evaluation of some CEOs who met with Donald Trump last week for a private gathering where the former president was reportedly all over the map. Would fears of another chaotic Trump presidency discourage corporate leaders from backing him this time around, or are they coming back around to him? MSNBCs Alex Witt asked Scaramucci in an interview on Saturday. Its a little bit of Trump-nesia, if you will, Scaramucci replied. I mean, these guys denounced him several times. The presumptive GOP presidential nominee met with business leaders including Walmarts Doug McMillon, Apples Tim Cook and JPMorgan Chases Jamie Dimon and spoke of his desire for tax cuts on Thursday. CEOs at the meeting who spoke with CNBC found Trump to be remarkably meandering and unable to keep a straight thought during the gathering, with a number of business leaders even shaking their heads at one point when Trump explained why he wanted to reduce the corporate tax rate. Scaramucci pointed to CEOs responses to Trump in the wake of the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, and other times when they all pulled their support for him. And so, for some reason, now theyve decided for these little policy promises that hes offering, theyre going to switch over to him, Scaramucci said. But, you know, Jeb Bush ultimately was right, Alex. He is the chaos candidate, it was a chaos presidency, and I would just remind these people that they werent happy when he was president, he continued. Yes, they got their tax cuts, but weve also ballooned the deficit, and that is going to come home to roost for these CEOs. Scaramucci, who has been a frequent Trump critic since briefly serving as his White House communications director in 2017, also said that Trumps gathering with the CEOs wasnt a great meeting for him. He tries to put on a big charm offensive to those people that dont like him. Its sort of like the bully thats trying to shine for a moment, he said. Hes better in those rallies where he can talk about electric boats and shark attacks, exactly, he continued. Hes way better at that than he would be actually articulating economic policy in front of Fortune 500 CEOs. Related... The nine justices of the U.S. Supreme Court likely will not issue their opinion on the use of mifepristone until late spring. Oral arguments are set for Tuesday. (Photo by Jane Norman/States Newsroom) In the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Courts unanimous ruling Thursday to maintain current access to the abortion medication mifepristone, abortion-rights advocates and opponents vowed to continue their respective battles over the drug. Mifepristone is one of two drugs used to treat miscarriages and terminate a pregnancy during the first trimester, and is the most common method of abortion in the U.S. Anti-abortion groups, in conjunction with conservative religious law firm Alliance Defending Freedom, sought to revert the FDA guidelines to 2016, when the prescribed gestational time frame was three weeks shorter and there were more requirements around who could prescribe it and where and when provider visits had to take place. The case made its way to the nations highest court after outspoken anti-abortion U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk in Texas ruled that mifepristones approval should be revoked, followed by a Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals opinion that agreed in part, saying the restrictions should revert to pre-2016 rules. In a unanimous decision rejecting the anti-abortion groups challenge to the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations regulation of the drug, justices agreed that the case lacked standing, saying there was no clear injury to the plaintiffs to warrant reinstating the restrictions. The plaintiffs do not prescribe or use mifepristone. And FDA is not requiring them to do or refrain from doing anything. Rather, the plaintiffs want FDA to make mifepristone more difficult for other doctors to prescribe and for pregnant women to obtain, Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote in the opinion. Under Article III of the Constitution, a plaintiffs desire to make a drug less available for others does not establish standing to sue. We know that the anti-abortion extremists are relentless, and their goal is to truly chip away at any abortion access. Nikki Madsen, co-executive director Abortion Care Network Wendy Heipt, attorney for advocacy organization Legal Voice, said the fact that the unanimous ruling is focused on standing is helpful, because thats an area of law that has been in question in many reproductive rights-related cases since the Dobbs decision in 2022. Im not relaxing; its not over. But the fact that this one rogue judge in Texas opened the courthouse doors to people who had no right to be there was a real challenge to the way our judicial system works, so I am reassured that there are still rules, Heipt told States Newsroom. Many reproductive rights and medical organizations issued statements following the ruling, including the Guttmacher Institute, a reproductive rights research organization that has closely tracked abortion pill use in the two years since the Dobbs decision. We are relieved by this outcome, but we are not celebrating, said Destiny Lopez, acting co-CEO of the Institute, in a statement. From the start, this case was rooted in bad faith and lacking any basis in facts or science. This case never should have reached our nations top court in the first place and the Supreme Court made the only reasonable decision by leaving access to medication abortion using mifepristone unchanged. Nikki Madsen, co-executive director of the Abortion Care Network, said she wasnt surprised by the ruling, but noted it only preserves the status quo. Its just not enough, Madsen told States Newsroom. We know that the anti-abortion extremists are relentless, and their goal is to truly chip away at any abortion access. So todays decision just preserves access, but its really not enough for the people across the country who are truly navigating a human rights crisis right now. Three intervenor states expected to continue fight at district court level Alliance Defending Freedom, the conservative law firm that argued the case, is the same organization that argued in favor of the Dobbs decision that returned abortion regulation to the states. In a statement, ADF attorney Erin Hawley said the ruling was disappointing, but that they will continue to advocate for womens health. In a statement posted on X on Thursday, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey wrote, Todays ruling only applies to standing; the court did not reach the merits. My case is still alive at the district court. We are moving forward undeterred with our litigation to protect both women and their unborn children. Baileys spokesperson did not give any further details about what that case would look like, and Idaho Attorney General Raul Labradors office did not respond to a request for comment. According to Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, a national anti-abortion organization, those attorneys general will move forward with the case based on harms suffered by women in their states. Abortion opponents target abortion drugs from multiple angles Anti-abortion opponents have been fighting against the expansion of access to medication abortion since the FDA first approved the regimen in 2000, and they say they are not deterred by Thursdays ruling. The Justices simply discussed the issue of legal standing and did not reach the merits of the case, Carolyn McDonnell, litigation counsel at national anti-abortion policy shop Americans United for Life, told States Newsroom in a statement. Its still an open question whether the FDA unlawfully deregulated mifepristone. Longtime anti-abortion activist Rev. Pat Mahoney, chief strategy officer for the Stanton Public Policy Center, said the Supreme Courts decision in this case was instructive, if not what abortion opponents wanted. Theres, I think, a misconception that a loss is a loss, and that isnt always the case, Mahoney told States Newsroom. Sometimes a loss helps define the parameters for bringing the next case and next case, and believe me, there are going to be next cases on medical and chemical abortions. So now we know this isnt a route to go. Mahoney said that like past legal defeats for the anti-abortion movement, this ruling offers at least a partial road map, such as the one abortion opponents followed after the Supreme Court ruled in 1992s Planned Parenthood v. Casey that abortion until fetal viability was a federal right but that states could pass regulations that didnt create an undue burden for people seeking abortions. That ruling led to hundreds of restrictions and regulations around the country that kept nudging the viability and undue burden lines limiting abortion access even before Roe v. Wade was overturned. Mahoney said his organization and others are pursuing various legislative proposals, such as regulating the disposal of embryonic and fetal remains following a medication abortion, which most people have at home or in private settings. Americans United for Life said in a statement following the ruling that it will continue to offer legal prescriptions for the strengthening of protections for unborn children from abortion pills through action on the federal and state levels in both executive and legislative branches of government, including through executive enforcement of the Comstock Act and RICO Act. Ever since Roe v. Wade was overturned, resurrecting the long-dormant Comstock Act to ban the mailing of abortion drugs and equipment (something legal scholars and historians say is an inaccurate interpretation of the law and how it was applied) has been the long-term focus of East Texas pastor Mark Lee Dickson and his partner Texas attorney Jonathan Mitchell. They have been pushing various legal and legislative strategies to prevent people from obtaining abortions in states where its still legal. They have helped pass dozens of local ordinances in Texas and other states with restrictions that challenge current federal law, such as banning interstate travel to obtain an abortion. In New Mexico, where abortion is legal and largely unrestricted, a challenge to two local ordinances based on the Comstock Act await a ruling from the New Mexico Supreme Court. The U.S. Supreme Court did not address the Comstock Act in its opinion, but Kascmaryk cited the old law in his initial ruling last year. Major conservative groups are pushing former President Donald Trump, if reelected this fall, to enforce the Comstock Act along with other federal abortion regulations. Trump has stayed silent about what he will do. In the meantime, anti-abortion groups have not stopped pursuing other cases. I can confirm that there are several attorneys in the pro-life movement that are planning on bringing a number of different lawsuits relating to abortion-inducing drugs and the harm that they cause to mothers and their unborn children, Dickson told States Newsroom. Mahoney also said groups like his are working with attorneys on a potential class-action lawsuit against abortion-pill manufacturers. He said they are actively gathering testimony and information from women who have been hurt through medical chemical abortions. Were working on it, said Mahoney, adding, It took us 50 years to overturn Roe. The post Anti-abortion groups say Supreme Courts mifepristone ruling wont deter them appeared first on Pennsylvania Capital-Star. UltraViolet advocates are seen at the American Pharmacists Association Annual Conference at the Phoenix Convention Center on March 25, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images for UltraViolet) In the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Courts unanimous ruling Thursday to maintain current access to the abortion medication mifepristone, abortion-rights advocates and opponents vowed to continue their respective battles over the drug. Mifepristone is one of two drugs used to treat miscarriages and terminate a pregnancy during the first trimester, and is the most common method of abortion in the U.S. Anti-abortion groups, in conjunction with conservative religious law firm Alliance Defending Freedom, sought to revert the FDA guidelines to 2016, when the prescribed gestational time frame was three weeks shorter and there were more requirements around who could prescribe it and where and when provider visits had to take place. The case made its way to the nations highest court after outspoken anti-abortion U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk in Texas ruled that mifepristones approval should be revoked, followed by a Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals opinion that agreed in part, saying the restrictions should revert to pre-2016 rules. In a unanimous decision rejecting the anti-abortion groups challenge to the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations regulation of the drug, justices agreed that the case lacked standing, saying there was no clear injury to the plaintiffs to warrant reinstating the restrictions. The plaintiffs do not prescribe or use mifepristone. And FDA is not requiring them to do or refrain from doing anything. Rather, the plaintiffs want FDA to make mifepristone more difficult for other doctors to prescribe and for pregnant women to obtain, Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote in the opinion. Under Article III of the Constitution, a plaintiffs desire to make a drug less available for others does not establish standing to sue. Wendy Heipt, attorney for advocacy organization Legal Voice, said the fact that the unanimous ruling is focused on standing is helpful, because thats an area of law that has been in question in many reproductive rights-related cases since the Dobbs decision in 2022. Im not relaxing; its not over. But the fact that this one rogue judge in Texas opened the courthouse doors to people who had no right to be there was a real challenge to the way our judicial system works, so I am reassured that there are still rules, Heipt told States Newsroom. Many reproductive rights and medical organizations issued statements following the ruling, including the Guttmacher Institute, a reproductive rights research organization that has closely tracked abortion pill use in the two years since the Dobbs decision. We are relieved by this outcome, but we are not celebrating, said Destiny Lopez, acting co-CEO of the Institute, in a statement. From the start, this case was rooted in bad faith and lacking any basis in facts or science. This case never should have reached our nations top court in the first place and the Supreme Court made the only reasonable decision by leaving access to medication abortion using mifepristone unchanged. Nikki Madsen, co-executive director of the Abortion Care Network, said she wasnt surprised by the ruling, but noted it only preserves the status quo. Its just not enough, Madsen told States Newsroom. We know that the anti-abortion extremists are relentless, and their goal is to truly chip away at any abortion access. So todays decision just preserves access, but its really not enough for the people across the country who are truly navigating a human rights crisis right now. Three intervenor states expected to continue fight at district court level Alliance Defending Freedom, the conservative law firm that argued the case, is the same organization that argued in favor of the Dobbs decision that returned abortion regulation to the states. In a statement, ADF attorney Erin Hawley said the ruling was disappointing, but that they will continue to advocate for womens health. The FDA recklessly leaves women and girls to take these high-risk drugs all alone in their homes or dorm rooms, without requiring the ongoing, in-person care of a doctor, Hawley said, adding that ADF is grateful to attorneys general in Idaho, Kansas and Missouri who successfully intervened in the case at the district court level with Kacsmaryks approval, because they intend to keep litigating the case there. In a statement posted on X on Thursday, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey wrote, Todays ruling only applies to standing; the court did not reach the merits. My case is still alive at the district court. We are moving forward undeterred with our litigation to protect both women and their unborn children. Baileys spokesperson did not give any further details about what that case would look like, and Idaho Attorney General Raul Labradors office did not respond to a request for comment. According to Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, a national anti-abortion organization, those attorneys general will move forward with the case based on harms suffered by women in their states. Abortion opponents target abortion drugs from multiple angles Anti-abortion opponents have been fighting against the expansion of access to medication abortion since the FDA first approved the regimen in 2000, and they say they are not deterred by Thursdays ruling. The Justices simply discussed the issue of legal standing and did not reach the merits of the case, Carolyn McDonnell, litigation counsel at national anti-abortion policy shop Americans United for Life, told States Newsroom in a statement. Its still an open question whether the FDA unlawfully deregulated mifepristone. Longtime anti-abortion activist Rev. Pat Mahoney, chief strategy officer for the Stanton Public Policy Center, said the Supreme Courts decision in this case was instructive, if not what abortion opponents wanted. Theres, I think, a misconception that a loss is a loss, and that isnt always the case, Mahoney told States Newsroom. Sometimes a loss helps define the parameters for bringing the next case and next case, and believe me, there are going to be next cases on medical and chemical abortions. So now we know this isnt a route to go. Mahoney said that like past legal defeats for the anti-abortion movement, this ruling offers at least a partial road map, such as the one abortion opponents followed after the Supreme Court ruled in 1992s Planned Parenthood v. Casey that abortion until fetal viability was a federal right but that states could pass regulations that didnt create an undue burden for people seeking abortions. That ruling led to hundreds of restrictions and regulations around the country that kept nudging the viability and undue burden lines limiting abortion access even before Roe v. Wade was overturned. Mahoney said his organization and others are pursuing various legislative proposals, such as regulating the disposal of embryonic and fetal remains following a medication abortion, which most people have at home or in private settings. Americans United for Life said in a statement following the ruling that it will continue to offer legal prescriptions for the strengthening of protections for unborn children from abortion pills through action on the federal and state levels in both executive and legislative branches of government, including through executive enforcement of the Comstock Act and RICO Act. Ever since Roe v. Wade was overturned, resurrecting the long-dormant Comstock Act to ban the mailing of abortion drugs and equipment (something legal scholars and historians say is an inaccurate interpretation of the law and how it was applied) has been the long-term focus of East Texas pastor Mark Lee Dickson and his partner Texas attorney Jonathan Mitchell. They have been pushing various legal and legislative strategies to prevent people from obtaining abortions in states where its still legal. They have helped pass dozens of local ordinances in Texas and other states with restrictions that challenge current federal law, such as banning interstate travel to obtain an abortion. In New Mexico, where abortion is legal and largely unrestricted, a challenge to two local ordinances based on the Comstock Act await a ruling from the New Mexico Supreme Court. The U.S. Supreme Court did not address the Comstock Act in its opinion, but Kascmaryk cited the old law in his initial ruling last year. Major conservative groups are pushing former President Donald Trump, if reelected this fall, to enforce the Comstock Act along with other federal abortion regulations. Trump has stayed silent about what he will do. In the meantime, anti-abortion groups have not stopped pursuing other cases. I can confirm that there are several attorneys in the pro-life movement that are planning on bringing a number of different lawsuits relating to abortion-inducing drugs and the harm that they cause to mothers and their unborn children, Dickson told States Newsroom. Mahoney also said groups like his are working with attorneys on a potential class-action lawsuit against abortion-pill manufacturers. He said they are actively gathering testimony and information from women who have been hurt through medical chemical abortions. Were working on it, said Mahoney, adding, It took us 50 years to overturn Roe. The post Anti-abortion groups say Supreme Courts mifepristone ruling wont deter them appeared first on Utah News Dispatch. Mifepristone, FDA-approved for pregnancy termination up to 10 weeks gestation, is used in about 63% of U.S. abortions. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) In the aftermath of last weeks U.S. Supreme Courts unanimous ruling to maintain current access to the abortion medication mifepristone, abortion-rights advocates and opponents vowed to continue their respective battles over the drug. Mifepristone is one of two drugs used to treat miscarriages and terminate a pregnancy during the first trimester, and is the most common method of abortion in the U.S. Anti-abortion groups, in conjunction with conservative religious law firm Alliance Defending Freedom, sought to revert the FDA guidelines to 2016, when the prescribed gestational time frame was three weeks shorter and there were more requirements around who could prescribe it and where and when provider visits had to take place. The case made its way to the nations highest court after outspoken anti-abortion U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk in Texas ruled that mifepristones approval should be revoked, followed by a Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals opinion that agreed in part, saying the restrictions should revert to pre-2016 rules. In the June 13 unanimous decision rejecting the anti-abortion groups challenge to the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations regulation of the drug, justices agreed that the case lacked standing, saying there was no clear injury to the plaintiffs to warrant reinstating the restrictions. The plaintiffs do not prescribe or use mifepristone. And FDA is not requiring them to do or refrain from doing anything. Rather, the plaintiffs want FDA to make mifepristone more difficult for other doctors to prescribe and for pregnant women to obtain, Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote in the opinion. Under Article III of the Constitution, a plaintiffs desire to make a drug less available for others does not establish standing to sue. Wendy Heipt, attorney for advocacy organization Legal Voice, said the fact that the unanimous ruling is focused on standing is helpful, because thats an area of law that has been in question in many reproductive rights-related cases since the Dobbs decision in 2022. Im not relaxing; its not over. But the fact that this one rogue judge in Texas opened the courthouse doors to people who had no right to be there was a real challenge to the way our judicial system works, so I am reassured that there are still rules, Heipt told States Newsroom. Many reproductive rights and medical organizations issued statements following the ruling, including the Guttmacher Institute, a reproductive rights research organization that has closely tracked abortion pill use in the two years since the Dobbs decision. We are relieved by this outcome, but we are not celebrating, said Destiny Lopez, acting co-CEO of the Institute, in a statement. From the start, this case was rooted in bad faith and lacking any basis in facts or science. This case never should have reached our nations top court in the first place and the Supreme Court made the only reasonable decision by leaving access to medication abortion using mifepristone unchanged. Nikki Madsen, co-executive director of the Abortion Care Network, said she wasnt surprised by the ruling, but noted it only preserves the status quo. Its just not enough, Madsen told States Newsroom. We know that the anti-abortion extremists are relentless, and their goal is to truly chip away at any abortion access. So todays decision just preserves access, but its really not enough for the people across the country who are truly navigating a human rights crisis right now. Three intervenor states expected to continue fight at district court level Alliance Defending Freedom, the conservative law firm that argued the case, is the same organization that argued in favor of the Dobbs decision that returned abortion regulation to the states. In a statement, ADF attorney Erin Hawley said the ruling was disappointing, but that they will continue to advocate for womens health. The FDA recklessly leaves women and girls to take these high-risk drugs all alone in their homes or dorm rooms, without requiring the ongoing, in-person care of a doctor, Hawley said, adding that ADF is grateful to attorneys general in Idaho, Kansas and Missouri who successfully intervened in the case at the district court level with Kacsmaryks approval, because they intend to keep litigating the case there. In a statement posted on X on Thursday, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey wrote, Todays ruling only applies to standing; the court did not reach the merits. My case is still alive at the district court. We are moving forward undeterred with our litigation to protect both women and their unborn children. Baileys spokesperson did not give any further details about what that case would look like, and Idaho Attorney General Raul Labradors office did not respond to a request for comment. According to Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, a national anti-abortion organization, those attorneys general will move forward with the case based on harms suffered by women in their states. Abortion opponents target abortion drugs from multiple angles Anti-abortion opponents have been fighting against the expansion of access to medication abortion since the FDA first approved the regimen in 2000, and they say they are not deterred by Thursdays ruling. The Justices simply discussed the issue of legal standing and did not reach the merits of the case, Carolyn McDonnell, litigation counsel at national anti-abortion policy shop Americans United for Life, told States Newsroom in a statement. Its still an open question whether the FDA unlawfully deregulated mifepristone. Longtime anti-abortion activist Rev. Pat Mahoney, chief strategy officer for the Stanton Public Policy Center, said the Supreme Courts decision in this case was instructive, if not what abortion opponents wanted. Theres, I think, a misconception that a loss is a loss, and that isnt always the case, Mahoney told States Newsroom. Sometimes a loss helps define the parameters for bringing the next case and next case, and believe me, there are going to be next cases on medical and chemical abortions. So now we know this isnt a route to go. Mahoney said that like past legal defeats for the anti-abortion movement, this ruling offers at least a partial road map, such as the one abortion opponents followed after the Supreme Court ruled in 1992s Planned Parenthood v. Casey that abortion until fetal viability was a federal right but that states could pass regulations that didnt create an undue burden for people seeking abortions. That ruling led to hundreds of restrictions and regulations around the country that kept nudging the viability and undue burden lines limiting abortion access even before Roe v. Wade was overturned. Mahoney said his organization and others are pursuing various legislative proposals, such as regulating the disposal of embryonic and fetal remains following a medication abortion, which most people have at home or in private settings. Americans United for Life said in a statement following the ruling that it will continue to offer legal prescriptions for the strengthening of protections for unborn children from abortion pills through action on the federal and state levels in both executive and legislative branches of government, including through executive enforcement of the Comstock Act and RICO Act. Ever since Roe v. Wade was overturned, resurrecting the long-dormant Comstock Act to ban the mailing of abortion drugs and equipment (something legal scholars and historians say is an inaccurate interpretation of the law and how it was applied) has been the long-term focus of East Texas pastor Mark Lee Dickson and his partner Texas attorney Jonathan Mitchell. They have been pushing various legal and legislative strategies to prevent people from obtaining abortions in states where its still legal. They have helped pass dozens of local ordinances in Texas and other states with restrictions that challenge current federal law, such as banning interstate travel to obtain an abortion. In New Mexico, where abortion is legal and largely unrestricted, a challenge to two local ordinances based on the Comstock Act await a ruling from the New Mexico Supreme Court. The U.S. Supreme Court did not address the Comstock Act in its opinion, but Kascmaryk cited the old law in his initial ruling last year. Major conservative groups are pushing former President Donald Trump, if reelected this fall, to enforce the Comstock Act along with other federal abortion regulations. Trump has stayed silent about what he will do. In the meantime, anti-abortion groups have not stopped pursuing other cases. I can confirm that there are several attorneys in the pro-life movement that are planning on bringing a number of different lawsuits relating to abortion-inducing drugs and the harm that they cause to mothers and their unborn children, Dickson told States Newsroom. Mahoney also said groups like his are working with attorneys on a potential class-action lawsuit against abortion-pill manufacturers. He said they are actively gathering testimony and information from women who have been hurt through medical chemical abortions. Were working on it, said Mahoney, adding, It took us 50 years to overturn Roe. The post Anti-abortion groups say Supreme Courts mifepristone ruling wont deter them appeared first on Rhode Island Current. FILE - Anti-abortion supporters stand outside at the Arizona capitol, May 1, 2024, in Phoenix. Reeling from a string of defeats, anti-abortion groups and their Republican allies in state governments across the country are deploying an array of strategies to counter proposed ballot initiatives intended to protect reproductive rights or prevent voters from having a say in the fall. (AP Photo/Matt York, File) CHICAGO (AP) Reeling from a string of defeats, anti-abortion groups and their Republican allies in state governments are using an array of strategies to counter proposed ballot initiatives intended to protect reproductive rights or prevent voters from having a say in the fall elections. The tactics include attempts to get signatures removed from initiative petitions, legislative pushes for competing ballot measures that could confuse voters and monthslong delays caused by lawsuits over ballot initiative language. Abortion rights advocates say many of the strategies build off ones tested last year in Ohio, where voters eventually passed a constitutional amendment affirming reproductive rights. The strategies are being used in one form or another in at least seven states where initiatives aimed at codifying abortion and reproductive rights are proposed for the November ballot. The fights over planned statewide ballot initiatives are the latest sign of the deep divisions created by the U.S. Supreme Court's decision two years ago to end a constitutional right to abortion. This past week, the court issued a ruling in another major abortion case, unanimously upholding access to a drug used in the majority of U.S. abortions, although fights over mifepristone remain active in many states. The stakes for the proposed ballot initiatives are high for both sides. Where Republicans control the legislature and enact strict abortion limits, a statewide citizens initiative is often the only avenue for protecting access to abortion and other reproductive rights. Voters have either enshrined abortion rights or turned back attempts to restrict it in all seven states where the question has been on the ballot since 2022. In South Dakota, lawmakers passed a bill allowing residents to withdraw their signatures on citizen-led petitions. This launched a comprehensive effort by anti-abortion groups to invalidate a proposed abortion rights ballot measure by encouraging endorsers to withdraw signatures. The South Dakota secretary of state in May labeled as a scam hundreds of phone calls from an anti-abortion group the office accused of impersonating government officials. It appears that the calls are trying to pressure voters into asking that their name be removed from the Abortion Rights petitions, the office said in a statement. Adam Weiland, co-founder of Dakotans for Health, the organization behind the proposed measure, said this is part of an orchestrated, organized effort across states. The people want to vote on this issue, and they dont want that to happen, he said of anti-abortion groups. Theyre using everything they can to prevent a vote on this issue. An Arkansas Decline to Sign campaign escalated this month after a conservative advocacy group published the names of the paid canvassers for an abortion rights ballot measure effort. Arkansans for Limited Government, the group behind the ballot measure effort, denounced the move as an intimidation tactic. In Missouri, Republicans and anti-abortion groups have opposed efforts to restore abortion rights through a constitutional amendment at every step in the process. Republican Attorney General Andrew Bailey stonewalled the abortion-rights campaign for months last year. Then the secretary of state, Republican Jay Ashcroft, tried to describe the proposal to voters as allowing dangerous and unregulated abortions until live birth. A state appeals court last year ruled that Ashcrofts wording was politically partisan and tossed it. But Ashcrofts actions and the legal battle cost the abortion-rights campaign several months, blocking its supporters from collecting thousands of voter signatures needed to put the amendment on the ballot. Once the legal battles were settled, abortion opponents launched a decline to sign campaign aimed at thwarting the abortion-rights campaigns signature-collecting efforts. At one point, voters were sent texts falsely accusing petitioners of trying to steal people's personal data. Republican lawmakers sought to advance another ballot measure to raise the threshold for amending the Missouri Constitution, partly in hopes of making it harder to enact the abortion-rights proposal. Both anti-abortion efforts failed, and the abortion-rights campaign in May turned in more than double the required number of voter signatures. Now it i up to Ashcrofts office to verify the signatures and qualify it for the ballot. Meanwhile, opposition groups in Arizona, Colorado, Florida and Nebraska have tried to create their own ballot amendments to codify existing abortion restrictions, though these efforts failed to gather enough signatures in Florida and Colorado. Jessie Hill, a law professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Law in Cleveland who served as a consultant to the Issue 1 campaign that codified abortion rights in Ohio, said she had warned about the possibility of competing ballot measures that could confuse voters. While attempts to keep abortion off the ballot follow a similar blueprint to what she saw in Ohio last year, Hill said she is closely watching new efforts across the country. The anti-abortion side is still trying to figure out what the formula is to defeat these ballot measures, Hill said. A strategy document leaked last month shows Arizona Republicans considering several competing measures to enshrine abortion restrictions into the state constitution. Possible petition names include the Protecting Pregnant Women and Safe Abortions Act, the Arizona Abortion and Reproductive Care Act or the Arizona Abortion Protection Act. The document explicitly details how the alternative measures could undercut a proposal from reproductive rights groups aiming to codify abortion rights through viability, usually around 23 weeks to 24 weeks into pregnancy. This leaked document showed a plan to confuse voters through one or multiple competing ballot measures with similar titles, said Cheryl Bruce, campaign manager for Arizona for Abortion Access. In Nebraska, anti-abortion groups are countering a planned ballot initiative to protect reproductive rights with two of their own. Allie Berry, campaign manager of the Nebraska Protect Our Rights campaign, which is intended to protect reproductive rights, said the competing measures are designed to deceive and confuse voters. She said the campaign is working to educate voters on the differences between each of the initiatives. If youre having to resort to deception and confusion, it shows that they realize that most Nebraskans want to protect abortion rights, she said. One counter initiative launched by anti-abortion activists in May seeks to ban abortion at all stages of pregnancy. Called Now Choose Life, the petition would grant embryos personhood. Another launched in March would not go that far but instead seeks to codify the states existing 12-week abortion ban into the state constitution while giving lawmakers the ability to pass further restrictions in the future. The petition, called Protect Women and Children, has been endorsed by the national anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America and others in the state. Sandy Danek, executive director of Nebraska Right to Life, called the petition a reasonable alternative measure. She said as as time goes on and we continue to educate, the organization will aim to restrict abortion further. I see this as an incremental process that weve been working on for 50 years, she said. ___ Associated Press writer Summer Ballentine in Jefferson City, Missouri, contributed to this report. ___ The Associated Press receives support from several private foundations to enhance its explanatory coverage of elections and democracy. See more about APs democracy initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Athens-Clarke County Police arrest woman in connection to May homicide at apartments Athens-Clarke County Police announced the arrest of an additional suspect on Friday in connection to a homicide that occurred last month. Police say 20-year-old Cameron Manago was killed outside of the Rolling Ridge Apartments on May 27 just before 10:30 p.m. that evening. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Manago was found with a gunshot wound and rushed to the hospital, where he died. On Friday, ACCPD arrested 18-year-old Janiya Moore of Athens in connection with Managos death. She was charged with felony murder and tampering with evidence. TRENDING STORIES: Last month, 16-year-old Zyquavious Thomas was arrested and charged with felony murder, attempted armed robbery, and aggravated assault. He is being charged as an adult, police say. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Detective Lister at 762-400-7333 or via email at Hovie.Lister@accgov.com. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) backed President Joe Bidens sharp criticisms of the Supreme Court in an interview Sunday, specifically calling out Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas, whom he said was on the grift. I think it would be irresponsible for the president not to talk about the fact that this court is becoming brazenly corrupt and brazenly political, Murphy told host Jake Tapper on CNNs State of the Union. Its up to the American people this election to do something about that. Its also up to Congress to step up and pass a code of conduct, a code of ethical conduct, for this court before its too late. At his star-studded fundraiser in Los Angeles on Saturday evening, Biden railed against the Supreme Court as so far out of step and warned that one of the scariest parts of a second term for presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump is the potential appointment of two more justices to the bench. He made a crack at Alito by saying Trump would appoint more justices flying flags upside down and referred to Thomas arguments that the court should reconsider its past contraception and same-sex rulings, according to pool reports. Murphy stood behind Bidens comments, referencing expensive gifts and luxury travel expenses Republican megadonor Harlan Crow and others have lavished on Thomas over the years as well two controversial flag displays associated with Jan. 6 flown at Alitos homes. Theres a crisis on the court, Murphy said. What Justice Thomas is engaged in is just a grift, right? Hes got a major political player on the outside who absolutely has political and business interests at the court paying off a justice. Justice Alito is openly displaying affiliation with political causes in public, he added. Biden has been reluctant to publicly address concerns of judicial ethics regarding the Supreme Court justices. The president has avoided directly addressing the Alito scandal out of fear that his attacks of the judiciary could be seen as politically motivated and appear too close to Trumps own tactics, POLITICO reported last month. He has also sidestepped questions about whether Thomas should recuse himself from Jan. 6 cases brought before the Supreme Court. Some Democrats have disagreed with Bidens approach. Recently, Biden has ramped up his focus on the Supreme Court, using the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022 and the three Trump-appointed conservative justices who ruled in support of it as a foothold to mobilize voters around reproductive rights. While Thomas and Alito were both appointed much before Trumps presidency, both have helped maintain the courts 6-3 conservative supermajority, including in last weeks decision to nix a ban on bump stocks for guns that was enacted by the Trump administration. A Chinese national flag waves outside Beijing No. 2 Intermediate People's Court where Australian writer Yang Hengjun is expected to face trial on espionage charges, in Beijing By Kirsty Needham SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australian writer Yang Hengjun's suspended death sentence has been upheld by Beijing's High People's Court, with the decision relayed to Australian officials two weeks before China's Premier Li Qiang arrived in Australia, his supporters said on Sunday. Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will meet Li, who is making the first visit to Australia in seven years by a Chinese premier, in Canberra on Monday. Albanese said last week he would raise Yang's case with China's second-highest ranked official. Yang, a pro-democracy blogger and spy novelist, is an Australian citizen born in China who was working in New York before his arrest at Guangzhou airport in 2019. A Beijing court handed Yang a suspended death sentence on espionage charges in February, which the Australian government described as "harrowing". The case has cast a shadow over a recent rebound in bilateral ties that followed several years of strained relations between Beijing and Canberra. Yang has denied the charges. In a statement on Sunday evening, Yang's supporters said Beijing's High People's Court had reviewed and upheld the lower court's sentence. Australian diplomats were informed on May 30 and were denied a consular visit last week, and Yang was being moved to a permanent prison after five years in a state security detention centre. "Our most immediate concern is that Yang's medical conditions remain serious and unaddressed," said the statement. "For these reasons, we urge Prime Minister Albanese to use his meeting with Premier Li Qiang to directly demand that Yang be released on medical parole or otherwise be transferred to safety in Australia". Yang's two sons, who live in Australia, have previously asked Albanese to seek their father's release on medical grounds. Yang was told last year he had a 10 cm (4 inch) cyst on his kidney that may require surgery, and has been unable to walk at times. Foreign Minister Penny Wong told ABC Television on Sunday that Australia "will continue to advocate for Dr Yang wherever we are able, and we will continue to advocate, including for appropriate medical treatment". A suspended death sentence in China gives the accused a two-year reprieve from being executed, after which it is automatically converted to life imprisonment, or more rarely, fixed-term imprisonment. The individual remains in prison throughout. China's foreign ministry has previously said all procedures were followed in Yang's case. (Reporting by Kirsty Needham; Editing by Lincoln Feast.) By Kirsty Needham CANBERRA (Reuters) -Australia and China will take steps to improve military communication to avoid incidents, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said after meeting Premier Li Qiang on Monday, in the first visit to the country by a Chinese premier in seven years. The visit by Li, China's top-ranked official after President Xi Jinping, marks a stabilisation in relations between the U.S. security ally and the world's second-biggest economy, after a frosty period of Beijing blocking $20 billion in Australian exports and friction over defence encounters. "One of the very practical measures that we spoke about was improving military to military communication so as to avoid incidents," Albanese told reporters in Canberra after the meeting. In an incident last month, a Chinese airforce jet dropped flares near an Australian defence helicopter in international airspace over the Yellow Sea, which Australia said was a dangerous encounter. It was the second defence incident in six months to mar growing rapprochement between the two countries after years of strained relations. Albanese told reporters he had "raised our issues in the Pacific", a reference to Canberra's concern over Beijing's growing security ambitions in nearby Pacific Islands, as well as the case of China-born Australian writer Yang Hengjun, who was handed a suspended death sentence by a Beijing court. Beginning with some panda and wine diplomacy on Sunday, Li is on a four-day visit. "This dialogue has allowed us to build a deeper awareness of our respective interests," Albanese said earlier, noting Australia and China had complementary economies and shared interests in addressing climate change. Li told reporters the leaders held a "candid, in-depth and fruitful meeting and reached a lot of consensus". The two countries would expand cooperation in energy and mining, and China would include Australia in its visa waiver programme, he added. "We both stressed the importance of maintaining communication and coordination to jointly safeguard peace and prosperity in the region and beyond," he said. PROTESTERS, SUPPORTERS GATHER Protesters and supporters gathered on Monday morning on the lawn outside parliament house in Canberra, where there was a heavy police presence. Barricades separated Tibetan, Uyghur, Hong Kong and Falun Gong protesters from a large contingent of pro-China supporters. Tibetan Tenzin Wougyal, 37, a Canberra resident, said he came to show Tibet's culture, religion and language are at risk. "Australia should be cautious about what it is doing don't sacrifice human rights for short-term economic business," he said. Tan Zhu, 50, said he travelled from Sydney to welcome Li to Canberra. "The relationship with Australia has become much better. That's very positive," he said. Australian journalist Cheng Lei, who was jailed for three years in Beijing on national security charges until her release in October, was among media covering the meeting. Chinese officials appeared to block her from camera view by standing in front of her, video footage on several Australian media outlets showed. "Maybe they didn't want that for the domestic audience," Cheng told Sky News Australia, where she is a presenter. China's embassy did not respond to a request for comment on the incident. Albanese said he hadn't seen it, but later told reporters it was "important that people be allowed to participate fully and that's what should happen in this building or anywhere else in Australia". Trade between Australia and China reached A$327 billion ($216 billion) last year as Beijing's trade blocks eased. On Tuesday the two leaders will hold a business roundtable in the mining state of Western Australia. Australia is the biggest supplier of iron ore to China and China has been an investor in Australian mining projects. Li's visit raises the issue of whether Australia will continue to accept high levels of Chinese investment in its critical minerals sector, as Western security allies push to reduce reliance on Beijing for the rare earths vital to electric vehicles. Australia last month blocked several Chinese investors from increasing stakes in a rare earths miner on national interest grounds. "It is hoped that the Australian side will provide a fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises," Li said in comments reported by Xinhua. ($1 = 1.5142 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Kirsty Needham and Lewis Jackson in Sydney and Peter Hobson in Canberra; additional reporting by Bernard Orr in Beijing. Editing by Lincoln Feast, Michael Perry and Ros Russell) Austria allocated an additional 10 million euros ($10.7 million) to humanitarian organizations helping Ukrainians in Ukraine and Moldova, the country's government announced on June 15. Vienna has denounced Russian aggression against Ukraine and provided Kyiv with economic and humanitarian aid but refused to donate lethal military assistance due to its neutrality policy. Around $6.4 million out of the total sum will be sent to the Neighbors in Need organization to provide immediate aid to people in need, including drinking water and food, according to the announcement. The remaining funds will reportedly go to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). "Russia's brutal war of aggression against Ukraine has been going on for over 120 weeks. With his invasion of the sovereign neighboring country Ukraine, (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is not only trampling on international law but has also triggered an acute humanitarian crisis and the largest movement of displaced persons in Europe since the Second World War," the Austrian government wrote. "Almost six million people have sought refuge beyond the country's borders since the start of the Russian aggression, with Moldova taking in the most displaced people in relation to population size. The country is facing enormous logistical and financial challenges in taking in more than 130,000 people." Read also: As their parents refuse to evacuate, these Ukrainian children grow up on the front line (Photos) Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Austrian Minister of Climate Action and Energy Leonore Gewessler speaks during a press conference in Vienna VIENNA (Reuters) - Austria's environment minister, Leonore Gewessler of the Greens, defied her conservative coalition partners on Sunday by pledging to cast Austria's vote in favour of adopting a European nature restoration law, potentially tipping the balance in Brussels. European Union countries' environment ministers will discuss the bloc's flagship policy to restore damaged nature at a meeting in Luxembourg on Monday and potentially hold a final vote on whether to enact it. The law would be among the EU's biggest environmental policies, requiring member states to introduce measures restoring nature on a fifth of their land and sea by 2030. "The time for decisiveness has come. I will vote in favour of the EU Nature Restoration Law on Monday," she told a news conference called at short notice. EU countries had planned to approve the policy in March but called off the vote after Hungary unexpectedly withdrew its support, wiping out the slim majority in favour. Austria's change of position would give the policy enough support to become law if no other countries switch. Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium, Finland and Poland have previously said they will not support the policy but without Austria they would be one country short of being able to block it. "This law is on a knife-edge. A majority at the European level is in no way certain," Gewessler said, adding that some countries were hesitating to support it. Gewessler's announcement angered Chancellor Karl Nehammer's conservative People's Party (OVP), which opposes the law. It controls the Agriculture Ministry and says that since that ministry is partly responsible for this issue, Gewessler needs its backing. The OVP minister for EU and constitutional affairs, Karoline Edtstadler, said that if Gewessler voted in favour without the Agriculture Ministry's approval it would be unconstitutional. "That must and will have legal consequences," Edtstadler said on X. (Reporting by Francois Murphy; Additional reporting by Kate Abnett in Brussels; Editing by Peter Graff) A student walks on the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City in April. Utah has enacted a new law that prohibits schools from using diversity, equity and inclusion statements, bars state institutions from relying on specific individual characteristics in employment and education decisions, and eliminates central offices dedicated to DEI. Erika Bolstad/Stateline SALT LAKE CITY Shortly after taking office in 2023, Republican state Rep. Katy Hall heard from constituents complaining about how their adult children were required to write diversity, equity and inclusion statements while applying for medical and dental schools and other graduate programs in Utah. It doesnt seem right, Hall said. It doesnt seem like it belongs in an application. It took two legislative sessions, but Hall successfully sponsored a new law that not only prohibits the use of such DEI statements but also bars state institutions from relying on specific individual characteristics in employment and education decisions. Additionally, it eliminates central offices dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion. In Utah and beyond, lawmakers are enjoying growing success in their pushback against DEI programs at public universities, many of which have hired administrators and established departments dedicated to creating more diverse faculties and student bodies. Some schools requirement that job and student applicants explain in writing how theyd bring DEI initiatives to their work or schooling has aroused especially strong opposition. Some states have dismantled DEI departments and programs, as well as ended race- and gender-based programs and scholarships. Many in Utah describe their approach as more measured than that of other states. The law, which goes into effect July 1, includes a carve-out that allows DEI to be discussed in classroom instruction as well as in research and for accreditation purposes. Republican Gov. Spencer Cox, who signed Halls legislation into law in January, said it offers a balanced solution even as it prohibits the type of training sessions he required of his staff when he first took office in 2021. The intent of the legislation, Hall said, is to shift higher education away from a focus on identity. This is what we felt was a more nuanced way to say: We want diversity, we want equality of opportunity, we want inclusion, but we want diversity of opinion and a diversity of thought and diversity of religion and diversity of everything. Not just external, personal identity characteristics, Hall said. We used to be able to have discussions about politics without it coming to a judgment of someones moral character, she added. My hope is that there will be a little more political neutrality where you can have discussions and feel safe to have those discussions without it being so divisive. But the bill passed along party lines, pointed out state Rep. Angela Romero, a Democrat who serves as the House minority leader in Utah. She described whats happening in her state as part of a broader culture war aimed at painting higher education as elite and out of touch. This is a national agenda, Romero said in an interview. Its a machine and its been going for a while and its picking up momentum. Utahs rollback is among dozens of simultaneous efforts to scale back DEI programs to varying degrees in state capitals and on higher education oversight boards in other Republican-led states. In at least 22 states, the legislature has enacted legislation, or public universities have set policies prohibiting or modifying DEI measures at state university systems, according to a running tally in The Chronicle of Higher Education. Among the earliest passed was 2023 legislation in North Dakota that prohibits asking students and prospective university employees about their commitment to DEI. Florida followed last year with a law that does away with diversity statements and DEI offices. Alabama in 2024 enacted a law restricting public employees from being forced to agree with so-called divisive concepts, including the idea that by virtue of an individuals race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin, the individual is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or subconsciously. In South Dakota, the Board of Regents recently enacted a policy that bars employees at its six public universities from putting their preferred gender pronouns or tribal affiliations in email signatures, according to Inside Higher Ed. Most recently, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Board of Trustees voted last month to shift $2.3 million of DEI spending toward public safety and policing on campus. Then, the entire UNC System Board of Governors voted to abolish DEI policies in place since 2019 at all 17 of its campuses. A chilling effect Many of the efforts to roll back DEI initiatives in states have the same roots as a campaign against critical race theory spearheaded by Seattle documentary filmmaker Christopher Rufo, who in 2020 elevated a once-obscure theory about the pervasiveness of racism in American law and institutions to a household term. Often, efforts to undo DEI initiatives argue that students especially white students are harmed by learning about the history of racism in the United States because it may leave them feeling guilty or ashamed of their identity. Multiple states, including North Dakota, have adopted near-identical language in anti-DEI legislation that bans instruction that might prompt a person to feel discomfort, guilt, anguish, or another form of psychological distress solely because of the individuals race or sex. In April, polling by NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist found that 77% of Republicans say they believe that discrimination against white people is as problematic as discrimination against Black Americans. Anti-DEI laws have had a chilling effect on higher education wherever theyve been enacted, said Irene Mulvey, the president of the American Association of University Professors, a nonprofit membership association of faculty and other academic professionals. The laws are deliberately vague so that professors have to be constantly thinking, If I say this, will I be breaking the law? Will I lose my job or be arrested by the government if I say this in my classroom? Mulvey said. I mean, thats where we are in America in 2024. These are the worries faculty have in an authoritarian society, and they have no place in a democracy. At the University of Texas, anti-DEI legislation led the system to eliminate 300 positions recently and to cut diversity training programs at multiple campuses. The situation is similar in Florida, said Paul Ortiz, a professor of history and a union leader at the University of Florida. Hes leaving the school after 15 years for a position at Cornell University in New York. The fallout from the states DEI policies wasnt the only reason hes leaving he got a great job offer but it contributed to his decision, Ortiz said. To pretend that its not having an effect on the cultural and intellectual life of the state is the worst thing of all, Ortiz said. Im hoping the pendulum is going to swing back. Students are the real losers, Mulvey said. At the University of Oklahoma, for example, Republican Gov. Kevin Stitts executive order ending DEI programs in state offices and agencies effectively shuttered the National Education for Womens Leadership program. The program encourages undergraduate women to engage in politics and public policy. Since its founding in 2002, more than 650 students have attended. Stitt told the Oklahoma Voice that his executive order was about race, not the womens leadership program, and called the backlash against his policy political criticism. What were seeing now is nobodys helped when these offices are closed or programs are shut down, no ones better off, Mulvey said. Were having watered-down discussions and anodyne classes because faculty without tenure are afraid of losing their job if they say the wrong thing or if someone takes it out of context or tapes them and puts it online. DEI statements DEI statements in university hiring have been one of the easiest targets nationwide, in part because theres less support for them even among more progressive educators who support wider DEI initiatives. Editorial boards and columnists at outlets as varied as The Washington Post, The Chronicle of Higher Education and the New York Post have railed against diversity statements, saying they too often result in self-censorship and ideological policing on college campuses. Many elite universities, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, have reconsidered DEI statements as a requirement of employment applications. At best, critics argue, theyre boilerplate that echoes what employers want to hear, rendering them useless. At their worst, they serve as ideological litmus tests. We can build an inclusive environment in many ways, but compelled statements impinge on freedom of expression, and they dont work, MIT President Sally Kornbluth said in a statement to WBUR in May, confirming the universitys new approach. But DEI statements have their defenders. Suzanne Penuel, an associate professor who teaches first-year literature and writing at the University of South Carolina Lancaster, said she witnessed how high-quality DEI statements set job candidates apart when she served on the hiring committee for a position teaching American history. Nearly all academic applicants have polished curriculum vitae, impeccable recommendations and pitch-perfect cover letters, she wrote in an op-ed in The State. Their DEI statements gave them personality, Penuel said in an interview. It was easier to tell which applicants would take a student-centered approach to their work; one applicant wrote that the textbooks used in the schools history courses ought to be free, an interpretation that the hiring committee viewed as an inclusive approach to education. She worries that the assault on already slim DEI initiatives in South Carolina is a continuation of a trend that began with a 2021 legislative requirement that all college students be taught certain aspects of American history, and a proposed state-level ban on some books in elementary schools. I hope I never see the day when there is this prescribed list of texts from a narrow list of publishers, and only some topics can be discussed, Penuel said. In Utah, where Democrats hold just 14 of the 75 seats in the state House of Representatives, Romero fought unsuccessfully to keep the anti-DEI legislation from passing. Her reasons for opposing the legislation were partly personal. As a first-generation college student at the University of Utah, she took advantage of what was then called the Center for Ethnic Student Affairs, an academic advising center that could now be considered a DEI initiative. It was a safe place in a state where the dominant religion and culture often excludes people of color, Romero said. Because of her association with the center, Romero landed an internship at the state legislature in 1994, leading to a career working in municipal government in Salt Lake City. And now, she serves as president of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators. Because of that, Im here now, Romero said on the House floor when the bill was up for debate. What it did is it addressed the disparities. Theres unintentional consequences when we just try to sweep things and say were all the same, because were not. Theres still a lot of things that have to change in this country for us all to be on a level playing field. Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and X. The post Backlash against DEI spreads to more states appeared first on North Dakota Monitor. A student walks on the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City in April 2024. Utah has enacted a new law that prohibits schools from using diversity, equity and inclusion statements, bars state institutions from relying on specific individual characteristics in employment and education decisions, and eliminates central offices dedicated to DEI. (Erika Bolstad/Stateline) SALT LAKE CITY Shortly after taking office in 2023, Republican state Rep. Katy Hall heard from constituents complaining about how their adult children were required to write diversity, equity and inclusion statements while applying for medical and dental schools and other graduate programs in Utah. It doesnt seem right, Hall said. It doesnt seem like it belongs in an application. It took two legislative sessions, but Hall successfully sponsored a new law that not only prohibits the use of such DEI statements but also bars state institutions from relying on specific individual characteristics in employment and education decisions. Additionally, it eliminates central offices dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion. In Utah and beyond, lawmakers are enjoying growing success in their pushback against DEI programs at public universities, many of which have hired administrators and established departments dedicated to creating more diverse faculties and student bodies. Some schools requirement that job and student applicants explain in writing how theyd bring DEI initiatives to their work or schooling has aroused especially strong opposition. Some states have dismantled DEI departments and programs, as well as ended race- and gender-based programs and scholarships. Many in Utah describe their approach as more measured than that of other states. The law, which goes into effect July 1, includes a carve-out that allows DEI to be discussed in classroom instruction as well as in research and for accreditation purposes. Republican Gov. Spencer Cox, who signed Halls legislation into law in January, said it offers a balanced solution even as it prohibits the type of training sessions he required of his staff when he first took office in 2021. The intent of the legislation, Hall said, is to shift higher education away from a focus on identity. This is what we felt was a more nuanced way to say: We want diversity, we want equality of opportunity, we want inclusion, but we want diversity of opinion and a diversity of thought and diversity of religion and diversity of everything. Not just external, personal identity characteristics, Hall said. We used to be able to have discussions about politics without it coming to a judgment of someones moral character, she added. My hope is that there will be a little more political neutrality where you can have discussions and feel safe to have those discussions without it being so divisive. An anti-bias sign on the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City in April. But the bill passed along party lines, pointed out state Rep. Angela Romero, a Democrat who serves as the House minority leader in Utah. She described whats happening in her state as part of a broader culture war aimed at painting higher education as elite and out of touch. This is a national agenda, Romero said in an interview. Its a machine and its been going for a while and its picking up momentum. Utahs rollback is among dozens of simultaneous efforts to scale back DEI programs to varying degrees in state capitals and on higher education oversight boards in other Republican-led states. In at least 22 states, the legislature has enacted legislation, or public universities have set policies prohibiting or modifying DEI measures at state university systems, according to a running tally in The Chronicle of Higher Education. Among the earliest passed was 2023 legislation in North Dakota that prohibits asking students and prospective university employees about their commitment to DEI. Florida followed last year with a law that does away with diversity statements and DEI offices. Alabama in 2024 enacted a law restricting public employees from being forced to agree with so-called divisive concepts, including the idea that by virtue of an individuals race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin, the individual is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or subconsciously. In South Dakota, the Board of Regents recently enacted a policy that bars employees at its six public universities from putting their preferred gender pronouns or tribal affiliations in email signatures, according to Inside Higher Ed. Most recently, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Board of Trustees voted last month to shift $2.3 million of DEI spending toward public safety and policing on campus. Then, the entire UNC System Board of Governors voted to abolish DEI policies in place since 2019 at all 17 of its campuses. A chilling effect Many of the efforts to roll back DEI initiatives in states have the same roots as a campaign against critical race theory spearheaded by Seattle documentary filmmaker Christopher Rufo, who in 2020 elevated a once-obscure theory about the pervasiveness of racism in American law and institutions to a household term. Often, efforts to undo DEI initiatives argue that students especially white students are harmed by learning about the history of racism in the United States because it may leave them feeling guilty or ashamed of their identity. Multiple states, including North Dakota, have adopted near-identical language in anti-DEI legislation that bans instruction that might prompt a person to feel discomfort, guilt, anguish, or another form of psychological distress solely because of the individuals race or sex. In April, polling by NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist found that 77% of Republicans say they believe that discrimination against white people is as problematic as discrimination against Black Americans. Anti-DEI laws have had a chilling effect on higher education wherever theyve been enacted, said Irene Mulvey, the president of the American Association of University Professors, a nonprofit membership association of faculty and other academic professionals. The laws are deliberately vague so that professors have to be constantly thinking, If I say this, will I be breaking the law? Will I lose my job or be arrested by the government if I say this in my classroom? Mulvey said. I mean, thats where we are in America in 2024. These are the worries faculty have in an authoritarian society, and they have no place in a democracy. At the University of Texas, anti-DEI legislation led the system to eliminate 300 positions recently and to cut diversity training programs at multiple campuses. What were seeing now is nobodys helped when these offices are closed or programs are shut down, no ones better off. Irene Mulvey, American Association of University Professors president The situation is similar in Florida, said Paul Ortiz, a professor of history and a union leader at the University of Florida. Hes leaving the school after 15 years for a position at Cornell University in New York. The fallout from the states DEI policies wasnt the only reason hes leaving he got a great job offer but it contributed to his decision, Ortiz said. To pretend that its not having an effect on the cultural and intellectual life of the state is the worst thing of all, Ortiz said. Im hoping the pendulum is going to swing back. Students are the real losers, Mulvey said. At the University of Oklahoma, for example, Republican Gov. Kevin Stitts executive order ending DEI programs in state offices and agencies effectively shuttered the National Education for Womens Leadership program. The program encourages undergraduate women to engage in politics and public policy. Since its founding in 2002, more than 650 students have attended. Stitt told the Oklahoma Voice that his executive order was about race, not the womens leadership program, and called the backlash against his policy political criticism. What were seeing now is nobodys helped when these offices are closed or programs are shut down, no ones better off, Mulvey said. Were having watered-down discussions and anodyne classes because faculty without tenure are afraid of losing their job if they say the wrong thing or if someone takes it out of context or tapes them and puts it online. DEI statements DEI statements in university hiring have been one of the easiest targets nationwide, in part because theres less support for them even among more progressive educators who support wider DEI initiatives. Editorial boards and columnists at outlets as varied as The Washington Post, The Chronicle of Higher Education and the New York Post have railed against diversity statements, saying they too often result in self-censorship and ideological policing on college campuses. Many elite universities, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard, have reconsidered DEI statements as a requirement of employment applications. At best, critics argue, theyre boilerplate that echoes what employers want to hear, rendering them useless. At their worst, they serve as ideological litmus tests. We can build an inclusive environment in many ways, but compelled statements impinge on freedom of expression, and they dont work, MIT President Sally Kornbluth said in a statement to WBUR in May, confirming the universitys new approach. But DEI statements have their defenders. Suzanne Penuel, an associate professor who teaches first-year literature and writing at the University of South Carolina Lancaster, said she witnessed how high-quality DEI statements set job candidates apart when she served on the hiring committee for a position teaching American history. Nearly all academic applicants have polished curriculum vitae, impeccable recommendations and pitch-perfect cover letters, she wrote in an op-ed in The State. Their DEI statements gave them personality, Penuel said in an interview. It was easier to tell which applicants would take a student-centered approach to their work; one applicant wrote that the textbooks used in the schools history courses ought to be free, an interpretation that the hiring committee viewed as an inclusive approach to education. She worries that the assault on already slim DEI initiatives in South Carolina is a continuation of a trend that began with a 2021 legislative requirement that all college students be taught certain aspects of American history, and a proposed state-level ban on some books in elementary schools. I hope I never see the day when there is this prescribed list of texts from a narrow list of publishers, and only some topics can be discussed, Penuel said. In Utah, where Democrats hold just 14 of the 75 seats in the state House of Representatives, Romero fought unsuccessfully to keep the anti-DEI legislation from passing. Her reasons for opposing the legislation were partly personal. As a first-generation college student at the University of Utah, she took advantage of what was then called the Center for Ethnic Student Affairs, an academic advising center that could now be considered a DEI initiative. It was a safe place in a state where the dominant religion and culture often excludes people of color, Romero said. Because of her association with the center, Romero landed an internship at the state legislature in 1994, leading to a career working in municipal government in Salt Lake City. And now, she serves as president of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators. Because of that, Im here now, Romero said on the House floor when the bill was up for debate. What it did is it addressed the disparities. Theres unintentional consequences when we just try to sweep things and say were all the same, because were not. Theres still a lot of things that have to change in this country for us all to be on a level playing field. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE This report was first published by Stateline, part of the States Newsroom nonprofit news network. Its supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and X. The post Backlash against diversity, equity and inclusion spreads to more states appeared first on Louisiana Illuminator. BBC News Anchor Shaken By Death Threat, Detailing Bullet That Would Be Used On Him One of the UKs most established newsreaders and journalists Clive Myrie has revealed the toll of being a prominent and recognisable figure, including receiving information of a death threat against him which contained details of the bullet that would be used. Myrie, who has been a news journalist for the BBC for three decades told the Desert Island Discs radio show that he had previously been sent faeces and cards with gorillas. And one death threat involved talking about the kind of bullet hed use in the gun to kill me and this kind of stuff. More from Deadline He revealed: I was shaken for a while. I thought its just someone showboating, its just bravado. Then they tracked down this character and it turned out he had previous convictions for firearms offences. So I thought, Oh, my God, what, if anything, might this person have been planning? Although Myrie didnt name the perpetrator, a right-wing extremist was later jailed for 18 months for abusing and threatening the presenter, as well as targeting F1 driver Lewis Hamilton and racing commentator Jack Nicholls. Myrie added that the emotional impact of his work, including reporting from Ukraine, took its personal toll: It feels as if the pain of others, the regrets, the longing, the sadness affects me more. I havent got used to it, thats the thing. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. As we head into a new week, let's take a look at the news from this past week. Were you born between 1981 and 1996? If so, according to most sources, that makes you a millennial. And if you're one who grew up in SouthCoast, you can't relate to glory day accounts of things like old Lincoln Park or drive-in movie dates. However, you've probably noticed at this point there's no shortage of bygone businesses to be nostalgic over, as the list keeps growing through the years. As a generation's formative memories and the places they were made continue to fall back further into local history, join us as we recall a few lost gems that are not to be forgotten. Just moments after falling to top-seeded Oakmont Regional 5-1 in the MIAA Div. 3 state semifinal on Wednesday night, longtime Apponequet baseball coach Jim Cabucio stood in front of his players at Haverhill Stadium and told them to hold their heads up high. Getting here is hard to do, he said. You should be proud. The No. 4 Lakers made history this year, becoming just the second team in the programs 65-year history to reach a state semifinal and the first since 2011. The last time Lucas Tremblay had the winning RBI in walk-off fashion, it was to give the Freetown-Lakeville Youth Baseball team a berth in the 2019 Cal Ripken World Series. This time Tremblay helped Apponequet punch a ticket to the MIAA Division 3 Final Four. Keep up with high school sports with scores, game highlights, and Player of the Week voting at https://www.southcoasttoday.com/sports. Here are the most-read stories of the week on southcoasttoday.com: The first night of the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament held at Madeira Field in New Bedford. Summer is just around the corner and with it comes a plethora of exciting festivals and major events in the vibrant city of New Bedford. From savory seafood to lively cultural celebrations, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The events include NB Roots & Branches on July 20, as well as the always fun Whaling City Festival July 11-14 and the 108th annual Celebration of the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament August 1-4. Summer fun: 12 major New Bedford area events & festivals to attend: Here's the when and where for 2024 MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng speaks at a public meeting on the progress of South Coast Rail at Bristol Community College in Fall River on June 13, 2024. Those who've been waiting for South Coast Rail will have to continue waiting almost another year before they can ride the rails. At a public meeting hosted by the MBTA at Bristol Community College on Thursday afternoon, General Manager Phillip Eng unveiled a revised timetable for South Coast Rail service to finally accept passengers: May 2025. The latest delay pushes departure times far beyond the MBTAs initially promised start date of late 2023. Snail rail: 'MBTA owes this region an apology': South Coast Rail start is delayed another year A fishing boat makes its way past Fort Rodman and the Buttler Flats lighthouse as seen from the top of one of the two 80 (260') tall wind turbines in Fairhaven, MA. It has been 20 years since Fairhaven voters amended the towns bylaws in May 2004 to allow for the siting of commercial and municipal wind facilities. The project was put out for bid in the spring of 2006, and awarded to CCI Energy, part of a group of local developers that also included Palmer Capital and Solaya Energy. A majority of residents at a Special Town Meeting ultimately voted to proceed, the project then went through a series of permitting hearings requiring abutter notification, and the turbines began operating in 2012. Windfall: Fairhaven Wind turbines still benefit the town: What to know in 60 seconds The company that owns the Dartmouth Mall has emerged successfully from voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time in four years. The company that owns the Dartmouth Mall has emerged successfully from voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time in four years. Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust, or PREIT, which is headquartered in Philadelphia, announced the second bankruptcy filing in December 2023, noting there would be no interruption to services. The company announced that it had successfully emerged from the second bankruptcy in April. Emerge: Dartmouth Mall owner says company stronger after emerging from 2nd voluntary bankruptcy Whaling City Jr./Sr. High School 2024 graduates are seen at their commencement ceremony on Wednesday, June 5. The grads had the option to also walk at the New Bedford High School graduation on Saturday, June 8, at Keith Middle School. Graduation season is always an exciting time in school districts, as students prepare to embark on their first steps after high school. In New Bedford, there's some extra cause for celebration this year, as Whaling City Jr./Sr. High School New Bedford's so-called "alternative" high school commenced its largest graduating class ever. "'Alternative' has such a negative connotation," said Whaling City Principal John Tweedie. "Really, in my mind, it makes more sense to call us a 'pathway school.'" Great rate: Whaling City High's class of 2024 had the highest graduation rate in the school's history. This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Top stories: New Bedford area fun, South Coast Rail delayed Beijing uses panda diplomacy to repair ties with Australia Wang Wang, one of the giant pandas at Adelaide Zoo, came out to meet the Chinese premier on his visit - Asanka Ratnayake/AFP via Getty Images Australia and China have moved to stabilise their relationship after years of strained relations with the help of panda diplomacy. In a visit to Adelaide Zoo, Li Qiang, the Chinese premier, promised to send two more giant pandas to replace Wang Wang and Fu Ni, which have lived there for the past 15 years and were due to return home later this year. Mr Lis pledge was made during a four-day visit to Australia aimed at bolstering trade and political ties. Members of the Chinese delegation accompanying Li Qiang to Adelaide Zoo take photos of Wang Wang - Asanka Ratnayake/Pool Photo via AP It is the first visit by a Chinese premier since 2017 and follows several years of strained relations between the two countries, culminating in costly sanctions on some Australian exports including wine. Political ties worsened in the wake of Chinese expansionism in the South China Sea and a number of military confrontations. In an incident in international waters off the coast of North Korea last month, an Australian naval helicopter was forced to take evasive action after a Chinese military jet detonated flares nearby. Anthony Albanese, the Australian PM, branded the episode as dangerous and demanded that such behaviour should not happen again. Nations back on track Beijings criticism of the AUKUS deal between. Britain, the United States and Australia, has also dampened relations. During his visit, Mr Li declared that the two nations were now back on track after a period of twists and turns. A more mature, stable and fruitful comprehensive strategic partnership will be as treasure shared by the people of both countries, he added. Peter Malinauskas, the premier of South Australia, and Li Qiang, the Chinese premier, listen to a ranger at Adelaide Zoo as Wang Wang the panda chews on a box - Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images The Chinese premier will hold talks with Mr Albanese in Canberra on Monday and will make an address during a lunch at Parliament House. The meeting is expected to cover Beijings human rights record, Taiwan, and remaining trade bans on the export of Australian lobsters and beef. Mr Li is expected to receive a mixed reception in Canberra with protests being planned by human rights activists at the same time as pro-China supporters line the route from his hotel. Police have erected barricades to keep the sides apart. Don Farrell, the Australian trade minister, has dismissed suggestions that the government is kowtowing to China. We havent kowtowed at all, he said in an interview on Australias Sky News. Weve continued to represent our national interest and our national security. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Bernie Sanders to grill Novo Nordisk CEO on why weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy can cost up to 15 times more in US Bernie Sanders to grill Novo Nordisk CEO on why weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy can cost up to 15 times more in US Bernie Sanders said the CEO of Novo Nordisk will testify on the cost of Ozempic and Wegovy. Lars Jrgensen will appear before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Sanders, who chairs the committee, said the hearing would focus on the "outrageously high cost" of the drugs. US Senator Bernie Sanders has announced that the CEO of Danish drug company Novo Nordisk will testify on the high cost of the weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy. Lars Jrgensen will appear on a solo panel before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) in September, according to a press release. The hearing will focus on what was described in the press release as the "outrageously high cost" of the drugs, which have soared in popularity over the last year. Sanders thanked the CEO for volunteering to testify and said a vote on whether to subpoena Novo Nordisk to answer questions about the drugs' pricing would be canceled. "The American people are sick and tired of paying, by far, the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs," Sanders continued. "Novo Nordisk currently charges Americans with Type 2 diabetes $969 a month for Ozempic, while this same exact drug can be purchased for just $155 in Canada and just $59 in Germany." "Novo Nordisk also charges Americans with obesity $1,349 a month for Wegovy, while this same exact product can be purchased for just $140 in Germany and $92 in the United Kingdom," he went on. "The Committee looks forward to Mr. Jrgensen explaining why Americans are paying up to ten or 15 times more for these medications than people in other countries." Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-VT) questions witnesses during a hearing on March 14, 2024 in Washington DC. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Sanders had previously written to Jrgensen in April to inform him that HELP was investigating the costs of Ozempic and Wegovy. He said those involved in the development of the drugs deserved "great credit" and that they could be a "game changer" for US citizens dealing with obesity or diabetes. But he noted that the drugs were unaffordable to many, despite studies suggesting that they are priced far higher than their production costs. An investigative analysis published in JAMA Network Open found that supplies of drugs like semaglutide the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy that helps people feel full by mimicking the hormone GLP-1 could cost less than a dollar to produce. Novo Nordisk issued a response to Sanders in May, claiming it retained around 60% of the list price of Ozempic and Wegovy in the US after rebates and fees paid to middlemen, Bloomberg reported. The company said it was prepared to work with lawmakers to tackle "systemic issues so that everyone who can benefit from its medicines is able to get them." It noted that it expected net prices of the drugs to continue to fall. Earlier this week, a top UK doctor warned people against using drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy to get "beach body ready" for summer. Speaking at the National Health Service (NHS) Confederation conference, NHS England medical director Stephen Powis said: "We know these new drugs will be a powerful part of our arsenal dealing with obesity, but they should not be abused. Buying medication online without a doctor's supervision can lead to complications and dangerous consequences." Read the original article on Business Insider An MSNBC host said President Biden has been playing chess while former President Trump is playing hungry, hungry hippo. MSNBC host Alicia Menendez, along with co-hosts Michael Steele and Symone Sanders-Townsend, praised Biden for his meetings with world leaders over the last week as he concluded the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Italy. Lincoln Project co-founder Reed Galen and Politicos Eugene Daniels also appeared on MSNBCs The Weekend on Saturday, where they both suggested that the White House wanted to show off Bidens leadership on the global scale. Its amazing because you think about the fact that the president is playing chess, and the former president at best is playing, like, hungry, hungry hippo,' Menendez said when talking about Bidens world trips. Sanders-Townsend then suggested that Trump was playing Uno, saying that someone keeps giving him draw four. Her comments were met with laughter from the other co-hosts and guests. We keep talking about the split screens that have happened. Again, much for everyone thats saying, Oh, Joe Biden seems a little too old. I dont know about you, but from France, doing all these things, coming back to America, going back out to the G7 in Italy. Now hes on his way to LA right now as we speak, to do another event, she said. And I dont know where Donald Trump has been. Oh, oh. Yes, I do know where hes been: railing, railing against the machine on a stage. The split screen here is something that should not be taken lightly, Sanders-Townsend added. Biden traveled to Italy for the G7 summit just days after returning to the United States from a trip to Normandy, France, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. He then attended a star-studded gala in Los Angeles on Saturday night that raised more than $30 million for his campaign, according to The Associated Press. The Hill has reached out to the Biden and Trump campaigns for comment. Copyright 2024 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. Former President Donald Trump on Saturday told a predominantly Black church in Detroit that migrants were "taking your jobs" and pledged to revitalize the city's auto industry by slapping tariffs on imports. He also claimed to be the best president for Blacks since Abraham Lincoln, though it wasn't immediately clear what he was referring to. When he was in the White House he wanted to call out the military against Black Lives Matter protesters and "shoot them in the legs or something," reported his Defense Secretary Mark Esper. The presumptive Republican nominee against President Joe Biden also said that crime was "most rampant here, in African-American communities" before saying the "Black population wants law enforcement more than any others," Reuters reported. Trump's visit to the 180 Church reportedly drew a mix of local residents and die-hard supporters, with some commenters on social media noting the number of white people visible in cellphone video recordings of the event. It also came after he called the Motor City "totally corrupt" and "crooked as hell" while claiming the 2020 election results there against him were the result of fraud. During a forum moderated by U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, a potential Trump running mate, the former president said the influx of migrants into the country had harmed Black Americans. "They're coming into your community, and they're taking your jobs," he said. "We have to get them out." The church's senior pastor, Lorenzo Sewell, credited Trump for showing up by comparing him to America's first Black president, Barack Obama. "President Obama never came to the 'hood,'" Sewell said. "So, thank you." Trump has been attempting to increase his appeal to Black voters, including by highlighting the unprecedented criminal charges lodged against him in four jurisdictions. "When I did the mug shot in Atlanta, that mug shot is No. 1," he told a group of Black Republicans in South Carolina in February. "You know who embraced it more than anyone else? The Black population." Last month, Trump was convicted on all counts in the Stormy Daniels "hush money" case and faces sentencing on July 11, days before the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. President Biden and first lady Jill Biden marked Eid al-Adha with a message of support for American Muslims on Sunday. Eid al-Adha is the second major holiday of Islam, usually consisting of prayer and a communal feast marking remembrance and sacrifice. It is also the most common time for the Hajj pilgrimage to the Islamic holy city of Mecca. The Hajj and Eid al-Adha remind us of our equality before God and the importance of community and charity values that speak directly to the American character, Biden said in a statement. The United States is blessed to be home to millions of American Muslims who enrich our nation in countless ways, from medicine to technology, education, public service, the arts, and beyond. The president also used the occasion to remark on the Israel-Hamas war, which has raised tensions among both Muslims and Jews in the U.S., with hate crimes against both groups increasing in the last year. This year, Eid al-Adha comes at a difficult time for many Muslims around the world. In Gaza, innocent civilians are suffering the horrors of the war between Hamas and Israel, Biden said. My Administration is doing everything we can to bring an end to the war, free all hostages, deliver humanitarian relief, and work toward a future two-state solution, which I continue to believe is the only way to achieve a lasting peace for Palestinians and Israelis. He also remarked on the need to resolve conflicts in Sudan and work against the persecution of Muslims in Myanmar and China. Thats why Im committed to addressing the scourge of Islamophobia in the United States, Biden said. Hate has no place in America, whether it is targeted at American Muslims, Arab Americans including Palestinians, or anyone else. In the spirit of Eid al-Adha, let us all renew our commitment to values that unite us compassion, empathy, and mutual respect which are both American and Islamic, he continued. We look forward to welcoming home our American Muslim pilgrims who have earned the title Al-Hajj. To them and all Muslims across the globe, we wish you a blessed and meaningful holiday. Eid Mubarak! Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President Joe Biden and company made a sharp rebuke of Donald Trump during a star-studded fundraiser in Los Angeles. On Saturday, the commander in chief was joined by former President Barack Obama and comedian-slash-Trump critic Jimmy Kimmel onstage at downtown LAs Peacock Theater, where they made a strong case for a second Biden term in office. I could have done nothing and done better than him, Biden said at the start of the event, per The Hollywood Reporter. Were trying to give ordinary people a chance, just a chance. Biden continued to remind the audience of Trumps failures, later adding, Look, hes the only president other than Herbert Hoover who lost more jobs than he started off with. He has increased the national debt by a trillion dollars. He provided a $2 trillion tax cut for [the super wealthy], which did nothing but increase the debt and impact ordinary people, their ability to function and grow. I dont see anything hes done that hasnt been centered on what is good from his perspective for him. President Joe Biden laughs with former President Barack Obama during a campaign fundraiser in Los Angeles on Saturday. The event raised $30 million for the Democrat's reelection campaign in just one night. MANDEL NGAN via Getty Images Elsewhere in the conversation, Obama called out the tumult Trump has caused with his litany of legal problems, his refusal to accept the rule of law and general lack of decorum. Look, part of what has happened in the last several years is weve normalized behavior that used to be disqualified, he said. There was a time when we had certain core values that we agreed with. We believed in basic honesty, Obama went on. We believed in paying your taxes. We believed in making sure that we didnt make fun of [prisoners of war], that we did not try to politicize our military, that we respected the ballot. The event, attended by George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Barbra Streisand and Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.), was able to raise a record-breaking $30 million in campaign contributions in just one night. Visit The Hollywood Reporter for a complete rundown of the event. Related... When President Joe Bidens massive climate bill passed Congress in 2022, Republican Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina complained it was boondoggle. The Inflation Reduction Act, which contained the largest climate investment in US history, would throw money at woke climate and social programs that wont work including over $350 billion for Green New Deal initiatives, Hudson said in a statement after IRAs passage. But Hudson now the head of House Republicans campaign committee is one of the members of Congress whose district has benefitted the most from the climate law and its massive investment in clean energy. About $12.7 billion in private investment has been announced in Hudsons district since the bill passed, the second-highest amount in the nation. Much of it is from Toyota expanding a gargantuan car battery plant that has tripled in size since it was first announced. The factory will span the length of 756 football fields and will spur 5,100 new jobs, the company estimates. Hudson isnt alone. House Republicans uniformly voted against the IRA in August 2022 and have voted to repeal some of its biggest programs dozens of times, but their districts are disproportionately reaping its benefits. The vast majority of the $346-billion-worth of announced investments nearly 78% has gone to Republican congressional districts, according to a CNN analysis of data from the nonpartisan Rhodium Group and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Its much more Republican-skewed at the congressional district level than at the state level, Trevor Houser, partner at Rhodium, told CNN. In a green twist of irony, the deluge of cash into red districts could actually save the climate law from total repeal if Republicans and former President Donald Trump win later this year. Hudson was measured in his criticism when CNN asked him if he would vote to fully repeal the climate law if Republicans win control. He told CNN he wasnt aware of the specific numbers in his district, and said that instead of seeking a full repeal, he would seek targeted changes. I think the experience with the [Affordable Care Act] tells us that rather than try to repeal one big bill with another big bill, we ought to look at the individual policies and the ones that we think are hurting American people, Hudson told CNN. Republican districts are awash in climate investment In states including Georgia, Arizona and Texas, House Republicans are seeing a deluge of cash and jobs flowing into their districts as companies use clean energy tax credits to construct factories to build EVs and their batteries, and as massive wind, solar, hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel projects come online. In Georgias 11th district, Rep. Barry Loudermilk has touted the construction of a massive EV battery factory by Hyundai and SK Battery America, which is projected to create more than 3,500 jobs. The factory comprises nearly 70% of the $7.4 billion that has flowed into his district. Its an unbelievable advancement, the new battery plant is just unbelievably large, said Loudermilk. Nationwide, about $268 billion in announced investments has gone to Republican-held districts, compared with about $77 billion going to Democratic districts. Democratic Rep. Troy Carter of Louisiana has around $13.2 billion flowing into his district the most in the nation. Carters district, which snakes from Baton Rouge to New Orleans, is benefiting from several companies investing in hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel and carbon capture industries related to Louisianas proximity to oil and gas. Louisiana, once solely reliant on oil and gas extraction, has the workers and infrastructure to lead the nation in the green energy transition which will lead to good-paying careers at home, Carter said in a statement, adding his state is benefitting greatly both from private and public investment from the law. Republican districts round out the top five with the largest sums in private investment. Hudson comes in at number two, and the remaining three of the top five districts are in Texas: Reps. Michael Cloud, August Pfluger and Randy Weber. The big projects in each Texas district run the gamut from Teslas massive lithium refinery being constructed in Clouds south Texas district, dozens of wind, solar and battery storage projects, and sustainable aviation fuel and hydrogen facilities. The reason so much private money has flowed to Republican districts is simple, according to Rhodiums Houser: They have more land. Hyundai's electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant under construction in Ellabell, Georgia, on August 17, 2023. - Stephen B. Morton/Bloomberg/Getty Images Republican districts tend to be more rural, Houser said. Its very hard to build large industrial facilities in dense urban areas. Comparatively, Rhodium and MITs data shows that retail sales of EVs and rooftop solar panels are stronger in Democratic districts (heat pumps are more popular in red districts due to their prolific use in the South). In addition, Republican states have laxer labor laws and several states, including Georgia, have put together enticing state tax packages to lure big companies. Thats where the pro-business policies are, Loudermilk said. Theyre going to areas that are welcome for growth and have limited obsessive regulation. Why Republicans may not kill the climate law after all The cash advantage in GOP districts may ultimately protect Bidens climate law, even if Republicans sweep the election. I think the odds of complete repeal, even in the Republican trifecta, are very low, Houser said. House Republicans have tried to repeal big pieces of the IRA several times, including voting to cut billions in tax subsidies. Those attempts havent gone anywhere in the Democratically controlled Senate. Were seeing a number of elected officials who decided they would vote against the IRA, and now theyre seeing the benefits delivering for their constituents, they are celebrating those benefits, White House deputy chief of staff Natalie Quillian told CNN. Because who wouldnt celebrate more jobs, billions of dollars in investments in your community? Quillian said the White House takes the threat of repealing Bidens climate bill very seriously. We take them at their word that they want to repeal this, Quillian said. Our job is to make sure that these investments land and then they stick. Despite their partys repeal attempts, some Republicans are working closely with clean energy companies in their districts to ensure new factories and jobs stick around for the long haul. We are very well taken care of by our representatives in the Georgia government, and by our local representatives, said Scott Moskowitz, the head of public affairs and market strategy at QCells North America, which is building a $2 billion solar panel manufacturing facility in Loudermilks district. Congressman Loudermilk has been vocally supportive of what were doing and he recognizes its going to take a lot of tools for these critical industries to succeed longterm. Several House Republicans CNN interviewed didnt commit to backing a full repeal, but said they wanted to pare back elements of the law. For instance, Cloud, the Texas Republican whose district has seen nearly $9.8 billion announced investment, said he wants to put caps on the laws clean energy tax credits, because the federal price tag has ballooned well beyond original estimates due to their popularity with businesses and consumers. Rep. Michael Cloud, a Texas Republican, as seen nearly $9.8 billion in announced clean energy investment in his district. - Getty Images Even the authors of the bill have said, that was kind of an oversight not to put a cap on, Cloud said, adding that IRAs vast subsidies are distorting the economy. I have talked to companies that have actually changed their business model to go after it, Cloud said. Loudermilk, the Georgia Republican, told CNN hes intent on repealing parts of the IRA, concerned the law is trying to force a technology before its mature enough. Some companies, aware of potentially shifting political winds, told CNN theyre making investment decisions in clean energy based on broader market demand. Incentives can be helpful but are often temporary or subject to changing political dynamics, Susan Elkington, Toyotas senior vice president of electric vehicle supply, told CNN in an emailed statement. Rep. John Curtis, a Republican from Utah and founder of the Conservative Climate Caucus, said that even though the GOP opposed the partisan reconciliation process used to pass the IRA, the bill contains many things that Republicans like. Its a bit of a false narrative that youre 100% in or 100% out on the IRA, Curtis said. I do think its a legitimate point that as these investments come into Republican districts, that makes it easier for Republicans to not necessarily support but see the impact of those. Curtis, who is running for US Senate in Utah, said he thinks if Republicans take control in 2025, theyd pursue more limited rollbacks to the law, rather than full-scale repeal. Bob Keefe, executive director of clean energy group E2, said the law is already transformative for state and local economies. Those opportunities would not exist without the IRA, regardless of what opponents of the IRA would say about it, Keefe said. It just wouldnt have happened. This is how you rebuild an economy. About this analysis: There are several data sets that track IRA investments in congressional districts, all of which differ slightly. CNN went with Rhodium and MIT data because it only includes projects that have at least entered final engineering and design or final site selection. It excludes projects where companies made initial announcements but then backed out of projects. This choice results in a higher likelihood the projects in our analysis will get built. CNNs Lauren Fox contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Back when Congress was taken seriously, threats to disrupt government policies or punish states and federal agencies for doing their jobs would have been big news. Now, furious warnings of partisan retaliation for former President Donald Trumps conviction on 34 felony counts are seen, correctly, as predictable election-year bloviating by Republicans anxious to one-up each other in demonstrating puppy-like devotion to their partys soon-to-be nominee for the White House. Fortunately for the country, Trump and his GOP sycophants can only threaten political reprisal at least, at this point. Former President Donald Trump raises his fist as he departs the Capitol Hill Club after meeting with congressional House Republicans on June 13, 2024, in Washington, D.C. After Inauguration Day in January, they might be able to carry out some of those get-even plans. For now, its politically expedient for Trump allies to thunder from the pulpits of House and Senate pressrooms about a rigged system. But its not good for a judicial branch needing public confidence that everyone is equal before the law. Soon after a New York jury delivered its verdict on Trump, more than a dozen U.S. senators Republicans, naturally swore political vengeance. They said theyll effectively stop congressional action on, well, just about anything important. Not that Congress had been accomplishing a whole lot already. The White House has made a mockery of the rule of law and fundamentally altered our politics in un-American ways. As a Senate Republican conference, we are unwilling to aid and abet this White House in its project to tear this country apart, eight senators wrote to the White House. A few more signed on to the protest within a couple days. To that end, we will not 1) allow any increase in non-security related funding for this administration, or any appropriations bill which funds partisan lawfare; 2) vote to confirm this administrations political and judicial appointees; and 3) allow expedited consideration and passage of Democrat legislation or authorities that are not relevant to the safety of the American people, the missive continued. Floridas Republican senators, Rick Scott and Marco Rubio, were among members signing onto the threat. Across the Capitol, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., called Trumps conviction an emergency and said the U.S. Supreme Court should intervene with some sort of reprieve. That would certainly be a novel approach to appellate law why wait for Trumps petition to wend its way through lower courts when the justices could just reach down and scoop up this one because this guy is special. And never mind that Equal Justice Under the Law inscription above the high courts portico. One Florida state lawmaker proposed banning state employees from traveling to the Big Apple for official business an economic boycott to show those Yankees they cant treat Palm Beach Countys most famous resident like that. At least thered be some misguided precedent for that. A few years ago, California ordered its state workers to stay out of Florida because of some laws Gov. Ron DeSantis had signed. Even a Democrat, U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota, got involved. He called New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to short-circuit the whole thing and pardon Trump. Phillips, who briefly challenged President Joe Biden in this years primaries because he thought the president will lose to Trump, had a sound non-judicial reason for his idea if Trump looks like a martyr, it helps him win. President Joe Biden talks with his son Hunter Biden upon arriving in New Castle, Del., on June 11, 2024. Earlier that Tuesday, a jury convicted the younger Biden of federal gun charges, a historic first for the offspring of a sitting president. Hey, maybe both sides should have pre-emptive pardons. New York could let Trump go and the feds would drop Hunter Bidens charges. The two trials have some similarities, as neither man would be in court except for his famous name, and nobody ever goes to trial on the kind of stuff they did. (A federal jury convicted Hunter Biden last week on gun charges.) Taking the GOP senators letter seriously is like tying your shoe while walking. It probably can be done if youre willing to assume a ridiculous position and accomplish next to nothing. Scot fancies himself the next Senate GOP leader and Rubio could be on Trumps vice-presidential list, and both went to law school. But they might really think the White House has made a mockery of the rule of law in Trumps case. Still, theres no proof of Joe Bidens involvement except that Trump says so. As for blocking judicial appointments or major legislation, the summer congressional recess and political conventions are not far off. So, there wont be a whole lot of important business done before the elections. Of course, Trumps trials are political. So was Hunter Bidens trial, and those of U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., and U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, who are facing various charges. These are political people, and politics colors everything they do, everything done to them. Bill Cotterell Bill Cotterell is a retired Capitol reporter for United Press International and the Tallahassee Democrat. He writes a weekly column for The News Service of Florida and City & State Florida. He can be reached at wrcott43@aol.com. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Send letters to the editor (up to 200 words) or Your Turn columns (about 500 words) to letters@tallahassee.com. Please include your address for verification purposes only, and if you send a Your Turn, also include a photo and 1-2 line bio of yourself. You can also submit anonymous Zing!s at Tallahassee.com/Zing. Submissions are published on a space-available basis. All submissions may be edited for content, clarity and length, and may also be published by any part of the USA TODAY NETWORK. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Bill Cotterell: Kicking courts around is cheap politics (PUEBLO, Colo.) After a swimmer was reported missing, a team of Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) rangers and Pueblo County Sheriffs Office (PCSO) divers found a body Saturday night, June 15, off the north shore of Lake Pueblo State Park. CPW received a call for help around 8:15 p.m. and initiated a search using a sonar device and an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV), equipped with lights and a camera, and PCSO volunteer divers were called to assist. The search started off the Sailboard Beach area, west of the dam, where witnesses said the swimmer went missing. Over the next three hours, the rangers and divers searched a grid pattern, investigating several objects found underwater. Finally, around 11 p.m., the body was located about 75 feet from the shore in water about six feet deep. The team recovered the body and turned it over to the Pueblo County Coroner to identify the body, identify the official cause of death, and notify relatives. Offering condolences to the victims loved ones, Lake Pueblo State Park Manager, Joe Stadterman said, They have our deepest sympathies. We hate seeing a life lost so tragically. This is another sad example of the importance of wearing life jackets when you are in or even near the water. According to CPWs unofficial estimate, this is the 17th water-related death in Colorado in 2024, after 32 in 2023. The record for water-related deaths is 42 in 2022. Copyright 2024 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 FOX21 News Colorado. I was born blind and with cerebral palsy. My dad raised me alone and fought for me to have everything I needed. The author remembers all the things her dad did for her before his death. Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images My dad raised me alone in the Bronx in the 90s. He told me I was not only his daughter, but also his best friend. He died when I was 11 , and every Father's Day I think of him and try to celebrate who he was. For years Father's Day was a sad holiday for me. My dad raised me in the Bronx as a single parent in the 90's. Even harder than raising a child alone were my medical issues. I was born partially blind and with cerebral palsy. Now, at 33, I realize the depth of responsibility he'd embraced. For years, I pondered how different my life would be if he didn't pass away three days after my 11th birthday. "You're not just my daughter you're my best friend," he said one evening while pushing me in a stroller to the grocery store. Despite his parents' divorce, he had strong family values thanks to his Polish upbringing. Raised in Manhattan, John was a hippie in 70's while completing a bachelor's degree in philosophy. He met my mom when he was 35 and soon after I was born. He fought for me To tackle the complications of my disability, he made difficult decisions. After learning about my diagnosis when I didn't reach the milestone of walking, Dad gave consent for a surgery to correct my posture. He enrolled me in a specialized hospital Blythedale, in Valhalla, far away from our apartment. I received a peak level of specialized physical therapy that allowed me to walk with my knees bent through the help of a support cane. Quickly, he realized the education provided by the hospital was less than average. The author when she was a child with her dad and grandmother. Courtesy of the author Against professional advice and threats of losing parental custody during an ongoing court battle against my mother, Dad took me out of the children's hospital. I became the first disabled student to attend Our Lady of Angels Catholic school in the Bronx. He took me to outpatient PT three times a week. When I was 8 I had a kindergarten reading level. I soon caught up to my appropriate grade level, gained more confidence during interactions with the other children, and learned self-discipline. He died and I was adopted Unfortunately, my father lost custody of me and two years later he died. I stayed in foster care where I was eventually adopted at 16. As I grew older, I held onto the memory of my father and the life we'd shared. I found solace while spending time with my best friend in the area we grew up in as a teenager, overcome with pride when a local store owner called me "John's daughter." In my 20s, while requesting documentation of my adoption at The Bronx courthouse, I met a woman who remembered my name. She'd worked on behalf of the court during my parent's custody battle, and never forgot my story. She said that she felt my father was treated unfairly because he was a man seeking custody of his daughter. She noted that despite my mother's own struggle with substances and a documented diagnosis of bipolar disorder, the court continuously granted her grace. Also, seeing first-hand how much my dad fought for me made an imprint on her. I left the short interaction with a new outlook. It was a liberating to gain validation from a stranger who didn't have a stake in my story. Now, when Father's Day arrives, the sadness I once felt has been replaced with admiration. Over time, I've realized how lucky I was to have him, even for a short time. Instead of mourning his loss, I try to commemorate the role he chose to take on. Whatever struggles I face, his unconditional love sparks my resilience and I try to do good in the world with all the strength that he gave me. Read the original article on Business Insider Boston police looking to identify suspect in connection to larceny in the South End Boston police are looking to identify a suspect in connection to a larceny in the South End. According to police, an individual stole a suitcase around 8:55 p.m. on June 2 outside of 480 Harrison Ave. Police released a photo of the suspect who is wearing a black shirt and dark-colored pants. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact District D-4 Detectives at (617) 343-5619. 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 WARREN COUNTY, Ky. (WKRN) A driver was killed in a Friday night collision between his SUV and a tree in Southern Kentucky, according to officials. The Warren County Sheriffs Office said it responded to a single-vehicle crash in the 7600 block of Woodburn Allen Springs Road shortly before 10 p.m. on Friday, June 14. Body of infant found in search for baby Miya, Kentucky State Police say When deputies arrived, they said CPR was in progress, but the driver identified as 33-year-old James Edward Gregory of Bowling Green was pronounced dead at the scene. Nobody else was inside the vehicle at the time of the collision. According to authorities, the preliminary investigation indicates Gregorys 2013 Ford Edge was heading westbound on Highway 240 when it went off the right side of the road, traveled across a yard, and hit a tree. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Officials said alcohol and speed factored into the crash. The sheriffs office said the Plano Volunteer Fire Department, the Bowling Green Medical Center, and the Warren County coroner provided assistance at the scene. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. British tourists may face lie detector tests when trying to enter EU The new biometric recognition system operating at Barcelona Airport - David Zorrakino/Europa Press via Getty British holidaymakers could soon face lie detector tests when entering European Union countries with artificial intelligence software set to flag any suspicious tourists to immigration officers. Checks are reportedly set to come into force at airports and ferry terminals as the EU tightens borders post-Brexit. Artificial intelligence software which analyses facial movements and body gestures as passengers fill in application forms have already been trialled, according to The Mail on Sunday. If the technology picks up signs of deceit or suspicious activity, then an immigration officer would be alerted to the holidaymakers file. According to the newspaper, the scheme could be phased in after an initial entry-exit system (EES) scheme is implemented, along with a visa-waiver scheme called the European travel information and authorisation system (ETIAS) for short stays of up to 90 days. ETIAS documents will cost 7 (approximately 6) and the EES is set to be implicated for British travellers from Oct 6. The innovative facial biometric recognition tool may soon be beefed up with AI checking if you are lying - Juancho Torres/Anadolu Agency via Getty Patrick Breyer, a German MEP, dismissed the lie detector test as pseudoscience, arguing that it was not possible to deem someone as a liar from their facial expressions and gestures alone. He told the newspaper: It will discriminate against anyone who is disabled or who has an anxious personality. It will not work. The Mail on Sunday reports that plans are in place for the software to be incorporated into both the EES and ETIAS in order to improve operational capacity. It is a scheme which has already undergone successful trials, known as iBorderCtrl and Trespass despite being criticised by civil rights groups. Currently, British citizens can stay up to 90 days in the EU from when they have their passports stamped at borders. Yet in October, travellers will have biometric data including facial images and fingerprints - collected from the first time they visit Europe and then every three years subsequently. ETIAS will then be introduced for short stays of up to 90 days from the middle of next year. British holidaymakers will have to apply online for ETIAS at least a month before travel, in a similar scheme to the US ESTA visa waiver. If the AI software is introduced into the schemes, holidaymakers could be interviewed online by an avatar immigration officer, who will quiz travellers on their name, date of birth and reason for travel. The technology will examine eye movements, body language and facial expressions to determine if the interviewee is telling the truth. Personal data of applicants will then be checked against databases that include details of terrorists, criminals and illegal immigrants. During one pilot, an applicants social media accounts were also checked raising concerns political comments on platforms such as X could be considered. The iBorderCtrl trial, carried out in Greece, Hungary and Latvia between 2016 and 2019, used avatars to interview participants and monitor their expressions. Meanwhile, the Trespass pilot which was tested until November 2021 saw facial expressions, gestures and body postures analysed to see if a traveller is telling the truth, according to official papers. Border agencies are not banned from using such software under the Artificial Intelligence Act. The EU is creating a database, known as the common identity repository, which holds 300 million records of people including terrorists and criminals. The Mail on Sunday reports that all British citizens entering the EU will have their data stored in this way. The Telegraph has contacted EU-LISA, the body that oversees border and security IT infrastructure, for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The moon shines over the Post Fire early Sunday burning between Gorman and Pyramid Lake. A brush fire off Interstate 5 in the Gorman area that started Saturday afternoon grew to more than 14,000 acres by Sunday evening and has entered Ventura County, officials said. The fire entered the county below Hungry Valley and has consumed about 2,000 acres of wilderness in the southeastern portion of the Los Padres National Forest, the Ventura County Fire Department said. Andy VanSciver, a spokesman for the fire department, said more than 125 Ventura County firefighters are on scene out of more than 400 assigned to the incident. The fire is at 2% containment, he said Sunday afternoon. An evacuation order for the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area remained in place Sunday morning. Evacuation warnings remained in place for communities south of Hungry Valley. Authorities directed people to online evacuation map. The blaze on the southbound side of the freeway, named the Post Fire, started around 1:45 p.m. Saturday and grew to thousands of acres within a few hours, according to Los Angeles County fire and sheriff reports. The cause remained under investigation. California State Parks evacuated about 1,200 people from the Hungry Valley park Saturday, fire officials said. Pyramid Lake had been closed due to fire threat. No injuries have been reported. Two commercial properties had been damaged and two remained under threat, an update from fire officials said. The Post Fire off Interstate 5 in the Gorman sent up large clouds of smoke. The National Weather Service warned of strong winds in the area Saturday and Sunday nights along with relative humidity as low as 15% on Sunday. Gusts were expected to reach 50-60 mph. Traffic over the Grapevine corridor was flowing freely Sunday morning. Some freeway ramps and roads remained closed in the Gorman area. The fire initially erupted near the small community of Gorman in northwest LA County, near the border with Kern and Ventura counties. LA County fire authorities described the blaze early on as a third-alarm incident. By later Saturday afternoon, the fire was moving south toward Pyramid Lake. Heavy smoke and fire brought air support to fire crews at the Los Alamos fire station near the campground off Hard Luck Road, with the station itself reportedly at risk from fire for a time. Billowing clouds of smoke were visible via utility company and other cameras along the mountainous corridor, which connects motorists in Ventura and Los Angeles counties to the Central Valley over Tejon Pass. Smoke from the Post Fire off Interstate 5, near Gorman, is captured by a PG&E camera on Saturday. Ventura County firefighters, including a county helicopter, had been deployed to the firefight. Ventura County Sheriff's deputies had also assisted for a time, said Capt. Ken Truitt, but had been released before nightfall. A unified command with Los Angeles County and Ventura County fire departments and the U.S. Forest Service is overseeing the incident. Unconfirmed reports on the California Highway Patrol's incident log showed the fire was initially reported around 1:45 p.m. when a caller saw sparks from a horse trailer being pulled by a pickup truck. Over the next 10 minutes or so, other reports indicated there was fire near the Gorman McDonald's. OES Intel 24, June 15 on the #PostFire, LAC. Fire mapped at 2,013 acres at 16:32 hours. pic.twitter.com/wYYsbBP271 FIRIS (@FIRIS) June 16, 2024 This story may be updated. This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Brush fire along I-5 in Gorman area brings large response Business owner has truck, thousands of dollars in equipment stolen while he was working A Fairborn business owner had his truck and trailer stolen and now hes faced with a tough decision: start over or call it quits. Travis Sparks runs his own business called Sparkys Lawn Care and Mowing. Within minutes, the future of his business was put into question after someone stole his work truck. >> 5 people shot during event at Ohio park Sparks said he was weed-whacking his grandmothers backyard last Thursday when his 2000 blue Chevrolet truck was stolen. She came around and started hollering, saying somebody got in my truck and took off, he recalled. As reported on News Center 7 at 11:00, Sparks said he tried to go after the thieves in his grandmothers car, but that didnt work. I came back and talked to Fairborn police, he said. He owns his business and its how he gets by. Now, hes not sure how hes going to keep his business going. >> Ohio officer fired after being accused of having sex with Kroger employee while on special duty Probably going to go out of business, you know? Im gonna probably have to give it up because its something that I cant really recover on right now, Sparks said. He noted that starting over doesnt come cheap. Itd be $15,000 to $20,,000 at least that Ive lost on, he said. And its the stuff Ive accumulated through the years. News Center 7s Malik Patterson went to the Fairborn Police Department on Saturday to see if they have any leads. They said theyre still looking. Strengthen financial aid CSU Chancellor: Leveling the playing field through financial aid helps our country | Opinion, (sacbee.com, May 6) We echo CSU Chancellor Mildred Garcias call to strengthen Pell Grants. While we support efforts to expand Pell Grants, our students cannot wait. We need immediate funding for the Cal Grant reform enacted two years ago. Cal Grant reform offers a solution to the financial barriers students face. By streamlining the program, removing obstacles and ensuring equitable access to state aid, we can make higher education attainable for many more students. Funding Cal Grant reform demonstrates our dedication to investing in our students, including adult learners, student parents and underserved communities, as well as our economy and future. As representatives of Californias universities, colleges and community colleges, we stand united in our commitment to strengthening financial aid and expanding access to higher education. Let us seize this opportunity to lead by example and invest in the future of our students and our state. Celene Aridin President, University of California Student Association Cassandra Flandre-Nguyen President, Student Senate for California Community Colleges Iese Esera President, Cal State Student Association Observation Donald Trump promises to rescue California from leftists, (modbee.com, Sep. 29, 2023) Its interesting that Donald Trump tells us what he is going to do for us while spending his entire career doing everything for himself. Joe Biden, meanwhile, who has spent his life working for others, tells us what we can and should do for ourselves. Jack Heinsius Modesto Opinion Driven from both parties 2024 is not the time for third parties. If you dont like Biden or Trump, dont vote | Opinion, (modbee.com, Jan. 29) The upcoming presidential election is causing supporters of both parties to act exactly the same. Please excuse me for being incapable of taking Joe Bidens supporters seriously when they behave exactly like Donald Trump. The lack of civility and the inability to speak to how this national cage match could impact those of us in the Central Valley drove me from both parties. I found a group that is concerned with the economic problems of my area. I am now registered to vote with the American Solidarity Party. Wasting my vote, you say? No. I am exercising my right to vote my conscience and support a party that will not stoop to the shenanigans of the members of both the elephants and the donkeys. Leslie Shaw Klinger Modesto Respect and empathy for all Pope Francis criticized for using homophobic slur in bishop meeting, (modbee.com, May 28) Using offensive terms when referring to members of the LGBTQ+ community is not in line with the teachings of the church. Pope Francis apologized after he was quoted using a homophobic slur. I commend him for his humility in acknowledging the need for an apology. His actions serve as a valuable example for all priests and individuals who may have used derogatory language when discussing members of the LGBTQ+ community. Pope Francis commitment to respecting the dignity of every human being reminds us to treat others as we would like to be treated. It is imperative that we uphold the principles of respect, empathy and understanding for all individuals both inside and outside of the church. It is crucial to engage in open and respectful conversations about LGBTQ+ issues, seeking to bridge the gap between differing perspectives and finding common ground based on shared values of dignity and human rights. Let us strive to create an environment where everyones dignity is honored, regardless of their sexual orientation. Fr. Misael Avila Turlock Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.) on Sunday criticized the tactics of far-right lawmakers who say their Republican colleagues, rather than working within the confines of Congress, should be willing to burn it down to fight for conservative principles. The tactics that theyre using arent advancing those principles. Theyre an impediment to those principles, McClintock said on NewsNations The Hill Sunday, when asked about those who would burn it down instead of working within the system. We saw that with the ousting of [former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.)]. He had produced, with a very slender majority, some absolutely remarkable accomplishments, including the Fiscal Responsibility Act that bent federal spending back by $2.6 trillion over a 10-year period of time not nearly enough, but a tremendous accomplishment, McClintock said, also pointing to some GOP messaging bills that failed in the Senate. All of those things with a majority of just five members, McClintock said. He was able to accomplish all that and was then destroyed, not by the Republicans, but by all of the Democrats joined by eight Republican malcontents. Before a small handful of Republicans joined all Democrats in voting against keeping McCarthy as House Speaker, McClintock wrote a letter to his colleagues urging them to have the wisdom to see the damage you have done to our country and the courage to set things right before its too late. McClintock was also one of three Republicans to vote against impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who was blamed for the handling of rising migration at the southern border. The two other Republicans, Reps. Ken Buck (Colo.) and Mike Gallagher (Wis.), have since retired from Congress. Asked why hes still around, McClintock quoted Winston Churchill. Well, Churchill put it best. He said, I fight for my corner, and I leave when the pub closes, McClintock said. I think our country is at a pivotal moment in its history. And I think its going to prevail through the difficulties were in, but its going to require all of us doing whatever we can to bring our country through, he continued. So Im just very privileged to have a seat in the House of Representatives on behalf of all my neighbors in California. NewsNation is owned by Nexstar Media Group, which also owns The Hill. Copyright 2024 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The Camas High Schools amateur radio club made contact Saturday with the International Space Station and Camas High alum/astronaut Mike Barratt. The question-and-answer session covered a variety of topics: Do you burp in space? What is the meaning of life? And one made a literary reference to Douglas Adams. Barratt had one thought he wanted to share with the students: He had an amazing life and childhood growing up in Camas. Camas High School students talked with ISS astronaut Mike Barratt, who grew up in Camas, June 15, 2024 (KOIN) Dr. Michael Barratt, a NASA astronaut hailing from Washington state, is set to pilot a Space-X Crew-8 mission to the ISS on Mar. 2, 2024 (Courtesy: NASA/OMSI) Barratt is on his third ISS mission, currently piloting a Space-X Crew-8 mission which launched from Floridas Kennedy Space Center in early March. He was joined by two other astronauts and one cosmonaut, who are in the middle of a six-month stay at the ISS. Copyright 2024 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. Canada will provide Ukraine with 52.4 million Canadian dollars ($38.1 million) in various aid, the Canadian government announced on June 16 amid the global peace summit in Switzerland. Representatives of around 100 countries and organizations, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, gathered at the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland on June 15-16 to discuss a possible way toward peace and other key concerns related to Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine. Canada is one of the 80 countries that signed the joint communique of the summit, which calls to stop the Russian occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, release all prisoners of war, and return all deported Ukrainian children, among other things. At the summit, Trudeau unveiled the new package, the majority of which ($14.5 million) will go to support Ukraine's urgent efforts to repair energy equipment and infrastructure damaged in Russian attacks. Around $11 million will be reportedly spent to assist vulnerable children and youth, Improve access to justice for survivors of war crimes, increase society's awareness about the missing persons process, and support male survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. As part of the package, the Canadian government will also invest $11.2 million to aid Ukraine's economic reforms and mine-clearing efforts, as well as provide Kyiv with expertise in the justice and energy sectors. The remaining $1.4 million Canada will contribute to uphold the safe and secure operations of nuclear facilities in Ukraine, according to the announcement. Days before, Canada introduced new sanctions against 11 Russian individuals and 16 entities who have been purportedly engaged in activities that support Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Read also: 80 countries, 4 European institutions sign peace summits joint communique Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Corrected: The previous headline incidentally said that Canada announced a CAD 38 million aid package for Ukraine instead of US$38 million. We apologize to our readers for this mistake. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, has announced a package of measures in support of Ukraine worth CAD 52.4 million (about US$38.1 million) at the Peace Summit. Source: website of the Prime Minister of Canada Details: Canadas newly announced package of measures in support of Ukrainians includes CAD 15 million (US$10.9 million) to support vulnerable children, youth at risk, and the reintegration of displaced children returning to Ukraine through improved child protection services and family-based care options; to improve access to justice for survivors of war crimes; to increase families and civil societys awareness about the missing persons; to support male survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, including prisoners of war. CAD 20 million (US$14.5 million) will be allocated for the support of Ukraines urgent efforts to replace the damaged energy equipment and infrastructure. In addition to this, to help improve the safety of Ukrainians and help Ukraine rebuild, the Government of Canada is investing CAD 15.4 million (US$11.2 million) to support the International Monetary Fund in its efforts to help Ukraine acquire the technical assistance and training needed for economic reforms and eventual accession to the European Union; to improve Ukraines capacity to safely clear its territory of mines and other explosive remnants of war; to provide Ukraines government with technical assistance from Canadian experts in justice and energy sectors. Moreover, the Canadian government will also invest CAD 2 million (US$1.5 million) into the support of safe and secure operations of nuclear facilities in Ukraine through the International Atomic Energy Agency. Support UP or become our patron! Chaplains play a unique role in the American military and in our conception of spirituality. Each one is endorsed for the role by the church or faith organization they belong to, but on the job, they minister to individuals from all manner of religious traditions, including atheists. Since the Department of Defense lets them work 100 percent confidentially, folks in the service trust them deeply, no matter their beliefs. Chaplain Capt. Jenna Carson loves to preach loves everything about it, from reading and meditating on scriptures to craft her message to the feeling she gets when she stands at the pulpit, heart fluttering briefly before she feels a little surge of power and starts to speak. But she likes counseling, too, and listening to those who come to her with questions, confessions, joys and sorrows. A former missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (she served in Tampa, Florida), Carson is now the first female Latter-day Saint chaplain in the United States military. Her days at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, are very different from what she expected while majoring in English at BYU, hoping to become a teacher. An astute professor suggested she attend Harvard Divinity School, where she learned about chaplaincy and embraced a three-year Master of Divinity path. Carson says she felt a call to serve that was decidedly strange. Her faith didnt have female military chaplains at the time, and shed never been drawn to the service. Still, she asked. Then she asked again, every few months. She became a hospital chaplain, then a federal prison chaplain. Along the way, she divorced. But in 2021, a call from church headquarters let her know that single men and women could be now endorsed as chaplains on a case-by-case basis. She was commissioned an officer and chaplain in the U.S. Air Force in July 2022. Now, she devotes her days to helping men and women of all backgrounds in whatever way she can, whether that means listening, preaching or just showing love. Often, when Im counseling, Im just praying to know what to say and what not to say. I want to allow them to make meaning and find what they need to receive support in their life sometimes spiritual, sometimes more secular. Carson spoke to Deseret Magazine about her work with a mandatory disclaimer, required to obtain permission for this interview: Her views are her own and not those of the U.S. Department of Defense. Deseret Magazine: What does a military chaplain do? Jenna Carson: Besides counseling and preaching, we provide invocations at military ceremonies and advise leaders on moral, ethical and religious matters. We are officers and complete mandatory professional education during our careers. We also officiate weddings and funerals, although I have not yet had the chance. My days are mostly filled with counseling sessions and invocations at different events and ceremonies. I also teach a Mindful Monday class on the base each week, guiding participants through mindful movement and meditation. DM: Whats it like to minister to those who dont share your faith? JC: Im there to listen and speak with the most unbiased, nonjudgmental presence I can muster. Sometimes people have a strong religious belief and we talk about God. But when people have had bad experiences with religion, I might just lead them through a meditation to help them find calm and feel grounded. There are theological differences, but I love learning about all spiritual backgrounds. I think its a gift to be open-minded. DM: Has that changed how you view your own spirituality? JC: I have to walk a careful line. I need to remember that I am rooted in a religious tradition. I lean on a metaphor I developed in graduate school. I see myself as a tree. The roots keep growing deeper, like my relationship with Jesus. But the branches extend outward. I like to think these other religious traditions are feeding me and helping me to grow and expand my view. Im there to listen and speak with the most unbiased, nonjudgmental presence I can muster. There are theological differences, but I love learning about all spiritual backgrounds. I think its a gift to be open-minded. DM: Why chaplaincy? JC: It reminded me of my Latter-day Saint mission, but without proselytizing. I meet people where they are, with no agenda of my own, and hear their stories without trying to pull them in any direction. That felt like a sacred space because I love listening to people and supporting them. There was a time I thought about becoming a therapist, but I wanted to be able to talk about God. Chaplaincy is the best of both worlds. Im not a mental health professional, but I do basic short-term counseling. And if people want it to be focused on a higher power, thats just a special world. That drew me in. I had never considered joining the military until I felt that call. DM: What is that like as a woman? JC: There are not a lot of women in military chaplaincy. And I had a strong desire to serve women who have faced a lot of difficulties in the service. But there are also a lot of men who come to me. And Ive been surprised at the openness of some of them to see me as a spiritual authority. As a chaplain. Thats something that I wasnt quite expecting. DM: Do chaplains have to go to boot camp: What was that like? JC: Boot camp was one of the hardest things Ive ever done. I went through officer training school. It was almost nine weeks. Trust me, I was counting every day. I put in a lot of work to get my body stronger beforehand, but its hard to prepare yourself for the heat in Alabama in August and September. But it was more challenging to me mentally. It was a whole new worldview that I had never experienced and I did not feel like I fit in. I was like, what did I sign up for? DM: You stuck it out. Whats the hardest part of your job now? JC: Life in the military requires a lot of mental resilience. I try to be structured and take care of myself. Hearing all the things people share can take a lot out of you emotionally but also physically. I process a lot by journaling and I also practice yoga, but sometimes I need to stop doing and just be and breathe and read and nap. Sometimes I cannot go out and be social. I need to conserve my energy and guard my personal time. Im an introvert. I love people, but I replenish my energy alone. DM: What have you learned about people? JC: Were all basically the same at a fundamental level; everyone just wants to be happy and safe and loved. When we hurt each other, it comes because we ourselves are hurt. Ive worked in a prison with people who have had some hard life circumstances and found much of the same in the military. A lot of these amazing young people are here trying to create a better life. They might struggle, but I think Gods mercy is greater than anything I could imagine. DM: Any last word? JC: With God I feel so strong, I feel so empowered. Im a lot more assertive than I used to be. The more broken I realize that I am and the more I need God, the easier it is for me to see that Im just the same as everyone else. Im not closer to God or truth because of my position. Im just here to walk the path and support. And I need support like everyone else does. This story appears in the June 2024 issue of Deseret Magazine. Learn more about how to subscribe. MEMPHIS, Tenn. The Cheesecake Factory at Wolfchase Galleria will close July 14, a restaurant manager told WREG. Though the manager was not able to provide many details about why the restaurant was closing, but did say that employees found out this week. The company released a statement on the closing: After extensive review and analysis, the company made the difficult decision to discontinue operation of our restaurant in Memphis. Our last day of service will be July 14, 2024. We are working with our staff to help transition them to other opportunities, including transfers to our restaurants in other areas. We have enjoyed being a part of the Memphis community over the last nine years and would like to thank our guests for their patronage. The Wolfchase Galleria location opened in 2015. Copyright 2024 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 WREG.com. Chilean President Gabriel Boric pledged to continue supporting "the process of achieving peace (in Ukraine) and preventing other conflicts" and called for Kyiv-Moscow negotiations in his remarks on June 16 following the global peace summit in Switzerland. Chile is one of the 80 countries that signed the joint communique of the summit, which calls to stop the Russian occupation of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, release all prisoners of war, and return all deported Ukrainian children, among other things. Boric delivered his statement alongside the heads of Switzerland, EU, Ukraine, Canada and Ghana on the second day of the event, which gathered representatives of around 100 countries and organizations to discuss a possible way toward peace in Ukraine. "This summit is not about NATO, not about right or left political ideas, not about northern or southern countries, this is about respect of international law and human rights, foundational principles of living together," said Boric. "This is applicable in Ukraine, in Gaza, and in any other conflict in the world." Read also: Explainer: What is the global peace summit in Switzerland, and what does Ukraine hope to achieve? In recent months, Kyiv has stepped up its efforts to gain more support from the countries of the so-called Global South amid controversy surrounding the Israel-Hamas war and to counter Russian disinformation campaigns. According to the U.S. State Department, the Kremlin has worked with media companies "to undermine support for Ukraine" in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, and other Latin American countries. In his June 16 statement, the Chilean president also called to take "urgent actions" to protect Ukrainian civilians, including children, thousands of whom have been abducted by Russia. "We aspire that Russia and Ukraine soon engage in dialogue with respect to the territorial integrity of Ukraine, international law, and a firm commitment to human rights as a fundamental standard," Boric added. The focus of the peace summit in Switzerland was Ukraine's peace formula, a 10-point plan that calls for the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory. The Kremlin has rejected the proposal, with Russian President Vladimir Putin saying Moscow would only enter negotiations if Ukraine withdraws forces from Russian-occupied regions. President Volodymyr Zelensky said during the summit that Ukraine plans to invite Russia to a second global peace summit, after forming an action plan with other participants. Read also: Opinion: 8 lessons from Russias war in Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. China is getting too much rain in the south and not enough rain, plus a heat wave, in the north A child reacts to a mist machine as he cools off from the summer heat in Beijing, Saturday, June 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) BEIJING (AP) China is being buffeted by two weather extremes, with heavy rain and flooding forcing the evacuation of tens of thousands of people in the south and a heat wave prompting fears of a drought for farmers in the north. At least one person has died in the flooding. The body of a student who fell into a swollen river in the southern city of Guilin was found two days later on Saturday, state broadcaster CCTV said in an online report. Elsewhere in the Guangxi region, heavy rains flooded homes in some villages. To the east, landslides and flooding hit parts of Fujian province, and 36,000 people have been moved, according to state media. One landslide trapped a truck in Songxi county, and videos posted online by the Quanzhou government showed vehicles inundated with muddy flood waters in a part of the historic city. The Chinese government has issued repeated calls to step up disaster prevention and preparedness in anticipation of more severe weather events because of climate change. Violent rain and hailstorms killed seven people in eastern Chinas Jiangxi province earlier this year. Much of northern China, including the capital, Beijing, has endured high temperatures for the past week. The National Meteorological Center has issued a heat warning, forecasting highs around 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) for Monday in parts of Beijing and nearby areas and in the Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia regions to the west. Hot weather was also reported in Taiwan, the self-governing island claimed by China off its east coast. The temperature reached 36.6 degrees Celsius (98 degrees Fahrenheit) in one township in Taitung county on Sunday, the island's Central News Agency reported, citing the government weather agency. A lack of rainfall in northern China has raised concerns about farm production this year. A Chinese vice premier, Liu Guozhong, called for drought prevention efforts Saturday on an inspection tour of Hebei province, which borders Beijing. He said that water resources should be allocated scientifically and the conservation of water for farming should be strengthened, the official Xinhua News Agency reported. He also called for helping farmers plant drought-resistant crops to firm up the foundation for the autumn grain harvest. Beijing likely opted out of Ukraine's peace summit at the request of Russian President Vladimir Putin, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said on June 15, according to the Associated Press. Ukraine had extended an invitation to China for the summit back in January, but Beijing declined, citing unmet conditions necessary for its participation. Russia, notably, was not invited to the conference. "What is clear is that China is not here, and I presume they're not here because (Vladimir) Putin asked them not to come, and they obliged Putin," Sullivan said. "And I think that says something about where China stands with respect to Russia's war in Ukraine. I think countries should take notice of that." Following China's decision to abstain, President Volodymyr Zelensky accused China of actively dissuading other nations from attending the summit. Meanwhile, China has been promoting its own peace plan ahead of the Swiss event, as reported by Reuters. This plan serves as an alternative to Zelensky's proposal, which is supported by Kyiv's Western allies and is set to be discussed on June 15-16 at the Burgenstock resort. China's lobbying efforts for its alternative peace plan have coincided with a decline in the number of participants at Ukraine's summit. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) reported on June 11 that the attendee count had dropped from 93 to 78. Read also: China calls on Ukraine, Russia to start peace talks as soon as possible Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. China is not attending Peace Summit at Putin's request US national security adviser Jake Sullivan, US National Security Adviser, has said that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin urged China not to attend the Peace Summit in Switzerland. Source: AP Quote: "What is clear is that China is not here, and I presume theyre not here because Putin asked them not to come and they obliged Putin." "And I think that says something about where China stands with respect to Russias war in Ukraine. I think countries should take notice of that." Background: Russia refused to attend the conference in Switzerland, labelling the event biassed and the host country "openly hostile". However, the Ukrainian President's Office has previously confirmed that Ukraine is ready to invite a Russian representative to the second Peace Summit, who will be presented with a "joint plan" agreed upon by the majority of the world's nations. Support UP or become our patron! (Reuters) -China Premier Li Qiang made a low-key start on Sunday to a four-day trip to Australia with visits to a South Australian winery and Adelaide Zoo, where he announced Beijing would provide two new pandas after the current pair go home later this year. Li, China's second-highest ranked official and the first Chinese premier to visit Australia in seven years, is due to meet Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday. He arrived in the South Australia state capital late on Saturday, saying bilateral relations were "back on track". China, Australia's largest trade partner, imposed restrictions on a raft of Australian agricultural and mineral exports in 2020 during a diplomatic dispute that has now largely eased. On Sunday, Li's first official stop was to visit a pair of pandas on loan from China to Adelaide's zoo, where Australian Broadcasting Corp television showed crowds gathered, some waving Chinese flags, while others held signs that read "No more panda propaganda". At the zoo, Li announced the pandas would return to China in November and the zoo would get to select two new giant pandas, China's official Xinhua news agency reported. The pandas had "become envoys of friendship between China and Australia, and a symbol of the profound friendship between the two peoples", Li said, according to a statement from the Chinese embassy. "China is ready to continue with the cooperative research with Australia on the conservation of giant pandas, and hopes that Australia will continue to be an amicable home for giant pandas," Li added. The pandas, Fu Ni and Wang Wang, have been at the zoo since 2009 but have not successfully bred, the ABC reported. Li later attended an event with South Australia wine exporters, who until recently have been shut out of the Chinese market in a dispute that suspended A$20 billion ($13 billion) in Australian agriculture and mineral exports last year. Speaking at the winery in the Adelaide suburb of Magill, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the venue was chosen "because of course one of the impediments that has been removed is the export of Australian wine and we welcome that". Earlier on Sunday, Wong said Li's visit was "really important" in showing stabilised ties between the two major trading partners. "It comes after two years of very deliberate, very patient work by this government to bring about a stabilisation of the relationship," Wong told the ABC. On the pandas, Wong, who lives in Adelaide, said the animals "have been a great part of the lives of many Adelaide families". On Monday, Li will visit the capital Canberra for a meeting with Albanese. During the talks, the prime minister is expected to bring up the case of Australian writer Yang Hengjun who was given a suspended death sentence on espionage charges in February, as well as an incident last month where a Chinese military jet dropped flares near an Australian defence helicopter. Li's final stop on Tuesday will be in resource-rich mining state Western Australia. Australia is the biggest supplier of iron ore to China, which has been an investor in Australian mining projects, though some recent Chinese investment in critical minerals has been blocked by Australia on national interest grounds. Li arrived from New Zealand, where he highlighted Chinese demand for its agricultural products. Canberra and Wellington are seeking to balance trade with regional security concerns over China's ambitions in the Pacific Islands and on issues including human rights the contested South China Sea. (Reporting by Sam McKeith and James Redmayne in Sydney; Editing by Lincoln Feast and Miral Fahmy.) By Ben Blanchard and Ann Wang KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan (Reuters) - China views the annexation and "elimination" of Taiwan as its great national cause, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te said on Sunday, telling cadets at the military's premier academy they must know their enemy and not give in to defeatism. Lai has faced sustained personal attacks from China, which views Taiwan as its own territory, since assuming office last month, with Beijing calling him a "separatist". China staged war games around Taiwan shortly after Lai's inauguration. Lai says only Taiwan's people can decide their future and has repeatedly offered talks with Beijing but been rebuffed. Speaking in Kaohsiung in the south of the island on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Whampoa Military Academy, Lai said today's cadets must recognise the challenges of the "new era". "The biggest challenge is to face the powerful rise of China, (which is) destroying the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and regards Taiwan's annexation and the elimination of the Republic of China as the great rejuvenating cause of its people," he said, using Taiwan's formal name. China' Taiwan Affairs Office did not answer calls on Sunday seeking comments about Lai's remarks. Wang Huning, the fourth-ranked leader in China's ruling Communist Party, told a Saturday forum in China about relations with Taiwan that "reunification is a historical necessity for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation", vowing to "smash any separatist plots". Lai, at the event attended by senior military officials and also the top U.S. diplomat in Kaohsiung, Neil Gibson, said the cadets must defend Taiwan against being annexed by China and that the island's future can only be decided by its people. "We really must be able to distinguish between ourselves and our enemies and between friend and foe, and absolutely cannot accept the defeatism of 'the first battle is the last battle'," Lai said, referring to a theory that Taiwan could collapse as soon as China launched any attack. The academy was founded in China's Guangzhou - then known in English as Canton - in 1924, more than a decade after the establishment of the Republic of China, which overthrew the last emperor. Set up with the help of the Soviet Union to give China a professional military loyal to the nascent state, it moved to Nanjing, Chengdu and finally Kaohsiung after the defeated Republican government fled to the island in 1949 at the end of a civil war won by Mao Zedong and his communist forces. China says any move by Taiwan to declare formal independence would be grounds to attack the island. The government in Taipei says Taiwan is already an independent country, the Republic of China, and that it does not plan to change that. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard and Ann Wang; Additional reporting by Beijing newsroom; Editing by William Mallard) Fathers Day always reminds me of the late, great futurist Alvin Tofflers description of parenthood: The single greatest preserve of the amateur. Indeed, like countless other parents, I was stunned when I first held our child in my arms and wondered like the first-time congressional winner in Robert Redfords The Candidate, What do I do now? Lets be honest. Dads Day often seems to struggle for respect with Moms Day, which happens just a month before. In fact, in 1911, I recently learned that the great Chicago social reformer Jane Addams suggested that the city set aside a day to honor fathers only to be turned down. Maybe the city fathers had the opinion my own father expressed about gift neckties. No more neckties, he declared after too many years of that particular gift. Thats OK, I also have learned. Part of being a man, my father used to show me by annual example, is to shrug off the notion that anyone should make a big deal out of what to buy you for Fathers Day. Once again, Fathers Day arrives at a time when Black families like ours are a major focus of speeches and sermons. Its an election year, much like the one in which I heard my most memorable Fathers Day speech. Im talking about then-Sen. Barack Obamas landmark 2008 address at the Apostolic Church of God on the South Side of Chicago. The address gained lots of attention, even in a hot presidential race. Obama was on his way to being elected the nations first Black president and as detailed in his best-selling memoir, Dreams from My Father he was raised mostly by his white American mother after his parents divorced. Growing up, he only saw his father once, when he was 10. That wrenching absence in his life story figured prominently and appropriately in his Fathers Day speech in which he declared fathers to be critical to the family and that the underpinnings of life in the Black community are worse off than they otherwise might be because many Black children are growing up as he did, in homes without a father. Of all the rocks upon which we build our lives, we are reminded today that family is the most important, he said. And we are called to recognize and honor how critical every father is to that foundation. But if we are honest with ourselves, well admit that what too many fathers also are is missing missing from too many lives and too many homes. You and I know how true this is in the African American community. We know that more than half of all Black children live in single-parent households, a number that has doubled doubled since we were children. And the foundations of our community are weaker because of it. Although the reaction to his speech was generally favorable, especially in conservative political circles, his candor about Black family troubles triggered familiar and angry accusations among numerous Black folks about washing the communitys dirty laundry in public. Most famously, the Rev. Jesse Jacksons furious reaction, caught in a hot-microphone moment at Fox News studio, included a graphic, physical threat to the senators anatomy, for which the civil rights leader later apologized. With a bit less fury, best-selling Black author Ta-Nehisi Coates also criticized Obamas point of view. From the White House on down, the myth holds that fatherhood is the great antidote to all that ails Black people, he wrote in The Atlantic, citing a litany of headline-making racial abuses. But Billy Brooks Jr. had a father. Trayvon Martin had a father. Jordan Davis had a father. Adhering to middle-class norms has never shielded black people from plunder. Some Black people always will be twice as good, Coates concluded. But they generally find white predation to be thrice as fast. Indeed. Yet, we who care about Black Americas challenges, especially among those struggling with low income and few other resources, need to start somewhere, and the most glaringly obvious place to begin is within our own families and neighborhoods. Yes, we do have strengths in our families, churches and grassroots organizations, among other resources, and we need to use them. Still, liberal or conservative, it all begins at home. Happy Fathers Day, Dads. Make sure to pretend to like the neckties. Cleveland HealthLine is Ohio's only rapid bus so far: What could it look like in Columbus? The Cleveland HealthLine is the only bus rapid transit system in Ohio and runs along Euclid Avenue. Many bus stops for the HealthLine, as seen above, are set in the center median of a street next to dedicated bus lanes. Whether he's on time or running late, Lashawn Sankey doesn't sweat it. Sankey, seated on a bus bench inside a stop at Cleveland's Public Square in early June, was waiting for a bus that he said is never more than a few minutes away. "I can't imagine not having the HealthLine," he said. "If I missed it, there's always another one coming right behind it." Read More: Here's what we know about Columbus' proposed camera surveillance network The bus Sankey was waiting for is the HealthLine currently the only bus rapid transit line in Ohio. But that could soon change. Voters in Franklin County and parts of Delaware, Fairfield, Union and Licking counties will head to the polls this fall to decide on a tax levy that would allow central Ohio to be the next region to get bus rapid transit. The November ballot measure called LinkUs is a 0.75% tax that would include 0.5% to support bus rapid transit and 0.25% that would replace a temporary sales tax that is set to expire in 2026, according to COTA. "If you are a place or city or region that is prioritizing community and trying to give people choices about how to get around. ... You invest in public transit," said Stephanie Lotshaw, executive director of TransitCenter, a nonprofit that advocates for more public transportation options. Beginning operations in 2008, the HealthLine cost $200 million to build and has since yielded an estimated $9.5 billion in economic development along Euclid Avenue in Cleveland, according to the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority. Not only does the route run past major health care providers such as the Cleveland Clinic, but it makes stops in the heart of downtown Cleveland near restaurants, bars, museums, a casino and blocks away from Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse where the Cavaliers play. With the election just a few months away, local leaders have pointed to Cleveland's HealthLine as an impactful example as they try to persuade voters that it's time for Columbus to get its own form of rapid mass transit. "It is one of the examples we studied of a successful (bus rapid transit) line and its positive impacts on a corridor and community," said Jeff Pullin, spokesman for the Central Ohio Transit Authority. The HealthLine is a rapid bus route in Cleveland. It is the only form of rapid bus transit in Ohio so far. But central Ohioans may change that when they vote this fall on LinkUs, a tax levy that would fund at least three bus rapid transit routes through the region. How closely will LinkUs routes mirror HealthLine's rapid bus system? As in Cleveland, swaths of Columbus' rapid buses will run in dedicated lanes, though it's expected to differ from route to route. Around 4.5 miles or a little more than 66% of the HealthLine's 6.8-mile route has dedicated routes. By comparison, Columbus' rapid buses could run in dedicated lanes for five miles or 53.7% of a 9.3-mile West Broad Street route, and at least eight miles or 61.5% of a roughly 13-mile East Main Street route. An 8.5-mile rapid line running through Columbus and northwestern parts of the area could include 6.5 miles of dedicated lanes, covering 76.4% of an 8.5-mile route, according to LinkUs. The LinkUs rapid bus lines were proposed "with public and stakeholder feedback and the specific guideway options were chosen with each environment in mind," Pullin told The Dispatch. Buses will operate in mixed traffic in some areas due to land uses and roadway patterns such as highway ramps, Pullin said. Having dedicated bus lanes is critical in high traffic areas where buses could get stuck in a logjam of local traffic, Lotshaw said. Also critical, Lotshaw said, are bus stops and stations that prioritize speed and accessibility. If people can pay for their bus ride at a stop before they get on and if a person pushing a stroller or using a wheelchair can roll right onto the bus, that saves time, Lotshaw said. As it's currently proposed, LinkUs calls for bus stops situated at the center of streets with level boarding and the ability to pay before boarding. Likewise, many of the HealthLine's stops in Cleveland have bus stops located in the median of roads. "It's really all about: how do we make operations fast?" Lotshaw said. "If we don't have those seconds of buses idling at stations, we take out those unnecessary delays. ... that is a huge time savings." How will HealthLine and LinkUs bus schedules compare? In Cleveland, the HealthLine runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. On top of that, HealthLine buses show up at stops every 10 minutes and have reduced travel times from an average of 46 minutes to 34 minutes, according to the Greater Cleveland RTA. Columbus does not currently have 24-hour service on any COTA lines. If it passes, LinkUS will help to expand hours of service, Pullin said. Over time, he said, the goal would be to have certain routes run 24-hours-a-day. By the time rapid bus lines become operational in 2028 or 2029, Pullin said the goal would be to have some fixed-routes running 24-hours-a-day. "That timeline is still being worked out," Pullin said. "There likely would be a gradual increase in hours of operation midnight, then 1 a.m., 2 a.m., etc. until we got to 24 hours." Wait a second, wasn't CMAX originally considered COTA's bus rapid transit line? Central Ohioans who thought Columbus already had rapid transit buses are not totally wrong. When COTA's CMAX service debuted in January 2018, officials originally described it as a form of "rapid transit." The CMAX line does include some elements of bus rapid transit, such as traffic signal priority, a limited number of bus stops and branding, Pullin said. But Pullin said CMAX lacks the speedier elements of most bus rapid transit lines, including dedicated lanes and the ability to pay a fare before climbing aboard. If the LinkUs ballot measure passes this fall, it will also make bus stations more accessible and will improve and add sidewalks and bike lanes, according to LinkUs. And while CMAX may not be a fully realized bus rapid transit line, it did increase ridership by 25% along Cleveland Avenue and other parts of the area it runs through, Pullin said. "Imagine what can happen with a true (bus rapid transit) line," Pullin said. How did Cleveland's HealthLine get its name and what will rapid buses in Columbus be called? The bus route is dubbed the HealthLine because the Greater Cleveland RTA sold the naming rights to the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals for more than $6 million in 2008, The Dispatch reported at the time. The deal, which is in its 16th year, was set to run 25 years. While COTA is open to exploring similar deals for bus rapid transit routes in Columbus, it's too early to discuss such sponsorships, Pullin said. In the past, the transit authority has sought sponsorships from businesses, including the for-now defunct CBus, a free circulator that traversed High Street. mfilby@dispatch.com @MaxFilby This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: What can Columbus learn from Cleveland's HealthLine rapid buses? Co-worker: Gilgo murders suspect unnerved her by tracking her down on a cruise This story originally aired on Sept. 16, 2023. It was updated on June 15, 2024. Not far from a quiet stretch of Gilgo Beach on Long Island, New York, investigators uncovered the hidden remains of four young women. The mystery of who they were and how they got here might have stayed a secret if not for a woman named Shannan Gilbert. FINDING THE GILGO FOUR In the early morning hours of May 1, 2010, 23-year-old Shannan Gilbert, working as an escort, called 911. 911 OPERATOR: State Police. SHANNAN GILBERT: Yeah, there's somebody after me. The call came from a neighborhood not far from Gilgo Beach. SHANNAN GILBERT (to 911): These people are trying to kill me. Shannan Gilbert / Credit: GilgoNews.com Shannan starts running, knocking on doors. 911 OPERATOR: Where are you, Shannan? She screams. And then, nothing. Shannan was gone. 911 OPERATOR: Hello? Hello? Dominick Varrone: K-9 searched the area exhaustively for Shannan Gilbert. Dominick Varrone was chief of detectives at the Suffolk County Police Department. Months passed without a sign of the missing woman. Then, in December 2010 near Gilgo Beach, a police officer and his K-9 named Blue found human remains. Dominick Varrone: Everyone assumed it was Shannan Gilbert. But it wasn't Shannan. Stunned searchers would go on to discover the remains of four other women. The women were identified as Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman and Amber Costello. Like Shannan, all were in their 20s. All were online escorts. All petite. Three of the four were wrapped in burlap the kind you can find in hunting stores. They became known as the Gilgo Four. Missy Cann: It's really, really hard. 'Cause I miss her so much. "48 Hours" has reported on this case since 2010. Over the years, we've secured exclusive interviews with the family and friends of the Gilgo Four. Missy Cann will never forget the wintry day when she got the devastating news. Missy Cann: The detectives came to my house and just said that Maureen has been positively identified as one of the victims on Ocean Parkway. Maureen Brainard-Barnes, 25, was the first of the Gilgo Four to disappear. She had been working as an escort in New York City when she vanished in July 2007. / Credit: Melissa Cann Her sister, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, a mother of two, was the first to disappear, on July 9, 2007. Missy Cann: She was very smart and very creative. Erin Moriarty: She liked being a mom? Missy Cann: She loved being a mom. But life as a single mom living in Norwich, Connecticut, was difficult. Cann didn't know it, but Maureen had turned to escort work, and that July went to New York City for a weekend to make money. On her way home, she called Missy from Penn Station in midtown Manhattan. Missy Cann: I could hear the commotion from the train station. From the time that she called me, it was poof. She was gone. She reported Maureen missing. Eventually, officers would tell Cann that after her sister's disappearance, someone had used Maureen's cell phone to make a call from Long Island. It wasn't known then, but those two locations Long Island and midtown Manhattan would become important clues in the hunt for a serial killer. Nearly two years to the day that Maureen vanished, 24-year-old Melissa Barthelemy went missing in July 2009 also from midtown Manhattan. Lynn Barthelemy is Melissa's mother. Melissa Barthelemy, 24, went missing in July 2009. In the weeks following her disappearance, her 15-year-old sister was terrorized by a series of frightening phone calls made by a man calling from Melissa's cell phone. Police believe the man who made these phone calls is, in fact, Melissa's killer. / Credit: Barhelemy family Erin Moriarty: How often do you think about Melissa? Lynn Barthelemy: Every single minute of the day. And It just didn't happen to the girls. I mean it destroyed all of our families. Melissa moved from Buffalo to New York City to work as a hairdresser. At some point, she also began working as an escort and then disappeared. About a week after she went missing, Melissa's then-15-year-old sister, Amanda, started getting calls from Melissa's phone. Steven Cohen: And she answers, you know, "Melissa, where have you been?" And this voice is saying, "Oh, this isn't Melissa." Steven Cohen was the family's lawyer at the time. Steven Cohen: He was taunting Amanda and he said, "Do you know what I did to your sister?" "I killed Melissa." Lynn Barthelemy: All I can say is he's sick. And he's going to make a mistake. And we're going to catch him. Those calls from Melissa's own phone may very well have been that mistake. When police traced them, the calls placed the person they believed to be Melissa's killer in midtown Manhattan. Megan Waterman, 22, was the youngest of the four victims whose bodies were discovered near Gilgo Beach. Megan was last seen on June 6, 2010, leaving a Holiday Inn Express in Hauppauge, N.Y. / Credit: Handout The following year, Megan Waterman, the mother of a 3-year-old girl, disappeared from a hotel on Long Island. Liliana Waterman: Part of you is, like, missing. It's just, like, something's always off. "48 Hours" spoke with Megan's daughter, Liliana, in 2020. Liliana Waterman: I would do anything to bring her back, but I can't and it just, like, frustrates me so bad. Megan's family says the 22-year-old was a creative, but troubled, young woman who loved fashion and was devoted to her daughter. Erin Moriarty: What would you say to your mom if you could? Liliana Waterman: I would just want to tell her that, like, I love her. I just want her to know, like, she has a special place in my heart, no one can ever replace her. Like the other two women, Megan disappeared in the summer. On June 6, 2010, she was working as an escort on Long Island. Liliana Waterman: No matter what her job was she was a person and she needs justice. Haunting video from a Holiday Inn Express is the last time she was seen alive moments before she went to meet a client. Cellphone records later placed her phone in a Long Island neighborhood called Massapequa Park. Amber Costello, 27, disappeared in September 2010, after she left her home on Long Island to meet a client. In 2011, her roommate Dave Schaller told Amber Costello was the last of the Gilgo Four to disappear. She lived seven-and-a-half miles from Massapequa Park. Dave Schaller: She used to say she was 4'11", but she wasn't. She was like 4'9", you know. I mean, she was small. Amber's friend and former roommate, Dave Schaller, spoke with "48 Hours" in 2011. Dave Schaller: She was an amazing person, she really was. He says Amber was addicted to drugs and used sex work to support her habit. Dave Schaller: But as amazing as she was, was as tormented as she was. After Amber disappeared, police say Schaller told them about her clients. He described one of them as looking like an "ogre" and having "a first-generation Chevrolet Avalanche." On the night she went missing, Schaller says, a client offered Amber $1,500 for the night six times her hourly rate. Dave Schaller: This guy was so relentless. He called several times. He was on the phone with her for quite a while each time. He says the client got Amber, an experienced escort, to do something she never did: leave without her purse or cellphone and meet him in his car. Dave Schaller: I walked out the front door with her. She she gave me a hug. She's like, "I love ya." And she left. It was nearly midnight. Schaller says that when Amber left their house, she walked down the street and he never saw her again. Schaller told "48 Hours" that he didn't see the client's face that night but suspects he had seen him before. Erin Moriarty: So, this is a guy you might have seen? Dave Schaller: Yeah, this is somebody that I seen. I might be the one of the only people who knows who he is. It would be more than a decade before Schaller's description would lead to a break in the case and a prime suspect. WHO IS REX HEUERMANN? Muriel Henriquez: My co-worker called me and she said, "Did you hear what happened to Rex?" And I'm like, "no." NEWS REPORT: A New York City architect charged with murder. Muriel Henriquez: She says, "It's Rex." I said, "No way." NEWS REPORT: This house was a main focus and they brought out a lot of evidence. Mary Shell: I just didn't think it was real. Mary Shell: I even thought to myself, "it's crazy that there's two Rex Heuermann's out there." Mary Shell and Muriel Henriquez worked with Rex Heuermann and couldn't wrap their heads around the news. Muriel Henriquez: We never thought he would be that kind of person. Mary Shell: It's shocking. In July 2023, nearly 13 years after the Gilgo Four were discovered, Suffolk County police commissioner Rodney Harrison made the announcement: authorities believe Rex Heuermann is the Long Island serial killer. RODNEY HARRISON (news conference): Rex Heuermann is a demon that walks among us, a predator that ruined families. Rex Heuermann seen in a booking image from the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office. / Credit: Suffolk County Sheriff's Office/AP The man he calls a demon is a six-foot-four architect. He's charged with killing Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman and Amber Costello. And he is the prime suspect in the death of Maureen Brainard-Barnes. MICHAEL BROWN | REX HEUERMANN'S LAWYER (to reporters): What has my client told me? He told me he didn't do this. Heuermann was living about 20 minutes from Gilgo Beach, in Massapequa Park. It's the very same town where Megan's phone last connected with a cell tower. And Heuermann worked at his architectural firm in Midtown Manhattan, just blocks from where Maureen disappeared. The same area where several of the threatening calls to Melissa's little sister were made. NEWS CONFERENCE: The cause of death with regard to the three victims is homicidal violence. A married man, Heuermann lived in a run-down house, and has a daughter and stepson with his second wife, Asa Ellerup. Ellerup, who was born in Iceland, would take the children to see her family there in the summers. It was during these trips and others, police believe, that Heuermann killed the women. Erin Moriarty: You never got any kind of hint of another life? Muriel Henriquez: No, no. Muriel Henriquez worked at Heuermann's company, RH Consultants & Associates, and spoke exclusively to "48 Hours." She recalled a gift he gave her in the summer of 2007. Muriel Henriquez with the sweater she received as a gift from Rex Heuermann. / Credit: CBS News Muriel Henriquez (holding sweater): This is a sweater he asked his wife to bring back from a trip to Iceland. Henriquez, who says she was touched at the time by Heuermann's thoughtful gesture, now wonders if his wife's absence that summer gave him an opportunity to kill Maureen Brainard-Barnes, who disappeared on July 9, 2007. Erin Moriarty: How do you feel about this sweater now? Muriel Henriquez: No, I'm definitely not going to wear the sweater now. Still, she says she saw nothing alarming about the Rex Heuermann she saw daily. Muriel Henriquez: A little bit of a nerd in a way. he liked to talk about himself, what he knew not a narcissist, but a little bit of a, you know, I know everything kind of guy. Erin Moriarty: Pompous. Muriel Henriquez: Pompous. She remembers him running to and from job sites eating fast food on the run. Muriel Henriquez: Pizza. That was his number one thing. When she heard that police had recovered almost 300 firearms from a vault in Heuermann's basement, she was surprised only by the number. She knew him as an avid hunter. Muriel Henriquez: Going out shooting, hunting, that was his passion. Erin Moriarty: What was it about hunting he liked? Muriel Henriquez: I don't know. I guess I guess it was like, he he liked the idea of having a prize. Erin Moriarty: Stalking prey? Muriel Henriquez: Stalking prey and winning. He liked to win. And while she says it never occurred to her that Heuermann could be dangerous, she does remember a time when his tracking skills unnerved her. It was her 40th birthday and she had booked a cruise vacation. Muriel Henriquez: "Where are you going?" I said, "I'm going to you know, I'm going to be in the middle of the ocean. You're not going to find me in the middle of the ocean." He said," Oh, yes, I can." Henriquez didn't think much of the comment, until the second day of her trip. Muriel Henriquez: There was a white envelope under my door it was a note from him. The note said, "I told you I could find you anywhere." Mary Shell: He had photos from hunting trips. Mary Shell was just out of art school in the summer of 2010 when she worked for Heuermann. It was the same summer that both Megan Waterman and Amber Costello vanished. Mary Shell: He would talk about the meat in particular that bear meat could keep in the freezer for months. Hearing authorities now say some of the victims were wrapped in a burlap that hunters often use was chilling. Mary Shell: The burlap really got to me. Since Heuermann's arrest, Mary has written about her experience with him. She's also talked to other former female employees who said they weren't always treated with respect. Mary Shell: He would have one of them, uh, clean the toilet if he thought the cleaning person hadn't done a good enough job. Erin Moriarty: A woman in the office? Mary Shell: Yes. Mm-hmm. he more than once commented on women's bodies if someone perhaps had gained some weight, you know, that kind of that kind of thing. John Parisi grew up with Heuermann. He says Heuermann was bullied as a child. John Parisi: I remember meeting Rex when I was in first or second grade. he was a loner, not many friends. The children were super mean to him made fun of him and teased him. But Parisi says he never saw Heuermann fight back. John Parisi: He was big enough that if he got upset and started swinging, he would hurt somebody. But he never did. As Heuermann got older, John points out, things didn't get much better. John Parisi: He was rejected by many girls. we all go through that awkward stage growing up, and it seemed like that awkward stage stayed with him longer than usual. Still, he says, many in the community find it hard to believe that Heuermann is the notorious serial killer living a double life for more than a decade. John Parisi: People were saying, oh my God, I can't believe we have a serial killer in our town, and we grew up with, and we walked amongst the killer. Another classmate of Heuermann's, actor Billy Baldwin, took to social media when the news broke, tweeting it was "Mind-boggling." The awkward Long Island teenager grew up to be a confident and seemingly successful architect. Antoine Amira met and interviewed him in 2022. REX HEUERMANN ("L'Interview"): Born and raised on Long Island then working in Manhattan since 1987. Antoine Amira: There's nothing in my interview that made me think that this person in front of me is a dangerous person. Amira is a hotel food and beverage manager in New York who loves real estate. He has a YouTube interview show called "L'Interview"where he handpicks guests whom he thinks are interesting and accomplished. Amira says Heuermann was well known for his skill at helping companies and individuals get building permits. REX HEUERMANN ("L'Interview"): I'm an architect, and architectural consultant, a troubleshooter. REX HEUERMANN: When a job that should have been routine suddenly becomes not routine, I get the phone call. ANTOINE AMIRA: Gotcha. Antoine Amira: What really, uh, uh, stood out for me was that he he was very, very, very smart. And known, says Amira, for his ability to find loopholes in the rules. Antoine Amira: He was pleased when he was doing it. Erin Moriarty: That he could Antoine Amira: That he could outwit the the system. But Amira says he remembers it was hard to get Heuermann to crack a smile. Not even during the signature sunglasses selfies he takes with every guest. ANTOINE AMIRA (YouTube interview show): That's it, folks. That was Rex. ANTOINE AMIRA: It's. Selfie time. Can you smile? REX HEUERMANN: That is. If police are right, Rex Heuerman was able to hide a life as a serial killer and if he did, his habit of eating pizza on the go would turn out to be his undoing. CONNECTING THE CLUES For more than a decade after the discovery of the Gilgo Four, Rex Heuermann's name never appeared on a suspect list until a new task force was formed with Suffolk County police commissioner Rodney Harrison and Suffolk County D.A. Ray Tierney. Ray Tierney: In February of 2022 we formed the task force and then a mere six weeks later Rex Heuermann was identified for the first time. A suspect in six weeks? So how did they do it? It turns out that buried in the original case files were a number of critical clues that the new task force was finally able to connect. Remember Amber's roommate Dave Schaller? Dave Schaller: She's like, "I love you." You know, she gave me a hug. And she left. He had told police about one of Amber's clients and his vehicle. Ray Tierney: Just a large, built man and that, he was driving this, this first-generation Chevy Avalanche. A first-generation Chevy Avalanche. With a description of an ogre-like man, and the make and model of his truck, police took a closer look at Amber's phone records from 2010. Schaller had told them that before Amber disappeared, there was one particular client calling incessantly. Dave Schaller: He called several times. He was on the phone with her for quite a while each time. Police back then knew the client was using a burner phone. That's a prepaid phone that anyone can buy and use anonymously. And they knew that Maureen, Melissa and Megan had all been in contact with burner numbers right before they disappeared. In 2012, with the help of the FBI, they determined that most of those calls connected to cell towers inside a small area of Massapequa Park. They called it "the box." Erin Moriarty: So how large an area is that box? Ray Tierney: It's, you know, a couple of blocks within within Massapequa Park. The new task force began the search for a large-built man who also lived in that small area and owned a Chevy Avalanche at the time of the disappearances. Erin Moriarty: Was there a "aha!" moment when, all of a sudden, his name came up? Rodney Harrison: Once we were able to attach the Avalanche inside of that Massapequa box, which then attached to Rex Heuermann, that was a moment where we said, OK, there's something here. The task force now had a prime suspect. And when they looked at Heuermann's personal cellphone records, they found that his phone was in the same area as those burner phones when they were used to contact a victim in Massapequa Park or in midtown Manhattan. RAY TIERNEY (at news conference): it was always consistent. Tierney says this was also true for those awful calls Melissa's family got from that man using her phone back in 2009. Steve Cohen: He said, "Do you know what I did to your sister?" and he said "Well, I killed Melissa." The task force says that it confirmed that Heuermann does in fact use burner phones. Investigators say he had two different burner numbers in 2022, and they say they watched him put money on one of those accounts at a cellphone store in Midtown Manhattan. And according to court papers, the team also documented three email accounts using fake names, including John Springfield, Thomas Hawk and Hunter1903a3, and all linked to those burner numbers. And prosecutors say that Heuermann was using a burner phone to send these selfies to "solicit and arrange for sexual activity." One of those accounts linked to Heuermann, prosecutors wrote, was used to conduct "thousands of searches related to sex workers, sadistic, torture-related pornography and child pornography." RAY TIERNEY (at news conference): There was a lot of torture, porn, and depictions of women, being abused, being raped, and being killed. Investigators also say that while they were busy watching Heuermann, Heuermann was trying to watch them conducting searches on the task force and the Gilgo victims. RAY TIERNEY (at news conference): Not only pictures of the victims, pictures of their relatives their sisters, their children, and he was trying to locate those individuals. The circumstantial evidence was building, but investigators also had physical evidence from the Gilgo Fourincluding one male hair that was found in the burlap used to "restrain and transport" Megan Waterman's body. They wanted to see if they could link it to Heuermann. Detectives tailing Rex Heuermann recovered his DNA from pizza crust in a box that he discarded in a Manhattan trash can. / Credit: Suffolk County D.A. Police tailed Heuermann, and when he threw out a pizza box in a trash can in midtown Manhattan they pounced. Ray Tierney: The pizza, which was obviously very significant. Tierney says that Heuermann's DNA that was found on that pizza crust was consistent with a DNA profile from the hair found with Megan Waterman's body, and that DNA profile is only found in .04 percent of the population. Ray Tierney: That was a remarkable day. It was, you know, the weekend and, you know, you read, you get the report and you read it and then you read it again, and then you read it a third time and then you read it a fourth time, and then you start making calls. With the DNA, the search histories and the burner phone evidence, the team felt it was time. Ray Tierney: When we decided to take down the case, we, you know, it was a sudden decision. We did see him contacting a number of sex workers using a burner phone, which obviously is concerning. Plainclothes officers arrested him around the corner from his office. Rodney Harrison: I don't think he had any clue. I don't think he had any clue that we were onto him. Police spent 12 days looking through Heuermann's home, pulling those guns out of the basement, and digging in the backyard. They say it will take some time to comb through what they have now, and they were tight lipped about what they found. REPORTER 1 (at news conference): Has the search been fruitful? RODNEY HARRISON: Great question and the answer's yes. REPORTER 2: Can you elaborate on fruitful? You said yes, it's fruitful. RODNEY HARRISON: There have been items that we have taken into our possession, that makes it fruitful. And one more big piece of evidence taken into possession: a first-generation Chevy Avalanche Heuermann once used. It was sitting on property he owns in South Carolina when they recovered it. RAY TIERNEY (at news conference): We were able to seize that Chevy Avalanche pursuant to a search warrant. And we're certainly going to analyze that. But there were female hairs found on some of the victim's bodies that don't belong to the victims. So, who do they belong to? THE FAMILY OF A SUSPECTED SERIAL KILLER After Rex Heuermann's arrest, his quiet neighborhood in Massapequa Park was overrun by investigators and media, focusing intense scrutiny on the ramshackle home and its remaining residents: his stepson, Christopher Sheridan; daughter, Victoria Heuermann, and his wife more than 25 years, Asa Ellerup. Bob Macedonio: So, their life going forward is always gonna be the wife or the children of (a) suspected serial killer. That's what it's gonna be from now on. Asa Ellerup / Credit: MEGA Agency Attorney Bob Macedonio represents Ellerup, who has since filed for divorce from Heuermann. He says she was as stunned as anyone by the accusations. Bob Macedonio: She had no idea any of this was going on The allegations are shocking. Nobody wants to think that they've been living with, sleeping next to a serial killer for the past 25 years. As it turns out, Ellerup may have inadvertently helped focus the investigation on her husband. Investigators say they've identified strands of female hair that were found on two of the victims. D.A. Ray Tierney | Suffolk County: One hair on Waterman comes back to his wife, or the DNA profiles are consistent. And then the DNA profile from Costello is consistent with the wife. Although prosecutors have evidence that Ellerup was out of town when those murders occurred, they will have to explain how those hairs got on the victims. Suffolk County D.A. Ray Tierney says it could be as simple as transfer. Ray Tierney: You live at home with a spouse a little bit of your hair falls on your shoulder, as well as your spouse's. Then you go out and you interact with the third party and that hair gets on them. Ellerup has not been charged or named a suspect in any of the murders. Erin Moriarty: You don't believe that Rex Heuermann's wife was involved in this in any way? Ray Tierney: There's no evidence to indicate that. No. Along with the public scrutiny of Ellerup, there has also been support from people that perhaps know all too well what she's going through. Kerri Rawson, the daughter of serial killer Dennis Rader, who named himself BTK, tweeted: "Asa and her kids are also victims." MELISSA MOORE (at news conference): I can tell that they are going through hell. And from Melissa Moore, the daughter of Keith Jesperson a serial killer known as the "Happy Face Killer" for taunting authorities with letters signed with a happy face. BOB MACEDONIO (at news conference): She reached out immediately to myself and we put her in contact with Asa. At a news conference, Macedonio announced Moore set up a GoFundMe page for Ellerup, which raised over $50,000. It is money he says will largely go to medical bills Asa is battling breast and skin cancer. And because Rex Heuermann was the sole provider for the family, Macedonio says she will soon lose her health insurance. BOB MACEDONIO (at news conference): Asa would like me to express her thanks for the support she has received. Um, she is going through a very difficult time. Ellerup's children have also paid a heavy price. Her daughter, Victoria, who worked for her father at the architectural consulting firm, and her son, Christopher, are both now unemployed. Ellerup struggles to support them, says Macedonio, while she's also trying to figure out how to start over. Erin Moriarty: How is she getting through every day? Bob Macedonio: Honestly? Erin Moriarty: Yeah. Bob Macedonio: Minute by minute. She has no one else to turn into at this time. Family and friends have been hesitant to have her come over because they don't want the media attention. She gets followed wherever she goes. Asa Ellerup and her children continue to live in the house in Massapequa Park, Long Island, which the family says was excessively damaged when police searched it shortly after rex Heuermann's arrest. / Credit: Robert Macedonio For the moment, she and her children continue to live in the house in Massapequa Park, which the family says was excessively damaged during the police search. It's a daily reminder of the unimaginable crimes her estranged husband is charged with and the investigation that continues into what else he may have done. THE ONE WHO GOT AWAY? Rex Heuermann, awaiting trial, is locked inside a Suffolk County jail in a 60-square-foot cell. He denies killing Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello their voices now silent as the sand where they had been ruthlessly discarded. The Gilgo Four: Clockwise from top left, Amber Costello, Megan Waterman, Maureen Brainard Barnes and Melissa Barthelemy. / Credit: CBS News Erin Moriarty: How sure are you as you're sitting here now that Rex Heuermann is the Long Island serial killer? Ray Tierney: So, we're just at the beginning stage of this case but we would not have brought this indictment if we weren't confident in our case. Rodney Harrison: He took away somebody's mother, somebody's daughter, somebody's sister not just one person, multiple individuals. Heuermann is currently the prime suspect for the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes. And for investigators, an obvious question still hangs heavy: if Heuermann is a killer, are there other victims? Erin Moriarty: I mean, isn't there a real concern that there may be other victims out there? Ray Tierney: Always. Rodney Harrison: Who's to say there's not more bodies out there that we need to investigate? In 2011, police did find other bodies along Ocean Parkway after finding the Gilgo Four. There is victim number 5, Jessica Taylor an escort who went missing in 2003. The remains of Another set of remains police called "Jane Doe # 6" is now identified as Valerie Mack, also working as an escort.Number 7: To investigators' surprise they found a toddler girl.Number 8: An Asian male dressed in women's clothing. Number 9: A female skull belonging to Karen Vergata, an escort who disappeared in 1996.Number 10: Female remains from a victim cops nicknamed Peaches because of a tattoo on her torso. Although her remains were found six miles away, police say DNA confirms Peaches is the mother of that toddler. None of those victims have been linked to Heuermann. Erin Moriarty: Is it that you can't connect him yet, or you believe he probably isn't the person who killed these other individuals? Rodney Harrison: I don't know. Investigations spread to Las Vegas and South Carolina, where Heuermann owns property, with detectives there taking a fresh look at cases of missing women. And then there is Nikkie Brass. Nikkie Brass: I remembered him because one, he's massive. And how many massive, like 6-foot, 5 architects work in Manhattan and live in Massapequa? Now a hairdresser, Brass claims she may be one that got away. She told us she used to work as an escort. And while "48 Hours" cannot substantiate her story, Brass claims she can't shake her memory of the night she says she was solicited for sex by Rex Heuermann, and says she fled the restaurant where they met. Nikkie Brass: I had never gone anywhere and like felt, fear. My gut was telling me I needed to get away and I never had that before. Brass says what she found most disturbing is that Heuermann himself brought up those bodies bound in burlap by Gilgo Beach. Nikkie Brass: He wanted to, like, really get into it. Like, he asked me how I thought they could get rid of the bodies without being caught in that area. And I said, like, I've never been over there. I've never even seen Gilgo Beach. And his response was, well, it's really dark and desolate. More women coming forward claiming connections with Gilgo Beach murders suspect, sheriff says Brass is now represented by John Ray, an attorney who is also representing Shannan Gilbert's family. In December 2011, investigators finally found Shannan in the marsh not far from Gilgo Beach. But they don't believe she was murdered. Rodney Harrison: It's an unfortunate incident, but right now we believe that she just ran into the marsh and unfortunately drowned. A former investigator told us that he believes Shannan was high on drugs that night and says her death was an accident something John Ray just can't believe. While he doesn't think Shannan was a victim of Heuermann, he does believe she was murdered and points to that 911 call. John Ray (December 2013): It makes absolutely no sense that she's found where she is, except that someone else put her there, or killed her there. While questions remain about Shannan's last hours, there's no question she's the reason so many families may finally be getting answers they have long waited for. "48 Hours" spoke to her sister, Sherre Gilbert, in 2011. Sherre Gilbert: Yeah, if my sister, you know, didn't make that 911 call I don't think that these other women would have been recovered yet Now investigators hope that with an arrest they can give the victim's families, who stood with them, a sense of justice and of peace. Ray Tierney: I've gotten to know the families and I'm inspired by them, and I'm impressed by their patience. A local legend has it that Gilgo Beach was named for a skilled fisherman called Gil, the silver-gray waters once his secret hunting ground. Today, this beach area is better known for a relentless hunter of human prey a serial killer, whose chilling presence can still be felt in the ocean air. On Jan. 16, 2024, six months after his arrest, Rex Heuermann was charged with the murder of Maureen Brainard-Barnes. On June 6, 2024, Heuermann was charged with the 1993 murder of Sandra Costilla and the 2003 murder of Jessica Taylor. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Produced by Betsy Shuller, Mary Ann Rotondi, Lauren A. White, Sarah Prior, Richard Fetzer and James Stolz. Gregory McLaughlin is the producer-editor. Sara Ely Hulse, Michelle Fanucci, Elena DiFiore, David Dow and Cindy Cesare are the development producers. Charlotte A. Fuller, Anthony Venditti and Shaheen Tokhi are the field producers. Atticus Brady, Doreen Schechter, Marlon Disla, Grayce Arlotta-Berner, Marcus Balsum and Michael Vele are the editors. Morgan Canty and Dylan Gordon are the associate producers. Patti Aronofsky and Lourdes Aguiar are the senior producers. Nancy Kramer is the executive story editor. Judy Tygard is the executive producer. Supreme Court invalidates ban on bump stocks put in place after Las Vegas mass shooting Princess Kate makes first official appearance in months Texas woman moves into new home on land which was taken from her family by racist mob in 1939 For an earlier report on this story view the video player above. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Columbus police and Central Ohio Crime Stoppers are seeking assistance in solving a two-year-old, east Columbus homicide. According to Columbus Police, the shooting occurred at approximately 9:05 p.m. on the 200 block of South Ashburton Road. It was reported that 33-year-old Phillip Moore was taken to Grant Medical Center in critical condition, but he was later pronounced dead at 9:37 p.m. It was originally reported that an argument between Moore and his brother led to the shooting, however police have not named any suspects, despite having interviewed persons of interest. Police also said the shooting was believed to be in self-defense. Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for any information leading to the arrest and/or indictment of the person(s) responsible for this crime. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrime.org and submit your tip. Copyright 2024 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. Salud Garcia, 80, who works for Flying Food Group, walks the picket line with the help of Unite Here Local 11 in Inglewood. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) In the land of killer commutes, Salud Garcias trek is such a slog, she should get a gold medal at the finish line each day. She leaves her home in Reseda before dawn, takes a bus to a train, then another bus, followed by another. When she arrives at her job site near LAX more than two hours later its just about 7 a.m. I run to the bathroom and then get to work, said Garcia, a dishwasher for a food catering company that serves airlines. After work, Garcia will sometimes get lucky and catch a ride home from a co-worker. But usually, she reverses her commute, which means eight or nine hours on the job and, then, several hours in transit. What makes this all the more remarkable, or heartbreaking, if you prefer, is her age. Ill be 81 in August, said Garcia, who is known to lead colleagues in Inglewood out to a picket line on her lunch break in their fight for a better contract. She told me she wont benefit much, given her age, but she wants younger employees to be able to retire with dignity. I heard about Garcia from a Unite Here Local 11 spokeswoman while researching a column on workers who can't retire. Ive known lots of people who keep working because they want to, but I wanted to meet people who keep working because they have to. The rent is too high. The retirement fund has dried up or never existed. Social Security doesnt cover the bills, and the kids and grandkids need help. People keep working, often in physically demanding jobs, for all those reasons and more. Read more: Column: He was the oldest man in the U.S., and his loving caretaker was with him to the end Last summer I visited an early-morning picket line, another United Here site, outside the Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica, and among the 23 housekeepers, dishwashers and other employees asking for a better contract, six of them were in their 60s and two were in their 70s. My knee hurts, said 67-year-old dishwasher Jose Ayala, who told me he was working two jobs, for a total of 13 hours each day, to support a family of four in a Culver City apartment. A few years ago, I was researching my book on retirement, and I'll never forget the sight of a man in his 70s working at a big box store near Knott's Berry Farm. He was somewhat disfigured from surgery for cancer, and he told me his foot ached because he was standing for so many hours every day keeping an eye on the self-checkout counters. He'd retired once, but had to return to work as funds dwindled and costs rose, and he didnt know when he might be in good enough financial shape to retire again. When I checked in with his wife a year or so later, she told me her husband had finally retired, and then died a short time later. Salud Garcia, 80, right, takes a break from walking the picket line. Experts say there's been an increase in the number of people working over the age of 65 and into their 70s. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Theres been an increase in the number of people working over the age of 65 and even into their 70s, said Nari Rhee, director of the Retirement Security Program at the UC Berkeley Labor Center. But finding work is no cinch, she said, thanks in part to age discrimination especially in tech. With pensions all but gone in the private sector, Rhee said, half of working Americans have no retirement benefits other than Social Security. Even if 401(k)s are offered by an employer, most lower-wage workers do not opt in because they cant afford to. The system has really let American workers down, especially at the lower end of the labor market. Garcia, who has been at her current job for more than 30 years, makes a bit more than $21 an hour with a healthcare plan and a 401(k), among other benefits under the terms of a contract. But it expired nearly two years ago, and negotiations are lagging. Her employer, an airline caterer, sent me the pay scale and benefits package for its more than 500 employees, along with a brief statement. It said, in part, that the Flying Food Group has created hundreds of jobs in the L.A. area offering great pay and benefits while providing a modern and safe working environment for all. Read more: Column: From a Tommys security job to a ride home on Metro, her last hours alive The union begs to differ, pointing to multiple findings in the last few years by city, county and state agencies that safety standards and compensation requirements have not been met. Last August, the state labor commissioner fined Flying Food Group $1.2 million, alleging the company had lagged in rehiring 21 California employees (18 of them in Inglewood) who were laid off during the pandemic. To be fair, the Flying Food pay and benefits arent bad. Its just that given housing costs and other expenses, a lot of employees end up commuting long distances and working through old age and advancing ailments. At Garcias job site, 34 of her colleagues are 65 and older, and 14 of those are 70 and older, according to the union. One of the union goals, in addition to $25 an hour, is a pension plan. My first thought was sure, everybody would like pensions, but theyre a thing of the past. And a lot of businesses operate on thin margins, so higher pay packages can lead to fewer jobs. But we cant let profitable employers or the government off the hook for the steady march of older adults into abject poverty. When I interviewed New School economics professor Teresa Ghilarducci last year for the column on hotel employees, she said pensions and lowering the Medicare age would go a long way toward easing their burden. Salud Garcia's day includes several hours in transit and eight or nine hours on the job. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Im going to go out on a limb and guess that neither of those ideas can be considered viable at the moment, but in written testimony earlier this year for a U.S. Senate committee, Ghilarducci laid out a stark view of what she called Americas severely broken retirement system, which lags shamefully behind countries that havent let their elders down. By international standards, she said, elderly poverty in America is remarkably high: 23% of American elders are poor; in Canada the elder poverty rate is 12%; in the U.K. the elder poverty rate is over 15%; in France, its 4.4%; and in the Netherlands (whose pension system consistently ranks as one of the worlds best) just 3.1% of elders are poor. Garcia gets by, but only because she keeps working. She and her late husband separated many years ago, she told me, and for a period, she worked two jobs to support her children, one of whom died in his 30s from a heart ailment. Read more: Hotel strike nears end as union reaches more tentative deals with holdouts Outside her Reseda apartment one evening, after yet another 14-hour day, I noticed that Garcia was limping. She said her left knee was bothering her from long days emptying the food carts that flight attendants push through the aisles of jets. Garcia said she shovels the dishes into dishwashers that sometimes leak, leaving her standing in puddles. Garcia shares her apartment and splits the bills with her 40-year-old son, Brigido, a physical therapist who told me his mothers advice has been constant through the years. Never give up. Life is tough as we know it. Weve got to show everybody that we can do it, he said. That's the spirit his mother took to the picket line in Inglewood one day. Garcia led her colleagues out to the street during their lunch break, where they took up signs and called for a new contract. One day I asked her, Why dont you retire? said Rafael Leon , a Flying Food dishwasher-turned-union rep whom I met in 2015, when he and his family lived in a converted garage. She said, Son, if I leave this job, thats a death sentence.' Shes fighting for the younger employees, she told him, because they stand to benefit the most. As Garcia put it to me: I want to see this through. Were going to fight until we finish. If youre working late in life out of financial necessity, or know someone who is, please let me know at steve.lopez@latimes.com Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. When the Rev. Jeff Hood entered Missouri's execution chamber this past week, he saw something hauntingly out of the ordinary: himself. The window to the death chamber is one-way, meaning witnesses can see inmates but inmates cannot see who is watching them, Hood told USA TODAY, adding that every other execution he's witnessed in other states has been in a room with a two-way window. "It's like a house of horrors," Hood said. "It's very, very bizarre." Hood walked in to find his friend, David Hosier a man condemned to die for the 2009 murder of a former lover strapped to the gurney. Hosier's final words to the reverend before Missouri executed him: "Give 'em hell, Jeff." Encouragement for Hood to keep fighting against the ultimate punishment. As Hood put his hand on Hosier's shoulder and began to read scripture, the intravenous line to deliver the lethal injection was near Hood's elbow. Soon the reverend was able to see the pentobarbital or as he calls it, "poison" travel to end Hosier's life. When time of death was pronounced at 6:11 p.m. on Tuesday, Hosier became the seventh man Hood has seen executed. Hood says witnessing executions makes him feel 'like a murderer' In 2022, the Supreme Court ruled that spiritual advisers must be allowed into execution chambers if death row inmates want them. Since then, the 40-year-old Hood who lives in Little Rock, Arkansas with his wife and five children has made it one of his missions to comfort the condemned in their final weeks, hours and minutes. "My job is to come into their lives when they have six to three months left to live and become their best friend," Hood told USA TODAY in an interview shortly after Hosier's execution. "I become their best friend in order to be their best friend when they die." After seven executions, Hood said it doesn't get any easier. If anything, it's gotten harder. "You feel like a murderer," he said. "I'm called to be there for my guy. I'm called to pray. I'm called to read scripture. For all of my good intentions, I ultimately do nothing to stop it ... I sit there and watch someone I love be murdered. In my inaction, I join the team of murderers. "Being a part of the entire process is moral torture," he added. But Hood feels compelled to continue the work. Three inmates have asked him to accompany them to their executions in the next six months, and he works with about two dozen others throughout the country. This despite what he says have been numerous death threats against him and his family. Why? "Giving someone a voice, that's the only thing that can make them feel like a human being," he said. The Rev. Jeff Hood and death row inmate David Hosier as pictured on June 7, 2024. Hosier was executed by lethal injection four days later on June 11, 2024. Hood witnessed world's first nitrogen gas execution While Hood says every execution he's witnessed is disturbing, he's particularly haunted by that of Kenneth Eugene Smith, who was put to death by nitrogen gas in Alabama in January for his role in a murder-for-hire plot of a preacher's wife in 1988. "He literally was heaving back and forth, his face was hitting the front of the mask," Hood says. "Mucus and slobber were drizzling down the front of the inside of the mask ... It was like his veins all over his body were spidering and that there were ants up on his skin that were moving in every single direction." Marty Roney, a reporter with the Montgomery Advertiser part of the USA TODAY Network was also among witnesses and reported that Smith "appeared to convulse and shake vigorously for about four minutes after the nitrogen gas apparently began flowing through his full-face mask," and that "it was another two to three minutes before he appeared to lose consciousness, all while gasping for air to the extent that the gurney shook several times." By appearances, lethal injections almost look like medical procedures, Hood said, while the nitrogen gas method "looks like a very vicious, horrible murder." Among Smith's last words before he suffocated: "Tonight, Alabama caused humanity to take a step backward." In a statement following Smith's execution, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall noted that it "marked the first time in the nation and the world that nitrogen hypoxia was used as the method of execution." The state "has achieved something historic," he added. Alabama is set to execute another inmate, Alan Eugene Miller, with nitrogen gas in September. Miller, who was convicted of killing three people during two workplace shootings in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1999, is arguing against the method in a lawsuit, saying it's cruel and unusual punishment. Kenneth Eugene Smith became the first inmate executed by nitrogen gas on Jan. 2024 Hood focuses on love at most recent execution At the most recent execution Hood attended, that of David Hosier on June 11, he said he read from the Bible as he held the inmate's shoulder. As we was reading, Hood says Hosier repeated the phrase, "Give 'em hell," an apparent reference to Hood's hope to see the death penalty abolished. Hosier was convicted in the 2009 shooting death of his former lover, Angela Gilpin, a married mother of two sons. Gilpin was seeing Hosier while she was separated from her husband but had decided to make her marriage work and broke it off with Hosier, who always maintained his innocence. Handout photo of David Hosier, 69, at Potosi Correctional Center, in Potosi, Missouri about 70 miles south of St. Louis. Hosier was executed on June 11. Hood said that Hosier was 100% convinced of his innocence and that he wasn't just "putting on a show." Hood gave Hosier absolution for his sins and did not confess to the crime in his final moments. While Hood says he was being tortured by his own emotions during the process, his focus was on ensuring Hosier felt love and felt like a human being. "I think that in the last few weeks, David got a lot of his dignity back," Hood said. "I'm the luckiest man on Earth," Hosier said in a final statement sent to reporters shortly before he was put to death. "I've been able to speak the the truth of my innocence ... I leave you all with love." Contributing: Marty Roney of the Montgomery Advertiser This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Arkansas reverend comforts death row inmates in final moments Fathers Day celebrates not only the dads in our lives but all the men who provide emotional, financial and practical support to their families. According to the latest data, there are approximately 70.1 million fathers in the United States. These husbands, partners and even grandfathers may vary in their parenting skills, but all leave their children memories that are carried into adulthood. I grew up in the 1950s when a fathers primary job was to provide for his family. My dad was a quiet man I never heard him raise his voice to my mother, myself or siblings. He worked a construction job that meant being outdoors all year-round in rain, snow and heat. Additionally, he held a second evening job cleaning local businesses. He was ready to help others when asked. His quiet faith was our legacy. Friends and co-workers respected him; however, few knew the difficult problems he faced at home. There were outstanding medical bills. A son died. He was injured in a job-site accident. He never spoke of these challenges, nor did he complain that he didnt have a fair deal. Thoughts of my father brought to mind a recent article on President Joe Bidens personal life. The writer, Janal Simmons, was shocked that very few young voters knew Joe Biden as a devoted father who quietly faced many personal issues throughout his career. Sammons found, In the absence of Bidens biography, a lot of young people only know the negative info theyre being fed about the president. College students tend to get their news from social media and television. Too many young voters rely on information from short videos and memes. Few read newspapers like the Wall Street Journal. Most are unaware that Biden began his political career at the age of 27, and two years later was elected to the U.S. Senate. Tragically, two weeks after winning the seat, Biden's wife and young daughter died in an auto accident. He was sworn in at his sons' hospital room as the fifth-youngest senator in history. He continued as a senator representing Delaware for 36 years. Unlike most of his Washington colleagues, Biden commuted to Washington and home to Delaware each night by train to look after his two sons. His son Beau Biden died from brain cancer in 2015 after serving in Iraq. Biden dealt with these horrific tragedies by relying on his faith. He often mentions his faith journey and how it guides his decisions. Many voters assume that the president was from a rich family. In fact, Biden was known for many years as one of the poorest members of Congress. The website Politifacts fact sheet shows that over the years, the joint income of the Bidens not far above his allotted congressional pay. Jill Biden, his second wife, has always worked as a teacher. As a senator, Biden has used the personal challenges he faced as a father to guide his work for his constituents. His legislative legacy has not been widely broadcast; however, he has introduced and supported important laws that strengthen families, ensure the safety of women and promote affordable health care. As we celebrate fathers and the traits that make them a positive difference in their families, consider what traits we look for in our candidates. Family values and personal faith underpin how the people we elect choose to govern. The upcoming November elections have the potential to change our country. Do some investigating on candidates from local to state to national. Non-partisan information can be found on websites like justfacts.votesmart.org or www.factcheck.org, Your Monroe County Library System can offer further guidance. Mary Bullard is a member of Stronger Together Huddle, a group engaged in supporting and promoting the common good of all. She is a former librarian and resides in Lambertville. She can be reached at mcneil102@icloud.com. This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Mary Bullard: Consider a father's influence when reviewing candidates Cops search for pervert who sexually assaulted 13-year-old girl in NYC park: So not safe An officer hangs a wanted poster in Kissena Park that shows a sketch of the alleged pervert. NYPD officers swarmed Queens Kissena Park as the department raced to find the monster who sexually assaulted a 13-year-old Asian girl this week in a remote spot in the urban oasis. Eight police cruisers and a NYPD Mobile Command Center stood by at the parks Juniper Avenue and Colden Street entrance, as officer working in pairs canvassed the green space on foot and on horseback, and community cops papered the area with wanted posters. Dad Alankar Ngar, who was in the park with his 14-year-old daughter, said parents were scared. The gates at Kissena Park in Queens where a 13-year-old girl was sexually assaulted Thursday. Brigitte Stelzer Officers put up reward flyers to find the pervert. Brigitte Stelzer Everybody is tense since the news because we all have small children that are playing here, and it happened in the day, the 48-year-old said. You can almost understand if its a case of the night, but it happened in the day, where we can tell our children to play freely. Its scary. Area resident Anna Zheng, 50, said she was saddened by the attack. NYPD officers on horses at Kissena Park at Colden Street and Juniper Avenue in Queens, Brigitte Stelzer I feel so bad and so not safe, said Zheng, 50, who lives in the area. Im very shocked. The girl and a 13-year-old boy were in a field in the park around 3:30 p.m. Thursday when the man approached and forced them with a large machete-style knife into a secluded area, cops said. He then tied the schoolmates wrists together with a shoelace and proceeded to sexually assault the girl. He told them to wait 20 minutes and stole both their phones before fleeing. Police officers congregate at an NYPD Mobile Command Center outside Kissena Park. Brigitte Stelzer The pervert was described as a short, light skinned male in his 20s, with short curly hair and braces on his teeth. He also has a distinctive boar or a bull tattoo with red eyes and horns on the left side of his chest. The children returned to their school after the heinous incident and alerted staff, who called 911, cops said. A 30-year-old who gave his name as Steve has lived on the perimeter of the park for six years and said more cops should be there all the time. Police officers near a wanted poster looking for the pervert who sexually assaulted a 13-year-old. Brigitte Stelzer Im worried about my wife and the children here, there are a lot of kids, he said. Queens resident Rehan Safri has lived in the neighborhood for two decades and said hed never heard of anything like the horrifying incident happening before. Im surprised that this happened Ive never seen anything like that or heard about anything like that in the past 35 years, its never happened, the 36-year-old said. Thats sad, thats really sad. The NYPD sketch of the man who sexually attacked a 13-year-old girl. A drawing of the tattoo the kids told cops the man had on his chest. DCPI Dad Vikas Rohilla was in the park with his 8-year-old daughter and said there were more parents with their kids in the park than usual. This is the park where all the kids from the neighborhood come to play, the 40-year-old said. This used to be filled with kids all day but now, you see, the parents are coming with the kids. He worried about whether another attack could happen. How do we know that this is not going to happen again? he asked. If this is going to be what happens, how are our kids going to be safe playing in a playground? Could New York have abortion on the ballot in 2024? Could New York have abortion on the ballot in 2024? NEW YORK (AP) Deadlines are coming up between now and July 5 in five states where advocates are trying to gather enough voters signatures to put abortion-related questions on ballots in Novembers elections. Measures that would enshrine the right to abortion in state constitutions are already on the ballot in four states, and officials in two more are checking whether the petitions submitted there are valid. Additionally, New Yorks attorney general is trying to get a question reinstated after a court removed it. Tri-state abortion advocates still wary after abortion drug ruling The push continues after the Supreme Courts June 13 abortion ruling denying on technical grounds an effort to roll back the federal approval for mifepristone, a drug used for medication abortions. But abortion rights supporters are cautioning against that ruling instilling too much confidence because its possible a similar lawsuit brought by someone else could succeed. It adds up to an election season in which abortion rights will be a major issue, directly and in races for candidates for state and federal office. The fate of the measures could reshape or confirm the trendlines that have developed in the nearly two years since the U.S. Supreme Court removed the nationwide right to abortion. Since the courts 2022 ruling, most Republican-controlled states have new abortion restrictions in effect, including 14 banning it at every stage of pregnancy. Most Democratic-led states have laws or executive orders to protect access. Voters in seven states California, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Montana, Ohio and Vermont have sided with abortion rights supporters on ballot measures since 2022. Some efforts that sought to restrict or ban abortion also have failed to reach ballots. In Wisconsin, the House approved a measure asking voters to ban abortion after 14 weeks, but the legislative session ended without a vote from the state Senate. Likewise, Iowa lawmakers ended their session without approving a measure asking voters to find there is no constitutional right to abortion. Pennsylvania lawmakers previously pursued a similar amendment, but its not expected to be added to the ballot this year. A Louisiana measure to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution died in committee, one in Maine effectively died when it fell short of receiving the approval of two-thirds of the House and a Minnesota measure was not passed by lawmakers. More Local News Whats now on 2024 ballots? COLORADO Colorados top election official confirmed in May that a measure to enshrine abortion protections in the state constitution, including requirements that Medicaid and private health insurers cover it, made the ballot for the fall election. Supporters said they gathered more than 225,000 signatures, nearly double the requirement of over 124,000 signatures. Amending the state constitution requires the support of 55% of voters. Those backing a dueling measure, a law to ban abortion, did not turn in signatures, and the measure will not go before voters. Abortion is legal at all stages of pregnancy in Colorado. FLORIDA The state Supreme Court ruled in April that a ballot measure to legalize abortion until fetal viability could go on the ballot despite a legal challenge from state Attorney General Ashley Moody, who argued there are differing views on the meaning of viability and that some key terms in the proposed measure are not properly defined. Advocates collected nearly a million signatures to put a state constitutional amendment to legalize abortion until viability on the ballot, surpassing the nearly 892,000 required. To take effect, the measure would need agreement from 60% of voters. Abortion is currently illegal in Florida after the first six weeks of pregnancy, before many women know they are pregnant, under a law that took effect May 1. MARYLAND Maryland voters also will be asked this year to enshrine the right to abortion in the states constitution. The state already protects the right to abortion under state law and Democrats outnumber Republicans 2-1. Abortion is allowed in Maryland until viability. SOUTH DAKOTA South Dakota voters will decide this fall on a measure that would ban any restrictions on abortion in the first trimester of pregnancy. It would allow the state in the second trimester to regulate the pregnant womans abortion decision and its effectuation only in ways that are reasonably related to the physical health of the pregnant woman. An abortion ban would be allowed in the third trimester, as long as it included exceptions for the life and health of the woman. The states top election official announced May 16 that about 85% of the more than 55,000 signatures submitted in support of the ballot initiative are valid, exceeding the required 35,017 signatures. Opponents still have until Monday to file a challenge with the secretary of states office. Where else could abortion be on the ballot in 2024? NEW YORK A judge in May removed an equal protection amendment involving reproductive health care from the November ballot, finding lawmakers missed a procedural step when they put it there. Attorney General Letitia James said she would appeal the ruling. The measure would bar discrimination based on pregnancy outcomes and reproductive healthcare, along with sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin and disability. The language does not explicitly preserve a right to abortion in New York, where its currently allowed until viability. ARIZONA A signature drive is underway to add a constitutional right to abortion in Arizona. Under the measure, the state would not be able to ban abortion until the fetus is viable, with later abortions allowed to protect a womans physical or mental health. Supporters must gather nearly 384,000 valid signatures by July 4. Abortion is currently legal for the first 15 weeks of pregnancy in Arizona. An Arizona Supreme Court ruling in April said enforcement could begin soon for a near-total ban that was already on the books. The governor has since signed a bill repealing that law. It is still expected to be in effect for a time, however. ARKANSAS Proponents of an amendment to allow abortion in many cases must gather nearly 91,000 signatures by July 5 for it to get it on the Nov. 5 ballot. The measure would bar laws banning abortion in the first 20 weeks of gestation and allow abortion later in pregnancy in cases of rape, incest, threats to the womans health or life, or if the fetus would be unlikely to survive birth. Because it allows abortion to be banned 20 weeks into pregnancy, the proposal does not have the support of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, which includes Arkansas. The state currently bans abortion at all stages of pregnancy, with narrow exceptions. MISSOURI Missouri abortion rights advocates turned in more than 380,000 signatures, more than twice the required 171,000, for a measure asking voters to approve a constitutional amendment to guarantee abortion until viability. Local election officials have until July 30 to verify the signatures, then its up to the secretary of state to declare whether there were enough. A group of moderate Republicans have for this year abandoned efforts for an alternate amendment that would have allowed abortion up to 12 weeks, with limited exceptions afterward. Abortion is currently banned in Missouri at all stages of pregnancy, with limited exceptions. MONTANA Abortion rights proponents in Montana have proposed a constitutional amendment that would bar the government from denying the right to abortion before viability or when its necessary to protect the life or health of the pregnant person. After a legal battle over the ballot language, the Montana Supreme Court in April wrote its version of the language that would appear on the ballot if supporters gather more than 60,000 signatures by Friday. Abortion is legal until viability in Montana under a 1999 state Supreme Court opinion. NEBRASKA Advocates are trying to collect about 123,000 signatures needed by July 5 to put a constitutional amendment before voters to protect abortion rights until fetal viability. A competing petition effort would add a constitutional amendment mirroring a law adopted last year that bans abortion after 12 weeks, with some exceptions. A third effort for a measure that would ban abortion throughout pregnancy has struggled to raise money and is not expected to gather enough signatures to make the ballot. More PIX on Politics NEVADA Organizers in May said they turned in almost twice as many signatures as needed to put an abortion rights measure on Nevadas ballot in November. Under the amendment, abortion access for the first 24 weeks of pregnancy, or later to protect the health of the pregnant person, would be enshrined in the state constitution. Such access is already ensured under a 1990 law. More than 102,000 valid signatures are required to place the measure on the ballot, and organizers said they submitted more than 200,000. Now, county election officials must verify signatures. To change the constitution, voters would need to approve it in both 2024 and 2026. Copyright 2024 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. On September 11, Ethiopians will celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another. However, when the East African country rings in its New Year in a few months, it will technically be 2017, according to the Ethiopian calendar. So why is Ethiopia, Africas second most populous country, seven years and eight months behind much of the rest of the world? And how does that work for Ethiopians living on an increasingly interconnected planet that mostly operates in an entirely different era? The answers lie in traditions that date back centuries and a firm sense of national identity. Unique calendar A choir member sings during the Ethiopian New Year's Eve celebration marking the beginning of the year 2015 on the Ethiopian calendar in Addis Ababa, on September 11, 2022. - Tiksa Negeri/Reuters In Ethiopia, the birth year of Jesus Christ is recognized as seven or eight years later than the Gregorian, or Western calendar, which was introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582. According to experts, the Roman Church adjusted its calculation in 500 CE, while the Ethiopian Orthodox Church opted to stick to the ancient dates. Although much of the rest of the world went on to adopt the Gregorian calendar, Ethiopia has kept its own. We are unique, says Eshetu Getachew, CEO of Rotate Ethiopia Tours And Travel. We [were] never colonized. We have our own calendar. We have our own alphabet. We have our own cultural traditions. Thought to date back at least 1,500 years, the Ethiopian Calendar has many similarities to the Coptic calendar of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria, an Oriental Orthodox Christian church based in Egypt. Following a solar-lunar system, its 13 months long, with 12 of those months lasting for 30 days. The final month consists of just five days, or six days during a leap year. Travelers visiting Ethiopia are often stunned to learn that theyve gone back in time, with some taking to social media to express their bewilderment. As international businesses and schools based in the country tend to follow the Gregorian calendar, many Ethiopians have little choice but to use both the traditional Ethiopian calendar and the Western calendar simultaneously. Its very difficult, Ethiopian archaeologist Goitom W. Tekle, currently based in Germany, tells CNN Travel. I still cant switch into one Its quite a challenge. I need to think of the hours, the days. Sometimes the months, and sometimes even the year. Tekle explains that some institutions have to keep switching between the two calendars, incorporating the different dates and times, when corresponding with Ethiopians, especially those based in rural areas, and those outside the country. Even something as simple as applying for a birth certificate can pose problems when attempting to merge the Ethiopian system and the Western system. Date confusion Ethiopian Orthodox worshippers gather next to a rock-hewn church in Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on January 7, 2024. - Michele Spatari/AFP/Getty Images Lets say, a baby is three years old, and you file for their birth certificate with the city or with the local government, says German historian Verena Krebs, who specializes in medieval European and African history. And then you state according to the Ethiopian system of time, and then you have to trust that the clerk does the conversion well. So there are certain variables, which can then result in doubled or tripled birthdays. While she notes that this may seem unusual to those who arent accustomed to it, its not something that she gives much thought to anymore. You just adapt to the system, she says. You switch from one to the other. So youre not even actively aware anymore that this is a thing that people might find striking, because its become so normal. Krebs also acknowledges that the traditional Ethiopian calendar isnt the only separate calendar, pointing to the ancient Egyptian calendar, where the year 2024 corresponds to the year 6266, as an example. That is clearly a very, very different way of counting time, she says. Saudi Arabia has traditionally prioritized the Hijri calendar, made up of 12 months and 354 days, but recently approved the use of the Gregorian calendar for official dealings. Meanwhile, the Hebrew calendar is the official calendar of Israel. Krebs feels that interest in the Ethiopian calendar has increased in recent years, suggesting that this may be linked to the fact that its very close to the Gregorian calendar, and yet different. Logical approach Photographer Abel Gashaw is among the many Ethiopians who have adapted to moving between both calendars relatively comfortably. However, he admits that he prefers the Ethiopian calendar, describing it as more logical, particularly in reference to the start of the year. New Year, or Enkutatash, which translates to gift of jewels in the Ethiopian Semitic language Amharic, arrives towards the end of the rainy season. Adey Abeba, a flower indigenous to Ethiopia, blooms during this period and has become a symbol of the Ethiopian New Year. Thats like a fresh start, says Gashaw. Its a new beginning for us After that, the amount of rain becomes low, and everywhere you go, its so green. He goes on to point out that having the New Year on January 1 wouldnt make any sense in Ethiopia, as the date falls during the dry season, whereas September 11 (or September 12 during a leap year,) which also marks the beginning of the Egyptian year, works well. I know its a bad day for the world, says Gashaw, referencing the 9/11 attacks in 2001. But the Ethiopian calendar happens annually on that day. Meanwhile, Krebs stresses that theres no reason beyond basically the Christian appropriation of pagan holidays from the Roman Empire to suggest that the New Year should begin at the threshold between December and January. So I think it makes much more sense, in that it often coincides with the tail end of the rainy season. Its not over yet, but its going out, she adds. Its not just months, days and years that differ in Ethiopia. The country also runs on its own time system. 12-hour clock Ethiopia follows a 12-hour clock system that runs from dawn to dusk. - Minasse Wondimu Hailu/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images While most countries begin their day at midnight, Ethiopians use a 12-hour clock system that runs from dawn to dusk, beginning at 1 a.m. This means that what most people outside of the country would consider as 7 a.m., Ethiopians would class as 1 a.m. Gashaw explains that this is reflective of life in Ethiopia the hours of daylight in the country are pretty consistent due to its proximity to the Equator and feels like a more sensible approach. To be honest, I dont know why the European time changes at midnight, he says. Because everybody sleeps. Understandably, this can cause confusion, particularly for travelers visiting the country. When making appointments with international visitors, Gashaw always makes sure to clarify whether theyre referring to Ethiopian timings or Western time. If somebody says lets meet at 2 p.m. I will double-check [whether they mean morning or afternoon.] he says. Also, when I buy a flight ticket, the airlines use the European calendar, so I double check three or four times, to understand in my time. However, even hes gotten it wrong on occasion. Gashaw once missed an exam because his university schedule was set to Western times, and he misunderstood. When they said 2 p.m., I thought it was in Ethiopian time, and that means in the morning, he explains. So when I go theres nobody there. I think. Okay, the exam got canceled. Tekle suggests that there may be something of a disconnect between residents who live in more rural areas of the country and dont necessarily have to consider different timings and calendars, and those based in the cities who are regularly exposed to the Western system. Time of change? Foreign visitors don't need to worry about getting their flight times and dates mixed up. Ethiopia's airlines use the European calendar. - Marc Fernandes/NurPhoto/Getty Images Ethiopia is a very conservative Christian country where the majority of the people dont care about the rest of the world, he says, explaining that the way things are done in the Western world would be of little interest or concern to many Ethiopians, particularly those who live in the countryside. They tell you a time Sometimes they dont even know that there is another way of counting time. Of course, Ethiopia has made it all the way to 2024 or 2016 depending on which system youre using without shifting its approach to timing, changing its calendar or amending its method of counting the years. But is that likely to change in the future as more people based in rural areas of the country become connected to the rest of the world? I know that a lot of farmers nowadays already, of course, have smartphones, says Krebs, noting that this could potentially affect the way they view the Ethiopian approach to things. It will be interesting [to see] how that plays out in the coming decades with even more connectivity and whether that will have an impact. Gashaw doesnt feel that this is a particularly pressing issue, or something that will make much of a difference to Ethiopians either way. In my opinion, as long as theres complete months and days difference, the year coordination will not matter that much, he says. Tekle stresses that the traditional Ethiopian calendar, based on the teachings of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, isnt even the only functioning calendar in the country. Its also worth noting that Ethiopia has the third-largest Muslim population in sub-Saharan Africa. There are at least two other calendars, to my knowledge, that work for people who use them in southern Ethiopia, he explains. So you know, you can use a lot of other calendars. For Krebs, the notion that a country with a population of around 130 million should alter one of its long-standing traditions in the name of practicality is difficult to champion. There is no real reason, other than practicality, that anybody should adapt to it [the Western method of tracking time] in a globalized world, she says. From an outsiders perspective, I dont think that any other nation should lose their own local system, which has much more cultural significance and meaning [to them]. Correction: A previous version of this story misidentified Ethiopias location in Africa. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com (NEXSTAR) Warning signs that could signal a rise in COVID infections are appearing in parts of the U.S. Wastewater testing, which can help detect the spread of a COVID in a community, has shown a significant uptick of the virus in several states. Testing sites in Montana and Florida are reporting very high levels of COVID, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. Levels are high in wastewater across Alaska, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland and New Mexico. Emergency room visits related to COVID-19 are also on the rise, the CDC says, spiking 12.6% in one week. The biggest jumps were seen last week in Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia. Theres a new dominant COVID variant but are the symptoms any different? Even with the recent increases, however, hospitalizations for COVID-19 remain very low nationwide. Only 0.6% of all emergency department visits were diagnosed as COVID cases last week. The CDC also reports a 1% increase in positive tests, but with the proliferation of at-home COVID testing, positive cases often go unreported. The uptick in cases may be driven by the new dominant subvariants, like FLiRT and KP.3. While COVID vaccines are still very effective against these strains, it may be a while since youve gotten a booster, leaving you more susceptible. A lingering effect of the pandemic is making traffic worse in these US cities If everybodys getting vaccinated in November and December and then everyone is getting sick in December and January, the population is all becoming susceptible around the same time in the summer, Ilan Rubin, a research fellow at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, told TIME. The travel and socializing that comes with summer may also increase your exposure. Copyright 2024 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. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) El Paso Police and Crime Stoppers of El Paso want your help in solving a murder that happened last year in a Northeast neighborhood. This is this weeks featured Crime of the Week, as publicized by Crime Stoppers. Police: Man found with gunshot wound in car was a murder victim A little after 3 a.m. on Saturday, April 29, 2023, police officers responded to a call about a vehicle that had crashed into a yard at the 5900 block of Ameen. Daniel Antonio Mergil. The driver, identified as 27-year-old Daniel Antonio Mergil, was found to have been shot and was taken to the hospital where he died. Investigators believe the shooting took place near the 6100 block of Ameen, near the U-Haul storage facility. A black, 4-door sedan was captured on video fleeing from the scene, according to Crime Stoppers. Suspect vehicle in murder of Daniel Antonio Mergil The vehicle has chromed rims and possibly chrome door handles, Crime Stoppers said. Mergil left behind a wife and a young child. Anyone with any information on this murder should call Crime Stoppers of El Paso immediately at (915) 566-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.cselpaso.org. You will remain anonymous, and if your tip leads to an arrest, you may qualify for a cash reward. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. The author and his Jeep JK stand at the headwaters of the Arkansas River near the continental divide in 2013 in Colorado The author and his Jeep JK stand at the headwaters of the Arkansas River near the continental divide in 2013 in Colorado. (Karl Gregory) Its all in the wrist. Mastering the wave is an essential part of driving a Jeep, and the best waves are a casual but clear signal to other drivers that you share a bond. The Jeep wave has been on my mind lately because its the time of year when I point the nose of the Jeep away from home and drive until I reach the Continental Divide, a trackless desert or an uncrossable body of water. Its a particular type of wanderlust, an automotive odyssey worthy (in my adolescent mind) of Ulysses or at least George Washington Hayduke, a desire to leave Kansas behind and connect with the far American wild. Kim has been with me on many of these adventures and is likely tired of all the waving and the appreciating of other Jeeps at gas stations and diners, but she has not complained. My current ride is a silver Wrangler JK thats gone farther and longer than any of my other Jeeps, but which on a trip to Yellowstone last month gave us a scare. We had parked in a pullout and killed the engine amid a flurry snow to admire a wooly bison standing not far away. It had already been a spectacular tool, with a visit to Old Faithful and a sighting of a grizzly sow and her cubs. But when I turned the key to resume our journey to beat the storm to the east gate and head toward our motel at Cody there was nothing. Not even the radio would play. We were stuck. But back to the Jeep wave. Its a greeting that acknowledges a kinship deeply rooted in automotive history but which, according to personal taste, can take on radical dimensions. Have a bog standard Jeep JK with 17-inch rims? You get the wave. Pilot a tricked-out off-road monster with 37-inch tires, a snorkel and a Hi-Lift jack mounted on the hood? The wave is for you, too. In most cases, the wave isnt really a wave at all, but a lifting of a finger or two from the rim of the steering wheel as the other Jeep approaches. Its a question of attitude. Be too enthusiastic and youll look like an idiot, unless perhaps you actually know the other driver or if the other Jeep is unusually interesting, like an original GP or a rock-crawling monster. Timing counts, because if you do it too soon youre just needy and if too late, you werent paying attention. Ideally, the Jeep wave is done simultaneously with the other driver. It is a particularly satisfying feeling when done right. Its the closest thing to kinship Ive felt on the busy highways and lonely backroads of America, a recognition of the freedom to roam, a salute to those who drive Jeeps even though they might seem impractical to the average motorist. The Jeep greeting is similar to the Harley wave, in which motorcyclists put their left arms low and extend a couple of fingers. The author's jeep was "ducked" in 2021. When you drive a Jeep, other Jeep drivers are no strangers, even though you may be far from home. You might even get ducked. The first time I found a yellow rubber ducky jammed in my door handle, I thought I was being pranked, but I soon learned that like the wave, the toy ducks represent kindness and encouragement. The movement was started during the pandemic by a Canadian-American woman named Allison Parliament. Note that ideally the Jeep wave is reserved for Wranglers or other iterations, such as the CJ, clearly descended from the World War II era GPs: four-wheel drive, flat fold-down windshield, broad grille and typically round headlights. The Jeep gets its name from that two-letter wartime designation, GP for General Purpose, which in military slang was soon rendered as jeep. At least thats the story I heard, but perhaps a military purist would quibble. Or maybe it was named, as some would have it, after a mystical creature called Eugene in the Popeye comic strip that could teleport to other dimension but only say jeep. More than 650,000 jeeps were produced by various manufacturers, including Ford and Overland-Willys during World War II. Kansan Dwight D. Eisenhower, the supreme Allied commander who later would become Americas 34th president, is widely reported to have said the small, all-purpose vehicle was among the most important things, including the C-47 transport airplane and the tank-killing bazooka, that contributed to victory. Eighty years ago, jeeps were ubiquitous during the D-Day invasion of Normandy and soon became synonymous with the American military. The jeep did the jobs that horses had formerly been used for in the Army, the heavy hauling of soldiers and supplies over rough terrain, but the curious little vehicles also seemed somehow like a living thing. Its hard not to look at the grille and round headlights of a Jeep and not think of a face. Decades after World War II, when the French marketing guru Clotaire Rapaille was hired by Chrysler to tell the automaker why Jeep sales were stagnant, he had a surprising answer: It was the square headlights of the Jeep YJs, produced between 1986 and 1995. I returned to those wary Chrysler executives and told them that the Code for Jeep in America is HORSE, Rapaille recalled in his book, The Culture Code. Horses have round eyes, not square eyes. Respondents (in focus groups) told me hundreds of stories, Rapaille wrote, and the stories had a strong recurring image of being out on the open land, of going where no ordinary car could go, of riding free of the restraints of the road. Many people spoke of the American west or the open plains. Chrysler changed the headlights back to round and sales took off again. Late-model Jeep Wranglers are bigger and heavier than their 1940s military ancestors and have amenities like heaters that make modern travel easier, but the inspiration for their boxy design and distinctive grilles go back eight decades. They have removable tops and doors. And they are possibly the most customizable of American vehicles; from bumper to bumper, there are catalogs full of accessories to make the Jeep an expression of your four-wheeling aesthetic. The first military jeep sold for civilian use is on display at the U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum at Huntsville, Alabama. The jeep was sold in 1944 to Fred Heine, the mayor of Lucas, Kansas. The Heine family used the vehicle for assorted ranch work until it was sold to a collector in the 1970s, was restored, and made its way to the Alabama museum, where it was dubbed "Lucas." The civilian desire for jeeps goes back to 1944, when the first surplus military jeep was sold to the mayor of Lucas, Kansas. Rancher Fred Heine purchased the Ford-produced jeep, which had entered military service two years earlier, over the telephone for $750 and picked it up in Chicago. He drove it back to Kansas, reporting that it averaged 27 miles to the gallon. The sale earned a feature story in Life magazine, complete with pictures of the jeep, which Heine nicknamed Dark Horse, doing various chores on the ranch, often with his wife, Bessie, at the wheel. Theres was also a newsreel, which can be found here, showing the jeep in action at the ranch. Since the jeep made its army debut three years ago, Life wrote, the motor-minded American public has coveted it with an unholy covetousness. Millions dreamed of owning a jeep, and the lucky Heines were probably the first family to actually get their hands on one. Mayor Heine later told a reporter for the Wichita Eagle that the jeep was good not only for ranch work, but on fishing trips to the Rockies went places in the mountains other cars couldnt. The Eagle said Life magazine had received 12,000 letters after the story on the mayors jeep ran, many of them from Kansas boys overseas who had named their jeeps like they did their ponies when back home. Fred Heine soon bought the first Jeep produced for the civilian market, the larger CJ for civilian Jeep. The dealership he bought it from was run by Harry Hines Woodring, the former Kansas governor and Franklin D. Roosevelts secretary of war from 1936 to 1940. He sold the civilian Jeep to Woodring at the 1945 Kansas State Fair, according to the caption on the back of an Acme News photo. My friend Jim Hoy, a retired professor and author of Flint Hills Cowboys, once mused in his Plains Folk newspaper column in 1993 that Heine was the first to introduce the four-wheel drive utility vehicle to agricultural work. We have Fred Heine to thank, Hoy wrote. Now it seems that a farmer or rancher cant get by without a flatbed four-by-four, a fuel tank on the back in summer for hauling diesel to the field, a cattle feeder on the back in winter for scattering cake. The Heine family had the surplus jeep until the 1970s, when a military vehicle collector became curious about what happened to the jeep featured in Life magazine. The family still had the old GP in a barn. The collector, Ken Hake of Tipton, Kansas, bought the jeep and restored it. The jeep is now on display at the U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum at Huntsville, Alabama. Serial No. 9911, the jeep has been returned to its livery when it entered military service, on May 8, 1941. A jeep demonstration by the soldiers of the 92nd Mechanized Reconnaissance Squadron in 1942 at Fort Riley. Despite the many comfort and safety improvements to civilian Jeeps over the years, they are still somewhat impractical as daily drivers. I know, because Ive had three Jeeps since the 1990s. They are noisy, especially if you have a Wrangler with a soft top. Noisy to the point of being unable to have a conversation with somebody in the passenger seat when at highway speed. The flat windshields (which even in later models can still fold down) are prone to chips and cracks with a maddening regularly; Ive sometimes had to replace two windshields in a single year. The hoods flutter badly when struck by turbulence from a passing semi, and the hood latches are prone to break with age. Gas mileage for mine is at best what Heine got on his trip back from Chicago. And if youre particularly unlucky, you may have experienced the death wobble, when a Jeep thats seen 100,000 rough miles or so develops a tendency to shake violently at a certain speed. This was the case with my old 2004 TJ, and it was truly frightening. Its a small price to pay for being part of a uniquely American automotive tradition, one in which your vehicle is really your horse. Oh, and what happened when my horse left Kim and I stranded on the side of the road at Yellowstone with a major snowstorm approaching? With cold fingers, I diagnosed the problem as a loose battery terminal. Id made the mistake of allowing a big box store to replace the battery a few months before and hadnt check their work afterward. I retrieved my tool kit from the back, cleaned the terminal with an emery board I borrowed from Kim, and tightened things back down. It started like a top, and we were mobile again. But if that hadnt worked, there would have been another Jeep along shortly and a driver willing to lend a hand. Thats the thing about Jeep owners. There are no strangers among us. A raised hood is an invitation for help from the extended family of four-wheelers. Theres a lesson there somewhere. See you down the road. Max McCoy is an award-winning author and journalist. Through its opinion section, the Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here. The post Dark Horse: 80 years ago, the first surplus jeep was sold in Kansas appeared first on Kansas Reflector. Why would anybody trust the Conservative Party to make the big decisions about the future of Britain, when they cant even agree on what to do about Nigel Farage? Former Tory home secretary Suella Braverman last week urged her party to welcome me and unite the right. But Saturdays front page headlines had Tory foreign secretary David Cameron hurling insults at me and declaring that Farage has no place in Tory Party apparently because of my incredibly divisive approach. If Lord Cameron is worried about damaging divisions, he should look a bit closer to home. The terminally divided Tory Party has proved itself incapable of effective government over the past 14 years and is set to be even more hopelessly split in opposition, after it gets hammered on July 4th. That and Camerons complacent, arrogant dismissal of the biggest issue facing the country is why Im more convinced than ever that its right to stand against them. Its why more and more people now rightly see Reform UK as the real opposition to the coming Labour government. Cameron has the nerve to claim that, after 14 years of failure, the Tories now have a plan to deal with Britains immigration crisis. By contrast, he says, all I offer is inflammatory language and hopeless policy. By inflammatory language, does he mean my stating the fact that 3.5 million immigrants have come to the UK over the past three years alone? Or that, under the current the Tory Government, one more migrant enters the UK every minute? Or that, under the Conservatives and Labour governments before them, more people have come to the UK over the past 25 years than in all of British history before that? Does the Tory Government now consider these plain facts to be too inflammatory for the ears of the British people? (The BBC seems to think so, having desperately fact-checked my statements but failed to find any untruths.) If anybody is being dishonest, it is those who refuse to admit that our country simply cannot cope with this uncontrolled influx, economically or culturally. As for hopeless policy, thats a subject that Rishi Rwanda plan Sunak knows all about. By contrast Reform UKs policies to freeze all non-essential immigration, detain and deport all illegal migrants and leave the European Convention on Human Rights offer realistic hope of addressing the migration crisis and stopping European judges overruling the will of the British people. This is at the heart of our Contract with the British people, which we are launching on Monday. Eight years is a long time in politics, yet Cameron and the Conservatives appear to have forgotten nothing and learned nothing since the EU referendum of 2016. Perhaps I shouldnt blame Lord Cameron for his personal animus towards me, since the success of our Leave campaign did cost him his job as Prime Minister. But the Tories repeated betrayals of the British people and the Brexit they voted for is unforgivable. Cameron called that referendum in the smug belief that the Project Fear run by him and his chancellor, George Osborne, would hoodwink the British electorate into voting to Remain in thrall to the EU. When instead 17.4m voted Leave lest we forget, the biggest vote for anything in British history he flounced off and left Theresa May and the Remainer-dominated parliament to try to sell out Brexit. The victory of my Brexit Party in the 2019 European elections drove Mrs May from Number 10 and brought in Boris Johnson who with my help won the general election that year on the promise to get Brexit done. Yet five years and three Tory prime ministers later, we are patently no nearer to taking back control of our borders and our laws. That betrayal of Brexit is ultimately why millions of furious voters have turned their backs on the remains of the Conservative Party. It is why Keir Starmers Labour is set to win on July 4th, despite the lack of public enthusiasm for his party, his personality or his six big election pledges which do not include a word about migration. It is also why I decided to stand for election. In two weeks, Reform UK has breathed life into this zombie general election and overtaken the Tories in major opinion polls, winning the support of millions of people across the country who have simply had enough of the establishment parties. In his lowest personal insult at the weekend, the Tory Foreign Secretary accused me of using dog whistle politics to play on popular prejudices. As ever, the biggest insult here is directed at the voters, who snobs such as Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton see as dumb mutts to be herded into pens. I trust the good judgement of the British people to see through such Tory prejudice. Cameron is right about one thing. There is no place for Farage in this divided, sinking hulk of a Conservative Party. My place is leading the real opposition to Labour, and building the resistance to the threat of a one-party state over the next five years. The last conservatives in the Tory Party, such as Suella Braverman, are very welcome to join the revolt. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) Deputies say an 84-year-old woman died at the hospital after a crash in Baltimore Township. The crash happened around 11:40 a.m. Friday on Dowling Road, west of M-37, according to a release from the Barry County Sheriffs Office. A line of three vehicles was heading east on Dowling. Deputies say the vehicle in front, which was pulling a trailer, slowed down to turn right into a driveway. At the same time, the Buick in the middle of the line was turning left into another driveway. The vehicle at the back, a Ford Maverick, tried to pass all of the slower cars but ended up crashing into the Buick that was turning left, according to the release. The sheriffs office says both cars left the road and went into the ditch. Deputies say the Buicks passenger, an 84-year-old Middleville woman, was taken to the hospital, where she died. The Buicks driver, a 60-year-old Middleville woman, was also taken to the hospital with an injury that was not considered life-threatening. The 19-year-old Delton woman driving the Ford was not hurt, nor was her passenger, according to the sheriffs office. This embedded content is not available in your region. Deputies continue to investigate. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. Community safety stood at the forefront as state and local officials joined residents Saturday at a church on Detroit's east side for a rally and march against gun violence. Hundreds flocked to the Church of the Messiah for its 17th annual Silence the Violence event, one of the largest anti-gun violence marches in the country. A packed audience listened as leaders including U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Lansing; Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist; Detroit Police Chief James White and Detroit City Councilman James Tate spoke to attendees before the crowd took their call for peace to the city's streets. Officials spoke of the need to combat gun violence through community unity and legislative actions. "The issue of gun violence is all of our responsibility, every single one of us, and no one's role is more important than the other," said Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield. "Elected officials, clergy, organizations, nonprofits, businesses, block club members, everyone has a role to reduce gun violence." A student marching band performs during the 17th annual Silence the Violence gun violence prevention march on Detroit's east side Saturday June 15, 2024. It's time to put an end to the cycle of gun violence through action, said Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist. "There are too many parents who bury children to gun violence, there are too many brothers who bury sisters to gun violence, there are too many children who bury their own parents to gun violence," Gilchrist said. "This is something that we don't have to accept. "It's our responsibility that we use the tools at our disposal to do everything we can in our power to make sure that people can get to tomorrow, to make sure that families can be whole as they get to next week, to make sure that everyone can have full access to that dream of health and wealth that gun violence has cut short for too many people in this city, this state, and in this country." Slotkin told the crowd that gun ownership must be safe and responsible as she recalled learning to hunt with guns as a child and carrying guns in war overseas. "Michigan is the place where we're going to break the idea that either you're a gun owner or you care about the safety of our children," Slotkin said. More: Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald launches new foundation to prevent gun violence A key issue behind gun violence is unsecured firearms, said Wayne County Sheriff Raphael Washington. He encouraged gun owners to keep their weapons safely secured, especially when children are home alone this summer. The Wayne County Sheriff's Office has free gun locks available to community members. The event got its start in 2007 with Detroit residents marching in their neighborhood to honor loved ones killed by gun violence, according to organizers. It has grown over the years to a thousand-person event, including a marching band and community resource fair. Janice Nash, a retired educator from Detroit, said the event represents an initiative to come together and protect the community "saving lives, not only children, but everybody," she said. Following the speeches, a large, diverse crowd of all ages took to the neighborhood streets, carrying signs and chanting. Led by a marching band, attendees made their way along East Lafayette Street to Van Dyke, then down Kercheval Avenue to East Grand Boulevard before ending back at the church. The procession was flanked by Detroit police on foot, on bicycles, on horseback and in police cars and vans, securing the route and blocking off roads to vehicular traffic. Residents watched from their windows, front porches and sidewalks as the marching band played, dancers and twirlers performed and marchers shouted chants like "silence the violence" and "this is our city, keep it safe." The marching band, Church of the Messiah's band, is a literacy program that helps lead area high school students to college, said Pastor Barry Randolph. Daron Maravin, a recent graduate of Oak Park High School, played the drums and cymbals in the marching band and enjoyed the opportunity to meet new friends, he said. "I get to play with people that I never met before. I've been playing the drums since middle school, so that got me encouraged to play with them," Maravin said. Bringing more voices into the local gun violence prevention movement is key, Nash said, adding: "The more people that can come aboard to support the cause and get the message across, the better." This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit, Michigan officials march against gun violence with church Disney is mailing checks after a $9.5 million class action settlement. Here's how to know if you are owed any money. Disney agreed to a $9.5 million settlement with guests who purchased a Dream Key pass in 2021. Disney began sending out payments on June 14. A lawsuit claimed Disney misled guests into believing the annual pass had no block-out dates. Disneyland guests who paid nearly $1,400 for a Dream Key annual pass can soon expect a check from Disney. Payments from the $9.5 million settlement were sent to eligible class action lawsuit members through the mail and digitally on June 14. The settlement included over 100,000 people. Jenale Nielsen filed the lawsuit against Walt Disney Parks and Resorts in November 2021 after she purchased a Dream Key, which allows guests to make reservations at Disneyland and California Adventure theme parks without additional charge for one year. The lawsuit said Nielsen purchased the Dream Key for $1,399 because Disney advertised it as having "no block-out dates." Disneyland in Anaheim, California. MediaNews Group/Orange County Register/Getty Images "Shortly thereafter, Ms. Nielsen attempted to use her Magic Key to make park reservations to visit Disneyland. She was, however, disappointed to learn that Disney had already blocked out many days, including all weekend days in the month of November 2021," the lawsuit read. Nielsen discovered she could make park reservations and purchase single-day passes for those dates, but they were unavailable to Dream Key holders, the lawsuit said. "The problem was not that park reservations were unavailable, or that the parks had reached their capacity and therefore could not provide reservations to its Dream Key pass holders," the lawsuit said. "The problem was that Disney had decided to block out otherwise available park reservations so that they were only available to new purchases and were not available to Dream Key pass holders." The Dream Key pass has since been discontinued. Disney denied any wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement in July 2023 to avoid trial. Nielsen will receive $5,000 from the settlement. Representatives for Disneyland and The Walt Disney Company did not respond to Business Insider's request for comment. Here's what Dream Key annual pass holders need to know. Who qualifies for the money? The official settlement website said people who purchased a Dream Key between August 2021 and October 2021 are automatically included. They do not have to opt into the settlement. People included in the settlement likely received a notice via postcard or email explaining the details. How much money will you receive? Each payout could vary, but people can expect an estimated $67.41. That's less than a standard one-day, one-park ticket to Disneyland, which starts at more than $100. Can you be excluded from the settlement? The deadline for objecting to the settlement or requesting to be excluded was January 15. As part of the agreement, class members have given up the right to sue Disney for claims that were resolved in the settlement. Read the original article on Business Insider Divers recover body of man who drowned in American River while rafting with large group The body of a man who drowned while rafting with a large party on the American River has been recovered, firefighters announced Sunday morning. Firefighters were called around 11:30 a.m. Saturday to the river at Clay Banks in Rancho Cordova for an adult male who had gone missing as a large party floated toward Rossmoor Bar, according to Battalion Chief Parker Wilbourn, a spokesman for the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District. Minutes later, a Metro Fire helicopter and search party were deployed to scan the river looking for the man, who was not wearing a life jacket when he was swept underwater, Wilbourn said. The operation carries a great deal of risk, he said. And the risk is even greater with thousands of people floating down the river during the operation. After several hours of intense searching, the volunteer Drowning Accident Rescue Team and Sacramento County Sheriffs Office were deployed using sonar and underwater diving techniques to scour the river for the man. At this point, were in recovery mode and not expecting to locate a viable victim, he said late Saturday. On Sunday morning, Wilbourn said divers had recovered the body of a man in his 30s, who would be turned over to the Sacramento County Coroners Office. No other details about the recovery were available, he said. Metro Fire, @FolsomFire, @SacRegionalPark, Sacramento Drowning Accident Rescue Team- DART, and @sacsheriff are coordinating a response at the American River. 1 adult male was rafting down the river with a larger party, last seen at Clay Banks. He was not wearing a life jacket, pic.twitter.com/fGzjTIvnkX Metro Fire of Sacramento (@metrofirepio) June 15, 2024 As Saturdays search took place, firefighters were called five miles downstream about 3:45 p.m. to another water rescue near the 2500 block of East Tiffany Lane in Rancho Cordova. There, crews in boats found several wayward floaters, including two people who appeared stranded in snags, or tree branches sticking out of the river, Wilbourn said. An additional three people nearby were helped out of the water by personnel from Metro Fire, the Sheriffs Office and county parks officials. No injuries were reported in those incidents. As rafters return to the American River to cool off, authorities are urging rafters and others on the water to wear life jackets, and they are available at several river access points and area fire departments. A sizable Sierra snowpack has led to river levels that are higher and flows significantly faster than usual this time of year. Recent flows on the river at Fair Oaks were measured as fast as 3,600 cubic feet per second, twice the mean average for this time of year, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. USGS gauges show the temperature of the water to be in the low 60s. Authorities in Maryland tracked down a suspect connected to the 2023 killing of a mother of five with the help of DNA evidence from a home invasion in Los Angeles. According to the Harford County Sheriffs Office, Rachel Morin, 37, was found dead one day after going missing on a hiking trail on August 6 of last year. Officials said Morin was attacked and pulled off the trail before being killed. The case remained unsolved for several months as the suspect escaped the scene, with only sketches released depicting his face. Rachel Morin That all changed on Friday, however, when a man was arrested in Tulsa, Oklahoma on suspicion of murder and rape in connection to Morins death. The turning point in the case, authorities said, was DNA evidence from a March 2023 home invasion in Los Angeles. The alleged killer, 23-year-old Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez, is also suspected of attacking a 9-year-old girl and her mother in the L.A. case. Authorities say Martinez-Hernandez entered the United States illegally in February 2023 from El Salvador. He was identified through the DNA evidence in May, though it took more time to find his location before he was found in Tulsa. There was no word on when hell be extradited to Maryland for a potential criminal trial. No motive is currently known, authorities said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Hunter Biden, center, the president's son, accompanied by his mother, Jill Biden, and his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden, leaves federal court on June 11 in Wilmington, Del., after a jury convicted him of three felony gun charges. (Matt Rourke / Associated Press) Americans of a particular ideological bent would have you believe that Donald Trumps prosecution and conviction for falsifying business records to hide hush money payments to Stormy Daniels and protect his 2016 presidential candidacy were engineered by the Biden White House, which has rigged the entire justice system to benefit the current president. Except, of course, for the conviction of Hunter Biden, which was proper retribution dished out by an honest and independent court of law. At the other end of the political spectrum, partisans may insist that while President Bidens son technically broke the law when he lied on a form in order to buy a gun while addicted to cocaine, he was a victim of a prosecutor and court bending too far backward to pretend they were free of partisan politics. Read more: Litman: A jury was right to find Hunter Biden guilty. It's the prosecutor who was wrong Its a real-life version of an old maxim: Every court ruling leaves one party with reinvigorated confidence in our justice system and the other one convinced that judges and juries are all incompetent, on the take or out to get them. Another outlook might be that on balance, courts operate independent of the political world. But thats not quite right, either. Although any competent justice system does its best to mete out criminal punishment or exoneration free from political trends, popularity or personal interest, politics is intimately involved in shaping the criminal justice system. Most state judges and local prosecutors must campaign for election. Federal judges are recommended by political cronies, appointed by the president and approved or rejected by a decidedly partisan Senate, as are federal prosecutors. Read more: Editorial: Only dictators have immunity from criminal acts while in power It is futile to pretend that judges are free of political views or connections, or that political interests and popular opinion have no role in the outcome of cases. Clarence Thomas is not the first Supreme Court justice to accept free gifts from acquaintances with pecuniary or ideological interests at stake. Samuel A. Alito Jr. is not the first to publicly display his political leanings or prejudices. Even the ancient myths that form the literary and philosophical foundation of our justice system acknowledge some degree of political interference from the beginning. The dramatist Aeschylus and other ancient Greek writers recounted what their tradition said was the first-ever trial, concerning Orestes murder of his own mother. Was the son to be eternally punished for the horrid act? Or excused because his mother had killed his father, leaving Orestes duty-bound under the old system of blood feud and endless retaliation (and besides, ordered by the god Apollo) to slay her in revenge? Athena appoints the first jury 12 members, of course but they split. Read more: Opinion: The Supreme Court's lack of accountability is worse than you think Orestes prevails when Athena casts her own vote for him as probably had been her plan from the beginning. The mythical first trial may have been rigged. So do we despair of the possibility of evenhanded justice and see each courtroom as merely one more arena for rule by the mightiest, the richest, the most well-connected or the most popular? No. Politics necessarily has a role in the justice system, but the American system is countered and contained, not by Greek gods and goddesses but by a complex of essential procedures and rituals. We have detailed rules for juries summonses, voir dire, instructions, deliberations and rules of evidence, witness testimony, public and press observers, appeals, pardons. Witnesses place their hands on the Bible and swear to tell the truth. Still, courts are human institutions run by flawed human beings who have only each other, and the law, to keep them as honest and fair as possible. Read more: Editorial: Even before guilty verdict, Trump was unfit to serve Trumps claim of a two-tiered justice system is laughable only because of his absurd implication that as a coddled, rich and privileged man hes in the bottom of those tiers. In fact, our system still separates criminal defendants by wealth, setting free those (like Trump) who can bail out and locking up those who cant. Despite laws prohibiting racial discrimination, prosecutors still block jurors by race, religion or other attributes to gain a strategic edge. The Supreme Court still operates without any serious check on individual members ethical lapses. The justice system still is more likely to ensnare a Black defendant than a white one for the same offense and more likely to convict and more severely punish the Black ones. Our task should be to continue, step by step, to expunge politics from the justice system, despite knowing that the job will never be truly complete. And to defend against attempts by Trump and others to inject more politics into the system, by calling convicted and imprisoned offenders hostages, dangling pardons for his supporters, insisting on immunity for presidential acts (by him, of course, not by Biden) and framing any ruling against him as the product of a rigged system that only he can unrig. If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Elect Me, Says Joe Biden at LA Fundraiser, Because Trump Would Appoint 2 More Judges Who Fly Flags Upside Down Joe Biden addressed a star-studded crowd at a Los Angeles fundraiser on Saturday night, imploring voters to elect me because Donald Trump will appoint two more judges who fly flags upside down, referring to Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alitos recent flag flap. Biden hosted the event which raised a record $28 million, according to Bidens camp promising that, if reelected, he would protect IVF and contraception, issues the right-skewing Court might next be targeting. Not on my watch, he said firmly, to thunderous applause. After intros from George Clooney and Julia Roberts, the president took the stage alongside former-Commander-in-Chief Barack Obama at L.A.s Peacock Theater. Jimmy Kimmel moderated the discussion while getting in a few of his favorite Trump nicknames, including Orange Julius Caesar and Nostra-Dumbass. He also quipped that Biden recently met with the Pope because hes fighting for the soul of America and maybe the country needs an exorcism. Kimmel kicked off the talk with a video package in which all of Trumps 2020 campaign claims job creation, boosting the economy and even upping marriage stats were intercut with Biden delivering on those same issues. There was also footage of Trump saying that thered be no Easter, Thanksgiving or 4th of July with Biden in office, sentiments followed by Biden wishing Americans a happy holiday on each occasion. Biden was also ready with quips, such as, I could have done nothing and done better than him, referring to Trump. Biden added, He is the only president other than Hoover who lost more jobs than he started off with. The president touted his accomplishments, including lowering insulin prices for seniors and erasing student debt for millions. That didnt cost the economy, it grew the economy, he said of the debt relief, a statement that was met with tremendous applause. Biden stated that Trump wants to reverse the progress we made in healthcare, clean energy and other areas. Obama also knocked Republicans for rejecting the recent bipartisan border solution. The nominee of the other party decided to tank it because he wanted it as an issue in the next election rather than actually solve it, he said. When the audience began booing, Obama repeated a previous campaign staple, Dont boo. Vote! When Kimmel said that that biggest reason people came out for the event is because theyre scared of a second Trump term, Biden shook his head, saying, Did you ever think youd hear anything like that? about Trumps frequent promises of retribution if hes re-elected. After the event, TheWrap caught up with actress Connie Britton in the lobby. The White Lotus star said she was thrilled at the turnout and the support for the Democratic partys nominee. This is the most important election of our lifetime, she said of whats at stake in 2024. California Governor Gavin Newsom and Democratic politicians Ted Lieu, Kevin De Leon, Robert Garcia and Grace Napolitano were in attendance. As were Jason Bateman and Kathryn Hahn, who introduced Kimmel and pretended to be annoyed that they were merely introducing the late night talk show host and not the president himself. The post Elect Me, Says Joe Biden at LA Fundraiser, Because Trump Would Appoint 2 More Judges Who Fly Flags Upside Down appeared first on TheWrap. A celebration was held Saturday honoring the Allegheny River as Pennsylvanias 2024 River of the Year. Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a resolution acknowledging June as Rivers Month as a part of the River of the Year celebration and has committed his administration to protecting clean water in Pennsylvania through budget initiatives. The Allegheny River is an important part of Pennsylvanias natural history and beauty, so it is great to celebrate all that the river offers and its impact on the Commonwealth at the River of the Year Sojourn, said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Deputy Secretary Cindy Claire Jantz. Congratulations to Three Rivers Waterkeeper and the community of supporters who uplifted this special river. Three Rivers Waterkeeper nominated the Allegheny River, and received a $10,000 Leadership Grant to help fund a slate of year-long 2024 River of the Year activities. DCNR and POWR worked with Three Rivers Waterkeeper to create a free, commemorative poster celebrating the Allegheny River as the 2024 Pennsylvania River of the Year. The poster was distributed during Saturdays event at Allegheny RiverTrail Park. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Local bar expected to be demolished after massive fire in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania State Police looking for missing endangered man from Armstrong County A stand-up child: Heartbroken parents mourn loss of man who died swimming in Beaver County creek VIDEO:Second Avenue Commons residents moving to Pittsburghs Northside after being displaced by fire DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Andrii Kostin, Prosecutor General of Ukraine, has stated that members of law enforcement agencies have documented almost 130,000 Russian war crimes against Ukraine, which means that on average, Russia is committing a war crime every 10 minutes. Source: Kostin on Facebook Quote: "As of today, we have documented almost 130,000 war crimes. This means 150 crimes per day. Every 10 minutes Russia commits a crime against Ukraine and Ukrainians." Details: Kostin joined the discussion at the recent Peace Summit alongside Ukrainians who have survived war crimes committed by Russia. "I sincerely hope that this summit will strengthen the efforts of the global community aimed at ending these crimes. Specifically, this work involves liberating and returning Ukrainian citizens illegally held in Russia and children forcibly deported by Russia , this is the work of liberation and bringing back Ukrainian civilians, illegally held by Russia, and the children forcibly deported by Russia", he said. Support UP or become our patron! Ex-Gov. Paterson backs NY mask ban to expose crime, hate: You have to govern what is happening around you Ex-Gov. David Paterson on Sunday backed reinstating the ban on masks in public to thwart moped criminals, Jew-hating rioters and other lawbreakers who wear the face coverings to hide their identities. Ex-Gov. David Paterson on Sunday backed reinstating the ban on masks in public to thwart moped criminals, Jew-hating rioters and other lawbreakers who wear the face coverings to hide their identities. He said civil libertarians should get out of the way and not attempt to block such a law. Many of the [moped bandits] are wearing masks so the victims cant identify them to the police, Paterson said Sunday on 77 WABC radios The Cats Roundtable. Ex-Gov. David Paterson backed reinstating the ban on masks in public to thwart moped criminals, Jew-hating rioters and other lawbreakers who wear the face coverings to hide their identities. AP Many bandits have worn masks during criminal behavior. AFP via Getty Images He noted that both Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams support reviving the law, which was repealed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Exceptions would cover people who wear face coverings for religious or health reasons, a cultural event or holiday costume. Sometimes you have to govern what is happening around you and not always some vague principle that isnt going to help, Paterson told host John Catsimatidis. The New York Civil Liberties Union has come out and opposed the mask [ban] because they feel it is an impingement upon freedom of speech, and, of course, freedom of activity, said the Dem, who led New York from 2008 through 2010. But at the same time, unless you have a better suggestion for how to cut the number of offenses you really should just step back and let the people who are charged to deal with it find their own way and let the legislature, if they want to pass a law, then that law should supersede your interest, he added. Paterson noted that both Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams support reviving the law, which was repealed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Getty Images Exceptions would cover people who wear face coverings for religious or health reasons, a cultural event or holiday costume. Jimin Kim/SOPA Images/Shutterstock The campaign for a reinstated mask ban has garnered momentum after masked thugs took over a subway car in Manhattan. AP The heads of both of the states main political parties told The Post on Sunday that they also support a mask ban. The masked demonstrators accosting people are cowards, said state Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs. If you believe in something, show your face. If you hide your identity, theres a reason. Republican Chairman Ed Cox added, Wearing masks enables crime. It enables protesters to harm our Jewish people without being identified. They wouldnt do it if they had to wear a mask. The campaign for a reinstated mask ban has garnered momentum after masked thugs took over a subway car in Manhattan last week and demanded that Zionists raise their hands and then added: This is your chance to get out. Masked vandals also have splattered red paint on the door of the home of the director of the Brooklyn Museum, Anne Pasternak, and unfurled a banner calling her a White Supremacist-Zionist. Meanwhile, masked moped drivers have been responsible for rampant shocking robberies across the city. State Attorney General Letitia James also is behind the effort to unmask haters and criminals. No one should be able to hide behind a mask to spew hate, a spokesman for AG James told The Post on Friday. Paterson praised the Adams-NYPD offensive overall against reckless moped drivers. For some of the things they do on the bike, they should go to jail, he said of the criminals. New Yorkers still dont feel as safe as they did five or six years ago, the former gov said. Just getting out of a car is an invitation to an attack. I hope the police keep plugging away, they seem to be making some progress. When they make significant enough progress, we will feel it, Paterson said. Masked vandals also have splattered red paint on the door of the home of the director of the Brooklyn Museum, Anne Pasternak. AP Paterson added that he would be shocked if Hochul OKd the $15 congestion toll to enter Midtown south of 60th Street after the November election, after suspending the unpopular pricing scheme in the 11th hour, saying it was too costly for New Yorkers at this time. The first-in-the-nation congestion toll was scheduled to go into effect June 30 before Hochul nixed it earlier this month. It would ignite some rumors that she actually delayed until after Election Day so that Democrats would have better chances in the congressional races, Paterson said of the notion that Hochul would revive it after November. Id be shocked if that were to happen. I did feel that she sincerely, as the deadline approached, became uncomfortable with the whole process and will now attempt to do something different, he said. It would be in her best interests to find a different way [to finance the MTA]. He said the big champions of congestion pricing first former Mayor Mike Bloomberg and then ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo now see that perhaps [the toll] was not the best decision. Excessive heat watch issued for Jersey Shore. How hot will it get? This week's forecast makes for an uncomfortable official start of summer. Monmouth and Ocean counties could see the heat index climb above 100 degrees later this week, the National Weather Service in Mount Holly said. The agency has issued a heat advisory beginning Tuesday and an excessive heat watch from Wednesday through Saturday evening, as a high pressure system moves into the region and sits off the coast. "Essentially the heat will be moving into the area and then will be sitting there, pumping in (hot air)," said Mike Lee, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Mount Holly. People fill the Asbury Park beach Friday afternoon, May 25, 2024. The heat wave is expected to be felt from Texas to New England, and its duration could be the longest in decades, the weather service said, making for a sweltering Juneteenth holiday and summer solstice. The heat comes with potentially serious consequences. Every day of extreme heat in the United States claims about 154 lives, according to a 2022 study. And climate change is supercharging the risk, as shown by an alarming 12-month run of global heat records. What's in store for Monmouth and Ocean counties? The forecast calls for temperatures to climb to top 90 degrees from Tuesday through Sunday, peaking at 94 degrees on Friday. But the heat and humidity could combine to make for a heat index above 100 degrees. The agency said residents should take precautions: drink plenty of fluid, find air conditioning and stay out of the sun. USA Today contributed to this story. Michael L. Diamond is a reporter at the Asbury Park Press. He can be reached at mdiamond@gannettnj.com. This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Jersey Shore heat wave: excessive heat watch. temperatures set to soar FILE PHOTO: Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's lawyer Winyat Chartmontri speaks to the press after Thailand's attorney general indictments over Thaksin Shinawatras royal insult case from his interview nine years ago, in Bangkok FILE PHOTO: Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's lawyer Winyat Chartmontri speaks to the press after Thailand's attorney general indictments over Thaksin Shinawatras royal insult case from his interview nine years ago, in Bangkok BANGKOK (Reuters) -Thailand weathered a critical day of court cases on Tuesday, including those involving the fate of the prime minister and the main opposition, dodging an immediate political crisis in Southeast Asia's second-largest economy. Four cases before the courts involved the country's most powerful politicians: Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, former prime leader Thaksin Shinawatra, the popular opposition Move Forward party and upper-house lawmakers. For decades, Thailand's politics has been shaped by a struggle between its conservative-royalist establishment, supported by the military, and populist parties such as those backed by Thaksin and the current opposition Move Forward party. "These cases highlight the fragility and complexity of Thailand's political climate," ANZ Research said in a note. "On the economic front, the immediate concerns are the potential for disruptive protests and delays to fiscal policy implementation." HOW IS THE PRIME MINISTER INVOLVED? Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a political novice who took office last August, has been accused by a group of conservative senators of breaching the constitution when he appointed a former lawyer with a conviction record to his cabinet. Srettha, who denies any wrongdoing, could face dismissal if the Constitutional Court rules against him. If Srettha is removed from office, a new government must be formed and his ruling Pheu Thai party would need to put forward a new candidate for premier to be voted on by parliament. The court said on Tuesday that the next hearing in the case will be held on July 10. WHAT IS THE CASE AGAINST THAKSIN? Thaksin, the influential former premier who was ousted in a 2006 military coup, was formally indicted in a criminal court in Bangkok for allegedly insulting the royalty and other charges linked to a 2015 media interview on Tuesday. A criminal court subsequently granted bail to the billionaire politician, who has said he is innocent, and instructed Thaksin to appear at an evidence review and hearing on August 19. "He did not commit any wrongdoing," Thaksin's lawyer Winyat Chatmontre told reporters on Tuesday. Thailand's lese-majeste law, one of the world's toughest, carries a maximum jail sentence of up to 15 years for each perceived royal insult. The 74-year-old returned to Thailand to a rock star's reception last August after 15 years of self-imposed exile. Hours after his arrival, Shinawatra family-backed Pheu Thai and Srettha sailed through a parliamentary vote to pick the prime minister, fuelling speculation that Thaksin had struck a deal with his former enemies in the conservative establishment. Thaksin and the Pheu Thai party have denied this. IS THE OPPOSITION UNDER THREAT? Another case could lead to the dissolution of the progressive Move Forward party, which has 30% of seats in the lower house after winning last year's closely-fought election but was blocked by conservative lawmakers from forming a government. The dissolution of Move Forward's predecessor party, Future Forward, in 2020 over a campaign funding violation was among the factors that triggered massive anti-government street protests. The Constitutional Court is considering an Election Commission complaint that alleges the Move Forward party breached the constitution with an election campaign to reform the country's royal insult law. Move Forward, which denies any wrongdoing, ceased efforts to change the law following a January verdict from the same court that ruled the party's plan to amend the law was a hidden effort to undermine the monarchy. The court set the next hearing for the case on July 3. WHAT ABOUT THE SENATE ELECTION? The Constitutional Court also delivered a verdict on Tuesday on the ongoing selection of a new 200-member Senate, saying the complex, three-tier process was lawful. If the process had been cancelled or delayed, it would have temporarily extend the term of military-appointed lawmakers who have been central in determining government formation, including last year's manoeuvre to block Move Forward from forming a government. The current upper house was hand-picked by the military following a 2014 coup that ousted an elected Pheu Thai government that had been led by Thaksin's sister, who still lives in self-imposed exile. (Reporting by Devjyot Ghoshal and Panu Wongcha-um; Editing by Michael Perry) For the third consecutive presidential election, former President Donald Trump is lying that he was named Man of the Year in Michigan before he ran for president. Trump said it again on Saturday during a speech in Detroit: You know, I got the Man of the Year in Michigan. Years ago, long before politics, like 12, 13 years ago. Facts First: Trumps claim remains false. Nobody has ever been able to find any evidence that he was ever named Man of the Year in Michigan before he ran for president. The state itself does not give out a Man of the Year award; Trump has never lived in Michigan; and he has never specified who supposedly gave him this award and when. After nearly seven years of media fact checks of Trumps many declarations that he had once been named Man of the Year in Michigan, a Republican group in the state, the Oakland County Republican Party, gave him its first-ever Man of the Decade award at an event in 2023. But Trump made clear Saturday that this is not what he was talking about. Rather, he said again that he had been named Man of the Year in Michigan more than a decade ago. Trumps campaign did not immediately respond to CNNs Sunday request for any evidence that he received such an award. Trump himself has professed confusion about who supposedly gave him the award and why. In a 2022 speech in Michigan, he said, Your Chamber of Commerce, somebody, who the hell knows what it is, they named me the Man of the Year in Michigan. (Michigans Chamber of Commerce had long made clear that it did not have such an award.) In a 2019 speech in New Hampshire, Trump said, In fact, five or six years before I even thought about running, for whatever reason they named me Man of the Year in Michigan. I said, How come? I didnt even understand it myself. The most plausible explanation of Trumps story to be specific, the most plausible explanation of what Trump has been inaccurately describing came from Dave Trott, a former Republican US congressman in Michigan. After Trump made the claim in 2019, Trott contacted CNN to note that at a roundtable event with automotive executives in 2017, Trump had suggested he received the Man of the Year award at a 2013 event in Michigan where Trott had invited him to give a speech, a Lincoln Day dinner Trott had chaired in Oakland County. At that event, Trott gave Trump a framed copy of Lincolns Gettysburg Address and other gifts. But Trott emphatically noted that he did not give Trump any Man of the Year award, nor did anyone else there. Trott had become a fierce Trump critic by 2019. He told CNN then that, as a sitting congressman during the 2017 roundtable, I wasnt going to correct the president in front of the automotive executives. He added: But now that Im out of Congress, I feel comfortable correcting the story. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Family devastated after motorcyclist killed by DUI driver in Orange County The family of a motorcyclist remains devastated after he was killed by a drunk driver who was speeding at over 100 miles per hour in Orange County. The victim was identified as Alexander Marce, 28, an Anaheim resident. On June 12, Alexander was stopped at a red light on Orangethorpe Avenue in Fullerton when a driver in a BMW struck him and ejected him off his bike. The suspect continued driving away while dragging Alexanders motorcycle, which was still wedged underneath the car, for a significant distance, said the Fullerton Police Department. Witnesses followed the suspect and were able to detain him until police arrived at the scene. The suspect was identified as Francisco Garcia-Vargas, 44. At the time of the crash, Garcia-Vargas had a blood alcohol level of almost three times the legal limit and was driving at more than 100 mph toward a red light without slowing down, prosecutors said. The victim, Alexander Marce, 28, is seen in a personal photo. (Marce Family) The victim, Alexander Marce, 28, is seen in a personal photo. (Marce Family) A motorcycle is seen wedged underneath a car after a fatal crash involving a suspected DUI driver in Fullerton on June 12, 2024. (OC Hawk) The victims motorcycle helmet is seen on the street after the rider was killed in a crash with a suspected DUI driver in Fullerton on June 12, 2024. (OC Hawk) The suspect was arrested after failing a sobriety test in Fullerton on June 12, 2024. (OC Hawk) The suspect was arrested after failing a sobriety test in Fullerton on June 12, 2024. (OC Hawk) A motorcycle is seen wedged underneath a car after a fatal crash involving a suspected DUI driver in Fullerton on June 12, 2024. (OC Hawk) A motorcycle is seen wedged underneath a car after a fatal crash involving a suspected DUI driver in Fullerton on June 12, 2024. (OC Hawk) A motorcycle is seen wedged underneath a car after a fatal crash involving a suspected DUI driver in Fullerton on June 12, 2024. (OC Hawk) The victims family remains heartbroken and devastated over Alexanders death. Alexander was magnetic, said Erika Diaz, the victims aunt. He was incredibly determined. He brought so much light. My two sisters came into the house crying and my mom and I woke up, we were extremely scared, recalled Carlos Marce, the victims brother. We had no idea what was going on. Alexander was an aspiring musician who had put his dreams on hold to help earn money to support his family while his mother was battling cancer. He didnt deserve to be murdered this way, Carlos said. In such a horrendous and tragic way. Video recorded following the crash showed the suspect stumbling during a field sobriety test. Police said he did not try to stop or pull over to help Alexander after hitting him. It hurts me and affects the whole family that a man in this state could just run over somebody and continue revving the vehicle, Carlos said. Garcia-Vargas was arrested and charged with three felonies including gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury, and driving with a blood alcohol content of .08% or higher. If convicted on all counts, he faces up to 10 years in state prison. Alexanders family hopes that sharing this story will serve as a stark reminder to others that driving under the influence is never worth it. Its not just risking your life, but other peoples lives, innocent lives, Carlos said. Its not worth it. Alexanders aunt said the family is also lobbying for stricter laws when it comes to DUI drivers. A vehicle is a killing machine, said Diaz. Theres got to be some type of severe consequences for individuals when they get involved in accidents like this. We are hoping we can set up a meeting with a state senator to discuss some type of bill [addressing these issues.] A GoFundMe page to help Alexanders family with funeral expenses can be found here. While investigating the crash, a police cruiser that was blocking traffic on Orangethorpe Avenue was struck by a motorist in a Tesla that was in self-drive mode. The crash caused the police car to spin around, leaving the front end heavily damaged. An officer was standing near the vehicle, but jumped out of the way just in time and was not injured. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Insights from German Marshall Fund, The German Review, and Sciences Pos Jan Rovny The News The European Parliament election last week resulted in gains for the far right but also, in Germany, for the pro-Russia left. The Bundnis Sahra Wagenknecht, a new political party founded by a popular pro-Kremlin leftist politician who has voiced support for buying Russian gas and backing peace talks in Ukraine with President Vladimir Putin, enjoyed an especially strong showing in several eastern German states last week. Meanwhile, the hard-right Alternative for Germany party also seen as Russia-friendly placed first in those same states. Political analysts are now eyeing local elections in three of those states this fall, expecting a unique dynamic in which far-left and far-right parties could win big, partly for their stances on Russia and immigration putting pressure on the German government over its posture toward Moscow. SIGNALS Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories. German state elections can have global ramifications Sources: German Marshall Fund, Hans Vorlander In the European Parliament election, some votes for the parties on the fringes were protest votes against the German and European political establishment. The state elections in Saxony, Brandenburg, and Thuringia, though, might have an even stronger impact on the federal government, possibly by creating more obstacles to Ukraine support or hardening migration policy, Dresden-based political scientist Hans Vorlander told Semafor. Coalition negotiations will determine whether the ruling center-right party remains the lead firewall against the far-right AfD in the states, but regardless, a strong showing from the far left or far right would put pressure on the already-strained federal government. East Germans dont like Russia but have learned not to provoke it Sources: The German Review, Hans Vorlander The European Parliament election results showed a stark divide between former East and West Germany, with nearly every constituency in the former Eastern bloc going to the far-right AfD, prompting one economist to comment, Who said that Germany reunified? An academic from Saxony told The German Review newsletter that despite their support for Russia-friendly parties, east Germans dont like Russia. Instead, they learned during the Cold War that its better not to provoke the Kremlin. Analysts had warned of Russian influence campaigns during the European elections to boost support for far-right parties. In eastern Germany, though, support for the AfDs stance on Russia and migration has become so entrenched that there is no influence necessary, political scientist Hans Vorlander told Semafor. The far left and far right wave different colored flags, but are ultimately similar Source: Jan Rovny In Western Europe, some on the right are now paying lip service to all sorts of left-ish economic policies to attract socially underprivileged voters, while symbolically left-wing parties couch their arguments about greater welfare in nativist rhetoric, Jan Rovny, a political sciences professor at Sciences Po, told Semafor. The far left projects a misplaced nostalgia onto Russia as the carrier of some kind of Soviet heritage, he argued, while the right see Putin as an emblem of Christian, traditional, masculinist Europe. Strikingly, rather than warring against each other, nationalists today view themselves as providing a united bulwark in the face of a perceived common enemy, Rovny said. Farmers scrambling after record-breaking weather destroys crop used by top chefs around the world: 'I don't know what to do' Extreme weather in Cambodia has destroyed a lucrative crop used by top chefs around the world, devastating local farmers who depend on the income. What's happening? As detailed by Phys.org, Cambodia's Kampot pepper industry has been ravaged by high temperatures and drought in 2024. In April, scorching 109-degree Fahrenheit weather added stress to the crops after a six-month drought. Many of the farmers' pepper plants died. Kampot peppers typically sell for as much as $200 per kilogram ($200 per 2.2 pounds), but Chhim Laem lost all 264 of his pepper bushes amid the worst harvest year on record. "I am so sad, but I don't know what to do," Laem told Agence France-Presse, per Phys.org. Fourth-generation pepper farmer Nguon Lay, 71, is also expecting no harvest this year after he collected nearly 10 tons of Kampot peppers in 2023. Why is this important? While El Nino is a natural weather pattern that supercharges our weather, human-caused pollution has exacerbated extreme conditions by driving our planet's temperatures higher. Events like the drought in Cambodia have become more frequent and severe, contributing to loss of income, food insecurity, and displacement. In southern Africa, for example, changes in climate amplified an El Nino-linked drought, impacting access to nutrition for millions of people. According to Phys.org, Lay said that farmers' preparations this year were insufficient in the face of the new challenges. "We have been prepared. We know about climate change, we have stored water, we built roofs to protect our peppers from the hot weather, but it was not enough," he shared. The unique flavor of Kampot pepper isn't the only taste consumers might be missing or paying more for in the future. Popular staples like coffee, olive oil, and wine are among the crops that our overheating planet has impacted. What can be done about climate-linked food shortages? One Cambodian pepper farmer told AFP that he is committed to finding solutions for his crops, per Phys.org. Chan Deng, who has grown Kampot peppers since the 1960s, said he plans to dig more storage ponds with the hopes of a good harvest in three years. The Kampot Pepper Promotion Association also says on its website that it is committed to protecting its land and supporting local farmers. While a specific plan of action regarding the Kampot pepper hasn't been revealed, there are reasons to be optimistic that a solution may be around the corner. Scientists have already made multiple discoveries that could lead to more climate-resilient crops. For example, University of Southern California researchers believe that modifying plants' stress responses via a protein linked to their circadian clock could make them more able to withstand droughts. Adopting cleaner technologies can also help get our planet back on track. Governments around the world have been working to do just that. You can support those efforts in ways big and small, whether by making your next car an electric vehicle, installing solar panels which will reduce your electric bills or simply switching to LED light bulbs. Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet. Firefighters work on a hot spot in the Post fire near Gorman on Sunday. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times) A series of brush fires burned across Southern California and up and down the state Sunday, destroying structures and forcing evacuations in some locations, while engine crews braced for heavy winds overnight. The largest blaze blackened nearly 15,000 acres in the Gorman area and remained just 2% contained late Sunday night, officials said. In Sonoma County, a fire scorched about 1,013 acres, tore though an unknown number of structures and prompted an evacuation order and warning in the Upper Dry Creek Valley, according to Cal Fire. A precise count of how many people were told to evacuate was unavailable late Sunday, Cal Fire spokesman Jason Clay said. The fire was 15% contained. "Were trying to see what the winds are going to do," Clay added. "Crews are going to be working hard tonight." Firefighters had better luck in the Lancaster area, where flames consumed about 340 acres and damaged some structures, officials said. For a time, nearby homes were threatened. A fast-moving brush fire damaged some buildings in the Lancaster area on Sunday afternoon. (KCAL News) The blaze began near 80th Street West and Avenue K, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. By early evening, crews had contained the fire, and no other structures were threatened, department spokesman Craig Little said. "Forward progress has been stopped," Little said. "The fire isnt going anywhere." The number of structures that were damaged was not immediately available. On Saturday afternoon, Oscar Flores was riding an off-road vehicle with his 12-year-old son at Hungry Valley state park south of Gorman when he spotted billowing smoke in the distance. The 33-year-old Oxnard resident wasn't too concerned, thinking it was a car fire on Interstate 5, but then he was contacted by a park ranger who told him that he needed to immediately leave the off-road recreation area. "It looked like it was the last day of the world. People were loading quickly and merging out, driving fast. The ranger said you have 10 minutes [to get] whatever you can pack," he recalled Sunday. "Some were mad, upset they had to leave." Flores and his family and friends made it out safely, joining some 1,200 campers and visitors evacuated from the recreation area west of the freeway after a wind-driven wildfire that started around 2 p.m. south of Ralphs Ranch Road. Videos and photos posted on social media captured an exodus of motor homes trailing ATVs from campgrounds crowded with groups celebrating Fathers Day weekend at the 19,000-acre park. The I-5 was briefly shut down Saturday at Quail Lake and Gorman Post Road, leaving traffic snarled, with some accidents reportedly caused by drivers who stopped to photograph the flames. The fire quickly grew to 500 acres, and strong, gusty winds overnight in the Tejon Pass fanned the Post fire as it moved parallel to the I-5, heading southeast to Pyramid Lake, which authorities closed down, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The fire had grown to 14,625 acres and was 2% contained by Sunday evening as high winds, low humidity and steep terrain hampered firefighting efforts. The cause was under investigation. Read more: Photos: The first major wildfire of 2024 in Los Angeles County The fire burned an auto repair shop, damaged another building and threatened other structures to the south and west of the I-5, authorities said. Los Angeles County Fire Department crews rapidly responded, making aerial assaults with air tankers and water-dropping helicopters. The Ventura County Fire Department and U.S. Forest Service were aiding in the effort. At one point Sunday, about 400 firefighters and 70 engines were at the scene, according to Cal Fire. Fire crews keep an eye on flames near Hungry Valley Road in Gorman on Sunday. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times) Temperatures in the mountainous area were forecast Sunday to reach the low 80s after topping 90 degrees Saturday. Afternoon wind gusts as high as 50 mph and humidity of 15% to 20% presented further challenges. "They are going to have a difficult time with the fire," said Carlos Molina, a National Weather Service meteorologist. Meanwhile, firefighters were battling another brush fire in the San Bernardino County community of Hesperia that broke out after 6 p.m. Saturday in the 18000 block of North Highway 173. It prompted area road closures and an evacuation warning for the nearby Lake Arrowhead Estates community, according to Cal Fire. The brush fire was pushing east and after minimal activity overnight was at 1,131 acres by Sunday evening. Crews were strengthening the lines around the fire, which was 20% contained, and mopping up hot spots. "Theyre making really good progress building some containment lines," Cal Fire spokesperson Chloe Castillo told The Times. The cause of the fire was under investigation. Read more: Wildfire weather is increasing in California and much of the U.S., report finds The wildfires erupted as experts worked to gauge the potential severity of this years fire season. A wet winter has nurtured a potentially heavy fuel load of thick grasses, which are drying as temperatures rise. A wind-driven wildfire scorched more than 14,000 acres in San Joaquin County, south of Tracy, earlier this month. L.A. County Fire Department crews were battling the Post fire just days after one of their colleagues was killed and another injured while responding to a quarry fire in Antelope Valley. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Two fast-burning grass fires in Butte County prompt evacuation orders; one jumps to 1,000 acres Firefighters were able to stop forward progress Saturday afternoon on two fast-moving grass fires in Butte County that together charred roughly 1,100 acres, prompting evacuations and burning at least two structures. The largest fire, called the Junes Fire, started just after 3 p.m. along Four Junes Way and Palermo Honcut Highway, five miles south of Palermo, according to Butte County Fire officials, a unit of Cal Fire. The fire, burning 55 miles north of Sacramento, charred 1,056 acres, said Battalion Chief John Gaddie, a spokesman for Cal Fire BTU. Mandatory evacuations were issued for about two hours in three zones and voluntary evacuations were given in three more before the most serious evacuations were downgraded. By 7 p.m., all evacuations had been lifted. Crews on the ground reported forward progress had been stopped about 6:30 p.m., Cal Fire said. In a Sunday afternoon update, Cal Fire officials said acreage remained unchanged as containment grew to 70%. Minutes later, another vegetation fire north of Lake Oroville in the Feather Falls area, dubbed the Rocky Fire, burned 17.2 acres. Firefighters said at 9 p.m. that retardant and hose lines had been laid down around fire. Authorities said the blaze which started on the 200 block of Rocky Point Road and was burning on the southeast side of the reservoir in an area burned by the 2020 Claremont Fire had posed a threat to at least one structure. Just after 5:30 p.m., as a state mapping plane pegged the fire at 10 acres, mandatory evacuations were ordered in four zones. All evacuations were lifted around 9 p.m., the Sheriffs Office said. The area is set to fall under a red flag warning Saturday evening, but Gaddie said conditions were ripe for a blaze he reported north winds in the area with light, flashy fuels contributing to the fast-moving flames. The National Weather Service extended the red flag warning for most of the Sacramento Valley and eastern Sierra foothills through 8 a.m. Tuesday. Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom on June 19, marking the day enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom, more than two years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Fayetteville and surrounding areas hosted a celebration Saturday in honor of the newly adopted national holiday. Bide Divine paints Alana Josephs face at the third annual Juneteenth Jubilee in Festival Park on Saturday, June 15, 2024. Juneteenth Jubilee This year, the 3rd Annual Juneteenth Jubilee, hosted by the city and Cool Spring Downtown District, began with a Juneteenth Celebration 5K. Once the route was clear, Fayetteville State University historian Nicholle Young-St. Leone gave a tour highlighting significant landmarks in Fayettevilles Black history. The Black Artists Forward collective hosted a Black Art Crawl featuring exhibits like "Free" by local artist Desmond Lattimore. Dominique Womack of radio station Q98 curated the vibe throughout Festival Park, as DJ GMoniy kept attendees entertained between performances from Pierce Freelon and Skip Marley. Skip Marley performs during the Juneteenth Jubilee in Festival Park on Saturday, June 15, 2024, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Though the weather was hot, attendees kept cool with frozen treats from vendors like Tropical Sno. Just before Marleys set, Fayetteville City Councilman Malik Davis was serenaded and received birthday wishes from the crowd. Skip Marley, grandson of the late reggae legend Bob Marley, took the stage sporting a white shirt and waist-length locs, going through a number of his songs, including Slow Down featuring HER. He ended his show by performing classics from his grandfather. The crowd urged Marley to return for an encore, and he obliged. More Juneteenth events: Festivals and more: Here's your guide to celebrating Juneteenth in the Fayetteville area Angela Tatum-Malloy at the Momma's Village booth at the third annual Juneteenth Jubilee in Festival Park on Saturday, June 15, 2024. Tiffany Campbell speaks during Juneteenth in the Park at McLaughlin Park in Raeford, North Carolina, on Saturday, June 15, 2024. Juneteenth in the Park Raeford commenced its Juneteenth activities with Juneteenth in the Park at McLaughlin Park. Saturdays event featured speakers discussing the topic of unity and the dangers of disconnects. Suave the Poet recited a poem about the dangers of growing up as a Black man just before community advocate Tiffany Campbell delivered a message urging attendees and the entire Black community to unify. Campbell is the organizer of the 100 Professional Black Women in Black Photoshoot, as well as the 100 Professional Black Men in Black Photoshoot. Campbell will host the Black Excellence Reunion on July 20 at Festival Park. A choir performs at the third annual Juneteenth Jubilee in Festival Park on Saturday, June 15, 2024. Hope Mills Town Manager Chancer McLaughlin, second from left, Mayor Pro Tem Kenjuana McCray, Spring Lake Mayor Kia Anthony and Lamarco Morrison attended the Juneteenth Liberty & Legacy Celebration on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Dirtbag Ales in Hope Mills, North Carolina. Juneteenth Liberty & Legacy Celebration Spring Lake Mayor Kia Anthony and Hope Mills Town Manager Chancer McLaughlin collaborated for the Juneteenth Liberty & Legacy Celebration at Dirtbag Ales in Hope Mills. The relationship between Dirtbag Ales and Juneteenth dates back to Anthonys original Juneteenth Freedom Festival. This year featured music from DJ Rayn of WCCG 104.5, a Black-owned radio station based in Fayetteville. Hope Mills celebration focused on the history of Juneteenth. Anthony broke down the history behind the design and color of the flag and the celebration. Earlier this year, Hope Mills made history by appointing McLaughlin as the first African-American to hold the position of town manager. Dr. Kenjuana McCray, the first Black mayor pro tem in Hope Mills, was also in attendance. Though Juneteenth celebrations took place over the weekend, there will be more events leading up to June 19 and the following weekend. The Freedom Block Party, the Heritage Brunch and 400 Years: The Evolution of Black America are set to take place in Fayetteville this week. Salute to Black people and every activist getting active. Peace. Rakeem Keem Jones is a community advocate, father of four and the owner of Keem Jones Content Collection. He can be reached at keemjonescontent@gmail.com. People raise up their hands as a choir performs at the third annual Juneteenth Jubilee in Festival Park on Saturday, June 15, 2024. This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Skip Marley, Pierce Freelon headline Fayetteville's Juneteenth Jubilee Sheryl J. Moore has been advocating for the past decade to update the rules about gay men donating tissue since she lost her eldest son, Alexander AJ Betts Jr., to suicide in 2013 and his corneas went to waste. (KC McGinnis for KFF Health News) The federal government in 2020 and 2023 changed who it said could safely donate organs and blood, reducing the restrictions on men who have had sex with another man. But the FDAs restrictions on donated tissue, a catchall term encompassing everything from a persons eyes to their skin and ligaments, remain in place. Advocates, lawmakers, and groups focused on removing barriers to cornea donations, in particular, said they are frustrated the FDA hasnt heeded their calls. They want to align the guidelines for tissue donated by gay and bisexual men with those that apply to the rest of the human body. Such groups have been asking the FDA for years to reduce the deferral period from five years to 90 days, meaning a man who has had sex with another man would be able to donate tissue as long as such sex didnt occur within three months of his death. One of the loudest voices on lightening the restrictions is Sheryl J. Moore, who has been an advocate since her 16-year-old sons death in 2013. Alexander AJ Betts Jr.s internal organs were successfully donated to seven people, but his eyes were rejected because of a single question asked by the donor network: Is AJ gay? Moore and a Colorado doctor named Michael Puente Jr. started a campaign called Legalize Gay Eyes and together got the attention of national eye groups and lawmakers. Puente, a pediatric ophthalmologist with the University of Colorado School of Medicine and Childrens Hospital Colorado, said the current patchwork of donor guidelines is nonsensical considering advancements in the ability to test potential donors for HIV. A gay man can donate their entire heart for transplant, but they cannot donate just the heart valve, said Puente, who is gay. Its essentially a categorical ban. The justification for these policies, set 30 years ago as a means of preventing HIV transmission, has been undercut by the knowledge gained through scientific progress. Now, they are unnecessary and discriminatory in that they focus on specific groups of people rather than on specific behaviors known to heighten HIV risk, according to those who advocate for changing them. Since 2022, the FDAs Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research has put changes to the tissue guidance on its agenda but has yet to act on them. It is simply unacceptable, Rep. Joe Neguse, D-Colorado, said in a statement. He was one of dozens of Congress members who signed a letter in 2021 that said the current deferral policies perpetuate stigma against gay men and should be based on individualized risk assessments instead. FDA policy should be derived from the best available science, not historic bias and prejudice, the letter read. The FDA said in a statement to KFF Health News that, while the absolute risk transmission of HIV due to ophthalmic surgical procedures appears to be remote, there are still relative risks. The agency routinely reviews donor screening and testing to determine what changes, if any, are appropriate based on technological and evolving scientific knowledge, the statement said. The FDA provided a similar response to Neguse in 2022. In 2015, the FDA got rid of a policy dubbed the blood ban, which barred gay and bisexual men from donating blood, before replacing it in 2023 with a policy that treats all prospective donors the same. Anyone who, in the past three months, has had anal sex and a new sexual partner or more than one sexual partner is not allowed to donate. An FDA study found that, while men who have sex with men make up most of the nations new HIV diagnoses, a questionnaire was enough to effectively identify low-risk versus high-risk donors. The U.S. Public Health Service adjusted the guidelines for organ donation in 2020. Nothing prevents sexually active gay men from donating their organs, though if theyve had sex with another man in the past 30 days down from a year the patient set to receive the organ can decide whether or not to accept it. But Puente said gay men like him cannot donate their corneas unless they were celibate for five years prior to their death. He found that, in one year alone, at least 360 people were rejected as cornea donors because they were men who had had sex with another man in the past five years, or in the past year in the case of Canadian donors. Corneas are the clear domes that protect the eyes from the outside world. They have the look and consistency of a transparent jellyfish, and transplanting one can restore a persons sight. They contain no blood, nor any other bodily fluid capable of transmitting HIV. Scientists suspect thats why there are no known cases of a patient contracting HIV from a cornea transplant, even when those corneas came from donors of organs that did infect recipients. Currently, all donors, whether of blood, organs, or tissue, are tested for HIV and two types of hepatitis. Such tests arent perfect: There is still what scientists call a window period following infection during which the donors body has not yet produced a detectable amount of virus. But such windows are now quite narrow. Researchers with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that nucleic acid tests, which are commonly used to screen donors, are unlikely to miss someone having HIV unless they acquired it in the two weeks preceding donation. Another study estimated that even if someone had sex with an HIV-positive person a couple of weeks to a month before donating, the odds are less than 1 in a million that a nucleic acid test would miss that infection. Very low, but not zero, said Sridhar Basavaraju, who was one of the researchers on that study and directs the CDCs Office of Blood, Organ, and Other Tissue Safety. He said the risk of undetected hepatitis B is slightly higher but still low. At least one senior FDA official has indirectly agreed. Peter Marks, who directs the FDAs Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, co-authored a report last year that said three months amply covers the window period in which someone might have the virus but at levels too low for tests to pick up. Scott Haber, director of public health advocacy at the American Academy of Ophthalmology, said his groups stance is that the tissue donation guideline should be at least roughly in alignment with that for blood donations. Kevin Corcoran, who leads the Eye Bank Association of America, said the five-year abstinence required of corneal donors who are gay or bisexual isnt just badly out of date but also impractical, requiring grieving relatives to recall five years of their loved ones sexual history. Thats the situation Moore found herself in on a July day in 2013. Her son loved anime, show tunes, and drinking pop out of the side of his mouth. He was bad at telling jokes but good at helping people: Betts once replaced his little sisters lost birthday money with his own savings, she said, and enthusiastically chose to be an organ donor when he got his drivers license. Moore remembered telling her son to ignore the harassment by antigay bigots at school. The kids in show choir had told him hes going to hell for being gay, and he might as well just kill himself to save himself the time, she recalled. That summer, he did. At the hospital, as medical staff searched for signs of brain activity in the boy before he died, Moore found herself answering a list of questions from Iowa Donor Network, including, she recalled: Is AJ gay? I remember very vividly saying to them, Well, what do you mean by, Was he gay? I mean, hes never had penetrative sex, she said. But they said, We just need to know if he was gay. And I said, Yes, he identified as gay. The Iowa Donor Network said in a statement that the organization cant comment on Moores case, but said, We sincerely hope for a shift in FDA policy to align with the more inclusive approach seen in blood donation guidelines, enabling us to honor the decision of all individuals who want to save lives through organ and tissue donation. Moore said her sons organs helped save or prolong the lives of seven other people, including a boy who received his heart and a middle-aged woman who received his liver. Moore sometimes exchanges messages with her on Facebook. She found out a year later that her sons corneas were rejected as donor tissue because of that conversation with Iowa Donor Network about her sons sexuality. I felt like they wasted my sons body parts, Moore said. I very much felt like AJ was continuing to be bullied beyond the grave. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFFan independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. The post FDA urged to relax decades-old tissue donation restrictions for gay and bisexual men appeared first on Daily Montanan. "Did you hear the one about the world's greatest watch thief? He stole all the time." But even that guy might be impressed by the sticky fingers of the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse (NRFC), a tiny corner of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that managed to pilfer nearly $75 million in taxpayer money last year to maintain, among other things, an official government repository of "dad jokes." It's funnybut not in a good way. The agency's website is the source of the cringey joke above, along with other forehead-slappers such as "Why don't you ever see elephants hiding in trees? Because they are really good at it," and "Have you seen the new type of broom? It's sweeping the nation." In fairness, the National Strategic Dad Joke Reserve (not the real name, sadly) is just one of the NRFC's responsibilities. The agency's website offers a list of fun activities for fathers and kids to do together, along with more serious stuff such as public service announcements about the importance of being a good dad and access to mental health resources. But the NRFC mostly stands as an example of how even well-intentioned government programs can become bloated and wasteful. It was created as part of the 2005 Deficit Reduction Act as a one-stop shop for various fatherhood-promoting grant programs administered by a variety of federal agencies. The Obama administration revamped the NRFC in 2010, turning it into "a multifaceted initiative to encourage fathers to become better parents" with a promise to "catalyze a new dialogue on fatherhood in local communities." What has the NRFC accomplished? It's hard to say, and that's seemingly by design. A 2018 HHS study found that "very few rigorous evaluations" have tested the effectiveness of federally funded fatherhood programs. The study pointed out that "none of the evaluations we analyzed" focused on whether those programs produced better outcomes for children, even though improving those outcomes was "the primary rationale for father involvement programs." There's nothing inherently wrong with trying to promote good fatherhood, but good intentions don't lead to effective spendingand the federal government is "comically ineffective at promoting behavioral change through social programs," says Romina Boccia, who highlighted the taxpayer-funded dad jokes in her Substack newsletter, The Debt Dispatch, earlier this year. Even if you're a fan of dad jokesor a practitioner of the art form yourselfthis ought to seem like a tremendously silly way to spend tax dollars. That's especially true with the federal government running multitrillion-dollar annual deficits and sporting a national debt that exceeds $34.5 trillion, which is no laughing matter. When it comes to the importance of cutting spending, we can only hope Congress takes a lesson from the "guy that stayed up all night wondering where the sun had gone," in one of the jokes from the NRFC database. You've heard that one, right? It finally dawned on him. The post Federally Funded Dad Jokes appeared first on Reason.com. Fierce fighting in Vovchansk as Ukrainian troops try to isolate invading Russian units Fierce fighting is taking place around the Ukrainian town of Vovchansk as Kyivs troops seek to isolate Russian units that have advanced across the nearby border. Heavy combat is underway at an aggregate plant on the northern edge of Vovchansk, according to military bloggers on both sides of the conflict. One Ukrainian squad commander, Stanislav Buniatov, known as Osman, described the situation in Vovchansk, east of Kharkiv and a few miles from the state border, as difficult but controlled and said Russian troops are surrounded. Our guys are not losing their positions, occasionally conducting successful assaults, liberating positions and pushing the enemy back, Buniatov said in a post on Telegram on Sunday. Russian forces began coming across the border in numbers last month in a multi-pronged assault that the Kremlin said was designed to create a buffer zone that would prevent the Ukrainians from striking Russian cities such as Belgorod. Ukrainian soldiers of the 42nd Separate Mechanized Brigade set up positions on the front line near Vovchansk on June 12, 2024. - Viacheslav Ratynskyi/Reuters At first they took several villages close to the border and advanced to the edge of Vovchansk, which was recaptured by Ukrainian forces in September 2022 after being occupied for several months. DeepState a Ukrainian monitoring group says small groups of Russian soldiers have repeatedly attempted to secure the aggregate plant, but have been repelled by Ukraine forces. Suggesting that resupply to the Russian soldiers has become difficult, DeepState says that food and water are being delivered to them by drones. Videos, geolocated by CNN, shows Ukrainian drones striking the plant in recent days. Russian military blogger WarGonzo said on Telegram that fighting in the area is fierce as Ukrainian troops are carrying out counterattacks, trying to dislodge the Russian Armed Forces from their occupied positions but did not mention troops being surrounded. On Sunday, the Russian Ministry of Defense said in a statement that troops improved the situation along the front line and defeated the manpower and equipment of Ukrainian troops in the areas of the settlements of Vovchansk, Synelnykove and Vovchanski Khutory in Kharkiv region. Ukraines Ministry of Defense chose not to comment to CNNs request for more information. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Final communique of Global Peace Summit signed by 80 states and 4 organisations The final declaration of the Global Peace Summit, held in Switzerland, has been signed by 80 countries and four organisations. Source: Dmytro Lubinets, the Verkhovna Rada (the Ukrainian Parliament) Commissioner for Human Rights, as reported by European Pravda Details: Saudi Arabia, Thailand, India, Mexico, South Africa, Brazil, and the United Arab Emirates have not signed the document. According to Lubinets, signing the proclamation indicates a commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty. Quote: "This [also] includes the need for the activities at the ZNPP (Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant ed.) to be fully controlled by Ukraine, the inadmissibility of attacks on trade ships in Ukraine's seas, the request for the repatriation of prisoners under the all for all formula, and the unconditional return of Ukrainian children!," he said. The two-day Global Peace Summit was held in Switzerland. Within its scope, plenary sessions and discussions focusing on three aspects of the Peace Formula were held, specifically, nuclear security, food security, and the humanitarian dimension. Following the meeting, a declaration is to be published, with all states invited to join. Support UP or become our patron! (L-R) Ghana's President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Swiss Federal President Viola Amherd, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, Chile's President Gabriel Boric and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attend the closing press conference of the Summit on peace in Ukraine. -/Ukraine Presidency/dpa The final declaration of the Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland was approved by 80 of the 93 participating states at the close of the two-day event on Sunday. Countries that did not sign include six states from the G20 group of the world's most important economic powers: Brazil, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, India and Indonesia, according to a list published by the Swiss hosts. Armenia, Bahrain, Thailand, Libya, the United Arab Emirates, Colombia and the Vatican also did not back the document released at the Burgenstock mountain hotel resort near Lucerne. Brazil, India, South Africa and the UAE are united with Russia in the so-called BRICS group and maintain a friendly relationship with Russia despite its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The draft of the final declaration took this into account and does not explicitly condemn Moscow for its actions. Instead, it recalls the Charter of the United Nations: "In particular, we reaffirm our commitment to refraining from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state," the text reads. The principles of sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of all states, including Ukraine, must be respected, it stated. The signatories also favour protecting the Ukrainian nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhya, which is occupied by Russia, and agree that any threat to use nuclear weapons should be condemned. They also call for unhindered grain exports from Ukraine, which are particularly important for impoverished countries in Africa and other parts of the world. The declaration also advocates the exchange of prisoners of war and the return of children and other civilians abducted from Ukraine to Russia. Earlier in the day, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer anticipated an incomplete backing of the document, while downplaying the significance of this. This was only because of its exact wording, according to Nehammer, rather than relecting a lack of support for efforts to broker peace in Ukraine. The basic common position would not be affected, he said: "That's why I'm not so worried if not everyone signs now." The question of the scope of a follow-up conference was also still difficult to answer. Before Russia also takes a seat at the negotiating table, another conference in a different format is conceivable, Nehammer added. "You really have to see it as a process," he said. According to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, the conference as such brought significant progress. Kuleba said that all countries that were not present were also aware of the impetus provided by the meeting. Overall, the process that has been initiated is very welcome, he said: "We are on the right track." Kuleba again stressed the need to support Ukraine militarily with the highest quality weapons possible. The stronger Ukraine is, the more willing Moscow will be to negotiate peace, according to him. The aim of the event was to initiate a peace process in which Russia would also be involved in the long term. Officials from Moscow were not invited on this occasion and did not express a wish to attend. Finnish President Alexander Stubb called on Beijing to use its influence over Russian President Vladimir Putin to help end the war in Ukraine, reported Finnish media outlet Yle on June 15. Although China officially maintains a neutral stance on Russia's full-scale war in Ukraine and denies providing lethal aid, Beijing and Moscow continue to strengthen their ties. This was underscored by Putin's visit to Chinese President Xi Jinping in May. Speaking at the Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland, Stubb said that China could play a key role in establishing peace in Ukraine. "I strongly urge China, in its capacity to influence Putin, to end this war," Stubb said. He also emphasized the importance of the Global South in achieving peace in Ukraine: "There are many representatives (at the peace summit) from Latin America, Africa, Asia, and especially the Middle East. This gives me hope that we will be able to get on the path to peace, and I believe it is important that this happens on Ukraine's terms." Officials from over 100 foreign governments and international organizations gathered in Lucerne, Switzerland, for a two-day summit focused on Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky's peace formula, a 10-point plan outlining Kyiv's conditions for an end to Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine. Ukraine had extended an invitation to China for the summit back in January, but Beijing declined, citing unmet conditions necessary for its participation. Russia, notably, was not invited to the conference. Following China's decision to abstain, Zelensky accused China of actively dissuading other nations from attending the summit. U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said later that Beijing likely opted out of Ukraine's peace summit at the request of Putin. Read also: China lobbying for its alternative peace plan ahead of Ukraines summit, Reuters reports Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Finnish President Alexander Stubb has said at the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland that China can play a key role in establishing peace in Ukraine. Source: Finnish public service media company Yle, citing Stubb speaking to journalists at the Peace Summit in Switzerland Quote: "I strongly urge China, in its capacity to influence [Kremlin ruler Vladimir] Putin, to end this war." Details: At the same time, Stubb emphasised the importance of the Global South in achieving peace. Quote: "There are many representatives [at the Peace Summit ed.] from Latin America, Africa, Asia, and especially the Middle East. This gives me hope that we will be able to get on the path to peace, and I believe it is important that this happens on Ukraine's terms." Details: In addition, Stubb called on Russian leader Vladimir Putin to end the war and rejected Russia's "peace initiative". Background: Stubb believes that Ukraine is now in a better position to start peace talks than it was a few weeks ago, thanks to the support from its Western allies. Support UP or become our patron! Smoke coming out from a burnt stud farm after a fire broke out and reportedly killed 70 horses in the French commune of Bernesq. Lou Benoist/AFP/dpa A fire at a stud farm in the Normandy region of northern France has killed 70 horses. The fire broke out on Sunday in a shed housing the horses on a farm, the newspaper Ouest France reported, citing the authorities. A large building with several boxes, horses and equipment burnt to the ground. A 21-year-old man who discovered the fire suffered burns to his hands. The 70 animals died in the fire. An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the blaze but it appears to be accidental, police said. In response to body camera video showing a Columbus Division of Police officers physical arrest of a 14-year-old Black teen for a pedestrian traffic violation, city officials condemned the fired officers conduct and assured citizens the incident doesnt reflect the department as a whole. Donovan Bever was one of two officers fired within a week's time this month for misconduct. On June 10, Columbus Public Safety Director Kate Pishotti terminated Bever from his position. On Wednesday, she fired officer Robert Spann for repeatedly having sex with a grocery store worker while on uniformed off-duty security detail at the store. The videos show a physical arrest of a teen who complied with officer commands after initially fleeing. They also capture harsh, cussing and threatening remarks from the officers. "I was angry, disappointed, upset," Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant said of her reaction to the footage. "That is not what we reflect as Columbus Division of Police. The majority of our officers have great relationships with our community." Donovan Bever was fired as a Columbus police officer after a review of body worn camera footage of his arrest of a Black teenager. News of the firings followed a guilty plea by a former Columbus narcotics officer in a federal cocaine possession case, as well as the departments sixth fatal shooting this year by an officer. Bryant said misconduct like Bevers damages the public trust the department has worked to build. "Something like this can erode it in seconds," Bryant said. Without that trust, officers receive less information from the community and have a harder time solving crimes, she said. Brian Steel, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Capitol City Lodge No. 9, on Thursday said he was made aware of the terminations this past week. He said the union intends to review both cases to determine if proper procedures were followed. Ill break your face On Feb. 19, a group of male teens lingered in the street while crossing in a crosswalk, which Bryant said could be considered a pedestrian in the roadway violation. Bever and another officer witnessed the group crossing the street. The interaction began when Bever and another officer drove up to the teenagers in their cruiser and said, "Lets chat." The male teens fled. The officers came upon two of the teens on a sidewalk after a brief foot chase. They pulled their guns and told the teens to get on the ground or they would shoot, and the teens complied. Footage from Bevers body-worn camera shows the teens face being forced into the pavement, bloodying the youth's nose. Bever roughly searched him and threw the contents of the teens pockets at his face, and according to division records he struck the teen in the groin during the search. In the video, Bever can be heard saying to the teen, "You move, I'll break your face." He dragged the teen by his dreadlocks to a waiting transport vehicle. The boy expressed pain, fear, and shock during the arrest. He apologized throughout the arrest and told Bever that he was hurting him. "Im alright, just dont do that again because that (expletive) hurt," the teen said when Bever asked if he was okay. "And for what, bro? It wasnt that serious." At the transport vehicle, the teen asked for a different officer, saying he didnt trust Bever. Bryant said the officers handled the situation poorly from the start. They should have pulled the cruiser over, exited the vehicle, and had a civil conversation with the teens about pedestrian laws, she said. Drawing guns was not necessary, and the force Bever used to take the boy into custody was not justifiable, she said. Bevers gun and badge were confiscated within hours of the arrest, and he was placed on leave, according to department records. Sex on the job Spann was fired for having sexual intercourse with a store employee several times while doing uniformed off-duty work as a security guard at a Columbus grocery store in August and September. Spann was working special duty, meaning he wore his Columbus uniform but was not being paid by the city. Bryant said shes aware of other instances in which officers behaved inappropriately on the job, but said she couldnt remember an officer doing so repeatedly. The department looked into the situation to determine whether criminal charges were necessary, but the sex was consensual and the store did not wish to press charges, Bryant said. Robert Spann was fired as a Columbus police officer after he engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct while working on special duty. A grocery manager reported the sexual activity to the Ohio Inspector General, which in turn informed the Columbus Division of Police. Columbus police officers are never allowed to have sex while theyre working, including during uniformed off-duty details, Bryant said. Further, Spanns actions took him away from his actual job of improving security within the store. Language on the job Bevers personnel file shows a mostly clean record, though supervisors and members of the community had previously expressed concerns about his language on the job. An internal investigation following a Nov. 21, 2021, arrest of a fleeing suspect in a domestic dispute case found that Bever followed policy when he deployed his Taser. But Bever did violate policy "by continually swearing at the arrestee while taking him into custody," the supervisor wrote. The supervisor added that he had previously warned Bever about his language toward arrestees. In Bevers April 2022 performance review, Bevers supervisor wrote that he met expectations in all categories except one. He was given "constructive feedback" about his interactions with the public and was awaiting retraining for de-escalation tactics and avoiding verbal confrontation. Three citizen complaints were filed against Bever. A citizen said Bever failed to provide his name or badge number and made threats or harassed someone while responding to a call for service on Dec 13, 2021. A different citizen said Bever used rude or discourteous profanity on May 23, 2023. The department ruled all the complaints unfounded. Bryant said officers are not allowed to swear. Some leeway may be given for curses in the heat of the moment, but officers are generally expected to remain professional, she said. Officials react "I don't think this is a reflection of the division as a whole, but when it's brought to our attention, we want to deal with it swiftly," Bryant said. "We want to make sure that we send that message that we will not accept this for our community." Bryant said that means visiting police academy students and morning briefings to ensure good culture within the Division of Police and providing extensive training opportunities, especially in areas like use of force, to make sure officers are set up for success. Several city officials sent statements to The Dispatch condemning the officers actions. Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther commended Bryant for her swift action in Bevers termination. City Attorney Zach Klein also supported the officers' termination. "The conduct of these individual officers is unacceptable, falls far short of the standard expected of any public servant, and tarnishes the great work being done every day by the members of the Division of Police." Bryant recommended a 240-hour suspension or termination for both officers, but the final determination on officer firings lies with Pishotti. Pishotti said in a statement that what she saw in the video was incompatible with the Columbus Division of Polices values. Our community deserves better, and that 14 year-old deserved better," Pishotti said. Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin said he stands with Bryant in her "quick investigation and decisive action." He called the actions in the footage an outrageous use of force. "Im angry how this one officers petty power trip calls into question the integrity and hard work of the entire Division," Hardin said. Hardin added that he will send his regrets to the boys and their families. We are working to build a City where young Black boys like my son, Noah, or my nephew, Christian, can walk in their neighborhoods without being judged as a threat by the officers they trust to keep them safe," Hardin said. bagallion@dispatch.com This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Fired Columbus cop condemned for 'outrageous' arrest of Black teen Raw sewage, swarms of flies and mosquitoes, garbage piled high in the streets. As the heat of summer gathers, hundreds of thousands of people in Gaza are contending with a crisis in sanitation. Ismail Zayda, who lives in Gaza City in the north, told CNN that water supplies had been cut off for nine months. The municipalities are not working, and waste in large piles is on our doorsteps and on the roads, he said. We are seeing large quantities of flying insects for the first time Frankly, we have insects that we see for the first time and we do not know their names, and they sting our bodies and the bodies of our children. Israels relentless bombardment of Gaza launched in the wake of the October 7 attacks is now into its eighth month and has triggered a spiraling humanitarian crisis. Human rights groups have repeatedly sounded the alarm over unspeakable living conditions for Palestinians, as Israels military campaign has pulverized neighborhoods, damaged health infrastructure and depleted food, water and fuel supplies. Palestinians queue up to receive clean drinking water distributed by aid organizations in Deir al-Balah. - Abed Rahim Khatib/Anadolu/Getty Images There is little sign of a resolution to the protracted and bloody conflict. A US-backed ceasefire plan was overwhelmingly approved by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) this week. But neither side has accepted it. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly stated that he will continue until Hamas is destroyed and the remaining hostages are freed. In an assessment this week, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), stated that in Deir al Balah in central Gaza, where thousands of displaced are sheltering, families say that shelters are overcrowded. They have reported a range of health issues, such as hepatitis A, skin diseases, and respiratory illnesses and say that access to water is also critically low. At one displacement site, the average amount of water available per day was less than one liter per person, well below the internationally recognized minimum requirement for survival of three litres per day, according to OCHA. A safe water supply is essential not just for drinking and cooking, but to prevent the spread of disease. A displaced Palestinian woman uses water as she cooks in Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza. - Mahmoud Issa/Reuters OCHA reported this week that more than two-thirds of water and sanitation facilities and infrastructure in Gaza have been destroyed or damaged due to the conflict. It added many other facilities are out of service due to challenges including insecurity, access impediments, and lack of power and fuel to operate generators. OCHA said that peoples coping mechanisms are heavily stretched, with the most vulnerable collecting water from unreliable sources in inadequate containers, while lacking basic hygiene items like soap. The average high temperature in Gaza in the coming week is expected to be in the low 30 degrees celsius, with warmer weather likely to worsen what is already a crisis in sanitation. Roads full of sewage Zayda, the Gaza City resident, told how an out-of-service swimming pool in his had become a magnet for insects. During the day, flies come, and at night, mosquitoes spread We light fires at night and burn garbage until the flying insects disappear. Zayda spends much of the day wearing a mask, partly because some vehicles run on burned frying oil as an alternative to diesel, making breathing difficult. The roads are full of sewage running through the streets, waste and rubble from the bombing, he said. The treatment of sewage amid damage to infrastructure and a lack of fuel has become an enduring problem in Gaza. Carl Skau, Deputy Executive Director of the World Food Programme, said after a tour of Gaza this week that a million people have been pushed out of Rafah and are now trapped in a highly congested area along the beach in the burning summer heat. We drove through rivers of sewage, he said. According to the OCHA, the delivery of some fuel supplies has helped reduce the level of accumulated wastewater in the Sheikh Radwan area in Gaza City, but the lack of a steady flow of fuel creates a continued risk of sewage overflow into neighbouring areas. Rubbish accumulates along a non-functioning sewage dump in Gaza City on May 3. - AFP/Getty Images Assem Al-Nabih, media officer for the Gaza City Municipality, told CNN there is now a leakage of large quantities of sewage in various parts of the city and also into the sea. There is significant damage to the sewer lines and sewage pumps, this has led to the leakage of sewage and wastewater throughout the city. He estimated that more than 4 kilometers of water pipelines had been destroyed or damaged, an immense stretch to repair in the middle of a war. According to assessments by UN agencies and partner organizations published in the last week, 67% of water and sanitation facilities and infrastructure in Gaza have been destroyed or damaged due to conflict. There are sporadic efforts to repair infrastructure. The Coastal Municipalities Water Utility, in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross, has restored several wells in Khan Younis, Deir Al Balah and Nuseirat. But the scale of the task, without a ceasefire and with limited fuel supplies and equipment, is far beyond the capability of local authorities in Gaza. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A road rage incident led to a suspected drunk driver fleeing from a crash and punching a maintenance worker, according to an arrest report. The Cape Coral Police Department responded to a hit-and-run scene last Sunday after they received a call about a white pick-up truck crashing into another car and fleeing, and another call about that same truck with its front tire blown out, speeding through a residential area. Monster: Tampa 19-year-old kills parents, shoots deputy in gunfight, sheriff says A witness flagged down police and told them the driver was acting crazy. The man, identified as Juan Lago, 38, and his truck were located at a Circle K, where he was described as being aggressive. According to the report, he had slurred speech and glossy eyes and denied ever being in a crash. Officers also found a pocketknife in his pants. Police then interviewed several witnesses of the events. According to the report, Lago stopped by a liquor store twice. He first bought a shooter of Fireball, before later returning to the store intoxicated. Lago then asked the employee and a customer if they liked Muslims, and that he was an ex-Manne and that they killed all of his people. When Lago returned 20 minutes later, the employees refused him alcohol, which led to him becoming angry, spitting on a worker, and trying to challenge him to a fight. He then sped off in his truck, the report said. Pasco deputies find human remains amid search for missing family Another witness told officials they were waiting for Lagos truck to pass by before they pulled out of their driveway and onto a road. Thats when Lago made a U-turn, drove right at her, got out, tried opening the drivers side door and started banging on her window. The womans maintenance worker witnessed the incident and tried to step in and calm Lago down. However, Lago grabbed the man and pulled out the knife, threatening him, before Lago punched the man in the face. After performing a field sobriety test, Lago was arrested for DUI and taken to a nearby hospital. Thats when Lago headbutted an officer on his chin. Thankfully, the officer was not hurt. Lago was taken to the Lee County Jail and is facing charges including three counts of DUI, DUI property damage, hit-and-run, driving with a suspended license, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and battery on a law enforcement officer. Copyright 2024 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. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A Florida Missing Child Alert has been canceled for a 12-year-old girl after she was reported missing in Orlando Saturday. The girl is safe. Copyright 2024 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. PARIS (Reuters) - Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy warned on Sunday that President Emmanuel Macron's unexpected decision to dissolve the National Assembly and call for snap legislative elections could backfire and plunge the country into chaos. Macron called the snap vote, to be held in two rounds on June 30 and July 7, after his centrist alliance was trounced by the far-right National Rally (RN) in last Sunday's European Parliament ballot. Sarkozy, the conservative former president who was in office from 2007 to 2012 and remains an important political figure, said possible chaos triggered by the dissolution of the assembly might be challenging to get out of, according to a report in the Journal du Dimanche. "Giving the floor to the French people to justify the dissolution is a curious argument since this is precisely what more than 25 million French people have just done at the polls", Sarkozy, who is on friendly terms with Macron, said in reference to the European elections on June 9. "The risk is great they confirm their anger rather than reverse it," he said. A poll on Saturday appeared to support his concerns. The OpinionWay-Vae Solis poll conducted for Les Echos and Radio Classique forecast RN would lead in the first round of the parliamentary election with 33% of the vote, ahead of the Popular Front, the alliance of left-wing parties, with 25%. Macron's centrist camp had 20%. Thousands marched in Paris and cities across France on Saturday to protest against the far-right National Rally (RN) ahead of the upcoming elections. (Reporting by Dominique Vidalon; Editing by Bernadette Baum) Former Tory donor hints at switch to Labour after being impressed by manifesto Spencer McCarthy has described the Tory manifesto as 'very disappointing' A former Tory donor has suggested he could switch his allegiance to Labour after being impressed by Sir Keir Starmers manifesto. Spencer McCarthy, chief executive of Churchill Retirement Living and a Tory donor since 2002, said he had not made his mind up over how he would vote in the next election. Mr McCarthy, whose company donated 150,000 to the Conservative party during the 2019 general election campaign, said he was impressed with Labours manifesto plans for major planning reform and described the Tory manifesto as very disappointing. Im an undecided voter at the moment, he said. Mr McCarthy is the latest former Tory donor to drift away from the party under Mr Sunak. Conservative peer Lord Harris of Peckham, the founder of Carpetright, told The Telegraph last year that the party didnt deserve to win because of a lack of clear vision. Richard Walker, the Iceland chief who formerly donated to the party, has switched his allegiances to Labour. Churchill, which Mr McCarthy co-founded with his brother, is one of Britains biggest retirement home builders and manages more than 200 developments across the country. Mr McCarthy welcomed Labours manifesto pledges to shake-up the planning system and build 1.5 million homes over the next Parliament. The Conservative Partys failure to streamline planning and meaningfully support brownfield development, particularly hindering SME home builders, requires urgent action and Labours manifesto suggests they are prepared to take it, he said. Mr McCarthy criticised the mountains of red tape and additional costs which were piled on under the Conservative government. The entrepreneur highlighted his troubles with a 160-home development in Christchurch, Dorset, as evidence. Churchill had to complete 45 reports and pay a total of 90,000 to make a planning application for the project. Six weeks later, the council said Natural England rules meant they were unable to greenlight any developments in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch. All of these additional costs that we are being hit with reduces the amount of affordable housing that comes forward. Mr McCarthy also suggested it was too easy for people to oppose building work in their area. Retirement home developments, such as Churchills projects in Lymington, Hampshire, and Exmouth, Devon, are increasingly blocked by local opposition, he said. All too often in the planning system when we are coming into various local authorities and towns we have had petitions against some of our developments because people say they dont want any more old people in the area, he said. At the end of the day it is down to ageism. Britains ageing population means that there will be a shortfall of 400,000 retirement homes by 2035, according to the Housing Learning and Improvement Network, and Mr McCarthey said the Tory manifesto failed to address older peoples housing needs. Nearly 20pc of the UK population are over 65. Thats close to just over 11 million people who are over 65. All too often we see it, when weve met with ministers in the past when weve been discussing housing, this segment of society does tend to be left aside, Mr McCarthy said. Although the Tory manifesto pledged to encourage the building of different forms of housing, particularly housing for older people, it included no policy plans on how to do this. It really smacks of too little too late, Mr McCarthy said. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Former Ukrainian MP with ties to Putin urges Russia to occupy Odesa if Ukraine does not capitulate Viktor Medvedchuk, former Ukrainian businessman and pro-Russian politician to whose daughter Putin is godfather, has urged Russia to occupy the Ukrainian city of Odesa and other cities if Ukraine does not agree to the capitulation proposed by Russia. Source: Medvedchuk in an interview with Kremlin-aligned news agency TASS Details: Medvedchuk said that Russia should occupy "Odesa and other cities" if Kyiv refuses Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin's "peace proposal", in which he demands that Ukraine give up four oblasts and Crimea and agree to a non-aligned status. The former lawmaker also echoed the Kremlin's narratives about the "Western puppeteers", the "war party", "illegitimate Zelenskyy", the "anti-people regime", etc. Quote: "A very apt expression is 'liberate' [Odesa and other cities - ed.]. Russia's security interests compel further military action to fight the neo-Nazi regime in order to achieve full demilitarisation and denazification. At the same time, it is clear that the interests of the Zelenskyy regime and the interests of the Ukrainian people are directly opposed. Ukrainians want peace, while Zelenskyy and his Western puppeteers want war, even at the cost of exterminating the Ukrainian nation. And this nation must be liberated from this criminal Nazi government." Background: Earlier, Putin reiterated that he was supposedly "ready for peace talks", but for this, Ukraine must withdraw its forces from all Russian-occupied oblasts that the Kremlin considers to be Russian territory. Mykhailo Podoliak, the adviser to the head of the Ukrainian President's Office, called the Russian ruler's "peace proposals" of 14 June a typical approach from aggressors. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Russian leader Vladimir Putin's "proposals" to end the war on his terms an ultimatum. Support UP or become our patron! Fort Worth rally for Trump draws over 100 people, at least one counter-protester Over 100 people braved the heat Saturday afternoon to show their support for former president and presumed Republican nominee for president Donald Trump. The crowd, escorted by Fort Worth police officers, marched through downtown Fort Worth, beginning at the JFK memorial and ending at the Tarrant County courthouse. The crowd was led by a vintage blue Cadillac limo called the Texas Trump Limo with window decals that included those of President Joe Biden and his son Hunter Biden Hunter behind bars. Hunter Biden was convicted of three felonies earlier this week. When the marchers arrived at the Tarrant County Courthouse, multiple speakers addressed the crowd, beginning with Tarrant County GOP Chair Bo French. The main thing I want to impress on you is Tarrant County is the bellwether County for the state of Texas, French said. So you hear about Texas, so goes Texas, so goes the nation. Well, Im here to tell you, however Tarrant County goes thats going to determine how Texas goes. In the 2020 presidential election, Biden narrowly won Tarrant County with 49.3% to Trumps 49.1%. Texas still went to Trump, 52.1% to Bidens 46.5%. Abraham George, the newly elected chair of the Texas Republican Party, also spoke at the event. We are going to have an amazing November election. I believe Texas is Trump country, but weve got to make sure that we also elect Ted Cruz and every single person up and down the ballot, George said. Weston Martinez, who ran against George for chair last month, said he was excited about Abraham and what hes going to do as Republican Party chair. So its going to be a fun time, Martinez said. Before he spoke, Martinez asked an officer to remove the events singular counter-protester, who had held a sign that read, The earth is flat, really. He also asked for his microphone to be made louder so he could speak over the protester who was using a megaphone across the street. The protester refused to identify himself to the Star-Telegram and declined to comment Martinez spent most of his time casting doubt on whether are secure and said, We have to make this election too big to rig. Our elections need to be protected. And in Texas, were going to do it. In Texas, were going to get the secretary of state and the attorney general to take the lead on securing our elections and going to end county-wide voting, Martinez said. In Texas, many counties, including Tarrant County, allow voters to vote at any polling location in the county. Ending it would require voters to go to a specific precinct near their registered voting address. Cheryl Bean, who narrowly lost her primary runoff for House District 97 last month to John McQueeney, said she would be doing a gas and grocery tour with Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller going to battleground sites. Bean also called for Republicans to close primaries in the state so that only registered Republicans can vote in them. Bean asked the crowd.: Do we really want open primaries where Democrats can cross-vote and wipe out the representatives that you Republicans want to represent? Im a victim of that. So was David Covey. Covey was the grassroots candidate who took on Texas House speaker Dade Phelan and lost his runoff last month. Bean also spoke against PAC advertising. if you notice, on the bottom of every ad, there is a little sign that says paid for by. What that means is that is the license to legally lie to you, the citizens and the voters that needs to stop that opens at all levels, Bean said. Both Beans and Coveys most prominent financial donors have ties to West Texas oil billionaires Tim Dunn and Farris Wilks. Bean and Covey were far out fundrasied in their runoff races by Phelan and McQueeny, who received large donations from Texas Defense PAC, which has ties to Miriam Adelson, owner of the Las Vegas Sands casino operation. One of Phelans most vocal critics, state Rep. Nate Schatzline of Fort Worth, called the House speaker a corrupt liberal. Schatzline, a former pastor of Mercy Culture Church, which has two campuses in Fort Worth, made light of Trumps felony convictions. Its a special day when we can come together and say that were all going to be voting for a felon for president this year, Schatzline said. This is not a physical battle. This is a spiritual battle were in for the United States of America. Aj Yvette, a Black woman wearing a shirt that said All Lives MAGA, spoke to the crowd and said that she wears the shirt to make a statement to society. Society would like for me to believe that I am a Black American Christian, right? But Im going to tell you something. I am a Christian American who just so happens to be Black, Yvette said. It is not about the color of my skin. Its not about the color of your skin. It is about the content of your character. It is about how you feel about this country. God, family, country; that is what unifies us. Yvette went on to call the Biden administration a communist regime and Obama 2.0, but she did say she was thankful Trump had been in office before. I just want to thank God for Trump coming to be our president, let me tell you why. Because if Hillary Clinton would have gotten anywhere near that Oval Office, we would all be speaking Chinese, Yvette said. Before the crowd made the march to the courthouse, they prayed. Rosalie Escobedo, a Tarrant County GOP area leader, led the prayer and toward the end of it said, No weapon formed against Trump shall prosper, referencing Isaiah 54:17. Fourteen Jordanians die during haj in Saudi Arabia, some succumb to heat (Removes extraneous 'of' from second paragraph.) CAIRO (Reuters) -Fourteen Jordanians have been reported dead during the annual Muslim haj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, some of them due to heat stroke, while 17 others were reported missing, the Jordanian foreign ministry said in a statement on Sunday. At least six of the fatalities were heat related, the ministry said on Saturday, with temperatures predicted to reach 47 degrees Celsius (116 Fahrenheit) in Mecca on Monday. It didn't specify on Sunday whether the higher death toll was also due to the heat. The haj, which will end on Wednesday, is one of the largest mass gatherings in the world, with more than 1.8 million pilgrims expected to take part this year, according to the Saudi General Authority for Statistics. Stampedes, tent fires, heat and other factors have caused hundreds of deaths at the event over the past 30 years. The Saudi health ministry issued an advisory on Thursday warning of soaring temperatures and advising pilgrims to stay hydrated and avoid being outdoors during the hottest hours of the day between 11 a.m. (0800 GMT) and 3 p.m. The Jordanian foreign ministry was coordinating with Saudi authorities on procedures to bury or transport the bodies of the deceased according to their family's wishes, it said on Sunday. In 2015, a deadly crush at the haj near Mecca killed at least 2,070 people, according to a Reuters tally at the time. (Reporting by Jaidaa Taha and Pesha MagidEditing by Bernadette Baum) FPL & Council on Aging to deliver hurricane meal kits to Volusia County seniors Some Central Florida senior citizens will soon be able to rest a little easier this hurricane season. Florida Power & Light is teaming up this week with Council on Aging of Volusia County to deliver hurricane supplies to more than 300 residents. On Tuesday, FPL & COA plan to deliver about 900 meal kits to seniors throughout Volusia County. Organizers said each kit will include enough non-perishable meals, water and snacks to sustain a person for three days. READ: Hurricane Season: Is your homes electrical system ready for a storm? The project aims to help seniors who may not be able to leave their homes or receive home-delivered meals after a storm. For more information from FPL about storm preparedness for customers, click here. Click here to learn more about Council on Aging of Volusia County. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. French Army Chief of Staff Gen. Pierre Schill has led the land force since July 2021, implementing a large-scale modernization effort called Scorpion that includes new connected armored vehicles in a shift to networked combat. He oversees a budget that increased 12% in 2024 to more than 10 billion (U.S. $10.8 billion) and a force of more than 110,000 military personnel. In an interview ahead of the Eurosatory conference in Paris, which runs June 17-21, the general commented on the changing security situation, capabilities the Army will demonstrate at Europes largest defense show, and how the armed forces must adapt to the hyper-lethality of the modern battlefield and evolving warfare. This interview was edited for length and clarity. Given the evolving security landscape in Europe, what are the most critical areas of ground combat where increased European cooperation in the field of defense can help meet common military challenges? Meeting common military challenges means being able to fight side by side and, ideally, together. Here I wont go into the aspects of mutual knowledge and officer exchanges, which are vital but are part of a different time frame. The first challenge is that of equipment interoperability that is, the capacity to act in concert in spite of different equipment. This is about designing and producing natively interoperable equipment. On that point, communication networks are key. In this respect, the level of ambition of the CaMo partnership between the Belgian and the French units of the motorized brigade is remarkable. The units in the field will be interchangeable, without any technological or operational obstacle. In addition to the combat system, Belgium and France collaborate in the field of operational concepts, education and training. This partnership is a model to follow to increase European defense cooperation. France orders 1.1 billion of cannons, vehicles and helicopters The second challenge is the capability to have military equipment designed and produced by several European countries. We have experience in this area: The Tiger and NH90 helicopters as well as the Milan and HOT missiles have been produced in cooperation between European partners. The project for the future Franco-German heavy tanks, the Main Ground Combat System, is a vector of dynamism in Franco-German relations in terms of the defense industry. The MGCS will be more than just an improved successor to the Leclerc or Leopard tanks; it will be a new-generation system that will benefit from the best technologies of each of the nations involved in the program. The third challenge is that of shared experiences. Cooperation is expressed in joint deployments in former Yugoslavia, Afghanistan and in the Sahel, which have led the European armies to share, interact and coordinate; the deployment of the French-German brigade in Mali in 2018 strikes me as particularly illustrative. Today, we are committed in a common support to the Ukrainian army. A French soldier participates in an anti-terrorist operation in the Sahel by patrolling a market in Gao, Mali, on May 30, 2015. (Philippe Desmazes/AFP via Getty Images) Which key capabilities will the French Army present at Eurosatory? How do they align with Frances defense priorities? Eurosatory will be showcasing the Scorpion range of vehicles, the variety of unmanned aerial vehicles used in the units and the network-enabled capability the first steps toward collaborative combat. Youll have the opportunity to see the Jaguar vehicle, the renovated Leclerc tank, the Griffon vehicle and the Serval vehicle. The French army is an army of operational deployment and is a reference in Europe owing to its skills in aerocombat, the quality of its equipment and its operational experience. The NH90 Caiman, the Tiger and the Guepard helicopters will be presented to illustrate this air-mobile capability. The Caesar Mk1 howitzer as well as the new-generation SAMP/T Mamba air defense system will demonstrate the Armys determination to increase its combat power by speeding up the decision between intelligence collection and deep fires. Moreover, numerous UAVs and anti-UAV solutions will demonstrate our ambition in the field of aerial drone employment in air-ground combat. Ukrainian servicemen fire a Caesar gun toward Russian positions at the front line in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donbas in June 2022. (Aris Messinis/AFP via Getty Images) Other items of equipment will be presented. Youll discover how the Army is transforming itself to win tomorrows air-land battle. The war in Ukraine has highlighted new tactics and technologies used on the battlefield. From Frances perspective, what are the biggest surprises or confirmations about modern warfare revealed by this conflict? Consequently, what adjustments is the French Army making to training doctrines and equipment priorities? Lets remain modest at this stage in the analysis of lessons learned from this conflict. We should try to discriminate the elements that are situational from what is structural. The extensive use of UAVs, like that of civilian technologies adapted for military use, has changed the dynamics of combat. The vital importance of electronic warfare, intelligence superiority, and the need to control information to influence both national and international public opinion has been confirmed. Four structural priorities can be identified. The first priority is connectivity. To outclass the adversary, it is necessary to understand the tactical situation, design a plan, give orders, and carry out the maneuver by controlling and reorienting this cycle. Ensuring a smooth and rapid functioning of this cycle makes it possible to be quicker than the enemy and keep ones freedom of action. The network-enabled combat developed in the framework of the Scorpion program has enabled us to be ahead in this area. The second priority is the transparency of the battlefield. The use of UAVs and satellites increasingly makes it possible to pierce the fog of war. It makes it more difficult [for adversaries] to conceal intent, setups and movements. To enhance its in-depth detection capabilities, the Army is developing its UAV range, developing its means to analyze the images from all the sensors and is focusing its effort on electronic warfare. A French soldier demonstrates an anti-drone gun at a local military base on March 14, 2024. (Emmanuel Dunand/AFP via Getty Images) The third priority is lethality. In the context of high-intensity warfare, lethality is characterized by tactical targeting through the use of increasingly powerful, accurate and sophisticated means of destruction and in sufficient numbers to be able to cause considerable damage in a very short amount of time. The fourth priority is protection. Hyper-lethality puts increased pressure on the survival and resilience capacity of high-value targets, including command posts, which are particularly easy to detect due to their electromagnetic footprint. Their protection must be enhanced; the command methods must be diversified to ensure their operational continuity in case of attack. For the Army, this translates into the use of armor in the framework of the Scorpion vehicles; the entry into service of the ARLAD armored personnel carriers as of this year; and the development of ground-air defense through the modernization of the PAMELA vehicles. How will emerging technologies influence the role of the French soldier in the coming decade? What measures are taking place to prepare Army personnel for an evolving battlefield? Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics and autonomous systems will profoundly transform the soldiers environment in the coming decade. AI will enhance decision-making by providing rapid, synthetic and accurate analyses of the combat situations. As for robotics, it will take on dangerous or repetitive tasks, such as mine clearance or reconnaissance in hostile terrain. Autonomous systems, such as UAVs and unmanned vehicles, will provide continuous surveillance and a rapid-reaction capability; our soldiers will therefore be less exposed. In short, these technologies will provide greater security and an increased operational efficiency, redefining the missions and the required skills of the French soldiers in an increasingly technological operational context. The French Army started to deploy Scorpion in 2021, one of the most ambitious modernization programs among Western land forces. What were the initial lessons learned, what challenges are being addressed and how has all this modified the way the service fights? The Scorpion program is aimed at renewing and modernizing the contact combat capabilities of the Army with new platforms such as the Griffon, Jaguar and Serval vehicles, as well as the MEPAC mounted mortar and a single combat information system, known as SICS, over the 2020-2030 time frame. It ensures consistency between the capabilities of the combined arms battle group all the way to brigade level. To achieve this, it federates and connects the platforms and combatants to promote collaborative combat, called Scorpion combat, consisting of understanding, deciding and acting more quickly than the enemy. The current development of Scorpion corresponds to a first level of collaborative combat, thanks to the modernization of the combat units around a command and information system bringing all the stakeholders of the combined arms battle group into a network. Next, Scorpion will extend interconnection to all the players of the third dimension and to support units. A division-level experimentation exercise, Capstone 4, took place last March in the United States. It demonstrated our ability to implement Scorpion combat in an allied context. It highlighted the need to speed up our data transmissions at the joint level as well as with our allies. Modern warfare is taking place across more domains land, sea, air, space and cyberspace. How is the Army adapting to this multidomain battle space? Modern warfare takes place in all the environments land, air, sea, cyberspace and space and fields nonphysical and electromagnetic. We talk about multidomain, multi-field operations. In addition to the ground environment, the Army plays its part in the cyber domain and in the nonphysical fields. To achieve that, in the framework of the Army transformation, I created the command for ground, digital and cyber support, known as CATNC, in January 2024. This command ensures the coherence of the organization as well as the overall functioning, operational deployment and evolution of the digital and cyber support fields in the defensive information technology warfare domain. The Army also plays a crucial role in the information domain. Without the capacity to convince and to counter adverse influence, any military engagement can fail. The emergence of social networks has reinforced this notion and has significantly accelerated the dissemination of information, whether true or false, while increasing its volume, reach and resonance. France has played a leading role in strengthening NATOs eastern flank. What have you learned regarding the mobility and readiness of the French forces? Where is there room for improvement? In response to the war in Ukraine and at the request of the allies, the armed forces deployed on Feb. 28, 2022, just four days after the Russian invasion, as the spearhead battalion of the NATO rapid reaction force to Romania. This rapid deployment made it possible to mobilize more than 500 French Army soldiers in a few days. Since May 1, 2022, the deployed force has evolved into a multinational battalion, of which France is the framework nation. The French Armed Forces have also deployed a Mamba air defense detachment since May 16, 2022, a national support element, and a brigade forward command element. In total, more than 1,000 French soldiers are present in Romania. These successive deployments show the reactivity and preparedness of our troops. The difficulties in the administrative, customs, interoperability and training domains have been overcome. Were drawing the lessons with our European partners. If youre looking for those responsible for the state of our city, youll find them in a veto-proof supermajority serving on our Fresno City Council. This is where really bad ideas can happen. For example: renaming 10 miles of historic roads, including Ventura Avenue, California Avenue and Kings Canyon Road, home to thousands of residents, retailers and commercial property owners. With virtually no notice and no public input, the council has decided to rename these byways Cesar Chavez Boulevard. Its a noble cause, but a terrible mistake. A national treasure placed on the Historic Registry, Fresnos Holy Trinity became the second Armenian Church built in America. For 124 years, the churchs address has been 2226 Ventura Avenue. The church is significant not only to the Armenian community, but to those of us who have invested our careers in Downtown Fresno. Now, the city council is trying to erase part of this historic identity by changing Holy Trinitys address. Opinion Part of the councils plan is to also rename Kings Canyon Road, which leads to the oldest Sequoia grove on Earth, including the 2,000-year-old General Sherman tree. People from around the world visit this national park via the most obvious route: Kings Canyon Road, leading directly to Kings Canyon National Park. Completing the trifecta of bad ideas, the council added California Avenue, one of Fresnos oldest streets, to the list of places to be renamed. Dating back to 1881, California Avenue is the heart and soul of Fresnos African American community. Its home to many churches, businesses and residences as well as the revered Edison High School. So why does the city council want to change these historic names? The answer is Politics 101. The city council has made it clear that they want to honor Cesar Chavez. However, we already have a state holiday honoring the civil rights icon as well as a local adult school. We also have $1.5 billion in the public park system and cultural arts amenities that is funded for the next 30 years thanks to Measure P. So why not choose from those opportunities to further honor him? Why disrupt 3,500 residents, retailers and commercial property owners at great cost? The city council has solicited shockingly little community input they did not even invite those directly impacted by this plan to voice their thoughts and concerns. There has been a total disregard for those who live, own property and operate businesses in Fresno who will be unduly punished by this decision. If its not obvious why this is a bad idea, consider the direct cost to property owners and all Fresno taxpayers. According to information on the City of Fresnos website, much of the impact will be resolved at no cost. But this is bait and switch baloney which ignores the facts. People living along these avenues will be required to update their banking information, drivers license and subscriptions; notify their credit card companies; and send a change of address to contacts. The city says these changes can be completed online, but if you collect Social Security or Medi-Cal, you are required to make any changes in person. Good luck with that. The city is warning all businesses to update their addresses, including business listings on the Internet, Google pages, business websites, promotional materials, social media, directories, permits, licenses, business cards, advertisements and more. Thankfully (tongue firmly in cheek), the City of Fresno is allowing businesses impacted by the name change to apply for up to $200 of financial assistance to pay for costs associated with the change of address. Yes, a whopping $200 for each of the estimated 3,500 victims of this terrible idea. Its not too late to object. Call your council person and ask them to simply bring the item back to the council for further discussion and community input. John Ostlund owns The Fulton Group, an advertising agency and One Putt Broadcasting, a group of five radio stations. He has worked in Downtown Fresno for 50 years. FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) Two people were hospitalized in Fresno after a driver failed to yield to oncoming traffic Saturday afternoon, according to the Fresno Police Department. Police say around 12:45 p.m. they responded to a three-vehicle collision at Barstow and Fourth Streets. Investigators determined two vehicles were traveling eastbound on Barstow Avenue as a third vehicle was traveling northbound on 4th Street. Detectives say after the northbound vehicle stopped at the posted stop sign, it failed to yield to the eastbound vehicles and drove directly in their path. Officers say two drivers were transported to a local hospital, one with major injuries and the other with moderate injuries. Police say neither drugs nor alcohol are suspected to be a factor in this collision. Copyright 2024 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 YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47. Fresno Police Chief Balderrama should resign for the good of the department | Opinion Balderrama should resign Deeply sorry. Fresno chief apologizes for relationship in memo to police amid inquiry, (fresnobee.com, June 12) If the allegation that Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a non-city employee is true, he should resign at least for the good of the department. You cannot maintain morale within the Fresno Police Officers Association if your chief is cheating behind your back, especially if it involves the wife of an officer under his command. I find it hard to believe the chiefs explanation for an affair that allegedly lasted two years. Mark Espinosa Fresno Inspiring story Fresno State graduate is a bilingual Latina speech therapist, (fresnobee.com, May 24) I wish this article could be shared with all speech-language pathologists in the U.S. There are an estimated 400 languages spoken across the country, which means that many bilingual children with speech problems need a special kind of speech therapy. Kudos to Jennifer Duran for dedicating her career to this issue and addressing it publicly. There are many speech issues faced by children and adults, and, among children, the most prevalent is stuttering. The Stuttering Foundation offers a brochure titled Stuttering and the Bilingual Child on its website. It also has available a Spanish-language version of its website, which includes many free resources. Since health services are available in different languages, this should also apply to speech therapy. Thank you for publishing such an important article that underscores a need in the U.S. healthcare system. May Duran inspire many others to become bilingual speech therapists. Juan Gardea South Bend, Ind. Opinion Defense of Valley Childrens Do Valley Childrens tax breaks outweigh community benefit? (fresnobee.com, June 4) Your criticism is based on amounts from our IRS Form 990 that represent a fraction of the more than $850 million we invested to benefit the community between 2013 and 2022. And the Lown Institute is hardly an unbiased authority on community investment. The California Hospital Association has shown that Lown is basing their premise on a completely invented benchmark, based on 12-year-old data and a flawed understanding of federal tax law. The quality of our care puts us among the top childrens hospitals in the country. Our safety scores are among the top 3% in the nation, and our nursing has received top international recognition five times. We are investing in outstanding access to care where every child in the Valley is within 30 minutes or 30 miles of a Valley Childrens provider. Our prudent financial management gives us long-term stability, something that has evaded so many other hospitals and local institutions. If you judge Valley Childrens on results, there is no doubt that we are contributing enormously to our community and its health. Zara Arboleda Public Relations Officer, Valley Childrens Healthcare Respect and empathy for all Pope Francis criticized for using homophobic slur in bishop meeting, (modbee.com, May 28) Using offensive terms when referring to members of the LGBTQ+ community is not in line with the teachings of the church. Pope Francis apologized after he was quoted using a homophobic slur. I commend him for his humility in acknowledging the need for an apology. His actions serve as a valuable example for all priests and individuals who may have used derogatory language when discussing members of the LGBTQ+ community. Pope Francis commitment to respecting the dignity of every human being reminds us to treat others as we would like to be treated. It is imperative that we uphold the principles of respect, empathy and understanding for all individuals both inside and outside of the church. It is crucial to engage in open and respectful conversations about LGBTQ+ issues, seeking to bridge the gap between differing perspectives and finding common ground based on shared values of dignity and human rights. Let us strive to create an environment where everyones dignity is honored, regardless of their sexual orientation. Fr. Misael Avila Turlock Strengthen financial aid CSU Chancellor: Leveling the playing field through financial aid helps our country | Opinion, (sacbee.com, May 6) We echo CSU Chancellor Mildred Garcias call to strengthen Pell Grants. While we support efforts to expand Pell Grants, our students cannot wait. We need immediate funding for the Cal Grant reform enacted two years ago. Cal Grant reform offers a solution to the financial barriers students face. By streamlining the program, removing obstacles and ensuring equitable access to state aid, we can make higher education attainable for many more students. Funding Cal Grant reform demonstrates our dedication to investing in our students, including adult learners, student parents and underserved communities, as well as our economy and future. As representatives of Californias universities, colleges and community colleges, we stand united in our commitment to strengthening financial aid and expanding access to higher education. Let us seize this opportunity to lead by example and invest in the future of our students and our state. Celene Aridin President, University of California Student Association Cassandra Flandre-Nguyen President, Student Senate for California Community Colleges Iese Esera President, Cal State Student Association State police were dispatched Friday night to a Somerset Township residence for a report of a fatal shooting with a crossbow. Upon arrival, the body of Eric Miller, 39, Friedens, was discovered around 8 p.m., apparently having been struck with a crossbow bolt, according to a release from Somerset County District Attorney Molly Metzgar. The preliminary will be held at District Judge Scott Walker's magisterial office in Somerset. A crossbow bolt is stockier than an arrow and can be fired with greater force. "After investigation, the shooting occurred when a verbal altercation between Travis Shearer, 32, Friedens, and his half-brother, Miller, turned physical, resulting in Shearer shooting Miller in the chest with a crossbow," she wrote. She said an investigation into the incident remains active and ongoing. ICC expanding: This animal conservancy has several endangered animals to view Shearer was charged with homicide and placed in the Somerset County Jail Saturday morning, according to officials there. Homicide is a nonbondable charge in Pennsylvania. Shearer was arraigned before District Judge Scott Walker of Somerset, who denied bail and tentatively set his preliminary hearing at 9 a.m. June 25. This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Friedens man charged with killing half-brother with a crossbow bolt General Staff: Russia has lost 526,310 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022 Russia has lost 526,310 troops in Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported on June 16. This number includes 1,160 casualties Russian forces suffered just over the past day. According to the report, Russia has also lost 7,956 tanks, 15,269 armored fighting vehicles, 18,967 vehicles and fuel tanks, 13,913 artillery systems, 1,104 multiple launch rocket systems, 853 air defense systems, 359 airplanes, 326 helicopters, 11,159 drones, 28 ships and boats, and one submarine. Read also: Ukraine war latest: Kyiv claims entire Russian tank company destroyed in Donbas Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. GLENNVILLE, Ga. (AP) An inmate used a gun to kill a kitchen worker at a Georgia prison early Sunday before fatally shooting himself, state officials said. The Georgia Department of Corrections in a statement said its investigating the deaths at Smith State Prison in rural southeast Georgia. The agency provided few immediate details, including how the inmate obtained a firearm. The agencys statement said inmate Jaydrekus Hart fatally shot a food service worker in the prisons kitchen at about 4:30 a.m. Sunday, then used the gun to kill himself. The weapon is in GDC custody at this time, and a complete and thorough investigation of what led up to this tragic incident will be carried out, the statement said. 2 dead, multiple injured in shooting at Texas Juneteenth celebration: police Agency spokeswoman Lori Benoit provided no further information when reached by phone. She said further details would be released when they become available. The slain kitchen worker, 24-year-old Aureon Shavea Grace of Statesboro, had worked at the prison since January, according to the corrections department. She was employed by Aramark, a Philadelphia-based company that provides food service for prisons in Georgia and other U.S. states. We are heartbroken over the loss of our colleague and our hearts and prayers go out to her family, Aramark spokesperson Debbie Albert said in an emailed statement. This is a tragedy for all of us. Albert said the company was assisting Georgia prison officials in their investigation. Its the second killing of a staff member at Smith State Prison in less than a year. Correctional officer Robert Clark, 42, died last October after an inmate he was escorting attacked him from behind with a homemade weapon. Lucky to be here: Gordon Ramsay speaks out after really bad cycling accident A state investigation into a sprawling contraband scheme inside the prison resulted in the arrest and firing of the prisons warden, Brian Adams, in February 2023. He was charged with racketeering, bribery, making or writing false statements and violating his oath as a public officer. Hart had been imprisoned since 2015 after being convicted in Carroll County of voluntary manslaughter and aggravated battery, according to online prison records. His earliest potential release date would have been in 2043. Smith State Prison, which has capacity for 1,500 inmates, is a close-security prison that houses offenders considered violent or an escape risk. Copyright 2024 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 Queen City News. A Georgia prison inmate shot and killed an employee at Smith State Prison early Sunday morning before shooting himself, according to the Georgia Department of Corrections. The GDC said Jaydrekus Hart shot an Aramark food service employee before shooting himself. Both Hart and the worker have been pronounced dead. The weapon is in GDC custody at this time, and a complete and thorough investigation of what led up to this tragic incident will be carried out, the department of corrections said in a statement. Special agents from the department of corrections responded Sunday and were providing staffing support to the facility, which is in Glennville. Hart was serving 20 years in prison for a voluntary manslaughter case in Carroll County, according to GDC. (Bloomberg) -- Germany is in talks with Uzbekistan over a migration pact that could include the deportation of Afghan asylum seekers so that Berlin does not have to make any direct deals with the Taliban, according to people familiar with the plan. Most Read from Bloomberg Chancellor Olaf Scholz has vowed a tougher stance on migration, including the deportation of criminal asylum seekers to Afghanistan and Syria. The push follows a recent series of violent attacks and the rise of the populist far-right in Germany. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, a senior member of Scholzs center-left Social Democrats, sent officials to the Uzbek capital Tashkent at the end of May to negotiate a migration and deportation pact, the people said on condition of anonymity as the talks are not concluded yet. Under the proposed plan, the Uzbek government would take a limited number of Afghan asylum seekers rejected and deported from Germany and then send them onwards to neighboring Afghanistan with the help of a private airline offering flights to Kabul. The Uzbek government is looking at the idea but wants any migration pact to also include bilateral rules that would allow legal migration of skilled workers from Uzbekistan to Germany, the people added. The German governments special representative for migration agreements, Joachim Stamp, will travel to Uzbekistan soon for further talks on such an agreement, the people said. An Interior Ministry spokeswoman declined to comment on the plan that was also reported by Der Spiegel magazine and DPA news agency. Following a fatal knife attack by an Afghan asylum seeker on a German policeman, Scholz announced in a law and order speech to parliament on June 6 that his government would enable deportation of criminals to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan and war-torn Syria. Serious criminals and terrorist threats have no place here, Scholz told lawmakers, adding that the interior ministry was working on the practical implementation and was already in talks with countries bordering Afghanistan. Germany had completely halted deportations to Afghanistan shortly before the Taliban came back to power in the summer of 2021. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. "Stop - state border" is written in three languages on the border with Belarus. In the first five months of the year, German federal police registered 2,215 migrants arriving by irregular means using the so-called "Belarus route." Alexander Welscher/dpa In the first five months of the year, German federal police registered 2,215 migrants arriving by irregular means using the so-called "Belarus route." The people were caught at Germany's borders with Poland and the Czech Republic. Their numbers have steadily grown over the course of the year: While there were only 26 interceptions in January and 25 in February, the figure rose to 412 in March, 861 in April and 891 in May. But this is still significantly lower than last year. By the end of May 2023, the police had logged around 6,000 unauthorized entries via the Belarus route. Since 2021, the European Union has accused Belarus of deliberately facilitating the travel of migrants from crisis-wracked countries, mainly in the Middle East, by giving them visas and logistics help. After luring the migrants to Belarus, they are then sent onwards towards EU countries like Poland. Brussels says this is an attempt to destabilize the 27-nation bloc in retaliation for EU sanctions on Belarus over the crackdown on pro-democracy protesters and the country's complicity in Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Many of the undocumented migrants on the route try to enter Germany, Europe's biggest economy, after transiting Poland and the Czech Republic. In Germany they are put up in accommodations while their asylum applications are reviewed. Poland has erected a 5.5-metre high fence at its border with Belarus, backed up by cameras and guards. But more people are trying to cross the border irregularly: The Polish Border Guard has registered 16,500 such attempts since the beginning of the year. In the same period in 2023, there were 11,200. Ghanas President Nana Akufo-Addo spoke about how Russias invasion has decreased food security in poorer countries in his closing statement at Ukraines peace summit in Switzerland. The consequences of the invasion go far beyond the confines of Europe. Indeed in many ways, Africa has been the greatest victim, he said in his remarks. He called for Russia and China to join in the talks process, if were ever going to arrive at a definitive settlement." Akufo-Addo said that Ghana opposes "great power hegemony and the bullying of small states by big powers. It is in this context that we view and continue to view Russia's invasion and acts of aggression." Eighty countries, including Ukraine, and four European institutions signed the final joint communique of the Switzerland peace summit on June 16, according to a Kyiv Independent reporter on the ground. Over 100 countries and organizations were present at the summit. The countries notably absent from the list of signatories include India, Armenia, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Indonesia, Bahrain, Colombia, South Africa, Thailand, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates. Beijing did not send representatives. Zelensky called on China to join in developing the peace proposals. China could help us, Zelensky told reporters, adding that though it had close ties with the Kremlin, Ukraine never said that China is our enemy. I always say that Ukraine has only one enemy: Putin. Throughout the full-scale invasion, sales of oil and other hydrocarbons to China and India have become the primary source of funds for Russias state budget and war effort. Read also: Chilean president vows to support Ukraine peace efforts at Switzerland summit Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The popularization of mechanical watches over the past five years will soon result in a wave of service requests that the watch industry is frighteningly ill-equipped to fulfill. According to the Employers Convention of the Swiss Watch Industry, which oversees the training of watchmakers, Switzerland alone will need about 4,000 more watchmakers by 2026. Expand that globally for the oncoming service load, and the picture is grim. To fill the gap, Rolex recently opened a watchmaking school in Texas that offers free training in exchange for working for Rolexs service department. Weve seen Cartier refresh its watchmaking contest in what is a transparent search for talent. LVMH has done the same. And now Grand Central Watch in N.Y.C.a three-generation family business employing nine full-time watchmakersincluding master-level workers who handle the most delicate and complicated watchesis going to open its own school. More from Robb Report I sat down to talk with Grand Central Watchs owner, Steve Kivel, as well as two of the shops master watchmakers, Wilson Massache and Oscar Raggi. Massache and Raggi are industry veterans who have worked at the highest level in Europe and here in the U.S.. Massache was with Breguet for nearly 20 years, and Raggi trained in Switzerland and has worked for a bevy of prestigious brands in his long career. Grand Central Watch Watchmaker working. When the crisis of watch service and repairs came up, Kivel, a native New Yorker with a quick wit, lifted his arm way over his head like he was going to make a hook shot and said, a tsunami of watch repairs is about to crash down. Speaking of the pandemic watch boom, Kivel goes on to say, everybody and their mother got a check and had to stay home. . .and all of a sudden they have some extra money in their pocket. They started buying luxury goods and everything disappeared. You couldnt get a watch. So then the secondary market exploded. And everybody bought everyones inventory. And Im not just talking about Rolex and Patek Phillipe anymore. Im talking Breitling, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, anything anybody could get their hands on, because they just wanted a watch. As for the N.Y.C. location, Kivel says that, Unfortunately, theres nothing really on the East Coast that is accessible to people. You have to travel to Texas or different parts of the country, which [is difficult] when youre younger, because you may still live at home. Its a big deal to go and live somewhere else and have to support yourself. Kivel explains that, our school is going to be free. The school will be a nonprofit[and] the idea is to make watchmakers. Story continues Becoming a watchmaker at any level is neither easy, quick, nor well-suited to a wide swath of human temperaments. Basic service-level watchmakers develop highly specialized skills through rigorous training. Becoming a master watchmakerwho can fix a complicated watch or fabricate small parts for rare vintage watchesrequires years of strained muscles, eyes, and (some will tell you) psyches. And yet, Kivel and his team will eventually offer a third year of training that will bring select students toward the highest levels of the craft. Grand Central Watch Workstation The impending tsunami Kivel describes in part derives from the use of synthetic oils in modern watches. In an older watch, gunked up natural oils are certainly not ideal, but they do remain in place as a buffer between parts. Modern oils, however, are designed to evaporate, and when they do, its metal on metal, or metal on dry rubies. [If] the watch has no oil, its going to stop or start to damage itself. If you dont bring it in every five years, it probably will stop in the sixth or seventh year. And when those watches come, who is going to be there to fix them? Where are the watchmakers? Kivel asks. Even an entry-level Swiss watch today that has the most basic Swiss watch movement in it, [you will wait] maybe six months to get your watch back, because the manpower is not there. Returning to his analogy, he says, So when we talk about a tsunami, thats what I mean: A tsunami of repairs that will be crashing. . .in the next 12 to 24 months. And these watches are too important and too expensive to not repair. As for the plan to offer a longer program at their school, Kivel emphasizes the need for high-end master watchmakers, an urgency he feels in New York as his team restores some of the most delicate and valuable watches in the world, with many headed to auction. [M]ost of these watch schools now are running one-year programs. The one-year program is making a very basic watchmaker. From that point, the company could take them and train them just for their brand, maybe the same caliber that theyll do for the next two to three years. But the old way in the industry is. . .a two-year program. Kivel says his vision for Grand Central Watch school is to offer a third year, which, he points out, has never been done in the U.S. PAtek Philippe Dial at Grand Central Watch When I asked about the capacity for the school, Kivel said he plans to take about 12 students full time at first, and that for the master program which includes a third year, perhaps just two students at a time. Regarding more complicated and vintage watches, Massache laments, [W]hats going to happen in five years or 10 years [as watchmakers retire]? Therell be no one to do these watches if we dont share the data and the knowledge that we have. So yeah, were gonna be in big trouble. So thats why Steve and I and Oscar, we want to establish the school. Raggi picks up the thread, And some of them are thinking about even retiring now, like our own guys. Yeah, but its like, okay, but would you be interested maybe in coming in and teaching a class or two? [We need to do this] before theyre gone forever. Waiting any longer is not going to be good, because we are really going to get slammed, and we may start losing time to put this thing together. Its the calm before the storm. Best of Robb Report Sign up for Robb Report's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. While Republicans in the U.S. Senate proffered several reasons last week for blocking a proposed law to guarantee women the ability to access contraception nationwide, the cornerstone of the resistance was purported lack of need for legislation, as articulated by the GOP leadership. Texas Senator John Cornyn, speaking on behalf of all but two members of his caucus, including our two senators, Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, explained that because there was no legitimate effort to restrict accessibility, there is no need for such a measure. Marshall Tanick He overlooks that there is a case now pending before the Supreme Court in which a lower court, in Texas no less, barred availability of the most popular type of birth control pills, mifepristone, and that Justice Clarence Thomas in a concurring opinion in the Dobbs case two years ago eliminating the constitutional right to abortion, implored his colleagues to reconsider, a euphemism for overruling, a nearly 60-year-old High Court precedent, the Griswold case, prohibiting laws barring access to birth control, and not a single member of the conservative wing expressed disapproval of that overture. Meanwhile, a number of states, led by Louisiana, are taking steps to limit, even criminalize, access to contraception. But, setting aside each such effort, the GOP position contradicts its stance on enactment of legislation to prohibit and impose criminal sanctions on ineligible undocumented immigrants who vote in elections.Although a few cities permit them to vote in local elections, it has been illegal since 1996, subject to imprisonment, to do so in federal elections.Further, several reputable studies have shown that the number of ineligible immigrant voters is infinitesimal. In one extensive examination of major immigrant population centers in 2016, there were 30 ineligible votes cast out of 23.5 million ballots, one out of 800,000, a blip so small it barely registers. Yet, despite the existing prohibition and absence of any legitimate effort by ineligible voters, the Republicans in Congress, led by Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, are pressing forward with the bill, armed with the full-throated support of former President Trump and his acolytes. So, while the GOP spends time and effort legislating against a non-existent voting problem, the party labors under a misconception that there is no need to protect contraception access despite unmistakable existence of multi-faceted efforts to deprive women of that right. Marshall H. Tanick of Naples is a constitutional law attorney. This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: GOP declines to protect access to contraception In vitro fertilization (IVF) has become a political minefield for GOP Senate candidates as they seek to balance their stated support for IVF access with their beliefs that life begins at conception. Democrats sought to force the issue this week with a vote on legislation that would make it a right nationwide for women to access IVF. All but two Republicans voted against the motion, blocking the bill from moving forward. At the same time, the Southern Baptists the countrys largest denomination of Protestants largely seen as a bellwether for evangelicals voted to oppose the use of IVF, underlining the competing pressure on Republicans. And it all comes as the GOP has largely been playing defense on the political field since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, which led dozens of states to ban or impose severe restrictions on access to abortion. Protecting IVF has become a top campaign issue for Democrats after an Alabama Supreme Court ruling froze access to the treatment in the state, and the party wants to force GOP candidates across the country to answer uncomfortable questions about the full impact of fetal personhood. For months now, Republicans have been running to cable news shows, telling every camera in sight that just like their ringmaster Donald Trump no one cares more about women more than they do and that all they want in this scary post-Alabama ruling reality is to defend Americans access to IVF, Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) said Thursday following the Senate vote. Well, thats bulls. In the months since the Alabama ruling, Republicans on the campaign trail have been quick to tout their support for IVF. My goal is to promote a culture of life. IVF is a vital tool for families that struggle with infertility. Im in favor of anything that promotes people having more babies & strong families, said Bernie Moreno, a Trump-backed businessman running for Senate in Ohio against Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown, on social media in February. But Moreno, who is endorsed by the anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony Pro Life America, has also repeatedly said he thinks life begins at conception. Conservative Republicans should never back down from their belief that life begins at conception and that abortion is the murder of an innocent baby, Moreno said on social media in 2022. In February, Moreno said during a radio interview that his Catholic faith teaches you that life begins at conception. Morenos campaign did not respond when asked whether he would have supported the Senate Democrats bill. In a 2022 interview with right-wing media outlet Breitbart, Pennsylvania Republican David McCormick, who was running for Senate, said he believes life begins at conception and that he supports court rulings and legislation that ultimately moves us in a direction where there isnt abortion. But now, as he mounts a second campaign, language saying life begins at conception is no longer on his website. McCormick released an op-ed in March saying he would always support access to IVF. As a senator, Id work to protect this important option for the millions of Americans who are relying on it to start their own beautiful families, McCormick wrote. His campaign did not say whether he would have voted for the Democrats bill. The GOP response to the Alabama court ruling forced politicians to reckon with the new political reality that reproductive rights have been a winning issue for Democrats. Republicans who opposed abortion rights had to awkwardly explain why they disagreed with the ruling and supported IVF, even though they believe embryos are babies. To wrest control of the narrative, the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) told candidates to express their support for IVF, oppose restrictions on the treatment and campaign on expanding access to it. The attempt to moderate that some of these Republican candidates are doing, is a signal in and of itself that they know theyre on the wrong side. And thus far we have not seen people believe it, said Democratic pollster Angela Kuefler. In response to the Democratic attacks, staunchly anti-abortion Republican Sens. Ted Cruz (Texas) and Katie Britt (Ala.) tried to pass their own bill they said was aimed at protecting IVF. They wanted a counter message to show they supported IVF, without voting for the Democratic bill. The legislation would have barred states from receiving Medicaid funding if they implemented a ban on IVF. But it wouldnt stop a court from restricting the procedure and would have allowed states to pass laws restricting disposal, storage and implantation of embryos. It was blocked by Senate Democrats. Sam Brown, a Trump-endorsed retired Army captain running for Senate in Nevada, said in a statement to The Hill he would have voted for the Cruz and Britt bill. IVF and other similar fertility treatments are a blessing for so many families seeking the joys of parenthood, and we should ensure these treatments remain accessible to all, Brown said. But even with their bill, Republicans have largely avoided the key question: If they believe life begins at conception, how should IVF clinics handle viable embryos that are not implanted? During IVF treatments, multiple eggs are often harvested, fertilized and then frozen to increase the chances of successful implementation and pregnancy. If an embryo is not viable, if genetic abnormalities are identified or if a patient does not wish to have any more children, common medical practice is to discard them. That practice is whats led some on the right to question whether IVF is at odds with their anti-abortion beliefs, and part of the reason the Southern Baptists voted to oppose it. Yasmin Radjy, executive director of Swing Left, which supports battleground Democrats, said Republicans know they ought to show support for IVF, contraception and reproductive rights, but theyre responding to pressure from far right interest groups instead. Radjy noted that the perfect encapsulation of that contrast is Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), who is fighting a competitive race against former Florida Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D). On Thursday, Scott launched a significant ad buy touting his support for IVF and mentioning his daughter is undergoing IVF treatments. The ad announcement came after he voted against the Democrats legislation to protect IVF. Copyright 2024 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. 'We are so grateful': Healey announces $3.6M from state for flood damage in Leominster in Sept. LEOMINSTER To support repairs to city roads and public infrastructure damaged in the Sept. 11, 2023, storm, Gov. Maura T. Healey announced Saturday that Leominster will receive $3.6 million in state disaster relief funding. Leominster was hit hard by flash flooding as a result of the storm. In October 2023, Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella said the flooding caused up to $40 million in damages. Healey's office said in a statement Saturday that Leominster is one of 13 communities impacted by the flooding that received state funding. In total, $5 million was distributed. Worcester, Princeton and Lunenburg also received funding, according to a news release from Healey's office. Infrastructure damage from last years flood is still seen at the intersection of Colburn and Pleasant streets in Leominster Monday. In February, the federal government denied a requested disaster declaration for Bristol, Hampden and Worcester counties intended to assist in the recovery from September's torrential rains and flash floods. The Federal Emergency Management Agency found that "the event was not of such a severity and magnitude as to be beyond the capabilities of the state, affected local governments and voluntary agencies." In May, President Joe Biden authorized a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance that covered Bristol and Worcester counties. However, an appeal for public assistance for Hampden and Worcester counties, which would allow reimbursement to state agencies and municipalities for eligible storm-related expenses was not approved. The funding is the last of $15 million in disaster relief provided by the state supplemental budget signed by Healey in December. Infrastructure damage from last years flood is still seen at the intersection of Colburn and Pleasant streets in Leominster Monday. "We are so grateful to the Governor and Lt. Governor for their constant support of the City of Leominster since the September flood," Mazzarella said in a statement provided by Healey's office. "On September 11 Governor Healey sent a full state team to help us respond, she came the next day to survey the damage, and her advocacy never stopped through the FEMA application and appeal process." Other communities receiving funding are North Attleboro, Chicopee, Springfield, Middlefield, Pepperell, Westford, Bridgewater, Scituate and Sterling. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency established the website mass.gov/recover to centralize information from the Federal Emergency Management Agency on available federal assistance. Those eligible for assistance must apply by July 15 at disasterassistance.gov. The site also includes information about low-interest personal and business loans available through the U.S. Small Business Administration. This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Healey announces $3.6M from state for Sept. flood damage in Leominster Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), speaking at a Turning Point Action conference on Saturday, vowed to have former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Anthony Fauci sent to prison over his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Anthony Fauci should be tried for crimes against humanity, Greene said at the conference, in comments highlighted by Mediaite, leading to the crowd chanting, lock him up. She responded, Well I can assure that if I have anything to do with it, I will lock him up. He belongs in prison. Green also attacked President Biden and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) during her speech. Ill never forget when the Biden administration and Nancy Pelosi, as speaker of the House, brought in nearly 30,000 National Guardsmen and turned our Capitol complex into a military base, she told the audience. They masked schoolchildren. They shut down schools. They closed beaches. They silenced your speech. Biden was not president at the time. The Trump administration, at the request of Congressional leaders, including Republican leaders Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), deployed the National Guard to secure the Capitol after supporters of Trump led an insurrection in the Capitol in an attempt to stop the certification of Biden as president. Greene has been accused of helping some of those insurrectionists by providing them with tours before January 6, 2021. After taking over on January 20, 2021, Bidens administration instituted a mask mandate on public transportation but did not impose a federal mask mandate. Fauci has been a frequent target for conservatives who claim his advocacy for masking and social distance restricted freedoms and was ineffective, and have accused him of covering up the origins of the COVID-19 virus. The House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic called Fauci to testify at a heated hearing earlier this month, where Republicans accused Fauci of attempting to skirt federal Freedom of Information Act requests by using a private email server. Fauci denied the accusation. At the hearing, Greene marked the most contentious moment of the hearing, with Democrats quickly calling for points of order after she refused to recognize Fauci as a doctor. Mr. Fauci, because youre not doctor, youre Mr. Fauci in my few minutes, Greene said. That man does not deserve to have a license. As a matter of fact, it should be revoked, and he belongs in jail, Greene responded. Fauci is set to release a book on June 18, and according to excerpts obtained by the New York Times, Fauci detailed his experience with Trump and his career. According to the Times, Fauci has a book entitled He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not, in which he describes how Trump would alternate between telling him that he loved Fauci and then later screaming expletives at him. Copyright 2024 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. Gunman wounds up to 10 in random shooting at Michigan water park As many as 10 people were shot at a Michigan water park Saturday afternoon, with the suspected gunman reported contained a short time later. The shooting erupted about 5 p.m. at a splash pad in Richmond Hills, about 25 miles north of Detroit, when the gunman drove up, got out of a vehicle, opened fire with a 9mm Glock semi-automatic handgun, reloaded, fired, and then reloaded a second time, firing 28 shots and leaving three bullet magazines at the scene, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said at a news conference, The Detroit News reported. The victims were transported to at least four area hospitals, but their conditions were unknown, Sheriff Bouchard said. He added that at least one of them was an 8-year-old child, local media reported. Bouchard said the shooter was believed to be contained in a residence nearby at the Dequindre Estates mobile home park. I think I heard them telling him to come out, said Logan Sherill an onlooker near the mobile home park from what seemed to be a loud speaker., FOX 2 TV reported. Corewell Health released the following statement on Saturday evening: Our hearts are with those who were impacted by the shooting that occurred in Rochester Hills. We can confirm our team is caring for some of the victims, but we are not releasing any additional information. Its heartbreaking complete thoughts with the families right now, said Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan K. Barnett. Rochester Hills is about 15 miles south of Oxford, where in 2021 a 15-year-old shot and killed four high school students. Bouchard said Saturdays shooting is a gut punch for the county. Weve gone through so many tragedies, the sheriff said. You know, were not even fully comprehending what happened at Oxford. And, you know, now we have another complete tragedy that were dealing with. Poll Me This With just a small fraction of people picking up their phones for political polling, Harvard experts are suggesting that pollsters "call" artificial intelligence simulations of voters instead. In a new editorial, a group of policy and computer science scholars from Harvard's Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation insist that the already-unreliable system of polling can only be enhanced by asking AI chatbots poll questions instead of humans. As the Ash experts point out, Pew found in 2019 via polling, of course that only six percent of people responded to political polling calls. That unsurprising figure could well suggest that polling is on its way out, but to these Harvard researchers, it contains the promise of an algorithmic future for the industry. And what of the systematic wrongness seemingly inherent in AI, as evidenced by the many instances of chatbots "hallucinating"? According to these scholars, that will go away "over time" as AI gets better at "anticipating human responses, and also at knowing when they will be most wrong or uncertain." We might not hold our breath. Wrong Is Right In a study published by the Harvard Data Science Review last fall, editorial writers Nathan Sanders and Bruce Schneier said that when they posed typical polling questions to ChatGPT and instructed it to respond from various political perspectives, the chatbot generally responded the way humans would the majority of the time. ChatGPT's only slip-up, as the researchers explained in their more recent writing, occurred when they had the chatbot cosplay as a liberal voter and asked it about American support for Ukraine against the Russian invasion. As Sanders and Schneier observed, it likened that support to the Iraq War because it "didnt know how the politics had changed" since 2021, when the large language model (LLM) undergirding it at the time had last been trained. "While AI polling will always have limitations in accuracy," the scholars wrote, "that makes them similar to, not different from, traditional polling." "Todays pollsters are challenged to reach sample sizes large enough to measure statistically significant differences between similar populations," they continued, "and the issues of nonresponse and inauthentic response can make them systematically wrong." Amid ample concerns about broader misuses of AI during elections, including with the kinds of deepfakes and disinformation seen in the re-election of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this technology's use in polling could well muddy up the works even further. The message from these Harvard scholars is clear, however: polling AI is good, actually. More on political BS: Researchers Say Theres a Vulgar But More Accurate Term for AI Hallucinations Health-care system is 'broken,' Niagara woman says, after dad suddenly dies in emergency room Ann-Marie Zammit and her father CJohn Zammit. Ann-Marie says her father's death last month at Niagara Health Welland Hospital was avoidable, but the hospital lacked resources and staff. (Submitted by Ann-Marie Zammit - image credit) As her father laid sick on on a gurney in a Niagara-area emergency room, Ann-Marie Zammit reassured him he'd recover. The medical staff at the Welland, Ont., hospital had told her despite an infection, and being in the emergency department for days, CJohn didn't have a fever, his vitals were stable and they'd be conducting more tests the next morning, Zammit told CBC Hamilton in an interview. She had reason to be hopeful. Before his illness, CJohn, 88, lived independently and was his happy, healthy and quirky self, she said. But that night at the hospital, CJohn insisted he wasn't going to survive the night. "He told me his final wishes and I'm like, 'Dad, we're not going to need this because you are going to pull through,'" said Zammit. The next morning, June 1, Zammit got a call from the hospital. Her dad had died. "And it was unbelievable because they'd kept telling me that his vitals are stable, his vitals are stable," she said. "Then I got a call from the doctor and he said this was very surprising news." Zammit doesn't know what caused her father's death, but pointed to the lack of resources at the hospital as significant factors. For example, he'd stayed in the emergency department for several days because there weren't any beds available in other departments to move him to. "This broken system killed my father," she said. Hearings taking place across Ontario Zammit shared her experience at a public hearing in Welland last weekend organized by the Ontario Health Coalition. The coalition, which advocates for improvements to the public health care system, is documenting experiences like Zammit's at hearings around rural Ontario this month. With input from opposition critics, the network of over 400 grassroot organizations wants to draft recommendations on how to improve local hospitals, especially in rural areas. The group hopes to provide those recommendations to the province in a report later this fall. Natalie Mehra, Executive Director Ontario Health Coalition, said the province does not have a mandate to make these cuts. Natalie Mehra, Executive Director Ontario Health Coalition (OHC), is pictured here at a rally in 2019. Mehra says OHC is pushing the Ford government to better fund local hospitals in rural areas with a report it plans to publish in the fall. (CBC) Executive director Natalie Mehra said it will follow their report last year, which recorded almost 1,200 emergency room closures in the province. "The goal is to push the Ford government and stop them from continuing to shut down and dismantle public health services and sort of destroy them through privatization," said Mehra. The province says it's looking at all options to resource hospitals around Ontario. In an emailed statement this week, Hannah Jensen, a spokesperson for Health Minister Sylvia Jones, said Ontario "is taking bold action to connect more people to the care they need, when they need it." The province is budgeted to spend $85 billion on health care this year, she noted. Zammit said she didn't see that funding reflected on the ground. Staff at Welland Hospital seemed stretched thin, she said, and different doctors came to see him, providing different "patchwork" diagnoses. CJohn, a diabetic, could barely eat when he was admitted to hospital. Still, it took two days for the hospital to provide him with liquid food, Zammit said, and only after she'd pushed for it. While CJohn was wheeled into a small room, the emergency department's hallways were filled with patients on gurneys, Zammit said. "I felt like we were in some sort of field hospital in the middle of the war," she said. "They have no ability to call for the nurse. They just have to yell." Niagara Health facing staff shortage In an email, spokesperson Erica Bajer said Niagara Health is unable to confirm or comment on individual cases due to privacy legislation. Niagara Health is facing a higher volume of patients at emergency departments and a shortage of health human resources, particularly emergency-trained medical professionals, she said. "We have taken a number of steps to help mitigate this, and continue to actively recruit for both staff and physicians," she said. Dr. Alan Drummond with the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians says there's one unplanned ED closure now each week in Ontario, when there used to be none prior to 2022, "And that's unacceptable. Dr. Alan Drummond, an emergency room physician in Perth, Ont., says hospital doctors and staff are becoming more concerned they're unable to fulfill their mandate due to a lack of staff and resources. (Provided by Alan Drummond) The people working the front-lines of Ontario's local hospitals are also growing increasingly concerned. Dr. Alan Drummond, an emergency physician in Perth, south of Ottawa, says the public is losing confidence in health care, and a lack of support has his colleagues starting to feel the same way. "It leaves emergency health-care providers feeling extremely uneasy, in that we are unable to fulfill our mandate," he said in an interview. The Ontario Health Coalition is set to release its new report this fall. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) A News 2 crew found a helicopter in the middle of a field near the Tennessee State University (TSU) farm Saturday evening following a report of a hard landing. Just after 5:15 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, Metro Nashville dispatch confirmed to News 2 that a helicopter made an emergency landing off Ed Temple Boulevard. Have breaking news come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts According to the Nashville Fire Department, the hard landing did not result in any fire or injuries. News 2 reached out to TSUs Media Relations Department for more information, but we have yet to hear back. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com No additional details have been released about this incident. Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go. Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox. Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee. This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Update 6:21 p.m. Wednesday: The fire was held at 1,078 acres with 99% containment. Crews continued to mop up and removed thousands of feet of hose line used during the attack, San Bernardino County Fire officials stated. Update 6:36 p.m. Tuesday: San Bernardino County Fire officials reported that the Hesperia Fire remains at 1,078, with 91% containment. Crews worked to extend containment lines and mop-up hot spots on the interior. Smoke and occasional single tree torching expected tonight. Firefighters shall remain on the line thru the night. Update 8:27 a.m. Tuesday: San Bernardino County Fire officials reported that the Hesperia Fire remains at 1,078 acres, with 86% containment. Fire crews will continue to work the area. Smoke will be visible throughout the day. All closures and evacuation warnings are lifted. Exercise caution when traveling through the area. Update 6 p.m. Monday: By Monday night, the fire held at 1,078 acres, with 72% containment as crews mopped up hot spots and hardened control lines. Update 6:03 p.m. Sunday: Cal Fire reported the remapped Hesperia Fire at 1,078 acres with 20% containment. Crews made good progress on control lines around critical infrastructure, including 500KV transmission lines and natural gas pipelines. Evacuation warnings remain for Arrowhead Equestrian Estates. Smoke will be visible in the area and drift will smoke be seen for miles. Crews will work throughout the night to continue containment areas. Hesperia Fire begins The Hesperia Fire that began Saturday evening near Highway 173 in Summit Valley grew overnight to 1,330 acres with 7% containment, authorities reported. On Sunday, firefighters on the ground and air continued to battle the fire, which has been fueled by strong winds and highly combustible vegetation, according to Cal Fire. The Hesperia Fire that began Saturday evening near Highway 173 in Summit Valley grew overnight to 1,330 acres with 7% containment. The blaze was first reported just after 6 p.m. Saturday along the 18000 block of Highway 173, near Arrowhead Lake Road, according to Cal Fire officials, who have battled the fire along with San Bernardino County Fire and other agencies. The fire initially moved in a northerly direction from Highway 173, and by 10 p.m., began pushing west, then east toward Arrowhead Equestrian Estates, which is under an evacuation warning. The estates were never under an evacuation order, according to Cal Fire and the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department. The fire forced the closure of Highway 173 from the junction of Highway 138 to 6.9 miles east of the intersection of Highway 138 at Arrowhead Lake Road, according to Caltrans. Hesperia Lake is also closed to support fire operations, sheriff's officials stated. The Hesperia Fire that began Saturday evening near Highway 173 in Summit Valley grew overnight to 1,330 acres with 7% containment. Authorities initially reported that one structure was threatened by the wildfire, however, that may change as the fire moves northeast toward Arrowhead Equestrian Estates and Lake Arrowhead Road. A Cal Fire official said that Mojave River Forks Regional Park on Highway 173 was initially evacuated at the start of the fire. Portions of the fire are burning on vacant property designated for the sprawling Silverwood housing project, which is under construction to the north of the highway and south of Ranchero Road. By 1:14 a.m. Sunday, the fire had scorched 1,100 acres and was 5% contained. A witness claimed that the fire was started by fireworks, the California Highway Patrol stated. Smokey skies While smoke from the Hesperia Fire drifted across the Victor Valley, the Wrightwood Fire Safe Council reported that smoke from the Post Fire in Los Angeles County could move into the Wrightwood, Pinon Hills and Phelan area. The Post Fire began Saturday afternoon near Interstate 5 near the Grapevine and prompted evacuations near Gorman as the fire grew to nearly 10,500 acres with 0% containment early Sunday morning, fire officials reported. The Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District issued a smoke advisory, to remain in effect through Sunday, due to "potentially poor air quality caused by the Hesperia Fire. Additional information to come pic.twitter.com/zhvXqQaGFR San Bernardino County Sheriff (@sbcountysheriff) June 16, 2024 The official cause of the Hesperia fire is under investigation. The use of fireworks, including those described as safe and sane, is illegal in unincorporated San Bernardino County and within Hesperia city limits. Report the use of illegal fireworks at sbcfire.org/fireworkssafety SBCO: SR 173 road closure remains in place from the SR 138 junction to Lake Arrowhead Rd. due to #HesperiaFire. Unknown duration to clear. #Caltrans8 More updates at @CALFIREBDU @SBCOUNTYFIRE pic.twitter.com/7W3yKqyCRP Caltrans District 8 (@Caltrans8) June 16, 2024 This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available. Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Hesperia Fire explodes to over 1,300 acres Vehicle crash involving utility poles causes power outages in Murrysville UPDATE (8:55 P.M.) Westmoreland County dispatchers say emergency crews are no longer at Old William Penn Highway. Penn Power now shows fewer than 20 power outages in the area. Hundreds of people are without power after a crash in Westmoreland County. The Murrysville Police Department said a vehicle crash involving utility poles happened on Old William Penn Highway Saturday evening. Westmoreland County dispatchers say the call for the crash came in at 5:16 p.m. Old William Penn Highway is closed between School Road and Tarr Hollow Road. Penn Power shows 715 outages in Westmoreland County. There are no reported injuries at this time. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Police searching for woman accused of stealing credit cards from locker at local Planet Fitness Princess of Wales joins Royal Family at annual Trooping the Colour event A stand-up child: Heartbroken parents mourn loss of man who died swimming in Beaver County creek VIDEO: Abandoned bridge in South Park given new life as fishing area DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Should Hunter Biden go to prison? Jurors and former addicts say 'No' WILMINGTON, Del. Tyrone Mathis stood with his sunglasses perched atop his head near a drug abuse outreach van two blocks from where President Joe Bidens son was convicted last week on narcotics-related gun charges, scanning the street for targets. He called out as a younger woman in a tube top and leather shorts sauntered by, asking if she wanted a bottle of water. He ushered her over, nearly crushing an unlit cigarette she had dropped. Dont step on it! the woman warned before Mathis bent to retrieve the still-intact smoke. On his way up, he inquired quietly: Might she also need some naloxone the magic bullet nasal spray that can reverse opioid overdoses. The client left with both hydrated and armed against a possible fentanyl assault. It was just another day of outreach after a week that saw the first family's struggle with drug use at the top of the national conversation. More: President Biden says he won't commute son's sentence after conviction in gun case Mathis, a former fire chief who is in substance use recovery, found himself wincing at news reports of Hunter Bidens trial. Painful details of the younger Bidens four-year struggle with crack cocaine spilled out of the courtroom and around the world. It was too much attention, Mathis told the USA TODAY Network. Still, he added, It lets everybody know that no one's immune from this. It has reached the White House the biggest house in the United States of America. A president's son, a hard-hit state Delaware is best known nationally as the Biden family's political citadel, a state that's legal home to more than two-thirds of corporations making up the Fortune 500. But Hunter Biden's trial made his birthplace a stand-in for the rest of the union: Delaware ranks fourth in overdose deaths per capita, ahead of hard-hit states like Louisiana, Maine and Kentucky. Blocks from the courthouse in Wilmington where a federal jury found Hunter Biden guilty of lying about his addiction on a federal gun form in 2018 while buying a .38-cal. revolver, some of the jurors who voted to convict him wrangled over treatment, punishment and America's bottomless drug problem. More: 'GUILTY': GOP both celebrates and downplays Hunter Biden verdict The guilty verdict the first criminal conviction of a sitting presidents child followed five days of what prosecutors called searingly honest testimony about the 54-year-olds crack cocaine habit. Prosecutors dredged up mountains of evidence of Bidens drug use, imploding relationships and the dangerous decisions he made in the throes of addiction. All the while, they insisted that he was only being punished for his decision to buy a gun. Yet with daily reminders that people in recovery often consider themselves lifelong addicts or alcoholics, the trial also raised a key question: Can and should former users and their loved ones ever fully move on from the past? As jurors deliberated last Monday afternoon and into Tuesday morning, they debated this very quandary. One member of the Biden panel, a 68-year-old who asked to be identified as Juror 10, told the USA TODAY Network he had acquaintances who'd struggled with addiction. This is something that sticks with you for the rest of your life, he said. A different juror questioned why Hunters struggle had to become such a spectacle. "I say fine him, this juror said. I dont think anyone who is a non-violent drug addict should be in prison. Just fine him. We know he did something wrong. He needs help if he hasnt gotten it yet. Hunter Biden has been in recovery since 2019, he and his lawyers have said. More: Hunter Biden prosecution a 'waste of taxpayer dollars': Convicting jurors talk about historic trial David Weiss, the Donald Trump-appointed U.S. Attorney for Delaware and special counsel appointed in August 2023 to investigate allegations of certain criminal conduct by Hunter Biden, said he wasn't prosecuting a substance abuse problem. This case was not just about addiction, a disease that haunts families across the United States, Weiss said. It was about the illegal choices the defendant made while in the throes of addictionIt was these choices and the combination of guns and drugs that made him dangerous. Hunter Bidens addiction and deeply private images from that time that were copied from his laptop by allies of former President Donald Trump have made him a political target in the middle of a razor-thin presidential race. The internet is thick with memes showing the presidents son in a debased state. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Georgia, even displayed some of the images during a congressional hearing. People watch as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) holds up a graphic photo of Hunter Biden during a House Committee on Oversight and Accountability hearing on the criminal investigation into President Joe Biden's family, on Capitol Hill on July 19, 2023. Now, he may face prison time, though U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika, a Trump appointee, hasnt yet set a sentencing date. President Joe Biden has said he will neither pardon his son for the federal conviction, nor commute Hunters eventual sentence. Our courts have said addiction is not an excuse to get a lighter sentence, researcher Maia Szalavitz, the author of several books on substance abuse disorder, told USA TODAY. The prisons would be empty. More: Treatment or enforcement? Record fentanyl deaths spark new debate over war on drugs Whether jail time would benefit the younger Biden or public safety is another question. In my opinion, someone who is showing a commitment to recovery, at a time like this, it could do more damage than good, Travis, a 41-year-old recovering user at the Odyssey House treatment program in New York, said in an interview. One thing you see about Hunter Biden is how he has support from his family. From my own history of incarceration, its very difficult to be separated from that very important support during addiction and recovery, the North Carolina native said. I dont think it does any good for society. John Alexander Koch, a former substance user who now works in drug treatment in Phoenix, agreed. "The goal is to get to people who are still suffering," he said. "Hunter Bidens experience can help motivate them to find change and find peace in their lives. Isabel Hughes is a breaking news reporter who has covered the fentanyl crisis for Delaware's News Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network. Dan Morrison is USA TODAY's Deputy World editor. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hunter Biden's trial showed 'no one's immune' to drug addiction Delegates at the 2024 Idaho Republican State Convention prepare to vote for party leadership races Saturday at North Idaho College in Coeur d'Alene. (Clark Corbin/Idaho Capital Sun) This story was first posted by Idaho Reports on June 15, 2024. The Idaho Republican Party has adopted its platform changes for the next two years at its convention in Coeur dAlene, including expanding its anti-abortion stance, calling for an end to no-excuse absentee voting, and advocating for an end to all government funding and programs not required by the constitution. Idaho Reports obtained the committee reports that party staff emailed to convention participants early Saturday morning. Delegates voted to expand the anti-abortion Right to Life plank to include euthanasia and assisted suicide, as well as destruction of embryos, a practice connected to in vitro fertilization. Another successful proposal expresses opposition to using taxpayer funding for programs beyond high school. The amendment is likely aimed at the Idaho Launch workforce training grant program, but some delegates expressed concern that it could be interpreted as opposing all higher education funding. The party voted to add a section to the State Sovereignty plank that says Idaho has the right and obligation to remove from our State any and all people that are unlawfully present within our borders. They also amended the National Defense plank to call on the governor to use the Idaho National Guard to repel an overwhelming invasion of illegal aliens enabled by the federal government. Another platform addition supports in-person voting and calls for excuse-only absentee ballots. Six proposal submissions were not included in the platform committees final report. One of the amendments that did not make it to the floor was a suite of amendments from Bonneville County delegate William Athay that proposed softening or removing several planks of the platform, including its calls to repeal the 16th and 17th amendments and abolish the Federal Reserve. News media were not allowed into any of the convention proceedings as of Saturday afternoon. Professional journalists have had to rely on secondhand accounts from convention participants. Multiple individuals told Idaho Reports that no substantial changes were made to the platform report. You can read the full platform committee report below. Theres a shared sense of purpose in there, said GOP Region II chairman Bjorn Handeen, who chaired the platform committee. Attorney General Raul Labrador said the tenor this year is not too different than that of prior conventions. He said the event benefits from using a professional parliamentarian who is not aligned with a particular faction of the party. Its good to have an independent person whos just trying to make sure that the rules are being followed, Labrador said. I think everyone whos been up has done a really good job of when they are in doubt of what they should do, they turn and they go to the parliamentarian and ask, whats the right thing to do here? Not all participants were enthusiastic about the direction of the platform, however. Youre going to see more legislators ignoring it, said Rep. Stephanie Mickelsen, a delegate from Bonneville County. Youre going to see a real differentiation between the party and elected legislators. The convention will reconvene in the afternoon to consider resolutions and elect party officers. Platform-Report SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The post Idaho GOP platform changes include opposition to workforce training funding, embryo destruction appeared first on Idaho Capital Sun. Inmate shoots kitchen employee, then turns gun on himself An Atlanta inmate and a prison employee are dead after a shooting Sunday. At approximately 4:30 a.m. Smith State Prison inmate Jaydrekus Hart shot an Aramark food service employee while working in the kitchen, according to our news partners at WSB-TV in Atlanta. The employee was pronounced dead. >> 5 people shot during event at Ohio park The inmate then turned the gun on himself. He was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Hart was serving 20 years for voluntary manslaughter with a maximum release date of June 2043. The Georgia Department of Corrections is investigating what led up to the shooting. We will continue to follow this story. Hamid Nouri, a former prison guard who was sentenced in Sweden to life imprisonment for the 1988 massacre of political prisoners, steps off the plane as he returns to Tehran An Iranian war criminal has been exchanged for a Swedish diplomat in a prisoner swap that has triggered a backlash among rights groups. Sweden handed back Hamid Nouri to the Iranian regime on Saturday in return for its EU representative Johan Floderus and a Swedish citizen, Saeed Azizi. Rights groups condemned the move as serving to embolden Iran to use foreigners as political bargaining chips. Hamid Nouri was involved in Irans 1988 massacre, when up to an estimated 30,000 political prisoners, most of which from the opposition party, were killed in a series of mass executions. He was arrested on holiday in Sweden and convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Mr Floderus was arrested in Iran in 2022 and charged with spying for Israel. In December, Ulf Kristersson, Swedens prime minister, demanded his release, saying Mr Floderus had been entirely arbitrarily detained. Mr Azizi, a dual Swedish-Iranian national, was arrested in Iran in November 2023, on what Sweden called wrongful grounds. Johan Floderus, an EU representative, right, talks with Ulf Kristersson, Sweden's prime minister, after he is released from Iran - TOM SAMEULSSON/AP The prisoner swap was mediated by Oman, Swedens countrys foreign ministry said in a statement. Commenting on the swap, a coalition of opposition groups in Iran said the release of Nouri only emboldens the mullahs regime, its torturers and executioners to continue their genocide and crimes against humanity. The Secretariat of the National Council of Resistance of Iran went on to say: [I]t will embolden the religious fascism to step up terrorism, hostage-taking, and blackmail. Hadi Ghaemi, CHRIs Executive Director of The Centre for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI), echoed the criticism. Bilateral deals that countries make with the Islamic Republic to free foreign and dual nationals who were illegally abducted and imprisoned by Iran for use as bargaining chips send a clear message to Tehran: take our citizens and then name your price, well pay. He said the deal rewards the Islamic Republic for its hostage-taking and encourages Iran to continue its lucrative hostage trade. The swap follows the release of five US-Iranian citizens last year in exchange for the release of $6 billion in frozen funds held in South Korea. Saeed Azizi, a Swedish citizen, is welcomed home after he was released from imprisonment in Iran - TOM SAMUELSSON/SHUTTERSTOCK Nasser Kanaani, the spokesman for Irans foreign ministry, blamed its longtime enemy Israel and the MEK opposition group for Nouris arrest in Sweden. [He] had been trapped due to a plot hatched by the Zionist regime [Israel] with the MKO terrorist group. It is unknown exactly how many diplomatic prisoners are still held in Iran. Earlier this month it was revealed that Nasrin Roshan, a British-Iranian citizen has been detained in Iran since November after being arrested at Imam Khomeini International Airport while travelling home to Britain. She has been given a three-year sentence for charges including participation in anti-government protests abroad. In March 2022, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was released after six years in prison in Iran, arrested on spy charges while visiting family in Iran. She was forced to sign a false confession before allowing her to fly home to Britain. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Former Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite speaks after being presented with the Point Alpha Prize. Jacob Schroter/dpa Former Lithuanian president Dalia Grybauskaite has been honoured with the Point Alpha Award for her dedication to preserving peace in Europe. The 68-year-old received the 25,000 prize on Sunday at a ceremony at the Point Alpha memorial site on the border between the states of Hesse and Thuringia. The German award honours extraordinary contributions to European peace and freedom as well as commemorating the peaceful reunification of Germany. "You were popular in your country, but less so in many European countries: you were regarded as the 'Iron Lady of Lithuania'," said Michael Roth, a lawmaker from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats, in his congratulatory speech. He emphasized that Grybauskaite had shown foresight in her career and had also said uncomfortable things. He referred to a statement she made in 2016 in which she accused the Russian government of violating international law, jeopardizing global security and wanting to divide Europe. At the time, her comments drew criticism, said Roth. Today, many would agree with her, he added. Grybauskaite, a former European Commissioner for Financial Programming and the Budget, was also praised for her role as an exemplary advocate for European integration and Lithuania's international relations. Grybauskaite served as Lithuanias president from 2009 to 2019, during which she was a vocal critic of Moscow amidst the Ukraine crisis. Former Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite speaks after being presented with the Point Alpha Prize. Jacob Schroter/dpa Former Lithuanian president Dalia Grybauskaite has been honoured with the Point Alpha Award for her dedication to preserving peace in Europe. The 68-year-old received the 25,000 prize on Sunday at a ceremony at the Point Alpha memorial site on the border between the states of Hesse and Thuringia. The German award honours extraordinary contributions to European peace and freedom as well as commemorating the peaceful reunification of Germany. "You were popular in your country, but less so in many European countries: you were regarded as the 'Iron Lady of Lithuania'," said Michael Roth, a lawmaker from German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's Social Democrats, in his congratulatory speech. He emphasized that Grybauskaite had shown foresight in her career and had also said uncomfortable things. He referred to a statement she made in 2016 in which she accused the Russian government of violating international law, jeopardizing global security and wanting to divide Europe. At the time, her comments drew criticism, said Roth. Today, many would agree with her, he added. Grybauskaite, a former European Commissioner for Financial Programming and the Budget, was also praised for her role as an exemplary advocate for European integration and Lithuania's international relations. Grybauskaite served as Lithuanias president from 2009 to 2019, during which she was a vocal critic of Moscow amidst the Ukraine crisis. The Baltic nation is a European Union and NATO member, which borders the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad and Russia's ally Belarus. Since 2005, the Point Alpha Prize has recognized contributions to German and European unification in peace and freedom. Named after a former US observation base in the state of Hesse, past recipients include Mikhail Gorbachev, George W. Bush and Helmut Kohl. She is the first woman to receive this honour. Suspected ISIS inmates (pictured left) broke out of a cell in a Russian detention centre and kidnapped two prison officers Islamic State prisoners who took two guards hostage in a Russian jail have been killed and their captives freed, officials said on Sunday. Authorities in the southern Rostov region said they had brought the siege to a swift end, killing the hostage-takers. The prison guards were unharmed, they added. The prison service had earlier reported that the two guards had been taken hostage by an unspecified number of Islamic State detainees at Rostovs Detention Centre 1 and that negotiations were going on. But a short time later, it issued a statement: During a special operation the criminals were liquidated and the employees who were taken hostage were released and were not injured. No further details were released. Russian police stand guard near a pretrial detention center where inmates had taken employees hostage - ARKADY BUDNITSKY/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock A police source told TASS, the Russian state news agency, that IS members who were due to appear in court on terrorism charges were among the hostage-takers. They were reported to have been holed up in the prison courtyard, armed with a pocket knife, a baton and an axe, the source said. The Interfax news agency reported that there were six hostage-takers, who demanded to be provided with a car and to be allowed to leave the prison in exchange for the release of the hostages. The incident comes nearly three months after gunmen killed at least 144 people when they opened fire inside a concert hall near Moscow in an attack claimed by the jihadist group. Hundreds more were injured in the March 22 attack at the Crocus City Hall, the deadliest on Russian soil for two decades. Russian police stand by during the siege at the detention centre in Rostov - Stringer/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock More than 20 people have since been arrested, including the four suspected gunmen. All are from the former Soviet republic of Tajikistan, an impoverished country on Afghanistans northern border. Russia has been repeatedly targeted by attacks claimed by IS militants, though the jihadist groups influence in the country remains limited. Russian media reports speculated that the attackers at the Rostov detention centre could be among those arrested in 2022 for allegedly planning an attack on the Supreme Court of Karachay-Cherkessia, a Muslim-majority Russian republic in the Caucasus. Nearly 4,500 Russians, mainly from the Caucasus, travelled to Iraq and Syria to fight with Islamic State, according to official figures. In April, two armed men who authorities said were members of an international terrorist organisation were shot dead by Russian forces near Nalchik in the Caucasus. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. An overview of the destruction caused by the Israeli army in the Al-Qarara neighbourhood. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa The Israeli military announced it will conduct a daily "tactical pause" in its activities in the south of the Gaza Strip to allow more aid deliveries. The pause "will take place from 08:00 until 19:00 every day until further notice along the road that leads from the Kerem Shalom Crossing to the Salah al-Din Road and then further north," the Israel Defense Forces said on X. The hiatus is intended to "increase the volume of humanitarian aid entering Gaza," the IDF added. The route runs south of the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where Israel's army is continuing its internationally operations. Israel deems Rafah the last stronghold of the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The Gaza war was triggered by the worst massacre in Israel's history, with more than 1,200 dead, carried out by terrorists from Hamas and other extremist groups in Israel on October 7 last year. The actions of the Israeli army have been criticized internationally - especially the operations in Rafah, where many Palestinian sought refuge from the war. According to the Hamas-controlled health authority, more than 37,000 people have been killed and more than 85,000 injured in the course of the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip. The figures, which do not distinguish between fighters and civilians, cannot be independently verified at present either. The Israeli military announced Sunday that it would pause fighting during the daytime hours along a route in southern Gaza so humanitarian aid can pass through and be delivered to Palestinians in need. The tactical pause will apply to about 7 miles of road near Rafah, the southern Gaza city where hundreds of thousands of civilians are sheltering. The Israeli army said the pause would begin at 8 a.m., last until 7 p.m. and happen daily until further notice, The Associated Press (AP) reported. The pause is intended to allow aid trucks to reach the Kerem Shalom crossing the border of Gaza, Egypt, and Israel and the main aid entry point. The Israeli military body that oversees aid distribution in Gaza, COGAT, said the 7.4-mile route would increase the flow of aid into other parts of Gaza, including Khan Younis, the coastal area of Muwasi and central Gaza, the AP reported. The northern part of Gaza, which was decimated in early fighting following the Oct. 7 attack, is receiving aid entering from the north. The Israeli military said the decision to pause daytime fighting came after discussions with the United Nations and other international aid agencies that have increasingly warned of famine and a humanitarian crisis. While the fighting will stop in that corridor, the conflict will continue in other parts of southern Gaza, and theres no change to aid entry elsewhere in the Strip. The daytime pause is meant to allow trucks to move in and out of the crossing and lessen the chance that aid trucks will be looted by starving Palestinians. Jens Laerke, a U.N. humanitarian spokesperson, told the AP that the announcement was welcome, but no aid was dispatched today. The U.N. hopes for more concrete measures from Israel, like regular entry of fuel, Laerke said. At the end of May, President Biden announced the terms of an Israeli-led proposal that includes a three-part plan to end fighting and release hostages that remain in Hamas captivity. Biden said the plan was drafted by Israel, but the allied country said it was not fully embraced yet. Israel and Hamas are weighing the latest proposal, but the Palestinian militant group has made demands that Israel deemed unacceptable. The pause in fighting also follows the news of four Israeli hostages being rescued from Hamas. While Israel was conducting the recovery mission, its military killed more than 200 Palestinians. The Associated Press contributed. Copyright 2024 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. Trucks can be seen heading into the Gaza Strip as they are carrying humanitarian aid at the Erez Crossing. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa The Israeli military announced on Sunday it is starting a daily, hours-long "tactical pause" in its activities along a stretch of southern Gaza to allow the entry of more aid deliveries, amid warnings that hunger and the risk of famine are growing. The pause in fighting will will take place along a route in southern Gaza from 8 am to 7 pm every day "until further notice," the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said. The route runs from the key Kerem Shalom border crossing to the Salah al-Din Road, which is the strip's main highway, and then northward toward the Khan Younis area. The hiatus is intended to "increase the volume of humanitarian aid" arriving into the besieged Palestinian territory, the IDF said, adding that it was working with UN and international aid agencies. After eights months of fighting between Israel's army and Hamas militants, the UN's World Food Programme (WFP) warns that the people in the southern part of the Gaza Strip could soon suffer from the same dire levels of hunger as those seen in northern Gaza. Carl Skau, the agency's deputy executive director, said on Friday that while progress was being made in the north, the situation was deteriorating again in the south. "Now our concerns are really in the south, where the progress we have made is being reversed," he said. The UN's relief agency for Palestinians (UNRWA) said on Saturday that over 50,000 children in Gaza were in need of treatment for acute malnutrition. For months Israel has been focusing it military offensive in and around the main southern city of Rafah, considered the last stronghold of the Palestinian militant group Hamas. A map released by the IDF showed the route covered by the daily "tactical pause" as running south of the city. Sunday's announcement came a day after eight Israeli soldiers were killed during fighting in Rafah. The Gaza war was triggered by the worst massacre in Israel's history, with more than 1,200 dead, carried out by terrorists from Hamas and other extremist groups in Israel on October 7 last year. The actions of the Israeli army have been criticized internationally - especially the operations in Rafah, where many displaced Palestinian sought refuge from the war. According to the Hamas-controlled health authority, more than 37,000 people have been killed and more than 85,000 injured in the course of the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip. The figures, which do not distinguish between fighters and civilians, cannot be independently verified at present either. The Israeli military announced on Sunday it is starting a daily, hours-long "tactical pause" in its activities along a single stretch of Gaza to allow the entry of more aid deliveries, amid warnings that hunger and the risk of famine are growing. The pause in fighting will take place along a route in southern Gaza from 8 am to 7 pm every day "until further notice," the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said. The route runs from the key Kerem Shalom border crossing to the Salah al-Din Road, which is the strip's main highway, and then northward toward the Khan Younis area. The hiatus is intended to "increase the volume of humanitarian aid" arriving into the besieged Palestinian territory, the army said, adding that it was working with UN and international aid agencies. Food supplies in southern Gaza at risk After eights months of fighting between Israel's army and Hamas militants, the UN's World Food Programme (WFP) warns that the people in the southern part of Gaza could soon suffer from the same dire levels of hunger as those seen in northern Gaza. Carl Skau, the agency's deputy executive director, said on Friday that while progress was being made in the north, the situation was deteriorating again in the south. "Now our concerns are really in the south, where the progress we have made is being reversed," he said. The UN's relief agency for Palestinians (UNRWA) said on Saturday that over 50,000 children in Gaza were in need of treatment for acute malnutrition. Rafah still in focus For months Israel has been focusing it military offensive in and around the main southern city of Rafah, considered the last stronghold of the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The IDF made clear on Sunday that the "tactical pause" would not apply to Rafah, where the fighting continues. Sunday's announcement came a day after 11 Israeli soldiers were killed during fighting in Gaza, eight of them in Rafah. The Gaza war was triggered by the worst massacre in Israel's history, with more than 1,200 dead, carried out by terrorists from Hamas and other extremist groups in Israel on October 7 last year. The actions of the Israeli army have been criticized internationally - especially the operations in Rafah, where many displaced Palestinians sought refuge from the war raging elsewhere in Gaza. According to the Hamas-controlled health authority, more than 37,000 people have been killed and more than 85,000 injured in the course of the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip. The figures, which do not distinguish between fighters and civilians, cannot be independently verified at present either. Israel's far-right opposed to pauses It was unclear if the Israeli Cabinet knew about the "tactical pause" in Gaza before it was announcement, especially given the outrage it elicited by some ministers. Israeli media reported that Defence Minister Yoav Gallant had not been informed of the decision in advance. Far-right national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir expressed fury at the IDF announcement and noted it came hours after the deaths of 11 soldiers on Saturday. He wrote on X that whoever made this decision "while our best soldiers are falling in battle" was "a fool and a fool who must not remain at his post." Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich joined the outcry, writing: "The humanitarian aid that continues to reach Hamas leaves them in power and threatens to undo our successes in the war." The father and brothers of 18-year-old Qais Zakarneh mourn at the morgue before his funeral after he was killed during an Israeli military operation on the previous day in Qabatiyeh, near the city of Jenin, on June 14, 2024. Photo by Alaa Badarneh/EPA-EFE June 16 (UPI) -- Israel has allegedly raided a building owned by the United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the West Bank and used it as a sniper post. The official state-run Palestinian News Agency, known as WAFA, reported that Israeli forces detained a Palestinian person and injured a minor with shrapnel in the Far'a refugee camp, northeast of the occupied West Bank city of Nablus, during the operation. The arrest comes as nearly 9,300 Palestinian prisoners have been arrested and are currently held in Israeli prisons and detention centers, according to the Palestine Prisoner's Society. Around 250 prisoners are children. More than 3,400 Palestinians are currently under "administrative detention," which allows Israeli officials to hold them without charge or trial. The human rights group Amnesty International has said the practice has "dramatically increased" since the war. Palestinians and their supporters often equate this practice to kidnapping. Meanwhile, Israeli forces frequently raid Palestinian homes in the West Bank without the need of search warrants. The Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association, a Palestinian NGO based in Ramallah, said in a 2017 report that more than 800,000 Palestinians have been imprisoned or detained by Israel in the past 50 years. According to data from the Israeli human rights group B'Tselem, some 4,764 Palestinians were being held by Israel as of September, before the latest violence broke out. Israel's army says it will pause daytime fighting along a route in southern Gaza to help flow of aid Palestinians carry a child killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip into a hospital in Deir al Balah on Sunday, June 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana) JERUSALEM (AP) Israel's military announced on Sunday that it would pause fighting during daytime hours along a route in southern Gaza to free up a backlog of humanitarian aid deliveries for desperate Palestinians enduring a humanitarian crisis sparked by the war, now in its ninth month. The tactical pause," which applies to about 12 kilometers (7 miles) of road in the Rafah area, falls far short of a complete cease-fire in the territory that has been sought by the international community, including Israel's top ally, the United States. It could help address the overwhelming needs of Palestinians that have surged in recent weeks with Israel's incursion into Rafah. The army said that the daily pause would begin at 8 a.m. (0500 GMT) and last until 7 p.m. (1600 GMT) and continue until further notice. It's aimed at allowing aid trucks to reach the nearby Israel-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing, the main entry point, and travel safely to the Salah a-Din highway, a main north-south road, the military said. The crossing has had a bottleneck since Israeli ground troops moved into Rafah in early May. COGAT, the Israeli military body that oversees aid distribution in Gaza, said the route would increase the flow of aid to other parts of Gaza, including Khan Younis, the coastal area of Muwasi and central Gaza. Hard-hit northern Gaza, an early target in the war, is served by goods entering from the north. The military said that the pause, which begins as Muslims start marking the Eid Al-Adha holiday, came after discussions with the United Nations and other aid agencies. A U.N. spokesperson, Jens Laerke, told The Associated Press that Israel's announcement was welcome but no aid has been dispatched from Kerem Shalom today," with no details. Laerke said that the U.N. hopes for further concrete measures by Israel, including smoother operations at checkpoints and regular entry of fuel. Israel and Hamas are weighing the latest proposal for a cease-fire, detailed by U.S. President Joe Biden in the administrations most concentrated diplomatic push for a halt to the fighting and the release of hostages taken by the militant group. While Biden described the proposal as an Israeli one, Israel hasn't fully embraced it. Hamas has demanded changes that appear unacceptable to Israel. With Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing to press ahead with the war and many members of his far-right government opposed to the cease-fire proposal, news of the military's pause triggered a minor political storm. An Israeli official quoted Netanyahu as saying the plan was unacceptable to him" when he learned of it. The official said that Netanyahu received assurances that there is no change in the military's policy and fighting in Rafah continues as planned. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak with the media. Israeli television stations later quoted Netanyahu as criticizing the military: We have a country with an army, not an army with a country. But neither Netanyahu nor the army canceled the new arrangement. While the army insisted there is no cessation of fighting in southern Gaza, it also said the new route would be open during daytime hours exclusively for the transportation of humanitarian aid. The fighting continued. Nine people, including five children, were killed Sunday when a house was struck in Bureji in central Gaza, according to AP journalists who counted the bodies at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah. A man wept over the small sheet-wrapped bundle in his arms. Two of the children had been playing in the street. What did this girl do to you, Netanyahu? Isnt this forbidden for you? a woman cried, holding a dead child. Israels military didnt respond to questions about the strike. Israel announced the names of 12 soldiers killed in recent attacks in Gaza, putting the number killed since Israel began its ground invasion of Gaza last year at 309. Hamas killed around 1,200 people during its Oct. 7 attack and took 250 hostage, Israeli authorities say. Health officials in Hamas-run Gaza say more than 37,000 Palestinians have been killed. Israels military offensive has plunged Gaza into a humanitarian crisis, with the U.N. reporting hundreds of thousands of people on the brink of famine. Hamas' supreme leader, Ismail Haniyeh, called for more pressure to open border crossings. Another crossing, the Rafah terminal between Gaza and Egypt, has been closed since Israel moved into the city. Egypt has refused to reopen the crossing as long as Israel controls the Palestinian side. The flow of aid in southern Gaza has declined just as need grew. More than 1 million Palestinians, many of whom had already been displaced, fled Rafah after the invasion, crowding into other parts of southern and central Gaza. Most languish in tent camps, with open sewage in the streets. From May 6 until June 6, the U.N. received an average of 68 trucks of aid a day. That was down from 168 a day in April and far below the 500 a day that aid groups say are needed. COGAT says there are no restrictions on the entry of trucks. It says more than 8,600 trucks of all kinds, aid and commercial, entered Gaza from all crossings from May 2 to June 13, an average of 201 a day. But much of that aid has piled up at crossings. A COGAT spokesman, Shimon Freedman, said it was the U.N.s fault that its cargo stacked up on the Gaza side of Kerem Shalom. He said its agencies have fundamental logistical problems, especially a lack of trucks. The U.N. denies such allegations. It says the fighting often makes it too dangerous for U.N. trucks inside Gaza to travel to Kerem Shalom. It also says the pace of deliveries has slowed because Israel's military must authorize drivers to travel to the site, a system Israel says was designed for drivers safety. The new arrangement aims to reduce the need for coordinating deliveries by providing an 11-hour uninterrupted daily window Because of a lack of security, some aid trucks have been looted by crowds as they moved along Gazas roads. It wasn't immediately clear whether the army would provide security to protect trucks moving along the highway. ___ Wafaa Shurafa reported from Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, and Lee Keath from Cairo. Jack Jeffery contributed to this report from Jerusalem. ___ Follow APs coverage of the war in Gaza at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari points at what he says is a guard roster in a room the military suspects was used by Hamas to hold hostages in the basement of Rantissi Hospital JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Intensified cross-border fire from Lebanon's Hezbollah movement into Israel could trigger serious escalation, the Israeli military said on Sunday. "Hezbollahs increasing aggression is bringing us to the brink of what could be a wider escalation, one that could have devastating consequences for Lebanon and the entire region," Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a video statement in English. Iran-backed Hezbollah last week launched the largest volleys of rockets and drones yet in the eight months it has been exchanging fire with the Israeli military, in parallel with the Gaza war. After the relatively heavy exchanges over the past week, Sunday saw a marked drop in Hezbollah fire, while the Israeli military said that it had carried out several air strikes against the group in southern Lebanon. The U.S. and France are working on a negotiated settlement to the hostilities along Lebanon's southern border. Hezbollah says it will not halt fire unless Israel stops its military offensive on Gaza. "Israel will take the necessary measures to protect its civilians until security along our border with Lebanon is restored," Hagari said. (Reporting by Maayan LubellEditing by Peter Graff) Jackson council voted to remove the Andrew Jackson statue in 2020. Why is it still standing? Back in 2020, the Jackson City Council voted to remove the statue of seventh president Andrew Jackson outside of City Hall. Yet it still stands. The seventh president is a controversial figure in United States history. The history of Andrew Jackson During the War of 1812, Jackson became a hero for helping to defeat the British Army in the Battle of New Orleans in 1815. But he was also a slave owner, owning a plantation in Coahoma County along with a plantation in Tennessee. Modern-day Jackson is around 82% Black, the highest such percentage among cities of 100,000 or more in the U.S. While president, Andrew Jackson also signed the Indian Removal Act, forcibly removing Native American tribes in the South to new territory that would become Oklahoma. The journey is now infamously known as the "Trail of Tears" and caused thousands of Native Americans to become sick with disease or die. Mississippi antiquities law explained To remove the statue, the City of Jackson must first file a notice of intent, "including detailed plans and specifications for the alteration" of the project with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, explained Sarah Warnock, MDAH's director of public relations. The Jackson City Council voted in 2020 to remove the Andrew Jackson statue, seen here on June 10, 2024, outside of City Hall. To date, the Mississippi Department of Archives and History has yet to receive a notice of intent which is needed to remove the statue. "Under provisions of the Antiquities Law of Mississippi, because the monument is publicly owned and part of a designated Mississippi Landmark property, a permit from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History Board of Trustees is required prior to any alterations that would affect its historic character," Warnock said in an email. To date, MDAH has yet to receive a notice of intent from the city, Warnock said. But the plans to remove the statue are still very much in the works, according to City Spokesperson Melissa Payne. City of Jackson plans for removal of statue "We are definitely still planning on following through with the removal of the statue. Its one of the things our planning director was working on before she left," Payne said. "As you can imagine, the interim director is juggling a lot of things right now. But we expect to address the issue with the statue in the coming months." The Jackson City Council voted in 2020 to remove the Andrew Jackson statue, seen here on June 10, 2024, outside of City Hall. To date, the Mississippi Department of Archives and History has yet to receive a notice of intent which is needed to remove the statue. MS confederate statues: Republicans join effort to change confederate statues representing MS in Washington The city plans to work with the MDAH on where to relocate the statue, Payne said. No final decision has been made as to who will replace Andrew Jackson. Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba has previously said he would like to see a statue of Civil Rights hero and Jackson native Medgar Evers take its place. Ward 4 Councilman Brian Grizzell and Ward 6 Councilman and Council President Aaron Banks, who are both Black, agreed the statue needs to come down. Banks voted for removal in 2020. Grizzell was not yet on the council. I do not think that someone responsible for the Trail of Tears, Indian Removal Act, should be highlighted, Banks said. Ward 1 Councilman Ashby Foote, who is white, is still against the idea of removing the statue. He was the sole member of the council to vote against the measure back in 2020. "I am fine with it as it is (standing outside of City Hall). I think history is critical to understanding the present and confronting the future," Foote said. "Andrew Jackson was flawed, but still an important historical figure. He founded the Democratic Party for heavens sake, the oldest political party on the planet." When the city finally submits a notice to move the statue, MDAH's historic preservation staff will review the project. Staff will make sure it meets the Secretary of the Interior's standards for the treatment of historic properties, Warnock said, which are guidelines set by the National Park Service. The Jackson City Council voted in 2020 to remove the Andrew Jackson statue, seen here on June 10, 2024, outside of City Hall. To date, the Mississippi Department of Archives and History has yet to receive a notice of intent which is needed to remove the statue. "If the project meets the SOI Standards, staff will recommend that the Board of Trustees of MDAH vote to approve a Mississippi Landmark permit for the proposed project," Warnock said. "If the project does not meet the SOI Standards, staff may request additional information or recommend changes to the scope of work." This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Is Jackson MS still removing the Andrew Jackson statue outside of City Hall? CNNs Jake Tapper confronted Sen. Tom Cotton on Sunday about his claim back in 2020 that Donald Trump would willingly accept the results of that election. Tapper played Cotton an interview they had in September 2020, where Tapper noted Republicans were among those alarmed that Trump hadnt agreed to abide by a peaceful transfer of power if he lost. At the time, Cotton responded, Hes since said that if theres a clear winner at this court-settled contested election, that, of course he will. But the premise of the question that you just played me, Jake, is that the president is going to lose. I dont think the presidents going to lose, the president is going to win. Now in 2024 on Sundays State of the Union, Cotton responded, I think the president has said, as I have said about this election, of course, we will accept the results if the results are from fair and free elections. Every candidate in any race has a right to go to court to seek legal redress. If they think theres been any kind of fraud or cheating, if they think a state or a city didnt follow the rules or customary practices of their elections, I think that thats reasonable for President Trump to say, Cotton continued. Its reasonable for any candidate for any office in America to believe. That didnt age very well.@jaketapper presses @SenTomCotton over his prediction in September 2020 that Trump would respect the peaceful transfer of power if he lost. pic.twitter.com/QzaH6aQUIT State of the Union (@CNNSOTU) June 16, 2024 Tapper agreed, but pointed out the obvious: Thats not what happened in 2020. Trump infamously brought his refusal to accept the election results all the way to the Supreme Court, who rejected the case in February 2021. When reminded of that fact, Cotton swapped tactics and went directly at addressing the events of Jan. 6, 2021. He told Tapper that there was a protest in Washington that got out of hand, and it became a riot, and as Ive said from the very beginning, anyone who injured a law enforcement officer or committed acts of violence on Jan. 6 at the Capitol should be prosecuted and face severe consequences. Again, thats unlike Democrats who wont prosecute violent protesters, for instance, from Democratic street militias outside the homes of Supreme Court justices or defacing statues of veterans right across from the White House, Cotton claimed. Anyone who commits acts of violence, in my opinion, should be prosecuted and face severe consequences, he concluded. So you disagree when Donald Trump says, as President, hell consider pardoning every one of the Jan. 6 rioters convicted in court? Tapper asked. He didnt say he would, Cotton replied. No, he said consider it. Consider it. I think what that means is what he did in his first term. Hed take each case for a pardon request on a case-by-case basis, and I do think theres a strong case for many of the defendants to be pardoned, because they didnt engage in acts of violence, Cotton said. After Tapper contrasted Cottons tough law and order stance on everything such as Black Lives Matter protesters other than these issues here that have to do with President Trump and his supporters, Cotton insisted the same techniques that were used for every grandma and MAGA hat who was within a country mile of the Capitol on Jan. 6th are not being used [by Democrats] for the street militias who protested outside Supreme Court justices homes or the pro-Hamas lunatics who were defacing statues of veterans or who occupied college campuses last month. Watch an excerpt from the interview between Cotton and Tapper in the video above or see their full interview here. The post Jake Tapper Challenges Tom Cotton on His 2020 Claim Trump Would Accept Election Results | Video appeared first on TheWrap. Jason Crow, of Dads Caucus, pushes for investments in working families Jason Crow, of Dads Caucus, pushes for investments in working families DENVER (KDVR) With Fathers Day in view, a group of dads in Congress is pushing for national paid family leave, child care investments and an enhanced child tax credit. The Congressional Dads Caucus has representation from Colorado, including U.S. Reps. Jason Crow, Joe Neguse and Brittany Pettersen. The group renewed its push this week for policies to invest in working families. On this weeks Colorado Point of View, Crow discusses caucus priorities, as well as the new Ukraine security agreement and whether it would have a future under a potential Republican presidency. Meanwhile, political analysts look at the effort to oust Colorado GOP Chairman Dave Williams and Hunter Bidens felony conviction. Watch the full episode in the video player above. Colorado Point of View airs weekends on Colorados Very Own Channel 2. Copyright 2024 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. UPDATED: President Joe Bidens star-filled fundraiser in Los Angeles in which he took part in a conversation with former President Barack Obama and Jimmy Kimmel is now expected to raise at least $30 million, according to a source close to the campaign. During the roughly 40-minute sit down, Biden, Obama and Kimmel touted the current administrations accomplishments, but a good part of the talk was devoted to warnings about another Trump term and even bafflement at the way that the former Celebrity Apprentice host has shattered so many political and institutional norms. More from Deadline Biden said that one of the scariest parts of another Donald Trump is that he would likely have the ability to appoint two more Supreme Court nominees. The Supreme Court has never been as out of kilter as it is today, Biden said. The fact of the matter is that this has never been a court that has been this far out of step. He noted that when the Dobbs decision was issued overturning Roe vs. Wade, Justice Clarence Thomas wrote that other decisions should be reconsidered, including IVF and contraception. Someone in the audience then shouted, Gay rights. By the way, not on my watch. Not on my watch, said Biden, in a line that got one of the biggest cheers from the crowd in the 7,100-seat Peacock Theater. With $29M & rising in the coffers from tonight's mega-fundraiser, two @POTUS exit the stage in #DTLA after Jimmy Kimmel Q&A Read more from myself & @tedstew on @DEADLINE now pic.twitter.com/yzKJxNNLE0 Dominic Patten (@DeadlineDominic) June 16, 2024 Before Kimmel introduced the two presidents, he showed a video of Trump from 2020, where he predicted that if he was not elected, major holidays like the Fourth of July and Christmas would end. Kimmel had asked the president, Is it satisfying to see that video to see how wrong Orange Julius Caesar was about your presidency?At the outset, Biden wasted little time making a biting about Donald Trump shortly after he took the stage. I could have done nothing and done better than he was doing, Biden. The ABC late night host then went into a long list of Bidens accomplishments, often interspersing them with irreverent quips. Kimmel later noted that Biden said he was fighting to restore the soul of America and lately it seems like we might need and exorcism. Is that why you visited the Pope? Biden laughed and said, The truth is the way in which we communicate with people these days, theres so much opportunity to just lie.If you have just one source you go to for your news, its just easy to convince people that that is the only truth thats out there. Obama referred to Trumps recent conviction, telling the audience that Part of what has happened over the last several years is we have normalized behavior that used to be disqualifying. We have the spectacle of the nominee of one of the two major parties sitting in court and being convicted by a jury of his peers on 34 counts. His foundation is not allowed to operate because it was engaging in money business and not actually philanthropic work. You have his organization being prosecuted for not paying taxes. There are certain standards and values that we should all abide by. Joe Biden has stood for those values and continues to do, and the other guy doesnt. At times during the conversation, Biden tried out some of his own humor. With Trump and Biden neck and neck in the polls, Kimmel at one point asked, Is this country suffering from Trump amnesia? Why do so many Americans seem to remember the Trump administration the same way we do a colonoscopy, like we know what happened. Biden responded, All they got to do is remember what it was like. Remember the pandemic? He said, Dont worry. Just inject a little bleach in your body. That worked for me, by the way, Kimmel quipped. Fair is fair. Biden then quipped, By the way, it worked for him. It colored his hair. The event, which also featured celebrities such as George Clooney, Julia Roberts and Barbra Streisand, was being touted as the largest Democratic fundraiser ever. The sum is higher than a similar celebrity-filled event the campaign held at Radio City Music Hall in New York in March, when $26 million was raised. The Biden campaign has been marketing the star-studded event for weeks, with supporters being offered a chance to win a trip to attend and meet some of those on the bill. Its amazing how many people will show up to an event when you send 5,000 emails reminding them about it, Kimmel quipped. Jill Biden also spoke, introduced by Streisand, who said that the first lady is the neighbor everyone wishes they have, not the type who suddenly flies an American flag upside down. Trump has told told us again and again why he wants the White House to give himself absolute power, the first lady said. Among the thousands attending the event were industry figures including Damon Lindelof, Marta Kauffman, CAAs Bryan Lourd and Craig Gering, Kathy Griffin and Jim Gianopoulos, as well as politicos including Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, among a group of lawmakers participating in a photo line with Biden and Obama. Also at the theater: Los Angeles City Councilman Kevin de Leon. As expected, there was a heavy police presence, with loud pro-Palestinian protesters gathered on Olympic Boulevard. Demonstrators have tried to block entrances at previous Biden fundraisers, including a Holmby Hills event in December. Protesters disrupted the Radio City event at points, but it went on as scheduled. Also appearing at the Los Angeles event were Sista Strings (singing Lift Every Voice), The Silhouettes, Sheryl Lee Ralph (singing a rousing rendition of God Bless America), Jason Bateman and Kathryn Hahn. Jack Black wore stars and stripes overalls over a Dark Brandon T-shirt. The Biden-Harris Campaign shared video of Blacks speech online. Republicans tried to turn the tables on the expected Trump bashing at the fundraiser. Jessica Millan Patterson, chair of the California Republican Party, said in a statement on Friday, Democrat presidents have long had expectations of a warm welcome from Californians, but unfortunately for President Biden, his own actions and failed agenda from rampant inflation to an open border and detrimental foreign policy have deprived him of that reality. No amount of Hollywood magic or celebrity cameos can disguise the fact that Joe Biden is a failed president who will be retired by voters once and for all this November. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Joe and Matt Carlucci reflect on being the first father-son duo to sit on City Council Before Joe Carlucci became an elected official, he was a Jacksonville City Hall page who watched his father, then the council president, lead meetings. More than two decades later, a moment after one meetings adjournment still makes their family laugh. Joe, about 13 at the time, sat in his father Matt Carluccis chair at the council dais to talk with him and his colleagues. What they didnt realize: the microphone in front of him was still broadcasting everything Joe said live on local news. At home watching the meeting, Karen Carlucci worried about what her son might say and frantically called City Council Chambers. You need to tell my son, Joseph, and my husband that the mics are on, and I can hear everything they're saying, Karen remembered telling the person who answered. I was like oh my God, oh my God you know, and that's when it was live on channel seven. More on Matt Carlucci: Carlucci mayoral questionnaire Matt Carlucci endorses Donna Deegan in Jacksonville mayor's race Jacksonville City Council race puts political dynasty heir against corporate exec newcomer Joe and Matt are now almost a year into the term as the first father-son duo simultaneously serving on City Council, and Karen still warns them about hot mics, though now she sends a quick text. The three of them recalled the moment in Matts longtime State Farm office, surrounded by photos and mementos of the familys personal and political history in the city. As the third and fourth generation of Carlucci civic leaders, Matt, 68, and Joe, 35, are navigating their new relationship from following the confines of the Sunshine Law to avoiding accidentally calling Joe his childhood nickname in meetings. So far, Matt said they have three ground rules: follow the Sunshine Law, respect the others opinions and do the right thing even when they look at it a little different. This term will be Matts final four years on City Council due to term limits after serving as a politically moderate, at-large and District 5 council member. He believes public service is in his DNA, and he often reflects on his time in office, the lessons learned and the way his fuse has shortened over the years. Joe, on the other hand, won his first election for his fathers former district seat in May as a more conservative candidate after years of never seeing himself as a politician. Hes a man of action, Matt proudly calls him, and still has the patience and wherewithal of a first time council member. Night and day, Karen called them, pointing to each. And thats a good thing. Navigating the Sunshine Law Jacksonville City Council member Matthew Carlucci holds a framed photograph of himself, his wife Karen and their children Matt and Joe with Mayor Ed Austin from December, 1991 as Austin signed an ordinance championed by Carlucci to create Jacksonville's Ethics Commission, one of Carlucci's first accomplishments as a City Council Member. Wednesday, December 20, 2023. The Carlucci family has been a fixture in Jacksonville politics starting with Joe Carlucci, who first held political office in 1968 in Jacksonville's City Council then served won a Florida Senate seat in 1978 where he served until his death in 1986. His son, Matthew "Matt" Carlucci became a City Council member in 1987 and continues in that role. Now the third generation of the family, Joe Carlucci, serves on Jacksonville's City Council alongside his father Matt, after recently being elected to represent Jacksonville's District 5. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union] When Joe and his brother Matthew were young, Matt and Karen always warned them that their sins would find them out. A childhood lie-detector has since become a City Council safeguard. The Florida Sunshine Law requires all council members to discuss government business in publicly noticed meetings. In the Carluccis' case, this means keeping discussion about legislation and local politics on the City Council floor and out of their personal relationship. Questions regarding whether the Carluccis would follow the law arose during Joes campaign, but they said it has not been an issue. Your sins find you out, and they have found people out before, Matt said. But I would never put my son in harm's way, and he would never put me in harm's way. Why would I do that as a father? Never. Never. Id take the bullet for my kids. There was a misconception during Joes campaign that they would meet over the dinner table and discuss their votes, he said, but the family rarely discussed politics before the election. We get enough of that, you know, I want to talk about their business or kids, Matt said. Politics normally doesnt come up when he and Karen are with their kids in part because not all of the family, including Karen, enjoys the topic. We got lots of things to talk about our family besides politics. Instead, Matt tried to protect his son by loading him up on all the advice he could give before the election. He advised his son against falling on the landmines and voting against his conscience. For his part, Joe said he always listened to his dads advice but wouldnt always take it. Ill hear it, and I will appreciate it, but I'll still do what I feel like is the right decision, Joe said. If Matt and Joe were to slip, they planned to own up to it. If we go afoul, somehow, well belly up to the bar, Matt said. But if we go afoul, I feel like we missed an opportunity to show people that I'm very, very proud that I have a son that wants to serve in that capacity. Joe plans to run for the seat again in four years, which would give his father the opportunity to say his opinion freely. Then I can be more involved because I wont be on the council, Matt said before being cut off by Joe and Karen laughing. Youre going to be going, Oh God, please, wheres the Sunshine when I need it, Karen said to Joe. Big shoes to fill A photo provided by Jacksonville City Council member Matthew Carlucci of his young son Joe Carlucci, now a City Council Member himself, behind his father's desk in the old City Hall building in the early 1990's. The Carlucci family has been a fixture in Jacksonville politics starting with Joe Carlucci, who first held political office in 1968 in Jacksonville's City Council then served won a Florida Senate seat in 1978 where he served until his death in 1986. His son, Matthew "Matt" Carlucci became a City Council member in 1987 and continues in that role. Now the third generation of the family, Joe Carlucci, serves on Jacksonville's City Council alongside his father Matt, after recently being elected to represent Jacksonville's District 5. Joe emphasized that though he was symbolically following in his dads footsteps, he still had his own shoes to fill a sentiment Matt shared decades earlier about his own father. The other side of the coin is how do I want to kind of wear my own shoes and keep my own path, be what I want, Joe said. Its funny he says that, Matt cut in. When his father, Joseph Carlucci died, a number of people asked how it felt following his father. I said, I can never fill my father's shoes. I just wanted to be able to at least have my own footprints side by side. Joseph served on the first consolidated City Council, following after his father who served on School Board. Though Joseph never saw Matt take office, Matt tries to live by the wisdom his father imparted, including what he considers the family motto: He said, Politicians look to the next election, but statesmen look to the next generation. And boy, that stuck with me in a big, big way. The whole family is community-minded, but they still dislike the idea of the Carlucci dynasty in Jacksonville. If you do something because it's expected or because Oh, that's just what the Carlucci family does, then that's not a good thing in my opinion, Joe said. That's not authentic, Matt added. They talked about the importance of local politics when sometime in 2020, the two visited council chambers together where they once stepped behind the City Council presidents chair. But this time, the mics were off, and they found themselves completely alone. I said, Joseph, you know, if you're thinking about state politics or local politics, I want you to think about local politics because, Matt said, knocking on the table to emphasize his final words, this is where history is made, right here. Joe, now a City Council member and father himself, continues the tradition and brings his kids to City Hall, so they will have kind of the same type of memories. He keeps a photo of his 6-year-old son Jo-Jo on his desk. It's interesting, right? Like, you kind of see it from the front row, looking at the stage and then you get on the stage and you see behind the curtain, and it's totally different, Joe said. This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville City Council Matt, Joe Carlucci talk family, sunshine law A prestigious boys school has scrapped its tribal house names over fears about cultural insensitivity. Dulwich Prep School in south London boasts a number of famous alumni, including Downton Abbey star Hugh Bonneville and veteran BBC correspondent John Simpson, who were sorted into houses with names inspired by Native Americans. House names like Mohican have now been dropped by the school. Former pupils of the school, which has fees of up to 8,000 per term, have been informed that their old houses have been rebranded with names unrelated to ethnic groups. The Daily Mail reports that alumni were informed by the schools leadership that we have decided to move away from using tribes as our house system, as societys understanding of history evolves. Boys were traditionally grouped into the Mohicans, named for a tribe in the north-east of the United States, the Chippewas, a tribe based north of the Great Lakes, and the Ojibwa another name for the Chippewas. John Simpson is unhappy with the decision - Matt Writtle A fourth house was named Deerfoot in honour of a 19th-century Native American runner. These will now be named after mythological creatures, including Phoenix, Pegasus, Gryphon and Lamassu, a winged lion or bull with a human head which was central to the art of ancient Mesopotamia. John Simpson has complained about the move, telling the Daily Mail: Im really depressed that something fundamental to the experience of every Dulwich Prep kid which of us doesnt remember whether he was a Chippeway, Deerfeet, Mohican or Ojibwa? is being done away with. He added: I dont suppose itll matter to what is nowadays a very fine school, but it matters to everyone who was there, no matter how old they are now. And to what end? So indigenous Americans wont accuse Dulwich of cultural appropriation? Please. Theyve got better things to do. 'Mohican' was one of the house names at Dulwich Prep School. It has now been replaced by a mythological creature - NC Wyeth/Alamy The decision by Dulwich Prep follows a number of reforms made across fee-paying schools in the heightened cultural sensitivity following Black Lives Matter protests. Merchant Taylors School in Rickmansworth, Herts, changed the name of Clive House, named for former pupil Robert Clive better known as Clive of India over concerns about his actions in India. Haberdashers Askes School for Girls and Haberdashers Askes Boys School in Elstree, Herts, dropped the surname of Robert Aske, as he was an investor in the slave trade. Dulwich Prep has been contacted for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Judge could soon set trial date for man charged in killings of 4 University of Idaho students BOISE, Idaho (AP) A judge could soon decide on a trial date for a man charged in the deaths of four University of Idaho students who were killed more than a year and a half ago. Bryan Kohberger was arrested roughly six weeks after the bodies of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves were found at a rental home near the Moscow campus Nov. 13, 2022. The students were stabbed, and investigators said they were able to link Kohberger then a graduate student at nearby Washington State University to the crime using DNA found on a knife sheath at the scene, surveillance videos and cellphone data. A judge entered a not guilty plea on Kohbergers behalf in a May 2023 hearing, and for the past several months Kohbergers defense attorneys and Latah County prosecutors have been wrangling over the evidence and other data gathered throughout the investigation. So far, 2nd District Judge John Judge has not set a trial date, noting that the case is particularly complicated in part because prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty if there is a conviction. But that could change later this month. On Thursday, Judge scheduled a June 27 hearing to discuss the schedule for the rest of the case, including dates for the trial as well as for a possible sentencing. A sweeping gag order has prevented Kohberger, attorneys on both sides, law enforcement officials and others involved in the case from commenting. Earlier this month Judge said investigators working for Kohbergers defense team would be added to a list of attorneys and defense experts who are allowed to review sealed DNA records that law enforcement used to narrow the the pool of potential suspects. The DNA was used for investigative genetic genealogy, in which material found at a crime scene is run through public genealogical databases to find a suspect or a suspects relatives. In his June 7 order, Judge also said the defense team is not allowed to contact any relative who shows up in the records and who was not already known to them without advance permission from the court. Prosecutor Bill Thompson had argued previously that the DNA records were not relevant because they were not used to secure any warrants and would not be presented at trial. But Judge disagreed, saying last year that the defense team had shown that they needed to review at least some of the records as they prepared their case. Kohbergers attorneys are also asking for a change of venue. The judge has yet to rule on that request. Copyright 2024 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. TOPEKA (KSNT) Although the holiday isnt until June 19, people in Topeka began celebrating the Juneteenth holiday early. From noon until 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, the Hilcrest Community Center and Park hosted the Topeka Family and Friends Juneteenth celebration. Kansas Corporation Commission host hearing about potential gas bill increases June 19, 1865 was the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas. This officially freed all the slaves in the United States and is why the holiday is celebrated on that day. 27 News spoke to people involved with the event who said its important to pass along the history of the holiday. Its history. Theres a lot of history with Juneteenth, said Norma Avery, President of the Topeka Family and Friends Juneteenth Celebration. If we dont pass down our history, its lost. SOURCE: Topekas NiJa Canady enters transfer portal The celebration was full of good food and drinks. There was live music and dance performances as well. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2024 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 KSNT 27 News. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) It took until 2021 for Juneteenth to be designated a federal holiday and a state holiday the following year. But the Juneteenth celebration in Portland is now in its 52nd year. Since 1972, when community leader Clara Peoples founded it, the Juneteenth Oregon celebration includes a parade and various activities that include live music and food, art, educational and cultural booths and a childrens play area. This year, the parade began at 11 a.m. from King Elementary to Lillis-Albina Park and featured 1500 people walking. STUDY: While 1 Pacific Northwest city attracts retirees, another loses them The festival continued until 7 p.m. More events are scheduled Sunday through June 19. Live music was featured at the Juneteenth Oregon festival in Portland, June 15, 2024 (KOIN) When President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Januay 1, 1863, slaves were freed. But it had little effect in Texas until June 19, 1865 when a Union general read the proclamation to the people in Galveston. That day became known as Juneteenth. Juneteenth Oregon Director Jenelle Jack said the celebration showcases freedom for all. Its freedom. Its a chance to celebrate who we are. Richard Hunter of Northeast Portland said its important for people to know history. Richard Hunter went to the Juneteenth Oregon festival in Portland, June 15, 2024 (KOIN) When my father came here in 1945 there were signs in the buildings: We cater to whites only. It was very racist here, Hunter said. The story needs to be told. People need to be educated. Others who spoke with KOIN 6 News shared their stories about growing up in Northeast Portland and how drastically the neighborhood changed over the years. Tony Claywood, who now lives in Hillsboro, remembered days from the 1970s. Every time a police officer passed me I was scared because as soon as they see you, brake lights come on automatically, you know you were going to get pulled over, Claywood said. Thats how I lived back then in the 70s. Over time, of course, the gentrification in the Northeast and North area where it was predominantly African American neighborhood, now you dont see that. Its a mixture, said Diane Lamberth. We had stores, corner stores, we had record shops, we had Mom-and-pop stores, little cafes. And we dont have that now because weve been moved out. Everything or some things have been sold from under us. Copyright 2024 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. Guest Opinon. America tried to kill my family and other Native families many times and many ways. Alexander the Great, Ghengis Khan, Julius Caesar and other conquerors often allowed new subjects to keep their land, titles, and prosperity as long as they bent their knees to the new rulers. America made no such offer to Native Americans. We had to relocate or die in the fastest dispossession in the history of the world. America paid veterans of theAmerican Revolutionary War in Indian land grants and it hadnt even acquired the land from the Natives yet. Thats why the Office of Indian Affairs (now renamed the Bureau ofIndian Affairs) was originally housed in the Department of War. Some Ojibwe fought with Pontiac, and some with Tecumseh. Others, like my family, fought in the Battle of Sugar Point at Leech Lake in 1898. Many other Ojibwe bands avoided direct conflict, fled to Canada, or tried diplomacy to save our lands, lives, and livelihoods. Then came residential boarding schools, termination, relocation, suppression of religious freedom. The denial of access to economic opportunity was in some ways harder yet, simply because it has been such a long-lasting condition. Ghandi said, Poverty is the cruelest form of violence. And while America wanted us to be their subjects, they afforded us none of the benefits, including citizenship. Its enough to make you mad for another 500 years. [In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924--signed into law on June 2, 1924,Native News Online will publish during the month of June guest essays to provide our readers with various perspectives from prominent Native Americans on the subject. Today's was written by Professor and author Anton Treuer.] My grandmother, Luella Seelye, was sent to residential boarding school. She and my grandfather, Eugene Seelye, were born before the Snyder Act (Indian Citizenship Act) of 1924. Our family couldnt escape the oppressions any better than any other Native family. But something else interesting happened in our family during that time. My namesake, Clement Beaulieu, was a veteran of World War I. My grandfather drove down to Fort Snelling and enlisted in the U.S. Army at the start of World War II and deployed to France during the Normandy invasion. My uncle, David Seelye, served in the 82nd Airborne in the Viet Nam era. My grand uncle, Howard Matthews, served in World War II. My grand uncle, Delbert Matthews, served in Korea. In spite of the fact that America showed them little love or respect, they still loved America. They were willing to risk their lives for this country. They werent naive about the irony, but if they had to defend America to defend Native America, they were willing to do that. If they had to defend people and a country that often oppressed them so they could defend their own families and people, they were accepting. It was more than that too. They knew America could be cruel to the first people of this land, but they also believed in the possibility of this great country. They wanted freedom and equality and liberty for everyone and believed that America could deliver on those things. Many Native Americans had become citizens by treaty, allotment, or special act of Congress for their service in the military after World War I. When the last Natives became citizens in 1924, it moved America one step closer to delivering on its promise of equality. As Natives gained suffrage and exercised their rights as citizens, their voices started to shape American politics like those of other Americans. We had to wait until 1978 to see passage of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act so that the first amendment protections of the Constitution could be properly extended to Natives, all of whom had been citizens for over fifty years by then. Weve had other steps forward. And other steps back, like Termination and Relocation. But the American promise endure no matter how poorly it has been delivered. And the faith that many Natives placed in America endured as well. The Snyder Act was but a step in a long journey toward justice, and commemorating it one hundred years later is just another step on that same path. There is a lot of road behind us, and even more ahead. It now falls upon us to take stock of the 100-year milestone of Indigenous citizenship in America and hold our nation accountable to delivering the freedom and equality that will humanize us all and help heal our troubled nation. Anton Treuer is a Leech Lake and White Earth Ojibwe descendant, Professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University, and author of "Where Wolves Dont Die" and "Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask." End_of_story.HeritageUnbound.jpeg About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net." Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) Isaiah Buggs, a defensive lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs, was arrested in Alabama early Sunday. According to Tuscaloosa Police Public Information Officer Stephanie Taylor, officers were called to a home shortly before 5:30 a.m. No additional details were provided but Taylor confirmed Buggs, 28, was taken into custody for second-degree domestic violence and second-degree burglary. He was transported to the Tuscaloosa County Jail to be put on a domestic violence hold. Police previously said the hold was for 12 hours but later confirmed it was set at 24 hours. Buggs was eventually released on a $5,000 bond. According to the Associated Press, the Chiefs were aware of the case but declined to comment. This is the second time in a month that Buggs has faced charges. In May, Buggs was charged with two counts of second-degree animal cruelty after two dogs were allegedly found starving and dirty on the back porch of a property he had been renting in Tuscaloosa. According to police, a neighbor reported seeing two dogs that were surrounded by feces on March 28 with no access to food or water, in addition to being out there for 10 days. One of the dogs has since been euthanized while another is being treated for Parvo. Buggs turned himself into the Tuscaloosa County Jail a day after arrest warrants were issued in that case. His bond was set at $600 $300 for each charge. He later posted bond and was released from jail. Buggs signed a $1,292,500 contract with Kansas City for the upcoming season. FILE- Then-Detroit Lions defensive end Isaiah Buggs (96) watches during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers in Detroit, Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File) Buggs played for Alabama in college before being signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers. After three seasons with Pittsburgh, Buggs play two seasons for the Detroit Lions. The Chiefs picked him up last year and planned to use him to shore up the middle of their line. But that was before they reached a long-term deal with All-Pro tackle Chris Jones and signed Derrick Nnadi and Tershawn Wharton, both of whom were hitting free agency. The Chiefs have had to deal with a series of off-the-field legal issues since beating the San Francisco 49ers in February. Wide receiver Rashee Rice faces eight felony charges from a high-speed crash in Dallas, and offensive linemen Chukwuebuka Godrick and Wanya Morris were arrested last month in Johnson County, Kansas, on a misdemeanor possession of marijuana. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2024 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 Queen City News. It appears crowdflation and alternative facts are once again tools in Trumpworlds arsenal. Kellyanne Conway tried to draw some distinction between Donald Trump and Joe Biden during an appearance on Maria Bartiromos Sunday Morning Futures, noting that Trump was making outreaches to Black voters. Kellyanne: You got Donald Trump in Detroit talking to 8000 people at a Black church pic.twitter.com/G1WPUkvGy2 Acyn (@Acyn) June 16, 2024 You got Donald Trump in Detroit talking to 8,000 people at a Black church, she told Bartiromo. However, what Conway failed to note was that Trump did not speak to 8,000 people nor was the majority of the crowd Black when Trump spoke at 180 Church in Detroit on Saturday. A Reuters report noted that the crowd was a diverse mixture of white and Black attendees and numbered in the hundreds, not thousands, and some attendees said they had just happened upon the scene by chance. The report also said that the event was not at capacity once it started. The crowd at Donald Trumps event at the 180 Church on Saturday. Scott Olson/Getty Footage shared online showed a crowd that appeared to be in the low hundreds. Several pews were packed with white attendees. BREAKING: Black church in Detroit ERUPTS in cheers for Trump as he arrives for the roundtable with various community leaders pic.twitter.com/pHknHMQwqc George (@BehizyTweets) June 15, 2024 Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Khanna says hes looking forward to a new generation leading this country after Biden is reelected Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) said he is looking forward to a new generation of leaders after President Biden is reelected to the White House. Khanna was asked by Peter Alexander on NBCs Meet the Press whether he is interested in running for president in the future, noting that he has been on the campaign trail for President Biden in recent weeks. Khanna did not say whether he would make a future bid for the White House but reiterated the need for new leaders for the country after Biden is elected to a second term. I am so focused, as is everyone, in trying to get President Biden elected. But I will say this: This country is hungry after that for a new generation. And weve got tremendous talent in our party, and there are young people on the other side as well, Khanna replied. And Im looking forward after President Biden is reelected to a new generation leading this country, he added. He also conceded earlier in the interview that it would be difficult to get young peoples support back for Biden, citing concerns with Israels ongoing war in Gaza against the militant group Hamas. Well, the biggest thing were running out of time is more people dying. And we have to remember the humanitarian stakes. But, yes, its a challenge for our party. Young people want a war to end. But what young people want is a vision, and the president started that with the cease-fire, he said. I hope he can go further, and he should call for two states. He should say in his second term hes going to convene a peace conference in the Middle East, recognize a Palestinian state without Hamas, work with Egypt, Saudi Arabia on it, Khanna added. Copyright 2024 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. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) said he will not attend Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus joint address to Congress, joining several other Democrats who have also vowed to boycott the speech. I will not attend that. I said that if he wants to come to speak to members of Congress about how to end the war and release hostages, I would be fine doing that. But Im not going to sit in a one-way lecture, he said on NBCs Meet the Press. He also agreed with Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) on the issue, who recently said he would not attend the joint session either. Clyburn said in an interview last week on NewsNations The Hill Sunday that he would treat him the same way he treated Barack Obama. And I agree with Representative Clyburn. I mean, how he treated President Obama, he should not expect reciprocity. That said, I think it should be polite, and were not going to make a big deal about it. Hes obviously addressing the Congress, and there has to be decorum, Khanna said. Netanyahu and former President Obama had a long-running feud in 2015 over Israels position on Palestinian statehood and U.S. efforts to get a nuclear deal with Iran. More than 50 Democrats did not attend Netanyahus address to Congress in 2015 after then-Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) invited him without first telling the White House, according to CNN. A growing number of Democrats have said they would not attend Netanyahus upcoming speech next month. Many of them are citing Netanyahus speech to Congress in 2015 as the reason, or the ongoing war in Gaza against the militant group Hamas. Copyright 2024 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. King Charles has been urged to revoke the royal warrants of Cadbury and Marmite-owner Unilever because of connections to Russia. Ukrainian campaigners sent a letter to the King ahead of his birthday on June 15 urging him to strip companies that continue to operate under Vladimir Putins regime of the coveted awards, which are given out to companies that supply the Royal Household. B4Ukraine highlighted Bacardi, Nestle, Unilever and Mondelez, the US parent of Cadbury, as businesses that should have the award revoked. Campaigners claimed the companies were indirectly contributing to the Russian war effort by continuing to maintain operations in the country. Campaigners wrote in their letter this week: The continued presence and financial support of these companies in Russia only serves to prolong the brutal war against Ukraine. We urge the Royal Family to stand in solidarity with Ukraine by demonstrating that companies contributing to the suffering and devastation in Ukraine will not be bestowed with the privilege and honour of holding a royal warrant. Such a decisive step would not only demonstrate the solidarity of the Royal Family with Ukraine but also convey that the Family does not condone the continued presence of these companies in Russia. B4Ukraine, a coalition of pro-Ukrainian organisations, has been trying to raise the issue with Buckingham Palace since February, when they sent an initial letter to the King, but so far have received no response. The group has previously stopped short of directly asking His Majesty to revoke companies warrants. Royal warrants are given out to companies that supply the Royal family, spanning everything from food and drink to electronics and furniture. The King and Queen Camilla issued their own Warrants in May. Unilever, Nestle, Bacardi and Cadbury were not given warrants by the King or Queen in the latest round of awards. However, the companies still hold warrants given by the late Queen Elizabeth II. Bacardi, which owns Martini, holds a warrant to supply the late Queen with vermouth while Cadbury holds a warrant to supply cocoa and chocolate. Nestle and Unilever both hold general warrants for food and household goods. The Royal household is currently reviewing the status of hundreds of royal warrants given out by the late Queen. A decision on which companies will retain them will come later this year. The King has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine. He said in February: I continue to be greatly encouraged that the United Kingdom and our allies remain at the forefront of international efforts to support Ukraine at this time of such great suffering and need. My heart goes out to all those affected, as I remember them in my thoughts and prayers. Western companies have come under pressure to cut ties with Russia as the war in Ukraine rages on. Some have exited the country altogether, while others have scaled down their businesses but remained there. Mondelez has split its Russian business off into a separate entity, scaled it back and pledged more than $15m (12m) to Ukrainian citizens, but continues operations there. The chocolate maker was criticised after its chief executive, Dirk Van de Put, claimed earlier this year that investors did not morally care that it remained in Russia. Mondelez itself does not have a warrant, but Cadbury has been a warrant-holder since 1854 when it was given one by Queen Victoria. Unilever faced protests outside its London headquarters last summer over its decision to keep manufacturing and selling essential goods in Russia. Its chief executive, Hein Schumacher, has argued this is the least worst option because, were Unilever to leave Russia, its assets could be seized by allies of Putin. A spokesman for Mondelez said: Cadbury is deeply proud to have been granted its first royal warrant in 1854 and has been a holder of a royal warrant from Her Late Majesty The Queen since 1955. A Nestle spokesman said the company was proud to have a warrant and pointed to a 2022 statement in which it said it had drastically reduced our portfolio in Russia. Nestle added it was only providing essential goods in Russia and had cut all capital investment there. Buckingham Palace declined to comment. Unilever and Bacardi were contacted for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Russian bots affiliated with a Kremlin disinformation network published 120,000 fake anti-Ukraine quotes falsely attributed to celebrities, including Jennifer Aniston and Scarlett Johansson, in one day, the independent Russian media outlet Agentsvo reported June 15. Quotes appeared over celebrity photos, displaying messages calling to end aid to Ukraine and describing European collapse. The images were published between June 14-15 by the Kremlin disinformation network Dvoynyk, a representative of the Bot Blocker project told Agentsvo. The fake quotes have since garnered over 500,000 views. The campaign reportedly began with Dvoynyk publishing 50 fake celebrity quotes and images on the social media platform X, then retweeting them over 120,000 times. Bot Blocker said this was standard for disinformation campaigns of this type, and that the project has recorded six similar operations over the past six months. The bots published posts in English, French, German, and Polish. The statements were connected to a range of famous people, including Ashton Kutcher, Jennifer Aniston, Scarlett Johansson, Angelina Jolie, Alain Delon, Luc Besson, Elton John, and Lionel Messi. "We are impoverished, it's time to forget about Ukraine," a quote falsely attributed to the actor Jennifer Aniston says. A fake Scarlett Johansson quote warns that "the EU is falling apart." The sentiments are echoed in a fake Elton John statement: "We fell into the Ukrainian trap. Now the EU is collapsing." The propoaganda campaign began immediately after the EU's parliamentary elections, in which far-right groups made significant gains. Russian disinformation campaigns intensified leading up to the vote in an attempt to sway the outcome. Read also: Bloomberg: Russian operative spreading Kremlin disinformation across Europe Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A Labour peer branded Rosie Duffield frit or lazy after she called off local hustings over safety concerns. Lord Cashman, a former EastEnders actor and Labour MEP, has since apologised for his comments about the Labour MP, who has been vocal on womens rights and female-only spaces. Ms Duffield is seeking to retain the Canterbury constituency seat she has held since 2017. Yet on Friday confirmed she would not be attending local hustings this year, telling of how the constant trolling, spite and misrepresentation from some was now affecting her sense of security and wellbeing. In a statement on X, the MP invited constituents to register for several secure local events she would be holding, writing: Since the start of this campaign, myself and many other candidates have had to be mindful of our own safety and the safety of our campaign teams. Ive had to spend time and money on personal security. Rosie Duffield, speaking in parliament However, in response to a BBC article on Ms Duffields decision, Lord Cashman wrote on X: Frit. Or lazy. Meanwhile, in another social media post, he said: She should do the decent thing and stand down if she wont face her constituents. Lord Cashmans comments came the day before the anniversary of Jo Coxs murder. The Batley and Spen Labour MP was stabbed and shot by a far-Right extremist in Birstall, West Yorkshire, on June 16 2016. And last month a man was given two eight-week prison sentences, suspended for two years, for sending Ms Duffield and author JK Rowling, who both share gender-critical views, a death threat. The Labour MP told The Times earlier in the week that she has spent 2,000 on bodyguards while campaigning. Former TV soap actor Lord Cashman - ROGER HARRIS Shadow health secretary Wes Streeting told Times Radio on Sunday: I strongly disagree with Michael (Cashman). That is extremely unfair and I was very concerned Rosies not able to participate in hustings and is having to change the way she behaves because of abuse. That is wholly intolerable and unacceptable, as is the abuse Nigel Farage has had. I count Michael and Rosie as friends and this is exactly the kind of division Ive been working really hard to try and work through and heal. Women and equalities minister Kemi Badenoch tweeted: I cant imagine what its like being Rosie in a party where her own colleagues continually attack her, just for standing up for women. The Tory MP added: This is now about more than womens rights, but how a party manages internal disagreement. Instead of healthy debate, its intimidation and abuse. Flowers and tributes left outside parliament after the death of Jo Cox - NICK EDWARDS If this is what they do to their own, imagine what they will do to our country. Posting later on X, Lord Cashman said: I apologise unreservedly for a post that I put out regarding the Labour candidate for Canterbury. I fully understand any complaints that will be sent to the Labour Party. The Jo Cox Foundation, set up in her memory, has condemned violence against candidates after Reform UK leader Mr Farage was attacked, including with a milkshake. Ms Duffield previously claimed that she had been given the cold shoulder by the Labour leadership over her views on trans issues. Last month, she complained that Sir Keir Starmer offered her no apology when the two finally spoke after she told a whip she had not been talked to in two-and-a-half years. The Telegraph has approached Ms Duffield for a comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Labours intention to repeal a law that protects Northern Ireland veterans from prosecution has been branded a dangerous act of vandalism that threatens the peace. Paul Young, from the Northern Ireland Veterans Movement, said he was shocked and appalled by Sir Keir Starmers plan to axe the Legacy Act. The landmark legislation, which was passed by the Tories last autumn, offers an amnesty for atrocities committed during the 30 years of the Troubles. It has been praised by military groups for ending the witch hunt of veterans but has been criticised by Northern Irish political parties and Dublin. In its manifesto, published last week, Labour committed to repealing the act which it said denies justice to the families and victims of the Troubles. Mr Young, a veteran of the Blues and Royals Household Cavalry and a former police officer in Northern Ireland, condemned the move. Johnny Mercer, Minister for Veterans' Affairs - Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire Writing for The Telegraph, he said: Repealing the Act would be a dangerous act of vandalism to Northern Irelands fragile peace. It would also be a slap in the face to the brave soldiers who had put their lives on the line to restore order and prevent a civil war in this country. I am shocked and appalled that Keir Starmer, someone who wants to be the prime minister, would repeatedly commit to repealing such an important law whilst using veterans to promote his party. Should he get the keys to Number 10, Starmer must rethink his position on this law which upholds so much for so many. Either he doesnt understand the veterans community, or he just doesnt care about us. Neither is acceptable. Tories are on side of veterans Johnny Mercer, the Veterans Affairs Minister, said: Difficult politics requires difficult decisions made by adults who actually believe in something. We are on the side of veterans and have backed up our strong words to make the UK the best country in the world to be a veteran with bold action. Keir Starmer on the other hand has made it clear he would happily side with his mates in the human rights lobby to continue to make the lives of British veterans and their families a misery, in Northern Ireland and elsewhere. By threatening to repeal this important Act that will restart prosecutions that have hounded many veterans even until death, Keir Starmer has revealed his disdain for British veterans. The Legacy Act has effectively stopped new inquests and civil cases being launched into potential crimes committed during the Troubles era. Under it perpetrators who come forward to a new Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery will be granted an amnesty. DUP and Sinn Fein opposed act Ministers have said this will mean victims, survivors and their families get closure whilst stopping the prosecution of elderly and often frail veterans. But the legislation was opposed by the two main Northern Irish parties, DUP and Sinn Fein, as well as the Irish government and human rights groups. They all argue that its conditional amnesty will rob victims of justice, whether they suffered at the hands of the IRA or the British armed forces. The legislation is also subject to legal challenges, including one from the relatives of a man who was shot dead in a Loyalist attack in 1997. In February the High Court in Belfast ruled in relation to that challenge that the immunity was in breach of the European Convention on Human rights. The UK Government responded to the verdict by saying it would appeal. Biden said Brits screwing around Last September the Irish Government also announced it was taking legal advice about lodging a challenge to the law at the European Court of Human Rights. Joe Biden, the US President who has Irish roots, has also made clear his opposition to the legislation which he said was the Brits screwing around. Sir Keir has repeatedly criticised the act, saying it was forced through without the support of either the Unionist or Republican communities in Northern Ireland. The Labour manifesto states: The Legacy Act denies justice to the families and victims of the Troubles. Labour will repeal and replace it, by returning to the principles of the Stormont House Agreement, and seeking support from all communities in Northern Ireland. Immunity to all, including terrorists A Labour spokesman said: The Legacy Act managed to unite just about everyone in Northern Ireland against it. The Conservatives Act offers immunity to all, including terrorists. It does not have the consent of the political parties and communities in Northern Ireland, and key parts of it were recently found by the courts to be unlawful. It simply cannot work. Labour is deeply proud of our Armed Forces personnel and veterans for the contribution they make to our country including those who served with great distinction in protecting the people of Northern Ireland. Labour has been clear that we will repeal and replace the Legacy Act working with all those affected, including the veterans community, on a process of reconciliation and a desire for the truth. Legacy Act stopped witch hunt of brave veterans By Paul Young The NI Legacy Act has drawn a line under one of the most traumatic periods in our countrys history, the Troubles. It has stopped a witch hunt of brave veterans who can now go about their lives without the fear of prosecution weighing on their minds. It has also helped provide fair routes to justice, getting better outcomes for victims, survivors and their families. The Act protects soldiers who had been investigated and cleared but were being repeatedly taken to court without new evidence for political gain. Both as a veteran myself and through my work with the Northern Ireland Veterans Movement, I have seen the damaging impact on veterans, their families and victims. Not only is this traumatic for old soldiers who are hauled before the courts, but it enflames the wounds for victims and their families and deepens division in Northern Ireland. Although its been well over 50 years since the Troubles began, its scars are still fresh in the minds of its veterans and its survivors. Repealing the Act would be a dangerous act of vandalism to Northern Irelands fragile peace. It would also be a slap in the face to the brave soldiers who had put their lives on the line to restore order and prevent a civil war in this country. Passing the NI Legacy Act was clearly the right thing to do, despite some vociferous opposition. Veterans now have peace of mind, because of the NI Legacy Act and the work of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR). The dedicated Minister for Veterans in the Cabinet, who understands what veterans need and is interested in fighting for veterans rights, has informed the public of the dire plight of veterans. He has made the veterans voices heard loud and clear and it has made a difference. This Government has been different, and they have made noticeable gains in what it actually feels like to be a veteran in this country. This government promised to deliver legislation to protect veterans who served in Northern Ireland, and they have delivered on that promise despite opposition from other parties. Veterans are used to hearing meaningless words about how much politicians value the veteran community in election times. I am shocked and appalled that Keir Starmer, someone who wants to be the Prime Minister would repeatedly commit to repealing such an important law whilst using veterans to promote his party. Should he get the keys to Number 10, Starmer must rethink his position on this law which upholds so much for so many. Either he doesnt understand the veterans community, or he just doesnt care about us. Neither is acceptable. There are 1.8 million veterans in the UK who have given everything for this country. Protecting us from vexatious litigation should not be a lot to ask. This act must not be repealed. Paul Young is a veteran of the Blues and Royals Household Cavalry and the senior policy adviser to Justice for Northern Ireland Veterans Original Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Wes Streetings admission yesterday that Labour has spending plans beyond what it promised in its manifesto ought to blow open the doors and prompt a proper examination of what exactly a Sir Keir Starmer government would do. On television, the shadow health secretary admitted that the Labour manifesto is not the partys real plan for government. This ought not to be a surprise: Starmer has form during his own leadership campaign of making promises only to junk them as soon as he wins. The manifesto is a document only the credulous could believe. Labour promises a revolution in the NHS, funded by closing a couple of tax loopholes it says will be easily done. It claims it will decarbonise the power grid by 2030 an objective said to be impossible by experts with a fifth of the budget it originally set for itself to do the job. Even the tax rises that Labour does admit to mean, based on official forecasts, it would take Britains overall tax burden to the highest percentage of our national wealth ever: more even than the previous record set by Clement Attlee in 1948. But of course, its published plans are make-believe. As Paul Johnson of the Institute for Fiscal Studies says, Labours manifesto offers no indication that there is a plan for where the money would come from to finance its promises. This is because, as shadow cabinet leaks reported in The Guardian confirm, Starmer and his shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves plan an emergency budget this autumn. In that budget, the party will claim the finances are far worse than feared even though all the data it needs is already published and freely available and put up a dozen new taxes. According to a source familiar with the plan, Reeves wants to take a kitchen sink approach in order to increase tax income. The source admitted: This is not what they are presenting the public with right now. This is straight from the Labour playbook. Starmer and Reeves boast of how they have learned from the New Labour years. In 1997, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown had already agreed to abolish tax relief on dividends received by pension funds, but they kept the plan out of the manifesto and bullied the Guardian editor to stop him reporting it. In 2001, they refused to tell the country of their plan to hike national insurance contributions to fund extra health spending. Now Starmer and Reeves refuse to tell us their secret tax plans at this election. Labour has promised not to put up income tax, national insurance contributions or VAT. But it claims as with the imposition of VAT onto school fees that the removal of a relief is not a tax rise. So any existing tax reliefs on pension contributions, for example, or business taxes are out of the scope of the pledge. Labour has been remarkably unsubtle about its approach to taxing pensions. The refusal to back the Conservative triple lock plus policy which pledges to stop the basic state pension being dragged into income tax by linking its value to pensioners personal tax allowances can only mean that it plans to tax the state pension itself. Indeed, it suggests that it will freeze income tax thresholds completely throughout the next five years even though its spokesmen and shadow ministers continue to claim that people are not going to be paying more income tax. Then there is the question of applying capital gains tax to family homes. First, Angela Rayner, Labours deputy leader, refused to rule out doing this during the ITV debate last week. And then, Sir Keir Starmer did the same during his BBC interview with Nick Robinson. On Saturday, Starmers campaign director, Morgan McSweeney, liked a social media post saying Labour should raise capital gains tax to bring 15 billion into the Treasury. No doubt Starmer will claim, as he does with school fees, that this would not be a tax rise, for technically it would be the removal of a tax relief. For this is the logic of Labour: the instinct of Starmer and his party. Anything that is not taxed is treated with suspicion a privilege to be removed by the state. And so everything will be fair game. Business taxes, pension taxes, driving taxes, property taxes, green taxes on energy bills they are all in Labours sights. It even wants to enshrine tax and spend and redistribution in law, imposing on public bodies a legal duty to reduce inequality. This was dangerous enough when it was first mooted in 2010, during the passage of the Equality Act. In the age of critical race theory and the pursuit of equity it will lead to catastrophic one might even say systemic unfairness. And this is the lesson of Labours manifesto and its wider campaign. Listen very carefully to what it says. Pay close attention to what it does not say. And try to understand not just the policies put forward, but the instincts and motives that guide them. We cannot know what will happen next year, let alone what might happen in the year 2029. In the next five years, we will face economic challenges, geopolitical threats, and the dangers of terrorism. Key risks include another pandemic, the loss of telecommunications cables, and the disruption of food or energy supplies. How a government responds to the unknown is informed by the instincts of its leaders. Starmer fought to overturn the Brexit referendum, campaigned to make Jeremy Corbyn prime minister, sought to block the deportation of foreign criminals, wanted Covid lockdowns to go on for longer and at greater expense, backed divisive critical race theory and discredited gender ideology, and in response to Black Lives Matter, chose to take the knee for the cameras. The polls suggest we are heading for a massive Labour majority. If it gets it, we know what to expect. It is clear, not just from what Starmer says and what he does not but from his instinctive response to every challenge. There is no problem to which his response is not higher taxes, more government, and legalistic interventionism. These are not the ingredients for us. We will need a strong Conservative Party to stand up to him. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. (Bloomberg) -- Labours shadow health secretary, Wes Streeting, urged Englands junior doctors to cancel a round of strikes planned before the UKs general election next month, and pledged to seek a compromise to end more than a year of industrial action from day one if his party wins the July 4 vote. Most Read from Bloomberg If theres a Labour government on the fifth of July, one of my first calls will be to the junior doctors representatives, Streeting told BBC TV in an interview. Ill be asking the department straight away to initiate the urgent resumption of talks so we can negotiate an end to the strikes once and for all. Streeting whose Labour Party leads the governing Conservatives by around 20 points in recent polls and looks set for power is seeking to draw a line under 15 months of damaging strikes by junior doctors thats led to more than 1.4 million appointments being rescheduled, increasing pressure on near-record National Health Service waiting lists. Last week, the latest NHS data showed waiting lists rose by more than 33,000 to 7.57 million in April almost 360,000 greater than in January 2023, when Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made reducing them one of his five core promises to voters. Junior doctors with the British Medical Association are set to walk out for five days from June 27 to July 2 in the run-up to the general election, after months of failed talks on pay between their representatives and Sunaks governing Conservatives. The BMA has already staged at least 38 days of strikes since first holding a walkout in March last year, while other unions have also taken action. I dont think theres anything to be achieved by having strikes in the election campaign, Streeting said in a separate Sunday interview with Sky News. He warned that going ahead with the industrial action will mean more untold misery for patients and leave junior doctors out of pocket, and he pledged to speak with their representatives on day one of a Labour government. Streeting reiterated Labour leader Keir Starmers comments that the party wont be able to deliver on the BMAs demands for a 35% pay rise if it gets into power. But he said the party would be willing to negotiate on pay and improve working conditions for doctors if he becomes health secretary. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Lakelands first commercial airline in over a decade Avelo Airline takes off with a nonstop service flight from Floridas Lakeland International Airport to southern Connecticut. The flight will leave from Lakelands International Airport to Tweed-New Haven Airport. Avelo said the flight is the first and only airline to offer a nonstop service between Lakeland and Connecticut. Read: Wizard of Oz museum will move to this Central Florida city The airlines will operate this route twice weekly, on Thursdays and Sundays, in a Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. Fares will start at $81. Read: Taste the Force: OREO goes into hyperspace with its new Star Wars inspired cookie Lakeland City manager Shawn Sherrouse said, We are filled with optimism about our airport and the travel possibilities that Avelo Airlines will bring to our residents. This is only the beginning of a promising partnership journey, Click here for more information about the new flight. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. PATERSON, N.J. (WPIX) A New Jersey family is picking up the pieces after a large chunk of ice fell from the sky and ripped through their attic. While living under a busy flight path in Paterson, New Jersey just 15 miles north of Newark the roar of a jet engine is nothing new to the Gomez family. That was until Wednesday night, when a thunderous crash startled the family. It was caused by a massive chunk of ice that rocketed through their roof. It went through the roof, hit the floor so hard it cracked the second-floor ceiling, Paul Gomez, who bought the house just a few months ago, told Nexstars WPIX. Luckily, we didnt get hit. Video: Goats on the loose at Ohio amusement park, days after camels escape We were sitting down, having a great time, eating with family, when out of nowhere we heard a helicopter noise, his daughter, Sabrina, recalled. They all ran inside to their third floor and found destruction. A review of nearby flights from Newark Airport around 9:42 p.m. shows several aircraft flew close by or right over their neighborhood. The police officer said it was probably from an airplane, Gomez said. A New Jersey family is picking up the pieces after a large chunk of ice fell from the sky and ripped through their attic on June 12, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Paul Gomez) The Federal Aviation Administration is aware of the freak accident that experts believe came from an airplane. Accidental aircraft biohazard discharges that form into ice have happened but are rare, according to aviation experts. Its a wild card here what caused this, remarked Dr. Joe Schwieterman, a transportation professor at DePaul University who studies such phenomena. A really unusual situation, but something about the chemistry of the plane, the water or lavatories or external from the plane. Its scary stuff. The Gomez family said there was no odor left behind, and the ice had a bluish hue. It was kind of a bluish ice color, like an iceberg, Sabrina explained. Teen entrepreneur opening first New Jersey restaurant The FAA told WPIX it generally investigates incidents like this. The damage from this skyfall could cost the family up to $20,000, Gomez said. One in a million. One in a million. It just had to be my house. The FAA told the family it would be on site Monday to investigate, but for now, it would be up to his insurance to cover the bill. Copyright 2024 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 Queen City News. Large fight at Galilee ferry dock Saturday night leads to arrest of 7 people, police say NARRAGANSETT A large group of people brawled on a dock for Block Island ferries in Galilee on Saturday evening, engaging in a fight that drew the police and led to the arrest of seven people, according to Police Chief Sean Corrigan. Two people were taken to the hospital with injuries, Corrigan said. Narragansett police officers faced resistance and interference from people at the scene in Galilee as they tried to control the situation, Corrigan said Sunday. The police initially went to the docks at 304 Great Island Rd. at 8:12 p.m. after they were told 20 to 30 people were fighting. Officer Brandon Gagnon, the first to reach the scene, called for backup, Corrigan said. "As officers were making arrests, numerous individuals began interfering and were given warnings to stand back or they would be arrested for obstructing," Corrigan said. The Block Island Ferry pulling into Galilee. Brockton man charged with felony assault Five of the accused, whose ages range from 28 to 42, are from Brockton, Massachusetts, including a 42-year-old man who faces a charge of felony assault. The same man, who faces the most serious slate of charges, is also accused of resisting arrest, obstructing and disorderly conduct. Corrigan identified a sixth person as a 32-year-old Providence man who faces a charge of disorderly conduct. He also mentioned the arrest of a 16-year-old. Corrigan did not name the teenager, who is charged with simple assault and disorderly conduct, because of the person's underage status. In 2022, a fight that took place on a ferry led to a state police response with troopers boarding the ferry before it arrived at the dock. Seven people were charged in that fight. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Police arrest 7 after fight at Block Island ferry dock in Galilee Residents protest the solar farms that Hexagon Energy is planning as they line up by the County-City Building in South Bend on June 11, 2024. Some North Liberty area residents are raising opposition to a project that could plant solar farms on 2,300 to 2,500 acres of farmland, pitting one view of environmental protection against another. Scott Remer of Hexagon Energy sees this as a way to let exhausted farm fields rest, replenished by native and pollinator-friendly plants, while the long rows of solar panels quietly do their work across 35- to 40-year leases that the company has secured from the property owners. The 300 megawatt collection of panels enough to power 50,000 homes would feed into the nearby Dumont electrical substation. Because its one of the most powerful substations in the U.S., Remer, senior director of development, said that makes for a low-cost opportunity for Hexagon to simply plug and play. But opponents see a misnomer in solar farm. They see a loss of food-producing land often corn or soybeans that would be replaced by glass-and-metal industrial products. They argue that it would disrupt the rural vistas that drew them to live there, along with a series of claims that it could interfere with wildlife. Among them, Amanda Mitchell on Riley Road started a website and effort called Rethink Industrial Solar in St. Joseph County after Hexagon recently asked to run a transmission line through her property. Her surprise and negative reaction came after Hexagon had already spent a few years reaching out to and establishing leases with specific sites where it wanted to erect solar panels. Initially, neighbors cited that the company planned solar fields directly south of Potato Creek State Park along Indiana 4. But a more recent map from Hexagon shows nothing along Indiana 4. All of the scattered parcels with Hexagon leases are south of there. This map shows the more than 2,000 acres where Hexagon Energy is lining up leases for solar farms near North Liberty as of June 2024. The proposed changes come to the countys Area Plan Commission at 3:30 p.m. June 18 for a public hearing, then the commissions vote on a recommendation. Ultimately, it would come to the county council for a final vote on July 9. The complaints spurred St. Joseph County officials to propose changes to retighten zoning ordinances that, in 2020, had been relaxed to actually encourage such large-scale solar operations on farmland. What's in the proposed changes County council member Amy Drake, whos pushing the bill, feels the residents concerns. She said the current regulations are so lax that solar can grow out of control. She said neighbors are right to be nervous about the unknowns of what large-scale solar operations could do to farmland. I and others on the council are pushing for a special use requirement for solar, Drake said, so that we have an opportunity to vote and consider each solar farm that goes on ag land and so that we can make sure that we don't end up with an overgrowth of solar and too much of a loss of our agricultural land. As the ordinance is written now, solar farms can set up without ever coming to the county council for a hearing. The proposed changes would require a special use permit for agriculturally zoned land thus, a council review and vote. The changes also would set requirements for landscaping between the solar panels that benefit pollinating insects and birds, along with clarifying the agreement for how the solar panels will be removed once the land leases end decades later. The changes would require that the solar panels are set back at least 250 feet from a non-participating neighbors home or 150 feet from that neighbors property line, whichever is greater. Plus, there would have to be a visual buffer of evergreen trees when solar panels are next to a subdivision with more than 10 plots. Remer said such changes are all good, but the company feels as if the county is doing a bait and switch after hes spent years communicating with county departments on the project. Were struggling with how to adapt, he said. He also noted that the company is willing to exclude certain areas and plant bushes and other vegetation as visual buffers. He said Hexagon also has funding and plans for taking down the panels when their time expires. Our goal is to make this as non-impactful as possible, he said. Going for a solar moratorium? Now Drake wants to get even stricter. She suggests that the setback requirement should grow to 500 feet. County planning staff report that, statewide, other counties typically require setbacks of 100 to 300 feet. If and when the proposed changes pass, Drake and council member Randy Figg, whose district includes North Liberty, are urging Area Plan Commission to also put forth a county moratorium on solar farms. Drake said she feels more encouraged as she senses more residents in the opposition. Opponents nearly filled the council chambers at Tuesdays meeting, and just prior to that, several had lined the street in front the County-City Building with signs of Stop Solar Farms and Save Our Farmland. In central Indiana, Boone County officials passed such a solar-farm moratorium this year. LaPorte County officials are drafting one. And Marshall County officials are considering one. St. Joseph County already has two large-scale solar operations: the Honeysuckle Solar Farm on about 1,000 acres near New Carlisle and Indiana Michigan Powers 210-acre solar farm in Granger. Drake said shes heard there could be a few other solar farms in the works in the county. A moratorium, she said, would be a way to put a pause on solar to explore what the impacts really are. But she also questions solar as a reliable replacement for other forms of energy, the government subsidies that support solar and whether solar panels can be recycled at their lifes end. Linda Matzat and her husband treasure their property where rare wildflowers grow in 40 acres of native forest that they preserve and in yet more acres of native prairie and ecosystems that theyd planted. They, too, firmly said no when Hexagon approached them for access. She admits that they are in the bottom of the learning curve with solar farms, but they are bothered by online claims that they havent been able to investigate, such as one that says waterfowl can be harmed if they dive toward solar panels, mistaking them for water. Residents protest the solar farms that Hexagon Energy is planning as they line up by the County-City Building in South Bend on June 11, 2024. Amanda Richman, who lives close to Lakeville, stood among protesters Tuesday and said there should be a moratorium, because people need time to investigate the issue, and farmers need time to investigate what theyre getting into. Another man, giving only his name Richard, who lives three miles from the potential solar operations, said he didnt want to lose the pastoral landscape that he chose to live among. But he also said, Im here to listen to both sides. The council didnt allow public comment Tuesday on the solar ordinance, as President Mark Root said thered be time for that in the upcoming meetings. What next for Hexagon's project? Remer told The Tribune that hes quietly heard frustrations from farmers with whom hes secured leases. He said they feel as though neighbors are interfering with their right to earn income from their land. And he counters the impression that he was operating in secret to establish the leases. Hed sent letters to residents where Hexagon wanted access but didnt reach out to other neighbors, he said, because the process didnt require it. He also said Hexagon isnt a large, faceless corporation. Based in Charlottesville, Va., it started with four employees and now has about 30, working primarily in Indiana, Illinois, Arkansas, Mississippi and Virginia. Remer himself is raising a young family. The project near North Liberty needs time before it can actually happen. Remer said that Hexagon has applied to hook into the electrical grid with the organization PJM, which coordinates the movement of electricity in a grid from New Jersey and Washington, D.C., to North Carolina to South Bend and Chicago. By the end of next year, he said, Hexagon may hear the decision from PJM about whether its bid for access to the grid is feasible. If it does move ahead, Remer said, the electricity will pour into the grid like water feeding into a water main. So, some of the power could end up being used locally or further down the line. The countys planning staff reports that theyd studied Indianas 92 counties and found 53 that have set regulations for large-scale or commercial solar operations. Of those, staff report, 26% allow large-scale operations in agricultural districts without a public hearing process, like St. Joseph County, and 59% require a special or conditional use permit, as the county now proposes. When the county council passed revisions to the ordinance in 2020, they'd reportedly billed it as making this one of the best places in the nation to develop solar. South Bend Tribune reporter Joseph Dits can be reached at 574-235-6158 or jdits@sbtinfo.com. This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: North Liberty solar farm sees opposition in county ordinance changes LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A man faces attempted murder charges after accusing his girlfriend of infidelity and trying to strangle her, according to an arrest report obtained by 8 News Now. Las Vegas Metro police arrested Marsean Harris, 30, on June 12 on charges of attempted murder, two counts of domestic battery by strangulation, domestic battery, and coercion with physical force, records showed. Marsean Harris, 30, attempted murder, two counts of domestic battery with strangulation, another count of domestic battery, coercion of use of physical force. (LVMPD) Around 8 a.m., police responded to a report of a mother seeking medical attention for her daughter, who had been assaulted by her boyfriend. The victim said that her boyfriend, identified as Harris, pinned her down and headbutted her, causing injuries near her face, eye and neck. Police the injuries on her neck came from Harriss nails during the fight, not strangulation, according to police. Harris, who was in a relationship with the victim for about a year, admitted to forcefully grabbing her and elbowing her face accidentally during what he described as roughhousing. He claimed he cleaned up the blood and they went to bed. The next morning, noticing her injuries, he offered to take her to a doctor, which she declined, according to the report. During a taped hospital interview, the victim told police that Harris has trust issues and accused her of being dishonest. On June 1, around 4 p.m., an argument ensued when Harris accused her of lying while she spoke with her aunt, leading her to leave for a family members house, the report said. Upon returning home, Harris headbutted her, causing her to fall off the bed, then proceeded to punch her multiple times, resulting in a nosebleed. Subsequently, he attempted to strangle her for 10 to 30 seconds while she struggled, according to police. Police said she managed to free herself and went to the bathroom to tend to her injuries, where she claims that Harris came in to assist her before leaving. The report said that the victims cooperativeness was wavering back and forth due to her being scared of Harris. While in the hospital, Harris repeatedly called and tested the victim, and when other visitors showed up at the hospital Harris sent a text saying I see you have too many people up there, according to the report. Harris claimed he knew about her hospitalization through phone conversations but avoided visiting due to concerns about her familys presence, police said. Harris was told that the extent of injuries caused was not consistent with his allegations of them just horseplaying, and was later transported to CCDC where he was booked. Harris is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. (Bloomberg) -- Far-right leader Marine Le Pen said she wont try to push out President Emmanuel Macron if she wins Frances snap parliamentary election in an appeal to moderates and investors. Most Read from Bloomberg Im respectful of institutions, and Im not calling for institutional chaos, Le Pen told Le Figaro newspaper. There will simply be cohabitation. Le Pen is reaching out to mainstream voters as she aims to cement a majority in the next parliament, a result that would constitute an earthquake in European politics. Her group, the National Rally, is already on track to become the biggest party in the lower house, a prospect which has caused alarm among investors, Frances international partners and a section of the French public. Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets across France on Saturday to oppose Le Pens stance on human rights, the environment and the economy. Financial markets have also tumbled since Macron dissolved the National Assembly a week ago, with about $210 billion wiped off the value of French stocks. The chaos is him, she told Le Figaro. Social chaos, chaos on security issues, chaos with migration, and now, institutional chaos. The National Rally is on track to win 35% of the vote in the first round on June 30, according to an Ifop poll published Sunday in Le Journal Du Dimanche. The left-wing Popular Front would come second with 26% while Macrons Renaissance was third at 19%. Those projections are broadly in line with a previous survey conducted Monday and Tuesday. Le Pen said that if she can form a majority either with National Rally lawmakers alone, or with allies she would lead her groups parliamentary caucus and 28-year-old party leader Jordan Bardella will become prime-minister. The two-round election concludes on July 7. Beyond the general sense of alarm surrounding a politician who once supported Vladimir Putin and campaigned for France to leave the euro, investors concerns about Le Pen focus on three areas: Ukraine, the European Union and, most of all, the budget. Frances constitutional structure means that sometimes the presidency and the legislature can be controlled by different parties, although its happened less frequently than in the US. The last time was in 1997. In that situation, the president is responsible for foreign policy and defense, but its the prime minister who controls domestic issues such as fiscal policy. Even under Macron, whos made budget restraint part of his pitch to voters, France has been backsliding on a pledge made earlier this year to cut the budget deficit and investors worry that the situation could deteriorate rapidly under a populist government run by Le Pen and Bardella. The National Rally hasnt yet set out its policy proposals in detail but it has said it would slash sales taxes on fuel and energy at a cost of about 20 billion ($21 billion) and pledged to take back control of energy policy from the EU. It has also promised to lower the retirement age to 60 and increase wages for some public servants. Financial markets dont really understand the National Rallys project, Le Pen told Le Figaro. They have only heard the caricature of our project. When they read about it, they find it rather reasonable. Bank of France Governor Francois Villeroy de Galhau said Wednesday the next government must quickly clarify its economic policy while Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire, a close ally of Macron, warned that a Le Pen victory would trigger a financial crisis in France. Le Pens Pivot Le Pen has spent years trying to soften the image of her movement, which was founded by her father, a holocaust denier and anti-semite. All the same, in the presidential election of 2022, she proposed a crackdown on immigration that would have involved expelling undocumented migrants. Bardella has portrayed immigration from Africa as a threat to French culture and has at times endorsed the great replacement conspiracy theory, which says that White, Christian Europeans are being supplanted by Muslim or non-Western migrants. On Russia, Le Pen has tried to recalibrate her position as the war in Ukraine transformed public perceptions of Putin. She has praised the heroic resistance of the Ukrainian people but shes also criticized international sanctions on Russia and the National Rally abstained in a vote earlier this year on providing security guarantees to Kyiv. (Updates with latest polls in fifth paragraph) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. At least 1,200 evacuated as wildfire near Los Angeles spreads to 12,000 acres At least 1,200 people have been ordered to evacuate as a wildfire located near Los Angeles spreads to more than 12,000 acres. The Post Fire has spread to about 12,265 acres and is just 2 percent contained, according to the latest update from Cal Fire as of Sunday afternoon. Cal Fire said that California State Park Services had evacuated about 1,200 people from Hungry Valley Park, where officials say that the fire is moving toward. There are also evacuation warnings in place for south of Pyramid Lake between Old Ridge Route and the Los Angeles County line, including Paradise Ranch Estate, according to Cal Fire. The Los Angeles Fire Department said its firefighters are working to construct perimeter fire lines around the flakes of the fire. Slightly higher temperatures and lower humidity are expected to continue through the weekend, residents are reminded to remain vigilant and be prepared to evacuate if fire activity changes. Winds are expected to increase from 9:00 P.M. to midnight. Gusts are up to 30 MPH, with stronger winds at the ridge tops, reaching over 50 MPH, Cal Fire said in its latest incident summary. The National Weather Service in Los Angeles issued a red flag warning for the I-5 corridor in Los Angeles County until 5 p.m. on Monday due to high wind and low humidity. The service said there could be wind gusts of 45-55 mph on Sunday that increase to 60-70 mph tonight. The California Governors Office of Emergency Services positioned firefighting equipment and personnel around the state to address the fire, the office announced on Saturday. Copyright 2024 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. At least nine people were injured after a gunman opened fire at a splash pad in a Detroit suburb on Saturday. Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard said during a press conference that an eight-year-old boy is in critical condition following a gunshot wound to the head. He said that the boys brother, a 4-year-old, and his mother were also injured in the shooting. The Associated Press noted that authorities initially thought as many as 10 were injured, but they later revised that number. Bouchard said the suspect fired his weapon at least 28 times. The six other victims were all 30 or older and in stable condition. This includes one husband and wife couple and one 78-year-old man. The shooting occurred at about 5 p.m. local time at a recreational splash pad in Rochester Hills, Mich., which is a suburb of Detroit. Bouchard said that the shooting appeared to be random, noting that the suspect may have just decided to go there to find victims. Law enforcement tracked the suspect back to a residence in Shelby Township, Mich., about 11 minutes from the splash pad. After police tried to make contact with him, they breached the home and found the suspect dead, according to Bouchard. Bouchard said the suspect appeared to have died by a self-inflicted gun wound. They are still investigating what the motive may have been. The Associated Press contributed. Copyright 2024 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. Nine people, including two children, have been shot and wounded at a city-run water park near Detroit in what appeared to be a random attack, police have said. Two children were among the victims, including an eight-year-old who was shot in the head and is in critical condition, after a shooter opened fire at the Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad park, where families had gathered to escape the summer heat. Authorities on Sunday identified the man who opened fire at a splash pad in suburban Detroit before taking his own life, but his motives remained unknown as investigators worked to determine if he left behind any hint of his plans. An Oakland county sheriffs spokesperson, Stephen Huber, said the shooter was 42-year-old Michael William Nash of Shelby Township. Sheriff Mike Bouchard said on Saturday evening that the gunman had no prior criminal history but apparently suffered privately from what the sheriff called mental health challenges. Its our understanding that he was undergoing some mental health challenges, but no one that we know of was notified, Bouchard said during an evening news conference. Authorities said Nash drove to suburban Rochester Hills, Michigan, on Saturday and opened fire at a splash pad in a city park around 5pm. A splash pad is a recreational area with a nonslip surface where people can play in fountains and water sprays. The sheriff said Nash fired as many as 28 times, stopping several times to reload. In the chaos, people were falling, getting hit, trying to run, Bouchard said. Terrible things that unfortunately all of us in our law enforcement business have seen way too much. Related: US breaks record for most mass shootings in single year after weekend murders The gunman was apparently in no rush. Just calmly walked back to his car, the sheriff said. Nine people were injured, including an eight-year-old boy who was shot in the head; his four-year-old brother, who was shot in the leg; and the boys mother, who was wounded in the abdomen and leg. The eight-year-old boy and the mother were both listed in critical condition on Saturday evening. The four-year-old was in stable condition. The six other victims, all at least 30 years old, were in stable condition on Saturday night. Huber, the sheriffs spokesperson, said all the victims conditions were unchanged as of Sunday morning. Police heard the 911 call reporting the shooting as it came in, Bouchard said, because the agency uses a service that simultaneously sends emergency calls to first responders. An officer was at the scene within two minutes, he said. Bouchard said the first deputies who arrived immediately began providing first aid including tourniquets. Officers also were able to quickly come up with a likely address, and a car matching the suspects vehicle was at the residence. Deputies surrounded the home and tried to make contact with the suspect inside to no avail, Bouchard said. After deploying a drone, they eventually entered the home and found the suspect dead inside. Another weapon was found in the home, and the quick containment of the suspect may have prevented a second chapter to the shooting, the sheriff said. A handgun and three empty magazines were recovered at the scene of the shootings, the sheriff said. Police cordoned off the area with tape, and dozens of yellow evidence markers lay on the ground among colorful folding chairs. When I got on scene I started to cry because I know what a splash pad is supposed to be, the Rochester Hills mayor, Bryan Barnett, said a place where people gather and have fun. The shooting was a reminder that we live in a fragile place, Barnett said. Rochester Hills is about 30 miles (50km) north of Detroit. The neighboring community, Oxford Township, also in Oakland county, was the scene of a 2021 mass school shooting in which student Ethan Crumbley, then 15, killed four students and wounded six other students and a teacher at Oxford high school. Its a gut punch, obviously, for us here in Oakland county, Bouchard said. Weve gone through so many tragedies, you know. Were not even fully comprehending what happened at Oxford. Michigans governor, Gretchen Whitmer, said on X, I am heartbroken to learn about the shooting in Rochester Hills. In the US as of Saturday, there had been more than 215 mass shootings so far this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive. The non-partisan online resource defines a mass shooting as one in which four or more victims are wounded or killed. Such a high rate of mass shootings in the US has prompted calls to Congress for lawmakers to pass more substantial gun-control measures, but such requests have largely gone unheeded. Reuters and Associated Press contributed to this report Letters to the Editor: Trump's billionaire donors are telling the rest of us to go eat cake Supporters rally in anticipation of former President Trump's arrival at a fundraiser in San Francisco on June 6. (Josh Edelson / AFP via Getty Images) To the editor: Inside a multimillion-dollar residence, barricaded from the masses by police for six city blocks in San Francisco, tech leaders met earlier this month to voice their support and open their wallets for former President Trump. As one attendee who flipped political allegiance pointed out, he witnessed "how 'the apparatus' media and other governmental institutions went against [Trump]. Therefore, as a member of the newly persecuted, he was forced to switch teams. That poor guy and all of those poor mightily wealthy people, forced to flip their allegiance on a dime (billions of them). However, living in California means they won't suffer personally. If an abortion is needed, theyll get one. If their child is transgender, proper medical attention is at hand. Therefore, I offer the following as their Pledge of Allegiance: "My principles be damned as long as I can have whatever I want, whenever I want, handed to me by a sociopathic, narcissistic, woefully underqualified, convicted felon. Let the rest of you eat cake." Mollie Tammone, Oceanside .. To the editor: In its article on Trump fundraisers in Southern California, The Times quoted Donald Holly Sr., a Donald Trump supporter, as saying that under Trump, there were "no world wars everything was going on fine." The Times should have pointed out that, in fact, the U.S. was at war in Afghanistan for the entire length of Trump's term. And that, contrary to the idea that everything was "fine," there was a devastating pandemic that killed hundreds of thousands of Americans during the final year of Trump's presidency. Holly is free to live in an alternate reality, but The Times should not have published his quotes without clarifying that they have no basis in this reality. Brian Fodera, Sherman Oaks .. To the editor: I noticed this quote from a Trump supporter in Monday's Times, stating that he was alarmed by Trump's recent conviction because "if it can happen to him, it can happen to anyone." Well, yes: Nobody is above the law. Isn't that the point? Robert Price, San Clemente .. To the editor: I can't speak for them, but if I were a veteran who had selflessly and courageously risked my life in Afghanistan or a family member of one of those brave men and women and I read that Trump and his supporters bragged that during his term there were no wars, I know how I'd feel. Douglas Green, Sherman Oaks This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. SIR Does Sir Keir Starmer really want to be remembered as the man whose first priority was to disrupt the education of thousands of children by charging VAT on private schools (Private school levy will be harmful, says ex-Ofsted boss, report, June 16)? It remains to be seen how many parents will bite the bullet and find the extra money. Contrary to what Sir Keir clearly believes, many parents make considerable sacrifices to afford school fees, and will continue to do so. Inevitably, there are going to be problems for both them and some schools, so perhaps the Labour Party would like to make it clear what it is going to do to provide extra places in state schools, particularly for children with special needs for whom there is already a chronic lack of facilities. David Wedgwood Cowlinge, Suffolk SIR As well as offering greater educational choice to families within Britain, boarding schools are an export product bringing millions of pounds from international markets directly into local economies. Many of our boarding schools provide work for hundreds of people from a variety of backgrounds and skill sets, often in coastal or rural communities where large-scale employment can be sparse. Adding 20 per cent onto the fees of independent boarding schools is going to put a lot of this at risk. It is also going to make access to them more exclusive, particularly as those that do not close will undoubtedly have to increase their fees and reduce their scholarship and bursary funds in response. I would, therefore, urge Labour to reconsider the wider potential damage this policy may inflict. Charles Sharp Housemaster, St Lawrence College Ramsgate, Kent SIR Christs Hospital (founded in 1552 by Royal Charter) is probably the school which enables the most social mobility among its 900 pupils, with the vast majority receiving bursaries for their education and boarding and many not paying any fees whatsoever. Applying VAT will not significantly increase the fees paid to the school because the affordability rules would negate it. All the charitys income comes from endowments and donations; it is clear that these cannot suddenly increase by 20 per cent. Nearly all students proceed to further education, an opportunity many would simply not have been able to dream of achieving without this particular school. Surely Labours intention cannot have been to reduce the number of young people from challenging backgrounds who are, without doubt, granted a life-enhancing educational opportunity through Christs Hospital. But this will be the consequence of such a policy. Declan Salter Chenies, Buckinghamshire The costs of lockdown SIR Janet Daley is right to stress the colossal and enduring economic and social costs of the Covid lockdowns (Comment, June 16). As we show in our recent paper in Issues in Law & Medicine, those costs were one of the reasons the lockdowns breached established principles of public-health ethics. Coercive public-health measures need to be shown to be effective, proportionate and necessary; to adopt the least restrictive infringement of liberty possible; and to be honestly and publicly justified. Lockdowns in Britain and abroad fell well short of meeting these requirements. Not only were lockdowns ineffective in averting deaths, but the human suffering they have caused around the world, especially to vulnerable groups such as the poor and people with disabilities, is incalculable and indefensible. It is regrettable that to this day so many people in positions of power fail to grasp the gravely unethical nature of the policy they imposed or supported. Professor John Keown Kennedy Institute of Ethics, Georgetown University Washington DC, United States Professor David Paton Professor of Industrial Economics, Nottingham University Business School Working definition SIR James Charrington (Letters, June 14) asks who working people are. Times have changed and the old definitions of working, middle and upper class are outdated. Society is far better divided into the dependent, the working and the independently monied, the last two groups being the ones that actually make a material contribution to national wealth. Todays real working class encompasses anyone rendered liable to taxation by their efforts to make a living, so might include everyone from manual workers to investment bankers. Politicians clinging to an old class system to attract votes are being disingenuous at best. Charles Smith-Jones Landrake, Cornwall Prisoners after war SIR Reading the obituary (June 10) of the German theologian Jurgen Moltmann, I was startled to discover that after the war he was detained as a prisoner of war in Britain until 1948, despite the Geneva Convention stating that POWs should be repatriated as soon as possible after the conclusion of peace. It seems that the postwar Attlee government put many German POWs to work in agriculture because of food being scarce and labour shortages. At one point, it was estimated that German POWs made up one-quarter of the agricultural workforce. Protests were made by German anti-Nazis and by church leaders, MPs and many others in Britain. In September 1946, the government began repatriating German POWs at the rate of 15,000 a month. I suggest that this chapter of history ought not to be forgotten. Stephen Hamilton-Jones London SE27 A class apart SIR As a teacher of eight-year-olds, I never fail to be amused by the things my pupils say. I recently asked the children in my class what they would like to be when they grow up. One girl told me that she would like to be a normal person, or a teacher. I smiled sweetly and suggested that she go with her first choice. Catherine Kidson Bradfield, Berkshire Punitive taxes SIR The various party manifestos give us an opportunity to shine a light on the injustices in our current tax laws and allow us to challenge policies that have been ingrained in the system for years. Family homes present one example (Labour forced to deny CGT on family homes, report, June 15). Many people view their homes as an investment, so charging a capital gain on any profit made on this investment seems perfectly reasonable. Stamp duty, on the other hand, is a punitive tax on a necessary purchase which disproportionately penalises first-time and younger buyers. It should be abolished. Paul Archer Derby Sir Alans honour SIR Yesterday, we opened a bottle of champagne and toasted the health of Sir Alan Bates (report, June 15). Never has a knighthood been so richly deserved. Richard Brown Heathfield, East Sussex SIR How refreshing to see someone rewarded for their service to others outside the remit of their job. Too often we see people rewarded for failure, or underachievement. Others receive honours because it goes with the job or because of who they know. Sir Alan Bates is the exception to that rule. G E A Farr-Voller Doncaster, South Yorkshire Book smart SIR There is an easy way to make sure that you get back a book you love which you have lent (Letters, June 15): stick a label on the spine, where it can be seen. Dorothy Whitehouse Epping, Essex SIR I once lent a book to a friend and it turned up when I was helping with a charity car boot sale. Mary King Farnham, Surrey SIR My brother, who is a notorious book-burglar, came up with the best-ever excuse for not returning a book of mine: apparently his dog had eaten it. Needless to say, both he and the dog were banned from approaching anywhere near my bookcases when they were hungry. Ted Shorter Tonbridge, Kent How to avoid a marmalade-dropping breakfast The only fruit: an advertisement for Keiller's marmalade, which was made in Dundee - The Print Collector/Alamy SIR The late Queen would not have spread marmalade over the whole slice of toast as shown in the accompanying photograph to your article (Queens favourite marmalade in a sticky spot, report, June 14). She would have broken the slice into quarters and eaten each in succession by putting on enough butter and marmalade for one mouthful at a time. Eating toast in the manner illustrated is inelegant and risks ending up with one quarter between the teeth, one still in the hand and the remainder in ones lap, marmalade side down. David Vaudrey Doynton, South Gloucestershire Why young voters are flocking to Nigel Farage SIR I am a young conservative activist and have been a member of the party my entire adult life. Having worked in Westminster for a number of years I have seen how the party has been captured by what Elon Musk calls the woke mind virus. Rather than doing anything remotely conservative, for the past 14 years party hacks and MPs have either lacked the courage to stand up against it or they have been captured by the centre-Left milieu of the metropolitan chattering classes. Fortunately, there is a new rebellion in the form of Nigel Farage, who is rocketing in his popularity among my generation. The main appeal of Mr Farage is that he articulates and understands the dire frustration of the economically worse off and increasingly Right-wing Zoomers. If the Conservative Party is to survive and achieve power again it needs to be more than a party of pensioners. It needs a radical change in direction. Piers Baker Faversham, Kent SIR I predict that Reform UK in 2024 will be another Social Democrats of the 1980s. The Social Democrats had loads of support because we wanted change, but when the election came people voted for the tried and tested parties. Rob Dorrell Bath, Somerset SIR As a long-standing conservative who is fed up with this Government, I shall not vote Reform. Their support for proportional representation shows weakness and lack of conviction. It is the major flaw in the Reform agenda and historically has been the last resort of failed parties. A T Brookes Charlwood, Surrey Letters to the Editor We accept letters by email and post. Please include name, address, work and home telephone numbers. ADDRESS: 111 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0DT EMAIL: dtletters@telegraph.co.uk FOLLOW: Telegraph Letters @LettersDesk NEWSLETTER: sign up to receive Letters to the Editor her Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Florida Sen. Erin Grall, center left in white, R-Fort Pierce, looks over the shoulder of Gov. Ron DeSantis as he signs Senate Bill 300, also called the Heartbeat Protection Act, into law in April 2023. The controversial legislation forbids the abortion of a fetus older than 6 weeks. In her June 2 letter, reader Patricia DeWitt noted that different religions have different views on abortion and stated to make laws compelling everyone to comply with the beliefs of a given religion is the definition of establishment of religion in violation of the First Amendment. However, abortion laws are not primarily based on religious doctrine. While the pro-life movement has many people of faith, the foundation of the pro-life position is based on scientific facts that are observable and reproducible. A human life begins at conception. The fertilized egg begins a process of growth that includes stages of the life cycle, including embryo, fetus, baby, child, adult and further aging. All these processes will continue unless interrupted by illness or trauma. I believe abortion to be one such trauma. I have yet to see a pro-choice letter or column that presents any scientific evidence to contradict the above facts. The pro-life position does not force religious beliefs on others. Even an atheist can be pro-life. Governments have a primary obligation to protect people who cannot protect themselves, and thus have every right to protect people who are in their first nine months of life in utero. How governments do that, and what laws they pass, are determined by the voters. I ask pro-choice advocates: What reproducible, observable scientific evidence is there that what is killed in abortion is not a separate human being? Peter K. True, M.D. (retired), Jacksonville Divided opinions, conspiracy theories rule Pro-Trump supporters storm the U.S. Capitol following a rally with President Donald Trump on Jan. 6, Washington, D.C. We are a country of divided opinions. My view of the facts are quite different than perhaps my neighbors. These are sad times because everyone has a different view of the facts. Who knows what's going to happen in November? We voice opinions like it is the view of America. We are split along racial, ethnic, political and other views. It seems that the current election poll results show a dead heat for either candidate depending on which poll you read. I consider myself an independent voter. I would like to think that justice has been served for one of the candidates, but others see it as a personal attack. At any rate, a man is convicted and sentencing is coming. I hope that it will be just. We are in the days where conspiracy theories prevail, and this does not bode well for America. I wish we could wipe this all away and say that the November elections will be the greatest in all of history because we will determine who is the best person to run for president. We must reflect with our conscience and do what is best for the country. I hope we elect someone who has Americas best interests at heart. Carolyn Arnister, Jacksonville Help keep mail carriers safe A Maryland letter carrier shows how to use a mail satchel to protect against aggressive dogs. Did anyone bite you at work today? On average, nearly 15 mail carriers per day will say, Yes. Last year in Jacksonville, that number was 10. U.S. Postal Service officials report that in 2023, over 5,800 letter carriers experienced dog bites or dog attacks. With deliveries every day, including Sundays and holidays, carriers continue to experience dog bites in urban, suburban and rural settings. Dog attacks and bites are 100% preventable when dog owners remain vigilant and properly restrain their dogs. Owners should securely lock their dog in another room until a mail delivery is done. If a dog is outside, the dog must be leashed away from the mailbox. When a carrier feels unsafe, mail service could be interrupted, not only for the dog owner, but for the entire neighborhood. When mail service is interrupted, mail must be picked up at the post office and service will not be restored until the dog is properly restrained. With your help, we can keep our carriers, your neighbors and your dogs safe. Thank you for protecting your pet and our mail carriers as we continue to bring packages and other important correspondence to your door each day. Paul Birge, U.S. postmaster, Jacksonville People didnt vote for charter schools Jean Ribault High School is the first Duval high school being built with money from a sales tax that voters approved in 2020 to improve school system buildings and equipment, a campaign that become mired in controversy. The phrase No taxation without representation was a rallying cry for American colonists. Since they had no representatives in the English Parliament, they believed they should not be forced to pay taxes supporting King George III. Floridians have slowly been led to a similar fate. We are being charged taxes for a school system that is largely exempt from public scrutiny, much less control. The charter school system that the Jacksonville City Council and state leaders have gradually forced upon us has no public oversight. The tax dollars we thought were going to maintain decrepit public schools are instead going into the pockets of whoever owns the charter schools (some of these same legislators, perhaps) to be distributed as they see fit. There are no public standards to be met, no teaching credentials universally required and no curriculum standards except what comes from the Governors office. This is a recipe for disaster, and it is not what the people voted for in 2020. We need to make our voices heard. Mike Lawrence, Avondale DeSantis needs a dictionary Gov. Ron DeSantis and other Republicans are fighting what they say is indoctrination in public schools. Gov. Ron DeSantis needs to understand the difference between the verbs "educate" (to give intellectual, moral and social instruction, especially a child, typically at a school) and "indoctrinate" (to teach someone to fully accept the ideas and beliefs of a particular group and not consider other ideas, opinions and beliefs). Public education is necessary for a democracy to create a common culture for "We the People," as the Constitution states. Also necessary is the teaching of civic virtues like respect, responsibility, self-discipline and honesty. These virtues are necessary to maintain a culture of freedom and the rule of law and order. Public education is also about teaching facts. Without facts you can't have truth, and without truth you can't have trust. A shared reality is necessary for a democracy. The governor should unite us, instead of spreading misinformation about public schools and using taxpayer money to support private school vouchers which divides us. Maggie Barker, retired elementary school teacher and principal, Jacksonville Beach This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: What evidence exists to prove aborted babies are not human beings? Lexington community members gathered Saturday for the 19th annual Juneteenth Jubilee, a ceremony recognizing African Americans service in the Civil War. The ceremony was held at African Cemetery No. 2, the resting place of many Civil War veterans. Attendees stood as the ceremony was opened with the posting of American and regimental flags by the United States Colored Troops and 12th Heavy Artillery Regiment. Lonnie Brown, a corporal for the 12th Heavy Artillery Regiment, said he has been involved with the organization since its formation in 2005. He said his unit is a historical and educational outreach unit. They participate in multiple events around the state, speak in schools and perform reenactments. Brown said one of their major missions is public outreach. We take pride in telling the story, telling the history of not only African Americans, but again, American history. Its your history. Its my history. Its everybodys history, Brown said. The event showcased speakers who educated the audience about the history of both free and enslaved Black service members. One of the speakers, Mark Watkins, in light of Juneteenth, provided an in-depth history of Lewis and Harriet Hayden. The Haydens were enslaved in Lexington and became leading abolitionists who crossed the Ohio River for their freedom. The Lexington Freedom Train is working on building a monument at the corner of Fourth and Limestone streets to honor the Haydens and Lexingtons Underground Railroad. The project is expected to be completed by May 2025. Watkins also shed light on the blurred narrative of African Americans participation in the war. He said he couldnt imagine African Americans fighting for the Union until eighth grade when he watched the movie Glory, representing members of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment of the Union Army. It changed my life forever, because then I saw people like me, people who look like me, fought for the Union, fought for the freedom of every single American citizen, and it gave me a place in history, Watkins said. Yvonne Giles, a member of the cemetery board and leader of the event, said the event is centered around education. She said the Jubilee is focused on telling the story of the soldiers rather than participating in a more typical fun setting for a Juneteenth event. For Juneteenth, ours (the event) has always been very dedicated to the men who fought, Giles said. Want to celebrate Juneteenth in Lexington? Heres all the ways to do it When did Kentucky actually abolish slavery? A lot later than you think. LGBTQ soldiers in Ukraine hope their service is changing attitudes as they rally for legal rights A woman soldier wrapped in the LGBT flag attends a Pride march in Kyiv, Ukraine, Sunday, June 16, 2024. Several hundred LGBT Ukrainian servicemen and other protesters joined the pride march in central Kyiv Sunday seeking legal reforms to allow people in same-sex partnerships to take medical decisions for wounded soldiers and bury victims of the war with Russia that extended across Ukraine more than two years ago. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky) KYIV, Ukraine (AP) Several hundred LGBTQ Ukrainian servicemen and their supporters marched in central Kyiv Sunday to demand more rights and highlight their service to their country in its war with Russia. The servicemembers many wearing rainbow and unicorn patches on their uniforms called on the government to grant them official partnership rights. They described the event as a pride march but it did not have the celebratory atmosphere of peacetime events and took place in the rain and under a heavy police guard amid threats from counterprotesters. The role of LGBTQ members in the military has been credited with shifting public attitudes toward same-sex partnerships in the socially conservative country. We are ordinary people who are fighting on an equal footing with everyone else, but deprived of the rights that other people have, Dmitriy Pavlov, an army soldier who used a cane to walk, told The Associated Press. Campaigners are seeking legal reforms to allow people in same-sex partnerships to take medical decisions for wounded soldiers and bury victims of the war that extended across Ukraine more than two years ago. They argue that an improvement in gay rights would create a further distinction between Ukraine and Russia, where LGBTQ rights are severely restricted. Staff from the U.S. Embassy and several European embassies attended the pride rally. Organizers had faced difficulties in organizing the rally. City authorities turned down a petition to allow it to be held at a metro station, and it was condemned by one of the main branches of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. This action is part of a left-wing radical political movement and is aimed at imposing a political ideology, and also aimed at destroying the institution of the family and weakening Ukrainian society in the conditions of war and repelling Russian aggression, the church said in a statement. Police set up cordons in central Kyiv to keep the marchers clear of a counterdemonstration, ushering protesters into a central metro station at the end of the event. Protesters in the counterdemonstration, some wearing face masks and carrying anti-gay signs, marched to a memorial for fallen soldiers in the center of the city. An injured soldier, in Kyiv for physical therapy, said he attended the counter rally out of concern that divisive societal issues should not be raised during the war. I came because I think its not the right time for LGBT (activism), said the soldier, who asked to be identified by his call sign Archy. We need to strengthen our country. Both those on the LGBTQ rally and the counterprotest took the opportunity to demand that foreign countries come to Ukraines aid in its war with Russia, chanting Arm Ukraine now! ___ Dmytro Zhyhinas in Kyiv, Ukraine, contributed. Former President Donald Trump speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference at the Gaylord National Resort Hotel And Convention Center on Feb. 24, 2024, in National Harbor, Maryland. Former President Donald Trump speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference at the Gaylord National Resort Hotel And Convention Center on Feb. 24, 2024, in National Harbor, Maryland. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) LGBTQ+ advocates are gearing up for a possible second Trump administration by planning future litigation, deepening relationships in Congress and mobilizing voters. If former president Donald Trump is re-elected, advocacy groups expect him to enact anti-LGBTQ+ policies that are more far-reaching and extreme than those he put in place during his first term based on his campaign promises and policies suggested by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank that has shaped the GOPs agenda for decades. Trump is focused specifically on rolling back transgender rights, as he detailed in a campaign video last year. His proposals would terminate Medicare and Medicaid funding for hospitals that provide gender-affirming care to trans youth, attempt to charge teachers with sex discrimination for affirming students gender identities and order federal agencies to cease all programs that promote the concept of sex and gender transition at any age. This report was originally published by The 19th. The Illuminator is a member of The 19th News network. Trump also pledged to ask Congress to halt the use of federal funds to promote or pay for gender-affirming care, without distinguishing between care for adults or minors. Some of these policies mimic state anti-LGBTQ+ laws, which frequently run into enforcement issues as state agencies tasked with monitoring school bathrooms and classrooms are unable to find consistent ways to carry out restrictive laws. Several of Trumps proposed anti-trans policies would also require congressional approval. However, as a new report from the American Civil Liberties Union details, even if Trump gains the presidency without Republicans taking power in Congress, he would be able to take action against LGBTQ+ rights on his own and has said that he plans to. Weve seen over the last several years a militant effort in red states by the government to discriminate against trans folks, in particular, and the broader LGBTQ community, and even to go so far as to try to deny trans peoples existence, said Mike Zamore, national director of policy and governmental affairs at the ACLU. The danger in the Trump administration is seeing the federal government using its massive reach and resources to do something similar on a national scale. The federal government could use its civil rights enforcement capabilities to argue that institutions trying to protect LGBTQ+ rights are violating the rights of people with certain religious beliefs, Zamore said, or it could threaten to withhold funding from universities that receive federal money if they do not discriminate against transgender students. In the Heritage Foundations Project 2025, a purported roadmap of executive actions that a future Republican president could take on various issues including abortion access several of the policy suggestions align with Trumps promises to roll back LGBTQ+ rights. Project 2025 advocates for the deletion of the terms sexual orientation and gender identity from all federal rules and for prohibiting teachers from affirming trans students. One of the more extreme proposals in Project 2025 equates the act of being transgender, or transgender ideology, to pornography, and declares that it should be outlawed. The conservative think tank recommends that educators and public librarians who spread the concept of being transgender should be registered as sex offenders, and that telecommunications and technology firms that facilitate the spread of ideas about transgender people should be shuttered. The ACLU says that a second Trump administration would not be able to implement such a policy without Congress and that if such a policy did go into effect, using criminal laws to outlaw the concept of being transgender would violate the First Amendment. Overall, the ACLU expects the federal government under a second Trump presidency to rescind federal regulations that prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, and to weaponize federal law against transgender people in ways that would also harm cisgender and gender-nonconforming people, by attempting to enforce strict definitions of gender expression. This election has huge ramifications for the future of trans rights across the country, said Josie Caballero, director of voting and elections at Advocates for Trans Equality. The future is going to be incredibly difficult if we allow for a second Trump presidency. That will have ramifications that will affect the trans community for decades, she said. Caballero, a Texas-born granddaughter of Mexican immigrants who is also a military veteran and a queer trans woman, joined other advocates in Congress this week to lobby lawmakers in support of trans rights. If Trump is elected to another term, she believes that deepening relationships in Congress will help. But her focus ahead of the 2024 presidential election is getting as many trans people registered to vote, and ready to vote, as possible. Building a substantial trans voting bloc is crucial to demonstrate to lawmakers that trans people are a formidable political force, she said; and it provides a concrete way to show how many trans people are getting involved in the political process. If you vote against trans issues, well youre going to lose a massive amount of votes and have those votes go against you, she said. Caius Willingham, senior policy advocate at Advocates for Trans Equality, led the organizing for the groups lobbying on Capitol Hill. Building strong relationships with lawmakers in Congress is key to a unified strategy to fight back against anti-trans attacks expected during a potential Trump 2025 administration, he said. When Congress is functioning properly, it is meant to check presidential overreach and much of Project 2025 focuses on consolidating presidential power, he said. Project 2025 includes authors from Trumps former administration and campaign. Their aim is to consolidate as much power in the White House as possible, and so its very key to make sure that Congress remains a vital check. So thats why this is a huge priority for Advocates for Trans Equality, he said. There are strong allies for trans rights in Congress, he said like Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington, author of a congressional bill that aims to recognize federal protections for transgender Americans. Caballero met on Wednesday with staff from Massachusetts Democrats in Congress, including Reps. Ayanna Pressley and Katherine Clark and Sens. Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren. Other staff at Advocates for Trans Equality, as well as the constituents that they brought to meet lawmakers, also met with Republicans in Congress. We actually ended up with more than 90 meetings scheduled, and these meetings really ranged the political spectrum. We did not turn down a meeting with a single office, Willingham said. We met with Ted Cruzs office. We scheduled something with Mitch McConnells office, that one fell through. But we were here and we were happy to meet with anybody who would make the time to listen to us. Whether congressional Republicans have been responsive to those meetings remains to be seen. Within the past few years, anti-trans rhetoric and attempted policymaking have only continued to grow on Capitol Hill. But the rising number of federal anti-trans bills introduced by Republicans in Congress have been unable to pass, due to a Democratic-controlled Senate. In November, that could change. If a pro-equality opposition controls either or both chambers of Congress in a second Trump administration, pro-LGBTQ+ members of Congress could still use the appropriations process to hinder Trumps ability to enact anti-trans laws, the ACLU writes in its report. The appropriations process refers to how the House and Senate fund the federal government, which is often derailed by riders provisions that dictate policy not directly related to the federal budget. Since many of the anti-LGBTQ+ policies proposed by Trumps campaign or Project 2025 would violate the Constitution and federal law, the ACLU says that litigation would be a significant part of its response to a second Trump term. As the last few years have seen a dramatic increase of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and laws, the civil rights group has mounted dozens of consequential lawsuits against those policies and at least a dozen on health care bans within the last year. During Trumps first term, the ACLU took on the former presidents order to ban trans people from the military amid hundreds of other lawsuits against the former administration. Although the ACLU is confident in its ability to fight anti-LGBTQ+ policies in court, and several judges appointed by Trump have actually granted wins for LGBTQ+ advocates, the organization says that the political atmosphere has still changed since Trumps first term. Getting courts to understand the experience of transgender people and the impact of discriminatory policies on their lives was difficult even before Trump reshaped the judiciary. It is that much harder now, the report reads. It was co-authored by Ian Thompson, senior legislative advocate at the ACLU, as well as James Esseks, attorney and project director for the ACLUs LGBTQ+ HIV Project, and Leslie Cooper, deputy director of the ACLU LGBT & HIV Project. What we know is that the courts are not as friendly as they once were, said Zamore, who contributed to the report. I dont think any of us can assume that a position that was successful in the first Trump administration would necessarily prevail this go around, but we will obviously be doing everything we can. The ACLU is also urging states to act now to prepare for a possible second Trump presidential term. Local elected officials should start planning how to protect their transgender constituents, and states should create funding streams for gender-affirming care to protect access for those who would lose health care without federally funded programs. The organization cites policies created to protect abortion access as examples, like Californias reproductive health equity program and Marylands abortion clinical training program. The ACLU is working with its state affiliates to organize ideas and potentially necessary resources, Zamore said. Under a hostile administration, states with LGBTQ-friendly governments will need to fill in the gaps for access to gender-affirming care while also standing up for their residents, he said. Trans Americans and parents of trans youth can also prepare by updating their identity documents, said Gillian Branstetter, communications strategist at the ACLUs womens rights project and LGBTQ & HIV Project, who also contributed to the report. Approving name changes, updating birth certificates, and filing for a new passport are all steps that should be taken now, she said. The ACLUs report aims to communicate a way out if some of these policies are implemented, she said, and to organize LGBTQ+ groups around a common focus. Were not out of options. We are not without power here, she said. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post LGBTQ advocates fear a second Trump term would double down on restrictions appeared first on Louisiana Illuminator. New London first responders perform CPR on child found non-responsive in pool, taken to hospital NEW LONDON, Wis. (WFRV) First responders took a 4-year-old to the hospital after responding to a New London pool where the child was found non-responsive in the water. According to the New London Police Department, first responders were called to a gathering in New London around 3:45 p.m. on June 15 for reports of a child who was unresponsive in a pool. It was noted that the 4-year-old was wearing a personal floatation device when they were found non-responsive and that the incident happened during a gathering at the location. Deputies look to identify suspect vehicle involved in Manitowoc County hit-and-run CPR was started on the child before authorities arrived. New London PD, First Responders, and people from the gathering continued CPR until the arrival of a Gold Cross Ambulance. Officers say that the 4-year-old had a pulse when he was taken to a local hospital via ambulance. However, at the time of the release, around 5 p.m. on Saturday, New London PD did not have any other updates on the child. No additional information was provided. Local 5 will update this story when more details are released. Copyright 2024 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. Leer en espanol In the small office Poder in Action rented in a strip mall in the heart of Phoenix's predominantly Latino Maryvale neighborhood, members hung a large map of the city. It was early in 2018, and members of the grassroots Latino advocacy group were alarmed by the number of people being shot by Phoenix police. "We would meet every week and someone on our team would say, 'There was another shooting. There was another shooting,'" recalled Viridiana Hernandez, the organization's executive director. Viri Hernandez, a human rights activist with Poder in Action, speaks at a news conference at Phoenix City Hall on June 14, 2022, to condemn a pay raise proposal for the Police Department. One of Poder's members, Hernandez can't remember exactly who, came up with the idea of using a map of the city to track and pinpoint the location of every person shot by Phoenix police. "Every time there was a shooting, we'd put a pin on the crossroads," Hernandez said. The group also kept a running tally of the total number of police shootings on the wall. At the same time, Poder members would drive to the spot and put up a sign that read: "Phoenix police shot someone here" or "Phoenix police killed someone here," Hernandez said. Some weeks, the shootings piled up so fast, the group barely had time to update the map. "One of those weeks, there were like three or four shootings in one week ... and we didn't have time to change the count because the shootings were happening so fast," Hernandez said. Phoenix police ended up shooting 44 people in 2018, more than in any other U.S. city including New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago. Of the 44 people shot by Phoenix police, 23 ended in death. What the map on the wall at Poder's office showed was that the police shootings were concentrated in "Black and Latino communities, specifically in Maryvale and south Phoenix," Hernandez said. Concerns about police were raised and brushed off, organizer says On Thursday, the Department of Justice released findings following a three-year investigation of the Phoenix Police Department. The probe was triggered largely by the headline-grabbing number of police shootings within the city. From 2013 to 2023, Phoenix police were involved in 142 fatal shootings, second only to the Los Angeles Police Department, according to the Mapping Police Violence project. The Justice Department's investigation found a wide range of "systemic problems" in the Phoenix Police Department that deprive people of their rights under the Constitution and federal law, including the use of excessive force, illegally detaining and arresting people experiencing homelessness, violating the free speech rights of protestors and severe discrimination against Black, Latino and Native people. Data from thousands of traffic stops between 2016 and 2022 showed Phoenix police treated people of color and immigrants more harshly than white people, the Justice Department investigation found. Among the many findings of discriminatory treatment, Black people were 144 more times likely than white people to be cited or arrested for low-level moving violations. Latinos were 40% more likely. Community organizers such as Hernandez say the Justice Department's findings simply confirmed many of the complaints about police violence and police discrimination they had been raising publicly for years but were largely brushed aside by Phoenix police and city officials. Viri Hernandez, a human rights activist with Poder in Action, speaks at a news conference at Phoenix City Hall on June 14, 2022, to condemn a pay raise proposal for the Police Department. "Some of our work started with, let's think about how to work with police and how to build trust," Hernandez said. "And we found out that that's not what they wanted, that they didn't care to hear about the stories that people were facing, and that they never took accountability." Michael D. White, a criminology and criminal justice professor at Arizona State University, said the Justice Department's report identifies widespread and deep problems within the organization. "The report highlights deficiencies in training, policy, supervision, and accountability structures. In each identified problem area, DOJ provides evidence through specific cases, and I find the evidence to be both compelling and persuasive," White said. White noted that some critics of the report have argued that the Justice Department cherry-picked cases to support their arguments. But "in this report, there is simply too much evidence presented to make the 'cherry-picking' argument. The problems are real," White said. Work of community group cited by Justice Department report Poder started off battling former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio's immigration sweeps, which a lawsuit filed by the Justice Department in 2010 said relied on unlawful profiling of Latinos based on race. But by the time Arpaio lost reelection in November 2016, Poder had begun focusing on the Phoenix Police Department. The group believed data showed Phoenix officers on the street were clandestinely arresting Latinos for low-level offenses to get undocumented immigrants deported, knowing their immigration status would be checked once booked into the Maricopa County jail, where Arpaio had allowed federal officers to conduct immigration screenings, Hernandez said. Then, in 2017, Poder also began focusing on police violence, spurred by the deaths that year of Muhammad Abdul Muhaymin Jr. and Francisco Valdez at the hands of Phoenix police, Hernandez said. Viri Hernandez of Poder in Action speaks during a protest on Friday, June 21, 2019, outside Phoenix Police Department Headquarters in Phoenix. After Alejandro Hernandez and Hector Lopez were fatally shot by police in separate incidents, the department has refused to give either family the police reports. Muhaymin died while police attempted to arrest him after he tried to use a restroom at a community center in Maryvale and police discovered he had an outstanding arrest warrant. At least four Phoenix police officers got on top of Muhaymin and some put their knees on his neck and head. Valdez, 24, was fatally shot by Phoenix police in March 2017 after his mother called 911 and said she needed help with her son. His mother later said Valdez battled depression, bipolar disorder and drug use. Poder published two reports, "We've Been Here Before" in 2018 and "Phoenix Futuro" in 2021, highlighting police violence and discrimination and demanding the city take action. Young protesters join Poder in Action and Black Lives Matter Phoenix Metro outside the Phoenix City Council building on Aug 26, 2020, to support the families of Muhammad Muhaymin, Alejandro Hernandez, Ryan Whitaker, James Garcia, Francisco Valdez and many others who were shot and killed by police. The Justice Department's report noted that Black and Latino communities have had a "strained relationship" with the Phoenix Police Department for years and community groups have long raised concerns about discrimination. The report cited a survey conducted in 2018 by Poder, without naming the nonprofit, of 10,000 people from mostly nonwhite neighborhoods in south and west Phoenix that found that Black and Latino respondents "reported feeling scared, anxious, nervous or intimidated when they saw a police officer or police car approaching them." Hernandez said comments posted by followers on the Facebook page of the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association, the union that represents Phoenix police officers, sometimes contained language she believes was intended to intimidate the group or incite violence against Poder's members. In 2020, during the height of the Black Lives Matter protests in Phoenix, someone did show up at Poder's offices with a gun, she said. "Thankfully, we were not there at that time," Hernandez said. Before the DOJ, several groups focused on people of color voiced concern Poder was not the only group that raised concerns about the Phoenix Police Department's treatment of people of color. "The DOJ report confirms what we have been saying to the Police Department for over 40 years," said Warren Stewart Sr., pastor of the First Institutional Baptist Church in Phoenix. "Systemic racism is ingrained in the DNA of the Phoenix Police Department." Pastor Warren H. Stewart Sr. preaches to his congregation at First Institutional Baptist Church in Phoenix on May 9, 2021. Lola Nsangou, executive director of the nonprofit group Mass Liberation AZ said, "We are not the least bit surprised by the findings in the Department of Justice report on the Phoenix Police Department. The report offers no new revelations; it merely reiterates the problems the community has voiced for years before the DOJ arrived." Jolynana Begay-Kroupa, executive director of the Phoenix Indian Center, said the Justice Department's findings are "pretty disturbing but definitely not a surprise to me." The investigation found that the Phoenix Police Department discriminates against Native people, citing and arresting them for low-level offenses. Native Americans were six times more likely than white people to be cited or arrested than white people for crossing a street against a "Don't Walk" signal, the report said. Young protesters join Poder in Action and Black Lives Matter Phoenix Metro outside the Phoenix City Council building on Aug 26, 2020, to support the families of Muhammad Muhaymin, Alejandro Hernandez, Ryan Whitaker, James Garcia, Francisco Valdez and many others who were shot and killed by police. Unhoused Native people were 26 times more likely than white people to be cited or arrested for remaining at a bus stop for over an hour, even though they make up only about 7% of the unhoused population while white people make up 68%, the report said. Phoenix police also enforced public consumption of alcohol offenses more harshly against Native people than white people, the report said. The Phoenix Indian Center raised some of those concerns in the past with the Phoenix Police Department as part of a community advisory group, she said. With 160,000 Native Americans, Phoenix has the largest urban Native population per capita of any U.S. city, Begay-Kroupa said. She suggested the Phoenix Police Department reach out to the urban Native American community to develop solutions that will end discrimination by police that harms Native people. "For instance, cultural sensitivity that allows law enforcement to learn about why Native people have higher rates of substance abuse and suicide," Begay-Kroupa said. "If you really have understanding of historical intergenerational trauma, that is a start," she said. Skepticism the Justice Department report will move the needle Hernandez at Poder said Justice Department officials reached out to the group during the investigation of the Phenix Police Department. The group told them that all of its data and reports were available online and helped connect them with families of people killed by police who said they wanted to talk. In the end, the Justice Department's report validated many of the complaints about police violence and discrimination Poder and other groups have been raising for years, Hernandez said. But she is skeptical the report will make much of a difference. Viridiana Hernandez, with Poder in Action, Jacqueline Fernandez, the sister of James Garcia, and Denice Martha Garcia, the mother of James Garcia, hold a sign on July 21, 2020, outside of a Phoenix police station in Maryvale. "I've been listening to what the city and the Police Department have been saying in the last 24 hours," Hernandez said the day after the report's release. "There has been no admittance, there has been no apology. What we have heard right now from the police union and from the city, it's the same things we have heard from them every single year." Hernandez said she is also afraid the report could result in millions of additional dollars being spent on more policing. That is what has happened in other cities in response to Justice Department investigations, she said. Instead, she would like to see more resources devoted to housing and mental health programs. "We want to get to the root causes," Hernandez said. "We want to bring it to a point where this city prioritizes people's life, prioritizes people's health, prioritizes people's joy." Reporter Miguel Torres contributed. Reach the reporter at daniel.gonzalez@arizonarepublic.com. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Before DOJ, groups sounded alarm about Phoenix police violence In the small office Poder in Action rented in a strip mall in the heart of Phoenix's predominantly Latino Maryvale neighborhood, members hung a large map of the city. It was early in 2018, and members of the grassroots Latino advocacy group were alarmed by the number of people being shot by Phoenix police. "We would meet every week and someone on our team would say, 'There was another shooting. There was another shooting,'" recalled Viridiana Hernandez, the organization's executive director. Viri Hernandez, a human rights activist with Poder in Action, speaks at a news conference at Phoenix City Hall on June 14, 2022, to condemn a pay raise proposal for the Police Department. One of Poder's members, Hernandez can't remember exactly who, came up with the idea of using a map of the city to track and pinpoint the location of every person shot by Phoenix police. "Every time there was a shooting, we'd put a pin on the crossroads," Hernandez said. The group also kept a running tally of the total number of police shootings on the wall. At the same time, Poder members would drive to the spot and put up a sign that read: "Phoenix police shot someone here" or "Phoenix police killed someone here," Hernandez said. Some weeks, the shootings piled up so fast, the group barely had time to update the map. "One of those weeks, there were like three or four shootings in one week ... and we didn't have time to change the count because the shootings were happening so fast," Hernandez said. Phoenix police ended up shooting 44 people in 2018, more than in any other U.S. city including New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago. Of the 44 people shot by Phoenix police, 23 ended in death. What the map on the wall at Poder's office showed was that the police shootings were concentrated in "Black and Latino communities, specifically in Maryvale and south Phoenix," Hernandez said. Concerns about police were raised and brushed off, organizer says On Thursday, the Department of Justice released findings following a three-year investigation of the Phoenix Police Department. The probe was triggered largely by the headline-grabbing number of police shootings within the city. From 2013 to 2023, Phoenix police were involved in 142 fatal shootings, second only to the Los Angeles Police Department, according to the Mapping Police Violence project. The Justice Department's investigation found a wide range of "systemic problems" in the Phoenix Police Department that deprive people of their rights under the Constitution and federal law, including the use of excessive force, illegally detaining and arresting people experiencing homelessness, violating the free speech rights of protestors and severe discrimination against Black, Latino and Native people. Data from thousands of traffic stops between 2016 and 2022 showed Phoenix police treated people of color and immigrants more harshly than white people, the Justice Department investigation found. Among the many findings of discriminatory treatment, Black people were 144 more times likely than white people to be cited or arrested for low-level moving violations. Latinos were 40% more likely. Community organizers such as Hernandez say the Justice Department's findings simply confirmed many of the complaints about police violence and police discrimination they had been raising publicly for years but were largely brushed aside by Phoenix police and city officials. Viri Hernandez, a human rights activist with Poder in Action, speaks at a news conference at Phoenix City Hall on June 14, 2022, to condemn a pay raise proposal for the Police Department. "Some of our work started with, let's think about how to work with police and how to build trust," Hernandez said. "And we found out that that's not what they wanted, that they didn't care to hear about the stories that people were facing, and that they never took accountability." Michael D. White, a criminology and criminal justice professor at Arizona State University, said the Justice Department's report identifies widespread and deep problems within the organization. "The report highlights deficiencies in training, policy, supervision, and accountability structures. In each identified problem area, DOJ provides evidence through specific cases, and I find the evidence to be both compelling and persuasive," White said. White noted that some critics of the report have argued that the Justice Department cherry-picked cases to support their arguments. But "in this report, there is simply too much evidence presented to make the 'cherry-picking' argument. The problems are real," White said. Work of community group cited by Justice Department report Poder started off battling former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio's immigration sweeps, which a lawsuit filed by the Justice Department in 2010 said relied on unlawful profiling of Latinos based on race. But by the time Arpaio lost reelection in November 2016, Poder had begun focusing on the Phoenix Police Department. The group believed data showed Phoenix officers on the street were clandestinely arresting Latinos for low-level offenses to get undocumented immigrants deported, knowing their immigration status would be checked once booked into the Maricopa County jail, where Arpaio had allowed federal officers to conduct immigration screenings, Hernandez said. Then, in 2017, Poder also began focusing on police violence, spurred by the deaths that year of Muhammad Abdul Muhaymin Jr. and Francisco Valdez at the hands of Phoenix police, Hernandez said. Viri Hernandez of Poder in Action speaks during a protest on Friday, June 21, 2019, outside Phoenix Police Department Headquarters in Phoenix. After Alejandro Hernandez and Hector Lopez were fatally shot by police in separate incidents, the department has refused to give either family the police reports. Muhaymin died while police attempted to arrest him after he tried to use a restroom at a community center in Maryvale and police discovered he had an outstanding arrest warrant. At least four Phoenix police officers got on top of Muhaymin and some put their knees on his neck and head. Valdez, 24, was fatally shot by Phoenix police in March 2017 after his mother called 911 and said she needed help with her son. His mother later said Valdez battled depression, bipolar disorder and drug use. Poder published two reports, "We've Been Here Before" in 2018 and "Phoenix Futuro" in 2021, highlighting police violence and discrimination and demanding the city take action. Young protesters join Poder in Action and Black Lives Matter Phoenix Metro outside the Phoenix City Council building on Aug 26, 2020, to support the families of Muhammad Muhaymin, Alejandro Hernandez, Ryan Whitaker, James Garcia, Francisco Valdez and many others who were shot and killed by police. The Justice Department's report noted that Black and Latino communities have had a "strained relationship" with the Phoenix Police Department for years and community groups have long raised concerns about discrimination. The report cited a survey conducted in 2018 by Poder, without naming the nonprofit, of 10,000 people from mostly nonwhite neighborhoods in south and west Phoenix that found that Black and Latino respondents "reported feeling scared, anxious, nervous or intimidated when they saw a police officer or police car approaching them." Hernandez said comments posted by followers on the Facebook page of the Phoenix Law Enforcement Association, the union that represents Phoenix police officers, sometimes contained language she believes was intended to intimidate the group or incite violence against Poder's members. In 2020, during the height of the Black Lives Matter protests in Phoenix, someone did show up at Poder's offices with a gun, she said. "Thankfully, we were not there at that time," Hernandez said. Before the DOJ, several groups focused on people of color voiced concern Poder was not the only group that raised concerns about the Phoenix Police Department's treatment of people of color. "The DOJ report confirms what we have been saying to the Police Department for over 40 years," said Warren Stewart Sr., pastor of the First Institutional Baptist Church in Phoenix. "Systemic racism is ingrained in the DNA of the Phoenix Police Department." Pastor Warren H. Stewart Sr. preaches to his congregation at First Institutional Baptist Church in Phoenix on May 9, 2021. Lola Nsangou, executive director of the nonprofit group Mass Liberation AZ said, "We are not the least bit surprised by the findings in the Department of Justice report on the Phoenix Police Department. The report offers no new revelations; it merely reiterates the problems the community has voiced for years before the DOJ arrived." Jolynana Begay-Kroupa, executive director of the Phoenix Indian Center, said the Justice Department's findings are "pretty disturbing but definitely not a surprise to me." The investigation found that the Phoenix Police Department discriminates against Native people, citing and arresting them for low-level offenses. Native Americans were six times more likely than white people to be cited or arrested than white people for crossing a street against a "Don't Walk" signal, the report said. Young protesters join Poder in Action and Black Lives Matter Phoenix Metro outside the Phoenix City Council building on Aug 26, 2020, to support the families of Muhammad Muhaymin, Alejandro Hernandez, Ryan Whitaker, James Garcia, Francisco Valdez and many others who were shot and killed by police. Unhoused Native people were 26 times more likely than white people to be cited or arrested for remaining at a bus stop for over an hour, even though they make up only about 7% of the unhoused population while white people make up 68%, the report said. Phoenix police also enforced public consumption of alcohol offenses more harshly against Native people than white people, the report said. The Phoenix Indian Center raised some of those concerns in the past with the Phoenix Police Department as part of a community advisory group, she said. With 160,000 Native Americans, Phoenix has the largest urban Native population per capita of any U.S. city, Begay-Kroupa said. She suggested the Phoenix Police Department reach out to the urban Native American community to develop solutions that will end discrimination by police that harms Native people. "For instance, cultural sensitivity that allows law enforcement to learn about why Native people have higher rates of substance abuse and suicide," Begay-Kroupa said. "If you really have understanding of historical intergenerational trauma, that is a start," she said. Skepticism the Justice Department report will move the needle Hernandez at Poder said Justice Department officials reached out to the group during the investigation of the Phenix Police Department. The group told them that all of its data and reports were available online and helped connect them with families of people killed by police who said they wanted to talk. In the end, the Justice Department's report validated many of the complaints about police violence and discrimination Poder and other groups have been raising for years, Hernandez said. But she is skeptical the report will make much of a difference. Viridiana Hernandez, with Poder in Action, Jacqueline Fernandez, the sister of James Garcia, and Denice Martha Garcia, the mother of James Garcia, hold a sign on July 21, 2020, outside of a Phoenix police station in Maryvale. "I've been listening to what the city and the Police Department have been saying in the last 24 hours," Hernandez said the day after the report's release. "There has been no admittance, there has been no apology. What we have heard right now from the police union and from the city, it's the same things we have heard from them every single year." Hernandez said she is also afraid the report could result in millions of additional dollars being spent on more policing. That is what has happened in other cities in response to Justice Department investigations, she said. Instead, she would like to see more resources devoted to housing and mental health programs. "We want to get to the root causes," Hernandez said. "We want to bring it to a point where this city prioritizes people's life, prioritizes people's health, prioritizes people's joy." Reporter Miguel Torres contributed. Reach the reporter at daniel.gonzalez@arizonarepublic.com. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Before DOJ, groups sounded alarm about Phoenix police violence After a long road to its launch, the Tennessee Lottery marks 20 years of winning big There are few issues where the Volunteer State's Bible-belt roots show more clearly than the launch of the lottery. In 2002, Tennessee was one of only three states in the country without one. A statewide lottery referendum was on the ballot that year, the culmination of a 20-year battle led by a Memphis Democratic lawmaker. And polling showed anti-lottery sentiment gaining momentum as it got closer to Election Day. Some major religious leaders railed against gambling and the further decline of morality. Others predicted scratch-off tickets would spark a dangerous addiction in people with low incomes. Tennessee Lottery tickets. The lottery in the Volunteer State turned 20 years old in 2024. But, on Nov. 5, 2002, the lottery prevailed with a slim majority as 53% of Tennesseans who turned out voted yes. The legislature the next year passed the bills needed to create it, and the first Tennessee Lottery tickets were sold Jan. 20, 2004. In this 20th anniversary year, many conservatives who first opposed the lottery are amazed at its success. More than $7.2 billion raised. More than two million college/trade school scholarships awarded. Consistent revenue growth year to year, a rarity for most state lotteries. In part because of its success, in 2014, then-Gov. Bill Haslam pushed through the creation of the Tennessee Promise program to provide free community college to every Tennessean. Lottery reserves were used to establish the endowment to pay for it. Among the converts is state Rep. Susan Lynn, R-Mt. Juliet, who in 2002 voted against the lottery referendum because she believed gambling to be immoral and against her Christian values. Lynn now is a vocal supporter of the lottery. "We have a good and well respected program in Tennessee," she said. "Students in Tennessee who qualify and need a scholarship will get a scholarship, and we can all be happy about that." A 2004 picture of then state Sen. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, holding up his Powerball ticket telling the crowd that he has the winning ticket while Tennessee Lottery CEO and President Rebecca Paul, right, laughs during a Powerball kickoff celebration in Nashville Perhaps the person happiest about the Tennessee Lottery is now U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, the aforementioned Memphis Democrat who pushed hardest to create it when he served in the Tennessee General Assembly. "Nothing in my legislative career will ever top the ongoing positive effect of passing legislation to amend the Tennessee constitution to permit a state lottery," Cohen wrote in a 2022 opinion column for the USA TODAY Network-Tennessee, "to enact a Lottery, and the creation of the Tennessee HOPE Lottery Scholarships." This year, in a column to mark the anniversary, Cohen said the lottery has had a "monumental impact" on Tennesseans. Much of the lottery's success can be attributed to the hard-driving gambling industry veteran Rebecca Paul, 75, Tennessee Lottery's CEO since its inception. Paul at times has been polarizing figure once described by The New York Times as "the highflying impresario of legalized gambling." Paul, a one-time Miss America pageant finalist and TV weathercaster, also launched lotteries in Florida and Georgia, and critics have accused her now and then of being a spotlight grabber. Even Cohen, who initially called her the Michael Jordan of lottery execs, told the New York Times five years later that Paul "is just a bigger-than-life personality, an Ethel Merman, P. T. Barnum. She has spent her life on stage, strutting and showing off to an audience. But its just flair. Portrait of Rebecca Paul, the Tennessee Lottery CEO at the offices headquarters in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, March 19, 2024. Her high-power Nashville confidants reject that characterization. "She's an amazing executive," said Deb McDermott, a national TV media company CEO based in Nashville for more than 30 years. "Rebecca's got an amazing marketing mind. I met two or three of lottery people at a convention who were glued to her, wanting to know what shes doing. They were mesmerized by her advice and her ideas." Paul shrugs off critics, telling anyone who'll listen that she loves raising money for Tennesseans to go to college. "I work hard, Im proud of what I do, I enjoy what I do, and I feel good about how much money we raise for students of Tennessee," she said. "My favorite days are when someone stops me at the grocery store and says I want to say thank you; because of you, my son, my daughter, my granddaughter is the first in our family to go to college." Reach Brad Schmitt at brad@tennessean.com or 615-259-8384. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee Lottery: A look back at highs and lows in its 20th year Look inside the creation of the Billy Frank Jr. statue that will represent Washington state in D.C. Billy Frank Jr., the iconic tribal fishing rights activist and Nisqually leader, fought all his life. In the statue of him Washington state is sending to the nations Capitol, he is sitting by the bank of the Nisqually River with a smile. He has been fighting all his life, been in jail for many, many times, Haiying Wu, the Seattle artist sculpting the statue, told The Olympian. So I thought it would be good to have him sit down, get some rest. The 11-foot statue is soon to be one of two representing Washington in the U.S. Capitols National Statuary Hall, to which each state donates two statues honoring figures in their history. Frank will be the ninth Indigenous figure with a statue in the collection, and the first to represent Washington. Working in the stage room of the Minnaert Center for the Arts at South Puget Sound Community College on June 7, 2024 Seattle artist Haiying Wu continues his sculpting of the Billy Frank Jr. statue destined for the National Statuary Hall. Wu is sculpting the statue at South Puget Sound Community College, which is hosting the project in collaboration with the Nisqually Indian Tribe and Washington State Arts Commission. He works in SPSCCs Scene Shop, where anyone can stop by to watch him from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays. He started sculpting in April and hopes to finish by the end of the year, after which the statue will be installed in not just the U.S. Capitol, but the Washington State Capitol as well. The statues installation in D.C. is slated for 2025. What Billys story allows you to do is reclaim some of that history that has not been taught about Washington in the past, Debbie Preston, Nisqually Indian Tribe communications and media services director, told The Olympian. Franks story involves conservation and salmon restoration efforts, Indigenous language erasure and the Nisqually Indian Tribes fight for their treaty-protected rights. Thats Washington history encapsulated in one statue, Preston said. From concept to Capitol Wu saw ArtsWAs call for artists to design and sculpt a statue of Frank just two days before the application deadline on June 9, 2022. I almost missed this opportunity, Wu said with a laugh. A couple of weeks after Wu submitted his application, he heard back: He had been selected as one of four finalists for the project. He presented his concept in January 2023 to the Billy Frank Jr. National Statuary Hall Selection Committee, which includes members of Franks family, tribal members, lawmakers and archivists. He was the first of the finalists to present. ArtsWA communication manager Michael Wallenfels told The Olympian that all four finalists presented incredible proposals. But Wus captured something about Frank the committee was not even sure anyone could. There was just kind of this gasp. And people that knew Billy said, Thats Billy, Wallenfels said. He was sitting down. He had that warmth in his posture, that warmth in his expression. Working in the stage room of the Minnaert Center for the Arts at South Puget Sound Community College on June 7, 2024 Seattle artist Haiying Wu continues his sculpting of the Billy Frank Jr. statue destined for the National Statuary Hall. The committee selected Wu for the project. Soon after, in May 2023, he sculpted a one-and-a-half-foot model, then a 4-foot maquette in October 2023 that the Architect of the Capitol approved in March. But Wu said both scales were only studies of the basic structure and composition of the final statue, which is 9 feet tall with a 2-foot base. To upscale the maquette, Wu 3D-scanned and printed it in styrofoam. For the last two months, he has been trimming, cutting and editing this styrofoam base. When he is satisfied, Wu said he will cover the styrofoam in clay before the complete base is cast in bronze. You cannot just work on a small-scale maquette and 3D-print it to a large scale and use that as final product, Wu said. You miss lots of details. And the statue is full of these details. Around Franks neck are his bolo tie and medicine pouch, and slung over his left knee is a blanket tribal members receive after a lifetime of service. Franks jeans and cowboy boots are the same ones he wore when he meant business, Preston said. As an Indigenous person, Frank was part of the land, so Wu said a European-style block would not do for the base; it had to be a piece of earth. The base crests in a wave of Nisqually River water and salmon, atop which lies the log of driftwood Frank sits on by the bank. The only addition the committee asked Wu to make to the statue was a fishing net, which he tucked under Franks legs and draped over one side of the base, just behind the salmon. Working in the stage room of the Minnaert Center for the Arts at South Puget Sound Community College on June 7, 2024 Seattle artist Haiying Wu continues his sculpting of the Billy Frank Jr. statue destined for the National Statuary Hall. It looks so 100% like Billys walking into the room, said Preston, who worked with Frank for 23 years. The artists behind each statue in the National Statuary Hall may choose the color of the bronze casting and the stone for the base. Traditional bronze castings are coffee brown or darker, Wu said. For Frank, Wu decided on a lighter shade that stands out and better shows the volume and dimension of the statue. He has yet to decide on the stone, but he wants it to be from Washington state. The idea is everything from Washington state. Because (the statue is) a gift from Washington state, Wu said. And the artist is from Washington State, and the bronze casting will be from a Washington state foundry and then we will get what kind of stone we can have in Washington state. Engraved into the base will be Franks name and his famous phrase, Tell your story. One side will bear the words in English, the other in Lushootseed. Working in the stage room of the Minnaert Center for the Arts at South Puget Sound Community College on June 7, 2024 Seattle artist Haiying Wu continues his sculpting of the Billy Frank Jr. statue destined for the National Statuary Hall. Wus story began in China, where he was born and attended the prestigious Sichuan Fine Arts Institute. He became a member of a public art commission and created public artwork in the country before immigrating in 1989 to the U.S., where he got his master of fine arts in sculpture from the University of Washington. Memorial projects have been at the core of Wus career, he said. Among those projects is the Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Seattle. This project marks two firsts: It will be the first Indigenous figure representing Washington state in National Statuary Hall, and it will be the first Chinese American artist behind any figure in the collection. As a person from the land, a person of culture and a person of resources, he has a clear understanding of Billys heart, Billys values and Billys spirit. And you can see it in the carving, state Rep. Debra Lekanoff, who sponsored the project in a bill, told The Olympian. When you look at it, Billys smile fills the room and his presence fills your heart. And we hope thats what people will feel when they walk through Washington, D.C. Why Billy Frank Jr.? The statue of Frank is replacing one of doctor and missionary Marcus Whitman. But the project wasnt so much about taking out Whitman; it was always about putting in Frank. Whitman has represented Washington state in National Statuary Hall for over 70 years, making it the older of the two Washington statues. The other statue, of Mother Joseph, has been in National Statuary Hall for over 40 years. Since legislation allowing states to switch out their statues passed in 2000, many states have done so. Now for the first time, Washington is too. This is an opportunity to bring in a contemporary Washingtonian that can resonate with the current generations and kind of speak to the state that Washington has become as opposed to the state we were in the 19th century, ArtsWAs Wallenfels said. When it was decided that Whitman would be switched out, Preston said there was a consensus that if anybody should be switched in, it should be Frank. He was a leader in the Fish Wars, a series of fish-ins tribal members organized in protest of treaty-protected rights violations, that led to the Boldt Decision a court ruling that affirmed tribes right to own half of the salmon harvest and co-manage fisheries with the state. After Frank died in 2014, then-President Barack Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015. The Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge was renamed after him, to the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, the same year. Working in the stage room of the Minnaert Center for the Arts at South Puget Sound Community College on June 7, 2024 Seattle artist Haiying Wu continues his sculpting of the Billy Frank Jr. statue destined for the National Statuary Hall. While he is not the first contemporary Indigenous figure with a statue in National Statuary Hall Cherokee performer and actor Will Rogers of Oklahoma is Frank is the first to be honored for his activism on behalf of other Indigenous people in the 21st century, Wallenfels said. He is taking Whitmans place in National Statuary Hall, where he and Chief Standing Bear of Nebraska will stand on either side of the entrance to the House Chamber. Rep. Lekanoff, who is Alaska Native, said she hopes Frank serves as a reminder to all Americans of whose land they call home. As you walk in, whether youre walking to the floor to make a decision on a congressional bill, whether youre going to advocate for a congressional bill, whether youre working and living in Washington, D.C., or youre a visitor, youll see Billy, Rep. Lekanoff said. And hell ground you and remind you of who you are as an American. The Los Angeles Police department has identified the woman shot and killed by officers while wielding a knife and threatening family members before turning the knife onto law enforcement. Officers responded to an apartment building on the 9400 block of Van Nuys Boulevard in Panorama City at 12:50 a.m. Saturday on reports of a woman attempting to assault family members with a knife. The person who called authorities reported that the woman was blocking the family members from leaving the apartment. Upon arrival, officers staged on a second-floor landing of the apartment building, just outside the units door. After unsuccessfully attempting to speak to the woman, officers heard a loud banging noise and the womans screams, police said. Parent hits, kills 2-year-old while moving RV at Dockweiler State Beach, police say Officers then forced entry into the apartment, believing that the woman was attempting to gain access to the victims. Once inside, they encountered the woman and again shouted orders at her to drop the knife. She refused, police said, and charged officers while holding up the knife. Officers simultaneously tased and shot her at that moment. The woman was transported to a local hospital, where she later died. On Sunday, police identified her as 23-year-old Joanna Lua. No other injuries were reported. A 10-inch bread knife was recovered at the scene. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration approved both sickle cell disease gene therapies for Medicaid coverage on June 14, 2024. (Photo by TEK IMAGE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY via Getty Images) Quality Journalism for Critical Times Raising a child with sickle cell disease during the 1990s, there wasnt much hope for Kemba Gosier, a Miami resident, that she could make her daughters unbearable pain go away. Now, Floridians with sickle cell disease are closer to a functional cure after health care officials authorized Medicaid coverage for newly FDA-approved gene therapies. Officials with the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration voted Friday to cover both breakthrough therapies, offering relief for more than 7,000 low-income people with subsidized health insurance in the state, according to a report from the agency. The staggering cost of the therapies left people in the sickle cell medical community wondering how accessible the one-time treatment would be; it can cost up to $3.1 million. The more than 7,000 Florida Medicaid patients represent about half of the states total population living with sickle cell. A 2023 study in Blood, a journal of the American Society of Hematology, placed the number of cases in Florida at 13,886, the highest in the nation. Most people living with sickle cell disease in the country are Black. In fact, 63 percent of Florida Medicaid recipients with the disease are Black, according to the AHCA report. It gives us so much hope For Gosier, finding out the FDA had approved the gene therapies late last year felt unreal, she told Florida Phoenix in a video interview. She hoped AHCA would approve both therapies so families and their doctors could determine which one suited them best. There was a sense of, My goodness, finally, because sickle cell has been documented since 1910, Gosier said. And even though its been documented that long, we only have four treatments as far as drug therapies, so the fact that we now have an actual curative treatment is unprecedented. It gives us so much hope and inspiration, especially for our younger children that are coming up. A 12-year-old boy in Washington, D.C., received the first treatment in May, according to The New York Times. Despite the high cost, Deepakbabu Chellapandian, director of the bone marrow transplant unit at Johns Hopkins All Childrens Hospital in St. Petersburg, told AHCA officials during a Thursday meeting that Medicaid coverage of the therapies could result in overall savings. The initial cost of the gene therapy may be prohibitively high, but it is a one-time treatment compared to the ongoing lifelong medical care required for managing sickle cell symptoms. By potentially curing the disease, gene therapy can reduce the overall financial burden on the health care system, insurance providers, and patients, he said. In the meantime, a new federal program will make the life-changing treatments available to Medicaid patients starting next year. Heres how the therapies work Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics developed Casgevy and Bluebird Bio developed Lyfgenia. Both work by removing blood stem cells from the bone marrow and sending them to the manufacturers to edit the cells, which are infused back into the body. Manufacturing the cells can take between 10 weeks and six months and the process requires the use of other drugs to condition the body for the procedure. While AHCA approved coverage for both drugs, it classified Lyfgenia as the preferred treatment, meaning that additional steps are needed before specific patients can access Casgevy. Still, both require prior authorization. Only people 12 years or older who have frequent complications from sickle cell disease can undergo the therapies. Additionally, the treatments can take place only at qualified health centers. A representative from Bluebird Bio who attended the AHCA meeting on Friday said the company is onboarding centers with experienced personnel to handle the procedure in Gainesville, Jacksonville, Orlando, and Miami. We cant necessarily share every [qualified treatment center or QTC] that is in process, but, currently, we continue to expand and well have a meaningful number of QTCs in the state, he said. A Vertex spokesperson told the Phoenix via email the company expects to open a treatment center in Florida in the coming weeks. Community connections Before the development of the therapies, bone marrow transplant was the only cure. People with sickle cell disease also have to take strong pain medication. By the time Gosiers daughter was 11 years old, she needed a hip replacement. She had endured more than 30 hospital visits because the sickle-shaped red blood cells in her body caused so much pain. There is no greater pain in the world for a parent to than to watch your child suffer, and theres absolutely nothing you can do about it, she said. Thats like the worst feeling in the world: That youre not able to take the pain away because, as a mom, youre supposed to kiss the boo-boos and make it better. But when you have a serious health condition like sickle cell disease, you try your best but its very difficult to watch your child suffer. Gosier created the nonprofit Advancing Sickle Cell Advocacy Project in 2015 to help parents of children with sickle cell disease cope. When news of the new therapies spread, the nonprofit held a town hall with representatives of the manufacturers to answer the many questions floating in the community. How are gene therapies different than bone marrow transplants? University of Miamis Dela Ziga, a pediatric hematology and oncology doctor, said his first patient set to undergo the gene therapy has beta-thalassemia, another inherited blood disorder. Ziga has been treating patients with sickle cell disease since 1990 in Ghana, and he has been performing bone marrow transplants since 2013, but he likened the FDAs move to approve Casgevy and Lyfgenia at once to a lightning strike. When the announcement was made for these two products, I wanted to do a cartwheel. Thats how happy I was, he said in a video interview with the Phoenix. My phone just went off the hook. Everyone was texting me and calling me. All my patients. So, it was very, very exciting news for us, and I will say a great day for the sickle cell population world. I call it a very rare event, similar to a lightning strike, because for two gene products to be approved on the same day for one disease is unbelievable. More patients could qualify for gene therapy than for bone marrow transplants because the gene editing uses the patients own cells rather than a donors. Regarding Medicaid coverage of the gene therapies, Ziga said it would be fantastic. Aside from the Medicaid coverage of breakthrough therapies in Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis has approved a $10 million grant program for community-based projects increasing access to specialized sickle cell disease treatments in the 2024-25 fiscal year budget. I just think this is a new day for sickle cell disease. This is our time now. All eyes are on us, and we finally need to be put as a priority, Gosier said. The post Low-income Floridians with sickle cell disease will have access to new gene therapies appeared first on Florida Phoenix. A two-day summit in Switzerland dedicated to forging a path forward to end the war in Ukraine concluded with key powers spurning a joint communique agreed to by more than 80 other countries and international organizations. India, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates, all of whom have important trading relationships with Russia as members of the BRICS economic group, attended the weekend meeting but did not agree to sign the joint statement. The document reaffirmed the signatories commitment to refraining from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, the principles of sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of all states, including Ukraine, within their internationally recognized borders. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky told journalists at a news conference alongside the leaders of the European Union, Ghana, Canada, Chile and Switzerland that it was important that all participants of this summit support this Ukraines territorial integrity because there is will be no lasting peace without territorial integrity. More than 100 countries and organizations gathered at an idyllic lakeside resort near Lucerne to drum up support for the 10-point peace plan Zelensky first outlined late in 2022. That formula includes demands for a cessation of hostilities, the restoration of Ukraines territorial integrity, the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian soil and the restoration of Ukraines pre-war borders with Russia terms Russian President Vladimir Putin is unlikely to ever agree to. Among the high-level dignitaries in attendance were the leaders of Argentina, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden and the United Kingdom. US Vice President Kamala Harris was also in attendance and used the occasion to announce a $1.5 billion aid package that would go toward humanitarian expenditures and help Kyiv rebuilt its battered infrastructure. This high level attendance shows one thing. The world cares deeply about the war provoked by Russias aggression, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. Despite the strong showing among Western democracies, there had been questions ahead of the event as to just how much could be accomplished given that neither Russia nor China, whose increasingly close trading relationship with Moscow has helped the Kremlin survive Western sanctions, were attending. The communique published on Sunday said that signatories had struck several other agreements. Among them were the principle that Ukraine to should be allowed its own nuclear power plants including the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant and that the Kremlin refrain from both the use of and the threat of using nuclear weapons. The sides also said that all children and civilians that were unlawfully displaced must be returned to Ukraine. On Friday, the day before the summit was set to kick off, Russian President Vladimir Putin restated the Kremlins own peace plan, which calls for Ukrainian troops withdraw from four southern and eastern regions of Ukrainian territory that Moscow said it would annex in violation of international law and demands Kyiv abandon its bid to join NATO. While Russian forces have made modest gains in two of the regions Donetsk and Luhansk in recent months, they are far from occupying all four, which include Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, who traveled with Harris to Switzerland, told reporters at the summit that Putins framework defies basic morality. He (Putin) said, not only does Ukraine have to give up the territory Russia currently occupies, but Ukraine has to leave additional sovereign Ukrainian territory before Russia will negotiate. And Ukraine must disarm so that is vulnerable to future Russian aggression down the road. No responsible nation could say that is a reasonable basis for peace, Sullivan said. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com So many residents turned out for the protest that some of them had to stay in the Calo des Moro car park to hand out leaflets Hundreds of Majorcan residents crammed into a tourist haven cove in a protest against beach overcrowding on Sunday. The demonstration began early in the morning, and more than 300 people were in attendance by 10am, when the first foreign daytrippers were scheduled to arrive. The protesters had promised to reclaim the Calo des Moro beach by filling the 98ft wide stretch of sand with their towels. They held banners reading SOS residents and Ocupem Les Nostres Platges lets occupy our beaches. The event organisers, Mallorca Platja Tour, said: For one day Calo des Moro will belong to the Majorcans. Calo des Moro, a cove on the islands south-east coast, has been made famous around the world by social media influencers. Idyllic images of Calo des Moro have brought tourists flocking to the cove, to the dismay of local people - Moment RF Maria Pons, the mayor, has criticised the social media personalities, telling a council meeting: We have seen how some visitors change their swimwear three or four times to take different selfies and claim on their online profiles theyve been to Calo des Moro many times. But the mayor also argued that the beach needed a rest and to be forgotten for a season, not more people on the beach. We understand the demonstration and we wont do anything to stop it but Calo des Moro needs a rest, she said. If we carry on the way we are, there wont be a cove any more because of the erosion thats been caused. Graffiti is scrawled on the signs at Calo des Moro, which has become famous through social influencers - Splash News Mallorca Platja Tour which organised a similar event on June 1 at Sa Rapita beach on the islands south coast pledged that the cove would suffer no lasting damage during its demonstration. Some protestors were unable to make it on to the sand because of the huge volume of attendees, and instead handed out leaflets in English and German in the car park. The first tourists who turned up looked very surprised to find it packed with people at such an early hour, one islander told a local news site. But they seemed to understand what was going on when it was explained to them and they turned around and left without any fuss. The protest comes amid a wave of demonstrations against overtourism in Spain. Thousands marched in Majorca and Menorca last weekend over the massification of tourism, while similar protests have been seen in Ibiza and Barcelona. If the aim of todays action was to reclaim the beach and denounce tourist massification, its certainly been achieved, concluded one islander. Today Calo des Moro is definitely Majorcan. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) A 19-year-old pregnant woman is dead and a 23-year-old man is in custody after a domestic incident Sunday morning in southwest Columbus. Columbus police said a text was received by 911 about a domestic violence attack at 7:30 a.m. near the 4600 block of Parkwick Drive. According to court records, the text was from a woman stating that her sister-in-law, Brooke Devinney, was being assaulted by Devinneys boyfriend, who the texter identified as Devon Blair. Man in killing of teen last September pleads guilty, sentenced This embedded content is not available in your region. At that scene, officers found Devinney inside the home. She was taken to a hospital in critical condition, but pronounced dead at 8:45 a.m., police said. She was pregnant at the time of her death, with the unborn child being pronounced dead at 8:49 a.m. Ms. Devinney was pregnant at the time, Columbus Police Sgt. Joe Albert said. This morning, when she was pronounced deceased, found out that she was pregnant, so there might be additional charges stemming from that. Police said that when officers arrived, the suspect, identified by police as Blair, was seen leaving the home. Officers chased him on foot but lost him. He was taken into custody just before 12:30 p.m. near Cottrell Drive and Cottrell Court. Columbus Police searching for answers after fight between brothers turns deadly Thanks to the alertness and just the overall sheer determination of locating Mr. Blair, one of the patrol officers who was the officer to perform CPR on Ms. Devinney located Mr. Blair about two and a half, little less than two miles away from where the incident took place, Albert said. Blair was arrested in December 2023 and charged with felonious assault, assault, domestic violence, and strangulation or suffocation, according to Franklin County Municipal Court records. According to court records, Blair pleaded guilty to one domestic violence charge and one assault charge on May 16, resulting in strangulation and felonious assault charges being dropped. Court records show he was out on bond awaiting sentencing, but had that bond revoked on May 31 for violating the conditions of the bond. Devinney also filed a report against Blair on June 13, the result of an incident where the couple was driving the day before when Blair allegedly punched and threatened Devinney, according to court documents. A warrant for his arrest was filed after the report was made. During this report, Devinney told police that she had been previously victimized by Blair, including that he stabbed her in the past. We see it quite frequently where an offender will re-offend on domestic violence, whether with the same victim or with another victim later on in their life, Albert said. Birds perched like statues on Columbus apartment roof raise questions Blair is being held at Franklin County Jail. According to the Franklin County Sheriffs website, Blair is facing a murder charge for this incident as well as multiple assault and domestic violence charges from the incident on June 12. He is scheduled to appear in Franklin County Municipal Court on Monday. (Domestic violence is) an issue that were, you know, working with community partners, trying to, but we need cooperation from victims, Albert said. I know, I know its hard to reach out and, you know, believe that you are a victim. Some people dont believe they are victims of domestic violence, but this is a tragic ending to a very volatile relationship, it appears. If you or a loved one is experiencing domestic violence, visit LSS Choices or call 614-224-4663 (HOME), or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233, text BEGIN to 88788, or click here. Copyright 2024 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. Man accused of breaking into home, robbing person at gunpoint formally charged A man accused of robbing someone at gunpoint has been formally charged. Dakota Maddox was indicted by a Montgomery County Grand Jury on charges of aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery, abduction, grand theft, and theft, according to court records. News Center 7 previously reported on May 31 Maddox and another suspect allegedly entered a home on Daleview Avenue and pointed their guns at a resident. >> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 1 in custody after armed robbery in Harrison Twp.; Deputies still searching for 2nd suspect The pair allegedly forced the victim into a bedroom at gunpoint and took his cell phone, money, and handguns. The two drove away from the home. Days later, detectives located the vehicle and began surveilling it in Kettering. Maddox was seen leaving a home and entering the vehicle used in the robbery. With the assistance from Kettering police, the vehicle was stopped and Maddox was taken into custody without incident. The sheriffs office said a search warrant was completed on Maddoxs home and his vehicle where two guns were found. One was the gun stolen from the initial robbery. Maddox is in custody of the Montgomery County Jail. He is set to be arraigned on June 18. This post may contain graphic images or details. Reader discretion is advised. TAYLORSVILLE, Utah (ABC4) An 18-year-old man was arrested on Saturday after he allegedly kidnapped a 13-year-old girl, refused to let her out of the car, and ran over her relative. Joseph Daniel Genovez was arrested on four different felony charges, including child kidnapping, failure to remain at an accident involving serious injury, aggravated assault, and rape of a child, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed with the Third District Court. READ NEXT: Family speaks after officer-involved shooting in South Jordan leaves one dead According to arrest documents, officers first responded to reports of a possible abduction, after a relative of the 13-year-old said the child was being taken by an unknown male in a vehicle. Documents said the girls family members were asking Genovez to let her out of the car, and witnesses told officers that he did not stop the car or let the girl out. Genovez reportedly intentionally ran over another relative of the girl and fled the scene with the 13-year-old still in the car, documents said. The victim was transported to a local hospital and later transferred to a larger hospital due to the injuries sustained from being ran over with the vehicle, documents said. When the 13-year-old was located, she told officers that Genovez had engaged in unlawful sexual activity with her, according to arrest documents. Genovez later admitted that he knew the girl was underage. He said he fled the scene because he was scared that the relative he ran over had a weapon, but officers said the relative was found with nothing but a cell phone in his possession. Arrest documents clarified that the victim is a minor and not able to consent. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Copyright 2024 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 ABC4 Utah. Attempted break-in leads to capture of fugitive robbery suspect in East Boston One of two suspects arrested for trying to drill into an apartment in East Boston is also charged with a robbery that happened earlier this month. Timothy Deconinck, 55, and William Cataldo, 59, were caught after a neighbor at the Orient Heights Apartments called 911 Saturday afternoon. Police said the two used power tools to try to break into an apartment in the building on Waldemar Ave. Authorities revealed that Deconinck was wanted for a brazen scheme involving the robbery of nearly a quarter million dollars from a local business owner. Im just glad that one of the individuals has been arrested, said robbery victim Arthur Rizzo. I was very surprised. It seems to me that theyre pretty stupid. Rizzo, owner of The Check Place, was bringing $240,000 cash to his business on Meridian Street back on June 7th. Thats when two men impersonating police officers told him they had a warrant out for his arrest before stealing his Audi A6 and all of the money. Get out of the car: Victim describes East Boston carjacking at hands of suspects posing as police Theres no relief until I get money back, he told Boston 25 News on Sunday night. Rizzos Audi A6 was found about 100 yards away with an empty money bag following the carjacking. The money has never been recovered and the second suspect remains at large. You work 34 years in the business, and then somebody comes along and takes all of your money, he said. Its disheartening. Police arent speculating why Deconinck and Cataldo, who isnt connected to the previous robbery, allegedly targeted an apartment in East Boston on Saturday afternoon. According to police, Deconinck was caught in the act with a drill, drill bit and other tools in hand. Cataldo was arrested shortly thereafter. To have that go on around me in my own place when Im two doors down is kind of scary, said neighbor Annie Goulart. Its crazy and a little nerve racking. Deconinck is expected to be arraigned Monday in East Boston District Court for his outstanding arrest warrant that includes the charges of Unarmed Robbery of a Person Over 65 (Subsequent Offense), Carjacking, and Impersonating a Police Officer. Deconinck was additionally charged with Possession of Burglarious Tools, Attempt to Commit a Crime (Breaking & Entering), Defacing Property, Assault & Battery on a Police Officer, and Resisting Arrest. Cataldo is expected to be arraigned Monday in East Boston District Court for the charges of Possession of Burglarious Tools, Attempt to Commit a Crime (Breaking & Entering), Defacing Property, and Resisting Arrest. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) A man is being charged with murder five months after a shooting that left one person dead, according to the Greensboro Police Department. At around 2:16 a.m. on Jan. 21, officers came to the 300 block of Meadowview Road after getting a report of a shooting. Two people charged with murder in southwest Charlotte homicide: CMPD At the scene, police found Gabriel Salazar-Lopez, 36, with life-threatening injuries in a gravel parking lot. He was taken to a local hospital where he later died as a result of his injuries. A second person was also shot. However, they were released after getting treatment. On Friday, the GPDs Violent Criminal Apprehension Team arrested 32-year-old Jose Luis Rea-Lopez and charged him with first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury. Rea-Lopez is being held in jail without bond and will appear in court on Monday. Copyright 2024 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 Queen City News. Man suspected of stabbing bystander trying to intervene during robbery at Home Depot SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) One person was stabbed Saturday morning after several bystanders attempted to stop a man mid-robbery at an Encinitas Home Depot, authorities say. The San Diego County Sheriffs Department reports a man entered the Home Depot in Encinitas at 10 a.m. Saturday and attempted to leave the store without paying for the items when three bystanders stopped him. Authorities search for armed suspect in Encinitas Thats when police say the suspect pulled out a knife and stabbed one of the bystanders before fleeing the scene. A sheriff helicopter announcement was heard in the area Saturday morning as police searched for the suspect. Deputies arrived shortly after and applied a tourniquet to the injured citizens leg before they were transported to the hospital by the Encinitas Fire Department, the sheriffs office said. Their condition is unknown at this time. Woman stabbed multiple times next to ATM; police search for suspect The suspect identified as Hernan Padilla was found by deputies later on Saturday in the 7900 block of Anillo Way in Carlsbad after a tip from a witness who told deputies they just saw Padilla. The sheriffs office says Padilla was treated for injuries he received while evading deputies. He has been booked into the Vista Detention Facility and faces an assault with a deadly weapon charge, the sheriffs office reports. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A new bill in North Carolina could change the landscape of campaigning and elections. It started as a bill limiting the use of masks during protests until lawmakers added a revision concerning campaign finances. I think it definitely obscures the transparency because it allows what people refer to as dark money to come in, unlimited contributions without donor disclosure. Again, I think this is a matter of context, says Dr. Susan Roberts, a political science professor at Davidson College. Hunter Biden conviction puts wrinkle into 2024 campaign She says its not the first time legislators have tucked away unrelated items in a piece of legislation. In 2013, the North Carolina House passed a controversial bill 74-41 about two unrelated goals: it restricts access to abortion and increases safety for motorcyclists. Campaign finance law is never really neutral. And thats one of the things thats in this piece of legislation. Sometimes it depends on the context. And here the Republicans can do that. Whether or not this is something that benefits someone in the governors race is yet to be seen, Dr. Roberts said. The latest campaign finance records show Attorney General Josh Stein had raised $19.1 million as of February, with $12.7 million left to spend. Lt. Governor Mark Robinson was millions of dollars behind with only $10.7 million raised in that same period, with $4.5 million left to spend. It will essentially level the playing field when it comes to outside groups that are going to be playing in various elections in the state, says Republican Speaker of the House Representative Tim Moore. Well, were calling a foul because neither party should be hiding money and allowing mega-donors to pay to play, says Ann Webb with Common Cause North Carolina. The bill now goes to Governor Roy Coopers desk for his signature or veto. Republicans have veto-proof majorities in both chambers of the General Assembly. Copyright 2024 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 Queen City News. Meridian Mayor Robert Simison says the Idaho Legislature made a poor decision about property taxes, and Meridian taxpayers are being forced to pay for it. Simision says a law enacted in 2021 in an effort to curb property tax increases is costing the city millions and forcing it to take more of residents property tax dollars than he is comfortable with. The law codified changes to the states property tax law that Simison says have hurt Meridian ever since. Every year, cities and other taxing jurisdictions sets their budgets to cover the cost of their services. They have long been allowed to raise the property-tax portion of the budget by up to 3% per year unless voters approve a larger increase. Until the 2021 law took effect, they could also collect property taxes on newly built or annexed properties each year. They could boost the 3% cap in any given year by whatever amount of revenue they had foregone in prior years by keeping increases below 3% then. And they could start adding back any revenue that had been siphoned away to urban renewal districts once those districts expire. The 2021 law still allows those increases, but it capped the amount that local governments can increase their property tax budgets from all of those sources at 8%. That caused a problem for fast-growing Meridian, because it meant the city could no longer take full advantage of the revenue the old law allowed from new construction to the tax rolls. Thats money city leaders counted on to cover expenses resulting from serving more people. Meridian has grown 6.4% per year on average since 2010, and its population is now 143,000, according to the proposed budgets executive summary. Growth is no longer paying for growth, Simison said in his annual State of the City address on June 5. Meridian is one of the fastest growing cities in the country, with a population now estimated at 143,000. Mayor Robert Simison says the city cannot pay for needed public services in 2025 without increasing property taxes. Simison said the law is costing the city $1.4 million each year, and that amount continues to grow. As developers continue to build subdivisions, Simison said the city misses out on more and more of the money that it used to get from that construction. That will affect the fiscal year 2025 budget. Basically, our levy rate has decreased about 50% during this time period while the value of our new construction more than doubled, he said. The amount of new construction revenue we received in 2016 is about a 15% difference compared to 2025. Without the new law, Meridian would be receiving $2.9 million a year from new construction, twice what it receives now, he said. Simison said the missing $1.4 million could fund 10 firefighters or police officers needed to keep up with public safety. To offset the revenue loss, Simison said he will propose taking the full allowable 3% property tax increase in the budget for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1 and 1% of the foregone property tax increase that the city did not take last year. I dont like taking foregone one bit, he said. But if we want to keep up with our public safety needs, it is what we need to do. With limited resources for new positions, my recommendation is to invest in needed personnel for the Police Department and related services. In 2021, Rep. Mike Moyle, R-Star, who authored the property tax bill, said the law would slow the rising property taxes that burden Idaho homeowners. Moyle said the $1.4 million that Simision is upset about not receiving is savings for property taxpayers. The $1.4 millions are tax dollars left in property taxpayers pockets, Moyle told the Idaho Statesman by phone. He criticized Simision for not budgeting for growth better and for using the citys savings account to hire police officers. Last year, on average, homeowners in the Treasure Valley saw lower property tax bills. That was because the assessed values of properties in the valley decreased and because the Legislature dedicated $205 million, plus $100 million in state surplus money, to property-tax relief. But local elected officials warned taxpayers not to get used to the one-time savings. Ada property assessments are out. See how homes in your neighborhood are affected See where Canyon County homeowners property values rose fastest in the new assessments This is part of a weekly series introducing readers to individuals who are passionate about our Mid-Valley community. Keizer resident Thomas Morgan placed first in the inaugural Oregon Civics Bee and will represent the state at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundations National Civics Bee in the fall. The Oregon Civics Bee was held in late May at Willamette University, where Morgan competed with 18 other middle school student finalists from around the state. He won $1,000, while Grace Kim of Eugene was the runner-up and Shivani Nirmal-Shankar of Sherwood finished third. Morgan, a rising ninth grader, said he has always loved learning history and seeing how the government works, which has evolved into an interest in civics. He is homeschooled by his mom, Amanda, but has been independently studying civics since entering middle school. Thomas Morgan, a rising homeschooled ninth grader from Keizer, won the inaugural Oregon Civics Bee and will compete at nationals in the fall in Washington, D.C. He said he originally saw the advertisement for the Oregon Civics Bee on Facebook last fall. The competition's essay application asked students how they would address a civics-related issue in their community. Morgan chose to write about the Keizer Community Library, as he relies on the community space to do his school work. After his family moved from Wilsonville in 2022, the comparison between his old town's library and Keizer's was "sad," he said. The Keizer library is a nonprofit and is volunteer-run. Morgan said it has primarily older books and not as much programming offered as in Wilsonville where the library is funded by the city. Keizer has a bigger population than Wilsonville yet the size and resources offered by its library are not the same as what is offered in Wilsonville, Morgan said. His essay detailed potential ways to get more funding and a new library space in Keizer, including partnering with local businesses and community organizations. Thomas Morgan holds a check for $1,000 he received by winning the inaugural Oregon Civics Bee at Willamette University in May. The second round of the Civics Bee held at Willamette was a quiz-style competition requiring students to answer multiple choice questions. The top five scorers made it to a third round, where the finalists gave a three-minute pitch of their submitted essays and answered questions by a panel of judges. "I want to see a change in our nation and the world, because if we can change America we can make a better example for folks around the world," Morgan said. Morgan's dad, Ben, said his son has expressed interest in going into politics because of his desire to see change. Morgan said he hopes people become more conscious of the world around them, especially since the pandemic. He said as part of the next generation to lead the nation, knowing what's going on is crucial to understanding the world. Morgan believes having a library with programming that teaches people about civics is a great place to jumpstart the public's interest in the topic. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundations National Civics Bee will take place in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 12. If you have an idea for someone we should profile for this series, please email Statesman Journal executive editor Cherrill Crosby at crosbyc@statesmanjournal.com Em Chan covers food and dining at the Statesman Journal. You can reach her at echan@gannett.com and follow her on X @catchuptoemily. This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Keizer teenager places first in inaugural Oregon Civics Bee PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Now that weve gotten through the May primary, the attention turns to the November general election. This includes one of the most important local races Multnomah County Commissioner Position One. Its the position now occupied by the outspoken Commissioner Sharon Meieran, who is term-limited out. Vying for that spot are the two leading vote-getters in the primary: Federal administrative law judge Vadim Mozyrsky and Meghan Moyer, a social services public policy expert whos also on the board of Disability Rights Oregon. On this weeks Eye on Northwest Politics, Moyer voiced how her work with disability rights influences her approach to running for commissioner. I think my experience over the past almost four years with [Disability Rights Oregon], combined with my other human services policy work Ive done has helped me have a better understanding of whats going on right now in our community, she said. But more importantly, I think its given me the opportunity to understand what opportunities are available if we work collaboratively with our state and federal partners. Solving homelessness has been one of Moyers campaign platforms and the county recently passed a $4 billion budget to aid in the crisis. While Moyer said she has seen some decent individual proposals, a comprehensive plan is lacking. I think there are things that have really shown promise and were doubling down on it, she acknowledged. But where were really hitting barriers is that we dont think of it as a system and we dont hold people and our contractors accountable to that system. She continued, I think we have to think bigger here. But I dont think were seeing the success we need to see in every setting of how do we get beyond that initial intervention with somebody and are they progressing on a path to stability. Like her opponent, Moyer also has critiques about the Joint Office of Homeless Services, which is run by Multnomah County. One is contract accountability, both from the county perspective and also from the provider perspective, she said. Its not okay to not pay contractors. They have staff, they need to deliver services. If they cant count on the resources they budgeted on, it really impedes their ability to serve the public. Another big issue in Multnomah County is ambulance staffing. Chair Jessica Vega-Pederson has consistently resisted relaxing the two-paramedic requirement to a paramedic and an EMT, in an effort to improve staffing and response times. To this, Moyer emphasizes that, while she has seen this model work in places such as New York City, it may not be the countys most realistic option at this stage. Maybe in a perfect world where we had unlimited amount of access to paramedics, it would be the preferred model. But thats not the reality we have today, she said. We have a lack of staffing where we cant actually meet the need because of this requirement. I think it is more important to be able to respond quickly than be able to have a perfect system. Multnomah County is in charge of community health and Moyer voiced additional concern about not modifying the system to address the current drug crisis. This isnt the mental health crisis or the drug addiction crisis of 30 years ago, but we have not fundamentally changed our treatment modalities, she stressed. And I think thats going to really show in the outcomes. Watch the full interview in the video above. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. A member of the youth wing of Brothers of Italy makes a fascist salute while being secretly filmed - Fanpage/Fanpage Members of the Italian governments youth wing have been caught making Nazi salutes in an undercover investigation into fascist leanings. They were also seen chanting Sieg Heil and Duce in support of the fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, according to a report by the news site, fanpage.it. Prime minister Giorgia Melonis Brothers of Italy party leads a coalition that is the countrys most Right-wing government since the Second World War. She has attempted to position the party as the respectable face of the Right and claimed it had consigned fascism to history before taking power. However at the weekend an investigation into the activities of the Gioventu Nazionale, or National Youth, of Ms Melonis party appeared to challenge that view. Giorgia Meloni has been asked to respond to the undercover report in parliament - Planetpix/Alamy Live News In a 12-minute clip, young people were secretly filmed making fascist gestures. In one scene which appeared to be filmed at a mountain retreat, young members are seen yelling Sieg Heil, Sieg Heil. We are really fascists. Political opponents demanded a response from Ms Meloni as she was concluding the G7 summit in Puglia, but she has yet to comment. Her opponents decried it as proof the political Right is still haunted by its fascist past. The Right can whitewash itself but it cannot hide anti-Semitism and racism, Elly Schlein, head of the main opposition Democratic Party (PD) told the La7 TV channel. The PD, the Five Star Movement and the Green-Left Alliance demanded an explanation in Parliament for what they termed the incomprehensible silence from the prime minister and her government over the investigation. Ms Schlein said the prime minister could not deny there was fascism within her own party. She pointed to Ignazio La Russa, the president of the Senate, who has openly admitted having a bust of Benito Mussolini in his home. Left-wing MP, Nicola Fratoianni, echoed her concern. The youth movement of the prime ministers party feeds on fascist and Nazi ideological rubbish, which praises the Duce and shouts Sieg Heil, he said. Dedicated militants But Italo Bocchino, a former Right-wing MP and journalist, dismissed the controversial news report as garbage and described the National Youth as a community of committed and dedicated militants which made an important contribution to democracy. Ms Meloni once described Mussolini as a good politician and it is not the first time the Italian prime minister has been asked to distance herself from blatant displays of fascist behaviour. Italian opposition parties demanded the dissolution of extreme-Right parties in January this year after a video was released showing hundreds of black-clad men making fascist salutes at a rally in Rome. The gathering was held in front of the former headquarters of the Italian Social Movement (MSI) a neo-fascist party that eventually morphed into the conservative Brothers of Italy, co-founded by Ms Meloni. It took place on Jan 7 to mark the 46th anniversary of the Acca Larentia massacre, when three young neo-fascist militants from the MSI were killed. Italys post-war constitution forbids the reorganisation of Mussolinis dissolved Fascist party, but extreme Right groups have been able to give their parties new names and claim to be new entities. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Meteorologists warn region is in for dangerously hot summer: 'Our computer models are in good agreement' Europe is the fastest-warming continent on Earth, endangering residents across its roughly 50 countries. And this summer, temperatures are set to soar. What's happening? Meteorologists are predicting an especially scorching summer in Europe, as the New York Times reported in late May. One such meteorologist is Dr. Todd Crawford, who works for Atmospheric G2, a company in Manchester, New Hampshire, that provides weather forecasts and historical data for sites around the globe. "Our computer models are in good agreement that it's going to be another unusually hot summer, especially during late July through August," said Crawford, the company's vice president of meteorology, per the Times. A report released this April by the World Meteorological Organization and the Copernicus Climate Change Service states: "Since the 1980s, Europe has been warming twice as fast as the global average, becoming the fastest-warming continent on Earth." The heat forecast for this summer will impact not only Europe's residents but also the millions of tourists expected to visit the region. Why is Europe's hot summer forecast important? A study on a heat wave that hit Europe in the summer of 2022 found that heat may have killed more than 70,000 people for the year. Copernicus reported that in 2023, there was a record number of days with "extreme heat stress." The World Meteorological Organization said in a press release: "Heat-related mortality has increased by around 30% in the past 20 years, and heat-related deaths are estimated to have increased in 94% of the European regions monitored." Since 1980, summers have warmed by about 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit in most of Europe, according to a paper published by Nature. That hasn't stopped tourists from traveling to the region. There have recently been record levels of Americans traveling to Europe. A recent survey says trips to Europe increased by 55% last year. Heat waves in Europe are dangerous to even people who live there and know they are coming. But extreme heat can be more likely to catch tourists off guard, making it even more deadly for travelers there. What's being done about the summer heat? Heat is the most deadly of all weather-related disasters, and a warming planet is making it worse. The buildup of heat-trapping gases has contributed to May being the 12th consecutive month with record-high global temperatures. Luckily, new technological breakthroughs are announced almost weekly that could help keep our planet cooler. And new regulations designed to limit toxic gases from entering our atmosphere are also showing signs of success. But more needs to be done. Together, though, we can have an impact. Something as simple as changing the way we plan our vacations can help. But perhaps the biggest thing we can do is remove dirty energy from our lives. If you can't afford rooftop solar panels or live in a shady area, check out a community solar subscription that can cut your bills and your environmental impact. Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet. Four Miami-Dade police officers are facing manslaughter charges after a grand jury indicted them for the deaths of a kidnapped UPS driver and a bystander stuck in the middle of a 2019 shootout, prosecutors announced on Saturday. Given the enormity of the gunfire in this incident at an extremely busy intersection packed with civilian motorists and pedestrians, we presented these agencies findings to the grand jury, Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor said in a statement. After listening to several months of evidence, a Broward County grand jury indicted the four officers on June 6, the state attorneys office said. The officers turned themselves in at the Broward Main Jail on Friday and Saturday. READ MORE: Miami-Dade officers indicted in shootout that killed UPS driver to surrender next week Rodolfo Mirabal, 39, was indicted on two counts of manslaughter with a firearm for the deaths of Frank Ordonez, 27, the kidnapped UPS driver, and Richard Cutshaw, 70, a motorist stuck in traffic during the shooting. Jose Mateo, 32; Richard Santiesteban, 33; and Leslie Lee, 57, were all indicted on one count each of manslaughter with a firearm for the death of Ordonez. Deciding whether to use deadly force is among the most serious and consequential decisions a police officer can make, Pryor said. We understand that these decisions are often made during intense and uncertain circumstances. The quartet was released from jail per court order. If they are found guilty, the maximum penalty they could face is up to 30 years in state prison, but first-time offenders could see less time. According to personnel records, two of the officers, Mateo and Mirabal, were still employed by Miami-Dade police. They were part of the Priority Response Team when the shooting occurred. Lee retired in late 2021 and worked on the Special Response Team, records showed and sources told the Miami Herald. Santiesteban was fired in June before the indictment. He was a member of the Robbery Intervention Detail Unit. Although the process has taken a long time, we feel the grand jury was necessary to ensure we get answers for the victims families and the community, Pryor said. All of this was done with the mindset of pursuing justice. The indictment speaks for itself, and any further comments we have will be through the court process, as is our policy. Hail of Gunfire In Dec. 2019, a jewelry heist turned high-speed police chase ended with a massive shootout involving more than a dozen police officers from at least three agencies at a packed intersection. It began when Lamar Alexander and Ronnie Jerome Hill pulled off a Coral Gables heist and hijacked a UPS truck. Ordonez, a UPS driver and father of two, was still inside when the interstate police chase started. Frank Ordonez, driver of the UPS truck that was hijacked, was killed in the chase and shootout that followed. READ MORE: Miami-Dade officers indicted in shootout that killed UPS driver, bystander in Broward It eventually ended with a gunfight at Miramar Parkway and Flamingo Road the intersection was packed with cars. Ordonez and the two suspected robbers were gunned down, as well as Rick Cutshaw, a 70-year-old local union worker, who was sitting in traffic. Rick Cutshaw, 70, was killed in the shootout between cops and robbery suspects in Miramar traffic. He was a union representative from Pembroke Pines. READ MORE: After 3 years, families still dont know who killed loved ones during UPS hijack shootout Ordonezs family is still grappling with his death. His stepfather, Joe Merino, told the Herald what they want most is for someone to be held accountable. Thats what weve been asking for four-and-a-half years, Merino said. Only justice. Miami Herald Reporters Grethel Aguila and Charles Rabin contributed to this report. An Arizona sheriffs deputy shot and killed seven starving and abandoned dogs at a rural property in September after giving them water, shocking footage shows. While the Apache County Sheriffs Office argues the deputy did nothing wrong, the incident has outraged local animal rights groups that argue the area needs to address animal hoarding. Body cam footage shows the deputy approach the group of starving dogs behind a chain-link fence where some are sleeping and others are barking and wagging their tails. He lays out food and water for the dogs. He then proceeds to shoot and kill seven of them, the video shows. An incident report states that he subsequently dumped the remains near railroad tracks. Oh God. This is gonna suck, the deputy says as the dogs follow him inside. He then shoots seven dogs as two flee for their lives. The shooting was pre-planned, and the deputy had told a supervisor. The deputy - who works in a county that lacks an animal care and control department - said the dogs had to be down due to their condition and lack of kennel ability. Seven starving and abandoned dogs were shot by an Arizona sheriffs deputy, after the officers gave them water. Shocking body camera footage shows the incident. (Screenshot / the Mountain Daily Star / Apache County Sheriffs Department) Apache County Chief Deputy Roscoe Herrera said deputies can handle animal issues as they deem necessary as the county has no animal control service, according to The Washington Post. But animal advocates argue the shooting was not the right solution and that animal hoarding and abandonment need to be addressed in the area. The founder of the nonprofit Northern Arizona Animal Search and Rescue, Teresa Schumann, told The Post, The Apache County Sheriffs Office wont do anything to fix the problem. Animals are dying everywhere in the county, she added. The footage was originally obtained by the Mountain Daily Star. The deputy, Jarrod Toadecheenie, wrote in the incident report the dogs were owned by a couple who were getting divorced and who had abandoned the property, adding he visited the home on a number of occasions during the course of three weeks following neighbors complaints about the dogs going after the lifestock. They were also left without food and water. During the initial visit, he counted 10 dogs, which seemed to be in good health. He was later called to the scene after the dogs chased a neighbors donkey. Toadecheenie got in touch with Schumann, who said she was having a hard time locating new owners for the dogs when the deputy called saying that he would take care of the situation. In his report, the deputy said Schumann told him that if the dogs were aggressive, they may have to be euthanized. I told him if the dogs were feral, we were going to have to try and find somebody that would be willing to work with these dogs, Schumann told KPNX 12 News. I said it takes a lot, but no, I never said they needed to be shot. Toadecheenie told his supervisor he planned on shooting the dogs. He bought dog food and a tray and got water from a fire station. He then went to the property, gathered the dogs using the food and water, and put on headphones before starting to shoot the dogs, according to the body cam footage. Two of the dogs ran away unharmed, hiding under a shed, and were later taken to an animal shelter by Schumann. One died of a virus and the other was adopted. According to the report, the deputy said he tried to contact the owners, with one saying it would be OK to shoot the dogs. He also said he tried to work with an animal shelter to find a home for the dogs, but one wasnt available. The deputy wrote in the incident report that the couple should be charged with animal cruelty. The deputy - who works in a county that lacks an animal care and control department - said the dogs had to be down due to thier condition and lack of kennel ability (Apache County Sheriffs Office) Herrera told The Post, This tragic decision was made under extremely difficult circumstances due to a combination of limited resources, the willful neglect and abandonment of the dogs by their original owners, and the considerable amount of time spent seeking assistance from outside resources. A spokesperson for the Sheriffs Office told KPNX 12 News earlier this month, The Deputy involved acted in a professional and most humane manner given the circumstances. He exhausted all other alternatives available to him at the time and acted under the approval of his immediate supervisor. Apache County does not have an animal care and control department, the spokesperson added. In the unincorporated areas that responsibility is left up to the deputies and actions taken vary and are considered on a case-by-case basis. We do not have the infrastructure or budget to support such a department. The humane society told The Post that This awful incident lacked all compassion and judgment. And what is most clear is that establishing an animal care and control service in Apache County is an absolute necessity to prevent something like this from happening in the future. The Independent has contacted the sheriffs office for comment. More parents are taking on debt to pay for Disney vacations as prices soar Lending Tree surveyed Americans about how vacationing at Disney World impacts their finances. Nearly 50% of parents with children under 18 go into debt for Disney trips. Respondents said in-park food and beverages were the main budget-busters. As prices soar, some parents are emptying their bank accounts for a trip to Disney. Others are maxing out their credit cards. Disney's expensive prices have been a hot topic among parkgoers recently. They even caused Disney CEO Bob Iger to raise his eyebrows in disbelief. Disneyland raised ticket prices in 2023 and Disney World is expected to increase costs in 2025. So Lending Tree surveyed over 2,000 American consumers to understand just how much a trip to Disney's theme parks can impact a family's finances. What it found is a little concerning. "Across the 77% of theme park-going parents with kids younger than 18 who've been to Disney, 45% have gone into debt for a Disney trip," the survey found. A view of Main Street at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Joseph Prezioso/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images That's up from the 2022 Disney debt survey, which found that 30% of parents with children under 18 were going into debt. According to the survey, parents with young children had an average debt of almost $2,000. Despite the financial hit, 59% of parents said they didn't regret the decision. "For so many parents, taking their kids to Disney is a rite of passage, something they remember fondly from their youth and want to experience with their kids," LendingTree chief credit analyst Matt Schulz said in a statement. "Because of those feelings, they're often willing to take on debt to get there." Food, transportation, and accommodation are the biggest dents to parents' Disney budgets. The survey found that 65% of respondents with Disney debt said food and beverages cost more than they expected. Disney World and Disneyland representatives did not respond to Business Insider's request for comment. The rising prices at Disney and, well, everywhere, coupled with stifling childcare costs, are already impacting parents across the country, leading some to look for alternatives to Disney. One husband told BI his family decided to visit Great Wolf Lodge in North Carolina instead of their usual trip to Walt Disney World. The husband said his children enjoyed Great Wolf Lodge more than their Disney adventures, and it cost less, too. Have you taken on debt to take a trip to a Disney theme park and want to share your story? If so, reach out to this reporter at ledmonds@businessinsider.com Read the original article on Business Insider A two-day global summit meeting in Switzerland ended Sunday with several key developing countries declining to sign a statement that denounced Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. India, Indonesia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and South Africa weren't won over by Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy's appeal for support against Russia's two-year-plus war, Reuters reported. Thailand and the United Arab Emirates also didn't sign the statement, according to the Associated Press. Brazil attended the conference only as an "observer," and China which the Group of Seven industrialized nations on Friday accused of aiding Russia's war effort sat out the event. Russia wasn't invited and President Vladimir Putin last week said Russia wouldn't end its war unless Ukraine handed over four provinces that Moscow partially controls and claims to have annexed, according to Reuters. A total of 80 countries signed the statement, which called for the "territorial integrity and sovereignty" of Ukraine to "serve as a basis for achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace," AP reported. During a closing news conference, Swiss President Viola Amherd said that the result showed "what diplomacy can achieve," but also acknowledged that the "road ahead is long and challenging." Zelenskyy said he was holding talks with some unidentified countries to host a second summit but he didn't say when that would happen. The summit at the Burgenstock resort overlooking Lake Lucerne resort concluded a day after former President Donald Trump publicly suggested that he would end U.S. aid to Ukraine if he beats President Joe Biden in November. During a Saturday campaign rally in Detroit, Trump said Zelenskyy's reliance on America "never ends" and mocked him as the "greatest salesman of all time," according to a video clip posted online by India's Free Press Journal. "He just left, four days ago, with 60 billion [dollars] and he gets home and he announces he needs another 60 billion," Trump said. "I will have that settled prior to taking the White House as president-elect. I will have that settled." (FOX40.COM) Seven Placer County Sheriffs Office members were recently inducted into the 2024 3rd Congressional District Police Honor Roll in Washington D.C. for their bravery and dedication to public safety. Rocklin-born United States Representative Kevin Kiley did the honors during a speech in D.C. where he described an incident that occurred in Colfax on May 2 that displayed a testament to the professionalism and bravery [Placer County] deputies exemplify every day. Among those honored were Sergeant Isaiah Tchobanoff, Deputy Richard Porter, Deputy John Tannarome, Deputy Brandon Winschell, Deputy Paul Solbos, Deputy Kevin Hills, and Deputy Joseph Durant. On that night of May 2, Placer County deputies noticed a suspicious vehicle parked by a restaurant that matched the description of a van involved in a residential burglary earlier in the week. Placer County deputy in critical condition, man dead following shooting in Colfax Three deputies approached the vehicle when the person inside became uncooperative and refused orders to get out. As deputies were coming up with a plan to de-escalate the situation, the driver of the van shot and struck one of the deputies, Deputy Richard Porter. Placer County deputies returned fire and immediately took Porter to the hospital. Porter would spend four days in the hospital for his injuries, but on May 6, he was escorted home by other members of the Placer County Sheriffs Office. These law enforcement officers acted with the utmost professionalism and bravery on May 2, Kiley said. They trusted their training and were calm, committed, and focused. He continued, Their actions embody the core values of the Placer County Sheriffs Office and all Placer County residents can take enormous pride in these outstanding officers. Copyright 2024 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 FOX40. Palestinians play with their sacrifice on the rubble of their house destroyed by Israeli warplanes, on the first day of Eid al-Adha, in the city of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa Muslims in most parts of the world began celebrating on Sunday the Eid al-Adha festival in the shadow of the devastating war in the Gaza Strip. The major four-day holiday, which falls in the month of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, is based on Islam's lunar calendar. In a sermon marking Eid, a preacher at Islam's holiest mosque in Mecca voiced support for Palestinians. "This Eid does not make us forget our helpless brothers and our bereft loved ones in Palestine," Sheikh Abdel-Rahman al-Sudais, a senior Saudi religious official and cleric, told worshippers at the Grand Mosque in Mecca. Saudi Arabia is Islam's birthplace. "Oh God, save al-Aqsa Mosque from aggression and the occupying Zionists' injustice," al-Sudais added in a televised sermon, referring to Islam's third holiest mosque in Jerusalem. The Noble Sanctuary or al-Haram al-Sharif in Arabic, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, contains the holy Islamic sites of al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock shrine. Al-Sudais' rhetoric comes as the United States, a traditional ally of Saudi Arabia, is pushing for a normalization deal between Riyadh and Israel. Israel has been bombarding Gaza for months, since Hamas militants launched unprecedented attacks on Israel in October last year that included massacres of civilians. Footage from Gaza showed Muslim worshippers performing the Eid prayers amid the rubble of their destroyed houses. On the first day of Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, believers gather early in the morning for prayers in mosques. During the Eid, Muslims also honour the willingness of the prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son to prove his faith to God. Sheep are commonly chosen as the sacrificial animal, part of which is given to the poor. Palestinians perform Eid al-Adha prayer next to destroyed homes by Israeli warplanes in the city of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa Muslims gather to perform Eid al-Adha prayers at Jaffa. Eid al-Adha is the holiest feast in Islam, during which Muslims slaughter cattle and sheep to commemorate the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ishmael. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa Muslims perform Eid al-Adha prayers at Amr ibn al-As Mosque. Eid al-Adha is the holiest feast in Islam, during which Muslims slaughter cattle and sheep to commemorate the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ishmael. Mohamed El Raai/dpa ABOARD THE USS LABOON IN THE RED SEA The U.S. Navy prepared for decades to potentially fight the Soviet Union, then later Russia and China, on the worlds waterways. But instead of a global power, the Navy finds itself locked in combat with a shadowy, Iran-backed rebel group based in Yemen. The U.S.-led campaign against the Houthi rebels, overshadowed by the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip, has turned into the most intense running sea battle the Navy has faced since World War II, its leaders and experts told The Associated Press. What the Navy is learning from its fight in the Red Sea The combat pits the Navys mission to keep international waterways open against a group whose former arsenal of assault rifles and pickup trucks has grown into a seemingly inexhaustible supply of drones, missiles and other weaponry. Near-daily attacks by the Houthis since November have seen more than 50 vessels clearly targeted, while shipping volume has dropped in the vital Red Sea corridor that leads to the Suez Canal and into the Mediterranean. The Houthis say the attacks are aimed at stopping the war in Gaza and supporting the Palestinians, though it comes as they try to strengthen their position in Yemen. All signs suggest the warfare will intensify putting U.S. sailors, their allies and commercial vessels at more risk. I dont think people really understand just kind of how deadly serious it is what were doing and how under threat the ships continue to be, Cmdr. Eric Blomberg with the USS Laboon told the AP on a visit to his warship on the Red Sea. We only have to get it wrong once, he said. The Houthis just have to get one through. Seconds to act The pace of the fire can be seen on the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, where the paint around the hatches of its missile pods has been burned away from repeated launches. Its sailors sometimes have seconds to confirm a launch by the Houthis, confer with other ships and open fire on an incoming missile barrage that can move near or beyond the speed of sound. It is every single day, every single watch, and some of our ships have been out here for seven-plus months doing that, said Capt. David Wroe, the commodore overseeing the guided missile destroyers. One round of fire on Jan. 9 saw the Laboon, other vessels and F/A-18s from the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower shoot down 18 drones, two anti-ship cruise missiles and a ballistic missile launched by the Houthis. Navy authorizes combat awards and devices for Red Sea operations Nearly every day aside from a slowdown during the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan the Houthis launch missiles, drones or some other type of attack in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the narrow Bab el-Mandeb Strait that connects the waterways and separates Africa from the Arabian Peninsula. The Navy saw periods of combat during the Tanker Wars of the 1980s in the Persian Gulf, but that largely involved ships hitting mines. The Houthi assaults involve direct attacks on commercial vessels and warships. This is the most sustained combat that the U.S. Navy has seen since World War II easily, no question, said Bryan Clark, a former Navy submariner and a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute. Were sort of on the verge of the Houthis being able to mount the kinds of attacks that the U.S. cant stop every time, and then we will start to see substantial damage. If you let it fester, the Houthis are going to get to be a much more capable, competent, experienced force. A fighter jet lands on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Red Sea on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. The Eisenhower carrier strike group's deployment in the Red Sea was recently extended. (Bernat Armangue/AP) Dangers at sea and in the air While the Eisenhower appears to largely stay at a distance, destroyers like the Laboon spend six out of seven days near or off Yemen the weapons engagement zone, in Navy speak. All the Houthi-US Navy incidents in the Middle East (that we know of) Sea combat in the Mideast remains risky, something the Navy knows well. In 1987, an Iraqi fighter jet fired missiles that struck the USS Stark, a frigate on patrol in the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq war, killing 37 sailors and nearly sinking the vessel. Theres also the USS Cole, targeted in 2000 by boat-borne al-Qaida suicide bombers during a refueling stop in Yemens port city of Aden, which killed 17 on board. AP journalists saw the Cole patrolling the Red Sea with the Laboon on Wednesday, the same day the Houthis launched a drone-boat attack against a commercial ship there that disabled the vessel. That commercial ship was abandoned on Friday and left adrift and unlit in the Red Sea, the British militarys United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said. Rear Adm. Marc Miguez, the Navys commander for its Carrier Strike Group Two, which includes the Eisenhower and supporting ships, said the Navy had taken out one underwater bomb-carrying drone launched by the Houthis as well during the campaign. What Navy destroyers bring to the Red Sea fight We currently have pretty high confidence that not only is Iran providing financial support, but theyre providing intelligence support, Miguez said. We know for a fact the Houthis have also gotten training to target maritime shipping and target U.S. warships. Asked if the Navy believed Iran picks targets for the Houthis, Miguez would only say there was collaboration between Tehran and the rebels. He also noted Iran continues to arm the Houthis, despite U.N. sanctions blocking weapons transfers to them. Irans mission to the United Nations told the AP that Tehran is adept at thwarting the U.S. strategy in a way that not only strengthens (the Houthis) but also ensures compliance with the pertinent resolutions. The risk isnt just on the water. The U.S.-led campaign has carried out numerous airstrikes targeting Houthi positions inside Yemen, including what the U.S. military describes as radar stations, launch sites, arsenals and other locations. One round of U.S. and British strikes on May 30 killed at least 16 people, the deadliest attack acknowledged by the rebels. The Eisenhowers air crews have dropped over 350 bombs and fired 50 missiles at targets in the campaign, said Capt. Marvin Scott, who oversees all the air groups aircraft. Meanwhile, the Houthis apparently have shot down multiple MQ-9 Reaper drones with surface-to-air missile systems. The Houthis also have surface-to-air capabilities that we have significantly degraded, but they are still present and still there, Scott said. Were always prepared to be shot at by the Houthis. Kill marks of drones and missiles that have been shot down are stenciled on the fuselage of a fighter jet stationed on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. (Bernat Armangue/AP) A stalemated war Officers acknowledge some grumbling among their crew, wondering why the Navy doesnt strike harder against the Houthis. The White House hasnt discussed the Houthi campaign at the same level as negotiations over the Israel-Hamas war. There are several likely reasons. The U.S. has been indirectly trying to lower tensions with Iran, particularly after Tehran launched a massive drone-and-missile attack on Israel and now enriches uranium closer than ever to weapons-grade levels. Meanwhile, theres the Houthis themselves. The rebel group has battled a Saudi-led coalition into a stalemate in a wider war thats killed more than 150,000 people, including civilians, and created one of the worlds worst humanitarian disasters. The U.S. directly fighting the Houthis is something the leaders of the Zaydi Shiite group likely want. Their motto long has been God is the greatest; death to America; death to Israel; curse the Jews; victory to Islam. Combating the U.S. and siding publicly with the Palestinians has some in the Mideast praising the rebels. While the U.S. and European partners patrol the waterways, Saudi Arabia largely has remained quiet, seeking a peace deal with the Houthis. Reports suggest some Mideast nations have asked the U.S. not to launch attacks on the Houthis from their soil, making the Eisenhowers presence even more critical. The carrier has had its deployment extended, while its crew has had only one port call since its deployment a week after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Meanwhile, the Houthi attacks continue to depress shipping through the region. Revenue for Egypt from the Suez Canal a key source of hard currency for its struggling economy has halved since the attacks began. AP journalists saw a single commercial ship moving through the once-busy waterway. Its almost a ghost town, Blomberg acknowledged. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates Sailors from the Dwight D. Eisenhower carrier strike group airlifted the crew of a merchant vessel attacked by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the Red Sea on Saturday, U.S. officials said. The Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned bulk cargo carrier M/V Tutor was struck by a Houthi uncrewed surface vessel while sailing in the Red Sea on Wednesday, resulting in severe flooding and damage to the engine room, according to a Navy release. Navy helicopter evacuates mariner injured in Red Sea Houthi attack The crew abandoned ship and were rescued by USS Philippine Sea and partner forces, U.S. Central Command said in a separate statement. (The) Tutor remains in the Red Sea and is slowly taking on water. A helicopter from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 74 airlifted 24 civilian mariners from the Tutor to the USS Philippine Sea, service officials said. They were then transported to the USS Eisenhower by helicopters from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 7. After medical checks on the Eisenhower, the mariners were flown ashore for further care. Despite these senseless attacks on innocent mariners just doing their job, the Philippine Sea crew stand ready to help preserve safety of life at sea, always, said Capt. Steven Liberty, Philippine Seas commanding officer, in a Navy release. Aircraft from the USS Philippine Sea also medically evacuated a mariner injured in a separate Houthi attack on a different merchant vessel in the Gulf of Aden on Thursday. All the Houthi-US Navy incidents in the Middle East (that we know of) Officials reported that one civilian mariner from the Tutor remained missing as of Sunday. The British militarys United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center stated Saturday afternoon that the vessel was still on fire and sinking. The missing sailor is Filipino, according to the state-run Philippine News Agency, which cited Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac. He said most of the Tutors 22 mariners were from the Philippines. Were trying to account for the particular seafarer in the ship and are praying that we could find him, he said Friday night. U.S. officials reported Saturday that the military had launched a wave of attacks targeting radar sites operated by Houthi rebels. The attacks come as the U.S. Navy faces the most intense combat it has seen since World War II in trying to counter the Houthi campaign attacks the rebels say are meant to halt the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. However, the Iranian-backed rebel assaults often see the Houthis target ships and mariners who have nothing to do with the war while traffic remains halved through a corridor vital for cargo and energy shipments between Asia, Europe and the Mideast. U.S. strikes destroyed seven radars within Houthi-controlled territory, the militarys Central Command said. It did not elaborate on how the sites were destroyed and did not immediately respond to questions from The Associated Press. These radars allow the Houthis to target maritime vessels and endanger commercial shipping, Central Command said in a statement. The U.S. separately destroyed two bomb-laden drone boats in the Red Sea, as well as a drone launched by the Houthis over the waterway, it said. The Houthis, who have held Yemens capital, Sanaa, since 2014, did not acknowledge the strikes, nor any military losses. Thats been typical since the U.S. began launching airstrikes targeting the rebels. Also on Saturday, Central Command said the vessel M/V Anna Meta rescued crew members from the cargo carrier M/V Verbena, which was struck Thursday in the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Yemen in two separate missile attacks by the Houthis. The crew abandoned ship after being unable to bring fires on the vessel under control. One mariner was severely wounded. CENTCOM said the Verbena is a Palauan-flagged, Ukrainian-owned and Polish-operated bulk cargo carrier that had docked in Malaysia and was on its way to Italy carrying wood. The Houthis have launched more than 50 attacks on shipping, killed three mariners, seized one vessel and sunk another since November, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration. A U.S.-led airstrike campaign has targeted the Houthis since January, with a series of strikes May 30 killing at least 16 people and wounding 42 others, the rebels say. The war in the Gaza Strip has killed more than 37,000 Palestinians there, according to Gaza health officials, while hundreds of others have been killed in Israeli operations in the West Bank. It began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostage. The Houthis claim to be acting on behalf of Palestinians in Gaza and yet they are targeting and threatening the lives of third-country nationals who have nothing to do with the conflict in Gaza, Central Command said. The ongoing threat to international commerce caused by the Houthis in fact makes it harder to deliver badly needed assistance to the people of Yemen as well as Gaza. The attacks continued early Sunday as two explosions struck in close proximity to another ship in the Red Sea, though the ship and crew were safe, the British military said. Romanian lawyer Serge Klarsfeld speaks in the Red City Hall at the opening of the exhibition about the life and anti-fascist struggle of the Klarsfeld couple. Serge Klarsfeld, a lawyer who became known as a Nazi hunter, has caused a stir in France with his comments on Marine Le Pen's right-wing National Rally (RN). Gerald Matzka/Deutsche Presse-Agentur GmbH/dpa Serge Klarsfeld, a lawyer who became known as a Nazi hunter, has caused a stir in France with his comments on Marine Le Pen's right-wing National Rally (RN). In an interview on the LCI television channel on Saturday, Klarsfeld said with a view to the upcoming parliamentary elections that he would not vote for the French left-wing party La France Insoumise (France Unbowed, LFI) but for the RN in the event of a run-off. The 88-year-old explained that the National Rally had changed and was now on the side of the Jews. Klarsfeld has held this position for some time. The RN supports the Jews and the state of Israel, and in this respect he would vote in favour of a pro-Jewish party, Klarsfeld explained. At the same time, however, he said that he would vote as usual for a centrist party in the upcoming election in his constituency. France's Left Party, which is currently pursuing a decidedly pro-Palestinian course in light of the Gaza war, accused Klarsfeld of being "decidedly anti-Jewish." Other parties, such as the Socialists, are also currently accusing the Left Party of anti-Semitism. The party's stance on the Gaza war was the reason for the break-up of a left-wing alliance in the National Assembly. Nevertheless, the left-wing parties now want to contest the elections with a left-wing alliance once again. Klarsfeld and his German wife Beate were responsible for exposing Nazi criminals who had gone underground and therefore became known as "Nazi hunters" after World War II. In the 1970s, they tracked down former Gestapo chief Klaus Barbie, who was living in hiding in Bolivia and was feared for his cruelty as the "Butcher of Lyon." Alongside Simon Wiesenthal, the Klarsfelds were probably the best-known hunters of Nazi criminals after the war. Romanian lawyer Serge Klarsfeld speaks in the Red City Hall at the opening of the exhibition about the life and anti-fascist struggle of the Klarsfeld couple. Serge Klarsfeld, a lawyer who became known as a Nazi hunter, has caused a stir in France with his comments on Marine Le Pen's right-wing National Rally (RN). Gerald Matzka/Deutsche Presse-Agentur GmbH/dpa Serge Klarsfeld, a lawyer who became known as a Nazi hunter, has caused a stir in France with his comments on Marine Le Pen's right-wing National Rally (RN). In an interview on the LCI television channel on Saturday, Klarsfeld said with a view to the upcoming parliamentary elections that he would not vote for the French left-wing party La France Insoumise (France Unbowed, LFI) but for the RN in the event of a run-off. The 88-year-old explained that the National Rally had changed and was now on the side of the Jews. Klarsfeld has held this position for some time. The RN supports the Jews and the state of Israel, and in this respect he would vote in favour of a pro-Jewish party, Klarsfeld explained. At the same time, however, he said that he would vote as usual for a centrist party in the upcoming election in his constituency. France's Left Party, which is currently pursuing a decidedly pro-Palestinian course in light of the Gaza war, accused Klarsfeld of being "decidedly anti-Jewish." Other parties, such as the Socialists, are also currently accusing the Left Party of anti-Semitism. The party's stance on the Gaza war was the reason for the break-up of a left-wing alliance in the National Assembly. Nevertheless, the left-wing parties now want to contest the elections with a left-wing alliance once again. Welcome to the governors race edition of our Under the Dome politics newsletter. Im Dawn Vaughan, The News & Observers state Capitol bureau chief. The North Carolina governors race was going to get national attention no matter who ended up as the candidates. Mainly because we are in a swing state, and Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper had won two terms while Republicans maintained control of the General Assembly. Then Republicans nominated Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, who draws national interest for his insulting rhetoric the most vitriolic reserved for LGBTQ+ people, then on down a long list that also includes public school teachers. Robinson is part of the MAGA wing of the Republican Party and endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Now he faces Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein for governor. New York magazine wrote a profile of Robinson this past week called Mark Robinson is MAGAs Great Black Hope, with much of the narrative coming from his 2022 We Are the Majority! memoir and several interviews, including with Republican State Treasurer Dale Folwell, Stein campaign strategist Morgan Jackson and progressive lobbyist Kristie Puckett. Puckett told New York magazine that she thinks Robinson will win. The article doesnt have the voices of Robinson supporters aside from a brief quote from his wife, Yolanda Hill, who advised reading Robinsons memoir. It notes that several people in Robinsons orbit declined interviews. The article mentions Robinsons long days at the General Assembly, even though anyone who spends time at the General Assembly knows Robinson rarely goes there. During the Republican gubernatorial primary, Robinsons opponents, Folwell and Bill Graham, criticized him for his lack of attendance at the legislature and other meetings the lieutenant governor is expected to attend. On Wednesday, he came to the Legislative Building, but only or a Moms for Liberty rally on the lawn. Robinson left without taking any questions from reporters who cover the legislature. Afterward, instead of going to the building, he went to his car. Robinson didnt go to a Senate session that morning. He didnt go to the afternoon session either. The lieutenant governor in North Carolina has very few duties, but one of them is to preside over the Senate. The jobs salary is $157,403, funded by taxpayers. In his speech to Moms for Liberty, Robinson talked about removing DEI, known as diversity, equality and inclusion, from schools and government. GOPs Robinson tells Moms for Liberty he wants to get DEI out of schools, government Stay informed about #ncpol Dont forget to follow our Under the Dome tweets and listen to our Under the Dome podcast to stay up to date. Our new episode posts Monday morning, Im joined by Kyle Ingram, Korie Dean and Danielle Battaglia. We talk about the Houses latest budget move, North Carolina voters and the new and open chancellor positions in the UNC System. You can sign up to receive the Under the Dome newsletter at newsobserver.com/newsletters. Want your friends to get our email, too? Forward them this newsletter so they can sign up. In NC, where have all the Democrats gone? | Opinion North Carolina Democratic candidates may do well in November, but the Democratic Party itself is losing the contest for new members. Steve Harrison, the politics and government reporter for public radio station WFAE in Charlotte, recently crunched the states voter registration numbers and found Democrats dwindling. Since 2020, Democratic registrations have dropped by 126,000. Thats on top of a 123,000 loss in the 2016-20 period and a 97,000 drop from 2012 to 2016. Meanwhile, Republican registration has grown in every four-year cycle since 2004. Since 2020 alone, GOP registrations are up by 156,000. In a state once dominated by Democrats, the parties are nearing parity with Democrats at 2.4 million and Republicans at 2.25 million. Republicans say the registration patterns show approval for their policies and their performance as the majority in the General Assembly. Its a sign that Republican policies work, said Matt Mercer, a state Republican Party spokesman. Democrats arent happy, but also not alarmed about the loss of registered Democrats. They think the shift represents younger people, who still tend to vote Democratic, preferring to register as unaffiliated. Unaffiliated voters are the states largest registered group at 2.79 million and its fastest growing bloc. And Democrats think the increase in registered Republicans largely represents rural white voters switching their registration to the way they actually vote in national elections Republican. Sen. Dan Blue, a Wake County Democrat and state Senate minority leader, said his partys message can still prevail. The key, he said, is appealing to unaffiliated voters. We just need to direct our campaigning to them and thats what weve been trying to do. Were making sure that we talk to the folks who make the difference, he said. Blue noted, Democrats still outnumber Republicans. So the contest, he said, is to hold your own and win half of the unaffiliated. To hold their own, Democrats have to stanch their losses in rural counties, including some blue ones. Robeson County, for instance, is still two-to-one Democrat, but Republican Donald Trump took 59% of the county vote in 2020 and Democrat registrations have dropped 20% since then. John Cummings, the Republican chair of the Robeson County Board of Commissioners, said a leftward drift by the national Democratic Party has cost it support in his county. The people never changed, the national politics changed, he said. The people feel like theyve been left behind. The shrinkage of registered Democrats may be a political mirage. Unaffiliated voters tend to vote consistently with one party or the other. An analysis by Michael Bitzer, a Catawba College political science professor, found that unaffiliated voters are only slightly more Republican in their vote leanings. Still, the registration losses should give Democrats pause. Chris Cooper, a Western Carolina University political science professor, noted that fewer party members means fewer party workers and fewer potential candidates. In the short run, it doesnt mean much, he said. After all, unaffiliated voters can vote for Democrats as easily as can registered Democrats. In the long run, however, this represents something approaching a crisis for the Democratic Party. Running a party takes effort, and it takes people. As fewer voters take on the Democrat label, Democrats can only hope that enough of the unaffiliated will subscribe to their partys views. Associate opinion editor Ned Barnett can be reached at 919-404-7583, or nbarnett@ newsobserver.com A peace conference without the participation of the principal belligerent would seem to lack one of the crucial ingredients for ending a conflict. The summit meeting on Ukraine held in Switzerland at the weekend attracted representatives from dozens of countries, with the notable exception of the Russians. Volodymyr Zelensky said they had not been invited because if Russia was interested in peace, there would be no war. But while that is true, clever rhetoric will not bring this disaster to an end. Russias willingness to accept whatever peace terms are on offer is critical. Since Kyiv and Moscow will not engage in direct negotiations, the Swiss summit was by way of a proxy opening of negotiations, but with the two sides far apart. The West cannot be seen to let Russias aggression succeed, and yet it does not give the weapons necessary for Ukraine to win, leading to stalemate and brutal attrition. President Zelensky has put forward a 10-point plan for ending the war and will be emboldened by the support from more than 80 countries, not all normally inclined towards the West. Although China did not attend, the hope is that Vladimir Putin will recognise the strength and breadth of the coalition against him and be forced to give way. But he has shown no sign of doing so and is even demanding territory he does not yet possess in exchange just for a ceasefire, let alone a final deal. Financial measures, including the $50 billion loan to Ukraine funded by borrowing against seized Russian assets, are adding to the pressure on Russia to find a way out of what has been a calamitous invasion from its point of view. The summit declaration calling the conflict a war, not the special military operation claimed by Moscow focused on matters such as nuclear-power safety and food exports through the Black Sea. Sadly, it was not supported by all the delegations, with Saudi Arabia, India and South Africa among the dissenters. Does the flagrant abuse of international law and the clear evidence of war crimes not matter? The territorial integrity of Ukraine was reaffirmed, but it is here where any final deal will stand or fall. Mr Zelensky said another similar summit was being planned, possibly in Saudi Arabia, at which they could fix the real end of the war. But the reality is that nothing will happen ahead of the US presidential elections in November. This is just the beginning of a long, painful and fraught process. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. I never stay in Las Vegas for more than 2 nights. This is my foolproof itinerary for maximizing a weekend in Sin City. I never stay in Las Vegas for more than 2 nights. This is my foolproof itinerary for maximizing a weekend in Sin City. I've been to Las Vegas many times in 20+ years and I no longer go there for more than two nights. The perfect Las Vegas trip is weekend-long and has a lot of good food, plus some chill days. I maximize my trip by booking a hotel on the Strip and eating at good Vegas restaurants. I've been going to Las Vegas regularly since the early 2000s and have adopted a firm policy to never stay more than two nights. Why? Everything I adore about Vegas the moment I get there the mesmerizing lights, the crowds of excited people, the nonstop party vibe, the around-the-clock sounds of slot machines and club music, and 24/7 access to food and drinks galore begins to sour quickly after 48 hours. When I stay longer, by the time I'm ready to leave, I'm usually a bit hungover, my feet and wallet hurt, I'm sick of lavish meals, and I desperately need alone time. A well-planned weekend trip also makes it possible for travelers to use fewer PTO days although almost half of US workers don't take all of their paid time off each year anyway. So, I've learned how to maximize my weekends in Sin City. I tend to group my activities together based on their vibe, which means one day of action, one day of relaxation to prepare for a big night out, and one last day of chill activities before flying home. It's the perfect formula. Here's how my cousin and I spent a weekend in Vegas on my most recent trip. We stay busy as soon as we arrive on Friday Flight Club has a life-size carousel bar. Jill Schildhouse After arriving around noon, we headed to The Palazzo at the Venetian Resort it's my Las Vegas hotel of choice because it's roughly in the middle of the Strip for easy access to just about everything. Plus, the Uber pickup area is a short walk from rooms here other resorts can feel like a long maze of rooms and hallways. If my room isn't ready yet, I typically unwind at Flight Club at Grand Canal Shoppes (attached to the property) with a few rounds of darts or a drink at the life-size carousel bar. On this trip, once it was time for pre-dinner drinks, we headed to Cheri Rooftop at the Paris Hotel for fun, tasty cocktails and a DJ spinning tunes. We sat under the hotel's iconic Eiffel Tower, overlooking the Bellagio Fountain. It was a great atmosphere to get our evening started. Sometimes there's live music at the Cheri Rooftop at the Paris Hotel. Jill Schildhouse Next up was dinner at The Bedford By Martha Stewart, which is also in the Paris Hotel. The restaurant is inspired by Stewart's 1925 farmhouse in Bedford, New York, and has some of the best roast chicken. I'd come here just for the spectacular bread basket, which can come loaded with rolls, flatbreads, and focaccia. Then, we strolled over to Horseshoe Las Vegas to see Dita Von Teese's current residency. We saw her famous martini-glass bath, entire dance crew, and sparkling costumes. After a nightcap at Sala 118 at the Venetian Resort around 11 p.m., we headed back to our hotel. Saturday is usually the chill day on the itinerary Sometimes we grab brunch at the COMO Poolside Cafe. Jill Schildhouse We got a late start with a 10 a.m. brunch at COMO Poolside Cafe at Bellagio before popping over to the Cypress Pool a few steps away this adults-only pool has comfy chairs with umbrellas. Although I could happily lay here all day, we had spa treatments at the Waldorf Astoria calling our name. I love sitting in the spa's mosaic-tile lounges while overlooking the Strip. Next, we headed to one of the highlights of any trip to Vegas: high tea at the Tea Lounge at the Waldorf. The room and its views are incredible, and the tea selection and assortment of sandwiches, scones, and sweets are absolute perfection. Sometimes I have high tea at the Tea Lounge at the Waldorf when I'm in Vegas. Jill Schildhouse For dinner, we headed to KYU at Fontainebleau Las Vegas for incredibly flavorful Asian-inspired and wood-fired dishes. I won't soon forget the stone-pot Thai rice with confit duck and pork-belly bao buns with pastrami crust. Lastly, live jazz music at Nowhere at Fontainebleau is always a great time and the perfect warm-up for a serious night of dancing at Zouk Nightclub at Resorts World. The night we were there, T-Pain performed to a packed room of what seemed like one bachelorette party after the next. Our last day starts slow, but we still do plenty Bouchon is at The Venetian. Jill Schildhouse Getting back to the hotel at 4 a.m. meant a rough start on Sunday the only reasonable cure was breakfast at Bouchon at The Venetian, where I could stuff my face with chef Thomas Keller's French pastries and truffle fries. We needed some physical activity, so we headed to the PLAY Playground at Luxor. It has lifesize, immersive games, such as its version of the board game Operation and a parkour course. Another cool spot to walk around is the Paradox Museum, which has various rooms with illusions that are pure Instagram gold. Paradox Museum has tons of photo opportunities. Jill Schildhouse Since our flight home wasn't until 7 p.m., we got an early dinner at Brasserie B at Caesars Palace, one of Bobby Flay's restaurants. I loved his twist on the blue-crab salad and the yellowtail crudo topped with caviar. Finally, after an action-packed weekend, we headed back to the airport. Read the original article on Business Insider (Bloomberg) -- An extremely concerning increase in the number of nuclear warheads deployed with missiles and aircraft will probably pick up speed in the next years, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Most Read from Bloomberg The number of such warheads rose to 3,904 as Russia continues to threaten its adversaries at the same time as China may have put weapons of mass destruction on high operational alert for the first time, the institute said in a statement Monday, citing data from January. That bucks the declining trend in overall atomic weapons. While the global total of nuclear warheads continues to fall as cold war-era weapons are gradually dismantled, regrettably we continue to see year-on-year increases in the number of operational nuclear warheads, SIPRI Director Dan Smith said in a statement. This trend seems likely to continue and probably accelerate in the coming years and is extremely concerning. Smith said that the world is now in one of the most dangerous periods in human history. Nuclear weapons are now in a more prominent role than in the years following the Cold War, with Russian President Vladimir Putin regularly flexing his militarys mass-destruction capabilities with threats and drills as the war against Ukraine rages on. Russia and the US hold almost 90% of the nuclear weapons in the world, and while Chinas stockpile is far smaller, SIPRI estimates that it grew to 500 weapons from 410 a year earlier. The country may now also be deploying a small number of warheads on missiles during peacetime, it said. China is expanding its nuclear arsenal faster than any other country, Hans M. Kristensen, associate senior fellow with SIPRIs Weapons of Mass Destruction Program, said. But in nearly all of the nuclear-armed states there are either plans or a significant push to increase nuclear forces. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. The number of powerful Russian glide bombs hitting Ukraine's Dnipro salient fell from 80 a day to 4 thanks to US aid, officer says The number of powerful Russian glide bombs hitting Ukraine's Dnipro salient fell from 80 a day to 4 thanks to US aid, officer says Successful Russian glide bomb attacks on a village in the Kherson region have fallen from 80 a day to four, an officer said. Russia has increasingly targeted Ukraine with glide bombs, some weighing over 3,000 pounds. Newly supplied US weapons, like ATACMS and Patriot missiles, are aiding Ukraine's defense. An officer fighting to defend the strip of land Ukraine has occupied on the left bank of the Dnipro River said that US aid has helped reduce the number of successful Russian glide bomb attacks on his squad's position. Speaking to The Times of London, Major Serhiy Pedenko, the deputy commander of 503 Battalion of Ukraine's 38th Marine Brigade, said that the number of glide bombs hitting their position on the banks of the river had fallen from 80 a day to four. Over the last six months, Russia has continually pounded Ukrainian targets with glide bombs some weighing more than 3,000 pounds from Russian fighter-bombers such as the Su-34. The relatively cheap projectiles are crafted by attaching wings and satellite navigation systems to Soviet-era bombs. This allows Russian bombers to release them from safer distances, making it hard for Ukraine to defend against such attacks. Ukraine's foreign minister , Dmytro Kuleba, said in March that Russia's use of the bombs was its "main advantage on the battlefield," allowing its forces "to destroy the targets of the strikes and advance through the ruins." But new US-supplied military equipment is finally reaching the front lines and it appears to be making a difference. Ukraine is using ATACMS missiles to strike Russian airbases in occupied Crimea and Patriot anti-aircraft missiles to protect the south of Ukraine. "We've destroyed two Russian divisions here. They need to drive us out, so they attack with armoured personnel carriers, which our drones destroy. We kill maybe 30 Russians here for every one of our dead," Pedenko told The Times. "The Russians don't understand how we're holding this shoreline," he added. "They bomb and then go in, but our guys are still holding on there, they are fighting, they're pushing them back and they can't figure it out. But it's really hard there." After gaining a bridgehead on the far bank of the Dnipro at Krynky in October of last year, Ukrainian forces may have hoped to push deeper into Russian-occupied territory. However, severe ammunition and equipment shortages allowed Russia to fight back. Earlier this year, a former spokesperson for Ukraine's Southern Defense Forces, Natalia Humeniuk, said that Russians were conducting "human wave" assaults as they attempted to retake the village. The situation at Krynky remains tense, with Ukraine suppressing four Russian attacks on the left bank of the Dnipro River near the village earlier this week, the Southern Defense Forces of Ukraine said on Telegram. "The occupiers are putting pressure with artillery shelling, air strikes, using a large number of attack drones of various types, and continue aerial reconnaissance," the post said. "Our soldiers continue to take comprehensive measures to hold their positions," it added. Read the original article on Business Insider An area of possible tropical development has been identified near the Bahamas for the coming week that could develop into a tropical system. The National Weather Service is forecasting possible tropical development this week off the coast of Florida. In its forecast, NWS said an area of low pressure is expected to form as of midweek a few hundred miles northeast of the central Bahamas. Conditions in the area are conducive for some development of the system as it moves west or west-northwest toward Florida. Forecasters are giving the area a 30% chance of formation through the coming seven days. Any such system is likely to bring more rainfall to the area after a week of substantial rain that topped 20 inches in some parts of South Florida. Meanwhile, a system of disturbed weather has formed over Central America, Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula and the adjacent waters of the northwestern Caribbean Sea, the NWS said. A tropical depression could form by the middle of the week as it moves west, bringing heavy rain and flooding to southern Mexico and Central America. The first storm of the current hurricane season will be named Alberto. A very active storm season is predicted for this year, given record-high water temperatures in the Atlantic basin and the arrival of a storm-favorable La Nina atmospheric phenomenon. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Weather Service identifies possible area of tropical development A man and his dog were killed Saturday by a smoky Queens blaze that left two firefighters with minor injuries, family and officials said. The fire broke out at an apartment building at 133-12 133th St. in South Ozone Park around 12:30 a.m., officials said. Resident Roger Assmann, 57, was rescued and rushed to Jamaica Hospital in critical condition, but was pronounced dead a short time later, his longtime partner, Adrian Tayco, told The Post. A smoky blaze broke out in a Queens building, killing the owner who lived there his whole life. Citizen Home with its windows blown out in blaze. Citizen His rescue dog, Dylan, had to be put down because of smoke inhalation, said Tayco, who said Assmann was a retired bus driver. He used to say, With a name like that you need to be able to laugh at yourself, the 49-year-old recalled. Assmann was raised in the house, which had been in the family for a hundred years, Tayco said. The pair had been together since 2001. A body being wheeled out of home after fatal fire. Citizen Tayco was staying at his mothers place in Manhattan when the fire began. Video shows heavy smoke pouring out of the back of the two and a half story building. He called me to say, Hey, I love you, theres a fire, Im afraid, Tayco recalled. Roger Assmann and his dog Dylan both died as a result of the fire. Marie Pohl And I said, OK Im on my way. I could hear on the phone that the firemen were getting in, Tayco said. And then I hung up because I wanted him to focus on getting out. Tell people who you love, you love them, he said. Roger Assmann and partner Adrian Tayco in Las Vegas in an undated photo. Marie Pohl Because you dont know when the last time will be that you can. And then you try to find old voicemails just to hear them. Twenty-five units and 106 firefighters battled the flames, which were under control by 1:56 a.m., the FDNY said. The two firefighters suffered minor injuries. Off-duty NYPD cop carjacked by pair of armed crooks, later arrested in Harlem Off-duty NYPD cop carjacked by pair of armed crooks, later arrested in Harlem A pair of crooks armed with two guns, one an automatic weapon, were hunted down and arrested after they carjacked an off-duty cops car in Harlem, police sources said Saturday. The NYPD cop was about to get into his white BMW at about 11:30 p.m. Friday at W. 146 St. and Bradhurst Ave. when two men, ages 20 and 21, approached him with the guns drawn, cop sources said. The crooks demanded the cops keys and he forked them over. The two men then hopped in the cops car and took off, heading north on Bradhurst Ave., police sources said. Responding officers tracked an iPad in the cops car to Broadway and W. 138th St., the sources said, where they found the abandoned car, with the muggers already in the wind. Aviation units, however, helped cops track the pair, who were arrested nearby, cops said. One of the crooks had a modified gun, with an automatic firing device attached, cops said. Jomar Crespo, 21, was hit with charges of robbery, grand larceny auto, criminal possession of a machine gun, criminal possession of a loaded firearm, criminal possession of stolen property, and unlawful possession of ammo feed device. Jose Rivera, 20, was hit with the same charges plus the additional charges of manufacture of rapid-fire modification and manufacture of a dangerous instrument. The two men share an address in Waterbury, Connecticut, police said. Their arraignments in Manhattan Criminal Court were pending Saturday evening. With Rocco Parascandola GALLIPOLIS, Ohio (WCMH) A Gallia County man has been charged after he allegedly downloaded intimate photos from customers cell phones while working at a phone repair business. Calvin Jordan, 27, of Gallipolis, faces 40 felony counts for allegedly downloading nude and intimate photos from his clients phones while working for Direct Computing Solutions (DC Solutions) in Gallipolis between December 2021 and April 2022. Columbus officer fired after forcing teens face into concrete during arrest on video According to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, those clients included minors between 14 and 17 years old. In total, Jordan allegedly downloaded the photos of more than 40 people, both men and women. Jordan is charged with three counts of pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor, a second-degree felony; one count of illegal use of a minor in nudity-oriented material, a fifth-degree felony; and 36 counts of unauthorized use of property computer, cable or telecommunications device, a fifth-degree felony. The case was investigated by the Gallipolis Police Department and the attorney generals Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Any customers of DC Solutions who believe they may be a victim are asked to call the Bureau of Criminal Investigation at 855-224-6446 (855-BCI-OHIO). Copyright 2024 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. Oklahoma death row inmate is set to be executed June 27. He'll ask for clemency on Monday Richard Rojem, on death row after being convicted in the 1984 kidnapping, rape and murder of his former stepdaughter, will be heard by the Pardon and Parole Board on Monday. A convicted killer on Monday is expected to ask the Pardon and Parole Board for clemency ahead of his scheduled execution later this month. Richard Norman Rojem, Jr., 66, is set to be executed June 27 for the 1984 kidnapping, rape and murder of his 7-year-old former stepdaughter Layla Cummings. Rojems legal team is expected to argue that he deserves clemency because hes not guilty of the slaying. Layla Cummings body was found in a field near Burns Flat, where she was face-down in her mothers nightgown. She sustained three stab wounds, according to a medical examiners report. The girls mother, Mindy Cummings, said in a letter to the Pardon and Parole Board that her life has been like holding onto a rope in a hurricane since her daughters death. I cannot maintain a count of how old she would be each year, had she lived, Mindy Cummings wrote. For me, it is meaningless. Everything she might have been was stolen from her, one horrific night. She never got to be more than the precious 7-year-old that she was. And so she remains in our hearts forever 7. More: Death row inmate Isaiah Tryon loses his last appeal of his conviction Mindy Cummings met and married Rojem while he was serving a sentence for the rapes of two teenage girls in Michigan, according to records. It was not immediately clear if she knew what he was in prison for. After serving three years, he violated his parole to move to Oklahoma, according to records. One year before Layla Cummings death, Rojem molested her, according to records. Mindy Cummings divorced and obtained a restraining order against Rojem in 1984 before her daughters death. Before meeting Mindy Cummings, Rojem served in the Air Force. He received an administrative discharge after having several disciplinary issues, according to records. While he was part of the service, he was evaluated and found to have a personality disorder with dissocial characteristics. He also showed a lack of thoughtful and adaptively organized behavior and had a history of truth distortion, according to records. In early July 1984, the Cummings lived in an Elk City apartment. While her mother was working a night shift at McDonalds, Mindy Cummings asked a friend to keep an eye on the apartment where her daughter and son slept, according to records. Rojem entered the apartment, which did not have a working lock, and kidnapped Layla Cummings around 12:30 a.m. on July 7, according to records. The noise woke her brother, who recognized Rojem, according to records. A farmer discovered Layla Cummings body later that day. Three juries sentenced Rojem to death. Attorney General Gentner Drummond has asked the Board to reject Rojems appeal for clemency. The family of Layla Cummings has waited 40 years for justice to be done, Drummond said in a statement. Her killer is a real-life monster who deserves the same absence of mercy he showed to the child he savagely murdered. I urge the Pardon and Parole Board to reject the inmates absurd request for clemency and ensure justice is done for Layla. Rojems attorney, Jack Fisher, declined a request for an interview. In his request for clemency, Rojems team argues he is innocent. Rojems attorneys are expected to say DNA found under Layla Cummings fingernails was not his, and that no DNA was found in his car, according to his clemency packet. Dirt from Rojems tires was not consistent with the dirt of the field Layla Cummings body was found in, according to his clemency packet. They are also expected to argue fingerprint evidence isnt reliable enough and condom wrappings found around Layla Cummings body were suspicious because a medical examiners report found she was not raped and murdered in the field, according to his clemency packet. Mr. Rojem and his counsel respectfully request this board recommend Clemency for Rick Rojem an innocent man and commute his death sentence to life or life without parole, according to his clemency packet. Then Mr. Rojem can attempt to litigate his actual innocence claim in a different forum. Rojem is set to be executed at Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. The Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board will vote whether to recommend clemency to Gov. Kevin Stitt, who will make the final decision. Oklahoma Voice is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Oklahoma Voice maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Janelle Stecklein for questions: info@oklahomavoice.com. Follow Oklahoma Voice on Facebook and Twitter. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Death row inmate Richard Rojem to ask for clemency ahead of June 27 execution One dead, another injured after shooting outside closed business in Kansas City One man died and another was injured in a shooting outside a business early Sunday in Kansas City. Officers responded at 3:30 a.m. to the area of 39th Street and Broadway Boulevard, where they found an unresponsive man who had been shot in the parking lot of a closed business, according to Capt. Jake Becchina, a spokesman for the Kansas City Police Department. Emergency medical crews transported the man to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. Hours later, he was declared dead at the hospital. Detectives also learned of another man who was shot at 39th and Broadway and taken to the hospital by private vehicle, Becchina said. His injuries are not believed to be life threatening. Police believe a large group of people were in the business parking lot when a shooting broke out, and the victims were struck. The killing was the 70th homicide in Kansas City this year, according to data tracked by The Star, which includes fatal police shootings. There had been 88 homicides at this time last year. Police ask anyone with information to contact homicide detectives at 816-234-5043 or the anonymous TIPS Hotline at 816-474-8477. A reward of up to $25,000 is available for information provided to TIPS that leads to an arrest. KANSAS CITY, Mo. The Kansas City Police Department is investigating a shooting that left one man dead and another injured early Sunday morning in Kansas City, Missouri. According to KCPD, officers were dispatched to the area of 39th Street and Broadway near Westport at around 3:30 a.m. for sounds of gunshots. Police ID man, teen killed in east Kansas City shooting Upon arrival, officers found an unresponsive man with gunshot wounds in the parking lot of a closed business on the northeast corner of the intersection. Officers attempted to perform life-saving aid to the man until EMS arrived and took him to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. While on the scene, detectives were told another man was shot at the same location and was taken to a hospital by a private car. His injuries were said to be non-life-threatening. However, later this morning, officers were informed that the man who had been taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries died Sunday morning. The victim has been identified 29-year-old Deshuan McKinzey. I didnt know that that happened. I hate that, Emily Hagen said, a frequent Midtown visitor. We are from just across the state line and love hanging out down here. I feel like this neighborhood, in particular, is very welcoming. With the different types of bars and stuff that they have, we usually feel pretty safe in this area, so Im sorry to hear that happened. KCPDs early investigation shows a large group of people were gathered in the parking when shots were fired. I know there are a lot of shootings and killings around here, but I am blessed that I havent dealt with anything like that, and Ive never felt unsafe, Karyn Brown said, who lives in the Midtown area. Brown said safety hasnt been a concern for her. I dont hear any shootings at my apartment where I live, and Ive been there for about two years and some change, and I love it, Brown explained. I dont have any issues personally, but I do feel bad for the people who got caught up in that situation last night. Teen, woman injured after stabbing in Shawnee According to preliminary investigations, there was a large number of people gathered in the parking lot when the shots were fired and the two men were struck. Due to the sheer amount of potential witnesses, KCPD asks that you contact Homicide detectives directly at (816) 234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at (816) 474-8477 if you saw anything or have any information regarding the case. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Teen dies after shooting in Colonial Manor section of Sacramento, police say A 17-year-old is dead and police are searching for a gunman after a daylight shooting Saturday in southeast Sacramento. The Sacramento Police Department said officers responded just before 3 p.m. to the shooting on the 7800 block of Marin Avenue in Colonial Manor. Officers who arrived at the scene found a juvenile with at least one life-threatening gunshot wound, said Officer Cody Tapley, an agency spokesman. The victim, who was not identified, was pronounced dead at the hospital, police said in an update. His identity is expected to be released by the Sacramento County Coroners Office after relatives are notified of the death. Officers searched for a gunman, who had run away after the shooting. The scene was turned over to homicide detectives around 5 p.m. No suspect information or motive for the shooting was available. Investigators asked anyone with information about the shooting to call Sacramento police at 916-808-5471 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at 916-443-4357 (HELP). UPDATE: An individual with at least one gunshot wound was located on scene and transported to an area hospital. https://t.co/sdPZeTNDJl Sacramento Police Department (@SacPolice) June 15, 2024 Opinion: What binds our union? Tell us what you will be celebrating this Fourth of July As we close in on another Fourth of July, we keep hearing how Americans may be more politically divided than at any point in recent history. Both presidential candidates one recently convicted on multiple felony counts in New York put the stakes of the November election in extremely stark terms. Divided as we may be, people in red states and in blue states will still celebrate the same day of national independence on July 4. This is the day, nearly 248 years ago, when our union was formed a union that has been tested by slavery, a civil war and, most recently, an attempt to overturn a presidential election. For all of our divisions, we celebrate that single union on July 4. Now, we'd like to hear from you: As we observe another Independence Day amid political turmoil, what will you be celebrating on July 4? What makes you think of our country as a union, one celebrated this time of year by Americans of almost every political stripe? Write your thoughts in a letter to the editor and send it to us at letters@latimes.com. You can also use our online submission form. To be considered for publication, please keep your submission to no more than 250 words and provide your name, city of residence and contact information. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Editors Note: Sign up to get this weekly column as a newsletter. Were looking back at the strongest, smartest opinion takes of the week from CNN and other outlets. Whats in a name? Shakespeares Juliet is speaking on her balcony as the smitten Romeo hides below in an orchard. That which we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet. Romeo is from the Montague family, mortal enemies to Juliets own Capulets, but his name means nothing compared to her love for him. And yet naming is one of the most powerful tools people use to define problems, seize opportunities and win arguments. (Even elephants find that names come in handy, a new study suggests.) The four criminal cases brought against former President Donald Trump are about justice and accountability, according to their defenders. To their critics, they are lawfare political warfare by other means. How we name a gun matters too. In 2017, Stephen Paddock began firing on a crowd of people attending an outdoor concert in Las Vegas. Shooting from a window on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, he killed 58 people and injured about 500 more in the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history. As Justice Clarence Thomas noted in Fridays Supreme Court ruling, The gunman equipped his weapons with bump stocks, which allowed him to fire hundreds of rounds in a matter of minutes. Responding to a national outcry, the Trump administration-led US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms banned bump stocks, citing a federal law that bans machine guns. But what is a machine gun? Writing for the 6-3 majority of the Supreme Court, Thomas stated, We hold that a semiautomatic rifle equipped with a bump stock is not a machinegun because it cannot fire more than one shot by a single function of the trigger. And, even if it could, it would not do so automatically. ATF therefore exceeded its statutory authority by issuing a Rule that classifies bump stocks as machineguns. Clay Jones In opposition, Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote for the three dissenters, When I see a bird that walks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, I call that bird a duck. A bump-stock-equipped semiautomatic rifle fires automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger. Because I, like Congress, call that a machinegun, I respectfully dissent. She noted that a rifle equipped with a bump stock can fire at a rate between 400 and 800 rounds per minute. Historian Dominic Erdozain wrote, There is something reckless in a Supreme Court that can annihilate gun laws by pulling at words, toying with phrases. There are many reasons to think about reforming the higher court. Decisions like this ought to be high among them. In contrast, when the court decided the other big case of the week a conservative groups challenge to the FDA approval of the abortion pill mifepristone there was no disagreement about the meaning of a different term: standing. The nine justices reached unanimity on technical grounds, but theres no way to paper over the gulf between supporters and opponents of abortion rights, especially since the 2022 ruling that struck down Roe v. Wade. Law professor Mary Ziegler noted, A unanimous Supreme Court batted down the plaintiffs request, holding correctly, in my view that the plaintiffs never had standing to sue. But that doesnt mean the questions raised by [the Alliance Defending Freedom] are going away not by a long shot. Other antiabortion plaintiffs are ready to bring the same claims, and to assert that they have standing where others have failed. And critical questions about the fate of abortion pills will likely return to the Supreme Court later on. Carrie Sheffield argued that even with its ruling that the plaintiffs lacked standing, the Supreme Court could have used the opportunity to offer some discussion of the core issues in its opinion. Instead, the court took a narrow view, clearly unwilling to consider whether chemically induced abortions from mifepristone posed undue risks to women. The reproductive rights debate flared up in another context last week. Lia Buffa De Feo always wanted to be a mother, but, as she wrote, My daughter wouldnt be here today without access to IVF, as we are one of the millions of families that required assistance to conceive and bring a child into this world. Last week, the Southern Baptist Convention came out against IVF, and an effort by Senate Democrats to establish a federal right to the procedure failed. Some GOP lawmakers argue that life begins at conception, DeFeo noted. This is the same premise that underpinned the Alabama Supreme Court ruling that embryos used in IVF are children and that those who destroy them can be held liable for wrongful death a decision that threw fertility patients in limbo before the swift backlash led Republican lawmakers in the state to back a law aimed at protecting IVF patients. Alito on tape Bill Bramhall/Tribune Content Agency The rule of law is an indispensable feature of a democracy like the United States. Without it, you have a society where everything is subject to the whim of the officials controlling the government. Yet if people dont accept the legitimacy of the courts, the consensus supporting liberal democracy begins to break down. The Dobbs ruling eliminating a national right to abortion was attacked as lawless and illegitimate by advocates of abortion rights, fueling a deepening lack of trust in the court. And last week, the author of that ruling, Justice Samuel Alito, arguably made matters worse when he was caught on tape assenting to a religiously-based interpretation of US politics. David Zurawik wrote, As a journalist and professor who teaches media ethics, I have long been against the kind of undercover secret recording activist Lauren Windsor made of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito and his wife, as well as Chief Justice John Roberts. But as a citizen living in this perilous moment for our democracy, I am grateful for the information she obtained and shared on Monday particularly about the extent of Alitos right-wing, religious views In response to a statement from Windsor suggesting theres a war between those who believe in God and those who do not, and that believers have to fight to take the nation to a place of godliness, Alito says, I agree with you. I agree with you. Hunter Biden convicted In a coincidence that Hollywood scriptwriters would never have imagined, President Joe Biden gave a previously scheduled speech on gun safety hours after his son Hunter was convicted on felony gun charges Tuesday. Talk about awkward timing, Julian Zelizer wrote. Sometimes real-world politics works in mysterious ways. But the fact that Hunter Bidens story is now intertwined with a push for gun control creates some unusual cross-pressures not only for Biden but also for both Democrats and Republicans as they navigate the difficult terrain of the 2024 election. The GOP has moved over the years into a staunch position against almost any stringent gun regulation. Should they double down on the actual charges that have resulted in Bidens conviction, they would end up helping to bolster the very kinds of gun-restriction laws that the party has been eager to avoid. A number of Republicans have already come to Hunter Bidens defense. While President Biden spoke about enhancing federal background checks on prospective gun buyers, wrote Shermichael Singleton, two of Hunters felony convictions were connected to lying about his drug use on the ATFs Form 4473, which a federally licensed firearms seller uses to run a background check on a buyer. This is ironic, to say the least. Singleton, who has worked on three GOP presidential campaigns and runs a production company whose clients include gun manufacturers, is a strong supporter of the Second Amendment. Hunter Biden should have never had to answer the drug use question on that form in the first place. The US Supreme Court must provide guidance regarding his case, which centers around a gun restriction that I believe is unconstitutional. Former federal prosecutor Dennis Aftergut saw one huge takeaway and one huge mystery in the Hunter Biden case. The takeaway is that the rule of law is working. The Department of Justice, in an administration led by Hunters father, President Joe Biden, prosecuted his son and convicted him. Its hard to conceive of better evidence of a justice system operating without fear or favor. The mystery is this: Why did Hunter Biden ever test his luck with a jury when a guilty plea would have better served him and so many others who are close to him, not to mention the country? Walt Handelsman/Tribune Content Agency Trump vs. Biden The point of Thursdays meetings between Trump and Republican legislators on Capitol Hill was to project unity behind the partys candidate for the presidency. They mostly succeeded, with Trump memorably shaking hands with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell after the two had publicly criticized each other in strong terms. But some of the glow was dimmed by reports that Trump had criticized Milwaukee as horrible in a closed-door meeting with House Republicans. Trump explained afterward that he was referring to Milwaukees crime rate and to his ongoing unjustified assault on the integrity of the 2020 election. But the wisdom of dissing a cityin a crucial swing statein an election yearis, shall we say, questionable, said SE Cupp. Add to that the fact that the Milwaukee that Trump dumped on is the very same Milwaukee thats hosting the Republican National Convention, where Trump will presumably accept his partys nomination for president. Way to say thanks for having us, Milwaukee. Trump turned 78 Friday. Hes three years younger than Biden, and together they are the oldest candidates to ever face off for the presidency. Ageism continues to thrive without much resistance in our society, observed Arick Wierson. Jokes about their ages are frequently featured in late-night comedy without so much as a hint of pushback from mainstream media. Many outlets have failed to call out the overt ageism that is running rampant in the way popular culture is talking about this campaign. In fact, many have piled on. The Guardian, for example, ran a headline, Trump is too old and incited a coup. Biden is too old and mixes up names. America, how to choose? while The Atlantic published a piece entitled Has Anyone Noticed That Trump Is Really Old? All the talk about how Trump and Biden are too old for the job is only serving to reinforce negative stereotypes about people who reach a certain biological milestone, regardless of their individual mental acuity and physical health. Phil Hands/Tribune Content Agency For more: Dean Obeidallah: A reality show starring Trump and Biden could be exactly what US voters need Oona Hanson: Mocking Trumps appearance reveals an ugly truth G7 family photos President of the European Council Charles Michel, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, US President Joe Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen pose during the G7 Summit. - MANDEL NGAN/AFP/AFP via Getty Images The leaders of the G7 countries met in Puglia, Italy, last week and posed for the almost always awkward family photo. As Frida Ghitis wrote, This years photo against a Mediterranean-flavored backdrop of olive trees and warm stone still manages to radiate the stress of the moment. Times are difficult for the majority of these leaders. The future is uncertain for their careers, their alliance and the world. They seem grim, yet determined. The 2024 summit comes amid intensifying political turmoil just days after a European Parliament election that left the centrist leaders of France and Germany gravely wounded politically, with the far right on the ascendence. For more: David A. Andelman: Macron just laid the ultimate far-right trap Paul Hockenos: This countrys 16-year-olds voted for the first time. The results are scary Hostage rescue Four civilians kidnapped by Hamas from the Nova music festival in Israel on October 7 were rescued last weekend by Israeli forces. But its not an unalloyed victory, wrote Jill Filipovic. The rescue was complex and, as is often the case, did not go all that smoothly. It also extracted a devastating civilian cost a truth that complicates what should be a happy narrative about innocents rescued in a daring effort. Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas who is believed to be hiding in Gaza, has sent messages to other members of the terrorist group revealing something of his state of mind, the Wall Street Journal reported. Civilian casualties in this kind of war, he reportedly said, were necessary sacrifices and he claimed that we have the Israelis right where we want them. The fate of a ceasefire plan being pushed by the Biden administration rests with Sinwars group and the Israeli government. So, who is Sinwar? Like Osama bin Laden before him, Peter Bergen wrote, Sinwar is a zealot whose opposition to the state of Israel is not so much political as it is religious. He believes that the land of Israel was, in fact, Muslim land and that Muslims had a religious right to take it back, and as a result, any kind of two-state solution was impossible. Sinwar served time in prison for abducting and killing two Israeli soldiers, for which he received four life sentences, according to the US State Departments 2015 designation of Sinwar as a terrorist. He was released in 2011 along with more than 1,000 other prisoners in exchange for Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier who was being held in Gaza. While he was in prison, Bergen wrote, Sinwar admitted that he had killed several Palestinians who he believed were collaborating with the Israelis. According to a 1989 interrogation of Sinwar published by the Israel Hayom newspaper, Sinwar told Israeli interrogators that he strangled one of those collaborators with his bare hands and used a keffiyeh head scarf to suffocate another. For more: Ilene Prusher: Literary protest against the war in Gaza has gone off the rails Hacks Hannah Einbinder and Jean Smart in Season 3 of "Hacks." - Jake Giles Netter/Max The recently concluded third season of Hacks was glorious, in the view of critic Sara Stewart. But she wasnt wowed by the ending (spoiler alert!). The denouement saw Ava (Hannah Einbinder) putting into practice all the lessons shes learned from her boss, comedy veteran Deborah (Jean Smart), and regaining her head writer job via blackmail. The clear takeaway: You have to be willing to be absolutely ruthless to be a player in the patriarchy that still dominates mainstream comedy. No disrespect, but duh. Im conflicted, because I have savored nearly every moment of this show, from its exploration of the absurdism of aging as an entertainer in the public eye to the May-December platonic love between two prickly and hilarious women to, more broadly, the ever-evolving state of comedy. The show is a valentine to that industry at a time when its ever-harder for funny people to find outlets. Dont miss Tim Naftali: The man who fooled Hitler Bill Carter: That odor isnt someone in need of whole-body deodorant its the smell of money Noah Berlatsky: Why Anxiety from Inside Out 2 is such a relatable character to me Casey Michel: There should be sunlight about the kinds of deals Jared Kushner and Hunter Biden struck overseas Eli Federman: The Ten Commandments dont belong in schools AND A new father The nurse burst into our birthing room with an urgency usually reserved for a SWAT incursion, recalled Ed Manning. She looked to be in her fifties and had the countenance of someone likely to refuse novocaine during a root canal. She was sturdy, close to my height, and in the crux of her arms was my newborn daughter, Dylan. Who drew on this baby? The nurses excellent question is the basis for Mannings tale of the first few hours of his role as a father. Read on for the rest of the story. Happy Fathers Day! For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com On the third Sunday of every June, Americans organize barbecues, gift-wrap ties and sign cards to celebrate everything dads do for their families. But one American mom, the late Sonora Smart Dodd, also deserves a moment of special recognition on that day. Formally established as a permanent national holiday in 1972, Father's Day as we know it today is in many ways a direct result of Dodd's self-proclaimed "obsession" with establishing an annual celebration of fathers. Born in Arkansas in 1882, Dodd attributed the idea of an annual celebration of fatherhood to the deep respect she felt for two dads in her own life. The first was her father, William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran who raised Dodd and her five siblings as a single parent after their mother died in childbirth. In her notes for a 1948 speech, now preserved in the special collections of Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, Dodd wrote, "I would say that Father's Day really had its nativity back in 1898, when our home was bereaved and Father so courageously assumed the father-mother role." Dodd's memories of her father's care for her and her siblings were so warm that in May 1909, when she heard a sermon delivered in honor of Mother's Day which would become an official national holiday in 1914 it was her father, not her mother, who came into her mind. When the minister finished his sermon, Dodd is reported to have walked up to him and said, "I liked everything you said about motherhood. However, don't you think fathers deserve a place in the sun, too?" The other dad who inspired Dodd to campaign for a national Father's Day was her husband, who became a father when Dodd gave birth to their only child, Jack, in October 1909. As she wrote in her notes for the same 1948 speech, her husband's devotion to their son was "so evident [that] the idea of a special day for fathers became an obsession." Working with local clergy and the YMCA in Spokane, where she and her family lived, Dodd succeeded in organizing a local Father's Day celebration for June 19, 1910. Over the following years, local Father's Day celebrations sprang up across the United States. Not all Americans immediately embraced the idea of a nationally recognized holiday for dads, however. One 1914 letter to the New York Times sarcastically suggested that if Americans were to adopt an official Father's Day, they might as well create holidays celebrating every member of the family, including Uncle's Day, Maiden Aunty's Day, and Household Pet Day. (New York Times) Another common criticism of the idea of an official national Father's Day was the holiday's perceived commercialism. As historian Timothy Marr explained in his entry on Father's Day in "American Masculinities: A Historical Encyclopedia," many American men saw Father's Day as "a commercial gimmick to sell more products often paid for by the father himself." This criticism grew even stronger during the Great Depression, when businesses began actively promoting the unofficial holiday in an attempt to bolster sales. By 1938, historian Ralph LaRossa wrote in his book "The Modernization of Fatherhood," retailers felt optimistic that they could turn Father's Day into "a second Christmas." Concern over the commercialization of Father's Day persisted even after the federal government adopted the practice of passing annual resolutions acknowledging the holiday. In 1966, Russell B. Long, a U.S. senator from Louisiana, unsuccessfully tried to prevent the U.S. Senate from approving one such resolution, complaining that there was already too much "buying pressure on children to buy presents." Despite the resistance to the idea of an annual, nationally recognized Father's Day, Dodd and her allies continued to actively campaign for the holiday for more than six decades until 1972, when President Richard Nixon signed a proclamation permanently designating the third Sunday in June as Father's Day nationwide. On Feb. 16, 1972, only a few months before he signed the proclamation, Nixon sent a telegram to Dodd on the occasion of her 90th birthday acknowledging her role in establishing Father's Day as an official American holiday. The telegram, now part of the special collections of Whitworth University, reads, As the father of two lovely daughters who have never forgotten Father's Day, I am grateful to you for beginning this great tradition in American life. On your 90th birthday I hope that you may derive the greatest joy and satisfaction from the knowledge that families across the country have known such happiness because of the special day you inspired. Dodd died in 1978 at the age of 96, having seen her six-decade-long dream of a permanent national Father's Day become reality. Sources: Carroll, Bret. American Masculinities: A Historical Encyclopedia. SAGE Publications, 2003. Evon, Dan. "The Anti-War Origins of Mother's Day." Snopes, 6 May 2021, https://www.snopes.com//news/2021/05/06/origins-of-mothers-day/. "Including Grandma, Aunty, Baby, and the Household Pet." The New York Times. TimesMachine, https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1914/06/14/100320025.html. Accessed 12 June 2024. LaRossa, Ralph. The Modernization of Fatherhood: A Social and Political History. University of Chicago Press, 1997. Nixon, Richard. "Telegram to Sonora Dodd from Richard Nixon, February 16, 1972." Correspondence and Documents, Feb. 1972, https://digitalcommons.whitworth.edu/fathers-day-correspondence/183. Proclamation 4127Father's Day | The American Presidency Project. https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/proclamation-4127-fathers-day. Accessed 12 June 2024. "Senator Long Fails to Stop Recognition of Father's Day." The New York Times. TimesMachine, https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1966/06/14/80482833.html. Accessed 12 June 2024. "Sonora Dodd; Urged 'Father's Day.'" The New York Times. TimesMachine, https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1978/03/23/110811757.html. Accessed 12 June 2024. "The Woman Who Founded Father's Day Was a Renegade, Great-Granddaughter Says." AP News, 18 June 2023, https://apnews.com/article/fathers-day-holiday-woman-sonora-smart-dodd-80a1ad216e0e6ed93a8a227bc380ba0d. Unidentified. "'Father's Day, 1948,' Apparently Written by Sonora Dodd." Correspondence and Documents, Jan. 1948, https://digitalcommons.whitworth.edu/fathers-day-correspondence/131. More than 2,750 inmates released from Ukrainian prisons to participate in war the WP Over 2,750 convicted men have been released from Ukrainian prisons to join the combat action. Source: The Washington Post Details: Denys Maliuska, the Minister of Justice of Ukraine, stated in a comment for WP that at least 4000 convicts were likely to become volunteers at the first recruitment stage. For the time being, the convicts will only serve in assault units completely composed of former inmates. Quote: "The motivation of our inmates is stronger than that of our ordinary soldiers. Their release is only one part of their motivation: they want to protect their country, and they want to turn the page [on their past]." More details: Those who have murdered more than one person, committed acts of sexual violence or violated national security laws are ineligible for military service. Any prisoner signing up to fight must be physically fit, pass a psychological exam and be under 57, allowing him to serve at least three years before hitting the exemption age of 60. Maliuska states that there is competition between certain military commanders eager to hire former inmates for military service. "There is a competition between military commanders to hire [prisoners]. There is a lack of manpower, so they are very keen to get the access to prisons", he said. Background: On 8 May, the Verkhovna Rada passed a law providing for the voluntary mobilisation of certain categories of convicts. Persons who have committed premeditated murders, rapists, paedophiles, those convicted of the illegal production, acquisition, distribution or storage of drugs, those who have committed crimes against the national security of Ukraine, and former officials cannot be conscripted into the Defence Forces. All others who are potentially liable for military service are subject to the same condition: they must have no more than three years left to serve on their sentence. Ukrainian Justice Minister Denys Maliuska believes that 10,000 to 20,000 convicts could be conscripted from the prison system, not least because Ukraine's detention facilities are overcrowded. On 21 May, it was reported that over 3,000 Ukrainian convicts had applied for conditional early release to participate in the defence of Ukraine. A total of 613 inmates have been released from prisons and joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as of the morning of 28 May. Support UP or become our patron! Since Ukraine's new conscription law took effect, over 2,750 prisoners have been released from detention to join the Ukrainian military, the Washington Post reported on June 16. Ukraine's parliament passed a bill on May 8 permitting those convicted under certain charges to serve in the Armed Forces, paving the way for the voluntary mobilization of prisoners. President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the bill into law on May 17. The government has aimed to ramp up mobilization efforts in 2024 and has pledged to change the approach to military recruitment, giving more choices to potential conscripts. As of May 25, the judiciary received 4,300 applications, and is already considering most of them, Ukraine's Justice Minister Denys Maliuska told the New York Times. "The motivation of our inmates is stronger than our ordinary soldiers," Maliuska said in an interview with the Washington Post released on June 16. "Their release is only one part of the motive. They want to protect their country and they want to turn the page." Convicts released under a new law will serve in separate units of the Ukrainian military. Those released will reportedly be supervised by the military units they enlist in and cannot leave their units without their commanders' permission. The minister added that the Ukrainian command could mix former prisoners with other military units in the future, considering their performance on the battlefield. "There is a competition between military commanders to hire (convicts)," Maliuska told the Post. "There is a lack of manpower, so they really want to get access. Maliuska said earlier in May that Ukraine could fill its ranks with as many as 20,000 convicts in a move that would also help ease overcrowding in Ukrainian prisons. Prisoners are currently undergoing military training that will last "at least a couple of months," Maliuska said on national television on May 27. Read also: Inside Ukraines prison recruitment efforts to bolster front-line troops Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Participants in the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland. Stock photo: Office of the President of Ukraine Participants in the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland have issued a joint communique on the foundations of peace in Ukraine. Source: Ukrainian Presidents Office, as reported by European Pravda Details: They underlined their determination to refrain from threatening or using force against any state's territorial integrity or political independence, as well as the principles of sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity that all states, including Ukraine, live up to. Participants asserted that they had a shared view on the following crucial aspects which we quote from the final declaration: Any use of nuclear energy and nuclear installations must be safe, secured, safe-guarded and environmentally sound. Ukrainian nuclear power plants and installations, including Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, must operate safely and securely under full sovereign control of Ukraine and in line with IAEA principles and under its supervision. Any threat or use of nuclear weapons in the context of the ongoing war against Ukraine is inadmissible. Global food security depends on uninterrupted manufacturing and supply of food products. In this regard, free, full and safe commercial navigation, as well as access to sea ports in the Black and Azov Seas, are critical. Attacks on merchant ships in ports and along the entire route, as well as against civilian ports and civilian port infrastructure, are unacceptable. Food security must not be weaponized in any way. Ukrainian agricultural products should be securely and freely provided to interested third countries. All prisoners of war must be released by complete exchange. All deported and unlawfully displaced Ukrainian children, and all other Ukrainian civilians who were unlawfully detained, must be returned to Ukraine. "We believe that reaching peace requires the involvement of and dialogue between all parties. We, therefore, decided to undertake concrete steps in the future in the above-mentioned areas with further engagement of the representatives of all parties," the communique says. The United Nations Charter, including the principles of respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states, can and will serve as a basis in achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Background: The final declaration of the Global Peace Summit, held in Switzerland, was signed by 80 countries and four organisations. On the eve of the event, Switzerland rejected the final document of the Peace Summit, which could have had undesirable consequences for Ukraine the decision's text was subsequently changed. After this, several states that had planned to attend the Peace Summit decided not to go there. Read also: Ukraine Peace Summit turns hard on Russia. How leaders amended the final decision under criticism Support UP or become our patron! A Pasco man, promised to change after going to extraordinary lengths to stalk and harass women, but the judge didnt believe him. Justin William Hughes, 30, explained during a sentencing hearing this week that he spent the past year considering the effects of his years-long pattern of hijacking womens Facebook accounts and impersonating their family members. Investigators claim he had information on a Google Drive account for 61 women he had collected from Facebook and other social media accounts. Ive really thought about what I need to do differently and leave woman alone and not bother them, he said. I promise this wont ever happen again. Hughes previously pleaded guilty in Franklin County Superior Court to stalking, two counts of first-degree computer trespass and two counts of first-degree criminal impersonation. The plea deal involved three women, including a Benton County deputy prosecutor and two women from Vancouver, Wash. While Hughes was living in Pasco when he was arrested, he grew up Vancouver, and lived in Hermiston for a while. Superior Court Judge Diana Ruff told Hughes that if a previous prison term for a similar crime couldnt stop him, she doubted any sentence she handed down would deter him. I dont hear a full acceptance of responsibility, Ruff said. You like playing God, and you like playing puppeteer, and I think you like having that control. She decided that the only option was to keep him locked away for as long as she legally could five years and eight months. Her sentence did not follow with plea agreement recommendation from prosecutors and the defense attorney for five years, according to court documents. He also agreed not to object to any civil no-contact orders that any of the other women may requesting to bar him from contacting them. Once hes released, he will be required to install software on his computer and phone that will monitor his internet use. Harassment and stalking Hughes was charged after a woman went to Vancouver police complaining that hed harassed her for nearly two years. She provided more than 148 screenshots showing how he contacted her and her friends and family, according to court documents. He repeatedly text and social media messages from multiple numbers and accounts. He called her twice a week at inconvenient hours such at midnight, 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. While she told police the harassment left her frustrated and afraid, she told the judge she refused to have her power taken away from her. She was there to speak for the dozens of other women who were also allegedly stalked by Hughes, but there wasnt enough information to file charges. This was not OK for anyone to have to deal with, she said during the hearing. I think this individual is sick. I dont know what type of help hes going to receive. I want to know that hes going to go away as long as could be. As part of his pursuit of the woman he also hijacked her fathers Facebook account. He also harassed the womans friend for a year and a half. She dealt with much of the same behavior. The experience had taken a physical and emotional toll on her, strained her relationships and overshadowed family gatherings. She is afraid that her personal information has been leaked. He also sent messages to Benton County Deputy Prosecutor Taylor Clark. The information on her case was not included in the court documents, but she told Ruff that Hughes knew her name, her phone number and her best friend. She said she is concerned about what steps he might take next. Socially disconnected Hughes attorney Peyman Younesi said his client struggled to understand the impact his actions had on other people. He described Hughes as autistic and socially disconnected. I dont know if he understood that accessing a computer had a victim attached to it, he said. Hes not had that individual who found it important to educate him. Younesi said Hughes wanted to plead guilty to the crimes earlier, but the attorney wanted to make sure Hughes understood what he had done and that the investigation had been handled properly. He did not want me to put the victims through more stress, Younesi said. Hes not stupid ... but hes aware enough to understand what he did and what he put people through was tremendously painful. I am 100% sure you will not see him again in this system. Hughes offered his own rambling explanation, saying that he is committed to finding a way that he doesnt slip down the same path. He blamed his actions on not having a girlfriend previously. I didnt fully realize the severity of what I was doing, he said. I was living a complete double life. When Ruff asked him what happened with the mental health evaluation and treatment he was supposed to receive after his previous conviction, Hughes said the evaluation he received didnt go far enough to find his problem. Stalking, harassment This is not the first time Hughes has been accused of stalking a woman. He previously pleaded guilty to stalking and harassment of a Clark County deputy prosecutor in 2017. In those messages, he lashed out angrily, using an account linked to him. He was sentenced to the minimum end of the Washington state sentencing guideline range, 13 months. Ruff pointed out that Hughes considered changing his ways the last time he was in prison and didnt, and she didnt believe he would this time. She said throughout his statement to her, he found other people to blame for his failing to find help. In addition to the prison sentence, she ordered mental health treatment. Robert Morris, the founder and senior pastor of Gateway Church in Southlake, has been accused of sexually abusing a woman for four years, starting when she was 12-years-old, the religious watchdog blog Wartburg Watch reported. Morris, a spiritual advisor to Donald Trump and who leads one of the largest churches in the country, is accused of abusing the woman multiple times in the 1980s, The Christian Post reported Saturday. She said the abuse happened in Oklahoma and Texas from 1982 to 1987, when Morris was in his 20s. The woman is now in her 50s. A blog post from The Wartburg Watch identified the woman as Cindy Clemishire. The writer said Clemishire described the alleged abuse with specificity, down to the clothes she wore when the abuse took place. Morris acknowledged in a sermon in 2014 that he was sexually immoral when he was a teenager. We would go out and meet girls and I would end up being immoral in just one night, Morris said in the sermon. There was a curse in my life where immorality became easy for me. In a statement from the non-denominational megachurch this week screenshots of which have been circulating on social media Morris said that he was involved in inappropriate sexual behavior with a young lady in a home where I was staying. Some screenshots of the statement shared on social media include directions not to proactively release the statement to media or the public. Internal staff communication from @GatewayPeople exec pastor Thomas Miller yesterday at 4 pm. Note the edit to not share this proactively. To my knowledge, church members have not been notified by the church yet. @thomasgateway @LSwice @PsRobertMorris @wartwatch #churchtoo pic.twitter.com/fLmWzz9kZt Amy Smith (@watchkeep) June 15, 2024 This statement is to empower you with a response if someone inquires, not as something to proactively send out to people. Morris said the contact he had with the underage girl was wrong but did not involve intercourse. It was kissing and petting and not intercourse, but it was wrong. This behavior happened on several occasions over the next few years, Morris said in the statement. The Star-Telegram made multiple calls and left messages Sunday but was unable to reach a pastor or spokesperson with the Southlake campus of the church, which has around 100,000 members in Texas and the U.S. Morris did not immediately respond to a Star-Telegram email requesting comment. In the statement released by Gateway, the church said Morris has been open and forthright about a moral failure he had over 35 years ago and that there have been no other moral failures. Morris said in the statement that the situation was uncovered in 1987 and that it was confessed and repented of. I submitted myself to the elders of Shady Grove Church and the young ladys father, Morris said, referring to the then-16-year-old girls father. They asked me to step out of ministry and receive counseling and freedom ministry. Since that time, I have walked in purity and accountability in this area. In the statement, Morris said he returned to ministry in 1989 with the full blessing of the elders and her father. On its website, Gateway Church describes its freedom ministry as religious counseling to undo the works of the devil in the lives of individuals, including exorcism. Clemishire told a blog writer with the Wartburg Watch that she met Morris at a youth revival in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1981, according to the post. He would often stay at her home and sometimes bring his wife, Debbie, and their little boy, Josh, the blog read. Robert and Debbie Morris quickly became family friends, and Cindy viewed them as safe and friendly. Their families would often go on trips with each other. It was when Morris was staying in their house that he abused Celmishire, according to The Wartburg Watch. The statement from Gateway Church church said leaders knew about the alleged abuse and that Morris has placed accountability measures and people in his life since. Paul Pressler, a former Texas judge who altered the Southern Baptist Convention twice, first when he led a fundamentalist takeover of the nations largest Protestant denomination and second when he faced sexual abuse allegations, died June 7. He was 94. Pressler was a symbol for both the Religious Rights marriage with Republican politics, then of that alliances vulnerability to scandal and criticism of hypocrisy. He ascended to influential ranks in national politics and within the Nashville-based SBC for decades until an abuse lawsuit colored his final chapter in life. His death was confirmed by an obituary posted by the Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral in Houston. His death, just three days after his 94th birthday, was first reported by Baptist News Global, an independent site devoted to Southern Baptist news. Pressler storied himself in an autobiography as an altruistic underdog who struggled to save the Nashville-based SBC from the wretches of liberalism. But critics see his legacy as harmful due to the hardline theology he promoted within Americas largest evangelical Christian group and for the trauma and depression he allegedly caused abuse victims. Paul Pressler, retired justice of the Texas 14th Circuit Court of Appeals and prominent leader with the Southern Baptist Convention, died on June 7. He was 94. A six-year-long civil case over Presslers alleged abuse of Gerald D. Rollins, through which similar allegations from seven other men emerged, inspired a news series about clergy abuse throughout the SBC and subsequently a third-party investigation into Southern Baptist leaders handling of the abuse crisis. Rollins case ended in 2023. As part of that, the SBC and SBC Executive Committee settled with Rollins, who sought to hold SBC leadership accountable for failing to prevent Presslers alleged abuse. After mobilizing Southern Baptists in denominational politics, Pressler did the same with U.S. politics. Pressler was part of a coalition of influential Christian leaders who backed Ronald Reagan for U.S. president in the 1980 election to deny Jimmy Carter a second term, and a founding member of the secretive network of influential conservatives called the Council for National Policy. Presslers death comes as younger generations of pastors are taking up the mantle of SBC leadership, some of whom are rethinking the legacy of Pressler and his allies. Theres both reverence for beliefs that Presslers movement championed but also disillusionment with the figures atop that movement. SBC's future Southern Baptists confront future change in wake of uncertainty and division Pressler and the Conservative Resurgence A 1967 meeting at Cafe du Monde in New Orleans with a seminary student named Paige Patterson was a turning point for Pressler and the entire SBC. There, the duo first dreamed of the Conservative Resurgence, a movement to transform the convention. But their vision didnt materialize until 13 years later, after Patterson became a pastor and Pressler was serving as a judge for the Texas Court of Appeals, an appointment that followed an eight-year stint as a district court judge. Pressler portrays the Conservative Resurgence in his 1999 autobiography, A Hill on Which to Die, as a grassroots movement of underdogs who took drastic measures as a last resort. We knew no other way to seek the modifications which we believed were necessary, Pressler said in the autobiography. The conservative movement was not motivated by a desire for power or the promotion of the conservative leaders personalities. Their plan was to win SBC presidential elections at the conventions annual meetings as part of a larger plan to control various SBC committees and boards of affiliated agencies. Biblical inerrancy, or the belief the Bible is without error, was the core issue driving the conservatives activism. By extension, however, the group held traditional views on gay marriage, abortion and women in leadership. The movement despite Presslers tale of the Conservative Resurgence as a rag-tag bunch that sought a means to an end and the end being the evangelization of the world with the uncompromised gospel of Jesus Christ was siege warfare and it swiftly gained the upper hand. Its first major victory was in 1979 when Memphis pastor Adrian Rogers, a Conservative Resurgence-backed candidate for SBC president, won the election with 51% of the vote of delegates, called messengers. The battle was essentially over by 1985, but few outside the movement recognized it until 1988, when the committees appointed new members to the boards, and the boards in their turn made decisive changes in policy and personnel, said journalist and historian Francis FitzGerald in the 2017 book, The Evangelicals: The Struggle to Shape America. They had the advantages of surprise and unity of purpose. Key takeaways: Southern Baptists addressed women in ministry, IVF and abuse reform 'Believers must be responsible in their conduct' Pressler characterizes himself in his autobiography as a devout church member driven by principle and his convictions. Believers must be responsible in their conduct. They must be responsible in their doctrine. They are responsible for being loyal to Christ, Pressler said in his autobiography. During his time as a member of Second Baptist Church Houston and later First Baptist Church Houston, Pressler served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. But it was also during this time, and sometimes in the same settings, that Presslers alleged abuse began. According to court filings and news articles from eight men alleging various kinds of sexual misconduct, Presslers alleged abuse occurred between 1976-2016. The allegations range from inappropriate comments and soliciting sexual contact, to molestation and rape. Pressler denied any allegations of abuse, and Rollins civil case against Pressler ended in December 2023 before going to trial for a jury to adjudicate Presslers fate. Pressler was a wolf in sheeps clothing, and the uniform he wore was emblazoned with the SBC, said Rollins complaint. Rollins and others suffered severely not only because of the actions of this one man, but because of those that empowered him, disguised him, concealed him. Rollins attributes a long history of substance abuse and a criminal history to the trauma of Presslers alleged abuse, and other alleged victims described feeling depressed and suicidal due to the alleged abuse, according to court filings. Rollins case inspired a Houston Chronicle investigative series on clergy abuse throughout the SBC, which was the impetus for a historic third-party investigation into Southern Baptist leaders handling of the abuse crisis. Influence on national politics Herman Paul Pressler, III, was born in Houston on June 4, 1930, to Herman P. Pressler, Jr. and Elsie Townes Pressler, according to his obituary. He was a sixth-generation Texan. He attended The Kinkaid school, Phillips Exeter Academy and Princeton University. He served as in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and received his law degree from the University of Texas Law School, where his great-grandfather served as the first dean, according to his family obituary. While in law school, he was elected to the Texas House of Representatives and represented Harris County for two years. In 1970, then-Texas Gov. Preston Smith appointed him a district court judge. Then-Gov. Dolph Briscoe appointed him a state court of a appeals judge in 1978. Due to his elevated status in the SBC, Pressler was quickly introduced to other Religious Right leaders, some of whom were Southern Baptists and others werent. He and others, such as Moral Majority founder the Rev. Jerry Falwell, mobilized support for Reagans candidacy for president and then for George H. W. Bush. In 1989, Bush nominated Pressler to head the Office of Government Ethics. The president later withdrew the nomination following an FBI background check, the results of which have remained undisclosed. Pressler described his political prestige as unintentional. The conservative movement in the SBC was not motivated by secular politics, but as it turned out, it did have sociological and political ramifications, Pressler said in his autobiography. Regardless of intent, journalist Anne Nelson describes the political prowess as inevitable in Nelsons book about the Council for National Policy, the secretive network of conservative religious and political leaders. Pressler was a founding member of the group. The architects of the Conservative Resurgence, pastor Paige Patterson and judge Paul Pressler, had developed tactics to take over the denomination and purge moderates, which would then be adopted, refreshed, and perfected by the Council for National Policy to apply to wider targets, Nelson said in her book, The Shadow Network. If the CNP was a tree and each new partner a branch, the Southern Baptists were the core. Liam Adams covers religion for The Tennessean. Reach him at ladams@tennessean.com or on Twitter @liamsadams. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Paul Pressler dies at 94: Helped lead conservative SBC takeover Pay up, Kansas City: Helping fund college is an alternative to an uneducated populace | Opinion Kansas City students Sadia Arome and Rainy Shwe are going into their senior year knowing they will receive $50,000 in scholarships to help them pay for college. Sadia, of North Kansas City High School, and Rainy, who goes to Turner High School, said the windfall makes the idea of success in college seem more attainable. I cant say that having money will make young people want to go to college, but it sure cant hurt. OK, lets think about this for a moment. If having money = education, what about the thousands of students who cant afford to pay? And if they take out a bunch of loans, you know what can happen. Many of you didnt agree with President Joe Bidens student plan for helping students caught up in loan debt. Neither did Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, whose recent lawsuit to stop Biden was quashed. And opinions are nearly half-and-half on getting government help. A survey of 1,500 people found that just over half of Americans think the government should help students pay for school not an overwhelming figure. But 9 in 10 American parents want their children to go to college, according to a 2023 survey of 1,200 parents with children under 18. Despite concerns about cost and whether a college degree is worth it, 91% of parents surveyed still want college for their kids. So, we want them to go, but only half of us want government help. Whats the alternative? Heres my thought: Were probably going to pay somehow, so why not freely give our dollars to charitable organizations helping students with scholarships and grants? This was on my mind when I attended A Gathering of Pearls scholarship event here in Kansas City a few weeks ago, and saw more than 20 smiling young men and women walk up to the stage to receive $500, $1,000, and more in funding. I saw future college grads more assured in their financial ability to pay for college. Sponsored by and held at Harvest Church International Outreach in Kansas City, this funding comes from donors and the nonprofit Gathering of Pearls Foundation. Its vision is to have a community where students have the financial resources for K-12 and postsecondary education. Next Saturday, Great Jobs KC holds its own scholarships awards day on steroids, where a total of $48 million will be given to 1,210 Kansas City high school students. Private donors money opens doors Great Jobs KC has a few different kinds of scholarships: The KC Scholars Scholarship Program Match and Incentive program. It provides eligible students with a 1:1 match and incentives up to $1,400 to use toward college. Traditional Scholarship for 11th graders. It provides for up to $50,000 paid directly to the students college, over the course of up to six years. Adult Learner scholarships: Students 18 and older with a high school diploma or equivalent who have not earned a bachelors degree can receive up to $50,000 paid directly to their college over the course of up to six years. Great Jobs KC does not receive any money from government entities, but rather gets its funding from donations by individuals, foundations and corporations. The Kauffman Foundation is one of its biggest donors, supplying 25% of the 501(c)(3) nonprofits funding, according to a spokesman. Sadia, 16, and Rainy, 17 are receiving traditional scholarships from Great Jobs KC: Sadia wants to pursue a degree in psychology because of the lack of mental health support in the Black and African American communities in Kansas City. Rainy Shwe had trouble with cavities in his youth and that has inspired him to pursue a degree in dentistry. Both are students with international ancestries. Sadia is American with parents are from Sudan. Rainy is Thai and immigrated to this country as an 11-month-old baby. For both students, immigrant parents reinforced education. My dad, like, barely made it to second grade and my mom made it to eighth grade, Rainy said. They really want me to know the importance of education and how far education can lead me. Sadia heard the same story. All I heard was like, I have to go to college, I have to go to college, but her mother, a refugee, wasnt able to help her. She wasnt able to earn her degree herself, so she pretty much knows nothing about the college process. Financial pressures lifted from families Sadia said her scholarship and other awards she has gotten makes college and her choice of school possible. Things have become way easier, and I have been less worried and less stressed about the college process. Rainy agreed. Ive always seen college as mentally attainable before the scholarship. But, realistically, I believe that the financial strain that I could have been in has been eased by the scholarship, and I think that theres been a weight lifted off of my and my familys shoulders from the financial pressures. Seeing what the financial awards will do for them, both students plan to become donors when they graduate and get into the workforce. I would love to fund community scholarships in my career, and I think it would be a great way to give back to the community for allowing this opportunity presented to me, Rainy said. Sadia said this experience has led her to want to create a nonprofit organization. Her nonprofit will offer free mental health resources and services for people, who are in the Black community or people of color. It also takes the stress off of the Black community because I know that, when money is an issue, it also can be an issue when it comes to getting help for your mental health. Thats one of the barriers that stops Black people from getting the help they need. Thats two students who plan to give back. What about the rest of us? Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasised that peace in Ukraine should not imply surrender, as the Kremlin still believes, and that such a "peaceful settlement" would create a terrible precedent. Source: Meloni in her speech at the second day of the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland, as reported by European Pravda Details: The PM stressed that peace does not imply capitulation, as Russian leader Putin appears to suggest in his recent statements. Meloni said that combining the concepts of peace and submission would set a horrible precedent for everyone. The Italian Prime Minister stated that Ukraines allies should continue their efforts to maximise support for Ukraine and that the most recent G7 conference, led by Italy, offered sufficiently powerful choices, particularly on the use of the Russian Federation's frozen assets in favour of Ukraine. "Dear Volodymyr [Zelenskyy, Ukraines President ed.], I am here to tell you that you can continue to count on us for as long as it takes We intend to do everything in our possibilities to transform a future of peace and freedom for Ukraine into reality," she concluded. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte feels that the peace summit in Switzerland is simply the beginning of a long process to stop the crisis in Ukraine, but it does reinforce crucial global community viewpoints. Support UP or become our patron! OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) The Oklahoma City Police Department responded to an incident involving a pedestrian struck by a vehicle on Northwest 36th and Portland Saturday evening. Authorities say the pedestrian suffered only minor injuries and was not taken to the hospital. Bystanders were nearby to help the individual off of the road. The driver who struck the pedestrian remained at the scene. Police are investigating the cause of the incident. Copyright 2024 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 KFOR.com Oklahoma City. UPDATE: Todd Hadden was located and is safe, state police say. ______________ ORIGINAL STORY: Pennsylvania State Police are asking for the publics help in finding a man from Armstrong County who they say may be endangered. Todd Hadden, 59, was last seen on Main Street in Rural Valley Township at 10 a.m. He has grey hair and blue eyes and is around 5 feet 10 inches tall. He weighs around 160 pounds. Troopers say he was seen wearing blue jeans, a grey t-shirt, a black Outer Banks hat and a gray fleece jacket. Hadden may be confused and troopers police say he may be at special risk of harm or injury. Police say Hadden may be in a 2007 Silver Jeep Cherokee with a license plate number of ESZ-5962. Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or PA State Police Kittanning at 724-543-2011. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: Police searching for woman accused of stealing credit cards from locker at local Planet Fitness Princess of Wales joins Royal Family at annual Trooping the Colour event A stand-up child: Heartbroken parents mourn loss of man who died swimming in Beaver County creek VIDEO: Abandoned bridge in South Park given new life as fishing area DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) One person is in the hospital with life-threatening injuries after a shooting in south Charlotte, according to MEDIC. Crews responded to an apartment complex on the 8000 block of Riverbirch Drive in south Charlotte in reference to a gunshot wound call. No word yet on any suspects or what led up to the shooting. This is a Developing Story . Check back for updates Copyright 2024 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 Queen City News. Person removes Pride flags from around Christopher Park in Greenwich Village: police Person removes Pride flags from around Christopher Park in Greenwich Village: police GREENWICH VILLAGE, Manhattan (PIX11) Police are searching for the person who removed LGBTQ Pride flags from around Greenwich Villages Christopher Park, the location of the Stonewall National Monument. A person removed multiple Pride flags that were mounted around the exterior of Christopher Park Thursday night, according to the NYPD. More Local News [Thursday] night, bigots vandalized the Stonewall National Monument, snapping flag sticks & stealing 3/4 of the flags around the permitter of the park, New York City Council member Erik Bottcher said on X. The NYPD released a surveillance image of the male suspect, whos seen wearing a gray sweater, dark pants, black and white sneakers and carrying a black backpack. Police are searching for the person who removed LGBTQ Pride flags from around Greenwich Villages Christopher Park on June 13, 2024. (Courtesy of NYPD) This is the second year in a row Pride flags have been taken down by the Stonewall National Monument during LGBTQ Pride Month. Pride Month is celebrated each year in June to commemorate the Stonewall Uprising of 1969, which served as the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ rights movement. Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Finn Hoogensen is a digital journalist who has covered local news for more than five years. He has been with PIX11 News since 2022. See more of his work here. Copyright 2024 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. Person is shot an stabbed in park by Lake Murray, South Carolina deputies say One person was shot and stabbed Saturday during a fight at a park near Lake Murray, according to the Newberry County Sheriffs Office. The shooting happened at Sunset Boat Ramp and Park near Hollands Landing Road, the sheriffs office said in a news release. The park in Newberry County is owned by Dominion Energy, according to the release. Several people at the South Carolina park got in an argument, which led to a fight, the sheriffs office said. One person was stabbed and shot, according to the release. The victim was airlifted by helicopter to a hospital, the sheriffs office said. Further information on the victims condition was not available. No other injuries were reported by the sheriffs office. The first deputy who responded to the park called for additional back up because the crowd was excited, according to the release. At about 8 p.m., the sheriffs office said deputies had control of the scene, where they held interviews. Information about why the people were arguing, and the exact number of those involved, was not available. There was no word about a shooter or shooters, or anyone else involved in the gunfire. No arrests have been reported, but the shooting is being investigated by the sheriffs office. In addition to the sheriffs office both Lake Murray Rescue and EMS responded to the park, according to the release. At a recent event, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito was asked how the country can become less polarized. He responded, I wish I knew. I dont know. American citizens in general need to work on this to heal this polarization because its very dangerous. Alito went on to say he doubted the court itself could do anything about polarization: We have a very defined role, and we need to do what were supposed to do. But this is a bigger problem. This is way above us. Alito was secretly recorded, and his remarks have made headlines, with some people outraged about what Alito said, and others outraged about the actions of the self-described advocacy journalist who made the recordings. But setting those controversies aside, Alitos remarks on polarization, and the courts role in reducing it, are worth a national discussion. While some argue that the court should remain strictly impartial and avoid any perceived moral role, its important to recognize that the laws the court interprets and applies are ultimately rooted in our societys moral positions. As such, the court inevitably serves as an arbiter of these underlying moral frameworks. And, despite Alitos doubts, the American founders actually envisioned the judiciary especially the Supreme Court as a republican schoolmaster educating the public on constitutional values. Today, the court remains uniquely positioned through its influential rulings and outreach efforts to shape this vital public discourse. There have been glimpses of this educative roles impact, such as how Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, helped sway opinion on the issue. But the court cant always count on its decisions alone to unite a polarized nation. It needs a systematic method to build understanding and acceptance among all Americans, especially in culturally explosive cases. One model, proposed several decades ago by legal scholar Christopher Eisgruber, suggests the court should first identify values or beliefs that both sides share and agree on, and then describe an idealized version of those shared values in a way that unites people from opposing sides. This model is a good starting point, but something more is needed for todays hyperpolarized reality. The court must go further by validating the diverse moral perspectives across different groups. Fields like psychology offer valuable insights here that the court should apply. Cultural cognition theory, developed by scholars like Dan Kahan, posits that people tend to process information in a way that fits and protects the values, beliefs and identities tied to their ideological or cultural group. We are not impartial, rational actors but rather subconsciously filter facts to confirm our worldviews that are shaped by factors like community, socioeconomic status, race and more. Moral foundations theory, pioneered by researchers like Jonathan Haidt, holds that people make moral judgments and determine right from wrong not through pure reasoning but through innate moral foundations. These foundations include care (sensitivity and concern for the suffering of others), fairness (concerns about injustice and cheating), loyalty (favoring your group and being wary of outsiders), authority (respect for traditions and legitimate authorities) and purity (avoiding contaminants that are unnatural or distressing). While these moral foundations are intuitive, different groups and cultures emphasize some over others. For example, researchers have found that conservatives tend to give relatively equal weight to all five foundations, while liberals rely most heavily on the care and fairness foundations in their moral reasoning. This difference in fundamental moral intuitions helps explain why liberals and conservatives often talk past each other on polarizing issues they are starting from divergent underlying moral matrices. Thus, the courts rulings, while legally and constitutionally sound from an impartial perspective, can deeply resonate with the cultural worldviews and moral intuitions of some social groups while alienating and even offending others whose foundational values differ. At another recent event, Alito suggested that negotiation with the left may be pointless, but conceded, I mean there can be a way of working, a way of living together peacefully, right? Its difficult because there are differences on fundamental things that cant be compromised. An intellectually humble court recognizes this reality about human psychology. By speaking to diverse moral foundations, it can demonstrate its fairness and reduce polarization, without expecting total agreement. Examining cases through the lenses of cultural cognition and moral foundations theory illuminates paths for opinions to cultivate broader resonance and build wider public trust. A few examples: In the controversial Roman Catholic diocese case challenging New Yorks capacity limits on religious gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic, the court could have more overtly acknowledged the sincerely held moral perspectives on both sides. It could have validated public health officials stance rooted in the harm/care foundation of preventing widespread suffering and death. At the same time, the court could have affirmed religious adherents purity/sanctity-based convictions about upholding the sacred nature of communal worship, particularly during times of crisis, when services provide vital spiritual sustenance. Similarly, in 303 Creative v. Elenis, involving a Christian website designers refusal to create same-sex wedding websites, the court could have signaled that truly upholding the principle of equal human dignity means protecting both sides ability to live according to their core values and identities the LGBTQ+ couples wish to have their marriage celebrated, and the designers wish to remain true to her faiths teachings on marriage. Compelling either side to abandon these fundamental beliefs disrespects their humanity. From a cultural cognition perspective, the court could have framed the case in a way that affirmed the identities of both the LGBTQ+ community (oriented around dignity/autonomy values) and the religious web designer (oriented around traditional purity/sanctity values). This expressive overdetermination allows diverse groups to maintain an enlarged positive self-conception even when the specific outcome clashes with their stance. Critically examining cases through the lenses of cultural cognition and moral foundations theory illuminates paths for judicial opinions to cultivate broader societal resonance. This sort of balanced approach can build wider public trust and prevent rulings that fuel toxic cultural divides by declaring total victory for one side only. As James Madison knew, protecting true religious pluralism is essential for preventing any single sects dominance and preserving national unity. But recognizing this duty is insufficient on its own the court must master effective, culturally competent communication. By validating the moral perspectives across different groups, the court can reduce polarization and demonstrate that its decisions are both fair and firmly grounded in enduring constitutional principles. As the rifts in our union seem to deepen by the day, the court has a vital potential and a weighty responsibility to be not just a judicious arbiter, but a unifying civic force educating a polarized nation. Rising to meet this formidable challenge is essential for preserving constitutional democracy for all. Asma T. Uddin is an attorney, a Deseret contributing writer and author of When Islam Is Not a Religion: Inside Americas Fight for Religious Freedom and The Politics of Vulnerability: How to Heal Muslim-Christian Relations in a Post-Christian America. Plugging away: Nonprofit puts an end to harmful gas emissions from abandoned Bath well Curtis Shuck, founder of Well Done Foundation, runs tests for harmful gases Friday on an orphaned oil well off Sand Run Road in Bath. Finishing a two-year project, the Well Done Foundation performed what it called the equivalent of taking 3,150 cars off the road with the plugging of an orphaned oil well at a Bath farm. Curtis Shuck, the nonprofit's founder. travels across the country sealing abandoned oil wells to eliminate harmful gas emissions. Friday, he and a team of contracted local workers confirmed the well, where methane was once smelled and heard, was officially clean. After final inspection from the state, the team's 45th well-plugging was complete. "Global warming is such a crazy, big, scary thing. And when we're plugging wells, the fact that we're making a difference it's a win," Shuck said. "We take action on a 'one-well-at-a-time' basis. Every one of these projects produces great results." Shuck, with over 30 years of oil and gas business experience, created his company to plug oil and gas wells in 2019 after seeing his first orphan well and its dangers. He works as a volunteer for the Montana-based foundation, which is completely funded by private investors and donors. All people working on a project are either volunteers or local contract workers, which goes along with Shuck's focus of creating jobs in communities. Shuck said property owners will reach out to the Well Done Foundation when they discover an orphaned well, which means it has not been maintained. From there, the company reviews whether a site meets its parameters for restoration. Curtis Shuck, founder of Well Done Foundation, checks the results of a post plug test that show a passing result Friday in Bath. "If a well remains unplugged, it's just a potential pathway for gas and fluid, whether it's crude oil or produced saltwater, to make its way to the surface," Shuck said. "It's an opportunity for bad things to happen. It's creating a health hazard but also a safety hazard." The family that owns the farm off Sand Run Road in Bath contacted the nonprofit in 2022. It became one of Well Done's larger projects, with Shuck describing the site originally as a "super-duper emitter" of methane which is 80 times more harmful than carbon dioxide. After the project tea dug around the site and cemented the well, plus performed various checks, the well no longer emitted gas. During testing Friday, the well and surrounding area gave off no harmful gases. Once a cap is welded to the well, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources checks it out and Well Done runs lab tests. The team then moves on to another one of its hundreds of planned projects throughout around 10 states. A metal cap waits to be welded onto at plugged orphan well Friday as Curtis Shuck, founder of Well Done Foundation, tests for harmful gases in Bath. The company periodically checks on a site for 10 years after a project is completed. "This well had some crazy big numbers in terms of what the emission factor was," Shuck said. "So, when it's done, we're out of here and this thing is restored. It's just such a huge victory." Projects on average take six months to a year, but this took double the time; Shuck said legal work contributed to the project length. He estimated the Bath project cost to be near $100,000; Well Done partnered with the Youth Climate Initiative, made up of high school students from North Carolina, to raise funds for it. Curtis Shuck, founder of Well Done Foundation, wears an oil well belt buckle Friday as he tests a plugged well for harmful gases in Bath. "Once we got the crew in here and started going on it, it actually went super quick," Shuck said. "The landowners are going to be thrilled, because we'll give them their give their stable back and clean everything up. Sometimes, you got to make a mess to clean things up, we tell people." The Bath farm will go back to its normal functions soon after the restoration, and even the horses living in the barn next to the old well will be back and completely safe from any harmful gas. Seeing emission numbers hit zero at the end of a project feels like a huge victory, Shuck said, but there is still work to be done nationally. "This problem is pretty big," Shuck said. "It's not going away." Reporter Isabella Schreck can be contact at ischreck@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Nonprofit puts a stop to gas emissions from abandoned Bath oil well ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) Two people were killed and 14 others were injured in a shooting at a Juneteenth celebration Saturday night, Round Rock police say, and they now have an idea of who they are looking for as a suspect. Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks said the shooting happened around 10:50 p.m. at Old Settlers Park after a fight between two groups who were at the event. During a media briefing around 6 p.m. Sunday, Banks described the suspect in the shooting as: Black male 5 feet, 7 inches tall Thin build 19-20 years old Hair in short dreads Last seen wearing a white hoodie Banks said police believe the subject is armed and dangerous and not to approach the suspect if seen. He said most of the 14 injured have been released from area hospitals with the remaining victims in stable condition and should be released within the next day or so. The victims ages ranged from 10 to 62-years-old. The park was crowded during the celebration. We very well could have faced more casualties, Banks said. He told KXAN in a press conference late Saturday night that the victims were innocent bystanders not involved in the initial fight. Were very disappointed and angry with these events. This is the 16th year of this Juneteenth event, and for someone to destroy the peace and celebration within an instant, it angers me. Checking for a pulse: Attendees helped victims of Round Rock Juneteenth festival shooting Chief Banks said he plans to release the names of the two who were killed in the shooting Monday. He called it a senseless, cowardly act that doesnt belong in Round Rock, and had a message for the suspect to close his comments. Turn yourself in, Banks said. If youre man enough to carry a gun and pull the trigger, be man enough to step up. Turn yourself in. Lets figure out why you chose to take lives and injure people. He added that it officers are still investigating what led up to the shooting and the reason the two groups were fighting in the first place. Police respond to shooting at Juneteenth Celebration in Round Rock on June 15, 2024. (KXAN Photo: Frank Martinez) Police are searching for suspects after a Juneteenth Celebration shooting that left two dead and multiple people injured. (KXAN Photo: Frank Martinez) Banks shared that police officers and members of the Round Rock Fire Department who were there immediately tried to help the victims of the shooting when it happened. Austin-Travis County EMS and Williamson County EMS responded to the scene and took people to area hospitals. My thoughts and my prayers go out to the victims, Banks said. My condolences go out to the families of the deceased. Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan stressed the citys commitment to safety, celebration and unity, adding that city leaders share their condolences with those injured and killed in the shooting. I know Round Rock residents are devastated as they wake up to the terrible news of last nights tragic events. To the families who are mourning the loss of loved ones, please know that our entire community mourns with you. To those who were injured, we are here to support you in your recovery. We are a community that values safety, celebration and unity, and we are committed to ensuring that our community heals through this event together. We will not let this incident define us, nor will we let fear take hold. Instead, we will support each other, offer help where it is needed, and remain united in our resolve to make Round Rock a safe and welcoming place for all. Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan The City is also offering its Crisis Response Unit to help attendees with their mental health following the shooting. From June 16 to 21, the unit has extended its hours from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. The unit can be reached at 512-218-5501 to set up an appointment. Anyone with video or information about the incident is asked to call the Round Rock Police Department at 512-218-5500. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Police identify Michigan splash pad shooter but there's still no word on a motive Officials with the Oakland County Sheriff's Department, Rochester Hills Fire Department and other jurisdictions secure the scene of a shooting at the Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad, Saturday, June 15, 2024, in Rochester Hills, Mich. (Katy Kildee/Detroit News via AP) ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. (AP) Authorities on Sunday identified the man who opened fire at a splash pad in suburban Detroit before taking his own life, but his motives remained unknown as investigators worked to determine if he left behind any hint of his plans. Oakland County Sheriffs spokesperson Stephen Huber said the shooter was 42-year-old Michael William Nash of Shelby Township. Sheriff Mike Bouchard said Saturday evening that the gunman had no prior criminal history but apparently suffered privately from what the sheriff called mental health challenges. Its our understanding that he was undergoing some mental health challenges, but no one that we know of was notified, Bouchard said during an evening news conference. The splash pad shooting was one of at least four mass shootings that took place around the country Saturday night and early Sunday morning. Six people were shot in a residential neighborhood in Lathrup Village, another Detroit suburb. Seven people were shot at a party in Methuen, Massachusetts, and eight people were shot during a Juneteenth celebration in Round Rock, Texas. Two people were killed in that shooting. Authorities said Nash drove to suburban Rochester Hills on Saturday and opened fire at a splash pad in a city park around 5 p.m. A splash pad is a recreational area with a nonslip surface where people can play in fountains and water sprays. The sheriff said Nash fired as many as 28 times, stopping several times to reload. In the chaos, people were falling, getting hit, trying to run, Bouchard said. Terrible things that unfortunately all of us in our law enforcement business have seen way too much. The gunman was apparently in no rush. Just calmly walked back to his car, the sheriff said. Nine people were injured, including an 8-year-old boy who was shot in the head; his 4-year-old brother, who was shot in the leg; and the boys mother, who was wounded in the abdomen and leg. The 8-year-old boy and the mother were both listed in critical condition on Saturday evening. The 4-year-old was in stable condition. The six other victims, all at least 30 years old, were in stable condition on Saturday night. Huber, the sheriffs spokesperson, said all the victims conditions were unchanged as of Sunday morning. Nash eventually fled but apparently left his gun behind. Investigators were able to use the weapons registration information to track him back to the home in Shelby Township he shared with his mother. When police arrived, they found a car that matched the gunmans vehicle. Deputies surrounded the home and eventually entered to find the suspect was dead. Bouchard said the man died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Deputies discovered a handgun next to the body and a semiautomatic rifle on the kitchen table. Bouchard said Saturday that Nash may have been planning a second chapter to the shooting. Nashs neighbors told the Detroit News that Nashs father died two years ago and he lived with his mother, who has been traveling the United States. Hes a loner. The blinds are always pulled over there, neighbor Kyleen Duchene told the newspaper. Nashs mother was super friendly and nice but Nash himself rarely left the house, neighbor Alex Roser said. And when he did, he didnt even say hi back to us when we would acknowledge him," Roser said. "He was very quiet and didnt want to be a part of our community. Bouchard said that Nash had no connections to the splash pad or any of the victims. Investigators will try to determine if he left behind any writings and examine his electronic devices in hopes of shedding light on his motive. In terms of the why, I dont know, Bouchard said. Rochester Hills is about 15 miles (24 kilometers) south of Oxford, where in 2021 a 15-year-old fatally shot four high school students. Saturdays shooting came at the end of the first full week of summer vacation for students attending Rochester Community schools. I love my community and my heart breaks today, Rochester Mayor Bryan Barnett said. When I got on scene I started to cry because I know what a splash pad is supposed to be. Its supposed to be a place where people gather, where families make memories, where people have fun. Bouchard called the attack a gut punch for the county. Weve gone through so many tragedies, the sheriff said. "Were not even fully comprehending what happened at Oxford. And, you know, now we have another complete tragedy that were dealing with. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) The body of a woman was found just outside Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital in Northwest Portland, bringing police investigators to the scene. The womans body was found in a wheelchair around 11:30 a.m. Sunday near NW 22nd and Kearney, officials said. Its unclear at this time how the woman died. 9 men arrested, missing woman rescued in PPB prostitution sting No further information is available at this time. Authorities said the medical examiner would determine the cause of death and her name will be released once family members are notified. The body of a woman was found just outside Legacy Good Samaritan on NW 22nd/Kearney in Portland, June 16, 2024 (KOIN) If anyone has information in this case, they are encouraged to contact Portland police. This is a developing story. Stay with KOIN 6 News for updates. Copyright 2024 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. Police are investigating a deadly shooting at a supermarket in Lynn Saturday night. Crime scene tape surrounded a black sedan that had driven into the bushes and trees surrounding the parking lot of the Market Basket on Federal Street. According to the DAs office, a 17-year-old male gunshot victim was pronounced deceased after being transported to Salem Hospital from the Market Basket in Lynn. This is another example of the devastating impact of gun violence on the lives of our young people, Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker said. Our hearts are with the family of the victim. We will work diligently to achieve justice in this case on their behalf. The shooting is currently under investigation and additional information is not available. #Breaking Multiple crime scenes in the Market Basket parking lot in #Lynn. One scene involves a sedan. Lynn and State Police are both on scene investigating. Follow @boston25 to get updates as more info becomes available. pic.twitter.com/RclEkVdqVn James Cullity (@JCullityNews) June 16, 2024 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 NPD: Man killed after shooting outside McDonalds on Shore Drive; sister arrested NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) A man is dead and his sister is facing charges following a shooting in the parking lot outside a McDonalds in Norfolk early Sunday morning. Police say it happened in the 7900 block of Shore Drive, near Little Creek, just after 5 a.m. on June 16. The victim was identified as 24-year-old Kimaun T. Ewell. 32-year-old Kiana T. Ewell Ewell was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, but later died. 32-year-old Kiana T. Ewell was charged with second-degree murder and use of a firearm, and is being held without bond. Police confirmed to WAVY the suspect and victim are siblings. They both are from Richmond. No additional details have been released. If you have any information about this case, you can submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-888-LOCK-U-UP, downloading the P3 tips app to a mobile device, or visiting www.P3tips.com and submitting a tip. Copyright 2024 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 WAVY.com. Police searching for suspect after Bay Terraces Jack in the Box robbed at gunpoint SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) San Diego Police are searching for a suspect after a Jack in the Box fast food restaurant was robbed at gunpoint Saturday morning. The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) reports a male suspect pointed a handgun at a cashier and took an undisclosed amount of money from the register at a Jack in the Box on Alta View Drive in the Bay Terraces neighborhood at 9:51 a.m. on Saturday. Woman stabbed multiple times next to ATM; police search for suspect There is currently no suspect in custody, according to SDPD. They are describing the suspect as a white man in his 30s, who is 511, with a full beard and mustache. Police say he was wearing a green beanie/ski mask, khaki jacket, and brown pants. Police confirmed no employees or customers were injured during the incident. Man stabs bystander trying to intervene during robbery at Encinitas Home Depot SDPD Robbery Unit Detectives are investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call the SDPD non-emergency line or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. The Pope faces UN investigation over his personal authorisation of allegedly unlawful wiretaps during a Vatican investigation into the corrupt sale of a 300 million central London property. Lawyers for Raffaele Mincione, a British financier accused of defrauding the Vatican, have filed a complaint to the UN about alleged abuses committed during the trial by Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. Rodney Dixon KC, a leading human rights barrister, has accused the Pope of personally authorising unlawful wiretaps of Mr Minciones phone during the investigation into alleged wrongdoing at the Vatican. During the trial, it emerged that Pope Francis himself handed powers to investigators allowing them to tap phones, intercept emails and arrest anyone they wanted to without approval from a judge. The powers were based on rescritti ancient laws that the Pope could use as divine monarch of the Vatican. In the complaint to Prof Margaret Satterthwaite, the UN Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Mr Dixon listed the Pope as a perpetrator of human rights abuses. This unreasoned authorisation to prosecutors by an absolute monarch greenlit the undertaking of surveillance without the articulation of definite reasons, ongoing judicial or other independent and impartial supervision, or a mechanism by which to challenge the implementation of the surveillance before an independent and impartial tribunal, said Mr Dixon. Raffaele Mincione, centre, a British financier, is accused of defrauding the Vatican - DAVE BENETT/GETTY The Vatican claims Mr Mincione defrauded it by inflating the price when it invested 124 million in a former Harrods warehouse in Chelsea via a fund managed by Mr Mincione. Prosecutors charged Mr Mincione and 10 others including Cardinal Angelo Becciu, the former right-hand man to Pope Francis, with offences including fraud, embezzlement, and abuse of office. Mr Mincione maintains he did not do anything wrong, and that the property was appropriately valued by independent experts. Mr Mincione claims that the Vatican has never disclosed evidence to show it lost money nor of his alleged wrongdoing. Last December, the financier was convicted of breaching canonical or spiritual - law and handed a five-and-a-half-year jail sentence by Vatican judges. He and his legal team claim that he has been the victim of a witch-hunt where he believes the legal goalposts were moved to secure his conviction. In his complaint to the UN Special Rapporteur, Dixon also complained that Mr Mincione was convicted of breaching breach of canon or spiritual law. It is not appropriate for religious tenets to be imposed on the regulation of a secular transaction without the consent of those involved in the transaction, Dixon said in his complaint filed ahead of a session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva which starts on Monday. Mr Dixon also criticised claims that Mr Minciones lawyers were placed under surveillance in Rome during the trial before a panel of three Catholic judges. In his UN complaint, Dixon said they appeared to be victims of interference if not intimidation at the instigation of the Vatican. Mrs Satterthwaites office is based in Geneva and she reports to the UN Rights Council and the UN General Assembly. She is responsible for upholding the independence of the judiciary and monitoring abuses of human rights laws. As the UN Special Rapporteur, she can communicate directly with states regarding alleged wrongdoing and previous investigations have built enough pressure to force rogue states to release journalists, opposition politicians, human rights campaigners and asylum seekers from incarceration. Basic rights trampled on Mr Mincione told The Telegraph: My basic rights have been trampled on and been ignored. How can it be correct that I have been handed criminal penalties for breaches of spiritual law which only applies to members of the Church, which dont seem to apply to anyone else that handles the Vaticans investments, and which I didnt know anything about? This has been a devastating experience for me and my family and I truly hope that the United Nations will pursue justice in this matter. Mr Mincione is appealing his conviction on the basis that he was actually cleared of the criminal offences from the original indictment and only convicted of new offences introduced at the 11th hour and based on the Vaticans canonical religious, not criminal law. The Vatican has maintained it has acted appropriately and within the law. A spokesman for the Vatican said: The legitimacy of the investigations and the correspondence of the Vatican judiciary system to the principles of fair trial has been recognised by various foreign courts. They have been approached for further comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) More than 16 million Americans served in the armed forces during World War II, and more than 400,000 made the ultimate sacrifice, but virtually everyone made some form of sacrifice for the war effort. Almost everything was stretched thin. The federal government even established a rationing system on things like food, metal and paper to ensure the military had what they needed to win the fight. The tight resources bled down through every facet of society, even something as simple as manpower. With so many men away fighting the war, lots of American businesses and farms struggled to stay afloat. But an American military leader came up with a solution that helped ease the issues at home, took a task off the plates of the front liners and even managed to follow the international laws set up by the Geneva Conventions. The answer? POWs. Between 1943 and 1946, more than 400,000 prisoners of war were brought stateside to be housed in camps. George C. Marshall, the then-Army chief of staff, developed the idea. An old display commemorating Camp Lakewood on Lake Allegan still stands next to the roadside on 42nd Street. (Matt Jaworowski/WOOD TV8) As we achieved victory in North Africa, weve got over 200,000 prisoners, Germans and Italians. What are we going to do with them? historian and University of Detroit Mercy professor Gregory Sumner told News 8. Marshall said, Lets load these guys in the desert, get them out of their stockades, put them on ships, and send them back to the U.S. where we have the resources and facilities to take care of them. He had realized that the supply ships that were running everything from the states to the war zone were arriving full but heading back empty. And maintaining POW camps near the frontlines sapped the resources that were already in limited supply. Hollywood before Hollywood: How Muskegon became the home for vaudeville stars Camps quickly popped up all across the country, including 32 in Michigan. Some were temporary pop-up tent camps. Others were repurposed buildings, like the Civilian Conservation Corps facilities on Lake Allegan that were built to house people hired for federal work projects. Military outposts were also used, including Fort Custer near Battle Creek. Several camps were spread throughout West Michigan, including Benton Harbor, Coloma, Fremont, Grant, Hart, Lake Odessa, Mattawan and Sparta. FOLLOWING GENEVA International laws set during past Geneva Conventions spelled out what countries could and couldnt do with prisoners of war. When the Americans took in their first POWs, there were plenty of problems. Michigan is known for mining copper, iron, but theres gold, too One POW told Sumner how when they were first captured, they were forced to throw all of their valuables on the ground so the American soldiers could comb through them and take what they wanted. Another spoke of a guard who traded scraps of food for jewelry and other valuables. In his book Michigan POW Camps in World War II, Sumner wrote about a POW named Antonino Mineo who told him that the first camps in North Africa werent anything to write home about. We saw the bad Americans in that camp, Mineo recalled. We didnt see the good Americans until we got on the boat. As the POW effort expanded, Gen. Dwight Eisenhower used the chain of command to ensure camps were following the Geneva Conventions and scattered fliers detailing how soldiers would be treated if they surrendered to the allies. The soldier who carries this (flyer) is using it as a sign of his genuine wish to give himself up. He is to be disarmed, to be well looked-after, to receive food and medical attention as required, and to be removed from the danger zone as soon as possible, it read. 1883: The logjam that nearly sank Furniture City Those guidelines continued stateside. Aside from living quarters, each camp was required to have an infirmary, a mess hall and a rec room. Also, soldiers couldnt be forced to work slave labor is forbidden and could only work six days a week and no more than 10 hours per day. However, most POWs volunteered to work. Sumner said it was partially to kill time but also to earn extra money to buy things through the camps store. They were supposed to get compensated similarly to what a private would make in the U.S. Army, so they made up to 80 cents a day, Sumner explained. They didnt pay them in cash. They gave them these coupons or scrip that they could spend. Each camp had a little PX or a little store and they could buy writing paper and Hershey bars and Coca-Cola and cigarettes. When you think about other countries in World War II, they were using slave labor. They were just brutal. I think its a credit (to our country) that we followed (the Geneva Conventions), that they got paid. GOING TO WORK Michigan was no different than the rest of the country. Lots of businesses and farms were desperate for help. Help arrived in the fall of 1943, when the first trainload of POWs arrived from Fort Grant in Illinois. Pilot programs were launched in Benton Harbor and Caro to see how the POWs would handle the work. Quickly, both were considered to be a success and the War Department allowed the experiment to expand. An article in the Aug. 17, 1945 issue of the Grand Rapids Press reports on another POW camp opening in West Michigan. (Courtesy NewsBank/The Grand Rapids Press) In their freshly issued coveralls, with PW emblazoned in bright white paint, the prisoners got to work across West Michigan. Most worked on farms and helped finish the harvests that otherwise would have gone rotten. Others were used for factory work, including at the Gerber baby food manufacturing plant in Fremont. Workers in the fruit belt were working in the orchards in West Michigan. In mid-Michigan, they were digging up sugar beets. In the (Upper Peninsula), they were working in lumber and pulpwood and all that, Sumner said. These guys came in at a very crucial time in Michigan. I talked to several people who said a lot of apricots and apples and peaches and cherries would have just rotted in the fields or on the trees had we not had this kind of infusion of outside workers. The Nelson: 125 years later, one of Lake Superiors darkest tales retold While there were rules against fraternizing with the enemy, most employers were grateful for the extra hands and quickly connected with the POWs, offering them extra food and other treats while on the job. Others, especially those with German or Italian heritage, bonded over the subtle similarities between the POWs and their families who migrated to the U.S. It summed up the surprisingly relaxed atmosphere through the camps. For the most part, these guys behaved. They were riding out the war. They missed their families more than anything, Sumner said. Eventually, having the German and Italian soldiers around in the height of wartime became second nature. Wrote Sumner: The POWs became an unremarkable sight as they commuted to and from the (camps) each workday. This is the first part of a five-part series on the history of World War II POW camps in Michigan. A new story will be published every Sunday. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, has stated that it will be possible to involve Russia in the peace process when Moscow says it is ready for peace. Source: von der Leyen at the briefing following the results of the first Global Peace Summit in Switzerland Von der Leyen urged Russia to hear the call of the international community to respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, end the violence and bring Ukrainian children back. I call on Russia to heed the international community's message. To end its imperialist violence. When Russia is ready for peace based on the UN Charter, the time will come for Russia to be part of our efforts. To bring #PathToPeace to its destination https://t.co/MW6SQe6nPR Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) June 16, 2024 "When Russia is ready for peace based on the UN Charter, then the time will come for Russia to be part of our efforts. And I hope this will happen quickly," von der Leyen stated. She noted that peace in Ukraine cannot be achieved in a single step, as it will be a journey, and Russian ruler Vladimir Putin does not take ending the war seriously. "He insists on capitulation. He insists on the ceding of Ukrainian territories, even territory that today is not occupied by him. He insists on the disarmament of Ukraine leaving it vulnerable for further aggression," von der Leyen stated. She stressed that no country would ever accept such horrible conditions, so she called Ukraines capability to resist against Russias aggression vital. Background: Participants in the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland issued a joint communique on the foundations of peace in Ukraine. The final declaration of the Global Peace Summit, held in Switzerland, was signed by 80 countries and four organisations. On the eve of the event, Switzerland rejected the final document of the Peace Summit, which could have had undesirable consequences for Ukraine the decision's text was subsequently changed. After this, several states that had planned to attend the Peace Summit decided not to. Support UP or become our patron! GA prison inmate who shot kitchen worker, then himself may have been in relationship with her The Georgia Department of Corrections is investigating a deadly shooting inside a metro-area prison. The shooting involved an employee and an inmate on Sunday morning. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] GDC said at approximately 4:30 a.m. Sunday, inmate Jaydrekus Hart shot an Aramark food service employee, identified only as Grace, while working in the kitchen at Smith State Prison. She was pronounced dead. Hart then turned the gun on himself. He was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Investigators determined that Hart and Grace were in a personal relationship. A suicide note was also discovered that appears to have been left by offender Hart, officials wrote. This was an isolated incident and the investigation remains open and active. We will not be able to comment further at this time as the investigation continues. The weapon is in GDC custody at this time. TRENDING STORIES: GDC is investigating what led up to this incident. Hart was serving 20 years for voluntary manslaughter out of Carroll County with a maximum release date of June 2043. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Pro-Palestinian protestors gathered outside of the Democratic partys largest-ever fundraiser on Saturday night in Los Angeles to express their outrage with President Bidens policies on Gaza in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Biden is attending a fundraiser, hosted by actors George Clooney and Julia Roberts, at the Peacock Theatre, which had raised a record $28 million before the event kicked off, according to the Biden campaign. Biden campaign raises $28 million in lead up to Los Angeles fundraiser In a statement to The Hill, the Biden campaign wrote that the President believes making your voice heard and participating in our democracy is fundamental to who we are as Americans. He shares the goal for an end to the violence and a just, lasting peace in the Middle East. Hes working tirelessly to that end. Two Twitter accounts affiliated with the protest posted videos of groups of people protesting outside of the fundraiser. Large numbers of pro-Palestine protesters gathered outside Peacock Theater to protest Joe Bidens planned fundraiser, wrote the Glendale Project on X. The video shows people chanting, Biden, Biden, we want a cease-fire. Protestors were seen gathering around 5 p.m. Pacific time, and the event itself kicked off at 6 p.m. It is unclear how many people were present at the protest. The Secret Service was not immediately available for comment. Earlier this week, Vice President Harriss appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! was disrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters, who shouted things including, 15,000 children dead because of you! and Stop the genocide! Gaza has become a divisive political topic in recent months, with more than 200 encampments springing up on college campuses across the nation in protest of U.S. policy on Gaza. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The probability of a Fukushima-like disaster at Diablo Canyon is small but not zero | Opinion No more money for Diablo The Tribune recently published a story about Gov. Gavin Newsoms request for additional Diablo Canyon closure extension funding. Im appalled that any money at all was ever allocated to this endeavor. Radiation from the Fukushima disaster in Japan produced an exclusion zone deemed unsafe for human life that was approximately 311 square miles. Radiation spreads as a cone-like plume; the direction, length and width of the plume is largely determined by prevailing winds. With the usual moderate west-to-southwest onshore winds, a radiation plume 311 square miles in area would be 100 miles long, expanding to 62 miles in width. This would mean that, in the event of a Diablo Canyon disaster, all inland cities located 100 miles or less from Avila Beach could potentially become uninhabitable for a period of at least 30 to 60 years. A strong northerly wind would mean a longer and narrower plume moving south, potentially blanketing all coastal areas from Avila to San Diego. Yes, the probability of a Fukushima-like disaster at Diablo Canyon is very small. But that probability is not zero. As Californians, we must take critical stock of our energy consumption, learn to efficiently use the energy we do consume and move as rapidly as possible to safe and environmentally sustainable energy sources. A scientific paper, Worldwide health effects of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident, includes the chilling results of a computer simulation of a like disaster at Diablo Canyon. If you think its a good idea to continue to operate a 39-year-old nuclear plant built on known earthquake faults, please read it. Jeff Rininger Cayucos Opinion Breton got it wrong Whats liberal about demanding adherence to national and international law? Under those laws, people who set foot on U.S. soil seeking asylum from persecution, murder, assault and catastrophe have the right to do so without interference. Denying that right due to an arbitrary number of applicants (President Joe Bidens number being 2,500) is a violation of those laws. Opinion writer Marcos Breton cites political reality, meanwhile ignoring the legal one. He mentions asylum seekers ... without a visa or other authorized documentation things not required under existing laws. He claims that comparing Bidens executive order to Donald Trumps actions is preposterous. This is false. Biden is using the same section of the Immigration and Nationality Act that Trump used in his Muslim and African travel bans. Breton also says hes judging by the responses of liberals on social media that any enforcement measures are always wrong, cruel or bad. Perhaps he would be better advised to forgo the social media cesspool and consider the statements of organizations like Refugees International, Amnesty International, Save the Children U.S., the ACLU and the Southern Poverty Law Center. No comprehensive congressional immigration reform has been enacted for decades, but capitulating to intransigence and issuing illegal orders is just plain wrong. David Broadwater Atascadero Mexicos inspiring election What to Know About Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexicos Newly Elected President, (sanluisobispo.com, June 3) It was gratifying to watch as Mexico elected their first female president. It seems sad that our two-party system can only offer the oldest, whitest, male-est candidates. My hope is that we are at a tipping point where American consciousness can look out and observe us and not the other. Ron Tilley San Luis Obispo Fixing the court Watchdog: Of $5M in gifts to all Supreme Court justices, Thomas took $4M, (sanluisobispo.com, June 6) It would be nice if the Supreme Court could be repopulated with justices with better ethics. However, the real problem is deeper: The court is being permitted to resolve political questions that it is unqualified to decide. For example, the Supreme Court has decided that parts of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 are unconstitutional. However, there is nothing in the Constitution that gives the Supreme Court the exclusive right to determine which laws are constitutional. Congress could determine that the Act is constitutional and pass legislation that would revive it. It could also pass national legislation on other current political issues, like access to abortion and gun control. The key to fixing the court is electing a Congress that is courageous enough to address the important political issues of the day a Congress which would not ask or permit the court to resolve those issues. Christopher Toews San Luis Obispo Democracy not autocracy GOP leaders: Trump was prosecuted for his personal lifestyle, (sanluisobispo.com, June 5) Wake up, GOP. Despite numerous claims that the current presidential administration is attacking President Donald Trump, it is his personal actions that have resulted in 34 felonies. The convictions and pending trials have created a huge problem for the GOP and its leaders as they continue to convince voters that U.S. Justice System is corrupt when it is not. They mimic his claims that he is a persecuted victim of the Democratic Party. His followers, including SLO Countys own Republican Party, embrace this position because the alternative is to admit that their party has knowingly supported a felon to lead this country. Do you realize that the peace and stability of this nation relies on supporting Democracy, not autocracy? Trump has promised to be a dictator on day one, to imprison those who have prosecuted and betrayed him, including military generals, the current president and members of the free press. He tried to rig the 2020 presidential election, and, in 2021, incited an insurrection and tried to rig the electoral vote by installing fake electors. How much more insane behavior are you willing to embrace? Brent Jorgensen Pismo Beach Opinion Nasty, brutish and short GOP leaders: Trump was prosecuted for his personal lifestyle, (sanluisobispo.com, June 5) Americas electorate seems to have degenerated into an unwitting follower of Thomas Hobbes, slavishly believing Hobbes proclamation that life is nasty, brutish and short. This has unfortunately led them to seek out the most nasty and brutish individual, who also has the shortest attention span. Donald Trump therefore owes Hobbes a huge vote of thanks. Too bad hes never heard of him. Gene Strohl San Luis Obispo Russian forces struck the village of Nova Poltavka near Kramatorsk in Donetsk Oblast, wounding seven people, including two children, the regional prosecutors office reported on June 16. Settlements in Ukraines eastern Donetsk Oblast suffer from daily Russian strikes due to their proximity to the front line. Russian attacks against Donetsk Oblast on June 15 killed three people and injured five, Governor Vadym Filashkin said earlier. As a result of the Nova Poltavka attack, four women and a man suffered injuries, according to the Donetsk Oblast Prosecutors Office. Two boys aged four and seven were reportedly hospitalized with shrapnel wounds. Houses and cars were damaged in the strike, the prosecutors office wrote, adding that the type of weaponry used by Russian troops is still being established. More than 800 children have been killed since the beginning of Russia's war in Ukraine in 2014, including over 550 killed during the full-scale invasion, Prosecutor General Andrii Kostin said on June 4 on national television. Russia's war of aggression has taken a staggering toll on Ukraine's civilian population. The U.N. said in April that it had recorded almost 11,000 civilians killed and over 20,500 injured. The actual number is likely considerably higher, as Russia prevents independent monitoring in the occupied areas that suffered the heaviest destruction, like Mariupol. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Putin aimed to undermine Western support for Ukraine with his statements before Peace Summit ISW The analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have reported that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, with his statements about Russia's alleged "willingness to negotiate" on the terms of Ukraine's capitulation, was trying to confuse the purpose of the summit and undermine Western support for Ukraine. Source: ISW Details: Putins information operation on 14 June about Russia's alleged "willingness to negotiate" on terms tantamount to Ukraine's capitulation confused the purpose of the Ukraine-initiated Global Peace Summit in Switzerland on 15 June, the report says. Putin specifically outlined his demands for "peace" talks in Ukraine the day before the Global Peace Summit to undermine Western support for Ukraine's legitimate claims against Russia and to divert attention from the task of building international consensus on how to ensure that Russia's illegal war of aggression does not lead to an unfair victory for Russia. "Putins duplicitous statements about his supposed "willingness to negotiate" thus reoriented international discourse to highlight how Putin who is not interested in upholding the principles of the UN Charter in his war of conquest in Ukraine was not invited to the conference, and how Putins absence at the summit presented some kind of intrinsic paradox," the report says. But in reality, experts add, this is not the case. Several Western officials acknowledged that Russia was trying to derail the purpose of the summit and focus the conversation on Russia's absence. US Vice President Kamala Harris said that Putin's "peace" proposal of 14 June was not a call for negotiations, but a call "for [Ukraine's] surrender". Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said that Russia should be involved in the peace process at "some stage", although he admitted that Putin was not interested in negotiations "at the moment" and likely purposely made a "ridiculous peace proposal" on 14 June. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that "peace in Ukraine cannot be achieved without involving Russia", but noted that Russia has rejected all collective calls for peace. Robert Wood, US Alternate Representative for Special Political Affairs in the United Nations, said during the UN Security Council meeting on 14 June that Russia's decision to convene the UN Security Council the day before the summit was "an effort to divert the international community's attention away from the summit and distract the world from Russia's war in Ukraine". The Kremlin's mouthpieces have intensified ongoing Russian information operations aimed at further discrediting and disrupting the Global Peace Summit on 15 June. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov criticised the West's "unconstructive" reaction to Putin's 14 June ultimatums and said the Kremlin hoped someone would hold a "more constructive" peace summit later. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that the West must discuss Putin's 14 June ultimatums if it wants peace in Ukraine and to "save the world". Russian State Duma Chairperson Vyacheslav Volodin said that a peace summit was pointless after Putin's ultimatums and confirmed Russia's ongoing narrative to discredit Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as Ukraine's legitimate president and a party to the negotiation process. The report states that ISW continues to assess and observe that Russian officials typically feign interest in negotiations at critical moments in the war to influence decision-making in the West and as part of their efforts to obtain preemptive concessions from the West regarding Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Quote: "Any Western efforts to force Ukraine into negotiations with Russia before Russia abandons its genocidal and imperialist ambitions in Ukraine will almost certainly not result in a lasting solution to the conflict and only provide Putin with additional time to further optimise and prepare the Russian war machine for a future invasion." To quote the ISW's Key Takeaways on 16 June: Several senior Western officials made statements at the Ukraine-initiated Global Peace Summit in Switzerland that inadvertently play into ongoing Russian information operations falsely portraying Russia as interested in legitimate and good faith negotiations, likely in part due to Russian [leader] Vladimir Putin's efforts to undermine the summit through his carefully planned restatement of his uncompromising demands for Ukraine's capitulation on June 14. Kremlin mouthpieces amplified ongoing Russian information operations intended to discredit and disrupt the Global Peace Summit. Ukrainian First Deputy Defense Minister Lieutenant General Ivan Havrylyuk reported that Western military assistance has begun to arrive in Ukraine, but that Western military assistance will likely not arrive at scale and significantly impact the frontline situation for several more weeks to months. Chairperson of the ruling United Russia Party Dmitry Medvedev officially replaced United Russia Secretary Andrey Turchak with acting Russian Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Ural Federal District Vladimir Yakushev. Russian [leader] Vladimir Putin is preparing a group of trusted and Kremlin-affiliated "veterans" to assume government roles, likely in an attempt to appease Russian servicemen and domestic supporters of the war in Ukraine. The Swedish military announced on June 15 that a Russian Su-24 tactical fighter-bomber plane temporarily violated Swedish airspace east of the southern tip of Gotland on June 14, likely as part of an effort to discourage European states from participating in NATO and other international institutions supporting Ukraine. Russian forces recently marginally advanced near Kupiansk and Avdiivka. Elements of the Russian Baltic and Pacific fleets are participating in separate naval exercises. A Financial Times (FT) investigation published on June 12 found that Russian officials have put Ukrainian children up for adoption whom Russia had forcibly deported from occupied Ukraine to Russia in 2022. Support UP or become our patron! The state emblem of the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern police can be seen on the uniform of a policewoman. There has been condemnation of an attack in northern Germany that resulted in a Ghanaian girl and her father being injured. Marcus Brandt/dpa After an attack in northern Germany that injured a Ghanaian girl and her father, the police received multiple tips, including information about possible suspects, a police spokesman told dpa on Sunday. The investigation is extensive and will take some time, he added. According to initial police findings, an 8-year-old Ghanaian girl and her 10-year-old sister were attacked by a group of around 20 teenagers and young adults. The 8-year-old and her father, who intervened, were taken to hospital with injuries described as mild. The alleged racist attack has sparked outrage from politicians and led to a public outcry. The attack took place on Friday evening in the town of Grevesmuhlen in the north-eastern state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The attackers are said to have kicked the younger girl in the face. When the children's parents intervened, a fight broke out. Reports indicate that the attackers shouted racist slogans during the town festival, and up to eight individuals from the group are now under investigation for several crimes including grievous bodily harm and incitement of hatred. Other incidents with suspected racist motives occurred in the region over the weekend, including a group performing Nazi salutes in the state capital Schwerin and a violent altercation in the small town Penkun, which is located near the Polish border, involving racist chants. These incidents have heightened concerns about rising racism and violence in the area. The mayor of Grevesmuhlen, Lars Prahler, said he was shocked by the violence. "This racially motivated offence simply leaves me stunned. It shows bottomless hatred and uninhibited inhumanity and cannot be excused." The fact that they were teenagers is also no excuse, he added. Extreme heat is plaguing major cities in the country, with some regions experiencing triple digit temperatures. (Jeff Roberson/AP) Millions of people across the Midwest and Northeast are facing brutal heat this week. The National Weather Service is warning of a dangerous and long heat wave over the next few days, with temperatures soaring into the triple digits in many areas including upstate New York, where cities like Rochester will see 104-degree weather Tuesday and Wednesday. A different kind of extreme is hitting the Pacific Northwest, which is experiencing unseasonably cold weather. Parts of southern Oregon and Northern California faced a freeze warning early Monday morning, with temperatures reaching as low as 19 degrees in areas. The intense weather is a continuation from the past several days. On Monday night, tens of thousands of people in the Pittsburgh area lost power due to storm damage, with roughly 25,000 still without electricity as of Tuesday morning, according to PowerOutage.us. Growing storm systems in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic also threaten cities in South Texas and the eastern coast of Florida, days after intense flooding reportedly caused a car crash that killed two people in South Florida last week. Heres everything to know about this weeks extreme weather. Record-breaking heat for the Midwest and Northeast Over 76 million Americans face sweltering conditions over the next few days as an intense heat dome stretches over the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley and Northeast. Temperatures should reach the low 100s in many areas, according to the National Weather Service. The heat wave will continue into the week as it passes through states like Illinois, Ohio and Pennsylvania on Wednesday before making its way to New York and Maine by Thursday. The latest regarding the intense Midwest to Northeast heat wave, which will usher in dangerous and long duration heat this week. pic.twitter.com/6bJRw6JFJ7 NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) June 17, 2024 Based on HeatRisk, the newest scale created by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most extreme level of heat will be felt in northern Ohio and upstate New York over the next few days. According to the New York Times, emergency room visits in these areas are likely to rise significantly. Furthermore, rising humidity in Iowa is likely to push heat index values into nearly the triple digits during afternoon hours early this week, according to local forecasters. Cities like St. Louis, Chicago, Philadelphia and New York should experience upward of 105-degree heat, according to the Weather Prediction Center, while areas in El Paso, Texas, and Atlanta which opened cooling centers this week to provide heat relief will be in the high 90s in the coming days. Meanwhile, Rio Grande Village, Texas, reached 114 degrees this week, making it the highest level on the HeatRisk scale and the hottest place in the U.S. on Monday, per NBC News. Snow in the summer? A cold front is plaguing the Intermountain West, with heavy snow along the northern Rockies in western Montana and central Idaho this week, according to Fox Weather. The National Weather Service is expecting up to 12 inches of snow along the Rocky Mountain Front, though it will be falling at higher elevations (above 6,000 feet), so it wont affect large population areas, AccuWeather meteorologist Tom Kines told USA Today. Its expected to taper off on Wednesday. Temperatures in western Montana are likely to drop to 40 degrees as the cold front progresses, but should climb back to near 70 by midweek. Cities like Seattle and Portland, Ore., however, will see a high in the mid-60s. Flood watch for the Gulf Coast and Florida A tropical storm over Southeast Texas is likely to produce considerable flash and urban flooding as well as river flooding Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. Another storm is brewing on the east coast of Florida or southeast Georgia and is expected to make landfall by late Wednesday into Thursday, according to Orlandos Fox 35. If it does, meteorologist Noah Bergren said it would be an extremely rare event. Historically, only three storms have made landfall from the east in June, he told Fox 35. The most recent was Tropical Storm Danny in 2021, which hit South Carolina. Extreme weather around the world The U.S. isnt the only country dealing with Mother Natures immoderate effects. This month alone, over 730 fires have been detected in Brazils Pantanal region, the largest tropical wetland on the planet, according to the countrys National Institute of Space Research. Its a record high in Pantanal for the month of June, which was previously 435 fires in June 2005, according to CNN. Extreme heat in Cyprus and Greece reached upward of 110F last week, causing officials to temporarily shut down the Acropolis, close public schools and limit other outdoor attractions. According to the Washington Post, two elderly people died in Cyprus after suffering from heatstroke. An additional three elderly patients are being treated at various hospitals in the region for heatstroke symptoms, according to reports. The debilitating heat is also plaguing India, where temperatures were so hot that a one-of-its-kind insurance policy made payouts to 50,000 women across 22 districts to help them cope with the economic impacts of extreme heat. Meanwhile, 14 Jordanian pilgrims died while on a holy trip to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Jordans Foreign Ministry reported Sunday that they died as a result of exposure to extreme sun and heat, according to the New York Times. An additional 17 pilgrims are missing. Heavy rains are affecting southern and central Chile as well, reportedly killing one person, causing damage to over 2,000 homes and forcing around 150 people to be evacuated from their homes, according to Sky News. The American Red Cross were called to assist in an apartment fire Saturday an apartment in Orlando, according to firefighters. According to the Orlando Fire Department, a fire in a three-story apartment building on the 4000 block of Raleigh Street has displaced two adults and six children Saturday. OFD said the fire started on a stovetop and caused the buildings sprinkler system to activate. Read: Ocoee police are investigating deadly crash Firefighters were called out to the fire at around 10:40 a.m. This fire is still under investigation. Read: Seagrass and Optimism Sprouting along the Indian River Lagoon Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. For years, conservatives have dropped the ball on early childhood education policy, almost entirely ceding the playing field to the left. This has led to programs that lack guidance from some important conservative intuitions, like fiscal restraint, the centrality of family and the power of markets. Early childhood education is a crucial kitchen-table issue for families and communities. Millions of children are raised by single parents, by families in which both parents have to work and in homes where parents shoulder all manner of other challenges. Meanwhile, more parents look outside the home to aid with socialization, educational opportunities or preparation for schooling for their children. While conservatives might believe that early childhood education outside of the home is an inferior option, keeping children home to be nurtured and taught is simply not a feasible option for many American families. When conservatives have sought to offer an early childhood education agenda of their own, it has mostly started (and ended) with two time-tested responses: deregulation and tax cuts. Now, cutting red tape and taxes are reasonable places to start. Government has burdened providers and early childhood educators with a thicket of regulations. Compliance with many of these rules and standards drives up costs and empowers interest groups without doing much to ensure quality, all of which makes it more difficult for families to find inexpensive or convenient options. Pruning all but the most essential regulations can reduce the cost and increase the flexibility of early childhood education, making it more affordable and more accessible for more families. And, to help families afford these options, conservatives tend to suggest cutting taxes. More money in paychecks and pockets means more money to pay for early childhood education. In short, theres value in emphasizing both deregulation and tax cuts; theyre sensible first steps. But they are only a beginning. Their shortcomings point to the need for a more robust agenda. First, some important dimensions of early childhood education and child care cant be deregulated away. For example, young children need close adult supervision, and that aspect of early childhood education will always be a labor-intensive process that cant be deregulated away. Removing regulations can certainly help on the margins, but that strategy wont fundamentally change anything unless we want artificial intelligence reading stories and robots monitoring playtime. Especially given the importance that all parents attach to safe and diligent supervision, we cant deregulate our way out of that one. Free-market enthusiasts who hope we can are kidding themselves. Similarly, tax cuts arent a sufficient solution. Many of the people most in need of early childhood care dont pay that much in taxes. The bottom half of households in the United States pay an average federal tax rate of 3.4 percent, or about $626 per year. Even assuming that every single dollar saved by cutting taxes was put toward early childhood education, the tax savings wouldnt come close to covering the costs. More generally, the early childhood marketplace has been stymied by policies that limited flexibility for parents who want more convenient, reliable and satisfactory options. Child care provided by extended family or close relations has virtues that even competent bureaucracies inevitably lack. Wed like to start with some grand disquisition on how to approach the education of young children, but were both too tired from raising young children to get into that right now. Parents are practical people, and the single most practical concern with early childhood education is cost. As mentioned above, there are certain adult-to-child ratios that are tough to get around. Cost will always be a central concern. Conservatives need to help families afford early childhood care and education, but the government cannot simply subsidize an endlessly more expensive status quo. Cost control needs to be part of the agenda as well. One key step in keeping costs down is preventing early childhood education from becoming incorporated into the K-12 system. Folding early childhood educators into the credentialing, unionization and compensation structure of primary and secondary teachers in New York City was a recipe for early childhood education to follow the cost model of K-12. The program created under former Mayor Bill de Blasio sends children to either public schools which added new grades for four-year-olds and eventually three-year-olds or to dedicated pre-K centers in the city. During the current administration of Mayor Eric Adams, the program has been plagued with problems including entities not getting paid, disparities between workers in public school and the independent centers, and a lack of participation among the poorest New York families. A better alternative that could control costs and help parents afford them would be creating flexible-use spending accounts similar to Education Savings Accounts established in about a dozen states for primary and secondary schooling for parents to use on early childhood expenses. Both public and private dollars could conceivably flow into these accounts, which parents could use for preschool tuition, tutoring, therapies or a host of other eligible expenses. This would help families afford early childhood education and put in a cost-control mechanism by incentivizing them to seek less expensive options, leaving more for other potential purchases. Early childhood education thats near a parents place of employment is a huge boon. Parents of young children arent eager to put their kids on buses. They have to leave work for extended periods of time to pick up kids who are sick or have an incident. Its a lot easier on parents if they dont have to drive across town for morning drop-off or race out of work to make afternoon pickup. And, most parents would prefer to have their preschoolers on a schedule that reflects their work calendar rather than the local school district calendar. These are all reasons to encourage more employers to sponsor early childhood education, either individually or through local consortia. Public policy can help by addressing redundant, intrusive or unnecessary dictates regarding facilities and staffing at employer-provided facilities. Government can make it easier for employers to offer early childhood education as a tax-exempt employee benefit. And it can support the creation of platforms that manage pre-K spending accounts, allowing both families and providers to log in and either pay for services or get paid for them. The most popular form of child care is also the most ancient: family and friends. While early childhood education can be a welcome respite for families and a crucial support for working parents and guardians, the goal should never be to supplant parents, compel reluctant parents to use these systems or get in the way of parent-child bonds. Parents have a unique and important role, and early childhood education should support it. The most popular form of child care is also the most ancient: family and friends. People who spend their time worried about such things have developed fancy new names for it, like Family, Friend, and Neighbor Care, but the bottom line is that the largest number of children in America from birth to school age are cared for by unlisted and unpaid caregivers. Child care provided by extended family or close relations has virtues that even competent bureaucracies inevitably lack. Such a network of caregivers can provide love, wisdom and shared traditions that are qualitatively different from what kids get in even a terrific child care setting. Conservatives should embrace these long-standing family child care systems by finding ways to make these arrangements eligible for support programs. They should also work with the networks of nonprofits and state actors that support families caring for their children within their or their close relations homes. Conservative sociologist Robert Nisbet wrote: Pluralist society is free society exactly in proportion to its ability to protect as large a domain as possible that is governed by the informal, spontaneous, custom-derived, and tradition-sanctioned habits of the mind rather than by the dictates, however rationalized, of government and judiciary. The push for transforming early childhood education into grades that get tacked on to public school systems is ultimately a push to replace the fruits of civil society with the measures and metrics of government. It entails ushering the littlest of children out of the home and community and into big, impersonal institutions. Despite whatever fantasies abide in the mind of Bill de Blasio, thats not a good thing. A robust network of early childhood education providers already exists. There is a rich mix of churches, synagogues, mosques, neighborhood providers and others in this space, working alongside schools and for-profit organizations. This is an asset that we should cultivate and build on. Any reforms should not displace these people and places but rather seek to complement and augment them. This is only a brief sketch of what a robust conservative approach to early childhood education might encompass, but it should make the broad contours visible: Work with families and civil society to support and augment what they are already doing. Be thoughtful about how programs of support might encroach on the more informal arrangements that families use and love. Give parents money to help pay for early childhood education, but structure it in ways that can prevent runaway cost growth. The answer is about more than tax cuts and deregulation; it should also address the real challenges that parents and providers are facing right now. That strikes us as a prudent place to start. Frederick M. Hess is a senior fellow and the director of education policy studies and Michael Q. McShane is an adjunct fellow in education policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute. This story appears in the June 2024 issue of Deseret Magazine. Learn more about how to subscribe. Rep. Byron Donalds called for the Supreme Court to intervene and overturn Donald Trumps conviction for falsifying business records related to his hush money payment to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Daniels comments echo those made by House Speaker Mike Johnson, who told Fox News the day after Trumps conviction, I do believe the Supreme Court should step in. Obviously, this is totally unprecedented. According to a Politico report, Trump called Johnson soon after he was convicted and told the speaker, We have to overturn this, in an f-bomb laden rant. Speaker Johnson, myself included, and many Americans believe the Supreme Court should step into this matter, Donalds said during a Sunday appearance on NBCs Meet the Press. Donalds argued that the prosecution of Trump is an attempt to interfere in the upcoming presidential election. This is being done for political purposes. Everybody knows how the court system works in New York. The only ability for this to be overturned is going to be happening two or three years from now, Donalds said, justifying his desire for the Supreme Court to step in. Thats why what happened in lower Manhattan was to interfere with an election, he said without citing any evidence. Moderator Peter Alexander quickly jumped in to fact check Donalds. To be clear, Joe Biden, there is no evidence that he had anything to do with this case, Alexander said. The Manhattan DA, as you know, began this investigation in 2018, before Joe Biden was even his partys nominee. Alexander also noted that Bidens Department of Justice is currently prosecuting two Democratic politicians Sen. Robert Menendez and Rep. Henry Cuellar as well as Bidens own son, Hunter Biden, who was convicted this past week on three felony counts related to the purchase of a gun he briefly owned. The Biden Justice Department obviously is also prosecuting Democrats, Alexander said. So is it only weaponization when it is Republicans that are being prosecuted? Thats not true, and thats not even the same thing were talking about here. What youve got to understand is, Donalds began, but Alexander interrupted him. But theyve prosecuted both Democrats and Republicans, so I think Americans would say is that equal justice? the moderator said. When Alexander asked the congressman why he wouldnt allow the process to play out normally, going through state appeals first before the Supreme Court, Donalds said that would take too long. In New York, the only ability for this to be overturned is going to be happening two or three years from now, he said. Donalds also alleged that the prosecution did not specify the crimes Trump was charged with, but the indictment issued in April 2023 clearly outlined that he stood accused of falsifying business records in the first degree in all 34 counts against him, the same crimes he was convicted of committing. Donalds is rumored to be on the shortlist for Trumps vice presidential pick. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone California Rep. Ro Khanna became the latest Democratic lawmaker to announce his refusal to attend a highly anticipated speech before Congress by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing the leaders role in continuing the devastating U.S.-funded military offensive in Gaza while rejecting efforts to prioritize a cease-fire deal. Last month, a bipartisan group of top lawmakers invited Netanyahu to deliver an address to a joint session of Congress on July 24 in an effort to highlight the unwavering support the U.S. government has for Israel, which for more than eight months has rained bombs on the Palestinian enclave in response to Hamas Oct. 7 attack that killed about 1,200 people and abducted roughly 250, half of whom were released during a temporary cease-fire last year. Israels military offensive has since killed more than 37,000 Palestinians mostly women and children displaced the majority of the population of 2.3 million, abducted and tortured Palestinian men and boys, destroyed hospitals and water and sewage infrastructure, and created a starvation crisis by blocking humanitarian aid from reaching civilians. Multiple countries, human rights groups and international agencies have since accusedIsrael of committing genocide against Palestinians, an allegation the Israeli government and the U.S. deny. The International Criminal Court recently accused Netanyahu, his defense minister and three Hamas leaders of war crimes pertaining to the war. The ongoing devastation by Netanyahus far-right government continues to create a deep division among U.S. lawmakers, many of whom believe inviting the Israeli leader to speak before Congress is inappropriate. I will not attend. I said that if he wants to come to speak to members of Congress about how to end the war and release hostages, I would be fine doing that, Khanna, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee, told NBCs Meet the Press on Sunday. But Im not going to sit in a one-way lecture. WATCH: As Israeli PM Netanyahu prepares to address a joint session of Congress, @RepRoKhanna (D-Calif.) says he "will not attend." "I'm not going to sit in a one-way lecture. How he treated treated President Obama, he should not expect reciprocity. pic.twitter.com/kvgiNwJPsm Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) June 16, 2024 Khannas comments follow those of South Carolina Rep. Jim Clyburn, a top Democrat and co-chair of Bidens reelection campaign, who also said he plans to boycott Netanyahus speech. Clyburn alsso did not sit in on the Israeli leaders speech when he was last at the Capitol. Im going to treat him the same way he treated [former President] Barack Obama, Clyburn said of Netanyahu earlier this month on NewsNations The Hill Sunday. The lawmaker was referring to when Netanyahu was invited by Republicans to speak to Congress in 2015 near the end of Obamas second term to condemn the Democratic presidents effort to strike a nuclear deal with Iran, as well as his support for Palestinian statehood, an idea the Israeli leader continues to oppose today. I agree with Rep. Clyburn. I mean, how [Netanyahu] treated President Obama, he should not expect reciprocity, Khanna said Sunday. That said, I think it should be polite, and were not going to make a big deal about it. Hes obviously addressing the Congress, and there has to be decorum. Lawmakers like Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who for months has been vocal in his opposition to Israels bombardment of Gaza, have been more direct in their decision to boycott Netanyahus speech. I think I speak not just for myself, but for a number of other senators who think that that decision is a very, very bad one, Sanders told NBCs Chris Hayes earlier this month. You do not honor a foreign leader by addressing a joint session of Congress who is currently engaged in the worst humanitarian disaster in the modern history of this country. What we are seeing now is starvation and famine impacting thousands and thousands of children, he continued. The architect of that policy is not somebody you honor by bringing to the United States Congress. Sanders has said that he would not attend a speech before a joint session of Congress by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing the leader's role in the ongoing military offensive in Gaza that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians. Samuel Corum via Getty Images Among the top lawmakers to invite Netanyahu was Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the countrys highest-ranking Jewish elected official and a Democrat who, in March, said the Israeli leader had lost his way. Schumer later said that while he vehemently disagrees with Netanyahu, he invited the leader to Congress because Americas relationship with Israel is ironclad. Providing Netanyahu a platform in Congress undermines the cease-fire deal that President Biden is trying to get Israeli leadership to accept, said Lily Greenberg Call, according to IfNotNow, a Jewish American group against Israels occupation of the Gaza Strip. Greenberg Call, the first Jewish American political appointee of the Biden administration to resign over the U.S.s Gaza policy, made the remarks while protesting with fellow Jewish Americans at Schumers office last week over Netanyahus upcoming speech. The demonstration was organized by IfNotNow. Sen. Schumer, you need to listen to your voters, the American people, to the majority of American Jews who want Biden to stop sending weapons to Israel, and to the hostage families who are urging Jewish leaders to pressure Israel to accept the deal, Greenberg Call continued. What values are leading you to invite a war criminal like Netanyahu here, senator? They cant be the same Jewish values I learned. Think hard about your legacy its up to you to decide. Related... Reparations have become the latest target for conservative activists. Advocates say they are prepared to fight back. A conservative groups lawsuit against a reparations program in Evanston, Illinois, that provides some Black residents with cash payments and housing assistance, has left advocates for reparations worried this could be the first of many attacks on their efforts to redress the harms of slavery, segregation and systemic racism in the United States. The complaint, filed against the city last month by Judicial Watch, claims Evanstons program violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, and asks the court to declare the citys use of race as an eligibility requirement for participation in the program to be unconstitutional. The argument follows a legal strategy frequently employed by conservative activists to attempt to undercut programs dedicated to addressing racial disparities in the wake of the Supreme Courts decision to overturn affirmative action in college admissions. As the nation prepares to observe Juneteenth the federal holiday on June 19 that commemorates the end of slavery in the US reparations advocates tell CNN they are bracing for potentially more lawsuits against their programs, but stand firm in their commitment to finding ways to rectify the centuries of racism Black Americans and their families have endured. Under the Evanston reparations program, Black residents who lived in the city between 1919 and 1969 as well as their direct descendants can apply for up to $25,000 in housing assistance, CNN previously reported. The program was established in 2019 and amended last year to provide the option of a direct cash payment. Robin Rue Simmons, chair of the Evanston Reparations Committee, said the lawsuit comes as no surprise and Evanston is prepared to defend this case. This is not just an attack on Evanston, Rue Simmons said in a statement to CNN. This is an attack on the movement for reparations. This is an attack on the overall movement for the advancement of reparatory justice, racial equity, and civil rights. Robin Rue Simmons, who spearheaded the citys reparations initiative, poses near her home in the Fifth Ward in Evanston, Illinois on March 19, 2021. - Eileen T. Meslar/Reuters Judicial Watchs lawsuit was filed on behalf of six people whose parents or grandparents lived in Evanston during the 50-year period the program covers but do not identify as Black or African American. At no point in the application process are persons in the first and second groups required to present evidence that they or their ancestors experienced housing discrimination or otherwise suffered harm because of an unlawful Evanston ordinance, policy, or procedure or some other unlawful act or series of acts by Evanston between 1919 and 1969, the lawsuit states. In effect, Evanston is using race as a proxy for having experienced discrimination during this time period. Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton told CNN in an interview that he believes Evanstons reparations program is a brazen violation of the constitution and federal law. Generally speaking, you cant treat people based on race and provide benefits to some and not others based on generalized complaints of historic racism, Fitton said. The courts frown upon it. A spokesperson for the city of Evanston previously told CNN officials will not comment on pending legislation but will vehemently defend its reparations program. Justin Hansford, a commissioner for the National African American Reparations Commission, rejected Judicial Watchs interpretation of the legality of reparations programs. Jim Crow was based on race, redlining was based on race, housing segregation was based on race, Hansford said. In all those situations you had a community that was harmed based on race. So now when youre trying to give that community justice, you are going to naturally give it to the same group. Fitton said its possible he may file lawsuits against other reparations programs. The Evanston lawsuit comes as states and cities across the country have formed commissions to explore how reparations can be distributed and who should receive them. The push for reparations and a making Juneteenth a federal holiday gained momentum following the racial reckoning in the aftermath of George Floyds murder in 2020. But four years later, reparations and other race-based programs such as internships and scholarships across the country are continuing to face roadblocks following the gutting of affirmative action. On Wednesday, the Oklahoma Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit that argued that the remaining survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre should be compensated by the city for damages, dealing a blow to their ongoing fight for reparations. A Black man with a camera looking at the skeletons of iron beds which rise above the ashes of a burned-out block after the Tulsa Race Massacre in Tulsa, Oklahoma in June 1921. - Oklahoma Historical Society/Archive Photos/Getty Images And earlier this month, a federal appeals court blocked the Black-owned venture capitalist firm Fearless Fund from awarding grants exclusively to Black women entrepreneurs. Some reparations leaders say they have taken more race-neutral approaches to their programs with hopes of avoiding legal battles. Kamilah Moore, chair of Californias Reparations Task Force, said her commission recommended that the states program be lineage based meaning residents who apply for it would have to provide proof that their ancestors were enslaved or free African Americans who lived in the U.S. prior to 1900. Moore said the commission believes their lineage-based approach is constitutional. Thats not to say there may not still be a challenge to lineage-based programs by these same groups, Moore said. But as lineage-based reparations advocates we are confident in our position from a moral, ethical and legal perspective. The task force has also recommended payments to residents based on the harms suffered from inequities such as housing segregation, mass incarceration, over policing, devaluation of Black businesses, and health disparities. The recommendations have been packaged in bills that are awaiting full approval from the California State Legislature, she said. In New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation in December to establish a reparations commission that would study the lingering effects of slavery on New York residents and make recommendations for how the state could address longstanding inequities. Jennifer Jones Austin, a member of the New York commission and CEO of the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies, said they are looking to take a more holistic approach to reparations that may include individual payments, investment in Black communities and redressing laws to advance equity and equal opportunity for Black people. Jones Austin said she expected there would be legal challenges to reparations efforts given all the recent attacks on policies and programs created to repair the harms Black Americans have suffered. She said she worries New York could be targeted but is confident the commission is doing everything possible to work within the law. You have to make sure you are dotting your Is and crossing your Ts in any work you do that is controversial especially when it comes to money, Jones Austin said. It does make the work more challenging. Areva Martin, a civil rights lawyer and reparations advocate, said she was not surprised by the lawsuit against Evanston. Martin said she believes conservatives have been emboldened by the gutting of affirmative action and are using the decision to sue other race-based initiatives. Anybody would be naive to not be aware of these very calculated and very orchestrated and planned attacks, Martin said. But what I want people to know and what I want the message to be is that we are not going away. We are not going to shrink, we are not going to cower, we are not going to be intimidated. Hansford said he hopes the lawsuit against Evanston motivates supporters to rally around reparations programs. Its a call to arms, Hansford said. We know this is just the opening salvo in a long running struggle. People around the country should realize how real the reparations movement has become. CNNs Justin Gamble and Andy Rose contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The Republican-controlled House added tons of partisan amendments to a military funding bill, including one to ban drones. Now the law has passed to the Senate, which has a majority of Democrats. Many DJI users hope that this means there is a chance the amendment will be reversed before the bill becomes law, but that is far from guaranteed. The problem for DJI users is that, in reality, the "Anti CCP Drones Act" as now passed by the House of Reps is supported by some Democrats (not all American politicians do as they're told by their party headquarters). The framing of the rules are, for the most part, about appearing 'tough on China,' and it isn't fully clear that the politicians involved entirely understand how drones work, but the rules will prevent the FCC from licensing DJI products if enacted. The widely spread 'danger' of Chinese drones is that data is exchanged with the home company, which is seen as a threat to the security of the USA because any Chinese company is beholden to the Chinese state. More or less the same political argument was successfully used to persuade the same Republican-controlled House of Representatives to pass a bill requiring TikTok to sell its US division. Unsurprisingly there are more than a few Democrats who also want to appear tough on China (and very few who care to understand that DJI's data connections do things like maintain the safety of US airports by hosting the FlySafe database). An example is Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (D) of Chicago, who also co-sponsored the Preventing the CCP Drones Act. This is where politics becomes a big issue for the drone community as a whole. It is possible that the Democrats might want to make a stand and reverse all the amendments made in the house, but that's politically risky. It's an election year and, according to Pew, 8 in 10 Americans have anti-China sentiment. Some rules are more than likely to stick, and although there are (according to the FAA), 864,000 drones in the USA, it's safe to bet that constituency isn't the one politicians are aiming at. There are also some American drone companies which have spent a fair bit on lobbying, so while their products might not be as good as DJI's they might well have the support of certain key Senators. That is no doubt how things got this far. All of which is to say, owners of any drone in the US should call their Senator NOW (it seems unlikely that restrictions on freedom will stop at DJI). Many are already asking, "If the American DJI drone ban passes, what will happen to my drone?" Another serious question is "What drones will I be able to buy in America?" (Even if she is unsuccessful with this ban, introducer Rep. Elise Stefanik has another already in the running innocuously called the Drones for First Responders Act which will effectively tax the importing of foreign drones beyond the point that first responders, or anyone else, can afford them). Just see how many of the best camera drones are DJI or Chinese! (I had to take the only American one off the list when the company, Skydio, gave up selling to consumers). Fantastic Voyage An expedition team has found the underwater wreckage of a ship that famous explorer Ernest Shackleton chartered for a trip to Antarctica, The New York Times reports. The team, led and funded by charity Royal Canadian Geographical Society, found the wreckage earlier this month in the choppy, ice cold seas off Canada's Atlantic Coast after scanning the ocean floor for 17 hours with sonar equipment. Grainy footage from sonar imaging showed the wreckage, with the ship sitting upright, on the bottom of the ocean floor near the coastlines of Newfoundland and Labrador, according to the NYT. "Very quickly you could see it was Quest," Society CEO and expedition leader John Geiger told the newspaper. "The vessel is intact. Its sitting on its keel, the mast is down, and you can see it on the seafloor." Shackleton had originally anchored the ship near South Georgia Island, a spit of land in the South Atlantic Ocean west of the tip of South America. He was planning to explore a portion of Antarctica before dying of a heart attack in the cabin. The ship continued to be in service for many years as a rescue and exploratory vessel and even for hunting seals until ice damaged and sunk it near Newfoundland and Labrador in 1962. New Age of Discovery Shackleton is most known for his epic journey on the three-masted wooden ship Endurance, on which he sailed from London in 1914 and journeyed to the South Pole for an ill-fated effort to cross Antarctica for the first time ever. But when he and his crew arrived at the Weddell Sea, just off the coast of Antarctica, sea ice trapped the ship for months until it became damaged and started taking on water. With the ship no longer seaworthy and sinking, Shackleton and his crew abandoned the vessel and survived on an ice floe for several months, until eventually they found their way back to dry land after a grueling rescue mission. In 2022, a different expedition team found the wreckage of the Endurance in the Weddell Sea at around 10,000 feet underwater. The discovery of the Endurance, and now the Quest, shows yet again that modern tech such as imaging and underwater drones has made finding shipwrecks much easier and cheaper than ever before. With potentially more spectacular shipwrecks waiting to be found, it's truly a new age of discovery. More on ship wrecks: Scientists Just Found One of the World's Most Elusive Shipwrecks Using an Undersea Drone This is my new residence: South Side alderman vows to sleep in tent outside in effort to end open-air drug market CHICAGO In an effort to bring peace and safety to his ward, a South Side alderman is sleeping in an abandoned lot near a vacant house that he said is used for drug deals. On Saturday Ald. David Moore (17th Ward) will spend his second night sleeping in a tent instead of his bed. Moore said he is taking the drastic measure in an effort to bring awareness to illegal drug activity in his ward and end it for good. Since the police have been more out here, then theyre not out. Then you dont see that traffic. Do you understand what Im saying? But when theyre not here, its a highway, Moore said as he pointed toward the road outside his tent in the 12000 block of West 73rd Palce in West Englewood. Read more: Latest Chicago news headlines Its what we call a tactic, but we need strategies and when you have a strategy you also include tactics, Moore said. I dont have a strategy. According to Moore, the problem plaguing the residential block is an open-air drug market. Kids are scared to walk down the street and everything like that, or come out to play, because its an open-air drug market, Moore said. The alderman said he is looking for law enforcement to come up with a strategy to put an end to the illegal activity. Im dealing with something that has been going on for well over five years. Ive given people ample enough time to clean this up and law enforcement as a whole, not just CPD, but law enforcement as a whole may be trying, but theyre not trying, in my opinion, hard enough, Moore said. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland Moore said he believes the criminal behavior has led to at least three murders, including one last week near the corner of West 72nd Street and South Ada Street. We had an 18-year-old innocent young lady that got killed last Sunday. People start calling me saying Alderman, enough is enough, Moore said. Moore said he is prepared to stay put until residents get the peace and safety they deserve. This is my new residence for the next I dont know how many weeks until law enforcement comes up with a strategic plan of how they are going to eliminate this, not reduce it, eliminate it, Moore said. The alderman said he is still fulfilling regular duties and encourages anyone who supports his ward to join him in an effort to take the block back. Copyright 2024 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 WGN-TV. A draft joint communique from Ukraine's global peace summit in Switzerland affirms Ukraine's "internationally recognized borders" and blames the Russian Federation for launching a war that has caused "large-scale human suffering," Reuters reported June 15. Officials from over 100 foreign governments and international organizations convened in Lucerne, Switzerland June 15 to hold talks on Ukraine's peace process. President Volodymyr Zelensky said that an action plan based on the summit's framework will be presented to Russia at a future peace conference. The draft document, seen by Reuters, calls for a path to peace based on international law and the United Nations Charter. It also expresses support for Ukraine's territorial integrity. "In particular, we reaffirm our commitment to refraining from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, the principles of sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of all states, including Ukraine, within their internationally recognized borders, including territorial waters, and the resolution of disputes through peaceful means as principles of international law," the document reads. The full withdrawal of Russian troops from occupied Ukrainian lands is a feature of Zelensky's 10-point peace formula, which serves as the foundation for the Swiss forum. Ahead of the summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 14 said that Russia would only enter peace talks if Ukraine stops defending occupied regions and cedes control to Moscow. The draft also calls for the restoration of the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to Ukrainian control and an end to nuclear blackmail. "Any threat or use of nuclear weapons in the context of the ongoing war against Ukraine is inadmissible," the statement says. The draft declaration further calls on Russia to end the weaponization of food security and to restore free, safe access to commercial vessels in ports and shipping corridors. It also demands the release of all prisoners via a complete exchange and the return of all illegally deported Ukrainian children. Read also: Explainer: What is the global peace summit in Switzerland, and what does Ukraine hope to achieve? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The Rev James Lawson, who has died aged 95, was a civil rights activist who stood alongside Martin Luther King Jr in the struggle for social justice in America; jailed for refusing to fight in the Korean War, he went on to lead workshops in non-violence for young black people. When King was assassinated in 1968, Lawson led the silent march in Memphis held in his honour. The politics of Jesus and the politics of God are that people should be fed, that people have access to life, that people should be treated equally and justly, Lawson once said. Especially the marginalised. The poor, the illiterate, the jailed, the hungry, the naked those are all terms Jesus uses. The alien, the stranger, the foreigner, youre supposed to treat them as you do yourself. He played a leading role in promoting desegregation in Nashville, where in 1960 restaurants, cinemas, buses and the like were opened up. His ability to bridge divides was never more apparent than when he was leading a civil rights protest in the city and a white man in a biker jacket spat on him. Lawson calmly asked him if he had a handkerchief; the man, disarmed, gave him one, and the two went on to have a long talk about motorbikes. As David Halberstam recounted in his book The Children, the Reverend had managed to find a subject which they both shared and had used it in a way that made each of them more human in the eyes of the other. James Morris Lawson Jr was born in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, on September 22 1928, the sixth of nine children, and grew up in Massillon, Ohio; his Jamaican-born mother was Philane, nee Cover, while his African father James was a Methodist minister, like his father before him. Lawson, left, with union leaders following the resolution of a strike by Memphis sanitation workers in 1968; Martin Luther King had been in the city to help settle the dispute when he was assassinated a fortnight earlier - Bettmann A formative experience came at the age of 10 when a younger white boy hurled a racial epithet at him; James slapped him across the face, went home and told his family what he had done, expecting praise. Instead, his mother scolded him, saying, What good did that do, Jimmy? That set the boy on a new path, and he followed in the steps of his father and grandfather, receiving his ministry licence while he was still at high school. He studied sociology at the Methodist-founded Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio, and while there, he received an Army call-up. Though he could have deferred as a trainee minister, he refused what he saw as a moral and ethical sell-out and instead went to prison, serving 13 months of a two-year sentence. After returning to college to finish his degree, Lawson worked as a missionary in Nagpur, India, where he studied satyagraha, the form of non-violent resistance and civil disobedience advocated by Mahatma Gandhi. Returning to the US in 1956, he undertook graduate studies at Oberlin College in Ohio, where he met Martin Luther King, who was on a speaking visit. King pleaded with Lawson to head down South to put his beliefs into practice, saying: Dont wait. Come now. Lawson at the prison where Martin Luther King's assassin James Earl Ray was being held - RLFE Pix/Alamy Lawson duly enrolled in the divinity department at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, leading workshops for Kings new organisation, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, of which he went on to become director of non-violent education. In 1961 he was one of the first Freedom Riders to be arrested in Jackson, Mississippi, seeking desegregated travel, and in 1965 he was one of the many protesters infamously beaten by police during a march for voting rights in Selma, Alabama. Three years later King travelled to Memphis to support a strike of sanitation workers organised by Lawson. There, he was assassinated by James Earl Ray to whom Lawson ministered in jail, even conducting his prison wedding in 1978. While the Civil Rights struggle was won, at least in legal terms, Lawson was not done, opposing the Vietnam War and continuing to champion racial integration. In 1974 he became senior pastor at Holman United Methodist Church in Los Angeles, and though he retired in 1999 he carried on teaching non-violence and supporting causes such as the unions, gay rights, abortion access and a more liberal immigration policy. James Lawson married, in 1959, Dorothy Wood. She survives him with their two sons; another son predeceased him. James Lawson, born September 22 1928, died June 9 2024 Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Rochester Hills splash pad shooting: What we know about victims, suspect An active shooter opened fire at the Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad in Rochester Hills on Saturday, unleashing 28 rounds on families, including children, enjoying a warm summer day. Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said 9 people were injured, some in critical condition. The suspect, he said, was found in a Shelby Township home, dead from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was identified as Michael William Nash, 42. Detectives are investigating the motive of the suspect, who Bouchard said had no connection to the victims and did not live in Rochester Hills. The shooting has been described as "random." As of 8 a.m. Sunday, Bouchard's department said there were no updates on the tragedy. The Detroit Free Press will continue to report on the case. Here's what we know so far. Rochester Hills shooting: What happened Nash pulled up to Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad around 5:11 p.m. Saturday, exited a vehicle, walked up the stairs to the splash pad's platform, and opened fire, Bouchard said. Nash was about 20 feet away from the victims, he said. Nash then reloaded his weapon, fired again at the victims, reloaded once more, and calmly left the scene, Bouchard said. At least 28 shots were fired, Bouchard said. A weapon, a 9mm Glock, was recovered at the scene along with three magazines. The gun recovered at the scene was registered to the Shelby Township home the suspect was contained at, Bouchard said. Police responded to the scene in less than 2 minutes, Bouchard said. By then, the suspect had left. Authorities described the scene as chaotic people were scrambling, falling and getting hit by bullets as they tried to run; ice cream cones and flip flops were covered in blood. What we know about the Rochester Hills shooting victims Bouchard said the nine victims of the splash pad tragedy included an 8-year-old boy who was in critical condition with a wound to the head and a 4-year-old boy who was stable with a wound to the thigh. A 39-year-old woman shot in the abdomen and leg was also in critical condition. The three were members of the same family. The eldest victim was a 78-year-old man who was shot in the abdomen and is stable. The remaining victims suffered various injuries and are in stable condition, Bouchard said. Most of the remaining victims were in their thirties. Bouchard said among the victims are a mother and two children and a husband and wife. Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett said one of the victims is the spouse of a city employee. More: Couple hit by gunfire as they shielded daughters in Rochester Hills splash pad shooting A gun lies on the ground surrounded by evidence markers indicating the position of the gun and spent shell casings following a mass shooting at the Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad in Rochester Hills on Saturday, June 15, 2024. What we know about the Rochester Hills shooting suspect Police described the suspect, Michael William Nash, as a 42-year-old male who lived with his mother. Bouchard said the man had no criminal history, but was believed to have had mental health challenges. Nash died by suicide after being "contained" at a Shelby Township home for several hours following the attack, Bouchard said. Bouchard said after attempts to contact the suspect failed, drones were deployed to examine the home, where Nash was found dead. Inside the home on the kitchen table was what looked like a semi-automatic rifle, Bouchard said. He suggested Nash may have had plans for a "second chapter." "If he had planned to do anything else, and it wouldn't surprise me, because having that on the kitchen table is not an everyday activity," Bouchard said Saturday. Bouchard described the shooting as "very random" and "bizarre." Nash has no known connection to the victims, he said. Detectives are still working to determine a motive. Andrea Sahouri covers criminal justice for the Detroit Free Press. She can be contacted at 313-264-0442 or asahouri@freepress.com. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Rochester Hills shooting at splash pad: Everything we know Rochester's official Juneteenth celebration was a homecoming, a celebration and a show of strength in the face of challenging issues facing Black people in New York and all Americans. Serious topics provided context for everything happening Saturday at Martin Luther King Jr. park: Housing Mental health Legal rights Education Business opportunities The Democrat and Chronicle was there with executive editor Mike Kilian and journalists Justice Marbury, Kayla Canne, Madison Scott, Lucy Manvelian, Christina Chkarboul and William Ramsey. We spoke to community members about what was on their minds and about what stories you think the D&C needs to cover, especially to reflect the full richness of the Black community. Story ideas? Contact Marbury, our 19th Ward reporter, at jmarbury@democratandchronicle.com. 19th Ward Reporter Justice Marbury staffs the D&C booth at Juneteenth. Pay heed to our history It is vital "now more than ever that all of these young folks Black, white, blue and in between understand that Black history is American history," said Mayor Malik Evans in framing the reason the upcoming Juneteenth holiday is important for everyone. He and others spoke to a happy crowd on the lawn at MLK Park amid one of the perfect outdoor days this year in Rochester. Vendors sold wares, children played, conversation and photos were exchanged and civic topics were discussed. The whole community was represented. Letitia James, Attorney General of New York state, spoke to the crowd at Rochester's Juneteenth event on Saturday. "Our fundamental freedom is at risk" right now in this country, James told the crowd. "And we're not going back. And so we've got to remember, this November, remember what they died for. Remember all the day did for our freedom and recognize that the power my friends lies in our hands. So let us march on to freedom and to progress and to refuse to go back. God bless you." What is Juneteenth? When President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, to free enslaved African Americans, it took time for word to spread. And even though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective, it could not be enforced in secessionist states still under Confederate control, according to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. It wasn't until more than two years later on June 19, 1865 five months after Congress passed the 13th Amendment, which would be ratified at year's end that Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, with 2,000 Union troops to proclaim that more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state were free. Although some local slave owners initially ignored the directive, Granger demanded that they comply with the proclamation. Serious conversation, education Kayshawna Evans and Melanie Funchess prepare to take a photo and GIF at the Hype booth sponsored by the Eastman Museum at the Rochester 2024 Juneteenth Festival. Kayshawna Evans and Melanie Funchess decided to get a photo and a GIF made at the "Hype Booth," where people could take, then share online, a cool photo and clip of themselves. It was sponsored by the George Eastman Museum. The women spoke and hugged afterward. Both were celebrating educational milestones a graduation for one and a return to education for the other. Real life topics were woven into the fabric of the day. This was not just a music festival or a food truck rodeo or a celebration of early summer. Samuel Dennis and Laticia Jones live in public housing downtown. They came over because it was free, it was culture and because they wanted to learn about Rochester opportunities. Samuel Dennis and Laticia Jones came over to the MLK Park on Saturday for the festival to learn and have fun. They are working on their credit scores and finances now with the hope later of becoming homebuyers. "You got to educate yourself first, you know what I mean?" Dennis said. They were drinking it all in. And Juneteenth means something important to them. USA TODAY contributed information for this article. This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Rochester's Juneteenth raises serious issues, not just holiday fun DENVER (KDVR) No one was injured when the roof of Bradford Auto Body in Littleton collapsed in the building on Saturday morning. South Metro Fire Rescue responded with multiple crews including the Technical Rescue, HazMat 38 and Heavy Rescue team, along with the Littleton Police Department. 100 gallons of diesel fuel spill on US 36 after head-on crash SMFR said no one was in the building when the roof collapsed, and no injuries were reported. No one was injured when the roof of Bradford Auto Body in Littleton collapsed in the building on Saturday morning. (South Metro Fire Rescue) No one was injured when the roof of Bradford Auto Body in Littleton collapsed in the building on Saturday morning. (South Metro Fire Rescue) No one was injured when the roof of Bradford Auto Body in Littleton collapsed in the building on Saturday morning. (South Metro Fire Rescue) No one was injured when the roof of Bradford Auto Body in Littleton collapsed in the building on Saturday morning. (South Metro Fire Rescue) No one was injured when the roof of Bradford Auto Body in Littleton collapsed in the building on Saturday morning. (South Metro Fire Rescue) No one was injured when the roof of Bradford Auto Body in Littleton collapsed in the building on Saturday morning. (South Metro Fire Rescue) The part of the roof that fell was 30 feet by 30 feet, according to SMFR, and crews worked to temporarily support the remainder of the roof. South Metro Fire Rescue said it is turning the building over to the owner and the City of Littleton building inspector. Copyright 2024 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. In 2016, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) made headlines for sparring with former President Trump, then his opponent in the race for the GOP nomination for president. Eight years later, hes in a prime position to be Trumps running mate. Rubio has been a close and loyal supporter of Trump since the former presidents inauguration in 2017, regularly defending him against criticisms from Democrats and amid the various legal challenges Trump is facing. Although he has said he has not directly heard from Trump about the possibility, Rubio has reportedly been near the top of Trumps vice-presidential shortlist. Strategists said Rubios background, experience as a legislator and skills as a political candidate would make him a strong candidate to widen the tickets appeal. I happen to think that hes the candidate the Biden campaign probably fears the most, said Florida-based Republican strategist Justin Sayfie. Of all the people that President Trump can pick to be his running mate, I think that the Biden campaign probably would not like to see Marco Rubio on the ticket. Rubio, 53, is among the youngest candidates on Trumps shortlist. He was first elected to the Senate in 2010 with support from the Tea Party faction of the GOP after serving almost a decade in the Florida state House. He was seen as a rising star in the party and perhaps the future face of the GOP ahead of his presidential run in 2016. Though only in his mid-40s at the time, Rubio had strong speaking skills and was expected to have appeal to racial minorities as a Latino American whose parents were originally from Cuba. But he was unable to keep up with Trump in the primaries despite winning a few states and dropped out soon after Super Tuesday. During the campaign, attacks between Trump and Rubio turned personal at times, with Trump memorably deriding him as little Marco and Rubio calling Trump a con artist. But Rubio endorsed Trump as the Republican nominee and has been a relatively consistent backer ever since. One former aide to Rubio noted that those testy interactions took place a while ago now, and Rubio worked with the Trump administration on a wide variety of substantive issues, including the Paycheck Protection Program to support small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. They said Rubio also worked with Trump on foreign policy. People used to joke during the Trump administration that Marcos side gig was being the State Departments coordinator for the Western Hemisphere, the former aide said. Hes a very talented communicator, does a great job carrying the message and is well-liked by Trump. Obviously, I think it could be hugely helpful to the Hispanic vote, which could be decisive, the aide said. NBC reported in March that Rubio was moving up the list of potential choices, according to multiple people familiar with Trumps selection process. Rubio said in response to that report that he had not spoken to anyone in Trumps orbit about the possibility, but I think anybody who would be offered that should be honored. More recently, Rubio was among a group of Republicans rumored to be on Trumps shortlist who visited him at Mar-a-Lago at a private lunch event seen as an audition for possible running mates. Others apparently under consideration in attendance were Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R). And Rubio has been one of a few contenders who have appeared on political talk shows defending Trump while he has been occupied with his New York trial. Rubios office declined an interview for this story. GOP strategist Jason Cabel Roe said Rubio has a compelling personal backstory and knows how to communicate well. And hes respected on Capitol Hill and could be an effective advocate for his agenda in Congress when Trump wins, he said. Rubios parents fled Cuba in the late 1950s during the rule of military dictator Fulgencio Batista, just a few years before Fidel Castro took power in the Cuban Revolution. His biography on his Senate website notes that his grandfather, who was still in the country at the time of the revolution, made him interested in serving in public office. The biography states that Rubios father mostly worked as a banquet bartender, and his mother took care of his family while working as a hotel maid and briefly as a factory worker. He has a classic American story of being the child of immigrants and rising into one of the most powerful positions in our government, Sayfie said. One obstacle that would need to be addressed if Trump chooses Rubio is the Constitutions restriction on presidential and vice-presidential candidates residing in the same state. The 12th Amendment prohibits electors from casting a ballot for two individuals from the same state as them, so if Rubio is chosen, at least one of them would likely need to change their residence to be qualified for the ballot in Florida. This happened relatively recently when Dick Cheney changed his registration from Texas to Wyoming in 2000 to serve as the running mate for George W. Bush, who was the governor of Texas. Republican strategist Ford OConnell, also based in Florida, said he doesnt expect Trump to take a chance in a race that will be decided by inches if a way to satisfy constitutional requirements is not clear, but if they can find a workaround that is plausible for both, he is certainly in the conversation. He said Rubio appears to be clearly interested in the position, pointing to the interview he gave on Meet the Press last month in which he wrangled with Kristen Welker over accepting the results of the 2024 election. It wasnt too long ago that Marco Rubio was considered the future of the Republican Party, and as such, he has access to a robust fundraising network, OConnell said, comparing the power of his fundraising network to that of Burgums vast personal wealth. And from an electoral standpoint, Rubio could fit the profile of whom Trump needs to get him over the threshold of 270 electoral votes. If chosen, Rubio would be the first Latino to serve on a major party ticket. Hispanics and Latinos are key constituencies in the battleground states of Arizona and Nevada, and Trump has been seeking to make a play for these voters to at least further close the gap that President Biden and other Democrats have had with them for years. OConnell said Rubio is the only choice under consideration who was also considered in 2016. He added that if the election goes well for the GOP, the Senate will likely be closely divided, and someone who has served as a senator will be needed for the vice presidents role as president of the Senate, especially with Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) soon to leave his role. Analysts agreed that despite Rubio and several other potential choices avoiding a direct answer on the possibility of serving, the race is on for the job, and hes in it. The first thing about Fight Club is you dont talk about Fight Club, OConnell said, referencing the popular movie. They have not decided who [its] going to be, but everyone knows that theyre auditioning. Copyright 2024 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. Dmytro Lubinets, Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament) Commissioner for Human Rights, believes that if Russia were truly interested in retrieving its prisoners of war (POWs), an all-for-all swap would have happened long ago. Source: Ukrinform news agency, citing Lubinets Quote: "As a person constantly involved in these processes, I can confirm that Ukraine has never refused to swap POWs. On the contrary, we are constantly coming up with new initiatives. If the Russians were interested in bringing back their POWs, we would have done it long ago. It seems that they simply do not need them [POWs ed.]." Details: The official called Russia's attempts to shift the blame for the disruption of the next POW swap to Ukraine as absolute Russian propaganda. Lubinets added that he had personally repeatedly requested through intermediaries and directly that Russia hand over the bodies of fallen Ukrainian heroes and heroines to Ukraine. He confirmed that there is still no information about the plane that had supposedly been carrying Ukrainian POWs and which Ukraine had allegedly shot down. Quote: "If they claim that our heroes were killed, please give us the bodies. Suppose the Russians were interested in a transparent investigation of this incident. In that case, they would, firstly, immediately allow international experts to the crash site, secondly, allow international experts to conduct examinations long ago, and thirdly, they would hand over the bodies as soon as possible. They are delaying this, probably because there are still a lot of questions." Details: The official pointed to the similarity of the situation with the mass murder of Ukrainian POWs in the Olenivka POW camp: "This, in my opinion, is the same attempt to discredit Ukraine by the Russian Federation as the one we saw in the summer of 2022 when the Russians killed prisoners of war in Olenivka. Its exactly the same. [Russia claimed] that all this happened with the help of weapons handed over to us by international partners: it was HIMARS [multiple-launch rocket systems] in Olenivka, Patriot [air defence systems] in the plane [incident]." Lubinets noted that several countries are helping Ukraine with the POW swaps. "But we hope we will get additional leverage over Russia and automatically get new good results," he said. The commissioner noted that this year, the first constituent meeting of the international platform on bringing back civilian hostages was held, attended by over 40 countries and international organisations. Many partners are involved in efforts to bring back children abducted by Russia. This item from Ukraine's Peace Formula is included in the list of issues to be discussed at the first Peace Summit in Switzerland. Quote: "A lot of partners have been involved in point 4 [of the Peace Formula - ed.]. A total of 37 countries have officially joined the international coalition for bringing back Ukrainian children. We have a public communicator Qatar, and the Vatican is involved, and there are many non-public communicators." Details: Lubinets said he believes the pressure on the Russian Federation by the international community will help achieve the result. Background: Lubinets labelled the request of facilitation of POW swaps made by Tatyana Moskalkova, Russia's Commissioner for Human Rights, a provocation ahead of the Peace Summit. Support UP or become our patron! If the Russian Federation were interested in an all-of-all prisoner exchange with Ukraine, the trade would already have taken place, Ukraine's Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets told the news outlet Ukrinform on June 15. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced in early May that Kyiv was interested in a total prisoner of war (POW) exchange with Moscow, and that the idea would be discussed at the global peace summit in Switzerland. Speaking to journalists on the first day of the summit, Lubinets said that Russia did not seem interested in the exchange. "As a person who is constantly involved in these processes, I can confirm that Ukraine has never refused to exchange prisoners of war," Lubinets said. "On the contrary, we are constantly coming up with new initiatives. If the Russians were interested in returning their prisoners of war, we would have done it long ago. It seems that they simply do not need them." The last reported prisoner exchange occurred on May 31, with 75 servicemembers returned to Ukraine from Russian captivity. The previous reported swap occurred on Feb. 8, with 100 Ukrainian POWs freed. Before that, on Jan. 3, 230 prisoners were exchanged in the largest prisoner exchange since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reports that 3,210 Ukrainian POWs have been freed from Russian imprisonment as of May 31. The release of all prisoners is a key topic of Ukraine's global peace summit, which began in Lucerne, Switzerland on June 15. A draft joint communique from the conference obtained by Reuters calls for a total exchange of all detainees and the return of all deported Ukrainian children. "(A)ll prisoners of war must be released by complete exchange," the document reads. "All deported and unlawfully displaced Ukrainian children, and all other Ukrainian civilians who were unlawfully detained, must be returned to Ukraine." Read also: Ombudsman asks UN, Red Cross to investigate videos of alleged abuses of Ukrainian POWs Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian airstrikes on the village of Piski Radkivski in Kharkiv Oblast on June 16 injured a 33-year-old pregnant woman, a 13-year-old boy, and a 59-year-old man, local authorities reported. All three have been hospitalized. The pregnant woman reportedly suffered from acubarotrauma, commonly referred to as shellshock or a 'contusion' in Ukraine, according to officials. Further details of their conditions were not immediately made public. The airstrike hit the village at around 3 p.m., damaging 10 homes and an ambulance. Russian forces are conducting major offensives into Kharkiv Oblast, simultaneously with other offensives in the Donbas. Read also: Russias latest offensive into Kharkiv Oblast is stretching Ukrainian defenses Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian attacks on Ukraine killed three people and injured six over the past day, regional authorities reported on June 16. Russia targeted a total of nine Ukrainian oblasts Chernihiv, Sumy, Poltava, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, and Donetsk. Casualties were reported in the latter two regions. In Donetsk Oblast, Russian forces struck the village of Ulakly, around 60 kilometers (37 miles) west of Russian-occupied Donetsk, using multiple rocket launchers, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported. The attack on Ulakly killed three and injured five. The strike also damaged two administrative buildings, a house, a shop, and eight cars. In Kharkiv Oblast, Russian forces attacked the village of Kurylivka in the region's Kupiansk district with a multiple rocket launcher, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said. A man was injured, while three houses were damaged due to the strike. Russia fires around 3,500 missiles a month on Ukrainian civilian targets and infrastructure, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on June 14. In recent months, Russia has also intensified its attacks against Ukraine's critical infrastructure in a renewed assault against the country's energy grid. As a result of the attacks on energy infrastructure, Ukraine began implementing rolling shutdowns on May 15, but they have dramatically increased since then. Read also: Russias move on Kharkiv has bogged down. But was it a failure? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Two employees of a pre-trial detention center in the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don have been rescued after they were held hostage by six detainees in the facility for several hours on Sunday morning, according to Russian state media. The Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia in the Rostov region said the detainees were eliminated and the employees who were held were released without any injury, state news agency RIA Novosti reported. Earlier, Russian state news agency TASS reported that some of the detainees involved were being held in pre-trial detention for cases of terrorist crimes and have links to the Islamic State, Russian state news agency TASS reported. Photos and videos circulating Russian media of the incident appeared to show at least two of the detainees wearing a black band around their heads with a pro-Islamic Jihad logo and another detainee holding an ISIS flag. In one video, one man wearing the pro-Islamic Jihad logo on his forehead says the group are Islamic State. CNN cannot independently verify the videos. No group has claimed responsibility for the incident. Some anti-government bloggers have since expressed concerns that Russian operatives may have orchestrated the incident. One blogger, Vladimir Osechkin from prisoner rights group Gulagu.net, questioned how six radically minded convicts were able to coordinate without the help of operatives inside the facility. The two employees, an operational officer and an inspector-supervisor, were taken Sunday morning by the group of detainees who demanded transport in exchange for the employees release, TASS reported citing law enforcement. The detainees were armed with a pocketknife, a rubber baton and a fire axe, Russian media reported citing law enforcement agencies. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Group of Seven (G7) leaders did not entertain Russian President Vladimir Putin's peace proposals for its war in Ukraine, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said during the Ukraine peace summit, the Guardian reported on June 16. Putin stipulated on June 14 that for peace negotiations to proceed, Ukrainian troops must withdraw from Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts. He also demanded Ukraine recognize Russia's illegal annexation of these regions and renounce any ambitions to join NATO. President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected Putin's conditions on the same day, likening them to Adolf Hitler's invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1938-1939. Presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak denounced Putin's proposal as "highly offensive to international law" and indicative of the Russian leadership's inability to assess reality accurately. Scholz explained that Russia's proposals were not discussed at the peace summit on June 15-16 because they were widely seen as unserious and intended to distract from the summit. World leaders convened at a Swiss mountain resort overlooking Lake Lucerne to rally support for Ukraines peace proposals during the first day of a two-day international summit. Over 90 countries are participating in the event, where Zelenskyy proclaimed that "history would be made." Read also: Zelensky: Ukraine to present action plan to Russia at second peace summit Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian troops surrender to an elite brigade as the Kharkiv front holds, Ukraine says Russian troops surrender to an elite brigade as the Kharkiv front holds, Ukraine says Dozens of Russian soldiers have surrendered in Vovchansk in recent weeks, Ukraine says. A video released by Ukraine's 3rd Assault Brigade appears to show Russian prisoners of war. The Russians reported major losses, poor conditions, and a lack of support from senior officers. Russian soldiers have been surrendering to an elite Ukrainian combat brigade in the northern town of Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region, reports say. A video released on Wednesday by Ukraine's 3rd Assault Brigade appears to show Russian troops emerging from a trench with their hands raised or tied behind their backs. The video seems to confirm recent reports that dozens of Russian soldiers have been surrendering around Vovchansk, where heavy fighting has raged since Moscow launched a cross-border offensive toward Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, last month. The prisoners of war were later filmed and interviewed, sitting in what appeared to be a school classroom. Business Insider couldn't independently verify the video. Several of the captured soldiers said they'd been forced into the Russian army because of financial or legal trouble. Some said they'd received as little as one week of training before being sent to the front. Food and water were limited, and often, they had to buy supplies with their own money, they said. Almost all the prisoners said their units had suffered severe losses during attacks against Ukrainian positions. "We received an order to attack positions inside a chemical factory. I don't know, maybe there were 70 of us. We drove there at night," one POW said. "The drones came out of nowhere and wiped almost everyone out. Most of us were hit. Only seven of us survived, and we were wounded. Then we were taken prisoner," he said. Another soldier said he'd been taken prisoner after being the "only survivor" in his unit. Many complained about the leadership of their officers, who, they said, didn't participate in the costly assaults. Ukraine's 3rd Assault Brigade published footage of Russian soldiers it says it captured in recent fighting. Ukraine's 3rd Assault Brigade The video appears to confirm major Russian losses and surrenders in the region, supporting the idea that Russia's attempt to open a second front in Ukraine's north has stalled. Last week, Nazar Voloshyn, the spokesperson for the Khortytsia Regional Command, which is responsible for ground operations in the area, said that "close to 60 Russians" were captured in a single day of combat. Vovchansk, 3 miles from the Russian border, was 70% under Ukrainian control, Voloshyn said. An earlier video published on June 6 by Ukraine's 36th Marine Brigade appeared to show two Russian soldiers, both wounded, being captured during a Ukrainian counterattack in Vovchansk. In May, Russia stepped up its attacks in the Kharkiv region, opening up a new front in the northeast for Ukraine's already-stretched defenses. Yet Ukraine managed to stall Russia's advance, and the White House national security communications advisor, John Kirby, recently declared the offensive "all but over." The Institute for the Study of War said that Russian President Vladimir Putin may have rushed the offensive in an attempt to get ahead of incoming Western aid, fielding "an understrength force" in the process. The RAND geopolitical strategist Ann Marie Dailey previously told BI that Putin probably never had the means to capture Kharkiv city but hoped to create a buffer zone to shield the border region of Belgorod from Ukrainian attacks. Nonetheless, Dailey told BI, "I think that there's a broader offensive effort that you'll see from Russia later in this summer." Correction: June 18, 2024 Because of an editing error, an earlier version of this story misstated details about Russian attacks in Ukraine's Kharkiv region. Russia's latest major offensive in the area was widely reported as beginning in May, not February. This error also prompted the story to misstate the timing of John Kirby's statement about the offensive. Kirby made his remarks in June. The incorrect details were repeated in an earlier version of this editor's note. Read the original article on Business Insider The Russians considerably increased their efforts on the Pokrovsk front on 16 June. In total over 100 combat clashes were documented on this front. Source: report by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as of 22:00 Quote: "On the Pokrovsk front the Russians have considerably increased their efforts. The number of combat clashes has risen to 40, which is the highest number since the beginning of June. Supported by all their available means of attack (aircraft, artillery, armed combat vehicles, attack UAVs, FPV-drones and small arms), the Russian occupiers tried to drives wedges into the formations of the defence forces of Ukraine near the settlements of Novooleksandrivka, Yevhenivka, Kalynove, Sokol, Novoselivka Persha and Umanske. 32 Russian attacks have been repelled by our troops. Eight combat clashes are still ongoing. The defence forces are making every effort to exhaust and hold the Russian occupiers back on this front. The Russians suffered more than 190 casualties. Five enemy dugouts were struck." Details: As of 22:00 104 combat clashes have occurred in the combat zone. The situation remains tense but controlled. Over the day the defence forces struck nine clusters of personnel of the Russians. The Russians launched two missile attacks using three missiles and 39 airstrikes using 53 guided aerial bombs. 428 kamikaze drones were also deployed. The Russians launched almost 2,500 attacks on the positions of Ukrainian forces and settlements using artillery, mortars, small arms and armed combat vehicles. On the Kharkiv front, the Russians launched five attacks near the city of Vovchansk. Three Russian assaults were repelled by Ukrainian forces. Two combat clashes are ongoing. According to early reports, so far today the Russians have lost 122 soldiers killed and injured, while 31 personnel shelters and an ammunition store have been struck. On the Kupiansk front, Russian forces made four attempts to push Ukrainian units back from their positions near the settlements of Synkivka, Stepova Novoselivka and Berestove. Two Russian attacks were successfully repelled, while combat clashes near Synkivka and Stepova Novoselivka are ongoing. On the Lyman front, the Russians, supported by aircraft, made 10 attempts to advance near the settlements of Hrekivka, Druzheliubivka, Makiivka and Nevske. Four attacks were repelled by Ukrainian troops. The situation is tense. Fighting is ongoing near Druzheliubivka and Nevske. On the Siversk front, there were no significant changes to the situation. Nine Russian attacks near the settlements of Verkhnokamianske and Rozdolivka were repelled by Ukrainian forces. On the Kramatorsk front, the Russians attacked Ukrainian forces near the settlement of Ivanivske and Andriivka three times but without success. Ukrainian forces did not lose positions or territory. On the Kurakhove front, there were no significant changes to the situation. Since the beginning of the day 10 combat clashes have occurred there. Four Russian attacks near the settlements of Heorhiivka, Paraskoviivka and Kostiantynivka were successfully repelled by Ukrainian forces. The situation near Krasnohorivka remains tense, and fighting is ongoing. On the Vremivka front, the Russians, supported by aircraft, made 11 attempts to dislodge Ukrainian units from their positions near the settlements of Vodiane, Urozhaine and Staromaiorske. 10 attacks were unsuccessful for the Russians, a combat clash is ongoing near Vodaine. The situation is under control of Ukrainian forces. On the Orikhiv and Prydniprovia fronts, the Russians conducted seven assault actions but to no avail. Ukrainian forces have not lost their positions. On other fronts there were no significant changes. Support UP or become our patron! Aftermath of Russian attack on Pisky Radkivski in Kharkiv Oblast. Photo: the Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutors Office Three people were injured as a result of a Russian attack on the village of Pisky Radkivski in Kharkiv Oblast on 16 June, including a pregnant woman and a teenager, 13. Source: Oleh Syniehubov, the Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration; the Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutors Office . , Aftermath of Russian attack on Pisky Radkivski in Kharkiv Oblast. Photo: the Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutors Office Quote by Syniehubov: "The occupiers have struck the Borova hromada [a hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.] in the Izium district. Three civilians have been injured in the village of Pisky Radkivski: a pregnant woman, 33, a boy, 13, and a man, 59. They all have been hospitalised." Details: The Prosecutors Office specified that Russian forces struck the village of Pisky Radkivski on Sunday, 16 June at about 15:00. Aftermath of Russian attack on Pisky Radkivski in Kharkiv Oblast. Photo: the Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutors Office Over 10 residential houses and an ambulance were damaged. The pregnant woman has experienced an acubarotrauma. Early reports say the Russians struck the settlement with UMPB (unified multi-purpose glide bombs) D-30 bombs. Support UP or become our patron! Russian forces injured seven civilians, two of them children, in Kramatorsk district (Donetsk Oblast) on 16 June. Source: Donetsk Oblast Prosecutor's Office Details: The Russians attacked the village of Nova Poltavka in Kramatorsk district on 16 June, hitting a residential area. As a result of the attack on the peaceful settlement, seven residents sustained injuries of varying severity. Four women and a man were taken to hospital. Two brothers aged four and seven were hospitalised with shrapnel injuries, they were in the yard of a residential building during the attack. All the casualties are being provided with qualified medical assistance. The damaged facilities include houses and cars. The type of weapon is being established. Support UP or become our patron! Viola Amherd and Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Peace Summit. Photo:Office of the President of Ukraine Viola Amherd, Head of the Swiss Federal Council, says that the first Peace Summit has made it possible to achieve a common vision for joint work on nuclear security, food security and humanitarian aid in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine. Source: Amherd, in her final speech at the Peace Summit in Burgenstock, writes Interfax-Ukraine news agency, as reported by European Pravda Details: She emphasised that, for the first time at the highest level, the participants discussed peace in Ukraine rather than weapons and conflict, which, in her opinion, gives a boost to the peace process, despite the existence of opposing views. Quote: "One fundamental question remains: how and when can Russia be included in this process? We have heard this in many of your statements. A lasting solution must involve both sides", said Amherd. According to her, the high-level involvement of so many states and organisations facilitated the start of a broad discourse and the creation of shared ideas about Ukraine's path to peace. "We were able to reach a common vision here in Burgenstock... We are sending a clear message to the people of Ukraine, and all those directly impacted by the consequences of the war, that a large section of the world community wants to bring about change", she added. Background: Participants in the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland issued a joint communique on the foundations of peace in Ukraine. The final declaration of the Global Peace Summit, held in Switzerland, was signed by 80 countries and four organisations. On the eve of the event, Switzerland rejected the final document of the Peace Summit, which could have had undesirable consequences for Ukraine the decision's text was subsequently changed. After this, several states that had planned to attend the Peace Summit decided not to. Read also: Ukraine Peace Summit turns hard on Russia. How leaders amended the final decision under criticism Support UP or become our patron! Russia's war in Ukraine began in Crimea. It could end there, too, defense experts say. Russia's war in Ukraine began in Crimea. It could end there, too, defense experts say. Ukraine has intensified attacks on Crimea in recent months and looks set to hit the Kerch Bridge. The peninsula and the bridge are crucial for Russian military logistics. Ukrainian success in Crimea could mark the end of the war, defense experts say. If there's one place Ukraine is winning in the war against Russia, it's Crimea, defense experts say. At the start of the year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made it clear the battle for Crimea and the Black Sea would play a central role in the coming months. Ukrainian success in Crimea would be a major blow for Russian President Vladimir Putin. "Russia's defeat in Crimea would be not just a defeat, but a humiliation," Olga Khvostunova, a fellow in the Eurasia Program at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, said. In February 2014, unmarked Russian forces, dubbed "little green men," stormed Crimea, taking control of key buildings and raising Russian flags above them. By the end of March of that year, Russia's Federal Assembly had formally ratified the peninsula's annexation. The war in the Donbas began just a month later. Ukrainians have since referred to the Black Sea peninsula as "occupied Crimea," and Zelenskyy has continually said that any peace agreement must see it returned to Ukraine. In the past few weeks, Ukraine has launched a series of successful attacks on the region, taking out multiple Russian air-defense batteries and striking Belbek airfield near Sevastopol. Ukrainian attacks on the peninsula "are proving successful due to thorough preparation and systemic work, better opportunities for defense forces, satellite and aerial intelligence provided to Ukraine by NATO allies," Elina Beketova, a democracy fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis, told Business Insider. Meanwhile, Ukraine, which lost its traditional naval fleet during the annexation of Crimea, has targeted Russia's Black Sea fleet with great success using sea drones. The attacks have allowed Ukraine to resume grain shipments through the Black Sea, which is vital for its economy, and forced Russia's Black Sea Fleet to move some operations away from its naval home base in Sevastopol on the Crimean peninsula. Ukraine even said it sunk the Black Sea Fleet's flagship, the Moskva. The Moskva. VASILY MAXIMOV/AFP via Getty Images Crimea "is the key to Russia's Black Sea access and operations," Maria Snegovaya, a senior fellow with the Center for Strategic and International Studies' Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program, said. "Crimea allows for power projection over the rest of the Black Sea. Accordingly, deterring Russian naval positions in Crimea is critical for Ukraine," she continued. Beketova added that attacks on the peninsula and on the Black Sea Fleet were therefore aimed at depriving "Russian forces of the opportunity to use the peninsula for attacks on mainland Ukraine," as well as disrupting the support for Russian troops in the occupied territories in the south of Ukraine. One of the most hated symbols of Russia's illegal annexation The 12-mile-long Kerch Bridge links mainland Russia to the eastern coast of Crimea. For Putin, the bridge is one of his greatest achievements, symbolizing what he believes is the "return" of Crimea to Russia. Its destruction would, therefore, be both a strategic and symbolic victory for Ukraine and a major blow to Putin. Ukraine has already struck the bridge twice since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, but it has thus far failed to destroy it. A screen grab from surveillance footage shows flames and smoke rising up after an explosion at the Kerch Bridge in October 2022. Photo by Security Camera/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Earlier this year, officials from Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence told The Guardian that Ukraine would target the bridge for a third time before the year was up. They said its destruction was "inevitable." And there are already signs that Russia fears Ukraine may make another attack on the bridge. Last week, the UK Ministry of Defence said in an update on the conflict that Russia had installed eight barges on the southern side of the bridge to reduce "the angles of approach for Ukrainian Unmanned Service Vehicles." Russia has also begun taking measures to reduce its dependence on the Kerch Bridge. The MoD said in an update in March that Putin had announced the construction of a railway line from Rostov-on-Don in the south of Russia to Crimea. Putin said the line would stretch as far as Sevastopol and "provide redundancy" for the Kerch Bridge, the department wrote. Some in Ukraine have taken this as a sign of Putin's recognition of Ukraine's threat to the bridge. "The railway along the land corridor is recognition on the part of the Russian occupiers that the Crimean Bridge is doomed," Dmitry Pletenchuk, a spokesman for Ukraine's southern military command, told The Economist. Crimea has a special place in Russian hearts Tourists in the Crimean peninsula in June 2023. OLGA MALTSEVA/AFP via Getty Images Russian Empress Catherine the Great annexed Crimea in 1783, and the territory has been militarily and symbolically important to Russia ever since. It holds a special place in the nation's collective memory of the Soviet era, when it became a popular vacation destination for generations of workers because of its warm climate, Snegovaya said. In 2022, massive explosions at the Saki air base, which Ukraine claimed to be behind, brought the war to vacationing Russians, who filmed the attack from beach huts. Alexei Volkov, the president of the National Union of Hospitality Industries, told Reuters last year that tourist numbers in Crimea were expected to be down 20% to 30%, to between 6 million and 6.5 million people. An F-16 fighter jet. 412th Test Wing Public Affairs/DVIDS Frederik Mertens, a strategic analyst at the Hague Centre for Strategic Studies, told BI that by targeting the peninsula, especially Russian ground-based air-defense (GBAD) systems, Ukraine was "preparing the ground" for future air strikes once F-16 fighter jets arrived. "Crimea is vulnerable," he said. "The Russians have relatively limited maneuver space on the peninsula." "Putin has a lot to lose both politically and militarily. So if a limited number of fighters can have a real impact, it is here and above the Black Sea that becomes fully accessible once the GBAD on Crimea is dealt with," he added. Russia has relocated its most advanced S-500 air-defense system to the peninsula, probably to protect the region from jets, Ukraine's spy chief, Kyrylo Budanov, has previously said. "Russia cannot afford to lose Crimea," Snegovaya said. "This offers Ukraine an opportunity to use threatening the status of Crimea as a bargaining chip in future negotiations." Beketova said that if Ukraine could regain control of the Black Sea and take back the peninsula or simply put enough pressure on these areas to threaten Putin "it will mark the end of the war." Read the original article on Business Insider PORTSMOUTH A sailboat's mast struck the Memorial Bridge after its rudder broke Saturday evening, according to Kittery harbormaster John Brosnihan. A male and female aboard the 45- to 50-foot boat were escorted off the vessel to safety, the harbormaster said. The mayday call came in at approximately 5:51 p.m., and Brosnihan said he arrived at approximately 5:56 p.m. The incident captured much attention from people gathered in the downtown Portsmouth area. A sailboat struck Memorial Bridge connecting Portsmouth and Kittery, Maine, Saturday, June 15, 2024. No injuries were reported, but since the boat was down river with a strong tide, there was a serious concern of capsizing, said Brosnihan. There was no visible damage to the bridge connecting Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Kittery, Maine, via Route 1 over the Piscataqua River. There didn't appear to be any disruption to vehicular traffic on the bridge. The boat was removed from the bridge by 6:30 p.m., the habormaster said. More local news: Maine man shot neighbor's dog and hid body. It was legal. Family wants law changed. New Hampshire Marine Patrol and the Coast Guard joined Brosnihan in responding, to assist with removing the boat, which was snagged on the bridge by its mast. Brosnihan said he put a tow line on the bow of the sailboat, and the Coast Guard "was able to pull it down the river and put it in a side tow. The boat was then towed to Piscataqua Marina, the original planned destination for the sailing vessel, Brosnihan said. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Sailboat strikes Memorial Bridge connecting Portsmouth, Kittery The Salvation Army of Johnson City appoints new corps officers, says farewell to Carringer family JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)The Salvation Army of Johnson City said farewell to Captain Benny Carringer and his family on Sunday. The new corps officers will begin on Monday. The Salvation Army assigns new officers to serve as pastors and administrators of its respective locations every three to five years. Captain Benny Carringer told News Channel 11 that Johnson City has been a special location for his family. The Carringers will be moving to Paducah, Kentucky. Yeah, Johnson City is a very special place to us, Carringer said. Its where our son was born, and so weve loved this area even before we were appointed here. Im originally from Knoxville, so being close to home was always good as well, getting to see family and things. But weve loved our time, our two years here in Johnson City. The Carringer family has been serving The Salvation Army for 13 years. Community gathers to honor Summer Wells with Summers Day The Salvation Army of Johnson City will welcome Majors R.C. Duskin and Maureen Diffley as the new corps officers, effective Monday. The pair, who have been commissioned since 2005, are coming from Grand Rapids, Michigan. After serving across Eastern Europe and in various locations in the U.S., we look forward to new ministry opportunities in this beautiful region, said Major Duskin. Major Diffley commented on Tennessees volunteer spirit. Were excited to return to East Tennessee together, said Major Diffley. Our priorities in Johnson City will be stabilizing social services, completing the VA shelter building, and sharing Gods Word and the love of Jesus. The two have five children. To learn more about The Salvation Army of Johnson City or to get involved, visit its website or call 423-926-2101. Copyright 2024 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 WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather. Former Conroe City Councilman Duke Coon, above, defeated Councilman Todd Yancey in the runoff election for mayor with all votes tallied Saturday. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Conroe Councilman Todd Yancey testifies as witness during a hearing which the City of Conroe and two council candidates are suing the city secretary to force her to remove him and Maddux from the ballot, Monday, March 25, 2024 at Lee G. Alworth Building in Conroe. Visiting 506th state District Judge Albert McCaig denied injunction at the hearing. The plaintiffs suggested Yancey and Madduxs applications violated state law. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Conroe Mayor Pro Tem Curt Maddux testifies as witness during a hearing which the City of Conroe and two council candidates are suing the city secretary to force her to remove Todd Yancey and him from the ballot, Monday, March 25, 2024 at Lee G. Alworth Building in Conroe. Visiting 506th state District Judge Albert McCaig denied injunction at the hearing. The plaintiffs suggested Yancey and Madduxs applications violated state law. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer A line of Hart InterCivic voting machines are seen in 2022 in Conroe. Former Conroe City Councilman Duke Coon had a substantial lead over Councilman Todd Yancey in the runoff election for mayor after early voting tallies were released Saturday. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Former Conroe City Councilman Duke Coon defeated Councilman Todd Yancey in the runoff election for Conroe mayor with all votes tallied Saturday. Coon received 54.09% of the vote to Yanceys 45.91%, according to Montgomery County Elections. In the runoff election for City Council, David Hairel received 52.87% to challenger Susan Johnsons 47.13% for Place 1. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Shana Arthur received 53.90% of the vote for Place 2 while incumbent and Mayor Pro Tem Curt Maddux received 46.10%. Coon, Hairel and Arthur will be sworn in June 25. The runoff follows a contentious election season with lawsuits, polling location changes and millions of dollars from outside the city supporting local candidates. Ballot application controversy In March, council candidate Coon and Arthur filed separate lawsuits against City Secretary Soco Gorjon after learning the applications of Maddux and Yancey would not be rejected. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Gorjon refused to invalidate Maddux and Yanceys council applications after she notarized them when they were not present. She said it was a technicality and they would remain on the ballot. Defendants Soco Gorjon, Conroe city secretary, from left, Mayor Pro Tem Curt Maddux and councilman Todd Yancey are sitting in the stands at a hearing of their case in front of visiting 506th state District Judge Albert McCaig Monday, March 25, 2024 at Lee G. Alworth Building in Conroe. The plaintiffs suggested Yancey and Madduxs applications violated state law. McCaig denied the injunction to the City of Conroe and two council candidates who are suing the city secretary to force her to remove Yancey and Maddux from the ballot. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer The 9th Court of Appeals ultimately dismissed several lawsuits against Gorjon. While acknowledging the violation of the notary law, the higher court said the applications should not be rejected on the technicality. Houston-based attorney Nathan Steadman submitted a demand letter to the city April 4 presenting a compromise that would result in Gorjons resignation if the city paid her more than $800,000 in compensation and unused vacation and holiday pay. Steadman included an April 18 deadline and threatened to file the lawsuit if the city did nothing. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Conroe council candidates Duke Coon and Shana Arthur are the plaintiffs in the case which visiting 506th state District Judge Albert McCaig denied injunction to them and the City of Conroe, who are suing the city secretary to force her to remove Todd Yancey and Curt Maddux from the ballot, Monday, March 25, 2024 at Lee G. Alworth Building in Conroe. The plaintiffs suggested Yancey and Madduxs applications violated state law. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer The council met April 11 to discuss the letter and Gorjons employment, but after an hour of heated debate, they took no action. Lawsuit alleges retaliation and malpractice Gorjon filed a lawsuit in April against the city and several council members alleging retaliation and malpractice by Interim City Attorney Mike Garner surrounding the recent ballot controversy. Conroe City Secretary Soco Gorjon testified as witness during a hearing which the City of Conroe and two council candidates are suing her to force her to remove Todd Yancey and Curt Maddux from the ballot Monday, March 25, 2024 at Lee G. Alworth Building in Conroe. Visiting 506th state District Judge Albert McCaig denied injunction at the hearing. The plaintiffs suggested Yancey and Madduxs applications violated state law. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer The suit seeks more than $1 million in damages and names Council Members Howard Wood, Harry Hardman and Marsha Porter, along with Garner and the city. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Houston-based attorney Nathan Steadman, who represents Gorjon, filed the suit April 30 in the 270th state District Court in Harris County. The suit alleges Garner committed legal malpractice by giving Gorjon legal advice when she asked about the ballot issue and then filed suit against her several days later to compel her to reject the council applications of Maddux and Yancey. Garner has denied any malpractice and said he filed the suit to protect the city. Gorjons lawsuit claims Wood, Hardman and Porter violated the Texas Open Meeting Act, alleging the three instructed Garner to file the suit against her regarding the ballot issue. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I saw the Airbus A320 plane that crashed in the Hudson River 15 years ago. I was moved by the rawness of the exhibit and survivors. The Airbus A320 airliner that ditched in the Hudson River in 2009 is now an aviation artifact. None of the 155 passengers and crew died during the "Miracle on the Hudson" crash. I was blown away when I visited the jet at the Sullenberger Aviation Museum to see the famous plane. On January 15, 2009, a fully loaded US Airways Airbus A320 plane ditched into the Hudson River after a bird strike caused both engines to fail. The accident has since been described as the "Miracle on the Hudson" because none of the 155 passengers and crew onboard died. Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger and First Officer Jeffrey Skiles were in the cockpit that day and had just seconds to make a life-or-death decision. Recognizing the aircraft was running on near zero thrust at just 2,800 feet above the densely-populated New York City, Sully saw the river as his only nearby obstacle-free option. "I couldn't afford to be wrong," Sully said during his testimony in front of the National Transportation Safety Board. The crew's heroism is now cemented in the Sullenberger Aviation Museum in Charlotte, North Carolina, which opened in June and features the real A320 jet as its centerpiece. As an aviation safety professional turned journalist, I had to visit the plan as soon as I could. I love that it has been given a second life, representing not only the power of bravery and skill but also inspiring future generations to get involved in aviation. The famous A320 displayed in Charlotte is the real aircraft not a replica and is complete with all the damage it suffered in the crash. The Miracle on the Hudson aircraft is on display in Charlotte. Taylor Rains/Business Insider The Sullenberger Aviation Museum opened on June 1 and is the second rendition of the exhibit. The aircraft was first displayed in 2015 in the same location but was stored in 2020 while the museum was renovated and renamed in Sully's honor. "With this Museum, we have the power to shape and inspire the next generation of innovators through the exploration and wonder of flight and provide equitable access to STEM opportunities," museum President Stephen Saucier told Business Insider. There's a hole in the nose and extensive breakage along the fuselage and tail. None of the 155 passengers and crew died during the "Miracle on the Hudson" crash. Taylor Rains/Business Insider The aircraft has been maintained as it was after the investigation, including the dents, scrapes, and gaping holes. I could see writing and numbers on the fuselage where investigators worked on the jet. The wings were attached to the jet, but the flaps were wrecked from the crash. Wing damage on the left and right wings. Taylor Rains/Business Insider The flaps were particularly important in the crash's success because Sully opted not to fully configure them for landing, per the NTSB. According to one of the museum signs, full flaps were part of Airbus' "optimal aircraft configuration" for landing on water. In a non-emergency landing, the flaps are fully deployed to increase lift at lower speeds as the plane descends. This balances out if you have thrust. However, without thrust on Flight 1549, Sully raised the flaps to prevent a stall, which could have led to an even faster descent rate. "The choice had to be made quickly because of the extreme time compression," he said in NTSB testimony. "By achieving Flaps 2, we had achieved almost all of the low-speed stall protection that we would've gotten at Flaps 3, but at less drag." The two destroyed engines are on either side of the aircraft, and the auxiliary power unit, or APU, sits behind. The APU dislodged from the aircraft. Taylor Rains/Business Insider When Sully realized his engines were gone, he instinctively started the Honeywell-built APU. According to the manufacturer, the unit acted as backup power to control things like altitude, speed, and steering. "The NTSB concluded that by quickly turning on the APU before called for on the emergency checklist, [Sully] significantly improved the outcome by providing electrical power to the airplane," an information display next to the APU read at the museum. Visitors cannot go inside the jet, but photos displayed show it looks like a regular aircraft cabin. Sully inside the Miracle on the Hudson A320. Todd Sumlin/Charlotte Observer/Tribune News Service via Getty Images Pictures show the blue seats in the typical domestic layout. The cabin looks old and worn, but not as if it was in a serious crash. According to the museum, the jet's interior is regularly checked for corrosion, considering it was submerged in water for a few days after the accident. The plane's underbelly took the brunt of the impact, and I could see where it was torn off. "I felt water around my feet immediately, and it was cold," Flight 1549 passenger Vicki Barnhardt, seat 26C, said in the museum video. Taylor Rains/Business Insider According to the NTSB, the aircraft was descending three times the rate at which the aviation industry said a water landing could happen. This meant the aircraft's impact on the Hudson was greater than its design allowed, causing part of the frame to collapse and let water seep in. The damage was extensive, but the aircraft was otherwise surprisingly intact. The tail number on the jet reads N106US. Taylor Rains/Business Insider Sully had to land the aircraft at a specific angle to avoid flipping or fully breaking apart upon contact with the water. The museum said this included landing at an 11-degree pitch with the wings level. Sully achieved this despite the high descent rate being beyond the accepted envelope, making the task that much more challenging and a testament to Sully's skill. "[Skiles] began to call out to me airspeed and altitude as I was looking at the water ahead to help me judge that critical height," Sully said in a 2019 interview with Inc, referring to the specific altitude at which to begin raising the nose for a successful water landing. Next to the plane was a case of personal belongings donated by the crew and passengers. The display case sat below a large video screen. Taylor Rains/Business Insider Artifacts like cushions, life jackets, seats, clothes, and even Sully and Skiles uniforms have been preserved and put on display. It was like a time capsule seeing the old Blackberry cell phone and MacBook Pro. The display case had all sorts of donations from the passengers and crew. Taylor Rains/Business Insider There were also wallets, a finance book, and a fur coat among the inventory of random items that survived the crash. The most moving element of the exhibit was the film that played on a loop. It told the story of Flight 1549 from takeoff to landing in the Hudson. Passengers, like Brian Siegel, seat 8E, were interviewed for the video. Taylor Rains/Business Insider The short video has the air traffic control tapes, footage of the rescue, and testimony from passengers, investigators, and first responders. "Unable," Sully famously told air traffic controller Patrick Harten when he was asked if he could make it back to LaGuardia. "We're going to be in the Hudson. The comments were raw, and I couldn't help but get emotional. The crew gets a lot of praise, but the passengers also showed incredible bravery. Miracle on the Hudson passengers. Mike Coppola/FilmMagic via Getty Images The aircraft lost power just a few thousand feet above NYC, and the passengers described their feelings as the city skyscrapers started rising above them and they descended into the Hudson. "What flashed before me was the life that wasn't going to happen, the grandchildren I wouldn't see grow up," passenger Beth McHugh, seat 20C, said. I can't imagine that fear, but seeing the hope after the fact is inspiring. "The gift of another day, another year, and if you look at it that way, another lifetime," McHugh said later in the video. "By some miracle, we get to have it." Flight 1549's rescue was swift, with boats and helicopters approaching within minutes. Rescue boats at crash site. Mario Tama/Getty Images The accident happened in January, meaning the passengers survived the water landing but were still in danger of drowning or getting hypothermia in the frigid Hudson waters. People walked out onto the wings, jumped into rafts, and some tried to swim to shore anything to survive the 38-degree water. "My crew took out 24 people," New York Waterways Captain Brittany Catanzard said in the video. "My deckhands were literally grabbing them like fish and putting them onto the deck." Flight attendants Donna Denta, Sheila Dail, and Doreen Welsh shouted commands as passengers braced for impact. Donna Dent (2nd L) speaks at a press conference with Sheila Dail (L), Doreen Welsh(3rd L), Jeffrey Skiles (3rd R), Mayor Bloomberg (2nd R), and Sully (R). Michael Nagle/Getty Images The three quick-acting flight attendants initiated the evacuation within seconds of landing and, alongside Sully and Skiles, were awarded the keys to the city by New York City Mayor Bloomberg in 2009. "It took all five of us being trained and doing what we do to make this miracle on Hudson," Welsh said, as quoted in the museum exhibit. Quoted in the display was a comment from passenger Ben Bostic, seat 20A, who noted the unbelievable response effort. Miracle on the Hudson A320. Reuters He said agencies like the NYPD, the American Red Cross, and the FBI, as well as the New York governor and NYC mayor were on the scene. "I quickly noted that this level of response could probably only happen in NYC post-9/11," Bostic said. "For better or worse, they are "battle" tested for incidents like this." The plane sat at the bottom of the Hudson for two days before being lifted out and taken to New Jersey for the investigation. Photos on display at the museum show the luggage inside the A320. Taylor Rains/Business Insider Workers spent 22 hours retrieving the aircraft from the icy waters, which included using a mechanical winch and crane to maneuver the A320 and lift it in one piece. The aircraft was then moved by barge to New Jersey. According to the museum, passenger luggage was cleaned and returned. During the investigation, the museum inquired about getting part of the plane but that turned into a donation of the entire jet. The A320 wheeled into the museum in November 2023 in preparation for the second rendition of the Miracle on the Hudson exhibit. Sullenberger Aviation Museum The insurance company donated the A320 to the museum and worked with it and a conservator located in New Jersey to help conserve the plane. "The goal was the stabilize and preserve the aircraft for museum display while maintaining its historic integrity," the museum said. It was a monumental task to transport the jet from New Jersey to North Carolina, first arriving in Charlotte in 2011. Miracle on the Hudson A320 getting transported via road to Charlotte. Tim Shaffer/Reuters Saucier previously told BI that the A320 had to be transferred via road. Its wings and tail were removed for transport. He said the tiny towns that hosted the jet on its trek to the museum had to move light poles and make other adjustments so the plane could weave through the streets. The engines were delivered a year later. The museum must fight corrosion, though the aircraft is in a temperature-controlled environment, which helps. Taylor Rains/Business Insider The museum said it took three years to reassemble the engines with assistance from volunteers from then-US Airways, which has since merged with American Airlines. It noted the engines were corroding, having been exposed to the marine environment, and had to undergo extensive conservation treatment to preserve them. The original exhibit closed in 2019 to make way for the new, and I love the focus on not just the crash but the evolution of aviation safety. Aviation safety is always evolving, and accidents like Flight 1549 help systems improve. Taylor Rains/Business Insider The aviation industry learned a lot from the accident, and the NTSB made recommendations, such as improving life vests and developing better engine testing for bird ingestion. "[The A320] stands as a carefully preserved tangible reminder of the paramount importance of safety in aviation," read the exhibit. Most notable was the human factors element, as Sully and Skiles had just seconds to decide how to save the plane. First officer Jeff Skiles (L) and Captain "Sully" Sullenberger (R) pose with the Historical 1958 DC7 to benefit hosted by Historical Flight Foundation on November 17, 2011, in Miami, Florida. Larry Marano/Getty Images In a 2019 interview, Sully said he asked Skiles right before the landing if there was anything more they could do. Skiles said, "Actually, not." "He answered that way because he knew we'd done all we could," noting it wasn't because Skiles was indifferent or had accepted some fate. "The fact we could have that exchange just before the emergency landing of a lifetime is one of the more remarkable things about this flight and this crew and our diligence, our dedication to never give up." Read the original article on Business Insider This is our biweekly briefing on the latest school safety news, vetted by Mark Keierleber. Sign up below. Last week, I set out to write a quick news hit on the FCCs new cybersecurity grants for schools and libraries a pilot program that will pump $200 million toward next-gen firewalls and other tools. But thats when things got weird. I came upon a new listing on a notorious dark web forum the Amazon for stolen data, if you will that offered millions of files purportedly stolen from the Los Angeles Unified School District for a thousand bucks. LAUSD officials said theyre investigating the anonymous threat actors claims and a threat intelligence executive told me the district must carry out a full incident response to verify if the files are real. Or new. It isnt deja vu: Americas second-largest school district fell victim to a massive ransomware attack in 2022. Thousands of students mental health records and other sensitive files found their way to the dark web. Its possible that the LAUSD data got a facelift of its own, with the same data repackaged to make a quick buck. Read more about the latest LAUSD incident and about the FCCs new effort to thwart similar attacks nationally here. In the news Today in Florida, workers are set to demolish the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School building where a gunman killed 17 people in a 2018 rampage. | The Associated Press Relatives of 17 children killed during the 2022 school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, have sued state law enforcement officers who waited 77 minutes before confronting the gunman at Robb Elementary School. | The Texas Tribune Special report: Through an unprecedented trove of dispatch call data for 852 California school addresses, reporters offer a rare look at the vast presence of police in schools. A third of calls were about serious incidents that reasonably required a police presence. | EdSource New York lawmakers approved landmark rules that ban social media companies from using addictive algorithms to customize childrens feeds. Heres a strong rundown on how the rules work. | Democrat & Chronicle Eamonn Fitzmaurice / The 74 / iStock / U.S. Army Materiel Command SWATted down: A Washington man has been sentenced to three years in prison for calling in hoax police reports in more than 20 states, including inciting false school shooting panic, leading to frantic lockdowns and massive police responses. | The News Tribune First they came for the books. Next they came for the books about book bans. | The Washington Post A new program in Illinois to help low-income families pay for the funeral costs of children killed by guns was designed to ease grief and financial burdens. After a year, just two families have been compensated. | The Trace Prioritizing profit over the wellbeing and safety of children: Residential treatment companies that provide behavioral health services have put children at risk of sexual abuse and dangerous physical restraints, a new Senate committee report argues. | NBC News First comes marriage, then comes homeroom: Missouri lawmakers failed to pass legislation that sought to prevent anyone under 18 years old from getting married, keeping in place the states minimum age of 16. | The Kansas City Star A Tennessee school district where officials failed to prevent rampant racist bullying against a Black student will overhaul its anti-harassment procedures after reaching a settlement agreement with the Justice Department. Federal investigators found the students classmates passed around a drawing of a Ku Klux Klansmen, added him to a bigoted group chat and sold him to white peers in a mock slave auction. | The Washington Post New York City school bathrooms could soon have vape sensors following a court settlement with tobacco company Juul thatll direct $27 million to the citys schools to combat youth vaping. | Chalkbeat Research & advocacy New Jim Code: Federal officials have failed to deter the civil rights harms that artificial intelligence in schools poses to students of color, a new report argues. | The Center for Law and Social Policy DACA recipients are more likely than migrants without deportation safeguards to ask the police for help, suggesting the program increases engagement with police and reduces fear among crime victims. | Journal of Urban Economics DACA recipients are more likely than migrants without deportation safeguards to ask the police for help, suggesting the program increases engagement with police and reduces fear among crime victims. | Journal of Urban Economics ICYMI @The74 Emotional support I promised you a new pup. I bring you a new pup. Sinead, editor Kathy Moores new emotional support companion, surveys her domain. For more school safety news, subscribe to Marks School (in)Security newsletter below. This article was originally featured on Knowable Magazine. A hammerhead shark less than one meter long swims frantically in a plastic container aboard a boat in the Sanquianga National Natural Park, off Colombias Pacific coast. It is a delicate female Sphyrna corona, the worlds smallest hammerhead species, and goes by the local name cornuda amarilla yellow hammerhead because of the color of its fins and the edges of its splendid curved head, which is full of sensors to perceive the movement of its prey. Marine biologist Diego Cardenosa of Florida International University, along with local fishermen, has just captured the shark and implanted it with an acoustic marker before quickly returning it to the murky waters. A series of receivers will help to track its movements for a year, to map the coordinates of its habitat valuable information for its protection. That hammerhead is far from the only shark species that keeps the Colombian biologist busy. Cardenosas mission is to build scientific knowledge to support shark conservation, either by locating the areas where the creatures live or by identifying, with genetic tests, the species that are traded in the worlds main shark markets. The scalloped bonnethead shark (Sphyrna corona) is the smallest hammerhead shark in the world. The specimen in the photograph is about 20 inches long and has been implanted with an acoustic marker to track its movements in the Colombian Pacific. CREDIT: COURTESY OF DIEGO CARDENOSA Sharks are under threat for several reasons. The demand for their fins to supply the mainly Asian market (see box) is a very lucrative business: Between 2012 and 2019, it generated $1.5 billion. This, plus their inclusion in bycatch fish caught unintentionally in the fishing industry as well as the growing market for shark meat, leads to the death of millions every year. In 2019 alone the estimated total killed was at least 80 million sharks, 25 million of which were endangered species. In fact, in the Hong Kong market alone, a major trading spot for shark fins, two-thirds of the shark species sold there are at risk of extinction, according to a 2022 study led by Cardenosa and molecular ecologist Demian Chapman, director of the shark and ray conservation program at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida. Sharks continue to face a complicated future despite decades of legislation designed to protect them. In 2000, the US Congress passed the Shark Finning Prohibition Act, and in 2011 the Shark Conservation Act. These laws require that sharks brought ashore by fishermen have all their fins naturally attached and aim to end the practice of stripping the creatures of their fins and returning them, mutilated, to the water to die on the seafloor. Ninety-four other countries have implemented similar regulations. Perhaps the main political and diplomatic tool for shark conservation is in the hands of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), composed of 183 member countries plus the European Union. The treaty offers three degrees of protection, or appendices, to more than 40,000 species of animals and plants, imposing prohibitions and restrictions on their trade according to their threat status. Sharks were included in CITES Appendix II which includes species that are not endangered but could become so if trade is not controlled in February 2003, with the addition of two species: the basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) and the whale shark (Rhincodon typus). Following that, the list of protected species grew to 12 and then increased significantly in November 2023 with the inclusion of 60 more species of sharks in CITES Appendix II. But do these tools actually protect sharks? To seek out answers, over the past decade researchers have worked to develop tests that can easily identify which species of sharks are being traded and determine whether protected species continue to be exploited. They have also focused on studying shark populations around the world in order to provide information for the establishment of protected areas that can help safeguard these animals. Which shark does that fin belong to? The port of Hong Kong, along with the Chinese city of Guangzhou, is one of the worlds major centers for the trade in shark fins, considered by many Chinese communities to be a delicacy, often served in soup. Hong Kong serves as a legal importer, re-exporter and consumer of these cartilages, both fresh and packaged in bags of trimmings. A decade ago, Cardenosa, Chapman and other members of their team began an investigation there, with the goal of answering a question: Are protected shark species being exploited? Many fins look the same, making it difficult to know whether they belong to CITES Appendix II-listed sharks. But the scientists were confident that, with the use of genetic analysis tools, their question could be answered. Bags of dried shark fins at a Hong Kong market. CREDIT: COURTESY OF DEMIAN CHAPMAN After scouring a market that stretches for several blocks of storefronts cluttered with bags and jars of yellowed shark fin clippings, Cardenosa returned to his lab in Florida with several randomly chosen bundles. The challenge, then, was to develop the analysis for molecular identification in the dead material. The problem is that processed fins have degraded DNA, preventing their identification with established protocols, Cardenosa explains. Genetic approaches to identify shark products exist, but they typically rely on sequencing large regions of DNA, which can fail when working with highly processed products. So Cardenosa, Chapman and other colleagues developed a new test, using a technique known as DNA barcoding, that reads short pieces of DNA sequences to detect what species of shark is in a sample. It works not only on fin pieces but also on cooked shark fin soup and cosmetic products made of shark liver oil. DNA barcoding technology uses small segments of the cytochrome c oxidase I gene, COI, as molecular tags. Each animal species has its own label or barcode of those DNA segments, and forensic geneticists compare the DNA sequences of the sample with a database of genomic sequences from living animals. The method designed by Cardenosa and colleagues is more effective than the original barcoding technology because, instead of having to use all 650 DNA base pairs of the COI gene to serve as a species barcode, the test can identify a species with just 150 base pairs in effect, a mini-barcode. The test also simultaneously analyzes several mini-barcodes or the COI gene for each species, instead of just one. This makes it easier to identify the species in highly processed products, even in a bowl of soup. During four years of using that protocol on 9,200 fin clippings purchased in Hong Kong, Cardenosa and colleagues showed that the species most traded for their fins included sharks listed on CITES Appendix II specifically, several species of the family Sphyrnidae, which includes hammerhead sharks, as well as the blue shark (Prionace glauca). Top: A bar graph shows the elevated contribution of threatened shark species, as indicated by the IUCN Red List, in the Hong Kong dried shark fin trade in 2014 and 2021. Bottom: Another bar chart shows the relative contribution of premium-value species of sharks in that market, as well as their IUCN vulnerability status. Credit: Knowable Magazine To make it simpler to identify shark species being traded, Cardenosa and Chapman decided to bring the lab to port. In 2018, they published in Nature the design of a portable lab for rapid, on-site DNA analysis: In a single reaction that takes less than four hours, it can detect nine of the 12 shark species that were listed on CITES Appendix II at that time. Its a PCR or polymerase chain reaction test, just like a Covid test, Chapman explains, but instead of detecting fragments of viral genetic material, it detects fragments of the COI gene, which are different in DNA sequence for each of the nine shark species. It is easy to use, and therefore suitable for port officials, and costs 94 cents per sample, making it affordable even for low-income countries. Now that there are more than 70 species of sharks under CITES protection, more powerful tools will be needed to identify protected species among the materials being traded. Chapman is working with the company Ecologenix, which has developed a modification to the PCR test that allows it to identify many species at once. Ecologenixs development is based on a technology called FastFish-ID, which was created to identify bony fish. A small-scale study in Indonesia showed that the technology can be adapted for use in cartilaginous fish like sharks. The identification technique also makes use of the COI gene but incorporates fluorescent dyes and machine learning into the PCR procedure to help recognize species. Although it is more expensive at $10 per test it is more powerful because it can identify many more species at once. Protecting sharks homes Genetic analysis not only allows scientists to know what type of shark the fin or meat being traded belongs to, it can also tell them where the animal comes from geographically. Hammerheads are especially suited to these studies, not only because the DNA database that exists on them is so extensive, but also because they tend to return to breed in the place where they were born. Soup madnessFinning is a brutal practice that consists of cutting the fins off sharks, then tossing the animals back into the water, where they inevitably die. The commercial value of these cartilaginous appendages is so great that fishers wont waste space in the bilges of vessels by keeping the entire fish. The gastronomic importance of the fins, whose consumption is both a Chinese cultural tradition and a tourist curiosity, depends on where they are found on the body. The most prized are the first dorsal fin the largest one, located on the back of the animal the pectoral fins on the sides of the trunk, and the one at the lower end of the tail.Shark fin soup is one of the most expensive seafood items in the world a bowl can cost more than $100 but consumers also buy the fins raw, prepared, frozen, brined or dried, ready to eat or cook, for less than $30. Its a very bizarre dish, says chef Gordon Ramsay in a YouTube video. It doesnt taste like anything. Its almost like cellophane noodles. The broth itself is delicious. But you could put anything in there: chicken, duck the only thing that ruins it is the shark fin itself. Angela Posada-SwaffordCREDIT: HARMON / FLICKR In 2009, Mahmood Shivji, director of the Save Our Seas Foundation at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, co-led with Chapman a study that demonstrated that the use of a forensic method called genetic stock identification, or GSI, could be used to determine the provenance of fins traded in the Hong Kong market. The researchers used GSI to examine the DNA in fins from 62 hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini) obtained from the market. GSI looks at DNA contained in the mitochondria, an organelle of the cell that is transmitted by the mother and is therefore traceable to the creatures regional birthplace. The study found that the sharks came from the Indo-Pacific, Eastern Atlantic and Western Atlantic basins, and that fully 21 percent of them came from the Western Atlantic where they are listed as a species at risk of extinction. In other words, the international trade in shark fins continues to threaten endangered populations in this region. A subsequent study in 2020 by Chapman and colleagues revealed that 75 percent of hammerhead shark fin clippings found in Hong Kong markets came from two populations originating in the Pacific Ocean, but mostly from the Eastern Pacific 61.4 percent of all clippings where this species is listed as endangered under the US Endangered Species Act. Identifying which shark species are being traded and tracking their geographic origin is only part of the conservation effort. Knowing the movements and population structure of different shark species is also important in determining which marine areas should be under protection. Sharks are quite large, by marine fish standards, and have the ability to make long-range movements. The perception that they tend to be highly mobile has led many nations to wait for international management policies, Chapman and coauthors wrote in an article in the Annual Review of Marine Science. But in fact, some populations of sharks would benefit from protective legislation at smaller scales, the authors say. After analyzing the results of over 80 studies on shark tracking and population genetics, the scientists identified at least 31 shark species that show coastal behaviors, either by exhibiting residency (remaining in a defined geographic area for an extended period), fidelity (returning after long absences) or philopatry (returning to their birthplaces to reproduce). These shark populations would probably respond well to effectively designed protected areas and protective legislation at the national level, the authors conclude. Monitoring such coastal sharks, including those living among coral reefs, is therefore key, Cardenosa says hence the importance of the Global FinPrint project, of which Chapman is scientific director. It is the largest global survey of sharks that inhabit the coral reefs, achieved by attaching cameras to underwater structures and deploying bait to attract sharks. The first phase of the project, which ended in 2018, was conducted in 58 countries and more than 400 reefs, comparing protected and unprotected marine areas. A team of scientists from the Global FinPrint project a global study on the status of sharks and rays on coral reefs places a camera in the waters of the UNESCO Seaflower Biosphere Reserve in the Colombian Caribbean, in order to monitor the status of sharks and rays in the area. The camera is mounted on a structure baited with food to attract the animals. CREDIT: ANGELA POSADA-SWAFFORD During that first phase of Global FinPrint, Cardenosa was in charge of monitoring the UNESCO Seaflower Biosphere Reserve, a huge oceanic archipelago in the Colombian Caribbean. The results were unexpected. Even though the corals in large parts of Seaflower are not doing well, the project found a high abundance of sharks of all sizes and at least seven species. Cardenosa suggests that this could be because the sharks are feeding in an area of the reef that still has abundant food because it is difficult for fishing boats to access it. Another reason, he says, is that local communities are complying with protection regulations. The second phase of Global FinPrint began in December 2023, with plans to return to 26 countries to assess the status of sharks within marine protected areas: regions within the ocean where government agencies have imposed limits on human activity. The data should assist nations in determining which areas nurture healthy populations of reef sharks, and in designing new protected areas that do so. Chapman and Cardenosa both say they are moderately optimistic about the future of sharks on a global scale, as long as science, public opinion and legislation and that legislations enforcement work together. There are definitely serious problems, Chapman says. But the good news is that were starting to get things right. In the United States, weve seen a recovery in sharks he points, for example, to increased shark sightings in Florida after new legislation. We simply stopped killing too many and allowed them to reproduce, he says. My career goal is to help as many countries as I can to do similar things to improve the situation. Thats a long way of saying Im hopeful. Cardenosa hopes that his research will help ensure that laws and agreements on shark protection are actually enforced. The idea is that with our research, CITES can start to tighten the screws on countries and say, Are you saying this is sustainable? Show us where you got it from, he says. Conserving sharks is not just a nice-to-have, Cardenosa adds. These fish are primordial beings that have been navigating through underwater landscapes for 400 million years, guided by senses we are only beginning to understand. Sharks help maintain the carbon cycle in the water by feeding on dead organisms, and may indirectly contribute to the ongoing balance of photosynthesis in plant life by controlling species that feed on seagrasses. Keeping them in our oceans, Cardenosa says, is critical. Article translated by Debbie Ponchner This story is part of the Knowable en espanol series on science that affects or is conducted by Latinos in the United States, supported by HHMIs Science and Educational Media Group. This article originally appeared in Knowable Magazine, an independent journalistic endeavor from Annual Reviews. Sign up for the newsletter. View comments OpenUniverse-powered simulations of the parts of the sky that will be seen by Vera C. Rubin Observatory (left half) and NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space telescope (right half). | Credit: J. Chiang (SLAC), C. Hirata (OSU), and NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center Ahead of NASA's upcoming launch of the Grace Roman Space Telescope for the "Roman Mission," researchers are using the Argonne Theta supercomputer to run OpenUniverse-powered simulations of the cosmos. The simulation is being run for the to-be-launched Grace Roman Space Telescope and the grounded Chilean Vera C. Rubin Observatory. According to Jim Chiang, who helped create the simulations, "OpenUniverse lets us calibrate our expectations of what we can discover with these telescopes [...by giving] us a chance to exercise our processing pipelines, better understand our analysis codes, and accurately interpret the results so we can prepare to use the real data right away once it starts coming in." As cutting-edge and high-concept as this may sound, OpenUniverse is an open-source Solar System simulator leveraging OpenGL that has existed for about 24 years. The classic version of OpenUniverse also inspired other planetarium software. Of course, NASA's implementation of OpenUniverse in 2024 is much more ambitious than the standard version since it's intended for hard science. The data used by NASA's OpenUniverse 2024 has been released as a 10-terabyte subset of the complete package, with the remaining 390 terabytes still to be processed at the time of writing. Katrin Heitmann, cosmologist and deputy director of Argonne's High Energy Physics division and the one who managed the project's supercomputer time, stated, "Using Argonne's now-retired Theta machine, we accomplished in about nine days what would have taken 300 years on your laptop. The results will shape Roman and Rubin's future attempts to illuminate dark matter and energy while offering other scientists a preview of the types of things they'll be able to explore using the data from the telescopes." NASA's official post on the matter refers to the project as "A Cosmic Dress Rehearsal" for the researchers involved, one year ahead of the Rubin Observatory telescope's activation in 2025 and three years ahead of the NASA Roman launch in May 2027. In particular, Roman and Rubin are both meant to help us achieve a fuller understanding of the dark energy that expands our universe and the dark matter that helps fill it. Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) said he respected the Supreme Courts decision last week to overturn a Trump-era prohibition on bump stocks. The job is simply this, so we trust and believe and respect the decision of the Supreme Court. What we need to focus on, Jon, is the violence that were seeing across this nation. Under Joe Biden, weve seen the greatest increase in violent crime in my lifetime. So focusing on ways for us to reduce that crime means getting four more years of Donald Trump, he told ABCs Jonathan Karl on This Week. Along ideological lines, the Supreme Court invalidated the national ban on bump stocks, which convert semiautomatic weapons to ones capable of firing hundreds of rounds per minute. The Trump administration issued a final rule on bump stocks in 2018 following the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting, the deadliest in U.S. history. The gunman had used firearms with a bump stock to kill 60 people and wound hundreds of others. Scott later dodged a question about whether Congress would move to ban bump stocks now that the prohibition has been invalidated. The Biden administration defended the Trump-era rule before the Supreme Court, which weighed whether the government lawfully prohibited the devices by classifying them as machine guns. The three liberal justices dissented, with Justice Sonia Sotomayor reading the dissent from the bench in a rare move. When I see a bird that walks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, I call that bird a duck. A bump-stock-equipped semiautomatic rifle fires automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger, Sotomayor wrote. Violent crime has also been down nationwide in recent months, according to a preliminary report the FBI released last week. Crime reporting for the first quarter of the year showed a 15 percent drop in violent crime overall, a statistic that President Biden touted as a success of his administration. Copyright 2024 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. An equal justice statue sits outside the doors of the Minnehaha County Courthouse in Sioux Falls. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) An equal justice statue sits outside the doors of the Minnehaha County Courthouse in Sioux Falls. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) Interpreter use in South Dakota courtrooms has more than doubled in the last decade, according to the Unified Judicial System. Requests for translation services, which cost the state more than $26,000 a year in 2022 and 2023, increased from 1,566 in 2013 to 3,570 in 2023 UJS expects further growth in requests as South Dakota becomes more diverse. More than 17,500 South Dakotans speak English less than very well, according to a UJS report. The court system started working to improve language access in the courts over a decade ago. Historically, the state has approached language access ad hoc, said Greg Sattizahn, the state court administrator. The state has taken a more strategic approach to language access since then, Sattizahn said, including implementing a statewide language access plan in 2021. We wanted to make sure we develop the capacity to meet the demands and expectations and understood how to work with interpreters, Sattizahn said. This is an area we have to continue to grow in and be responsive to with the demands were seeing. Its not static. Both Sattizahn and critics of the courts current language access system say the courts have a long way to go, especially in recruiting quality interpreters and ensuring accurate interpreting. South Dakota lacks training for interpreters Interpreters are professionals contracted out by UJS to interpret a persons testimony or case verbatim if the person or judge determines they do not speak English well enough. Of the more than 3,500 instances of interpreter use in 2023, according to UJS, 51% were Spanish, followed by 9% Arabic, 6% Swahili and 6% Dinka (spoken by the Dinka people, an ethnic group native to South Sudan in northeast Africa). South Dakota has nearly 80 interpreters, according to UJS, but circuit courts frequently reach out to interpreters in other states or through remote services. Of the statewide roster, 25 are Spanish interpreters, four are Arabic, one is Swahili and none are Dinka. South Dakota doesnt provide support or training for interpreters, said Sandra Guzman, a Spanish legal interpreter and translator based in Sioux Falls. In South Dakota, there is nothing provided for people to educate themselves in the field for court interpreting, said Guzman, who is an immigrant from Chile. That makes it difficult for potential interpreters to learn about the profession, she said, and contributes to South Dakotas dearth of legal interpreters. Minnesotas legal system offers a course for interpreters. In it, interpreters are evaluated on their English skills and their interpreted language, led through interpreter ethics, and taught how to interpret in a legal context including participating in a mock trial. Guzman, who has interpreted in South Dakota since 1995, took the Minnesota classes in 2007 and 2008. She also attended an intensive legal interpreter program in Arizona in 2009. Shes been a self-employed, full-time legal interpreter and translator since 2022. It was like a preparation course, Guzman said. Minnesota courts ranked highest in the country for language access, according to the National Center for Access to Justice. South Dakota, based on a 2021 assessment, ranked last. States like Minnesota are more advanced than South Dakota, Sattizahn said. Thats definitely somewhere we need to get to and try to build that into our process and make it more inviting for interpreters, he said, adding that UJSs language access coordinator has reviewed materials from surrounding states. The first step, is recruiting more qualified interpreters, Sattizahn said. South Dakota State Court Administrator Greg Sattizahn speaks to the state Senate Judiciary Committee on Jan. 16, 2024. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) Its very informal here. We kind of rely on interpreting agencies to provide training, Sattizahn said. A training like that would help us and is something thatll be on a future list of to-do items here. The hope is to build our foundation through recruitment and informational sessions, Sattizahn said. Those sessions wont train potential interpreters which Guzman said would have the biggest impact but focus on the information needed to succeed in the role: the process of the court, common terminology, types of cases, and engaging with documents theyd need to be familiar with. Sattizahn aims to get such a training up and running by 2026. In my mind, 18 months seems realistic, Sattizahn said. Were really trying to explain how to work with us. Other states have developed those robust programs, which we should be able to borrow from. State lacks interpreter qualification evaluation, test South Dakota is lacking in recruitment, Guzman said, but also lacks a way to ensure interpreter quality. Competent court interpreters are able to completely and accurately interpret everything said in court, the states language access plan says, without adding or omitting words or summarizing statements. You need to have knowledge of the field youre interpreting for. You cant just be bilingual even Americans dont understand what theyre being told in the court system, Guzman said. They need to be trained, and they need to have a passion for what they do. They cant just be anybody off the street. South Dakota relies on interpreter expertise and qualifications built around personal or educational experience, Sattizahn said. After that, its up to the judge, attorneys and others in the courtroom to make sure the interpreter is doing their job adequately. If it looks like the interpreter is summarizing or not providing information when the person is talking, for example, there are cues, and you can rely on other people in the court, Sattizahn said. South Dakota joined the Consortium for Language Access in the Courts in 2022. Membership allows access to tests to establish qualified interpreters and to share interpreter-related resources and databases with other member states. South Dakota is not using the test materials, however, and UJS doesnt plan to develop an independent testing program, Sattizahn said. Sandra Guzman is a Spanish legal interpreter and translator based in Sioux Falls. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight) Guzman said shes seen a judge throw out an interpreter because he was caught interpreting inaccurately. The clients case was rescheduled and delayed as a result. Guzman herself has been assigned cases as an interpreter for clients who arent truly Spanish speakers, including for people originally from Guatemala. While Spanish is a commonly spoken language in Guatemala, it has a different dialect and can be spoken in combination with native Mayan languages. Their words and the way they phrase things are kind of broken. Ill tell the attorney and theyll verify they speak a specific dialect and have to get a new interpreter, Guzman said. I dont want to fool anybody or waste their time or my time. Taneeza Islam is CEO for South Dakota Voices for Peace and South Dakota Voices for Justice. Shes seen similar incidents. Islam represented a client who requested an interpreter during her civil case. The client, who interpreted professionally, stopped her interpreter during the case and informed the judge she was not being accurately interpreted, Islam recalled. Taneeza Islam is the executive director for the Sioux Falls-based nonprofit South Dakota Voices for Peace. (Courtesy of South Dakota Voices for Peace) Islam said interpreter problems can create real problems for non-English speakers in the justice system, and not just in criminal cases. These are really high stakes issues, Islam said. Oftentimes we think of access to justice on the criminal side, but civil cases are important too: protection orders against abusers, evictions, custody. If I cant communicate with an attorney or explain whats happening to a judge, how are they going to actually make a decision? Usually the party that knows English has a greater advantage in convincing a judge or explaining their side of the story. Using technology to supplement dearth of in-person interpreters In-person interpreters are ideal for most situations, but its unlikely that UJS will be able to fill the states translation needs entirely with in-person, local interpreters. Several other states across the country also struggle to recruit qualified interpreters, Sattizahn said. He sees technology as a solution, citing remote interpreters. About 93% of interpreter requests in 2023 came from the Second Circuit Court, which is located in Sioux Falls and includes Minnehaha and Lincoln counties. The remainder of South Dakota courts need interpreters less frequently, though the need is growing in communities such as Huron or Flandreau, where there are growing communities of non-English speakers. UJS recently kicked off a pilot program in Minnehaha, Brookings, Aurora, Yankton and Beadle counties to make it easier for non-English speakers to navigate language barriers outside of the courtroom. In addition to the video interpreter, the software program under testing offers live AI-written interpreter and translation services. The hope is to find a balance between remote and in-person interpreters, Sattizahn said. We can minimize and use the technology to address the things that an interpreter might view as a waste of time, like if they had to drive an hour for a short hearing, Sattizahn said. Shorter proceedings where youre just checking in fit better with remote. Cases of evidence or testimony of witnesses is important to have a live interpreter. Guzman has traveled to nearly every county courthouse in southeastern South Dakota at least once to interpret for Spanish speakers. Shes interpreted several times in Brookings, Mitchell and Parker. Finding a balance between remote and in-person interpreters makes sense, Guzman said, but shes still cautious of remote interpreting. The process can be awkward and is best reserved for in case of emergency, she said. Guzman is glad South Dakota plans to implement a training program for potential interpreters, and hopes she can be involved. People need to be trained, Guzman said. Something has to start soon. Were growing too fast. Timeline of UJS language access improvements, according to the organization: 2012-2020: Language access decentralized to each circuit. Statewide involvement focused on providing resources from the state court administrators office. Each circuit operated under their own language access plan. 2021: Created a language access coordinator position (adding responsibility to an existing position) Created a statewide language access plan (in addition to circuit-level language access plans). Passed a law that clarified the state is responsible for the cost of interpreters, not civilians. Created an interpreter complaint process (one complaint has been made in over two years). Began translating forms from the UJS self help page into Spanish (ongoing). Posted signs in various languages at all South Dakota courthouses informing non-English speakers that interpreter services are available. 2022: Joined the Consortium of Language Access Coordinators through the National Center for State Courts. Trained judges, court service officers and specialty court personnel how to work with limited or non-English speaking people. Provided continued legal education on language access to early-career lawyers in South Dakota. Streamlined the process of providing interpreters for child support referees. 2023: Trained clerks to work with limited or non-English speaking people. Continued legal education on language access at the State Bar convention. Increased data accuracy for tracking the need for interpreters in the court management system. 2024: Began pilot project to allow clerks in five counties to connect to live video interpreters while assisting a non-English speaker outside of the courtroom. Plans going forward: Explore opportunities to leverage technology in rural areas. Expand interpreter recruitment efforts. Complete the translation of forms into Spanish and begin reviewing what other language translations are most needed. Update written documents, such as the interpreter handbook. Conduct training for other entities, such as court reporters. The post SD courts aim to improve language access as diversity, interpreter needs grow appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight. FLUSHING, Queens (PIX11) The search continued Saturday for a man who allegedly raped a 13-year-old girl in Kissena Park in Queens Thursday. The disturbing incident has left neighbors shocked and in fear. We are very concerned, said Flushing resident Hassan Soueidan. Even my son now. He doesnt want to go to the park by himself, so I have to keep holding his hand. Soueidan held onto his young son tightly just two days after police say a man committed a crime so brutal, theyre calling it a parents nightmare. Police released a sketch of the suspect who allegedly raped a 13-year-old girl in a park in Queens on June 13, 2024. A sketch of the suspects boar tattoo was also released. (Courtesy of NYPD) Detectives released a sketch of the man believed to have forced a 13-year-old boy and girl into the woods near the park with a long machete. Thats when police say he took the teens cellphones, tied their wrists together with a shoelace, and sexually assaulted the girl before taking off. All the community should be very upset about this and willing to come out and help the police department as we try to resolve this issue, said NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey. As NYPD officers continued their search Saturday, Flushing residents set out to enjoy their day at the park. Only now, their carefree play was replaced with a sense of unease and vigilance. Some residents are now vowing to keep a look out for the neighborhood children. Youre always going to look out, and something like this just brings you tighter in because we all want him caught, said Flushing resident Darren, who did not give his last name. We all want him prosecuted. More Local News The suspect is described as a short Hispanic man in his 20s with braces and curly hair. He was last seen wearing a black T-shirt with black sweatpants, red sneakers, and a green backpack. Police also said the man has a tattoo on his chest of a boar with red eyes. The attack, which happened in broad daylight, has sent shockwaves through what neighbors said is normally a quiet neighborhood. I worry a lot, said parkgoer Leandro Batista. A lot of concern, you know. I just came here to play softball and then you hear this thing and like, wow. Posters are now up around the neighborhood with a sketch of the mans face and tattoo. As the search intensifies, police are offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest. Copyright 2024 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. Inside the town on the front lines of left-behind Britain Grimsby's once-great fishing industry has given way to 'empty, abandoned' shops and houses - Lorne Campbell / Guzelian Clouds overlook endless miles of flat fields surrounding a town that was once one of the UKs most prosperous. Grimsby sits on the edge of the Humber where the breeze has a cold sting. Down by the docks the smell of fish still hangs in the air, although there are few trawlers left. Grimbarians pride themselves on looking out for each other. The people are amazing, says Karen Owen, 47, who is a carer for her husband. Her 20-year-old daughter, Charlotte, agrees. We love the community but if the town doesnt start looking up soon, it will lose it. The boarded-up buildings, smashed shop windows and fly-tipping are hard to miss. Ive been coming here all my life and I have just seen a massive decline in the town, Karen says. I have never seen it going up. It is such a shame. Its just empty and abandoned. Grimsby became the centre of the general election last week when Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer were quizzed in a televised town hall debate there. The new constituency Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes will be a key battleground on polling day the Red Wall area swung blue for the first time in 74 years in 2019. In town, locals are unimpressed with both Sunak and Sir Keirs performances. Them two coming here, what are they going to do? Theyre only doing it for their own benefit, says John Tucker, a 78-year-old pensioner who used to work on the docks. Does he not think it is good they come to Grimsby rather than going somewhere else? I would have thought they could do better, he shrugs. Despite a renewed focus on levelling up in recent years, many locals in struggling areas such as Grimsby still feel left behind. The clearest sign of its decline is evident in the population numbers. The UKs population soared by 5.9pc in the decade to the 2021 census amid a small baby boom in the early 2010s and rising immigration. It is estimated to have grown even more since to 6.8pc. But while many cities have swelled, some towns are haemorrhaging young people. Fifteen of the 193 constituencies made up of towns in England and Wales saw their populations shrink over the decade to the last census, Telegraph analysis shows. Great Grimsby had the second-most pronounced decline, at 2.5pc, surpassed only by Gateshead on the other side of the River Tyne from Newcastle. While such places are generally outliers, they share many characteristics, says Paul Swinney from the Centre for Cities. A lack of jobs will mean you do poorly in terms of retaining people but also in terms of attracting people. All that then impacts on population, Swinney says. Towns that had a reliance on an industry at some stage, which has declined and are relatively isolated will know these struggles, he says. Many shrinking areas are in northern parts of England or Wales, and also include larger places such as Blackpool and Sunderland. In contrast, the UKs wider population has grown by two million in the last three years alone as a result of net migration. There is not much sign of it in Grimsby. As many people around the country worry about levels of immigration, its absence here tells its own story. Immigration is perhaps one of the strongest signs of an economy that is doing well because there is a reason for people to want to go there, says Swinney. Industrial decline, ill health and worklessness mean the level of economic inactivity is higher here than the national average. The employment rate was 67.5pc in 2021 at the time of the census, compared with 71pc for England. Since the financial crisis, Britain has struggled with anaemic growth and flagging productivity. Improving the fortunes of cities and towns outside London will be crucial to avoiding another decade of lost progress. Even improving productivity in large cities like Manchester and Nottingham could make the UK the second-richest G7 nation ahead of Germany, research for the Centre for Cities has shown. Raising employment rates would go a long way to improve living standards in Grimsby, parts of which have residents on the UKs lowest incomes. The town falls within North and North East Lincolnshire, where productivity is 89pc of the national average. A key challenge for the next resident of No 10 will be to create a rising tide high enough to lift the fortunes of these shrinking towns. Horrific factory work Grimsby was once the home port for the worlds largest fishing fleet and the industry provided a route into well-paid work regardless of academic achievement. Today, the towns youth feel there is a lack of opportunities. There are a lot of factories around but the conditions are horrific, says 20-year-old Callum Atkins. They are legal but it is bad conditions. It is the only job you can get your hands on. He did factory work for a year. Covid disrupted his time in college and after two failed attempts at university, he is back to square one while recovering from a break-up. He dreams of one day starting his own game design company. Grimsby's town centre: locals complain 'there is barely anything to do' - Lorne Campbell / Guzelian On a June weekday, Atkins and his two friends, who are both 17 and in college, are hanging out in the centre of town near St James Hotel. The two young friends say they are biding their time before they can move away from Grimsby for university. One wants to go to Devon, the other to America. Why leave? The thing about Grimsby is that its a good place to be, but there is barely anything to do, says Anthony Haughey, one of Atkins friends. The other, Oskar Siekielski, adds: We have been waiting for the bowling alley to come into Freshney Place for like the past four years. It has never showed up. The council is working on turning vacant shops near the shopping centre into a cinema, but by the time it opens Haughey and Siekielski may already have left. The one thing Grimsby has plenty of is food-processing factories. It is home to one of the largest concentrations of food manufacturing facilities in Europe. Back in 1998 the BBC reported that these factories churned out more frozen pizzas than any other area in Europe. But the prospect of standing over a conveyor belt in sub-zero temperatures as frozen fish fillets or vegetables roll by during 12-hour shifts fails to excite many young people in the area. I refuse to go to a factory, flat out refuse, says Atkins. Back on the high street, 20-year-old Charlotte Owen says: There is too much factory work. A lot of people here have mental health issues. Working in a rundown, depressing-looking factory is not something somebody wants, but that is what the town is. Charlotte Owen, pictured with her mother Karen, is keen to return to work - Lorne Campbell / Guzelian Through Universal Credit, Charlotte, who has been struggling with mental health issues, has been supported in joining a business administration course. Her mental health is improving and she is looking forward to working again once the course finishes in June. For the first six months, she will be assigned a support person to help her navigate the return to work. I just wish this programme was not just for Universal Credit seekers. I wish it was for everybody because theres a lot of people my age that could really benefit from it, she says. Young people who have struggled to find their feet in the job market after the pandemic can only access help like this if they claim benefits. It means those who are unable to rely on guidance from home and who had much of their recent education disrupted have limited support without going on the dole. Rising worklessness has become an increasingly acute issue for Britain since Covid, with a surge in long-term sickness resulting in 700,000 people leaving the labour market. Economists refer to the lasting damage to the jobs market from Covid as scarring. In a place like Grimsby, the battle to overcome it is more visible than in more affluent areas. Covid did hit the local economy quite significantly. I dont think in many sectors it has fully recovered yet, says Philip Jackson, the leader of North East Lincolnshire council. The impact is clear on the high street. The latest figures suggest the towns commercial vacancy rate was nearly three times the average in England, with more than one in four premises empty. Shops that are open sell mobility scooters, vapes or are pawnbrokers. The shopping centre Freshney Place appears to be in better shape, however. The council bought it in 2022 with public funding after it fell into receivership to revive the town centre. While the local authority is happy to play a role in reviving the area, officials are cautious not to fuel a dependency culture, Jackson says. Theres a bigger role for our schools to take on there in terms of aspiration. Maybe in the past there has been a bit of a view in schools locally that there arent really any opportunities around here for people, so what are we educating them for, he adds. More than one in four Grimsby high street premises stands empty - Lorne Campbell/Guzelian Education is a hurdle for the town. Only 40pc of working-age people in Grimsby have academic qualifications beyond GCSEs or equivalent, compared with 56pc across England. Many of those who do make it to university never look back. When younger people get to the point where they are about to go into the jobs market and, particularly if they are looking for a higher skilled job, it is difficult for a place like Grimsby because of its size and isolation to offer access to that type of work, says Swinney. The long-term decline in Grimsbys population means that while a lack of housing is a constant source of frustration elsewhere in the UK, here it is available in abundance. Rents have risen slightly in the past year but remain some of the lowest in the country. Around East and West Marsh, the most deprived neighbourhoods down by the docks, many terraced houses are boarded up and appear abandoned. Unfortunately, quite a lot of them are absent landlords, says Jackson. We get people from London for example who will bid at auctions for houses, really cheap. When they come up to look at them, they realise that they cant get their money back by investing in them because property prices are so low generally. As a result, many tenanted terraced homes fall into disrepair or are left vacant after being bought for as little as 50,000. In another manifestation of the areas decreasing population, there had been a proposal to close three publicly owned nurseries because they were economically unviable, in part from a dwindling number of children. The plan was scrapped after protests from the parents who do live in the area. Calls for Reform For all of its problems, many locals feel the town gets an unduly negative reputation. Tabloid headlines describe parts of the town as places where drug addicts steal bins and pensioners board up windows in fear of petrol bombs. When youre from here you have a different mindset than people coming in, says 24-year-old councillor Oliver Freeston. When people say Grimsby is awful I just dont see it. I think its a good area. We just need more of the right investment. Freeston, who returned to Grimsby after doing a degree, is standing as the local Reform candidate after defecting from the Conservatives weeks ago. Grimsby's Reform UK candidate, Oliver Freeston, is expected to take a chunk of votes from his Conservative rival at the election - Lorne Campbell/Guzelian While Labour is projected to win overwhelmingly on July 4, he will likely take a chunk of votes from the Conservative candidate, Lia Nici. She has been the MP for Grimsby for the past five years after a remarkable win in 2019. People will vote for Reform because they want to give the Conservatives a kicking, she says. But what policies have they got other than seemingly hating everybody who cant track themselves back to Britain for the last 1,000 years? The latest detailed YouGov poll suggests Labour will receive 44pc of the vote, the Conservatives 27pc and Reform 16pc in the area. Nici is still out campaigning in full force in the hope that she will be able to overcome the odds. To stem the population decline, Nicis big ambition if reelected would be to bring back a grammar school to Grimsby. We have really good grammar schools in Lincolnshire. What parents are doing is moving themselves into the catchment area or where theres a bus route. We get the population leaning out and of course, once you lose them you dont tend to ever get them back, she says. Fish and microchips Grimsby was once the home port for the world's largest fishing fleet - Lorne Campbell Grimsbys experience offers lessons for how the next government can better help other towns with shrinking or stagnating populations. As a local authority, we put a lot of time and effort into bidding for pots of grant-funded money, Jackson says. It would be far better if the Government just said this is your chunk of money for regeneration, it is up to you how you spend it as long as you do so sensibly. [We need] more devolution. Boris Johnsons government set out to narrow the economic and social gap between the UKs regions under the banner of levelling up. However, the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) warned on Friday that progress has been feeble. It has been a policy failure, said Adrian Pabst from NIESR. Far greater investment, faster dishing out of funding and handing more powers to local leaders is needed for it to succeed, the think tank said. When the political parties released their manifestos, the Conservatives reiterated their support for levelling up. However, the main vehicle for achieving this policy the UK Shared Prosperity Fund would after three years be redirected to pay for making 18-year-olds do national service. Labour, meanwhile, plans to retire the term levelling up but has promised improvements to infrastructure planning, addressing regional health inequalities and greater devolution. Notably, the party wants to build new towns. Grimsby and neighbouring Cleethorpes have received two rounds of levelling up funding alongside other investment amounting to 280m. The town will be part of the Humber Freeport, giving it favourable tax and customs rules. Meanwhile, the high street is being redeveloped to pivot from struggling retail to more leisure facilities. I have been here since 1965. I dont think Ive ever seen a time when various parts of the private and public sector are working so closely together along with government to try and move the area forward, Jackson says. These things dont happen overnight, he adds. One source of hope for the town is the growing renewables sector. It already employs around 2,000 people and is bringing jobs in areas like engineering and computer science. The worlds largest offshore wind farm, owned by Danish company Orsted, is being operated and maintained from Grimsby. A local success story is Myenergi, which has grown from two people to a 300-person operation with funding from venture capitalists. Its core product, Zappi, is the first in the world to allow electric car owners to charge their vehicles with energy from solar panels. Co-founder Jordan Brompton says she wants to help her hometown move from the fishing and food industry towards becoming a green electronics hub, a transition she describes as from fish to chips. Hiring can be a challenge, however. Its very difficult to employ engineers and coders, in particular for senior roles, because they all gravitate towards cities, Brompton admits. Myenergi co-founder Jordan Brompton says Grimsby could be a tech hub if the town can overcome hiring challenges - Lorne Campbell / Guzelian Katrina Pierce, the development manager for the Federation of Small Businesses in the area, says the largest issue facing Grimsby is neither a lack of jobs nor people but a shortage of skills and confidence. The freeport alone is going to bring 600 jobs. There are at least 22,000 jobs that are needed in construction and engineering alone in the next three years, Pierce says. What we find is very few people locally are aware of the very well-paid and meaningful opportunities that are in those sectors. Younger people are leaving the area, which is a critical issue. Overcoming this problem will be crucial to Grimsbys success and reversing its decline. Business groups such as the local chamber of commerce are also campaigning for reinstating a direct train link to London, which they say would help make it more attractive. Since the last census, Grimsbys population has recovered slightly by 0.5pc, North East Lincolnshire Council estimates. Some of the newcomers are workers coming to fill roles in the growing renewables sector, while others are pensioners attracted by cheap housing, according to the council. In town, several new arrivals say they have come to the cheap town amid poor mental or physical health. Still, the increase is too muted to make any real dent in the longer decline. Even when going back 40 years, Grimsbys population is still lower today. Back on the high street sitting on a bench with vacant shops on either side, Charlotte and her mother Karen say they hope the town will soon see better times. It was given the term Great Grimsby for a reason, says Charlotte. It needs to be made great again, Karen adds. Additional reporting by Ben Butcher. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Seattle Police Department (SPD) is investigating after a man was found shot in a stairwell in the Mount Baker neighborhood early this morning. A 911 caller alerted police to the shooting in the 3600 block of 34th Avenue South at around 2 a.m. on Sunday, June 16. KIRO 7 spoke to residents of the apartment complex that the shooting likely happened in, and they say they heard the shots fired. When police arrived, they found the 22-year-old man alive but seriously injured. Despite aid from officers and the Seattle Fire Department, the man later died at Harborview Medical Center. SPD homicide detectives are looking into what led to the shooting and working on finding a suspect. According to Detective Brian Pritchard, there was an altercation that occurred before the shooting, but detectives couldnt share any more information about the circumstances as the homicide investigation is still ongoing. KIRO 7 spoke to residents of the apartment Anyone with information is asked to call the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at (206) 233-5000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Originally published by The 19th LGBTQ+ advocates are gearing up for a possible second Trump administration by planning future litigation, deepening relationships in Congress and mobilizing voters. If former president Donald Trump is re-elected, advocacy groups expect him to enact anti-LGBTQ+ policies that are more far-reaching and extreme than those he put in place during his first term based on his campaign promises and policies suggested by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank that has shaped the GOPs agenda for decades. Trump is focused specifically on rolling back transgender rights, as he detailed in a campaign video last year. His proposals would terminate Medicare and Medicaid funding for hospitals that provide gender-affirming care to trans youth, attempt to charge teachers with sex discrimination for affirming students gender identities and order federal agencies to cease all programs that promote the concept of sex and gender transition at any age. Trump also pledged to ask Congress to halt the use of federal funds to promote or pay for gender-affirming care, without distinguishing between care for adults or minors. Some of these policies mimic state anti-LGBTQ+ laws, which frequently run into enforcement issues as state agencies tasked with monitoring school bathrooms and classrooms are unable to find consistent ways to carry out restrictive laws. Several of Trumps proposed anti-trans policies would also require congressional approval. However, as a new report from the American Civil Liberties Union details, even if Trump gains the presidency without Republicans taking power in Congress, he would be able to take action against LGBTQ+ rights on his own and has said that he plans to. Weve seen over the last several years a militant effort in red states by the government to discriminate against trans folks, in particular, and the broader LGBTQ community, and even to go so far as to try to deny trans people's existence, said Mike Zamore, national director of policy and governmental affairs at the ACLU. The danger in the Trump administration is seeing the federal government using its massive reach and resources to do something similar on a national scale. The federal government could use its civil rights enforcement capabilities to argue that institutions trying to protect LGBTQ+ rights are violating the rights of people with certain religious beliefs, Zamore said, or it could threaten to withhold funding from universities that receive federal money if they do not discriminate against transgender students. In the Heritage Foundations Project 2025, a purported roadmap of executive actions that a future Republican president could take on various issues including abortion access several of the policy suggestions align with Trumps promises to roll back LGBTQ+ rights. Project 2025 advocates for the deletion of the terms sexual orientation and gender identity from all federal rules and for prohibiting teachers from affirming trans students. One of the more extreme proposals in Project 2025 equates the act of being transgender, or transgender ideology, to pornography, and declares that it should be outlawed. The conservative think tank recommends that educators and public librarians who spread the concept of being transgender should be registered as sex offenders, and that telecommunications and technology firms that facilitate the spread of ideas about transgender people should be shuttered. The ACLU says that a second Trump administration would not be able to implement such a policy without Congress and that if such a policy did go into effect, using criminal laws to outlaw the concept of being transgender would violate the First Amendment. Overall, the ACLU expects the federal government under a second Trump presidency to rescind federal regulations that prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, and to weaponize federal law against transgender people in ways that would also harm cisgender and gender-nonconforming people, by attempting to enforce strict definitions of gender expression. This election has huge ramifications for the future of trans rights across the country, said Josie Caballero, director of voting and elections at Advocates for Trans Equality. The future is going to be incredibly difficult if we allow for a second Trump presidency. That will have ramifications that will affect the trans community for decades, she said. Caballero, a Texas-born granddaughter of Mexican immigrants who is also a military veteran and a queer trans woman, joined other advocates in Congress this week to lobby lawmakers in support of trans rights. If Trump is elected to another term, she believes that deepening relationships in Congress will help. But her focus ahead of the 2024 presidential election is getting as many trans people registered to vote, and ready to vote, as possible. Building a substantial trans voting bloc is crucial to demonstrate to lawmakers that trans people are a formidable political force, she said; and it provides a concrete way to show how many trans people are getting involved in the political process. If you vote against trans issues, well youre going to lose a massive amount of votes and have those votes go against you, she said. Caius Willingham, senior policy advocate at Advocates for Trans Equality, led the organizing for the groups lobbying on Capitol Hill. Building strong relationships with lawmakers in Congress is key to a unified strategy to fight back against anti-trans attacks expected during a potential Trump 2025 administration, he said. When Congress is functioning properly, it is meant to check presidential overreach and much of Project 2025 focuses on consolidating presidential power, he said. Project 2025 includes authors from Trumps former administration and campaign. Their aim is to consolidate as much power in the White House as possible, and so it's very key to make sure that Congress remains a vital check. So that's why this is a huge priority for Advocates for Trans Equality, he said. There are strong allies for trans rights in Congress, he said like Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington, author of a congressional bill that aims to recognize federal protections for transgender Americans. Caballero met on Wednesday with staff from Massachusetts Democrats in Congress, including Reps. Ayanna Pressley and Katherine Clark and Sens. Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren. Other staff at Advocates for Trans Equality, as well as the constituents that they brought to meet lawmakers, also met with Republicans in Congress. We actually ended up with more than 90 meetings scheduled, and these meetings really ranged the political spectrum. We did not turn down a meeting with a single office, Willingham said. We met with Ted Cruz's office. We scheduled something with Mitch McConnells office, that one fell through. But we were here and we were happy to meet with anybody who would make the time to listen to us. Whether congressional Republicans have been responsive to those meetings remains to be seen. Within the past few years, anti-trans rhetoric and attempted policymaking have only continued to grow on Capitol Hill. But the rising number of federal anti-trans bills introduced by Republicans in Congress have been unable to pass, due to a Democratic-controlled Senate. In November, that could change. If a pro-equality opposition controls either or both chambers of Congress in a second Trump administration, pro-LGBTQ+ members of Congress could still use the appropriations process to hinder Trumps ability to enact anti-trans laws, the ACLU writes in its report. The appropriations process refers to how the House and Senate fund the federal government, which is often derailed by riders provisions that dictate policy not directly related to the federal budget. Since many of the anti-LGBTQ+ policies proposed by Trumps campaign or Project 2025 would violate the Constitution and federal law, the ACLU says that litigation would be a significant part of its response to a second Trump term. As the last few years have seen a dramatic increase of anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and laws, the civil rights group has mounted dozens of consequential lawsuits against those policies and at least a dozen on health care bans within the last year. During Trumps first term, the ACLU took on the former presidents order to ban trans people from the military amid hundreds of other lawsuits against the former administration. Although the ACLU is confident in its ability to fight anti-LGBTQ+ policies in court, and several judges appointed by Trump have actually granted wins for LGBTQ+ advocates, the organization says that the political atmosphere has still changed since Trumps first term. Getting courts to understand the experience of transgender people and the impact of discriminatory policies on their lives was difficult even before Trump reshaped the judiciary. It is that much harder now, the report reads. It was co-authored by Ian Thompson, senior legislative advocate at the ACLU, as well as James Esseks, attorney and project director for the ACLUs LGBTQ+ HIV Project, and Leslie Cooper, deputy director of the ACLU LGBT & HIV Project. What we know is that the courts are not as friendly as they once were, said Zamore, who contributed to the report. I don't think any of us can assume that a position that was successful in the first Trump administration would necessarily prevail this go around, but we will obviously be doing everything we can. The ACLU is also urging states to act now to prepare for a possible second Trump presidential term. Local elected officials should start planning how to protect their transgender constituents, and states should create funding streams for gender-affirming care to protect access for those who would lose health care without federally funded programs. The organization cites policies created to protect abortion access as examples, like Californias reproductive health equity program and Marylands abortion clinical training program. The ACLU is working with its state affiliates to organize ideas and potentially necessary resources, Zamore said. Under a hostile administration, states with LGBTQ-friendly governments will need to fill in the gaps for access to gender-affirming care while also standing up for their residents, he said. Trans Americans and parents of trans youth can also prepare by updating their identity documents, said Gillian Branstetter, communications strategist at the ACLUs womens rights project and LGBTQ & HIV Project, who also contributed to the report. Approving name changes, updating birth certificates, and filing for a new passport are all steps that should be taken now, she said. The ACLUs report aims to communicate a way out if some of these policies are implemented, she said, and to organize LGBTQ+ groups around a common focus. Were not out of options. We are not without power here, she said. Senator Chris Murphy accused the Supreme Court of being brazenly corrupt and brazenly political after reporting revealed Justice Clarence Thomas undisclosed lavish gifts and trips from conservative benefactors, as well as Justice Samuel Alitos displaying affiliation with political causes in public. I think theres a crisis on the court, in particular with respect to Justice Alito and Justice Thomas, the Connecticut Democrat said during Sundays State of the Union on CNN. What Justice Thomas is engaged in is just a grift, right? Hes got a major political player on the outside who absolutely has political and business interests at the court paying off a justice. Justice Alito is openly displaying affiliation with political causes in public. I think there's a crisis on the court.@ChrisMurphyCT tells @jaketapper that he believes the Supreme Court is becoming brazenly corrupt and brazenly political. pic.twitter.com/u1ues9TBtY State of the Union (@CNNSOTU) June 16, 2024 Murphy also defended Bidens recent criticism of the court, saying, I think it would be irresponsible for the president not to talk about the fact that this court is becoming brazenly corrupt and brazenly political. And its up to the American people this election to do something about that. Its also up to Congress to step up and pass a code of conduct, a code of ethical conduct, for this court before its too late. Justice Thomas failed to disclose gifts from right-wing activists, including Nazi-obsessed billionaire and GOP megadonor Harlan Crowe, who showered Thomas with private jet and luxury yacht rides, expensive vacations, tuition payments for his grandson and real estate purchases. The unreported gifts were first uncovered by ProPublica, which won a Pulitzer for its reporting on the justices financial records. Justice Alito was recently reported to have flown a conservative political flag similar to those carried by many Jan. 6 rioters at his New Jersey vacation home. He also displayed an upside-down American flag a traditional sign of distress recently embraced by Trump supporters and white nationalists after the 2020 election at his home in Fairfax County, Virginia. Alito blamed his wife for the flags being displayed on their property and recently refused to recuse himself from cases related to Jan. 6 after 40 House Democrats sent him a letter demanding he remove himself from those cases. Both justices have recently complained about the reporting on the courts ethics scandals. Alito lashed out against ProPublica by name in a recording made by liberal documentary maker Lauren Windsor and exclusively reported by Rolling Stone, saying that reporters dont like our decisions. There are groups that are very well-funded by ideological groups that have spearheaded these attacks, Alito said on the recording. Thats what it is. Alito told Windsor that America needs to return our country to a place of godliness, adding, One side or the other is going to win. Rolling Stone additionally reported remarks by the justices wife, Martha-Ann Alito, in conversation with Windsor. Mrs. Alito complained about liberals, the media and seeing Pride flags in her neighborhood. She fantasized about exacting revenge by flying various flags, including one she designed that has the Italian word for shame. Hes like, Oh, please dont put up a flag, Mrs. Alito told Windsor of her conversations with her husband. I said, I wont do it because I am deferring to you. But when you are free of this nonsense, Im putting it up and Im gonna send them a message every day, maybe every week, Ill be changing the flags. Theyll be all kinds. I made a flag in my head. This is how I satisfy myself. I made a flag. Its white and has yellow and orange flames around it. And in the middle is the word vergogna. Vergogna in Italian means shame vergogna. V-E-R-G-O-G-N-A. Vergogna. Some Democrats have pushed for implementing a check on the court. We want a $50 gift ban for justices, Rep. Jamie Raskin said last week. They make $300,000 a year. Pay for your own lunch and pay for your own vacation. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) called the Supreme Court brazenly corrupt and brazenly political as he defended President Biden over reports that he described the high court as out of kilter during a fundraiser this weekend. In an interview on CNNs State of the Union, Murphy said it is absolutely appropriate for Biden to criticize the court. I think it would be irresponsible for the president not to talk about the fact that this court is becoming brazenly corrupt and brazenly political, Murphy added when asked about the appropriateness of Bidens remarks. And its up to the American people, this election, to do something about that, he said, adding that Congress, too, must step up and pass a code of ethical conduct before its too late. The interview comes amid calls for Justice Samuel Alito to recuse himself from upcoming cases related to the Jan. 6 Capitol attack and the 2020 presidential election, following reports that two flags associated with the effort to keep former President Trump in power after 2020 were on display outside his home. He has refused those calls. One instance after the 2020 election involved an upside-down American flag, a symbol historically used to signal distress that was also used by those protesting Trumps loss and that later became associated with the Stop the Steal movement, which tried to prevent the transfer of presidential power based on false claims of election fraud. And in 2023, at his vacation home in New Jersey, Alito flew an Appeal to Heaven flag which, though it has origins in the Revolutionary War, has more recently served as a call for a conservative, Biblically centered government and was spotted in the mob that stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6. Alito said his wife decided to raise the flag at their home, saying she has a legal right to use the property as she sees fit and describing her as fond of flying flags. Justice Clarence Thomas has similarly faced calls for his recusal over the involvement of his wife, Virginia, in the push to overturn the 2020 election results. Like Alito, Thomas has refused to recuse himself. He has also faced scrutiny for accepting lavish gifts and vacations from billionaire Harlan Crow, which were largely uncovered by a ProPublica investigation that raised questions about his ability to stay impartial. Murphy pointed to these examples as evidence of a crisis at the court. I think theres a crisis on the court, in particular with respect to Justice Alito and Justice Thomas. What Justice Thomas is engaged in is just a grift. Hes got a major political player on the outside, who absolutely has political and business interests at the court, paying off a justice, Murphy said. Justice Alito is openly displaying affiliation with political causes in public. Copyright 2024 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. Ibrahima Diouf poses for a photo with two sheep in Thiaroye Sur Mer, Senegal, Friday, June 14, 2024 on the beach next to his home. The upcoming holiday of Eid al-Adha should have been a joyful occasion for millions of Muslims in Senegal. But skyrocketing prices, record unemployment and growing inequalities have turned Tabaski as the holiday is locally known into a source of anguish for many in this West African nation. Diouf, a 48-year-old fisherman, said he could not eat or sleep properly because he was so worried about the financial burden of the holiday. (AP Photo/Stefan Kleinowitz) THIAROYE-SUR-MER, Senegal (AP) The upcoming holiday of Eid al-Adha should have been a joyful occasion for millions of Muslims in Senegal. But skyrocketing prices, record unemployment and growing inequalities have turned Tabaski as the holiday is locally known into a source of anguish for many in this West African nation. Those working in big cities or abroad traditionally return home to celebrate Tabaski. Extended families, dressed in boubous, West African flowy tunics, sewn especially for the occasion from imported fabrics, get together to celebrate. People feast on mutton, sacrificed to commemorate Prophets Ibrahims obedience to God. Ibrahima Diouf, a 48-year-old fisherman from Thiaroye-sur-Mer, a village on the outskirts of Senegals capital, said he could not eat or sleep properly because he was so worried about the financial burden of the holiday. All I think about is Tabaski," he said. I can't even sleep. I cant do anything. Diouf, a father of four and the sole breadwinner in his extended family, has failed to gather enough money to buy a sheep, the prices of which start at around $250. There would be no new clothes either, he said. It's been a week that I haven't found anything in the sea, said Diouf, sitting in a house he shares with multiple family members and some animals. I do everything in my power, but life is very difficult for us." That has not always been the case. When he was younger, his family bought three or four sheep for every Tabaski, he recalled, and shared a meal of mutton, potatoes and onions with neighbors in need. Fishing villages such as Thiaroye-sur-Mer, scattered around Senegals picturesque coastline, have been an important economic engine for the country. Fishing makes up three percent of the national GDP, and provides around 50,000 direct and 500,000 indirect jobs, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Fishermen have been hit in recent years by climate change and uneven battle with industrial trawlers from China, Russia and Europe who are now operating in Senegalese waters. Omar Mbeye, a fisherman in his fifties, said that he started fishing when he was 11 years old and lived through the changes. It was good then, he said, sitting at Thiaroye's beachfront, surrounded by empty pirogues and fishnets. "But right now the sea is ruined. You lose more than you gain. You put your money into it, you go to sea and come back with nothing. As the fish stocks have depleted, living costs including water, fuel and electricity prices have hit the roof. For 90% of Senegalese in informal jobs, this has made it difficult to get by. These days, fishing communities struggle to make ends meet, with many choosing to use pirogues, their wooden fishing boats, to try to reach Europe through a route so dangerous that it's been dubbed Barcelona or die." In Thiaroye-sur-Mer, everyone knows someone who lost a loved one to the sea. Diouf said that just two months ago, he dragged his oldest daughter out of a pirogue while she was about to embark on a journey to Europe in the middle of the night. But he would go himself if he could afford it, Diouf added. For Senegalese households, Tabaski usually means a tenfold increase in expenses, Momar Ndao, the president of Senegal's Association of Consumers, told The Associated Press. But this year, Ndao said, the number of people that can afford to celebrate Tabaski in the traditional way is lower. The prices are high, he said, and with the change of regime, there is a wait-and-see attitude at the economic level." Senegal's new government, led by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, was sworn in earlier this year on a pledge to improve the living standards of ordinary Senegalese. Diouf and his fellow fishermen overwhelmingly voted for Faye, whose name is printed on election posters and hand-painted on the streets of Thiaroye-sur-Mer. On Thursday, three days before Tabaski, the authorities announced they would lower the prices of basic goods. However, it remained unclear when these changes would be implemented. Among other electoral promises, the ruling party also committed to reviewing fishing permits for foreign companies to help local fishermen. But so far, nothing has changed, the fishermen said. These big fishing boats come and take all the fish, they vacuum them up," said Ababacar Diop, 33, another fisherman. Others come with big nets that take away all the rocks where the fish live. Yet, residents of Thiaroye-sur-Mer are prepared to give the new government some time. We have hope," said Diouf. We have to let them get settled. We were all behind them, so now we will let them work. Associated Press writers Ndeye Sene Mbengue, Mark Banchereau and Babacar Dione contributed from Dakar, Senegal. Severe, chaotic weather around US with high temperatures in Southwest and Midwest, snow in Rockies A boy cools off at a fountain outside Wrigley Field before a baseball game between the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals as hot weather descends upon the Chicago area Sunday, June 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh PHOENIX (AP) Extreme heat spread across Arizona, New Mexico and parts of Texas, Colorado and Kansas as severe weather swept across many parts of the U.S. on Sunday. There was unseasonable cold in the Pacific Northwest, snow headed to the northern Rocky Mountains and heavy rainfall forecast from the northern Plains to the Upper Midwest. The National Weather Service estimated that more than 63 million people were under heat advisories on Sunday, stretching from the Southwest northward up through Denver and into Chicago. Temperatures in Phoenix, which hit 112 degrees Fahrenheit (44.4 Celsius) on Saturday, eased slightly on Sunday to 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43.3 Celcius). Weather service forecasters say the first two weeks of June in Phoenix already have been an average of 5.6 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than normal, making it the hottest start to June on record. We have already seen some pretty significantly high temperatures in our area, said Ted Whittock, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Phoenix. We are recommending that everyone reduce their time outdoors between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., stay hydrated and wear light, looser fitting clothing." Whittock said the heat in metro Phoenix will ease a bit Monday through Wednesday, with the highs pushing back up as the week progresses, likely prompting another excessive heat warning. The heat has been especially dangerous in recent years in metro Phoenix, where 645 people died from heat-related causes in 2023 a record. The city and Maricopa County have adopted additional measures this year in hopes of keeping people safer, including two new overnight cooling centers where people can rest in air conditioning after the sun goes down. There are more than 100 other cooling centers that have been open since May 1 where people can get cold water and sit in a cool space during daytime hours. In neighboring New Mexico, a heat advisory was in effect over the weekend for the Chavez County plains including Roswell, where the high was forecast to hit 107 degrees F (41.6 degrees C) on Monday. The high for Albuquerque reached 99 degrees F (37 C) on Sunday, and is forecast to cool slightly to 98 degrees F (36 C) on Monday. The high Sunday was 104 F (40 C) in El Paso, Texas, which has now opened five cooling centers. Temperatures in Colorado ranged from near 90 degrees F (32.2 C) in areas of metropolitan Denver Sunday to 100 degrees F (37.7 C) in the southern city of Pueblo, with temperatures expected to surpass 100 degrees F Monday in the southern reaches of the state. The heat wave was moving eastward Sunday into the Plains and the Great Lakes area and was expected to arrive in the Northeast by Tuesday. The threat of thunderstorms with potential high winds and heavy rainfall was increasing in the Chicago area, even as heat indices were forecast to reach near 100 degrees F (37.7 C) through the middle of the week. As the heat wave spreads eastward, temperatures in Washington and the rest of the mid-Atlantic as well as New England were likely to see highs in the mid- to upper 90s as the week goes on, with excessive humidity making it feel even more oppressive. The U.S. last year saw the the most heat waves, consisting of abnormally hot weather lasting more than two days, since 1936. While much of the country swelters, late season snow was forecast for the northern Rockies Monday and Tuesday. Parts of Montana and north-central Idaho were under a winter storm warning, with as much as 6 inches (15 centimeters) of heavy, wet snow expected in the mountains around Missoula, Montana. As much as 20 inches (51 centimeters) was predicted for higher elevations around Glacier National Park. Meanwhile, a fresh batch of tropical moisture will bring an increasing threat of heavy rain and flash flooding to the central Gulf Coast late Sunday into Monday. Heavy rain is expected to start Monday morning, with the moisture shifting toward the Gulf Coast by Tuesday. The intense flooding from heavy rains continued to dissipate in southern Florida, where some areas in and around Miami and Fort Lauderdale were left underwater in recent days as storms dumped up to 20 inches (50 centimeters). That unnamed storm system coincided with the early start of hurricane season, which this year is forecast to be among the most active in recent memory. David N. Cicilline marked his first anniversary as president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation on June 1. Hope inspires perseverance. The Rhode Islanders that Ive spent time with over the past year my first at the helm of our states community foundation are filled with both a firm belief in the promise of the future, and the grit to get through each day, whatever it holds. Recently, hundreds of those Rhode Islanders joined us at Together RI, a series of six community get-togethers across the state. Over family-style meals, people shared their thoughts on what matters most to them and their neighbors. They celebrated Rhode Islands strengths: our small size and history of innovation, sense of community, diversity, and natural beauty. And, they had plenty to say about the changes they hope to see. They were from all walks of life, and all corners of the state. Their experiences and circumstances are varied, but their message was very clear. Over and over, we heard the call to do more to address the states housing crisis, improve public education, foster economic opportunity, ensure access to quality, affordable health care, mitigate the persistent root causes of inequity, support climate action efforts, and help communities form stronger connections to civic life. More: 'There is need everywhere': Foundation is trying to help Rhode Islanders with $89 million Its a tall order. Our neighbors and friends, children and grandchildren, colleagues and companions are facing intersecting, seemingly insurmountable, challenges. You see it each day in the increased prices at the grocery store, and in the difficulty finding a safe, affordable home. In the falling numbers of public-school teachers, and in rising sea levels. In the difficulty finding a doctor, or a child care provider, or a living wage job. Over the past year at the Foundation, weve been reflecting on our role in the fabric of this community. Amid conversations with our partners, team and board members, our donors, input from Rhode Islanders like you, visits to organizations across that state that are funded with Foundation-directed and donor-directed grants, and after studying our peers across the country, weve come to this conclusion: Rhode Island Foundation President David Cicilline. It is only through strong partnerships and connections, building on the work thats come before, that we can create progress that lasts. Solutions to the challenges we are all facing at the supermarket, the local hospital, our neighborhood school, in our homes, and around the world are fueled by generosity, innovation, and collaboration. Those solutions come to life when community organizations, led by people with lived experience, have the resources to innovate, the capacity to carry out their mission, and the energy to advocate for system change. More: Report shows RI reining in health care spending, but at what cost to struggling providers? Thats where community foundations, like ours here in Rhode Island, come in. We are a bold, uniting presence bringing diverse people and perspectives together to address the challenges we face, supporting community-led initiatives and transformative work, realizing our shared vision for a better future and initiating lasting and meaningful change. We inspire people to work together to collectively act on our biggest challenges. As the community foundation for Rhode Island, a state known through time for its innovation and independence, we are called to act on a transformative vision for opportunity, equity, and improving the well-being of our state and its people. Were constructing the way to that vision with the Rhode Islanders we serve, with our partners and donors, piece by piece. This fall well share details about the Foundations future focus and the action steps that will guide our collective work in the years ahead. In those action steps you will see points of intersection, and places where you yourself can step in to help. Visit www.rifoundation.org/subscribe to be among the first to receive more information. There is one thing that has been reinforced for me over the last year, throughout my career, and that serves as inspiration at the Foundation separately we can have impact, but only together, on a solid foundation, can we build the future we all hope for. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: It is only through strong partnerships and connections, building on the work thats come before, that we can create progress that lasts. International documentary filmmakers and industry reps are gathering at Sheffield DocFest in the U.K. at a moment of political tumult in Europe. British voters head to the polls for a general election on July 4; in France, President Macron dissolved the National Assembly and called snap legislative elections after a French ultranationalist party surged in voting for the European Parliament. Germanys far-right AfD party also scored substantial gains in that European Parliament vote. Overall, the center held more or less. If theres anything the documentary community is used to dealing with its turbulence, whether at the macro level of major change in the business itself, or at the micro level of getting a film production off the ground. The message to DocFest attendees this week has been to insist on solidarity to support each other in the face of geopolitical and economic uncertainty. More from Deadline Patrizia Mancini, Head of Industry at Sheffield DocFest In this moment of crisis, its where we need to get together, says Patrizia Mancini, Head of Industry at Sheffield DocFest. And its also where the creativities really shine, creativities in terms of what we can do with stories and how despite the shrinking of funding or certain [conditions] that could be more challenging materially to produce documentaries its where the creativity can really surprise us in terms of resilience. To foster that resilience and support, DocFest annually convenes a Meet Market where doc makers and leading broadcasters, streamers and distributors huddle for a close look at 50 pre-selected nonfiction projects. Films that attracted support in recent years include many that went on to earn Oscar recognition: All That Breathes, The Act of Killing, The Look of Silence, Searching for Sugarman, 5 Broken Cameras, The Square, The Edge of Democracy, and the 2021 winner of the LOeil dor prize at Cannes, A Night of Knowing Nothing. The Meet Market at Sheffield DocFest The projects showcased at this years Meet Market were chosen through an open call last fall 45 projects in development and five at the rough-cut stage. During DocFest, Mancini notes, filmmakers meet with U.K. and international industry representatives like commissioning editors, buyers from public and private broadcasters, international sales agents, impact producers, other market and festival representatives to develop their project, to look for collaboration. The goal of the Meet Market is to develop the collaboration, the connection, to boost co-production. Among the entities represented this year Japans NHK, Arte, France Televisions, Germanys ZDF, VPRO from the Netherlands, Sky, Netflix, and the U.K.s Channel Four. And thats not all other entities that can offer funding and/or visibility have been on hand, including nonprofits and festivals: Hot Docs, IDFA, DOK Leipzig, Thessaloniki Documentary Film Festival, Sundance, Ford Foundation, and the U.S.-based International Documentary Association. Podcast microphones stands in a recording studio on the premises of the company OMR. Theyre having meetings during two days from 9 to 6, Mancini notes. So, its pretty intense. This year, DocFest also launched a new initiative built around podcasts, one of the hottest areas of growth in nonfiction. The Podcast Pitch brings together six in-development, creative non-fiction audio directors, the DocFest program notes, selected from around the world to sell their ideas in front of a selection of industry experts and commissioners. Roger Ross Williams (left) moderates a discussion on Social Impact Documentaries To get creative juices flowing, DocFest also programs a robust lineup of talks and panel discussions. Oscar winner Roger Ross Williams, the festivals guest of honor this year, held two public discussions, one of them focused on how to support documentaries that dont fall within the obvious categories of true crime, celebrity bios, and music docs. Williams moderated the conversation on Social Impact Documentaries with the makers of Sugarcane (acquired by National Geographic out of Sundance), Daughters, (acquired by Netflix out of Sundance), as well as Union Deadline broke the news Friday about the films plan for a self-distributed theatrical release The Battle for Laikipia, shot in Kenya, and Stone Mountain, a film about the Confederate monument just outside Atlanta, Georgia. Part of DocFests role, at least implicitly, is to point distributors toward material that goes beyond the bounds of narrowly-defined genres to, as Mancini puts it, give the audience not only what they expect, but also make them curious about things that they dont know about. Sustainability of careers within documentary has long been a concern in North America, Europe, and probably everywhere else. Much of doc work is freelance by nature most directors, producers, cinematographers, editors, and sound designers dont work for institutions, but as independent contractors. We had several conversations about how freelancers can be supported, Mancini says. Its really a question for [DocFest] to push certain buttons and analyze the problem and try to come to maybe not a definite final solution but try something different. Sheffield DocFest hosts a tutorial on AI There is anxiety that AI could further erode the number of jobs in the field. For young people hoping for careers in documentary, thats a particular concern. DocFest endeavors to support emerging creatives, as well as filmmakers from historically underrepresented backgrounds. The festivals Amplify: Production Talent, for instance, is an initiative for selected entry-level production professionals to elevate their career, as the DocFest website describes it. The idea involves mentorship between seasoned professionals and those who represent the future of the doc field. Its a question of sharing the experience, to give also space for questions, Mancini explains. And there is always an exchange, which I think is a really great part of Sheffield DocFest, an exchange of, Okay, Ive been through what it means to be an emerging filmmaker and emerging producer I can give you tips, how I did it when it was my time [coming up], and how it has changed over the years. DocFest also holds a Filmmaker Challenge for young directors, an opportunity to make a short film over the course of a week and exhibit it at the festival. Oscar-nominated filmmaker Julie Cohen (RBG, Julia, Every Body) served as mentor to this years participants. Its been really successful, Mancini says. Its part of the DNA of the festival within the program, within the team. Its just to be open, to give access to people of different backgrounds, different stories. Sunny Side of the Doc in La Rochelle, France Sheffield DocFest wraps Monday. At the end of June, an event on the other side of the English Channel will pick up the banner Sunny Side of the Doc, the worlds biggest all-documentary market, which unfolds in La Rochelle, France. At Sunny Side, too, the emphasis is on fostering co-productions, getting the work made, confronting challenges in the field and charting a future course so that quality nonfiction work reaches the eyes of people around the world, be it through streaming platforms, theatrical, broadcast TV or linear cable. This is the ethos, as Mancini defines it: We need community. We need to build community and to stress collaboration. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. UPDATE: SUNDAY 6/16/2024 3:45 p.m. (COLORADO SPRINGS) A shooting outside a Walgreens in Old Colorado City on Sunday, June 16 left two people injured. According to CSPD, the shooting was an apparent altercation between two individuals which happened outside of the Walgreens. A couple of shots were fired toward the store, but nothing happened inside the store. MORE INFORMATION: Altercation between two people led to shots fired in OCC Both parties involved were injured and taken to the hospital, but their injuries were not non-life-threatening, said CSPD. ORIGINAL STORY: CSPD responding to a shooting at Walgreens in Old Colorado City UPDATE: SUNDAY 6/16/2024 3:10 p.m. The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) is responding to a shooting at a Walgreens in Old Colorado City, according to a post on their X (formerly Twitter) page at 2:56 p.m. The Walgreens in question is located at 3143 West Colorado Avenue. Please avoid the area. FOX21 News will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates. Copyright 2024 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 FOX21 News Colorado. The small community of Gervais has earned a reputation as a city divided. On Tuesday, voters will decide whether to recall Mayor Annie Gilland, elected in 2020, and city councilors John Harvey, elected in 2022, Michael Gregory, who has been on the council for 28 years, and Robb Ladd, who was appointed last year. The 1,481 registered voters in Gervais have the option of voting yes or no on each of the four. Proponents of the recall contend the mayor and councilors overstepped their authority and are trying to consolidate power. Gilland and the targeted councilors say they have been working to fix issues they inherited from previous administrations. The petition to put the recall on the ballot cited things like spending tens of thousands of dollars on attorneys, influencing hiring decisions and trying to change the charter. But the issue that has gotten the most attention is the February firing of police chief Mark Chase. Bill Poehler to provide Investigation into police chief Mark Chase Mark Chase was hired as an officer in Gervais in 2016 and promoted to chief in 2019 by then city manager Susie Marston. Chase previously had been an officer in Salem and the police chief in Junction City for seven years before he was fired in 2016 after his gun went missing. He was placed on administrative leave in October 2023 while a misconduct investigation was conducted into complaints he violated city policies about harassment, discrimination and retaliation, according to an investigation by Mountain Lakes Employment Investigations. The investigation determined Chase likely: Engaged in retaliatory conduct against a lieutenant Made sexually suggestive comments in front of staff members Made inappropriate comments to a person based on her sex Treated an officer differently after she had a child Reassigned job duties of a female employee after she had her second child, And repeatedly told an officer, if you ever get involved in a shooting when he (the suspect) hits the ground, I want you to put five more in him so hes gone. Chase did not participate in the investigation on advice of his attorney. He denied the findings, but admitted he pointed a loaded weapon at an officer during training. According to the investigation, Chase was watching a training exercise and an officer said he would demonstrate with the chief how to take a gun away from someone. The investigators said the chief pointed his loaded gun at the lieutenant. I take responsibility. Its a bad mistake," Chase said. Tuesday's recall election is the second in a year in Gervais. Councilors Mickey Wagner and Pamela Foreman were recalled in June 2023. City council votes in favor of firing police chief Councilor Gregory said the council was presented with a redacted executive summary of the investigative report on Jan. 22. Chase was given the opportunity to speak during a special meeting of the city council on Feb. 20. He called the investigation "a sham," but admitted pointing a loaded gun at an officer. The council voted 4-1 to fire him. Councilor Baltazar Jr. Gonzalez voted against termination, and as mayor, Gilland did not vote and does not unless breaking a tie. We were left with no decision to make because it was evident if we didnt let him go, the city would be under (danger) to be sued tremendously, Gregory said. We had to do it or else. Proponents of the recall contend the city council lacked authority to fire Chase. The Gervais city charter states: The manager pro tem has the authority and duties of manager except that a pro tem may appoint or remove employees only with council approval. At the time of Chase's termination, Gervais had a pro tem city manager, Roger Brown. who has since been hired on a permanent basis. Possible changes to city charter become controversial The city council has been considering asking voters to approve changes to the city charter. Gilland said the council decided to put it off until the November election to have more time to get additional input from the community. The biggest changes is the council having the final say on the interdepartmental changes, said councilor Gregory. He said the council "lost control of saying who is hired, who is let go, who is what" in 2013 when changes were made to the charter. "The administration could run wild without having to check with the city council, Gregory said. Few people were informed when Chase was placed on leave by then pro-tem city manager John Morgan. We didnt know and we were kept in the dark, said Gilland. Proponents of the recall say the proposed changes to the charter would give the mayor the power to hire and fire city employees. The recall election of Gervais Mayor Annie Gilland and 3 councilors The prospective recall petition was filed on Feb. 6. The council voted to fire the police chief on Feb. 20. We just knew it was coming, said Petra Wright, who lead the recall petition. The mayor has tried to make it that Im doing this as a retaliation, and that is not it at all." Wright in 2018 accused a neighbor of taking part of her property and some city property by installing a fence five feet into her back yard. The case was dismissed in municipal court, she said. Wright told the Statesman Journal she suspects the mayor and other city councilors used improper influence in the case, but she produced no evidence. "There is no retaliation in my eyes," Wright said. "I am running to see a better community aspect of things, people come back together as a whole and not be so divided. Her petition also cited allegations of the mayor and councilors using their positions to hire friends, trying to change the charter, not hiring a permanent city manager. (Brown was elevated to city manager since the recalls were filed), and spending $50,000 on attorneys. Gilland, Gregory and Ladd deny nearly all of the charges in the recall petition. These people make so much (stuff) up, its amazing, Ladd said. Wright also petitioned to recall city councilor Joel Ramon. But the Marion County Clerks office only was able to certify 99 of the 118 signatures that were submitted, and 108 were needed. Changes in city culture, staff leaving, fired People have accused Gilland of creating a hostile work environment. They said that has led to many people leaving the employment of the city. There were 13 people that had worked for Gervais in the last three years who are not there anymore, said Brian Wagner, who frequently testifies to the city council. Gilland, whose father, Ron Foote, and step-mother, Sandra Foote-Gregory, also were mayors of Gervais, said many of the employees who left did so of their own accord, to work for bigger governments in better paying positions. She said that is part of being a small city. Former city employee Abby Fernandez said she had a disagreement with Brown about whether she should log out of her computer when she left her work area. On April 12 she was put on leave by the city. And on May 10, she was terminated. Fernandez said she went with Brian Wagner and Petra Wright during her lunch break to turn in paperwork for the recall and she didnt do any work on the recall during city work time. I was very careful, and I didnt even talk about it during work, Fernandez said. What does the future hold? If three or four elected city officials are recalled, the Marion County Commissioners would appoint enough to get the city council back to four members, according to the county. If one or two people are recalled, the remaining city council would appoint the rest of the six-member council. Gregory said that if he is recalled, he will run in the November election. Ladd said he probably would do the same. I dont think the good citizens of Gervais are going to vote us out, Gregory said. Gilland said she is unsure what she will do if recalled, but she might apply to be appointed to the position. If Gilland, Harvey and Ladd are not recalled, their names will appear on the November ballot as incumbents. Thats why this crap is amazing, Ladd said. Theyre going to shut down the city, basically, when they could have it in November. The proponents of the recall say the time to get rid of the mayor and city council is now. They say the city needs immediate change. These people, they absolutely, they dont care about anything except keeping their perceived power, said Heather Lagaso, president of the Community Progress Team and a vocal supporter of the recall. The only thing everyone in Gervais agrees on is that on June 18, everyone will see how divided the city is. Bill Poehler covers Marion and Polk County for the Statesman Journal. Contact him at bpoehelr@StatesmanJournal.com This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Voters in Gervais to decide whether to recall mayor, 3 councilors In recent days, Southern California has experienced one earthquake after another. A 3.6 in Ojai on May 31. Two of a similar magnitude under the East Los Angeles area of El Sereno. Another three quakes near Newport Beach and Costa Mesa. While these quakes were far weaker than historic temblors like the 6.7 Northridge Earthquake of 1994, which caused an estimated $20bn in damage and killed over 57 people, do they herald the arrival of the so-called Big One in a state sitting on multiple, highly active faultlines? Theres the notorious 800-mile-long San Andreas, which runs from near the Mexico border, east past Los Angeles, then up the coast north of Sacramento. Aykui Alaverdyan walks over rubble after taking some of her belongings from her Hollywood Boulevard apartment building in Hollywood, CA, 20 January 1994, which was destroyed in the Northridge earthquake (AFP via Getty Images) Major quakes occur along the fault every 180 years or so, and the San Andreas hasnt had a majorly powerful one since 1906. The US Geological Survey estimates it has a 60 percent chance of causing a magnitude 6.7 or greater in the Los Angeles area in the next 30 years. Of even greater concern is the Cascadia Subduction Zone, which runs from Northern California to British Columbia, Canada. Its overdue for an even larger quake compared with historical averages. So, are the recent earthquakes an ominous omen of something larger, or business as usual in a state with an estimated 35 quakes a day? Earthquakes remain stubbornly difficult to predict in advance (Bay Area News Group 2022) The El Sereno quakes, for example, happened just under the Puente Hills thrust fault, which runs beneath downtown Los Angeles and Orange County. The 10-mile deep fault angles like a ramp and gets closest to the surface near the LA campus of the University of Southern California. If a quake along this fault hits the loose earth of the Los Angeles Basin, it could amplify the intensity of an earthquake by up to ten times compared to areas located on bedrock. The Newport Beach-Costa Mesa temblors, meanwhile, took place near the Compton thrust fault, which could raise the LA River by up to 5 feet in a strong quake, wreaking havoc on city sewer systems. There have been six quakes above magnitude 7 along the fault in the last 12,000 years, according to geologists. Scientists argue that instead of focusing solely on the largest quakes by magnitude, the key consideration is how much damage they could do to densely settled areas. The San Andreas, despite its famous reputation, runs for large sections through sparesly populated desert. In some respects, the big one in terms of damages and deaths would be ones running through town rather than one thats a long distance away, Dr. Pat Abbott, professor of geology emeritus at San Diego State University, told KSWB last year. Theres the size of the earthquake, and then also where you are situated compared to where the faults moving. The San Andreas Fault is a tectonic boundary between the Pacific Plate, which is moving to the northwest at three inches each year and the North American Plate, heading south at about one inch per year. (AFP via Getty Images) He pointed to major quakes like the 1857 and 1906 San Andreas earthquakes, as well 1994s Northridge earthquake, all of which were under the 8.0 magnitude contemplated in Big One scenarios but which still caused horrendous damage. Unfortunately, earthquake prediction remains an extremely challenging endeavor, according to the California Governors Office of Emergency Services website. While scientists can monitor fault lines and detect patterns of seismic activity, they cannot predict exact earthquakes reliably. Instead, scientists deal more in the realm of long-term probability, which can inform what high-risk areas can do to prepare for the day when the hard-to-predict prospect of a major quake arrives. For instance, the USGS estimates that theres a 72 per cent chance a 6.7 or greater magnitude quake will hit the San Francisco Bay Area in the next 30 years. Multiple fault lines run through or near major parts of the Los Angeles metropolitan area (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Finding a greater level of precise prediction is the holy grail of earthquake science, University of Washington seismologist Harold Tobin wrote last year. Science has not yet found a way to make actionable earthquake predictions, he wrote. A useful prediction would specify a time, a place and a magnitude and all of these would need to be fairly specific, with enough advance notice to be worthwhile. In the meantime, until that magic predictor code is unlocked, governments can push for preparedness measures like digital alert systems, practice drills, and building retrofits, while individual citizens are advised to have emergency kits in place and drop to their knees, cover their head and neck, and hold onto something stable when a quake begins. Six Hajj pilgrims die from heatstroke in Mecca, as temperatures head for 118 degrees Fahrenheit Six people have died from heatstroke during the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, amid warnings from Saudi officials that temperatures during the annual gathering could reach 48 degrees Celsius (118 degrees Fahrenheit) this year. All six of the dead are Jordanian citizens, the Jordanian foreign ministry said Saturday, adding that it was coordinating with Saudi authorities in Jeddah regarding burial procedures and possible transfer of their bodies back to Jordan. News of the deaths comes as pilgrims gathered atop Mount Arafat on Saturday, marking the main event of the pilgrimage, with the niece of one of the deceased telling CNN Arabic that her aunt had died on Mount Arafat and was buried in Saudi Arabia. More than 1.8 million people are taking part in Hajj this year, according to the Saudi General Authority for Statistics. The Hajj is one of the biggest religious gatherings in the world and the largest annual event in Saudi Arabia. It occurs two months and 10 days after Ramadan ends, during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar and shorter than the Gregorian calendar, the timing of Hajj on the Gregorian calendar shifts slightly each year. This year, Saudi Arabia is expected to experience extreme heat over the five-day pilgrimage, with temperatures reaching 48 degrees Celsius (118 degrees Fahrenheit) in Mecca. A Muslim pilgrim splashes water on his head to cool off at the base of Saudi Arabia's Mount Arafat during the Hajj pilgrimage on June 15, 2024. - Fadel Senna/AFP/Getty Images Hajj officials are asking pilgrims to carry umbrellas and stay hydrated amid the harsh conditions, the spokesman for the ministry of health Muhammad Al-Abdulaali said, according to the state news agency SPA. The Saudi army has also deployed more than 1,600 personnel with medical units specifically for heatstroke and 30 rapid response teams. Another 5,000 health and first aid volunteers are taking part. Jordan has previously said there were more than 4,000 pilgrims in its official delegation this year. However, the foreign ministry clarified that the six who died were not part of the official delegation, meaning they did not have valid Hajj licenses to perform the pilgrimage. Performing Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. Islam requires every Muslim who is physically and financially able to make the journey to the holy city of Mecca at least once in his or her life. The pilgrimage includes numerous detailed rituals including wearing a special garment that symbolizes human equality and unity before God, a circular, counter-clockwise procession around the Kaaba, and the symbolic stoning of evil. People who have completed the pilgrimage may add the phrase al-Hajj or hajji (pilgrim) to their names. Over the past decade, Saudi Arabia has invested billions of dollars to upgrade transport, technology and accommodation for pilgrims performing Hajj a key source of income for the worlds largest oil producer. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com (L-R) Ghana's President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Swiss Federal President Viola Amherd, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, Chile's President Gabriel Boric and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attend the closing press conference of the Summit on peace in Ukraine. Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press via ZUMA Press/dpa The Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland concluded with mixed results, as only 80 of the 93 participating states approved the final declaration at the close of the two-day event on Sunday. Six countries from the G20 group of the world's most important economic powers - Brazil, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, India and Indonesia - did not back the communique, according to a list published by the Swiss hosts. The declaration, spanning just over two pages, condemns the threat of nuclear weapons, calls for the return of abducted Ukrainian children, and demands unhindered grain exports from Ukraine. The final declaration does not specify plans for a follow-up conference but emphasizes the need for dialogue with Russia to create peace. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke of a second summit within months, with several countries expressing interest in hosting it. Saudi Arabia is considered a leading candidate. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed that Russias participation would require its commitment to the UN Charter. Armenia, Bahrain, Thailand, Libya, the United Arab Emirates, Colombia and the Vatican also did not back the document released at the Burgenstock mountain hotel resort near Lucerne. Brazil, India, South Africa and the UAE are united with Russia in the so-called BRICS group and maintain a friendly relationship with Russia despite its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The draft of the final declaration took this into account and did not explicitly condemn Moscow for its actions nor call for its withdrawal from Ukraine. Instead, it recalls the Charter of the United Nations: "In particular, we reaffirm our commitment to refraining from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state," the text reads. The principles of sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of all states, including Ukraine, must be respected, it stated. The signatories also favour protecting the Ukrainian nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhya, which is occupied by Russia, and agree that any threat to use nuclear weapons should be condemned. They also call for unhindered grain exports from Ukraine, which are particularly important for impoverished countries. The declaration also advocates the exchange of prisoners of war and the return of children and other civilians abducted from Ukraine to Russia. Earlier in the day, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer anticipated an incomplete backing of the document, while downplaying the significance of this. This was only because of its exact wording, according to Nehammer, rather than reflecting a lack of support for efforts to broker peace in Ukraine. The basic common position would not be affected, he said: "That's why I'm not so worried if not everyone signs now." According to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, the conference as such brought significant progress. Kuleba said that all countries that were not present were also aware of the impetus provided by the meeting. Overall, the process that has been initiated is very welcome, he said: "We are on the right track." Swiss President Viola Amherd acknowledged the diverse perspectives at the conference but emphasized that it marked the first high-level discussion on a peace process. Some substantive prerequisites for a path to an end to the war in Ukraine had been created, she said. The event aimed to initiate a peace process in which Russia would also be involved in the long term. Officials from Moscow were not invited on this occasion and did not express a wish to attend. The summit was also an attempt by the West to involve other countries in South America, Asia and Africa in peace efforts based on international law. Ukraine is calling for a "just and lasting" peace. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky attends the closing press conference of the Summit on peace in Ukraine. -/Ukraine Presidency/dpa (L-R) Ghana's President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Swiss Federal President Viola Amherd, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, Chile's President Gabriel Boric and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attend the closing press conference of the Summit on peace in Ukraine. -/Ukraine Presidency/dpa Ten days from now, two elderly gentlemen will wander onto a platform in Atlanta, Georgia, and accuse each other of being elderly. Amid the urgent issues for discussion in the first debate between the candidates in the forthcoming US presidential election, age is being weaponised by both contenders. Last week President Joe Biden (81) or Sleepy Joe, as he is known in Republican circles sent a mocking 78th birthday greeting to former President Donald Trump: Take it from one old boy to another. Age is just a number, he (or the staff who run his socials) wrote. But Biden, perhaps distracted by Presidential duties (and the inconvenient conviction for gun crimes of his wayward son, Hunter) is late to the party when it comes to throwing shade on a person for being old. His apparent lapses tripping, freezing, forgetting peoples names, and aimless wandering most recently at last weeks G7 meeting in Italy have been gleefully exploited by his opponents. Denial of any problems, publication of the Presidents health records (nothing to see here beyond a touch of sleep apnoea and a tiny root canal emergency), factual accounts (Prime Minister Rishi Sunak explained that Biden had politely gone to speak to some Italian parachutists at the G7), even Bidens ever-vigilant wife, Jill, pointing out that Joe and that other guy are essentially the same age none of it seems to land. While high-minded periodicals such as the New Yorker chronicle Trumps own wayward elder behaviour, the perception persists that Biden is more decrepit than his rival. If there is a paradox in the fact that the youth-obsessed New World has an octogenarian and an all-but-octogenarian contending for the Presidency, on this side of the Atlantic, attitudes to age seem a touch less fraught. If the 17-year age difference between the main party leaders, Rishi Sunak (44) and Sir Keir Starmer (61) has been an electoral issue, I have missed it both seem to be regarded as occupying the extended hinterland of spry middle age. Meanwhile, the presence of centenarian and near-centenarian veterans on the Normandy beaches at the recent 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings has acted as a sharp reminder of the veneration we owe to great age. Those gallant old men and women are a living link with events that will soon pass into history, and the current generations feeling of awe at the dutiful way they sacrificed their youth to serve their country, and their eloquent expression, 80 years on, of what it cost them, has engendered a degree of national self-examination about our attitudes to old age. In some ways, the Old World still sees the generation of wartime veterans as its moral compass, while in the New World, where neither presidential candidate actually served in the military, the cult of youth persists, most notoriously in the person of the wealthy longevity-seeker Bryan Johnson, who had a rejuvenating transfusion of his teenaged sons blood, and holds cheery-sounding Dont Die dinners for guests including the Kardashians. If youth knew, if age could, wrote the 16th-century French scholar, Henri Estienne, who might have marvelled at a world in which ancients astonish the young with self-effacing stories of unimaginable courage, while across the Atlantic, a pair of gerontocrats trade playground taunts in their battle for power. Giving, not lending A rueful correspondence in The Telegraph about the lending of books and their long-delayed return leads me to reflect that lending actually tends to mean giving. Being literal-minded, it has taken me many years to realise this, and I still harbour a grudge against various borrowers of my possessions. In particular, I recall the tweezers from my Swiss Army knife, lent decades ago to a charismatic chef at The Telegraph who was having a pinbone emergency. Years later, when I ran into him at a farmers market in Canterbury, my first words were, Patrick, where are my tweezers? Needless to say, he hadnt a clue what I was on about. So I have learned the hard way that a loan is actually a gift. And if you get it back, the gift is redoubled. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. UPDATED Monday 7:30 AM: The Post Fire near the Tejon Pass and Pyramid Lake north of Los Angeles has grown to 14,625 acres and is 8% contained early Monday, with strong winds and hot temperatures expected to hinder firefighting efforts. Firefighters worked through the night to reinforce the lines of cleared vegetation, according to the most recent update from the unified command, that include the U.S. Forest Service, Angeles National Forest, the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Ventura County Fire Department. More from Deadline The fire continues to threaten nearby structures and has prompted the evacuation of about 1,200 people from the Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area. Winds blew the smoke throughout the San Fernando Valley and into the Westside of L.A. Sunday, reducing air quality and creating a brown haze that hung over much of the region. Some reports had smoke stretching down to San Diego. Fire in the sky sunset over Hollywood Mt. #postFire smoke drifting into LA. pic.twitter.com/onLu3z0xzX Helen Driscoll (@HelenDriscoll) June 17, 2024 The forecast for Monday was not promising. The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for the Fort Tejon area Sunday that indicated, Very strong Northwesterly to North winds and relative humidity values of near 10 percentThe strongest winds are anticipated tonight and Monday, with sustained speeds of 25 to 35 mph, with frequent gusts near 55 mph. Maximum gusts could reach 50-70 mph along the ridgetops, per NWS. Strong winds were also forecast for the Ventura County mountains. Per the NWS, A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now, or will shortly. Thankfully, temperatures are expected to cool by a few degrees in the upcoming week. But the NWS warned of the potential for gusty winds to continue into Monday night and Tuesday. There is a 40 percent chance that the Red Flag Warning is extended into Monday night or Tuesday. There is also the potential for winds to shift to the northeast Monday night and Tuesday. That means the blaze could burn toward Santa Barbara and/or the northern stretches of the San Fernando Valley. The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a Smoke Advisory for Santa Clarita, Gorman, the San Fernando Valley, Burbank, Tujunga and the Angeles National Forest. On Sunday, the blaze was spread south and entered Ventura County for the first time, scorching about 2,000 acres of wilderness in the southeastern portion of the Las Padres National Forest. There were 114 engines on scene and more than 1,000 personnel. Firefighters are hoping to reinforce the existing perimeter on the blazes east side tonight. According to Cal Fire, the wind is expected to push the fire further south towards Pyramid Lake. The cause of the blaze is unknown. UPDATED early Sunday: A Southern California wildfire has doubled in size overnight. The Post Fire, located in the Tejon Pass north of Los Angeles, had grown on Sunday to more than 12,000 acres with 2% containment, according to Cal Fire. The fire had burned an auto repair shop, damaged another building, and threatened other structures to the south and west of I-5, authorities said. A worker in Gorman captured the moment a fire ravaged an auto shop. The #Postfire now spreading to more than 3,600 acres and according to @LACoFDPIO its zero contained. pic.twitter.com/W2csYFWL9B Christian Cazares (@Cazaresreports) June 16, 2024 The fire is located parallel to Interstate 5 in Los Angeles County, causing the freeway to briefly close on Saturday, triggering a traffic jam through the area, officials said. More than 1,000 campers from a park near the fire have been evacuated. The blaze started just before 2 p.m. PT on Saturday in the area. Gusty winds fanned the flames, which quickly spread. At least two structures have been damaged by the fire, Cal Fire said. No injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire remained under investigation Sunday. More than 300 firefighters, including air tanker crews, are battling the fire from the ground and sky, authorities said. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. On February 22, 2024, the Odysseus spacecraft touched down on the moon. It was the first American spacecraft to land on the lunar surface in over 50 years, and, like its predecessors, it carried gear for NASA experiments. But it wasnt owned by NASA. Instead, it was the product of space exploration company Intuitive Machines, making it the first spacecraft manufactured by a private company to land on the moon. Intuitive Machines, based in Houston, Texas, might seem like just another player in the seemingly crowded and growing private space industry. Companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin, who, like Intuitive Machines, work with NASA to bring astronauts and equipment to space, are also committed to commercial spaceflight, already giving select private citizens a ride into space. Meanwhile, companies like AstroForge are attempting to make extraterrestrial mining a reality. Increasingly, these companies are the ones who own the spacecraft being launched into the galaxy. While each is jockeying for position in the burgeoning market that space is becoming, their earthly establishment is largely based in the American West a place that, not too long ago, to many people across the globe, felt something like space. A place to be explored, discovered, mined, tamed and claimed. A place that could make a person rich. And, ironically, a place that, in the beginning of white settlements, only well-to-do people could access. However, this time, instead of gold and land, the pioneers of space have their sights set on technological advancement and, well, actual space. With so many currently eyeing the cosmos, is space the next frontier in private development? The ambiguity of the answer lies largely in the murkiness of the ownership or lack thereof of space. Questions about ownership in outer space might have previously existed only in science fiction, but took on new importance during the space race that raged after the Wests well-known chapter of early atomic development in New Mexico and during the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union, according to science and technology historian Teasel Muir-Harmony. A lot of these early laws were driven by a fear of nuclear weapons, says Muir-Harmony, the curator of the Apollo Collection at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.. But they also dealt with questions of ownership. Unlike the plains, mountain ranges, deserts and rivers that unfolded before white settlers as they pushed west, ownership isnt something thats able to be claimed in space as of now, due to specific laws outlined in the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies. Commonly called the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, it became the central international pact of space law. Regarding ownership, the language is clear: No one can truly own outer space. The treaty emphasizes that no one can claim the territory of the moon or other celestial bodies, says Muir-Harmony, nor any other part of outer space, including Earths orbit. Though the treaty technically only says nations cant claim sovereignty over space, a country wouldnt have the authority to let a private company own part of outer space without some kind of claim of ownership themselves, which would violate the treaty. The United States, the Soviet Union and the United Kingdom were among the first countries to sign the treaty, and today, 114 countries have signed and now observe the laws it outlines. Its worth noting that the lack of any ownership created by the Outer Space Treaty has caused its own problems. For instance, the treaty says nothing about regulating waste in space, and without any country owning space, no one is responsible for keeping it clean, writes Chris Impey, a professor of astronomy at the University of Arizona. There are over 9,000 satellites and 23,000 pieces of debris in Earths orbit alone. Thats not even counting the nearly 100 bags of human waste, 200 tons of trash and the remains of over 50 crashed rockets that litter the surface of the moon. More than a decade later, the Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, usually called the Moon Treaty, emerged in 1979. It outlines more regulations around exploring and taking resources from planetary bodies. But unlike the Outer Space Treaty, not a single nation with an active space program signed and passed corresponding laws that would enforce the treaty. There was concern in the U.S., especially voiced by many space advocates at the time, that agreeing to the moon agreement would discourage investment of private industry in space and inhibit future exploration, says Muir-Harmony. Since then, how people will choose to preserve space or not has been up for debate. With so many currently eyeing the cosmos, is space the next frontier in private development? In December 2023, the Biden administration proposed a new framework to Congress to regulate these businesses called the Novel Space Activities Authorization and Supervision Framework. The framework is a first step in regulating what private companies might launch into space: for instance, spacecraft for asteroid mining or space tourism. The secretaries of the departments of Commerce and Transportation would share responsibility for authorizing and supervising new uses of space, though the framework also creates an interagency group that would work with industry to discuss how future endeavors in space might be regulated. The administration also submitted draft legislation to give the departments this new regulating power in November 2023. But Congress hasnt passed it, and many industry groups object because of what they see as too much government oversight. Its unclear if or when it might take effect. Without this kind of future regulation, it might seem strange that countries can control what goes on in space at all in fact, that regulation might seem similar to a kind of ownership. Having the right to use a space, especially exclusively, is another key concept in how people imagine ownership. One of the general ideas about ownership is that you can exclude other people, says Steve Mirmina, an adjunct professor of space law at Georgetown University Law School. Because no one can own space, current law wouldnt allow, for instance, an asteroid mining company to prevent another company from mining the same area. But in the interest of safe use, its possible that in the long term, policies may change and allow some exclusive access to a part of space for instance, groups doing research or mining in a certain area. Regarding ownership, the language is clear: No one can truly own outer space. Many people have raised questions about the extraction of resources in space before in fact, they were the subject of the Moon Treaty, says Muir-Harmony. That the United States and other countries never signed on left the subject, largely theoretical at the time, unresolved. Consequently, situations the treaty might have applied to have remained legally ambiguous. For instance, it has been unclear who legally owns the over 800 pounds of lunar samples brought back to Earth from the Apollo missions. At the time they were brought to Earth, no law governed the use of resources from space, and the Outer Space Treaty does not lay out any guidelines for who owns materials brought to Earth from outer space. Still, the United States has always acted as if it owns them. Its only recently weve begun to revisit these issues. In 2015, the U.S. passed the Commercial Space Launch Competitiveness Act, which allows U.S. companies and citizens to own resources from space. The act was immediately controversial, with some arguing that it violates the Outer Space Treaty by allowing the ownership of a part of space. Theres also the question of how to interpret the law: When might something count as territory versus resources? I dont actually know how that gets resolved, says Matthew Weinzierl, a professor at Harvard Business School who has done research on the economics of the space industry. Interpretations as simple as this are capable of showing the cracks. Its unclear how companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin and extraterrestrial mining operations like AstroForge see their role in future space presence and treaty agreements. Deseret Magazine reached out to these companies but did not receive a response from SpaceX, while both Blue Origin and AstroForge declined to comment. NASAs upcoming return to the moon as part of its Artemis missions has also prompted the drafting of a set of nonbinding international agreements called the Artemis Accords. The accords reiterate the 2015 law and set up so-called safety zones for exclusive study or resource extraction on the moon and other celestial bodies. Like with the 2015 act, those opposed characterize the Artemis Accords as allowing private ownership of celestial bodies in all but name if companies are saying that (they) can use this area and no one else can, says Brendan Rosseau, a researcher at Harvard Business School who works with Weinzierl. Despite objections, 39 countries have so far signed the agreement. Still, neither Russia nor China has signed on, highlighting the continued disagreement between people and nations about how we should explore, utilize or even own outer space, says Muir-Harmony. But really could we actually mine space? Are companies going to run non-NASA-funded moon missions or launch space hotels? Is space a frontier at all? Is all of this discussion even worth it? Not everyone agrees that we should be concerned about exporting all our earthly problems with ownership into the cosmos. Not for a lack of precedence here, but for a lack of possibility out there. Not everyone agrees that the world needs new regulations on things like mining in space, or that we should be concerned about humans exporting all our earthly problems with ownership into the cosmos. Not for a lack of precedence here, but for a lack of possibility out there. I think these claims about resource utilization are greatly exaggerated, says space historian Dwayne Day. With companies focused on asteroid mining, such as Planetary Resources and Deep Space Industries, having already failed or pivoted to developing other technologies, he also doesnt see these companies as realistic ventures. From his perspective, claiming land in space would be as meaningful as claiming a remote stretch of ocean without the ability to defend it, regulate it or extract resources from it. Aside from mining rare minerals like platinum, even mining lunar ice, which some suggest could be converted into rocket fuel, would require a vast and unfeasible amount of energy. Still, these conversations have been a long time coming and are far from resolved. In fact, many of the concerns that sparked the creation of the Moon Treaty were raised by countries that had suffered under colonial rule. A lot of those advocates for the Moon Treaty were coming from the Global South and had direct experience with the exploitation of mineral resources in their own home countries, says Muir-Harmony. The treaty was originally signed by seven countries Austria, Chile, France, Guatemala, Morocco, the Philippines and Romania. Today, only 18 countries have fully adopted it. Conversations about the moon and how humans should explore the moon are really closely aligned to these debates about the power structures that have occurred on Earth and whether or not those should be exported to the moon and other celestial bodies, adds Muir-Harmony. While the Artemis Accords dont mention the Moon Treaty, they also dont propose any change from the Outer Space Treaty regarding strict international regulation around commercial activity or resource extraction. In an executive order accompanying the U.S. signing of the Accords in 2020, former President Donald Trump called the Moon Treaty a failed attempt at constraining free enterprise. Weinzierl believes that exporting our problems into space is a danger, from unequal access to resources to power struggles between nations. But in some ways, it would be better if there were true property rights in space. If you dont have some sort of private property rights, its really hard to incentivize the development of markets, he says. Not regulating a market like this could spark more problems, such as unequal access to resources. These resources might include minerals, water and gases, but also access to the cosmic matter these resources are extracted from. Still, all of that can seem a long way away. As of February, the worlds first privately owned moon lander has been officially declared inactive after it tipped over upon landing. SpaceX and Blue Origin havent carried passengers to the moon or Mars, and asteroid mining companies havent brought back any resources. For now, space still belongs to everyone and no one, and buying up what it has to offer, whether thats a right to study it or owning resources taken from it, will remain mostly relegated to the realm of science fiction. Unless, of course, it becomes real. This story appears in the June 2024 issue of Deseret Magazine. Learn more about how to subscribe. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) This week on The Spectrum: Ohios school voucher system is costing the state more money than ever before, but is it leveling the educational playing field or hurting public schools? I have absolutely no doubt that the end game is to basically eviscerate the public school system, Charlie Wilson, a former education law professor at Ohio State University, said. Upper Arlington joins lawsuit against Ohio school voucher program The state has a constitutional responsibility to provide education to our kids, and we just think that parents are in the best position to figure out exactly the right fit, Rabbi Eric Frank, president of School Choice Ohio, said. See which schools state data shows that many of the vouchers are going to. Celebrating Pride in central Ohio. Hear how Columbus became one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the country, and how one mans activism paved the way for future generations. We put Columbus on the map, Steve Shellabarger, an LGBTQ+ activist and Columbus Pride icon, said. Before then, everyone thought it was only on the East Coast and the West Coast that there was any gay activism. At the roundtable, Republican strategist Mehek Cooke and former Democratic congressional candidate Morgan Harper address the conviction of Hunter Biden and Ohios school voucher program. Copyright 2024 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. Wildlife health Thank you for the clear-eyed June 9 commentary, State must deal with wasting disease threat to Texas deer, (5C) about the deadly threats posed by chronic wasting disease. The vast majority of Texans concerned with preserving a healthy wild deer herd are fully supportive of the extensive efforts by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to contain and eliminate this awful disease. It is beyond comprehension that fringe voices are waging such a virulent campaign against any who take this disease seriously. I cant help but think that certain politicians, podcasters, aging rockers and blatant self-promoters are harboring their own heads full of damaged prions. - Roy Leslie, San Antonio Fueling violence The Fairmount neighborhood has always been a safe place for the LGBTQ community. Businesses on Magnolia Avenue, Celebration Community Church on Pennsylvania and Westside Unitarian Universalist Church are welcoming to all. As a straight cisgender couple, my husband and I enjoy the area because everyone seems so chill and non-discriminatory. Holding an anti-transgender disinformation seminar during Pride Month at the Fire Station Community Center is disrespectful to the community and invites danger to a neighborhood that is one of the few safe spaces in Fort Worth. (June 5, 2A, Fort Worth OKs anti-LGBTQ ideology event at city center) The groups involved in this event spread incorrect information about gender-affirming care, and their rhetoric fuels violence. The city made a mistake by allowing this event. - Amy Ramsey, Fort Worth School decisions Lets make sure we all understand the Fort Worth school boards recent decisions. The board commissioned a study, due this year, to better understand declining enrollments and underused facilities. Deciding not to wait for the commissioned report, the board decided to close several schools. But because of predictable community reaction, the board reversed that decision. The board will use bond funds to upgrade all middle schools, even though some will be closed in the future. Its rather questionable decision-making for those governing an $800-million-a-year enterprise. - William Koehler, Fort Worth Texas prisons It will take more than the sheriff and Texas Rangers to resolve the overcrowding and inmate death issues in Texas county jails. Prison and jail administrators and corrections officers should be educated in criminology, sociology, correctional law, management, sociology of organizations, minority relations and psychology. This would prepare individuals to lead their organizations, work with at-risk populations, understand social and cultural issues, and apply effective problem-solving strategies. These skills are important because the research suggests that most prison and jail deaths are preventable. Without intelligent, competent and inspiring leadership, there is little chance of creating constructive corrections environments and operations. It is time to re-address the training and educational requirements for prison and jail administrators, and corrections officers. - Leslie J. Smith, Grapevine Phones rob kids Thank you, Brian Byrd, for addressing school phone bans in your June 4 commentary, To help anxious generation, start with school phone bans. (12A) It saddens me to see young people and adults with their heads staring at their smartphones, fingers flying. I am certainly guilty of this at times, but the cost to our childrens development is incalculable. Our phones are an exciting source of information. So is a good book. Our phones are an escape from reality. So is a walk in the woods. This is definitely a problem that needs our attention. - Lindy Hudson, Fort Worth AUSTIN (Nexstar) The Texas Senates Committee on Border Security heard testimony from state and local officials regarding their border enforcement efforts Tuesday morning, part of the upper chambers work to monitor the implementation of new laws before the next legislative session begins in January. Among key questions on current priorities and the efficacy of recent laws, senators probed the sustainability of Operation Lone Star Texas unilateral efforts to patrol the border, fortify barriers, and station state troops in what they describe as negligence from the Biden administration. The operation has cost more than $11 billion. If we maintain current funding and the administration in Washington does not change, Director, how long can we do this, State Sen. Brian Birdwell, the chair of the Senate Border Security Committee, asked Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw. Well do it as long as were instructed to do, plain and simple, McCraw responded. McCraw told Nexstar after his testimony that his department will need to hire more troopers in order to keep up with the combined demand of Operation Lone Star and typical public safety needs elsewhere in the state. The bottom line is, everywhere you put a trooper, its safer. And everywhere you take a trooper from is going to be less safe its Law Enforcement Physics 101, he said. With an ever-growing state 287,000 miles of area to cover and 313,000 miles of roadway, we need more troopers. We need more special agents and we need more Texas Rangers. A lot of it has to do with money, Birdwell said. He alluded to the possibility of a reduction in the state budget, at which point the legislature will have some very difficult decisions as it relates to Operation Lone Star. The implication: inevitably, lawmakers will either need to scale back the operation or find the money from other areas. Jessie Fuentes, an Eagle Pass native who sued Governor Greg Abbott last year over the states buoy barriers in the Rio Grande, testified against the states actions. Its a failed policy. And at what cost? We dont have access to our park. Now, theres an 80-acre military base there, Fuentes told Nexstar. Theres millions of dollars being invested, but Id rather have it spent on infrastructure. Id rather spend on health care, on education, on learning institutions, instead of housing soldiers. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick tasked the committee of three Republicans and two Democrats with three broad interim charges: Securing the Texas-Mexico Border: Reviewing state and local agencies participation in border security, examining the impact of organized crime, and making recommendations to combat criminal enterprises. Support for Border Security Personnel: Examining how Operation Lone Star has impacted the wellbeing of DPS troopers and National Guard members stationed on the border. Monitor specific legislation passed in the 88th legislature last year, including the establishment of a border operations training program for local police and an initiative to compensate property owners for damage caused by criminal activity relating to the border. The committee will meet again to review the implementation of more legislation and consider recommendations for the next session, which will begin in January. Allred calls for bipartisan approach to border security Border policy is also a key issue for Texas Democrats in the upcoming election. The state party held its convention earlier this month in El Paso. Congressman Colin Allred gave the keynote address. When we spoke with him afterwards, and he emphasized the need for a bipartisan approach to addressing border security. The Dallas Democrat is challenging Senator Ted Cruz in the upcoming U.S. Senate election. Allred says he believes a key step to ensure border security is to revisit the Senate Border Security Bill, which previously failed in the Senate and was opposed by Cruz. I hope we can come back to that because for Texas, we cant just kick this can down the road, Allred said. We have to have a secure border now. Allred points to benefits for Texas in the bill, such as more Customs and Border Patrol personnel, more immigration judges and more administrative workers to handle the increase in migrants. No state would benefit more than Texas, Allred said. A key part of a potential solution, in Allreds mind, is to hire more immigration judges to adjudicate asylum claims more quickly. He believes that most people currently trying to claim asylum would be rejected, and processing those claims faster would send a message. If you want to come here for a better life, for economic opportunity, the asylum system is not the process for that. Thats the legal immigration system, and we have methods for you to try and come in that way, Allred said. I want to see us funnel folks into legal pathways. Instead of trying to come here using an asylum system that really was not set up for these numbers or for the reasons a lot of these folks are coming. I think there there is nothing more important for safety and security in Texas than securing the border, Senator Cruz told State of Texas host Josh Hinkle in a May interview. He puts blame for recent surges of migrant crossings on Democrats. Tragically, Joe Biden and Democrats, including Colin Allred my opponent whos voted in favor of open borders over and over and over again, they are unwilling to secure the border, Cruz said. He believes voters in November will elect Donald Trump for President as well as choose Republican majorities in the House and Senate. He believes that will change the situation on the border. We will secure the border in January of next year, and it will happen like that, he said, snapping his fingers. And I can say that with confidence, because we did it before. Bitcoin, AI and the Texas grid: Lawmakers consider action The Senate Committee on Business and Commerce convened Wednesday morning to evaluate the state of the electric grid, examine the impact of last years investments into generating power, and hear striking statistics on the energy demands of the Bitcoin and artificial intelligence sectors. ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas told lawmakers that one graphics processing unit, a core technology for Artificial Intelligence (AI), uses as much power as an average home uses in an entire year. He compared one AI companys energy demand to bringing half a million homes onto the grid in an instant. Bitcoin mining facilities stacked with thousands of computers to generate the cryptocurrency similarly demand the power equivalent of hundreds of thousands of homes. The information elicited a telling admonishment of the growing industries from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who alluded to possible regulation and limitations. We need to take a close look at those two industries. They produce very few jobs compared to the incredible demands they place on our grid, he wrote on social media. Texans will ultimately pay the price. Im more interested in building the grid to service customers in their homes, apartments, and normal businesses and keeping costs as low as possible for them instead of for very niche industries that have massive power demands and produce few jobs. Patrick tasked the committee with analyzing demands on the grid and future supply opportunities, as well as evaluating the implementation of laws passed last year to improve the grid. Last session, lawmakers approved the Texas Energy Fund to incentivize oil and gas producers to build more capacity. By the end of May, the Public Utilities Commission reported 125 projects have applied for a loan, equaling nearly $40 billion that would bring almost 56,000 megawatts onto the grid. This is a monumental step forward. And I believe it is the beginning of new steel in the ground over the next three to four years, Business and Commerce Chairman Charles Schwertner said. The committee also plans to study the future of electricity needs and focus on reducing barriers to new power and infrastructure projects. Members will likely explore ways to streamline this process for future legislation and monitor the progress of ongoing projects and how they will affect electricity prices for consumers. Interim charges are assignments given to House and Senate committees by the Speaker of the House and the Lieutenant Governor when the legislature is not in session. These tasks involve studying specific issues and suggesting solutions for the next session. This period also allows advocates and stakeholders to influence policy decisions with the hope that they will be addressed in upcoming sessions. The worlds on fire right now, Rep. McCaul highlights concerns for foreign aid, defense decisions Former President Donald Trump returned to Capitol Hill Thursday to meet with House and Senate Republicans. The visit came as lawmakers gear up for elections in the fall. But the former presidents influence could affect key policy decisions on defense and foreign aid. Texas Congressman Michael McCaul, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee, is one of the most vocal champions of providing aid to Ukraine in its war with Russia. Trump has been critical of that aid. McCaul says its important to keep backing Ukraine. We have to give them what they need to win this thing, or at least push the Russians back far enough to have a ceasefire and negotiated peace settlement, McCaul said. That cant happen right now, because theres no leverage on the part of Ukraine. McCaul believes that leverage would be helpful to Trump, if he wins the White House in November. My advice to him would be to give [Ukraine] everything they need to help them win this thing, and then he can be the guy that comes in and being the deal maker that he sees himself as to negotiate a better peace and security agreement, McCaul said. I gotta tell you, the worlds on fire right now with two hot wars and a hot zone in the Pacific. And it worries me when I look at the situation today, McCaul added. Congressman McCaul made an official visit to Taiwan late last month, where he got a first hand look at tensions with China. We were greeted by a blockade, a Chinese military blockade of naval ships, aircraft carriers. Its quite disturbing, really, and it was what a prelude of what they would do in the event of an invasion of Taiwan, McCaul said. McCaul said the visit from a U.S. congressional delegation carried special significance. I gave the president a black Stetson hat, kind of a symbol of the West, and, you know, the rugged strength and independence of the cowboy, and he loved it, McCaul explained. I think it was important to for them to see a bipartisan delegation showing that kind of support for Taiwan, In this photo released by the Taiwan Presidential Office, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, right, puts on a cowboy hat given by Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas during a meeting in Taipei, Taiwan, Monday, May 27, 2024. A U.S. congressional delegation met Taiwans new leader on Monday in a show of support shortly after China held drills around the self-governing island in response to his inauguration speech. (Taiwan Presidential Office via AP) McCaul believes that support for Taiwan amid tensions with China is an important deterrent that could prevent war. He sees backing Ukraine in a similar light. People ask me, what keeps me up at night? Its I dont want to experience a world war like my fathers generation did, he said Austin man first to be prosecuted under new crosswalk law Its hard for Gina Torry to forget her nephews words. Its something shes carried with her for years. When you have a 6-year-old ask you why it is that somebody could kill their mother without any consequences without any law thats a hard thing to respond to, said Torry. The aunt didnt have an answer. Lisa Torry Smith was struck and killed crossing the street with her son, in a crosswalk, and in a school zone in Fort Bend County in the Houston area in October 2017. Torry said her nephew was severely injured but survived. Officials tell KXAN investigators the driver who hit and killed Smith was not charged. Its something Torry said she kept thinking about through her grief. Thats one of the reasons why we advocated for a Texas crosswalk law so that no child ever has to ask that question, she said. The Lisa Torry Smith Act became law in September 2021 making it a crime to kill or hurt a pedestrian, cyclist or other vulnerable road user in a crosswalk in Texas. A Texas law is named after Lisa Torry Smith who was struck and killed by a driver in a crosswalk while walking her son to school. (Courtesy: Gina Torry) Recently, the Travis County District Attorneys Office said it prosecuted its first case under the new law. READ: Is Texas law named after mom killed in a crosswalk being enforced? In March, Todre Anderson was sentenced to 18 months in state jail. Court records show Anderson was charged after running a red light and hitting and killing a 64-year-old pedestrian with his vehicle at Little Texas Lane and South Congress Avenue in November 2021. In court documents, police said the pedestrian had the walk sign to cross, but Anderson was looking at his cell phone. Court records obtained by KXAN investigators show Anderson originally pleaded guilty and was given five years of probation, but that was revoked after he failed to report to his supervision officer, and he didnt pay court and other fees. KXAN Investigators reached out to Andersons attorney Alex Calhoun multiple times by phone and email, but he said he has no comment on the case. This sets an important precedent for the rest of Texas and for the implementation of the Lisa Torry Smith Act, said Torry. The law requires drivers to stop for a pedestrian or cyclist in a crosswalk. If drivers violate the law and theres serious injury or death, they could be held criminally responsible. Before the new law drivers were only required to yield. Implementation is going very slowly, Torry said. Of course, when there is a new law, it takes time for millions of people around the state to understand that there is a new law to know about it and to know how it works. Citizens for Road Safety Texas is pushing for awareness and education of the Lisa Torry Smith Act. (KXAN Photo/Arezow Doost) Its why she founded Citizens for Road Safety Texas, a nonprofit that is making sure the law is enforced. READ: Bicyclist hit by car proves case after insurance fight; shares lesson for others She was in Austin last month and spoke at a Texas Department of Transportation Commission meeting about the need for a grant to raise awareness. This would provide staffing on the ground, based in Fort Bend County, to develop training materials on the new Texas crosswalk law, and to go out and give those trainings not just to Fort Bend County, but across Texas, to law enforcement, to community groups, to lawyers, so that we are helping to raise awareness of this new law, how it gets implemented and how drivers can follow it, she said. The organization applied for funding previously twice but was denied. Torry is hoping they can team up with TxDOT this year. A spokesperson with the agency said educating the public on safety issues throughout the state is extremely important and TxDOT is working with the organization to understand its funding needs. Torry explained her organization is hearing from families impacted across Texas who need guidance about the law. Lisa Torry Smith pictured on the right with her mom and sister. Her family pushed for a crosswalk safety law after her death. (Courtesy: Gina Torry) The sad fact is that this crosswalk law is not well known yet and its implementation. There hasnt been enough legal precedent. And so we are trying to assist people who come to us to connect the dots, she added. Torry said the Anderson case out of Austin will be an example of how the law is implemented for other counties. A records request to the Travis County District Attorneys Office showed two other cases have been filed under the offense of collision involving pedestrian road user in a crosswalk. According to the records, police have issued an arrest warrant for a man in a hit-and-run involving two pedestrians. Our office takes any death or injury resulting from reckless driving as seriously as any other act of violence. Drivers need to be well-informed about new laws that protect pedestrians and cyclists to ensure everyones safety on the streets, the Travis County District Attorneys Office said in a statement. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. Hired security personnel wait for voters outside the Leon County Supervisor of Elections office on Nov. 3, 2020 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Mark Wallheiser/Getty Images) WASHINGTON The federal government has sought to bolster election security for years through a popular grant program, but the wildly fluctuating funding levels have made it difficult for state officials to plan their budgets and their projects. Rising misinformation and disinformation about elections, often fueled by conspiracy theories, as well as threats against election workers, make the grants especially important, according to elections officials. But U.S. House Republicans are seeking to eliminate funding for election security grants known as Help America Vote Act, or HAVA grants in this years appropriations process, a move they unsuccessfully attempted last year as well. We continue to unnecessarily risk the very integrity of our elections and American democracy, Georgia Democratic Rep. Sanford Bishop said Thursday during committee debate on the funding bill. Bishop, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, said he was concerned about the outdated and the insecure voting systems around the country that pose a very, very serious threat to our national security and to our democratic system. It is irresponsible to ignore the wake-up call, Bishop added. Our nations election systems are currently and constantly under attack by foreign actors that are threatening our democratic values. The bill was approved by the GOP-led House Appropriations Committee with no money in it for the grants. Gideon Cohn-Postar, legislative director at Issue One & Issue One Action, said during an interview with States Newsroom that while the grants have traditionally been bipartisan, several factors have affected backing for the program in recent years. It remains something that many Republicans in both the House and the Senate support, Cohn-Postar said. But its also been caught up, I think, in some of the false information about elections that began to spread in 2020. Former President Donald Trump, now the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, has continued to falsely claim that the 2020 election was stolen. Issue One writes on its website that the organization strives to unite Republicans, Democrats, and independents in the movement to fix our broken political system and build an inclusive democracy that works for everyone. Grant funding decreases Congress approved $55 million in election security grants during the last appropriations process, which wrapped up this spring. That action came after the Republican-controlled House, which proposed zero dollars, conferenced with the Democratic-controlled Senate, which had proposed $75 million in funding. That final funding level was a decrease from the $75 million that Congress approved in both fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022. Congress didnt approve any election grant funding in the annual appropriations bill during fiscal year 2021. However, that followed lawmakers allocation of $425 million in the prior years bill as well as an additional $400 million in one of the COVID-19 emergency spending bills. Cohn-Postar said that several states have sought to make their HAVA grants last more than one year by spending less than they receive, or saving the money up for bigger projects. Louisiana, for example, hasnt spent any of its election security grant funding since 2018, in preparation for overhauling its election system. New Hampshire passed a state law that collects the grant funding in an endowment and then only spends a portion of that each year. But that careful budgeting and uncertainty about how much grant funding Congress might provide in the next year has led federal lawmakers to look at states use of the grants skeptically, Cohn-Postar said. The key thing weve come across is about half of the states have only spent about half of their HAVA grants, Cohn-Postar said. And that gets brought up in every conversation that Congress has about these grants. They say, Hey, why should we appropriate more if you havent spent? Congress, he said, sometimes uses states careful, thoughtful budgeting as an excuse to not give them money. Republicans in Congress are also looking to reduce federal spending overall and have made cuts throughout many of the dozen annual spending bills, including the Financial Services bill, which includes the HAVA grants. Incredibly important in Maine Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said during an interview the grants have been incredibly important, especially in the absence of sustainable elections funding from the federal government. We have seen the rapid evolution of cybersecurity threats and threats against election infrastructure over the last several years, Bellows said. As the threats evolve, so must our preparedness. The election security grants are fundamental to our ability to make investments in improvements in our central voter registration system and cybersecurity protections for that system. Congress inability or unwillingness to create a predictable, stable funding program for states to administer federal elections is unfortunate, she said. We are very proud that Maine has always enjoyed safe, free and secure elections, Bellows said. But make no mistake, the lack of sustainable ongoing federal funding is a potential vulnerability in the future. Washington state Elections Director Stuart Holmes said in an interview he plans his annual budget around not getting HAVA election security grants and is pleasantly surprised when Congress does provide the funding. Through my entire career, theres only been two rounds of HAVA that were significant investments into elections, Holmes said. So its a great surprise to get an extra million dollars at the beginning of the year. But it does make it pretty much impossible to prepare and plan for anything if you have to spend it. The grants dont expire at the end of the fiscal year and the federal government doesnt claw back unspent funding, allowing the states to take different approaches to how they use the money. Holmes said during his interview with States Newsroom that the funding approved in fiscal 2020 allowed the state to create an entire team of cybersecurity professionals to be dedicated to protecting our infrastructure. In the state of Washington, we have a centralized voter registration and election management system, and never before had we had dedicated election professionals that are watching the logs, preparing our system, testing our system and collaborating with other professionals to do testing, Holmes said. So were in a better position than weve ever been. Even so, he said, local election officials would certainly look forward to a stable funding source from the federal government as it relates to federal elections. New Hampshire election fund New Hampshire Secretary of State David M. Scanlan said when Congress passed the HAVA program in 2002, it told states the funding was primarily to set up a statewide voter registration database, ensure every polling place had accessible voting equipment, provide poll workers with training and set up voter education programs. The New Hampshire Legislature at the time told the secretary of state to use the initial allocation from Congress to meet the requirements, but then to establish an election fund with the remaining money. Originally, the secretary of state could use one-twentieth of the total funding in the account for annual costs of maintaining the federal mandates, but that is currently one-twelfth of the total amount in the fund. New Hampshire has been doing a good job with the money that we have, but theres no question that the funds have helped us put in place security measures for our electronic systems, Scanlan said. The state, he said, has used its federal election security grants to hire vendors that specialize in keeping the electronic systems safe. When New Hampshire set up a new voter registration database, the state used the funding to ensure none of the software included anything nefarious. Weve really been making sure that the systems that were building are clean and that theres not something malicious lurking in the shadows, Scanlan said. Weve taken some really good steps that give me real confidence that our systems are in good shape. Advocating for consistent, reliable federal funding JP Martin, deputy communications director for the Arizona secretary of state, declined States Newsrooms request for an interview with the secretary of state, offering only to provide written responses to questions on HAVA election security grants. Martin wrote in an email that fluctuating levels of federal funding have significantly impacted our strategic planning and budgeting. The uncertainty of future allocations compels us to be cautious with expenditures, focusing on priorities such as enhancing physical security measures for voting equipment, Martin wrote. For instance, securing equipment in cagesnow requires a liftgate-equipped truck due to their increased weightdemonstrates the challenges of managing technological and budgetary constraints under limited HAVA funding. Congress declining to provide election security grants in the future could significantly strain Arizonas election infrastructure, he wrote. Currently, the state is under a hiring freeze, and our focus remains on supporting counties, especially with the recent changes such as the date of the primary and legislation extending ballot curing to weekends, Martin wrote. We are prioritizing increased cybersecurity training and advocating for consistent, reliable federal funding to ensure the smooth administration of elections, emphasizing the necessity of sustained financial support from Congress. The post States struggle with unreliable federal election security funding appeared first on Washington State Standard. Hired security personnel wait for voters outside the Leon County Supervisor of Elections office on Nov. 3, 2020 in Tallahassee, Florida. Hired security personnel wait for voters outside the Leon County Supervisor of Elections office on Nov. 3, 2020 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Mark Wallheiser/Getty Images) WASHINGTON The federal government has sought to bolster election security for years through a popular grant program, but the wildly fluctuating funding levels have made it difficult for state officials to plan their budgets and their projects. Rising misinformation and disinformation about elections, often fueled by conspiracy theories, as well as threats against election workers, make the grants especially important, according to elections officials. But U.S. House Republicans are seeking to eliminate funding for election security grants known as Help America Vote Act, or HAVA grants in this years appropriations process, a move they unsuccessfully attempted last year as well. We continue to unnecessarily risk the very integrity of our elections and American democracy, Georgia Democratic Rep. Sanford Bishop said Thursday during committee debate on the funding bill. Bishop, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, said he was concerned about the outdated and the insecure voting systems around the country that pose a very, very serious threat to our national security and to our democratic system. It is irresponsible to ignore the wake-up call, Bishop added. Our nations election systems are currently and constantly under attack by foreign actors that are threatening our democratic values. The bill was approved by the GOP-led House Appropriations Committee with no money in it for the grants. Gideon Cohn-Postar, legislative director at Issue One & Issue One Action, said during an interview with States Newsroom that while the grants have traditionally been bipartisan, several factors have affected backing for the program in recent years. It remains something that many Republicans in both the House and the Senate support, Cohn-Postar said. But its also been caught up, I think, in some of the false information about elections that began to spread in 2020. Former President Donald Trump, now the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, has continued to falsely claim that the 2020 election was stolen. Issue One writes on its website that the organization strives to unite Republicans, Democrats, and independents in the movement to fix our broken political system and build an inclusive democracy that works for everyone. Grant funding decreases Congress approved $55 million in election security grants during the last appropriations process, which wrapped up this spring. That action came after the Republican-controlled House, which proposed zero dollars, conferenced with the Democratic-controlled Senate, which had proposed $75 million in funding. That final funding level was a decrease from the $75 million that Congress approved in both fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022. Congress didnt approve any election grant funding in the annual appropriations bill during fiscal year 2021. However, that followed lawmakers allocation of $425 million in the prior years bill as well as an additional $400 million in one of the COVID-19 emergency spending bills. Cohn-Postar said that several states have sought to make their HAVA grants last more than one year by spending less than they receive, or saving the money up for bigger projects. Louisiana, for example, hasnt spent any of its election security grant funding since 2018, in preparation for overhauling its election system. New Hampshire passed a state law that collects the grant funding in an endowment and then only spends a portion of that each year. But that careful budgeting and uncertainty about how much grant funding Congress might provide in the next year has led federal lawmakers to look at states use of the grants skeptically, Cohn-Postar said. The key thing weve come across is about half of the states have only spent about half of their HAVA grants, Cohn-Postar said. And that gets brought up in every conversation that Congress has about these grants. They say, Hey, why should we appropriate more if you havent spent? Congress, he said, sometimes uses states careful, thoughtful budgeting as an excuse to not give them money. Republicans in Congress are also looking to reduce federal spending overall and have made cuts throughout many of the dozen annual spending bills, including the Financial Services bill, which includes the HAVA grants. Incredibly important in Maine Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said during an interview the grants have been incredibly important, especially in the absence of sustainable elections funding from the federal government. We have seen the rapid evolution of cybersecurity threats and threats against election infrastructure over the last several years, Bellows said. As the threats evolve, so must our preparedness. The election security grants are fundamental to our ability to make investments in improvements in our central voter registration system and cybersecurity protections for that system. Congress inability or unwillingness to create a predictable, stable funding program for states to administer federal elections is unfortunate, she said. We are very proud that Maine has always enjoyed safe, free and secure elections, Bellows said. But make no mistake, the lack of sustainable ongoing federal funding is a potential vulnerability in the future. Washington state Elections Director Stuart Holmes said in an interview he plans his annual budget around not getting HAVA election security grants and is pleasantly surprised when Congress does provide the funding. Through my entire career, theres only been two rounds of HAVA that were significant investments into elections, Holmes said. So its a great surprise to get an extra million dollars at the beginning of the year. But it does make it pretty much impossible to prepare and plan for anything if you have to spend it. The grants dont expire at the end of the fiscal year and the federal government doesnt claw back unspent funding, allowing the states to take different approaches to how they use the money. Holmes said during his interview with States Newsroom that the funding approved in fiscal 2020 allowed the state to create an entire team of cybersecurity professionals to be dedicated to protecting our infrastructure. In the state of Washington, we have a centralized voter registration and election management system, and never before had we had dedicated election professionals that are watching the logs, preparing our system, testing our system and collaborating with other professionals to do testing, Holmes said. So were in a better position than weve ever been. Even so, he said, local election officials would certainly look forward to a stable funding source from the federal government as it relates to federal elections. New Hampshire election fund New Hampshire Secretary of State David M. Scanlan said when Congress passed the HAVA program in 2002, it told states the funding was primarily to set up a statewide voter registration database, ensure every polling place had accessible voting equipment, provide poll workers with training and set up voter education programs. The New Hampshire Legislature at the time told the secretary of state to use the initial allocation from Congress to meet the requirements, but then to establish an election fund with the remaining money. Originally, the secretary of state could use 1/20th of the total funding in the account for annual costs of maintaining the federal mandates, but that is currently 1/12th of the total amount in the fund. New Hampshire has been doing a good job with the money that we have, but theres no question that the funds have helped us put in place security measures for our electronic systems, Scanlan said. The state, he said, has used its federal election security grants to hire vendors that specialize in keeping the electronic systems safe. When New Hampshire set up a new voter registration database, the state used the funding to ensure none of the software included anything nefarious. Weve really been making sure that the systems that were building are clean and that theres not something malicious lurking in the shadows, Scanlan said. Weve taken some really good steps that give me real confidence that our systems are in good shape. Advocating for consistent, reliable federal funding JP Martin, deputy communications director for the Arizona secretary of state, declined States Newsrooms request for an interview with the secretary of state, offering only to provide written responses to questions on HAVA election security grants. Martin wrote in an email that fluctuating levels of federal funding have significantly impacted our strategic planning and budgeting. The uncertainty of future allocations compels us to be cautious with expenditures, focusing on priorities such as enhancing physical security measures for voting equipment, Martin wrote. For instance, securing equipment in cages now requires a liftgate-equipped truck due to their increased weight demonstrates the challenges of managing technological and budgetary constraints under limited HAVA funding. Congress declining to provide election security grants in the future could significantly strain Arizonas election infrastructure, he wrote. Currently, the state is under a hiring freeze, and our focus remains on supporting counties, especially with the recent changes such as the date of the primary and legislation extending ballot curing to weekends, Martin wrote. We are prioritizing increased cybersecurity training and advocating for consistent, reliable federal funding to ensure the smooth administration of elections, emphasizing the necessity of sustained financial support from Congress. The post States struggle with unreliable federal funding for making sure elections are secure appeared first on Kansas Reflector. Hired security personnel wait for voters outside the Leon County Supervisor of Elections office on Nov. 3, 2020 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Mark Wallheiser/Getty Images) WASHINGTON The federal government has sought to bolster election security for years through a popular grant program, but the wildly fluctuating funding levels have made it difficult for state officials to plan their budgets and their projects. Rising misinformation and disinformation about elections, often fueled by conspiracy theories, as well as threats against election workers, make the grants especially important, according to elections officials. But U.S. House Republicans are seeking to eliminate funding for election security grants known as Help America Vote Act, or HAVA grants in this years appropriations process, a move they unsuccessfully attempted last year as well. We continue to unnecessarily risk the very integrity of our elections and American democracy, Georgia Democratic Rep. Sanford Bishop said Thursday during committee debate on the funding bill. Bishop, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, said he was concerned about the outdated and the insecure voting systems around the country that pose a very, very serious threat to our national security and to our democratic system. It is irresponsible to ignore the wake-up call, Bishop added. Our nations election systems are currently and constantly under attack by foreign actors that are threatening our democratic values. The bill was approved by the GOP-led House Appropriations Committee with no money in it for the grants. Gideon Cohn-Postar, legislative director at Issue One & Issue One Action, said during an interview with States Newsroom that while the grants have traditionally been bipartisan, several factors have affected backing for the program in recent years. It remains something that many Republicans in both the House and the Senate support, Cohn-Postar said. But its also been caught up, I think, in some of the false information about elections that began to spread in 2020. Former President Donald Trump, now the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, has continued to falsely claim that the 2020 election was stolen. Issue One writes on its website that the organization strives to unite Republicans, Democrats, and independents in the movement to fix our broken political system and build an inclusive democracy that works for everyone. Grant funding decreases Congress approved $55 million in election security grants during the last appropriations process, which wrapped up this spring. That action came after the Republican-controlled House, which proposed zero dollars, conferenced with the Democratic-controlled Senate, which had proposed $75 million in funding. That final funding level was a decrease from the $75 million that Congress approved in both fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022. Congress didnt approve any election grant funding in the annual appropriations bill during fiscal year 2021. However, that followed lawmakers allocation of $425 million in the prior years bill as well as an additional $400 million in one of the COVID-19 emergency spending bills. Cohn-Postar said that several states have sought to make their HAVA grants last more than one year by spending less than they receive, or saving the money up for bigger projects. Louisiana, for example, hasnt spent any of its election security grant funding since 2018, in preparation for overhauling its election system. New Hampshire passed a state law that collects the grant funding in an endowment and then only spends a portion of that each year. But that careful budgeting and uncertainty about how much grant funding Congress might provide in the next year has led federal lawmakers to look at states use of the grants skeptically, Cohn-Postar said. The key thing weve come across is about half of the states have only spent about half of their HAVA grants, Cohn-Postar said. And that gets brought up in every conversation that Congress has about these grants. They say, Hey, why should we appropriate more if you havent spent? Congress, he said, sometimes uses states careful, thoughtful budgeting as an excuse to not give them money. Republicans in Congress are also looking to reduce federal spending overall and have made cuts throughout many of the dozen annual spending bills, including the Financial Services bill, which includes the HAVA grants. Incredibly important in Maine Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said during an interview the grants have been incredibly important, especially in the absence of sustainable elections funding from the federal government. We have seen the rapid evolution of cybersecurity threats and threats against election infrastructure over the last several years, Bellows said. As the threats evolve, so must our preparedness. The election security grants are fundamental to our ability to make investments in improvements in our central voter registration system and cybersecurity protections for that system. Congress inability or unwillingness to create a predictable, stable funding program for states to administer federal elections is unfortunate, she said. We are very proud that Maine has always enjoyed safe, free and secure elections, Bellows said. But make no mistake, the lack of sustainable ongoing federal funding is a potential vulnerability in the future. Washington state Elections Director Stuart Holmes said in an interview he plans his annual budget around not getting HAVA election security grants and is pleasantly surprised when Congress does provide the funding. Through my entire career, theres only been two rounds of HAVA that were significant investments into elections, Holmes said. So its a great surprise to get an extra million dollars at the beginning of the year. But it does make it pretty much impossible to prepare and plan for anything if you have to spend it. The grants dont expire at the end of the fiscal year and the federal government doesnt claw back unspent funding, allowing the states to take different approaches to how they use the money. Holmes said during his interview with States Newsroom that the funding approved in fiscal 2020 allowed the state to create an entire team of cybersecurity professionals to be dedicated to protecting our infrastructure. In the state of Washington, we have a centralized voter registration and election management system, and never before had we had dedicated election professionals that are watching the logs, preparing our system, testing our system and collaborating with other professionals to do testing, Holmes said. So were in a better position than weve ever been. Even so, he said, local election officials would certainly look forward to a stable funding source from the federal government as it relates to federal elections. New Hampshire election fund New Hampshire Secretary of State David M. Scanlan said when Congress passed the HAVA program in 2002, it told states the funding was primarily to set up a statewide voter registration database, ensure every polling place had accessible voting equipment, provide poll workers with training and set up voter education programs. The New Hampshire Legislature at the time told the secretary of state to use the initial allocation from Congress to meet the requirements, but then to establish an election fund with the remaining money. Originally, the secretary of state could use one-twentieth of the total funding in the account for annual costs of maintaining the federal mandates, but that is currently one-twelfth of the total amount in the fund. New Hampshire has been doing a good job with the money that we have, but theres no question that the funds have helped us put in place security measures for our electronic systems, Scanlan said. The state, he said, has used its federal election security grants to hire vendors that specialize in keeping the electronic systems safe. When New Hampshire set up a new voter registration database, the state used the funding to ensure none of the software included anything nefarious. Weve really been making sure that the systems that were building are clean and that theres not something malicious lurking in the shadows, Scanlan said. Weve taken some really good steps that give me real confidence that our systems are in good shape. Advocating for consistent, reliable federal funding JP Martin, deputy communications director for the Arizona secretary of state, declined States Newsrooms request for an interview with the secretary of state, offering only to provide written responses to questions on HAVA election security grants. Martin wrote in an email that fluctuating levels of federal funding have significantly impacted our strategic planning and budgeting. The uncertainty of future allocations compels us to be cautious with expenditures, focusing on priorities such as enhancing physical security measures for voting equipment, Martin wrote. For instance, securing equipment in cagesnow requires a liftgate-equipped truck due to their increased weightdemonstrates the challenges of managing technological and budgetary constraints under limited HAVA funding. Congress declining to provide election security grants in the future could significantly strain Arizonas election infrastructure, he wrote. Currently, the state is under a hiring freeze, and our focus remains on supporting counties, especially with the recent changes such as the date of the primary and legislation extending ballot curing to weekends, Martin wrote. We are prioritizing increased cybersecurity training and advocating for consistent, reliable federal funding to ensure the smooth administration of elections, emphasizing the necessity of sustained financial support from Congress. The post States struggle with unreliable federal funding for making sure elections are secure appeared first on North Dakota Monitor. Hired security personnel wait for voters outside the Leon County Supervisor of Elections office on Nov. 3, 2020 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Mark Wallheiser/Getty Images) TALLAHASSEE, FL - NOVEMBER 03: Hired security personnel wait for voters outside the Leon County Supervisor of Elections office on November 3, 2020 in Tallahassee, Florida. (Photo by Mark Wallheiser/Getty Images) WASHINGTON The federal government has sought to bolster election security for years through a popular grant program, but the wildly fluctuating funding levels have made it difficult for state officials to plan their budgets and their projects. Rising misinformation and disinformation about elections, often fueled by conspiracy theories, as well as threats against election workers, make the grants especially important, according to elections officials. But U.S. House Republicans are seeking to eliminate funding for election security grants known as Help America Vote Act, or HAVA grants in this years appropriations process, a move they unsuccessfully attempted last year as well. We continue to unnecessarily risk the very integrity of our elections and American democracy, Georgia Democratic Rep. Sanford Bishop said Thursday during committee debate on the funding bill. Bishop, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, said he was concerned about the outdated and the insecure voting systems around the country that pose a very, very serious threat to our national security and to our democratic system. It is irresponsible to ignore the wake-up call, Bishop added. Our nations election systems are currently and constantly under attack by foreign actors that are threatening our democratic values. The bill was approved by the GOP-led House Appropriations Committee with no money in it for the grants. Gideon Cohn-Postar, legislative director at Issue One & Issue One Action, said during an interview with States Newsroom that while the grants have traditionally been bipartisan, several factors have affected backing for the program in recent years. It remains something that many Republicans in both the House and the Senate support, Cohn-Postar said. But its also been caught up, I think, in some of the false information about elections that began to spread in 2020. Former President Donald Trump, now the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, has continued to falsely claim that the 2020 election was stolen. Issue One writes on its website that the organization strives to unite Republicans, Democrats, and independents in the movement to fix our broken political system and build an inclusive democracy that works for everyone. Grant funding decreases Congress approved $55 million in election security grants during the last appropriations process, which wrapped up this spring. That action came after the Republican-controlled House, which proposed zero dollars, conferenced with the Democratic-controlled Senate, which had proposed $75 million in funding. That final funding level was a decrease from the $75 million that Congress approved in both fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022. Congress didnt approve any election grant funding in the annual appropriations bill during fiscal year 2021. However, that followed lawmakers allocation of $425 million in the prior years bill as well as an additional $400 million in one of the COVID-19 emergency spending bills. Cohn-Postar said that several states have sought to make their HAVA grants last more than one year by spending less than they receive, or saving the money up for bigger projects. Louisiana, for example, hasnt spent any of its election security grant funding since 2018, in preparation for overhauling its election system. New Hampshire passed a state law that collects the grant funding in an endowment and then only spends a portion of that each year. But that careful budgeting and uncertainty about how much grant funding Congress might provide in the next year has led federal lawmakers to look at states use of the grants skeptically, Cohn-Postar said. The key thing weve come across is about half of the states have only spent about half of their HAVA grants, Cohn-Postar said. And that gets brought up in every conversation that Congress has about these grants. They say, Hey, why should we appropriate more if you havent spent? Congress, he said, sometimes uses states careful, thoughtful budgeting as an excuse to not give them money. Republicans in Congress are also looking to reduce federal spending overall and have made cuts throughout many of the dozen annual spending bills, including the Financial Services bill, which includes the HAVA grants. Incredibly important in Maine Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said during an interview the grants have been incredibly important, especially in the absence of sustainable elections funding from the federal government. We have seen the rapid evolution of cybersecurity threats and threats against election infrastructure over the last several years, Bellows said. As the threats evolve, so must our preparedness. The election security grants are fundamental to our ability to make investments in improvements in our central voter registration system and cybersecurity protections for that system. Congress inability or unwillingness to create a predictable, stable funding program for states to administer federal elections is unfortunate, she said. We are very proud that Maine has always enjoyed safe, free and secure elections, Bellows said. But make no mistake, the lack of sustainable ongoing federal funding is a potential vulnerability in the future. Washington state Elections Director Stuart Holmes said in an interview he plans his annual budget around not getting HAVA election security grants and is pleasantly surprised when Congress does provide the funding. Through my entire career, theres only been two rounds of HAVA that were significant investments into elections, Holmes said. So its a great surprise to get an extra million dollars at the beginning of the year. But it does make it pretty much impossible to prepare and plan for anything if you have to spend it. The grants dont expire at the end of the fiscal year and the federal government doesnt claw back unspent funding, allowing the states to take different approaches to how they use the money. Holmes said during his interview with States Newsroom that the funding approved in fiscal 2020 allowed the state to create an entire team of cybersecurity professionals to be dedicated to protecting our infrastructure. In the state of Washington, we have a centralized voter registration and election management system, and never before had we had dedicated election professionals that are watching the logs, preparing our system, testing our system and collaborating with other professionals to do testing, Holmes said. So were in a better position than weve ever been. Even so, he said, local election officials would certainly look forward to a stable funding source from the federal government as it relates to federal elections. New Hampshire election fund New Hampshire Secretary of State David M. Scanlan said when Congress passed the HAVA program in 2002, it told states the funding was primarily to set up a statewide voter registration database, ensure every polling place had accessible voting equipment, provide poll workers with training and set up voter education programs. The New Hampshire Legislature at the time told the secretary of state to use the initial allocation from Congress to meet the requirements, but then to establish an election fund with the remaining money. Originally, the secretary of state could use one-twentieth of the total funding in the account for annual costs of maintaining the federal mandates, but that is currently one-twelfth of the total amount in the fund. New Hampshire has been doing a good job with the money that we have, but theres no question that the funds have helped us put in place security measures for our electronic systems, Scanlan said. The state, he said, has used its federal election security grants to hire vendors that specialize in keeping the electronic systems safe. When New Hampshire set up a new voter registration database, the state used the funding to ensure none of the software included anything nefarious. Weve really been making sure that the systems that were building are clean and that theres not something malicious lurking in the shadows, Scanlan said. Weve taken some really good steps that give me real confidence that our systems are in good shape. Advocating for consistent, reliable federal funding JP Martin, deputy communications director for the Arizona secretary of state, declined States Newsrooms request for an interview with the secretary of state, offering only to provide written responses to questions on HAVA election security grants. Martin wrote in an email that fluctuating levels of federal funding have significantly impacted our strategic planning and budgeting. The uncertainty of future allocations compels us to be cautious with expenditures, focusing on priorities such as enhancing physical security measures for voting equipment, Martin wrote. For instance, securing equipment in cagesnow requires a liftgate-equipped truck due to their increased weightdemonstrates the challenges of managing technological and budgetary constraints under limited HAVA funding. Congress declining to provide election security grants in the future could significantly strain Arizonas election infrastructure, he wrote. Currently, the state is under a hiring freeze, and our focus remains on supporting counties, especially with the recent changes such as the date of the primary and legislation extending ballot curing to weekends, Martin wrote. We are prioritizing increased cybersecurity training and advocating for consistent, reliable federal funding to ensure the smooth administration of elections, emphasizing the necessity of sustained financial support from Congress. The post States struggle with unreliable federal funding for making sure elections are secure appeared first on Wisconsin Examiner. One year ago OceanGates Titan sub imploded, taking 5 lives and dreams of deep-sea exploration with it From left to right: Stockton Rush, Hamish Harding, Paul-Henri Nargeolet and Shahzada and Suleman Dawood. The Titan submersible ((Reuters/Jannicke Mikkelsen/OceanGate Expeditions/Getty)) The images were almost hauntingly romantic underwater windows to one of historys most famous shipwrecks, captured more than a century after RMS Titanic and the 1,517 souls aboard sank tragically to a deep-sea North Atlantic grave. The new 2022 pictures were the highest resolution ever taken of the doomed ship; its sinking 110 years earlier had quickly become a global fascination that has endured for generations. The ships victims were among the richest and poorest on the planet at the time, the circumstances of their deaths among the most terrifying imaginable. OceanGate Expeditions, the Washington-based companyresponsible for the photos, had shrewdly tapped into that public obsession. Founded in 2009 to make deep-sea exploration possible for commercial, scientific, and exploration travel expeditions, the company recorded the 8,000 pixels footage on a submersible dive and then publicly released them. They promptly and unsurprisingly went viral. OceanGate team Expeditions, a Washington-based company which began sending the manned Titan sub to Titanics graevesite in 2021, also captured the most high-res images of the wreck that had been taken at the time (OceanGate Expeditions) OceanGate was sleek and media savvy, helmed by a swashbuckling CEO whod once aspired to be an astronaut. Stockton Rush was excellent at promotion and pushing boundaries, and the enterprise simultaneously mixed science with tourism, zeroing in on the Titanic wreck as the ultimate exploration destination. The company pumped out press releases and held scientific research media briefings about its efforts to chronicle the wrecks decay and its surrounding ecosystem while dangling trips for civilians who could cough up six figures for a place as mission specialists on OceanGates submersible, Titan. And when the submersible carrying Rush and four others on a Titanic tour ceased communications less than two hours into its June 18, 2023 dive, the world tuned in. After four days of frantic searching by international authorities, recovered debris confirmed a second tragedy near the Titanics gravesite. Titan had suffered a catastrophic explosion around the time communications ceased and mercifully, it likely occurred with no warning to those aboard. OceanGates submersible an underwater vehicle that is not self-propelled, unlike a submarine, and requires a support ship was made of carbon fiber and titanium; it held five people (OceanGate Expeditions) Declared dead were British-Pakistani businessman Shahzada Dawood, 48, and his son, Suleman, 19; British adventurer Hamish Harding, 58; French deep sea explorer Paul-Henri Nargeolet, 77, whod been on Titans maiden voyage in July 2021; and Rush, 61, who was piloting the submersible. In another wry Titanic twist, the great-great grandparents of Rushs widow had been among the 1912 sinkings most famous victims: retail magnate Isidor Straus and his wife, Ida. According to Titanic legend, the elderly pair were pictured standing arm in arm on the deck of the ship as it went down, devoted until the very end. Rush exhibited a similar adoration albeit a reckless one to deep-sea exploration and innovation, and his push-through-at-all-costs philosophy at OceanGate has come under fierce scrutiny since the Titan implosion. But the tragic loss of life has also shone a spotlight on the high-risk high-reward nature of exploration and the attitudes of those who undertake it. Rush, himself, had seemed cavalier about the dangers from the outset. Stockton Rush, co-founder of OceanGate (OceanGate) I mean, if you want to be safe, dont get out of bed, he told CBS News Sunday Morning in 2022, the year after Titans first Titanic visit. Dont get in your car. Dont do anything. At some point, youre going to take some risk, and it really is a risk-reward question. I think I can do this just as safely by breaking the rules. Princeton-educated Rush, descended from Declaration of Independence signatories and oil and shipping magnates, founded OceanGate in 2009 with Guillermo Sohnlein, who left the company in 2013 but retained a minority share. If you were a researcher and had to explore the ocean, you had to get into one of the governments subs, Sohnlein told Rolling Stone last year, regarding the hurdles explorers faced at the time of OceanGates founding. Your only other option was to pay to build one We wanted to show the world it was possible to go down to 4,000 meters. I believe Stockton realized the best way to do that was to prove it ourselves. OceanGates high-res Titanic images and swashbuckling CEO helped cement its media presence and reputation; the disappearance of Titan in June 2023 prompted round-the-clock international coverage (YouTube/OceanGate Expeditions) Rush threw himself headlong into the effort, spearheading OceanGate efforts that eventually led to a model called Cyclops, followed by Cyclops 2, renamed Titan. Made from aerospace-grade carbon fiber and titanium, the company boasted, it was named after the watery moon of Saturn. OceanGate touted Titan as the worlds only privately-owned, 5-crew member submersible capable of reaching Titanic depths. Rush and Nargeolet were among the five on the maiden July 2021 dive, the CEO proclaiming success at the time after OceanGate had to overcome tremendous engineering, operational, business and finally Covid-19 challenges to get here. The high-res images from that expedition gave OceanGate newfound recognition and media attention. Rush bragged a few months later, as he announced plans for a 2022 trip, that civilians aboard the inaugural voyage helped our crew gather and review terabytes of the highest resolution still images and video of Titanic and the debris field ever collected referring to the digital preservation initiative. Behind the buzz though, was an apparent house of cards at OceanGate as Rush forged ahead and reportedly cut corners. Former employees have alleged the CEO ignored warnings, fired those who raised concerns and outright lied about Titans safety, according to a Wired investigation published this week. Rush, however, was committed and a great salesman who fully believed so much in his own creation and innovation that he wasnt willing to even consider that he might be wrong about something, camera operator Brian Weed, who took a scary test dive on Titan in the months before its inaugural Titanic journey, later told Insider . Renata Rojas, centre, poses with members of her July 2022 dive down to the wreckage of Titanic (Renata Rojas) Detailing constant communication, mechanical and logistical problems on the aborted dive, Weed told Insider that Rush was blinded by his own hubris, for lack of better word blinded by his own confidence. That confidence, however, was winning over other intrepid explorers and Titanic enthusiasts hoping to realize life-long dreams and willing to pay through the nose for it, handing over $150,000 for the privilege of being a mission specialist. Chicago filmmaker David Waud, who was aboard Titans fifth exploration in summer 2021, told The Independent last year hed signed up for the trip quite a few years ago when it was a little bit less. Rush, hed reasoned, wouldnt have been down there piloting it almost every single trip, every single dive, if he hadnt had 100 per cent confidence that submersible was okay. Renata Rojashad dreamed of visiting the wreck since the age of 12, saved for decades and worked every contact she had before boarding Titan in 2022 to become the first ever Mexican woman to visit Titanic, she told The Independent that September. She recalled hurtling towards the ocean floor and being too busy helping on the five-person submersible to become overwhelmed with emotion as she realized her lifes ambition. Until she could actually see the ship materializing before her, Rojas later told The Independent prophetically I didnt want to get all my hopes up, because anything can happen until you get to the bottom. Officials from the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) of Canada board the Polar Prince, the main support ship for the Titan submersible; International rescue crews searched for four days before debris confirmed the fate of the sub and its occupants (PA) That reality would hit hard nine months later, after the Titan began its doomed final descent carrying Rush, Nargeolet, Harding and the father-son Dawood duo. The submersible stopped communicating with the ship about an hour and 45 minutes into the dive; OceanGate waited about eight hours to alert authorities. Once that happened, however, the eyes of the world were on a possible race against time. Experts calculated that around 96 hours of oxygen remained; round-the-clock coverage followed as an international rescue effort launched ships, planes and equipment to search an area twice the size of Connecticut in waters two and a half miles deep. Reports dissected possible banging heard underwater as experts and talking heads across the globe queried whether those aboard from Sundays dive could be frantically signaling their adrift location. All hope evaporated by Thursday as the allotted oxygen hours crept to a close. That same day, the Coast Guard announced debris had been found roughly 1,600 feet from the Titanic. It was also revealed that the US Navy, in analyzing acoustic data from around the time Titan ceased communicating, found an anomaly consistent with an implosion or explosion in the general vicinity of where the submersible was operating, an official told AP. It was a tragic end to yet another ill-fated voyage in the North Atlantic waters. David Waud, of Chicago, traveled in 2021 on Titan to the Titanic wreckage alongside OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, who was again piloting the doomed mission last year (Waud Family) The president of the Explorers Club, which counted Harding and Nargeolet among its members and where Rush had spoken, lamented the deaths in a June 22, 2023 letter, writing: Their memories will be a blessing and will continue to inspire us in the name of science and exploration. Within weeks, however, OceanGates significant online presence had nearly vanished, and its office closed indefinitely. The disastrous end to Titans story is a blow to risk-taking adventuring as the merits of the venture continue to be debated, although some smaller competitors continue to grow. Even the most reliable technology can fail, and therefore accidents will happen, Nicolai Roterman, a deep-sea ecologist and lecturer in marine biology at the University of Portsmouth, England, told AP last year. With the growth in deep-sea tourism, we must expect more incidents like this. But the Titan disaster also made those who were willing to sign up think twice. Filmmaker Waud said he had felt so safe while journeying to Titanic to 2021 but conceded last summer that he and his family now know that it was a lot more dangerous than I thought it was and that I made it out to be. Lynn Helms, center, director of the Department of Mineral Resources, listens Tuesday, June 11, 2024, during a public hearing in Bismarck on proposed carbon dioxide storage that would be connected to the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline. (Kyle Martin/North Dakota Monitor) The underground carbon dioxide storage plan that is key to the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline project faced significant scrutiny during a three-day hearing last week in North Dakota. Summit proposes to transport CO2 emissions captured from ethanol plants in five states for permanent storage in an underground rock formation in North Dakota. In addition to needing approval for the pipeline, the company needs permits from the North Dakota Industrial Commission for three underground storage facilities in Oliver and Mercer Counties. At least 90% of property owners within each storage area have voluntarily signed leases with Summit for use of their pore space, or underground cavities or voids in the rock formation, the company told regulators with the Department of Mineral Resources. Property owner Kurt Swenson strongly objected to Summits request to regulators to force him and other nonconsenting landowners to participate in the project. The state can try and take it. Youre going to end up taking it from my cold, dead hands, said Swenson, who owns 1,400 acres in or near the proposed storage areas. Swenson and Derrick Braaten, an attorney representing Swenson and nearly a dozen other landowners, raised concerns about potential health hazards, lack of economic benefit, unfair treatment of landowners and Summits refusal to share crucial modeling data. I think they should be denied, said Swenson, adding the state will likely be forced to spend taxpayer funds to defend itself against lawsuits if the North Dakota Industrial Commission approves the permits. Director of Mineral Resources Lynn Helms called the hearing one of the most contentious hes ever endured. Summit is requesting to force nonconsenting property owners to lease their pore space through a legal process called amalgamation. The process similar to eminent domain used for pipeline rights-of-way is the subject of an ongoing lawsuit against the state. Unlike eminent domain, however, amalgamation does not involve a jury weighing in on landowner compensation, which the landowner plaintiffs argue is unconstitutional. Helms said Friday during a monthly press briefing that the process is different for pore space because the decisions involve studying geology, underground pressures and other technical considerations. Kenneth Hintz, the only other property owner to testify at the hearing, supports Summits project. Hintz, who has worked with Summit on the project since 2021, has no complaints with how the company has communicated with landowners and believes the project will have a positive impact on the area. The project will provide new industry for North Dakota, supplemental income for farmers and ranchers, and new tax dollars for the county, Hintz said. Summit executives and experts contracted with the company testified the proposed project meets the legal requirements for a permit listed in state law. Summits Midwest Carbon Express pipeline, if completed, will have the capacity to transport 18.5 million metric tons of CO2 annually to the three storage facilities in Oliver and Mercer Counties. The three storage facilities Summit is applying for will serve as the end point for the companys Midwest Carbon Express project, a 2,000-mile pipeline expected to collect carbon dioxide from 57 ethanol plants and one sustainable aviation fuel facility across five states, including Nebraska, and transport the CO2 to North Dakota for permanent storage underground. This is three enormous storage facilities, which will really change the nature of carbon emissions in the Midwest, Helms said. The CO2 will be pumped into the Broom Creek Formation, a layer of sandstone reservoir and saline aquifer between 5,587 feet and 6,421 feet below the surface. Confining layers of rock formations will prevent the CO2 from moving vertically and contaminating sources of drinking water, according to modeling performed by the Energy and Environmental Research Center at the University of North Dakota. The CO2 will instead expand horizontally across the storage facility area over time. Braaten disputes the accuracy of the EERCs modeling. Summit estimates the three storage facilities will have a combined capacity for 352 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. The company plans to fill the storage area over the course of 20 years, injecting an average of 17.6 million metric tons of CO2 annually. Leases signed with landowners include provisions allowing Summit to extend the life of the storage facility for an additional 20 years in exchange for a lump sum payment. The storage facilitys capacity is a fraction of North Dakotas pore space, estimated to have the potential to store 250 billion metric tons of CO2 according to the Department of Energy. Its a very prolific storage resource, said Wade Boeshans, Summits executive vice president. Helms, who is retiring this month, said technical staff with the Department of Mineral Resources will review the information and likely make a recommendation to the full North Dakota Industrial Commission by September or October. The commission, which makes the final decision, is comprised of Gov. Doug Burgum, Attorney General Drew Wrigley and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring. This article first appeared in the North Dakota Monitor, a sister site of the Nebraska Examiner in the States Newsroom network. The post Summits carbon storage plans face strong objections at ND permit hearing appeared first on Nebraska Examiner. FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE) As the investigation into the Chief of the Fresno police department continues, the city has placed him on administrative leave. Meanwhile, 10 years since California voters approved Prop 47 opponents blame it for rampant retail theft. The voters will decide its fate in the election in November. Capitol correspondent Eytan Wallace spoke with backers of the new initiative. Click here for more Sunday Morning Matters Also in November, the voters of Californias 13th Congressional District will choose between John Duarte and his challenger Adam Gray. Gray spoke to Sunday Morning Matters about how his campaign is changing following his loss in 2022 by less than 600 votes. All of that is on this weeks Sunday Morning Matters. Watch in the video player above. Copyright 2024 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 YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47. Supposed to be safe in my home: Denver mother of 5 struck by stray bullet DENVER (KDVR) A mother of five is now out of the hospital recovering after she was struck by a stray bullet that came through the front door of her Denver home. For nearly three days Cadence Casillas has been in a lot of pain, and its no fault of her own. Crews working to rescue person in off-road vehicle rollover crash Im supposed to be safe in my house, and clearly I wasnt, said Casillas. It was around 2:30 a.m. Wednesday outside North Wolff Street in Denver when Casillas said she was finishing up school work in the living room. Thats when she heard what sounded like firecrackers. I was like alright that was loud, said Casilla. Im going to get up to shut the door. When she did she never expected what would happen next. I hear another loud pop, and my whole leg just went painful, numb, she said. She was hit by a stray bullet on her right leg. The bullet pierced through her front door. Scammer moves stranger into Denver womans home Her 12-year-old daughter, 1-year-old, and 15-year-old son were all in the living room at the time. Thats when I saw blood on the other leg, ended up on the floor and just screamed. My 15-year-old was the first one next to me, he grabbed his belt and put it on as a tourniquet. My 17-year-old had a blanket he was using as compression. My husband called 911 and my 17-year-old also called 911, she said. I cant even express to them how amazing they are. I know as parents we dont tell our kids enough how grateful for them or how amazing they are. It was their quick thinking, I am blessed. Three bullets entered her home. I got lucky that the wound isnt much worse, but Im most grateful that it didnt hit any of my kids or my husband. Yes, Im upset because I got hit, but it was actually a pretty good outcome because it missed everything, she said. Her son told FOX31 that dozens of shots were fired in the neighborhood. I was in my house on the second floor and I still got hit, she said. It just feels like nothing is that safe anymore. Casillas home was not the only one hit. A bullet also went through her neighbors front door as well. Denver police search for suspects after carjacking leads to rollover crash Stop, guns are not toys, said Casilla. She hopes her story is a reminder to others of what can happen when bullets are randomly fired. I dont see whats so fun and fascinating about running or driving down someones neighborhood and randomly shooting, she said. We got lucky it wasnt worse. Police say this case is still under investigation. No arrests have been made at this time. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call police. Meanwhile, a GoFundMe has been set up for the mother of five to help cover her medical costs. . Copyright 2024 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. Sweden frees former Iranian official jailed for war crimes in prisoner swap People react as a Swedish court hands the life sentence to Iranian official Hamid Noury in 2022 (EPA) A former Iranian official jailed in Sweden for his alleged role in mass executions in the 1980s has been released in a prison swap. Hamid Noury arrived at the Tehran airport on Saturday where he was greeted by his family, footage released by the official IRNA news agency showed. The prisoner exchange was mediated by Oman. Sweden freed Mr Noury while Iran released Johan Floderus and Saeed Azizi. Mr Floderus, 33, was arrested on spying charges in 2022 while he was in Iran on holiday and was facing the death penalty. Mr Azizi, a dual national in his early 60s, was arrested last November and given a five-year prison sentence after being held guilty of assembly and collusion against national security. The exchange was mediated by Oman. Omani efforts resulted in the two sides agreeing on a mutual release as those released were transferred from Tehran and Stockholm, the Gulf countrys foreign ministry said. Mr Noury, 63, was arrested from a Stockholm airport in 2019 and subsequently sentenced to life in prison for alleged war crimes related to the execution of prisoners at the Gohardasht jail in 1988. He was assistant to the deputy prosecutor at the prison in Karaj at the time, according to the Swedish prosecutors. The prisoners who were allegedly killed were associated with the armed group Mujahedin-e Khalq, which was accused of siding with the enemy when Saddam Husseins Iraq launched a war on Iran in the 1980s. Iran has never acknowledged the executions. Mr Noury pleaded not guilty and denied involvement in the alleged crimes, but the Swedish court found him guilty of grave breaches of international humanitarian law and murder. He was tried under the principle of universal jurisdiction which allows any country to prosecute a foreigner for serious crimes against international law war crimes, genocide, torture, and crimes against humanity even if they took place abroad. Speaking about the exchange, Swedish prime minister Ulf Kristersson said Tehran made Mr Floderus and Mr Azizi pawns in a cynical negotiation game with the aim of getting Iranian citizen Hamid Noury released from prison in Sweden. Irans foreign ministry said Mr Nourys imprisonment was the result of an illegal Swedish court decision that lacked legitimacy and described him as a hostage. After landing in Tehran, Mr Noury called his case complicated and sensitive. They said even God cannot free Hamid Noury, but he did, he told reporters. In Sweden, Mr Nourys release sparked criticism from opponents of Irans government such as the National Council of Resistance of Iran, which accused Stockholm of yielding to hostage-taking tactics in a move that would bolster Tehran. It was also condemned by Kenneth Lewis, lawyer for a dozen plaintiffs in the case against Mr Noury. He said his clients, who were not consulted by the Swedish government about the exchange, were "appalled and devastated". "This is an affront to the entire justice system and everyone who has participated in these trials. Mr Lewis said his clients sympathised with the Swedish government for working to get its citizens home, but Mr Nourys release was "totally disproportionate. Mr Floderus and Mr Azizi arrived home late on Saturday. Switzerland intends to discuss the Peace Summit with Russia, as well as with China and other countries that did not participate in it, the Swiss Foreign Minister said. Source: Ignazio Cassis, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland; Viola Amherd, President of the Swiss Confederation, at the press conference following the results of the Summit, as reported by Interfax-Ukraine news agency Quote by Cassis: "We have a working embassy in Moscow, and every two weeks, we communicate with Russias Minister of Foreign Affairs, and we also have an intention to discuss the results of this conference with Russia." Details: He also reported that Switzerland will hold a detailed discussion of the summits results with other countries "on whose doors we knocked but they did not come, like, for instance, China". Cassis noted that Beijing had suggested mutual support during the first stage but then said "no" after finding out that Russia couldnt be involved at the first stage. Cassis stated that China and Brazil can choose another approach, and this was also about seeking the way to unite these different approaches. Cassis admitted the dilemma that most decisions, which had been adopted, could not be implemented without Russia. At the same time, Cassis stressed that it was for the sake of meeting Russias possible interests and building the path to peace that three topics for the first summit were chosen, namely nuclear security, trade security and liberation of the prisoners of war, as well as of thousands of children rather than, for instance, the issue of Ukraine's territorial integrity. With that, Swiss President Viola Amherd stated that despite the arrest warrant of the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Russian ruler Vladimir Putin, he can be present at further potential conferences and negotiations on peace in Ukraine, organised by Switzerland. Asked whether Putins arrival in Switzerland can be organised taking into account the arrest warrant of the ICC for further negotiations and, perhaps, conference on the peace in Ukraine, Amherd said that it was possible. "Yes, if the presence of a statesman is necessary for holding the conference, then an exception can be made. In case of the negotiations on peace in Ukraine and Russia this can be such an exception. But this decision must be adopted by the [Swiss ed.] government," Amherd said. The Swiss Foreign Minister agreed that it can be arranged. "This is possible in accordance with our laws. Of course, we must do it jointly with the ICC, but as a host state, we can make an exception," he said. Support UP or become our patron! Tacoma business snared in illegal-import case and fined $360K. Heres what we know A Tacoma-based home goods business imported products from China that were falsely declared as being from Malaysia a distinction that allowed it to evade specific oversight and more than $850,000 in import duties, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. Tip the Scale LLC, which operates LD Kitchen and Bath in the 1200 block of Puyallup Avenue, pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court to a felony count of importing goods by means of false statements. The company was ordered to pay $360,000 in fines and serve three years of probation, court records show. Between January and May 2020, Tip the Scale imported five shipping containers of wooden cabinets and vanities that were declared as wood harvested in Malaysia but were actually harvested and produced in China, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. By doing so, Tip the Scale evaded oversight of Chinese-harvested timber and more than $850,000 in import duties, the office said. Under the Lacey Act, wood-product importers must file a declaration that details the genus and species of timber imports and the country in which the wood was harvested in an effort to prevent timber species that are protected, illegally logged or misdeclared from entering the United States. In a statement, assistant attorney general Todd Kim called the Lacey Act our best tool in combating timber trafficking. Robert Hammer, a Homeland Security special agent in charge, said that the sentencing sent a clear message of accountability for companies that violate environmental laws and deceive customs authorities. By falsifying import documentation, L&D Kitchen and Bath sought to gain an unfair advantage over competitors and evaded important environmental protections, Hammer said in a statement. LD Kitchen and Bath, as its name is stated on its website and in court records, is a woman- and minority-owned small business started in 2008 and run by friends and family, according to a sentencing memo filed in court June 6 by attorneys representing the company. It typically employs about 25 people. LDKB is a first-time offender. It had no intention to harm anyone, the memo said. It failed to act with adequate care in completing importation paperwork about the species and origin of wood imported from a third party in a foreign country. The memo said that the company had no importation department and only a general understanding of customs and trade laws, instead relying on third parties. The filing acknowledged that the business didnt have reasonable cause to believe the truth of particular statements in paperwork related to the species and origin of wood it imported from a third party in Asia. Upon learning of the federal investigation, the company cooperated with the government and has since paid nearly $857,000 in duties and assessments and adopted a compliance plan to be audited by a government-approved auditor to ensure such an incident never recurs, according to the memo. Democratic candidates Rep. Don Davis and state Rep. Terence Everitt listen to speakers at the Granville County Democratic Party fundraiser in Oxford, N.C., while standing among other attendees on Friday, May 10, 2024. The candidates told guests that Granville County could have serious implications on the outcome of the 2024 election. (AP Photo/Makiya Seminera) OXFORD, N.C. (AP) President Joe Biden and Donald Trump have their sights on a handful of battleground states in the White House race, and North Carolina is one of them. Rural voters in particular will play an important role for both campaigns, but the candidates will have to overcome voter indifference, fatigue and even disgust. Both Democrats and Republicans hope face-to-face contact will help them make their case. In places like Granville County, a swing county tucked between the Raleigh-Durham area and the Virginia state line, that has already begun. Here are some key takeaways from an examination of the campaign less than five months before the November general election. Spending war for North Carolina's airwaves When it comes to advertising spending in North Carolina, Democrats are outpacing Republicans by a nearly 4-to-1 margin, according to AdImpact data. As of June 7, Democratic groups had spent more than $4 million compared with about $1 million from Republicans in the state. That gap widens even further when looking ahead to the fall. For reserved ad slots between June 8 and Election Day, Democrats have spent more than $5.6 million so far, compared with $25,000 reserved by one Republican political action committee. Those reservations are subject to change as races come into focus. The Raleigh-Durham area makes up a significant portion of advertising spending in North Carolina for both parties: almost $2 million for Democrats and more than $138,000 for Republicans. The area skews heavily Democratic, but it also borders counties such as Granville and Franklin that voted for Trump in 2020. Tuning out the election As a rematch of 2020 takes shapes, many people in the United States are not paying much attention to the election. About 4 in 10 Americans in a Pew Research Center poll conducted in April said they are not following news about candidates in presidential contest too closely or at all. Younger adults are less likely than older ones to be following election news. Many people already find the election exhausting, even if they are not tuned in. About 6 in 10 U.S. adults in the poll say they are worn out by so much coverage of the campaign and candidates. Those not following closely are especially likely to say they are exhausted. Trump's record with North Carolina's rural counties In a state with the second highest rural population in the country, winning over those voters is essential. Democrats may not win outright in rural parts of North Carolina, but if they can keep the margins close, they have a better chance to take advantage of their strength in the state's urban areas. Previous election results show that appealing to North Carolina's rural voters may be easier for Republican Trump than for Democrat Biden. In 2020, 64 rural counties backed Trump while only 14 went for Biden. Compared with his 2016 campaign, Trump's winning margin grew in most rural counties four years ago. Possible openings for Democrats A handful of rural counties could be more competitive. Granville County, for example, had one of the tighter margins of victory for Trump 53% in 2020 among rural counties. That was a jump of 3 percentage points from 2016, when he narrowly won against Democrat Hillary Clinton. Before Trump, Granville County was considered a blue rural county. Democrat Barack Obama won it in 2008 and 2012. It's one of six counties in North Carolina that made the pivot from Obama to Trump. Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid waves as he leaves after a news conference in Kabul. Oliver Weiken/dpa The Taliban government on Sunday officially announced its intention to send a delegation to the upcoming Doha meeting on the situation in Afghanistan. Taliban chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told TOLOnews that the group believes their participation in the Qatar talks will benefit Afghanistan when it comes to humanitarian aid and investment. Meanwhile, the Taliban foreign ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi clarified that the Taliban has agreed in principle to participate in the upcoming Doha meeting after reviewing the agenda and attendee list shared by the UN during discussions over the past two months. However, Balkhi stated that their participation is conditional. If there are any changes to the agenda or attendees, the Taliban will reconsider their decision and inform all parties involved, he added. The UN-hosted meeting will be held on June 30 and July 1, with the aim of increasing international engagement with the country as it faces a series of crises. Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban have rejected calls for the formation of an inclusive government and to ensure women's rights to education and work. As a result, no country has recognized their government. The country's banking reserves are frozen in the West, and senior Taliban leaders are on US wanted lists. But the UN Security Council eased travel restrictions for key Taliban leaders so they could perform the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca. Additionally, last week the European Union announced a 150 million ($160 million) humanitarian aid package to the country. The Taliban has been seeking more cooperation with the UN - while also rejecting the world body's initiatives. In December, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution asking the UN secretary-general to appoint a special envoy for Afghanistan. The Taliban has consistently been against having such a figure for the country. In February, the Taliban refused to attend a similar UN meeting in Doha on account that Afghan activists had been invited. Tampa Bay Times reporter Tracey McManus was awarded the Lucy Morgan Award for Open Government Reporting on Saturday while two other Times reporters were named finalists. The award is given by the First Amendment Foundation, an open records and free speech nonprofit, and is named after the Pulitzer Prize-winning Times journalist who died in September at age 82. First bestowed in 2017, the prize is given to a Florida journalist whose exemplary use of public records strengthens the public interest by exposing corruption and government conflicts, according to the foundation. McManus began covering the city of Clearwater and the Church of Scientology in 2015, and has since reported stories about the organizations growing control over downtown Clearwater. Among her stories that the award recognized was one where McManus obtained dozens of county records to show how Scientologists recruited a developer as the public face of a real estate project to obscure the churchs role. In another, she scoured campaign finance records to trace money from former state Sen. Jack Latvalas political committee to the businesses he runs with his son. I really believe local news is key to a functioning society, and its more important now than ever, McManus said. Im grateful for the chance to do local journalism alongside such talented reporters, editors, photographers and other colleagues who all work to inform our community every day. In March, McManus won the Times newsrooms first ever Lucy Morgan Prize to honor journalists who made a difference either in our community or inside the Times. Tracey has managed to corner the market on the Lucy Morgan prizes, and there is no one more deserving, said Times Editor Mark Katches. She is relentless, diligent, fair and absolutely fearless all qualities that the legendary namesake possessed. As a beat reporter, she sets the standard. McManus accepted the award in Tallahassee at the Florida State University College of Law Rotunda from Carol Marbin Miller, who organized the contest and is the Miami Heralds deputy investigations editor. I knew Lucy very well, and her courage her boldness is one of the things that well all remember about her forever, Marbin Miller said. In that spirit, I think Tracey McManus earns this award. Times reporters made up three of the top five finalists for this years award McManus, Tallahassee correspondent Lawrence Mower and health reporter Christopher ODonnell were up for the prize. McManus also beat out The Villages Daily Sun, whose submission was chosen this year as a Pulitzer Prize finalist. This is the second time Times journalists have won the foundations prize. In 2018, Times reporters Kathleen McGrory and Neil Bedi won the Lucy Morgan Award for Heartbroken, which investigated a rise in mortality rates at St. Petersburgs All Childrens Hospital after Johns Hopkins took over its heart surgery wing. Before her 20-year stint as the Times Tallahassee bureau chief, Morgan built a reputation as a feared and respected reporter, exposing corruption in the Pasco County Sheriffs Office and investigating a $50 million interstate mortgage scheme. This teen used state lottery-funded scholarships to get into trade school and get a job Braydon Carroll, 19, repairs equipment at Johnson City Kubota, on May 21, 2024, in Johnson City, Tenn. This is Carroll's first full-time job after completing trade school while using Tennessee Lottery-funded scholarships to pay for it His papaw worked on cars his whole life, and East Tennessee teenager Brayden Carroll figured a mechanics job would give him stability and a regular paycheck for a long time. "Everybody uses machines," Carroll said, shrugging. So Carroll, 19, of Elizabethton, Tenn., decided after high school, he would go to a nearby trade school and learn how to fix off-road diesel engines. Farm equipment, lawnmowers, that kind of thing. But he wasn't sure how to pay for it. His mom lives mostly off disability and his military veteran dad works in a factory, and they didn't have much in savings. After filling out financial aid forms at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) in Elizabethton, Carroll got good news on top of getting all tuition covered, he got hundreds extra each semester for whatever else he needed. Most of the scholarships came from Tennessee Lottery proceeds, which have funded more than two million scholarships since the lottery launched in 2004 Turns out Carroll needed that extra money each semester to start building his own supply of tools. Carroll finished the two-year TCAT program in April, and a teacher helped him get a job at a local farm supply company putting together new pieces of farm equipment from the factory and fixing old equipment that's still under warrantly. To land that job, though, Carroll needed to have hundreds of dollars of his own equipment, which he bought with his leftover scholarship money. "It really really helped," his mother, Candice Carroll, said. "I would've had to get another job to pay for [the tools]." Carroll now is several months into a job he loves, one that provides health insurance and a 401(K) savings plan. "I love coming in every morning," he said. "The people are nice and the pay is decent. I cant complain at all." Reach Brad Schmitt at brad@tennessean.com or 615-259-8384. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: State lottery-funded scholarships help teen land mechanic job he loves (KRON) A teenager was arrested for committing a hate crime on a victim while praying in San Bruno on Saturday afternoon, the San Bruno Police Department said. Fairfield robber caught fleeing in Uber: PD At about 2:40 p.m., San Bruno police responded to a report of a victim getting threatened with a knife in a shopping center parking lot on El Camino Real. The victim told police that he was praying outside of his car when the suspect approached the victim and threatened him with a knife. Police said the suspect then threatened to kill the victim and made derogatory statements about his perceived ethnicity. The victim later identified himself to SBPD as Middle Eastern / Afghan, police said. Police said the suspect then fled in a car, and the victim was not physically injured. Shortly after fleeing, police tracked down the suspect in his car. The suspect was identified as a 17-year-old who is believed to be of Middle Eastern descent as well, SBPD said. 3 Bay Area-based Hells Angels members sentenced to life: DA Police said the teenager was arrested for charges related to committing a hate crime, brandishing a deadly weapon, and criminal threats before getting booked into the Hillcrest Juvenile Detention Center in San Mateo County. Anyone with information on this hate crime is urged to contact SBPD at (650) 616-7100. Police said information can be left anonymously. Copyright 2024 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 KRON4. Victory in November was the theme of the evening as Tennessee's top Republican brass gathered for an annual fundraiser dinner in Nashville on Saturday night. About 1,200 state lawmakers, county and state Republican Party executives, lobbyists and politicos gathered at the Music City Center for the 47th annual Tennessee Republican Statesmens Dinner. U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty who both serve on Trumps leadership team stumped for Trump in their brief remarks. In criticism over the Trump guilty verdict, Hagerty accused the Biden administration of contorting every aspect of the federal government and mobilizing them into a warfare that we have never seen before here in America. "Most of us could not have imagined that in America we could see what happened in Manhattan two and a half weeks ago with the verdict that was delivered against President Trump," Hagerty said. Sharing that hed spoken to the former president this week, Hagerty pledged to run the score up in Tennessee, bringing home an even bigger win for Trump than in 2020 when he won with 60.7% of the vote. The week in politics: Tennessee's senators decry IVF votes as an election-year stunt Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry keynote speaker Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry speaks during the Tennessee Republican Partys Statesmens Dinner at Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, June 15, 2024. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, who was sworn in earlier this year, headlined the event, claimed that Democrats have held a double standard of applying justice, citing the two Democratic-led impeachments of former Trump, and an unsuccessful Republican-led impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. He also decried Trump's hush money guilty verdict. If Trump is guilty on all of those 34 counts, then half of New York and all of Wall Street should be in jail, Landry said. Landry emphasized the important leadership role states play in protecting freedoms and pushing back against what he described as the grip of anarchy that has infected the country. D.C. seems more focused on creating problems rather than solving them, making me believe that the true solutions are found in Gov. (Bill) Lees model, which is opportunity, security, and freedom for all, Landry said. We fix America when we fix our states. Landry touted Louisianas new universal licensing law to help draw professionals to the state, saying "y'all better watch out, we might actually make some of y'all LSU fans before its over sparking fervor from the crowd. Im going home to sign a bill that places the Ten Commandments in public classrooms, he said. And I cant wait to be sued. The Pelican State governor called the two states "kindred spirits," lauding Tennesseans of 200 years ago who under General Andrew Jackson came to the Cajun army's aid at the Battle of New Orleans and also poking some little good-natured fun two cities in each state. New Orleans and Memphis, they're like sister cities, Landry joked. New Orleans is like your high-maintenance but seductive cousin, while Memphis is your warm and friendly buddy but shes got a hidden razor in her boot. Republicans eye 2026 and beyond Damon Hininger, dinner chairman, holds up a campaign sign for Marsha Blackburn during the Tennessee Republican Partys Statesmens Dinner at Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, June 15, 2024. CoreCivic CEO Damon Hininger, who is a potential 2026 gubernatorial candidate, was chair of the event, announcing that more than $600,000 was raised prior to the start of the evening. Hininger and his wife, Carrie, personally paid for souvenir glasses engraved with the Tennessee Republican Party's logo for each guest as a memento. Another potential gubernatorial candidate, Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, offered the invocation. In a new tradition, Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge, and House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, started naming Legislators of the Year from both chambers. McNally chose to honor Senate Speaker Pro Tempore Ferrell Haile, who presided over the upper chamber for several weeks at the beginning of the legislative session as McNally recovered from leg surgery. Sexton named Rep. Mary Littleton, R-Dickson. Haile and Littleton are both facing serious primary challenges this year. Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs speaks during the Tennessee Republican Partys Statesmens Dinner at Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, June 15, 2024. Another state lawmaker, Rep. Greg Vital, R-Harrison, was named Statesmen of the Year in the 3rd Congressional District by U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, R-Ooltewah. The night also featured a tribute to mark 30 years since the 1994 elections when Republican Don Sundquist was elected governor, and Bill Frist and Fred Thompson were first elected to the U.S. Senate, sparking a wave of Republican victories. Republican Party Chair Scott Golden touted Tennessee as turning into the reddest of the red states, noting the largest vote differential between President Joe Biden and Trump in 2020 was in Tennessee, with more than 708,000 more votes, compared to Texas and Florida. With near total control of every statewide, federal and state legislative seat in the state and even Nashville gerrymandered by Republican leadership to exclude representation by a Democrat in Congress one could wonder what more work is to be done? One day we will turn Memphis red again, Sexton told the room. And I know that day is coming very soon. Vivian Jones covers state government and politics for The Tennessean. Reach her at vjones@tennessean.com or on X at @Vivian_E_Jones. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee Republican Party Statesmen's Dinner: Leaders eye November In a prime example of the political musical chairs sparked by term limits, among those seeking three open County Commission seats is a state representative who is being term-limited out of that office, and who happened to have been a county commissioner decades ago before heading to the Florida House and then the Florida Senate and then back to the House again. He will face off another former representative who himself was term-limited out of office a decade ago. Meanwhile, two of the commissioners being term-limited out of office one of whom joined the commission after being term-limited out of the Florida House are seeking other countywide seats. The current Brevard Board of County Commissioners will see three changes after the 2024 election. Current Commissioners Rita Pritchett of North Brevard's District 1 and John Tobia of South Brevard's District 3 will both give up their seats due to term limits after being first elected to their positions in 2016. Jason Steele, whose District 5 also includes much of South Brevard, will also be departing the board at the end of the term. Steele was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to replace former Commissioner Kristine Zonka, who departed in 2023 to lead the Brevard County Department of Health. Zonka would not have been eligible to run for reelection because of term limits. Both Pritchett and Tobia are now running to lead two of the county's constitutional offices. Pritchett is seeking to unseat longtime incumbent Lisa Cullen as Brevard County tax collector, while Tobia is vying to lead the supervisor of elections office against current agency head Tim Bobanic. Here's who's running for each of the three open districts this year: District 1, North Brevard, including Titusville, Port St. John and Cocoa Incumbent Rita Pritchett will be leaving the District 1 seat after the November Election. District 1 will have the Brevard County Commission's most crowded race. Four Republicans are seeking the seat current Titusville Mayor Dan Diesel, former Titusville City Councilman Robert Jordan, Mims community activist Dwight Seigler and conservative activist Katie Delaney. They will face off in the Aug. 20 primary this year. The Nov. 5 general election also includes former Keep Brevard Beautiful Executive Director Bryan Bobbitt running as the sole Democrat. Nathan Slusher, a Libertarian who has previously run unsuccessfully for Titusville City Council, has also qualified for the race. Seigler previously ran for the District 1 seat as a Democrat in 2020, when he lost to Pritchett in a landslide that saw the Republican win with 67.7% of the vote. District 3, Southeast Brevard, Including Melbourne, Palm Bay and south Beaches John Tobia District 3 will see a much smaller primary between two Republicans current West Melbourne City Councilman John Dittmore and Kim Adkinson, who has served as Republican State Committeewoman. The winner of that primary will face Democratic candidate Yvonne Minus, who currently serves on the Melbourne City Council. Minus in 2014 became the first Black woman to sit on the city's governing body. She then went on to win two more elections, maintaining her office. She was ineligible to run again for City Council this year due to term limits. District 5, Southwest Brevard, including Palm Bay, West Melbourne and Melbourne In District 5, current Florida Rep. Thad Altman will be running against former Florida Rep. Ritch Workman in the Republican primary. Altman is being term-limited from the House. Workman was term-limited out of the House in 2016. Altman's run marks his return to county-level politics after three decades. The Republican politician from Melbourne served on the County Commission from 1984 to 1992 before serving in the Florida House, the Florida Senate and the Florida House again, where he currently represents District 32, which includes Rockledge, Melbourne, Indialantic and Indian Harbour Beach. Besides being a former Florida representative, Workman is also Tobia's former director of community affairs. The winner of the GOP primary will face Democrat Vinnie Taranto Jr., chair of the Save Our Indian River Lagoon Citizen Oversight Committee, in the November election. The current salary of county commissioners is $60,272.98. County Commission terms are staggered, and Districts 2 and 4 will hold elections again in 2026. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Brevard County Commission will see contested races in 2024 election cycle The legal battle between Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and El Paso's Annunciation House continues Monday as the state targets the nonprofit Catholic organization's operation. A hearing is set for 10 a.m. Monday, June 17, before 205th District Court Judge Francisco X. Dominguez to discuss motions filed in the case and the next steps in the lawsuit. A key motion pending in the case is a motion for summary judgment basically asking for the judge to rule if the case has merit to proceed to trial. Ruben Garcia, director of Annunciation House, speaks with attorney Robert Doggett and Jerome Wesevich, a lawyer with Texas RioGrande Legal Aid representing Annunciation House, after a motion hearing with Judge Francisco Dominguez in the 205th District Courtroom in El Paso, TX on Thursday, March 7, 2024. Paxton and his attorney are demanding Annunciation House officials to turn over private information on the migrants the shelter has assisted after their release by federal immigration officials. Paxton called the Annunciation House a "stash house," alleging it provides illegal services to migrants and "facilitates astonishing horrors, including human smuggling." Annunciation House officials and their attorneys filed a lawsuit against the Texas Attorney General's Office requesting a judge determine what documents, if any, the organization was legally required to turned over to the attorney general. The documents include names, dates of births, medical history, medications needed by the migrants, and the names of the migrants' family members. More: Judge: Texas AG's office acted "unprofessionally" in request for Annunciation House records The Texas Attorney General's Office did not respond to a request for comment on the upcoming hearing. In a May 8 statement about the lawsuit, Paxson said, "Any NGO facilitating the unlawful entry of illegal aliens into Texas is undermining the rule of law and potentially jeopardizing the safety and wellbeing of our citizens. All NGOs who are complicit in Joe Bidens illegal immigration catastrophe and think they are above the law should consider themselves on notice. Annunciation House attorney Jerome Wesevich declined to comment ahead of the hearing. A news conference is scheduled after Monday's hearing, he said. Hearing held by video conference The hearing will be held virtually and will be broadcast on the 205th District Court's YouTube page. It's being held by video conference to avoid security issues, courthouse officials said. A March hearing in the case had heightened security measures in place at the Enrique Moreno County Courthouse in Downtown El Paso. The security measures included extra bailiffs and El Paso County Sheriffs Office deputies inside and outside the courtroom. People attending the hearing had to go through two security checks one at the entrance of the courthouse and another before entering the courtroom. Paxton did not attend the March hearing. Key players in Annunciation House document case Ruben Garcia is the founder and director of the Annunciation House. He has run the nonprofit Catholic organization for more than four decades. Thousands of migrants have been aided by the Annunciation House since it was created. The organization aids migrants seeking asylum after they have been released from federal custody and wait for their court hearings on their petitions for asylum. The Annunciation House provides various services to migrants, immigrants, and refugees in the El Paso area. The organization provides temporary shelter, legal services, food, medicine, donated clothes and connects migrants to family members they have in the U.S. More: Texas Attorney General denied Annunciation House records until case is heard in court Garcia and the Annunciation House have received praise for their humanities efforts from various world and U.S. leaders, including Pope Francis. Wesevich is the lead attorney representing the Annunciation House in the lawsuit. He works with the Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, which provides free legal services to people who cannot afford an attorney. Defense lawyers Ryan Baasch and Robb Fargoharson, representing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton before a motion hearing with Judge Francisco Dominguez in the 205th District Courtroom in El Paso, TX on Thursday, March 7, 2024. The Texas Attorney General's Office is being representing by several staff attorneys, including Ryan Baasch and Robbie Farquharson. Baash is the chief of consumer protection for the Texas Attorney General's Office. He has worked with the AG's office since July 2023, according to his LinkedIn page. Farquharson is an assistant attorney general. He has been with the AG's office since December 2023, the Texas Tribune reported. Judge Dominguez, a Democrat, is the presiding judge of the 205th District Court. He was first elected to the judicial seat in 2015. He has successfully won reelection several times, including in 2022. His term is set to end in 2026. He was a prominent El Paso civil rights leader and civil rights attorney for 20 years before taking the bench. How we got this point Paxton's efforts to shutdown the Annunciation House began in February when he sent three lawyers to the nonprofit demanding it turn over the documents on the migrants they have sheltered after being released from federal immigration custody. Annunciation House officials declined to turn over the documents. Annunciation House attorneys then filed a lawsuit requesting a judge determine what documents, if any, the organization was legally required to turned over to Texas Attorney General's Office. Paxton then filed a counter lawsuit claiming the Annunciation House was a "stash house" that provides illegal services to migrants. More: Pope Francis calls Texas AG Ken Paxton's attacks on El Paso's Annunciation House 'madness' In a March 7 hearing, Paxton's attorneys argued Annunciation House leaders had no valid argument not to turn over the documents since they had previously turned over this information when the organization applied for federal grants. The attorneys added the organization failed to show how turning over the documents was a violation of any constitutional rights. Garcia testified during the March 7 hearing that he was worried turning over the documents could put the migrants in danger since the people and gangs they fled from in their home country could find them. He added turning over the documents could be detrimental to the Annunciation House by causing migrants to lose trust in the nonprofit organization. Annunciation House is willing to turn over documents once a judge rules which documents must be released to the attorney general, Wesevich said at the March 7 hearing. Paxton's motives in question Judge Dominguez did not make a ruling during the March 7 hearing, but stated Paxton's actions were unprofessional and made with ulterior political motives. On March 11, Dominguez ruled in favor of the Annunciation House stating the organization did not have to turn over any documents until the court makes a final ruling on which documents the organization, if any, must turn over to the Texas Attorney General's Office. Judge Francisco Dominguez speaks during a motion hearing with in the 205th District Courtroom in El Paso, TX on Thursday, March 7, 2024. Dominguez again questioned the motives of Paxton in his March 11 ruling. "The Attorney General's efforts to run roughshod over Annunciation House, without regard to due process or fair play, call into question the true motivation for the Attorney General's attempt to prevent Annunciation House from providing the humanitarian and social services that it provides," Dominguez said in his ruling. Aaron Martinez may be reached at amartinez1@elpasotimes.com or on Twitter @AMartinezEPT. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: What to know about Texas AG, El Paso's Annunciation House legal battle State Sen. Bryan Birdwell asked the quiet part out loud regarding the ever-spreading tentacles and ever-escalating costs of Texas' border security initiative: "How long can we do this?" Birdwell, a Republican from Granbury who chairs the Texas Senate Committee on Border Security, received no direct answer to his question during a committee hearing Wednesday. But Mike Banks, Gov. Greg Abbott's border czar, said Operation Lone Star launched in early 2021 to battle a rise in unlawful immigration and might have to get bigger before anyone can think about shrinking it. The initiative has ballooned to an $11 billion price tag and now features a military base camp that is under construction along the Texas-Mexico border in Eagle Pass. But Birdwell's concerns about lawmakers one day having to face declining revenue and history shows that Texas is not immune to cyclical budget shortfalls highlight a truism about expensive government initiatives at both the state and federal levels: Once they are in place, a constituency forms around them because they bring money and jobs to the section of the state where operations are centered. And the prospect of dismantling them is economically painful for the affected region, and therefore politically very difficult to do. Gov. Greg Abbott speaks with several other governors at Eagle Pass in February. Abbott's Operation Lone Star has cost Texas taxpayers $11 billion. After the collapse of the Soviet Union and the thawing of the Cold War in the early 1990s, the U.S. Defense Department set about closing military installations across the country simply because the large force needed for the frightening prospect of fighting World War III was no longer necessary. Congress as an institution fully understood that. But individual Congress members with vulnerable military bases that anchored countless jobs, troops and civilians in their districts fought tooth and nail to keep them open. Or to draw down as much federal money from the Department of Defense Base Closure Account as they could get their hands on to repurpose the bases for civilian use and ease the pain of transition. More: In hunt for cartel hitmen, Texas Ranger's biggest obstacle may be the border itself Operation Lone Star, because of the sheer geographical size of Texas' border, is spread farther and thinner than Fort Bliss or Corpus Christi Naval Air Station, meaning its local economic effect is also wider. But that spread does take in more constituencies. The thousands of National Guard soldiers and airmen and the Department of Public Safety troopers deployed to South Texas probably spend a fair portion of their paychecks in the cities and towns where they are based. That's good for local shop owners, restaurants, hotels and probably even a pawnshop or two. The sheriffs whose counties are on the border and a few whose counties are the buffer between South Texas and the rest of the state have been on the receiving end of tens of millions of dollars from the state to offset the cost of helping with Operation Lone Star. If those dollars dry up, away go the deputies whose salaries are covered by that money and perhaps too the maintenance costs of equipment that came in courtesy of the Legislature. More: Wedged between politics and Texas muscle, migrants thread dangerous path across border Then there's Abbott's vaunted Forward Base Camp, which was just activated on 80 state-purchased acres near the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass. It was built to accommodate up to 2,300 soldiers and has barracks, a mess hall, a recreation center and a laundry and a library. All that gives the facility an air of permanency and might even attract a couple of fast-food joints and a watering hole or two for off-post, after-hours R&R. A National Guard soldier keeps watch in Eagle Pass' Shelby Park in February as part of Operation Lone Star. A further unknown in mid-June 2024 is who is going to be setting national immigration policy in January 2025 when two things happen almost at once. In Washington, a president is going to be inaugurated, and in Austin, a Legislature will be convened. Under one scenario, Abbott and Texas lawmakers are going to feel compelled not only to keep Operation Lone Star flush with cash but to take Banks' cue and extend its reach even farther. The other scenario might have the governor and the Legislature thinking that a possibly new federal administration is going to inherit the border just how the old one left it and that Texas has got to give the incoming president's team all the help it needs until it gets itself up to speed. And all that suggests that the answer to Birdwell's "how long" question is: probably for quite a bit longer. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Will Texas' Operation Lone Star ever end? Why the answer is elusive. Third member of robbing crew sentenced to life in prison in 2020 robbery of Gwinnett County man Gwinnett County prosecutors have sentenced the third man of a robbing crew they say played a part in a 2020 robbery leading to the death of a man. Officials sentenced Miguel Angel Gonzales, 24, to life in prison after he was convicted of two counts each of felony murder, aggravated assault, and criminal attempt to commit a felony, along with one count of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony for the Feb. 10, 2020, shooting death of Marcus Gilead. Gonzales was 20 at the time of the incident. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] No one in Gwinnett County should have to be afraid of being robbed or threatened, County District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said. This conviction and sentence stand as a message that this kind of lawless behavior is not acceptable and carries serious consequences. Gonzalez, officials say joined Abraham Quintanar and Sebastian Resendiz-Garcia in a plan to steal $600 back from Gilead hours after Gonzalez had paid that amount for marijuana. The three men went to Gileads home at 3220 Wrenwood Court in Loganville and found Gilead sitting in an SUV outside his home with another man. Gonzalez, Quintanar and Resendiz-Garcia approached Gilead with guns and ordered both he and his companion out of the vehicle, demanding, wheres it at? TRENDING STORIES: Officials say the three robbers ordered the men out of the vehicle and told them to empty their pockets. Witnesses told officials gunfire rang out, as a fight between two of the men broke out. The crew fled on foot and Gonzalez texted co-defendant Resendiz-Garcia soon after the shooting, I feel like I shot one of em, and (I know) for a fact AB did, too. Resendiz-Garcia was arrested on Feb. 11, 2020, and would eventually plead guilty to reduced charges of voluntary manslaughter. Quintanar and Gonzalez were arrested days later. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Quintanar admitted to firing his weapon and on March 1, a jury found him guilty of all eight charges against him, including two aggravated assault counts, a pair of gun possession counts, and the felony murder charges. He was also sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole. Gonzales had been free on $50,000 bond and was on home confinement with an ankle monitor before the trial. He had been released in April 2020. IN OTHER NEWS: It was 1994 when a handful of organizers created the Delaware Juneteenth Association not just to celebrate Black history, but also armed with a mission statement to develop programming to address problems in the community. Thirty years later, the organization is continuing to grow and hosted its largest annual event on Saturday: the Juneteenth freedom parade and festival, which drew about 3,000 people to Wilmington's downtown and the Riverfront. "We started with a flicker, and now we're the keeper of the flame," said Sylvia Lewis-Harris, one of six co-founders, led by main founder Bernie Wilkins, as she looked out at the crowd from under a tent. Parade doubles in size Saturday's parade had 60 units marching down King Street from Rodney Square to the Riverfront, doubling last year's effort celebrating the holiday, which is Wednesday. The parade ended at Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park with a six-hour festival celebration with children's rides and music by R&B singer Christopher Williams ("I'm Dreamin'") and The Odyssey Band. Lines stretched down the sidewalk for the most popular food vendors, lured by the smells of whiting and catfish sandwiches from Vern's Fish Fry and cajun crab macaroni and cheese and fried shrimp from Krys' Soul Kreations. The 2.4-acre Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park is named after Underground Railroad figures and abolitionists Harriet Tubman and Wilmington's Thomas Garrett, who is believed to have helped almost 3,000 enslaved people to freedom. Members of the Tri-City Reapers cheerleaders perform during the Delaware Juneteenth Association parade along King Street in Wilmington preceding the Juneteenth Festival Saturday, June 15, 2024. "Having it here really makes it poignant," Lewis-Harris said of the park, which began hosting the Juneteenth festival several years ago after it moved from Christina Park a few blocks away. Juneteenth now a state of Delaware holiday Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Liberation Day, is celebrated June 19 commemorating the day in 1865 when the Emancipation Proclamation was read in Galveston, Texas, announcing all slaves in the state were free. It came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the proclamation, which had formally freed the slaves in rebellious states. Many slave owners didn't comply and enforcement was slow to reach Texas. Vintage cars with the Soul Riders Auto Club ease down the roadway during the Delaware Juneteenth Association parade along King Street in Wilmington preceding the Juneteenth Festival Saturday, June 15, 2024. In 2020, the murder of George Floyd, who was Black, at the hands of white Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, spawned widespread protest nationwide and in Delaware. Less than a month after Floyd's murder, Gov. John Carney announced all state offices would close in observance of Juneteenth. In 2022, it became a permanent state holiday. A history lesson in freedom It was the first time at the event for Charles Hayward, a longtime retired state of Delaware employee. Marchers with Black Voters Matter take part during the Delaware Juneteenth Association parade along King Street in Wilmington preceding the Juneteenth Festival Saturday, June 15, 2024. Hayward, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, the oldest intercollegiate historically African American fraternity, attended with his wife, Saundra, who was celebrating her Juneteenth birthday on a park bench with a cup of ice cream. "I was raised here and wanted to come down and show support, knowing the background of the park. There's a lot of history here," said Hayward, now living in Brandywine Hundred. First-year association president Styna Marisa LeCompte says Juneteenth and the celebrations around it are especially important for the younger generation. The Delaware Juneteenth Association parade moves along King Street in Wilmington preceding the Juneteenth Festival Saturday, June 15, 2024. "Nowadays with our youth, they sometimes aren't taught history, never mind Black history," she said. "They need to know whose shoulders they are standing on." JUNETEENTH IN DELAWARE: 8 must-see events that you can attend MORE ON JUNETEENTH: Delaware's oldest Juneteenth organization kicks off observance with flag-raising ceremony Juneteenth observance and Delaware Juneteenth Pageant still to come Chelsea Stanley, Miss Delaware of Miss for America Strong waves during the Delaware Juneteenth Association parade along King Street in Wilmington preceding the Juneteenth Festival Saturday, June 15, 2024. In addition to the weekend parade and festival, the association will host a Juneteenth observance service at Cornerstone Fellowship Baptist Church (20 W. Lea Blvd., Wilmington) on Wednesday at noon. The Rev. Dr. Jesse Wendell Mapson Jr., senior pastor of the Monumental Baptist Church in Philadelphia, will be the guest preacher with music by the Rev. Justin Powell and an appearance by Miss Juneteenth Delaware Erin Hubbard Witcher. This year's Juneteenth events will end June 29 at 5 p.m. with the 27th annual Delaware Juneteenth Pageant at The Baby Grand (818 N. Market St., Wilmington). Tickets are $15 for adults and $7.50 for ages 12 and younger at thegrandwilmington.com. Have a story idea? Contact Ryan Cormier of Delaware Online/The News Journal at rcormier@delawareonline.com or (302) 324-2863. Follow him on Facebook (@ryancormier) and X (@ryancormier). This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Food, music and freedom lesson served up for Juneteenth in Wilmington I was thrown on to the slag heap by the MOD, but now a weight has been lifted Afghanistan veteran Major Wayne Owers, pictured here with his wife Sukie (left) and his daughter Poppy (right), has been working with a Human Givens therapist - Andrew Fox Wayne Owers is the epitome of a modern military war hero stoic, selfless and courageous. He ought to be the Armys poster boy, having joined up at 19 and risen through the ranks to become a bomb disposal officer, decorated by the Queen three times. But his glittering career took an altogether different turn when he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), leading to him being prescribed antidepressants and eventually medically discharged, or thrown on to the slag heap as he puts it. The 53-year-old from Warwickshire has been living with what he calls the sense of dread that accompanies his illness ever since. At least that was until March this year, when The Telegraph reported on the Armys dishing out of antidepressants to tens of thousands of personnel with PTSD and other mental health issues. Retired Major Owers spoke to this newspaper at the time, explaining how the medication had left him feeling numb, and accusing the Ministry of Defence of resorting to the drugs far too easily. His testimony, and others like it, resulted in the former soldier being contacted by a Human Givens Institute (HGI) therapist working for a charity called PTSD Resolution, which offers veterans and their families free counselling sessions to help them better cope with their conditions. Owers, who has a wife, Sukie, and 16-year-old daughter Poppy now says the treatment has been life-changing. I want to thank The Telegraph because that article has changed my life. The last two months have been revolutionary. I havent felt this happy and positive in years, he says. An MoD source said: The armed forces take mental health very seriously and do offer therapy. But they cant offer the bespoke services offered by charities like PTSD Resolution. Maj Owers, 53, was awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal and the MBE for service in Afghanistan Owers battle with mental illness began in 2009 after returning from a bloody and arduous six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan. There he led a team of bomb hunters finding and defusing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) hidden in the Helmand Valley by the Taliban. It was dangerous work in what was then the most deadly place on earth. During his deployment, Owers team call signed Brimstone 6 defused 93 IEDs. Their feats saw him decorated with the Queens Gallantry Medal. But success came with a heavy price. Every member apart from Owers was wounded in a single incident when a soldier stepped on a non-metallic IED during a routine clearance operation in Wishtan, in the Sangin area of Helmand province. The place was littered with IEDs, he says. I think the Taliban must have known we were coming. A Royal Military Police soldier attached to my team stepped on the device. He suffered multiple injuries. My number two suffered blast wounds, as did my signaller. My infantry escort, whose job it was to watch my back while I worked on the bomb, was also seriously injured. He died several years later with his death being attributed to his war wounds. But I didnt have a scratch on me. But while Owers team bore the physical wounds, he carried the mental ones. I knew something had changed in me even before the end of that tour. When I got home I told another bomb disposal officer who said, We all feel like that at first, but it passes, he says. Unfortunately for Owers, the feelings remained. But rather than confront them, he tried desperately to lock them away. Being a man and a soldier I got on with it and tried not to think about it. I knew that if I went down the official route of seeking help I would be risking my career, he says. Within two years, Owers was back in Helmand working in weapons intelligence. Looking back, I think it was due to the events surrounding the blast which took out my team when the helicopters flew in to take away the wounded. It was a very traumatic event which I had buried. The unit I was working with was pretty risk averse but I had gone the other way and I thought that I was going to get blown up with every step I took. Major Wayne Owers initially tried to 'bury' rather than confront his PTSD symptoms Returning home was a relief, but Owers PTSD symptoms were steadily becoming more apparent, even outside of the theatre of war. He started having nightmares and flashbacks, became hyper-vigilant and developed symptoms related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). He also became increasingly uncomfortable with large crowded areas. All this played out against the backdrop of running the Defence Terrorist Bomb Disposal Training School in Kineton, Warwickshire. Rather than confront the issues, Owers again opted for the path taken by many other service personnel suffering from the after effects of intense trauma, and tried to ignore them. However, in 2015, things began to unravel after a chance conversation during a bout of physiotherapy for a knee injury. The physio was asking me about my time in Afghanistan. After a few sessions she said, I think you need to see someone, I think you need some help, Owers says. So I arranged an appointment with an RAF mental health nurse, which I kept secret from my chain of command. At that stage, I wanted to get my life back together and be the person I was before. But in the very first session he said: Lets cut to the chase. Youve got PTSD. I can get you medically discharged with some compensation. I was shocked and said, Im a late entry major and I want to be a lieutenant colonel. Ive got a whole career ahead of me. Owers, whose other military honours include an MBE for his second tour in Afghanistan and a Queens Commendation for Valuable Service in Iraq, was then offered a form of therapy called Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing, designed to help process and recover from past experiences. It didnt work for me because my PTSD is linked to multiple traumas. I was then given cognitive behavioural therapy and that was partially successful, he says. Then I was placed on anti- depressants and sent on sick leave. Suddenly I wasnt doing the job I loved. I was at home on my own because my wife, whos in education, was working. I was on drugs which made me feel like a zombie. On July 17 2017, Owers 27-year military career came to an abrupt end when he was medically dis- charged. Since then, he has spent the last seven years living half a life. Today, however, Wayne finally feels as though he has a second chance, having had effective counselling. His HGI therapist has worked with him using the Rewind Technique, which places the patient in a deep relaxed state of semi-hypnosis before rewinding the brain and reprogramming it to overcome trauma. Owers was often triggered by noise from military helicopters, which instantly caused him to feel anxiety and fear. But while undergoing Rewind Therapy, his therapist focused his brain on when he was a very young child and how he was inspired and amazed by the machines. The process of fast-forwarding and rewinding the two situations during the treatment reprogrammed his brain to recognise the sound of a helicopter as a positive thing, not linked to trauma but instead to his childhood experience of awe. Ive now had six sessions and my life has been transformed. I can honestly say the treatment is revolutionary. My nightmares are subsiding. My OCD has diminished hugely and I no longer get anxious. As a family, were going to see Paloma Faith play. I wouldnt even have considered that just a few months ago, he says. Now, Owers hopes others will follow his lead once again. I want to get the message out there and tell any veterans or their dependents who still have PTSD to get in touch with PTSD Resolution. They offer free therapy and it has changed my life and many others more, he says. For the first time in years I feel happy and contented, like a huge weight has been lifted. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Neither U.S. President Joe Biden nor former President Donald Trump, both of whom are running for a second shot at the presidency in the November 2024 election, served in the military, a circumstance some voters see as a shortcoming, others not. In any case, the U.S. Constitution does not require it. Both Trump and Biden came of age during the Vietnam War era, when males 18 and older were eligible to be drafted into military service, but both obtained multiple draft deferments that kept them out of the war. As we have reported elsewhere, Biden received five student deferments because he was attending college, and was ultimately disqualified from military service except in a time of war or national emergency for medical reasons (he suffered from asthma). Similarly, Trump received four student deferments, then was disqualified from serving except in a time of war or national emergency after a medical examination found he had bone spurs in both heels. We confirmed Trump's deferment history via Selective Service records obtained from the U.S. National Archives by The Smoking Gun in 2011. 1964: Donald Trump became eligible for the draft on his 18th birthday (June 14, 1964) and registered with the Selective Service System 10 days later. He received the first of his four 2-S (college) deferments on July 28 of that year. 1965: Trump received his second college deferment on Dec. 14, 1965. 1966: Trump's 1965 student deferment expired and he was reclassified 1-A (available for military service) on Nov. 22, 1966. However, his 2-S deferment was renewed the following month. 1967: No record found. 1968: Trump obtained his fourth and final college deferment on Jan. 16, 1968. After graduating from Wharton the following July, he was once again reclassified 1-A. Trump underwent an armed forces physical examination with a result of "DISQ" (disqualified) on Sept. 19. On that basis, he was reclassified 1-Y (qualified for service only in time of war or national emergency) on Oct. 15. According to a statement from Trump's 2016 campaign, the disqualification stemmed from his having bone spurs in both heels: While attending the University of Pennsylvania's prestigious Wharton School of Finance, Mr. Trump received a minor medical deferment for bone spurs on both heels of his feet. The medical deferment was expected to be short-term and he was therefore entered in the military draft lottery, where he received an extremely high number, 356 out of 365. However, the precise details of that 1968 medical exemption remain unclear and controversial, and most draft-related government medical records from the Vietnam War era were not preserved. 1972: Despite the supposedly "short-term" nature of Trump's disqualifying physical condition, on Feb. 17, 1972, he was reclassified 4-F (not qualified for military service), presumably due to the fact that the 1-Y classification had been abolished the previous year. Sources: Eder, Steve and Dave Philipps. "Donald Trump's Draft Deferments: Four for College, One for Bad Feet." The New York Times. 1 August 2016. Rogers, David. "Trump Evades Specifics on His Draft Deferment." Politico. 20 July 2015. The Smoking Gun. "Deferments Helped Trump Dodge Vietnam." 18 July 2015. Eder, Steve. "Did a Queens Podiatrist Help Donald Trump Avoid Vietnam?" The New York Times. 26 December 2018. Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty. LORANGER, La. (WGNO) Do you have information about the kidnapping of 6-year-old Jalie Brunett and the murders of 3-year-old Erin Brunett and their mother, Callie? The FBI has established a digital tip line in hopes of uncovering more details about what happened in the case. On Thursday, June 13, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards said 35-year-old Callie was found dead by her father on the floor of her bedroom inside her locked mobile home on North Cooper Road after having been reported missing by her parents 24 hours earlier. They had last spoken to her Tuesday morning. According to the Louisiana State Police, Jalie and Erin, were abducted before 8 a.m. Around 4 p.m. the same day, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriffs Office reported that a suspect, 36-year-old Daniel Callihan, was arrested in Jackson, Mississippi. How long did it take for the Amber Alert to be sent out for abducted Loranger sisters? Additionally, it was announced that Erin had been found dead in a wooded area. Jalie was found alive and taken to a Jackson hospital. Nexstar Medias WJTV News reported that Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade said possible evidence of human trafficking, including small animal cages, was discovered at the scene and the Human Trafficking Divisions of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and Hinds County were contacted. Wade said he did not believe Callihan was the father of the two children. Hes currently being held at the Rankin County Jail on a courtesy hold. Neighbors of Daniel Callihan react to his confession of killing Loranger mother, daughter In a video from the Jackson Police Department, Callihan is heard reportedly admitting to the crime, saying he deserves the death penalty. Wade also told WJTV News that an alleged accomplice was arrested. Victoria Cox, 32, is an acquaintance of Callihan, who was also captured Thursday in Jackson and faces possible charges of capital murder. Daniel Wayne Callihan (Courtesy: Rankin County Sheriffs Office) Daniel Callahan arrested in Mississippi on Thursday, June 13, 2024. (Courtesy: Tangipahoa Parish Sheriffs Office) 32-year-old Victoria Cox (WJTV) 32-year-old Victoria Cox (WJTV) 32-year-old Victoria Cox (WJTV) 32-year-old Victoria Cox (WJTV) Authorities in Mississippi have captured a man at the center of an Amber Alert out of Louisiana. (WJTV) Authorities in Mississippi have captured a man at the center of an Amber Alert out of Louisiana. (WJTV) Callie Brunetts missing vehicle (Courtesy: Tangipahoa Parish Sheriffs Office) 6-year-old Jalie and 4-year-old Erin Brunett (Courtesy: Tangipahoa Parish Sheriffs Office) The next day, the FBI announced its involvement in the case. Through the digital tip line, investigators are hoping the public can provide more answers in the case. Photos or videos that may help with the investigation can be uploaded on the FBIs website. Specifically, the FBI is looking for people to come forward who may have had contact with Callie, Erin or Jalie between Tuesday, June 11 and Thursday, June 13. Additionally, anyone who was in the area between Loranger and Jackson, Mississippi between those dates and who may have had contact with Jalie, Erin, Callihan or Cox is asked to come forward with any information. Report your information anonymously to the FBI by calling 1-800-225-5324 or online. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Copyright 2024 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 WGNO. When Donald Trump spoke at the Libertarian convention last month, he was booed almost ceaselesslywith one major exception. Trump got a reprieve when he promised to commute the sentence of Ross Ulbricht, the creator of dark web marketplace Silk Road, which facilitated the sale of narcotics. Ulbricht, who was sentenced to life in prison in 2015, is far from a household name. But in that room of cheering libertarians, some of whom had been distributing Free Ross signs, there appeared to be nothing the crowd wanted more. A pledge to pardon the man behind an online black market may not have been on anyones bingo card for the 2024 election, but it encapsulates Trumps recent strategy. The former president has approached campaigning as if hes simply trading favors for votes. On the trail, he seems to read the room. Determining the thing his audience wants the most, he blurts out that hell get it done. Such airy quid pro quos may be nothing more than cynical election year catnipafter all, theres nothing forcing Trump to follow throughbut theyre also the most Trumpian way imaginable to do what politicians are supposed to do: outline policy priorities and build coalitions. Tabitha Bonilla, an associate professor of political science at Northwestern University and the author of The Importance of Campaign Promises, told The Daily Beast that despite the obvious reasoning behind Trumps strategy, his promises could backfire. Voters are really distrustful of candidatesand this is just a big picture thingmost voters don't believe campaign promises at all, she said. Bonilla pointed to research suggesting that voters see candidates who make more promises as more dishonest. Many Americans, Bonilla said, are hyper-aware that politicians will say what they need to to earn votes. Trumps promises, she said, are useful messaging tools, but might not translate into Election Day returns. In the sense of building a narrative, I definitely see his campaign doing that, Bonilla said. Its really hard to say from the polls right now and from the data Ive seen, just because it tends not to break it up in that fine-grained detail. The Trump campaign did not respond to a request for comment. President Joe Bidens campaign pointed out that not only is Trump telling regular voters what they want to hearhes also making quid pro quo promises to wealthy business people behind closed doors. The Washington Post reported last month that Trump told mega-donors to cut him big checks to help avoid tax increases and environmental regulations. Donald Trump says a lot of things, but his record as president is clear: tax giveaways for the super-wealthy and big companies, selling out America's future to oil and gas, and ripping away Americans freedoms, Biden campaign senior spokesperson Sarafina Chitika said. Trump sees the world from Mar-a-Lago and is promising to make the rich richer in exchange for their campaign donations while working families are stuck paying the price and struggling to get by. Here are some of the other things Trump has promised voters hell do in a second term. Protect TikTok Soon after Trump joined TikTok earlier this month, he used the platform to issue a firm commitment. When Charlie Kirk, the founder of the conservative student group Turning Point USA, said on camera Trump would never ban TikTok, the former president, standing next to him, simply affirmed the comment. I will never ban TikTok, Trump said. Secrets of Trumps Logan Paul TikToks to Woo MMA-Loving Men Biden signed a law that could ban TikTok by early next year if the apps Chinese parent company does not sell it soon, legislation that has already sparked a fight in the courts. Trump has made an about-face from 2020, when he issued an executive order that would have banned the app in the U.S. if it hadnt been blocked by the courts. Now, he seems to have realized the platforms electoral value, using it to help court macho young men. Four days after he created his TikTok account, Trumps campaign issued a press release spelling out the plan: No one shows up to see Joe Biden speak in person and they certainly dont want to watch him on TikTok. We are going to use TikTok to connect with young voters and show them how my plan will Make America Affordable Again! Trump is continuing to target young voters with a speech at Turning Points Peoples Convention this weekend. Declassify JFK, 9/11, and Epstein Documents Another big campaign promise came in a recent Fox and Friends interview, when Trump was asked if he would declassify government files related to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, 9/11, and Jeffrey Epstein. He said he would do so in all cases, though Semafor later reported that Trump muddled the promise on Epstein in additional comments, saying, I dont know about Epstein so much as I do the others. Certainly about the way he died. Epstein was a financier and convicted sex offender with a network of powerful connections. Authorities said he killed himself in a Manhattan jail in August 2019. Donald Trump and his future wife Melania Knauss, financier Jeffrey Epstein, and British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell pose at Mar-a-Lago in Florida in February 2000. Davidoff Studios Photography Trump told Fox he declassified many documents related to Kennedys assassination during his presidency, which is true, though he also kept thousands out of the public eye. Last July, when Biden opted to hold back some files, Trump promised voters the full transparency they didnt get in his first term. When I return to the White House, I will declassify and unseal all JFK assassination related documents, he wrote on his Truth Social platform. Such declassification pledges are further examples of Trumps efforts to thread the needle, announcing popular plans while tailoring his message to specific segments of the population. Polling last year found that 65 percent of Americans believe Kennedys assassination involved a conspiracy. Some data suggests Fox News viewers are particularly prone to conspiratorial mentalities. Eliminate Taxes on Tips A Trump promise that got a lot of attention this week was his pledge to eliminate taxes on the money workers make through tips. He first proposed the deal last weekend in Las Vegas, where a plurality of jobs are in the leisure and hospitality industry. This is the first time Ive said this, and for those hotel workers and people that get tips, youre going to be very happy, Trump said, Because when I get to office, we are not going to charge taxes on tips, people making tips. Just as his promise at the libertarian convention did, the pledge earned raucous cheers. On Thursday, Trump reportedly recounted the plan to a group of CEOs, who laughed after he relayed the workers excitement. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle expressed interest in the plan, even as a powerful Vegas union leader slammed Trumps comments as wild campaign promises from a convicted felon, Roll Call reported. The Pay-Off There is one benefit of the specificity of Trumps campaign-trail promises: if he does return to power next year, it will be easy for voters to judge which ones he keeps. Of course, if that is the case, Trump will already have gotten what he wanted. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. As we kick off a new week, let's take a look back at the week that was. Top stories this past week included: Peter Holt, along with his daughter Kayleigh, is retracing his father's footsteps after finding the WWII veteran's tour of duty map. They're using the map to plan a very special trip to Europe. Meet the newest member of the Fall River Fire Department: Sophie Marie, their 6-month-old comfort dog in training. The School Department has formally dedicated a new playground on the Doran school grounds named the Alfredo P. Alves playground, with a new plaque honoring the Fall River councilor, prominent restauranteur, businessman and philanthropist. The Lumen Christi Cathedral Gala in the Diocese of Fall River is back for a second year, this time taking on extra special significance. Swansea native Chris Geagon has advanced to the next round on MasterChef. These were the most read stories of the week on HeraldNews.com: South Coast Rail start is delayed another year Locals will have to wait longer before they can climb aboard South Coast Rail. At a public meeting hosted by the MBTA at Bristol Community College on Thursday, General Manager Phillip Eng unveiled a revised timetable for South Coast Rail service to finally accept passengers: May 2025. MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng speaks at a public meeting on the progress of South Coast Rail at Bristol Community College in Fall River on June 13, 2024. Here's what you need to know about the delays, ticket prices, and what the MBTA is saying about weekend service. 'MBTA owes this region an apology': South Coast Rail start is delayed another year Fall River superintendent's term winds down as teachers say low pay leads to shortage Superintendent Maria Pontes attended the final School Committee meeting of her career on Monday, but while her work winds down, the school district has its hands full. Monday's meeting came days after a contentious superintendent selection process saw a board member quit in disgust. And Monday's meeting was preceded by a rally outside B.M.C. Durfee High Schools auditorium, where about 200 union teachers and staff held signs and demanded a new contract. Members of the Fall River Educators Association hold signs demanding a fair contract at a School Committee meeting held at B.M.C. Durfee High School on Monday, June 10, 2024. The teachers' contract expires in August, and among their demands for the new contract, they're seeking competitive wages, better leave benefits, and safer working conditions. Teachers rally ahead of meeting: Fall River superintendent's term winds down as teachers say low pay leads to shortage Fall River police say new lockboxes hold the key to keeping the elderly and disabled safe When elderly or disabled people have a medical crisis, often the only thing separating them from life-saving help is their own locked door. Fall River Police are joining a regional program that Sgt. Ricardo Mourato of the Bristol Police Department spearheaded across Rhode Island to make it easy for first-responders to gain access to homes in an emergency and its as simple as trusting police with a spare key. Fall River Police Officer Rachel Silvia holds a lockbox on Thursday, June 6, 2024. The boxes are used to hold spare keys, in case police need to gain access to a house in a medical emergency. Herald News Digital Producer Dan Medeiros has the story. Free program: Fall River police say new lockboxes hold the key to keeping the elderly and disabled safe Food festivals are rolling back into Greater Fall River. See what's coming this summer. Hungry for the various tastes of summer? No problem, because it's food festival season. Fall River held its first-ever Picnic Performances at the Pier last year at the Sen. Thomas Norton City Pier. From food trucks, to cheese, chocolate, and Polish and Portuguese food, local foodies have a lot to look forward to this summer. Local food scene: Food festivals are rolling back into Greater Fall River. See what's coming this summer. Fall River Day of Portugal celebration at the Gates of the City Last weekend, Fall River held its Day of Portugal celebration at the Gates of the City. Here are some of the highlights from this year's event. Portuguese heritage: Fall River Day of Portugal celebration at the Gates of the City Herald News/Taunton Daily Gazette copy editor and digital producer Kristina Fontes can be reached at kfontes@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette today. This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Herald News top stories: South Coast Rail delay; teachers rally I traveled on a double-decker train between France and Switzerland at 199mph. See inside the TGV Lyria, which costs as little as $50. The author, the TGV Lyria, and its cafe car. Pete Syme/Business Insider I traveled on the TGV Lyria between Paris and Geneva, which can reach 199 mph. Tickets can be as cheap as $50 and offer scenic views of the countrside. The journey was about as long as a flight but more relaxing and convenient. France's high-speed trains are among the best in the world, capable of traveling up to 199 miles per hour. The TGV Lyria is a joint venture between the state-owned rail operators of France and Switzerland. I traveled on one as I returned home to London after a conference in Geneva. If you book in advance, it can be as cheap as $50 about the same price as a budget airline flight and usually faster. Plus, with great views of the countryside and friendly interactions with employees or other passengers, it's a great way to better comprehend the country. Not to mention the convenience of boarding and the relaxed atmosphere of the cafe car. Here's what it's like to travel on board. Last month, I was in Geneva to attend a business aviation conference. Pete Syme/Business Insider Jeff Bezos owns a $10 million Swiss private jet. See inside the Pilatus PC-24 with its unusual toilet in the galley. While I flew into the city, I traveled back to London via train starting with the TGV from Geneva to Paris. Pete Syme/Business Insider TGV pronounced in French as tay-zhay-vay stands for train a grande vitesse, meaning high-speed train. It's operated by the TGV Duplex, which has 510 seats 332 in second class and 183 in first. Pete Syme/Business Insider That's a higher capacity than the 469 seats in British Airways' A380 superjumbo jet. I booked my seat online and got a QR code ticket, but you can also get one in person at the station. A one-way ticket in advance is as cheap as 47 euros ($50). Pete Syme/Business Insider At Geneva, the TGV platforms were separate from the rest. I walked through a narrow corridor where two border-control officers stood watching people. Pete Syme/Business Insider The train arrived about 15 minutes before departure which gave me plenty of time to find the right carriage. Pete Syme/Business Insider I was impressed by how many luggage racks there were, with one on either side by the carriage entrance... Pete Syme/Business Insider ... As well as one between seats. Pete Syme/Business Insider There was also space for smaller bags above the seats. About five minutes before departure, there was an announcement reminding everyone to label their luggage with their name and address. Helpfully, the announcements were all delivered in French and English. I was on the lower deck in standard class in a 38-seat car. Tables for groups of four were at the front and back, while the other seats were in pairs. Pete Syme/Business Insider It was pretty simple to find my seat around one of the tables with these numbers and illustrations of aisle or window. Pete Syme/Business Insider It's easier to move around and get into your seat since the table extends and folds out. Pete Syme/Business Insider Underneath, there was only one outlet for two seats, which isn't ideal. Pete Syme/Business Insider The seats also have a recline button on the armrest, and I found them to be much comfier than a typical plane seat. We set off at a slower speed, enjoying some beautiful views of the eastern French region of Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes. Pete Syme/Business Insider After stopping at a couple of small French towns, the train joined the high-speed line towards Paris where it can reach 199 mph. The black line shows the 1 hour 25 minutes it took to reach Bourg-en-Bresse. Onward to Paris was a similar time, another hour and 53 minutes, thanks to the LGV Sud-Est. After leaving Bourg-en-Bresse the conductor gave the only announcement that wasn't repeated in English something about us now traveling at high speed and "bon voyage." A few minutes later, the ticket inspector came by. He was friendly as he scanned my QR code. Looking out the window, I could tell the train was going much faster. Watching the countryside whizz by was a great sight (even if the windows were a bit dirty). I've traveled on an Italian high-speed train before, the Frecciarossa, which feels similarly speedy at around 190 mph. Along with the TGV, they feel far more advanced than the 125 mph reached by British trains, while the fastest Amtrak train travels at 150 mph. Then I went to check out some more of the train, which had some relatively spacious bathrooms. Pete Syme/Business Insider It had a peg for a jacket or bag, an electric shaver outlet, and a handle that was useful for those bumpy parts of the journey. The toilets on the upper deck looked to be slightly smaller. On the upper deck, you can find the TGV Duplex's piece de resistance... Pete Syme/Business Insider The cafe car was impressively modern and bright, with long curved countertops and trash cans underneath. Pete Syme/Business Insider The menu was pretty extensive, with sandwiches, cheeseburgers, pizzas, and a croque monsieur, among others. You can also buy tickets for the Paris Metro on board. I managed to order with my rudimentary French skills, and when I didn't understand the response, the friendly cashier helpfully repeated it in English as well: "Rien d'autre? Anything else?" Pete Syme/Business Insider I haven't spent much time in France and only remember bits of what I studied at school when I was 14. But thanks to that small interaction I have another phrase that'll stay in my mental dictionary. There were a couple of spaces with stools ... Pete Syme/Business Insider ... but I preferred to stretch my legs a bit and lean against the counter while taking in the landscapes. Pete Syme/Business Insider Returning to my seat, I had a laptop and a book with me, but I was happier spending much of the journey just listening to my headphones and appreciating the French countryside. Pete Syme/Business Insider After three hours and 18 minutes, we made it to Paris Gare de Lyon on time. TGV Lyria staff hung around the platform to help people with onward journeys. Pete Syme/Business Insider It was about the same time as a flight between Geneva and Paris, taking into account the extra time needed for security and traveling from the airport to the city center. While it would've been quicker to fly directly home to London (the Eurostar was another few hours), I certainly don't have any regrets because it was more relaxing and gave me more time to enjoy the country. Read the original article on Business Insider This image provided by John Akouri, shows, from left, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., Massad Boulos, Tiffany Trump's father-in-law, and Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., posing for a photo June 1, 2024, in Waterford Township, Mich. Boulos, a Lebanese businessman whose son married Tiffany Trump two years ago is now helping Donald Trump with outreach in the Arab American community. Massad Boulos has traveled to Michigan twice in recent weeks for meetings with nearly 50 members of the Arab American community in addition one-on-one sessions with community leaders. (AP Photo/John Akouri) LANSING, Mich. (AP) One of Donald Trumps emissaries to Arab Americans is a Lebanese-born businessman who moved to Texas as a teenager, speaks Arabic, English and French, and recently joined the Trump family when his son married the former presidents younger daughter. Massad Boulos has taken on the challenge of trying to convince a politically influential community angry at President Joe Biden that Trump is a better option. But many Arab Americans also note Trump has positioned himself as more pro-Israel than Biden and has made a series of comments and policy announcements that critics blast as Islamophobic. Trump has long put family members and their relatives in key roles in his campaigns and the White House. Boulos, whose son Michael married Tiffany Trump two years ago, is the latest relative to rise in Trump's political orbit as he uses long-standing connections in an effort to build support for the presumptive Republican nominee's 2024 campaign. Some Trump allies think they can capitalize on dissension within Biden's Democratic base over his support for the Israeli offensive in Gaza, where more than 37,000 people have died since Hamas' Oct. 7, according to health officials in the Hamas-run territory who do not give the breakdown of civilians and fighters. Biden faced a significant protest vote during the Michigan primary February in areas with high numbers of Arab Americans, who are an important Democratic bloc. Obviously the No. 1 point that is of high priority within the Arab American community is the current war in the Middle East, Boulos said in an interview. And the question is, who can bring peace and who is bringing war? And they know the answer to that. Several of the people who have met with Boulos also point to Trump's statements about Arabs and Muslims. While president, Trump banned immigration from several majority-Muslim countries and questioned the loyalty of Muslim lawmakers serving in Congress. Now, as he campaigns for a second term after losing in 2020, Trump has at times criticized Biden for being insufficiently supportive of Israel and has threatened to deport pro-Palestinian protesters he labels as supporters of Hamas. I told Massad, This isnt about you being Lebanese and me being Lebanese, said Osama Siblani, a publisher of the Arab American News in Dearborn. You cant just buy votes. You have to give something substantial to the community. And Trump hasnt done that yet. A scion moves into U.S. politics Boulos, who is of medium stature with graying black hair, square glasses, and a warm, friendly smile, is often complimented for his calm demeanor and humility qualities not always associated with someone overseeing a billion-dollar conglomerate. Born in Lebanon, Boulos moved to Texas shortly before attending the University of Houston and obtaining a doctor of jurisprudence degree. Boulos said he actively participated in Republican politics as a student. After graduating, he eventually joined his family's business of three generations and became the managing director and CEO of the conglomerate SCOA Nigeria, which specializes in the assembly and distribution of motor vehicles and equipment. Boulos has a background in politics in his home country, having run unsuccessfully for a parliamentary seat in Lebanon in 2009. He describes himself as a friend of Sleiman Frangieh, a Christian politician allied with the Shiite party and the militant group Hezbollah. Frangieh is currently Hezbollahs endorsed candidate for Lebanons presidential vacancy. A supporter of Trump from afar since his first campaign, Boulos became more directly involved after meeting Trump at a White House Christmas party in 2019. At the time, Michael Boulos was dating Tiffany Trump. Massad Boulos has given no recent donations, according to campaign finance records. But in a trip to Michigan this month, he attended what he described as a private fundraising event with U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., and about 50 Arab Americans. Boulos assisted with the 2020 campaign, but his role has significantly expanded since his son married Tiffany Trump in 2022, especially as Arab American dissatisfaction with Biden presented what Trump allies think is a larger political opportunity. One less vote for Biden is a vote for Trump, said Bishara Bahbah, chairman of the group Arab Americans for Trump. Boulos maintains a very close working relationship with the group, Bahbah said. The group, which says it is independent of the Trump campaign, has established operations in Michigan and Arizona, states identified as priority areas by people close to Trump, Bahbah said. A May meeting held in Troy, Michigan, included Massad and Michael Boulos as well as Richard Grenell, who was Trumps ambassador to Germany and is a key foreign policy adviser to the former president. Approximately 40 Arab American activists from across the country attended. While Arab Americans for Trump was involved in the event, Boulos said that it had primarily been initiated by Grenell. The gathering received mixed feedback, with some attendees saying it lacked substance and failed to address their concerns regarding Trump. Grenell didnt say what they would do, but he kept reminding us that when Trump was president, there was no war whatsoever and that he launched the biggest peace effort in the Middle East. But most Arabs and Muslims dont consider the Abraham Accords a peace agreement," said Khaled Saffuri, an Arab American political activist who was in attendance. Grenell tried to call Trump to have him address attendees by phone, according to multiple people at the meeting. The former president did not answer. Grenell and the Trump campaign declined to comment. Inside the outreach Just over a week later, Boulos returned for another round of engagements. This time, he had several meetings with nearly 50 members of the Arab American community, alongside one-on-one sessions with individuals identified as high-target leaders by Mike Hacham, the coordinator for Arab Americans for Trump in Michigan. Boulos said his efforts so far have been more of a personal effort to reconnect with friends. He said he typically begins meetings by speaking for close to 20 minutes, laying out the records of the Biden and Trump presidencies. He then opens the floor for any questions. Siblani had a nearly two-hour meeting with Boulos, who was accompanied by Bahbah, the chair of Arab Americans for Trump. According to Siblani, Boulos argued that things were better for Arab Americans under Trump and that the world saw less conflict and fewer wars during his presidency, suggesting Trump could help resolve the Gaza conflict. But when Siblani pushed back, he said that Boulos lacked facts to prove his claim that Trump is better. Massad is unable to convince people to come to Trump's side because he hasn't offered anything substantial to the community, except that his son is married to Trumps daughter and he has access, Siblani said. That is fine, but what we need is policy and what Trump will do." In interviews, Boulos said that Trump respects and admires the Arab American community. He denied the existence of a Muslim ban, which is how many Trump opponents refer to his ban on immigrants from several majority-Muslim countries. Boulos argued it was actually extreme vetting from certain parts of the world." The key messages arising from these meetings, Boulos said, are communicated to Trump. Boulos highlighted a recent social media post from Trump that promised to bring peace in the Middle East if reelected, as evidence. Boulos asserted that the timing of the post wasnt a coincidence but rather a response to listening to the communitys concerns. Trumps statement, posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, on June 4, did not go far enough for multiple community leaders who met with Boulos. In a statement, Trump campaign spokesperson Brian Hughes said the campaign is "grateful that supporters of President Trump are working to communicate with this community." We share the belief that Bidens failed Middle East policies have brought death, chaos and war to the region. That failure led tens of thousands of Democrats to vote uncommitted in Michigans Presidential primary. The Trump campaign has and will continue to communicate to those voters and remind them that President Trumps policies in the Middle East brought that region historic levels of peace and stability," Hughes said. Just the beginning Some in the community still feel that there are other options than just Trump and Biden. Green Party candidate Jill Stein visited Dearborn this year to meet with leaders and recently had conversations with the citys mayor, Abdullah Hammoud, about the possibility of him becoming her running mate. Hammoud, at 34 years old, is ineligible to serve as vice president. The U.S. Constitution requires both the president and vice president to be at least 35. Officials in Bidens administration have also visited Dearborn to meet with local leaders and have maintained ongoing contact with them, including Siblani. Ammar Moussa, a spokesperson for the Biden campaign, criticized Trump allies' outreach, saying in a statement that Trump is the biggest threat to the Muslim and Arab community. He and his allies believe we don't belong in this country and Trump is openly speaking about allowing Israel to bomb Gaza without regard, said Moussa, who is Arab American. "Trump and his campaign are racists and Islamophobes. Period. President Biden, on the other hand, is working tirelessly towards a just and lasting peace. Until the November election, Boulos said he will continue to divide his time between managing his company and meeting with the Arab American community. He stressed that he is solely driven by being a concerned citizen and a Republican. He has not contemplated a role in Trump's administration if the Republican were to win. I honestly dont have any thoughts about that at this time. I didnt give this any thought whatsoever, but definitely I do not aspire for anything, he said. ___ Associated Press reporters Jill Colvin in Washington, Abby Sewell in Beirut, Lebanon, and Chinedu Asadu in Lagos, Nigeria, contributed to this report. Trump confuses name of the doctor who gave him his cognitive test Former President Trump challenged President Biden to a cognitive test in a speech Saturday, but forgot the name of the doctor who gave him his own similar test. Trump said in Detroit that Doc Ronny Johnson gave him a cognitive test that he aced. The doctors name is Rep. Ronny Jackson (R), who has since been elected to Congress in Texas. The gaffe underlines age concerns about both candidates among voters. Either Biden or Trump would be the oldest president in U.S. history at the end of a second term, and both have faced attacks about their memories and physical and mental fitness. The former president underwent a standard cognitive test in 2018, an assessment asking a patient to read and recall a set of words, identify shapes and other common tasks. The test is designed to detect early signs of Alzheimers disease. Trump went on a media tour bragging about his performance in 2020. Trump, 78, has repeatedly held up his mental prowess, despite a shaky track record of mistakes mixing up names. Some of the countrys largest business leaders were shocked at Trumps apparently rambling speech at a private meeting last week, CNBC reported. Biden, 81, has his own history with name mix-ups. Nearly 90 percent of Americans believe the president is too old for a second term, according to a survey in February. More than 50 percent of survey respondents said both he and Trump are too old. The president has mostly brushed off concerns about his age, telling voters that his ideas are still young. Trump and Biden are neck and neck in polls of the presidential election. Trump leads Biden nationally by less than 1 percentage point, according to The Hill/Decision Desk HQ average of polls. The Hill has reached out to the Trump campaign for comment. Copyright 2024 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. Former President Trumps relatively new status as a Florida resident is complicating the potential of him choosing the states senior Sen. Marco Rubio (R) to run on the same ticket as him in November. The 12th Amendment maintains that presidential and vice presidential candidates running on the same ticket shall not be an inhabitant of the same state with themselves. And theoretically, Florida electors would be blocked from voting for a Trump-Rubio ticket. Florida is a large state and a state that you hope to carry, said Derek Muller, a law professor at the University of Notre Dame. The amendment could prove to be a headache for the two candidates if Trump taps Rubio as his running mate. But legal experts say there are loopholes to get around the rule, which many Republican strategists argue could be worth it given the background and experience the senator could bring to a potential ticket. It wasnt too long ago that [Rubio] was somebody in the conversation to be the future of the Republican Party. He adds a lot of pluses to the ticket, said Ford OConnell, a Florida-based Republican strategist. The minus here is the 12th Amendment. There is precedent for presidential and vice-presidential candidates working around the amendment. In July of 2000, Dick Cheney changed his residency from Texas to Wyoming so he could run on the same ticket as then-Texas Gov. George W. Bush. Cheney represented the state in the House of Representatives from 1979 to 1989. Cheney changed his residency to Texas in 1993 when he bought a home in the state and resided in Dallas while he was chairman of Halliburton. The Constitution says the senators just have to be an inhabitant of the state when elected, Muller said. So you can move out of the state if you wanted to, it just creates a different kind of political cost and calculus if you do it that early, he added, using July as a hypothetical date. And if you wait until November, when you win, you have a lot of steps to try to take in a very short period of time to try to establish residency, which can create separate problems if Congress wants to challenge your qualifications, Muller said. Unlike Cheney, Rubio only has ties to one state, Florida, having served as a city commissioner of West Miami, in the Florida House of Representatives and as a senator representing Florida. And some Republicans say it is unlikely that Trump would change his Florida residency, which he declared in 2019, despite originating from New York and owning a business in New Jersey. I dont necessarily think Donald Trump is going to want to take that chance with the way hes been treated in blue-state courts thus far, OConnell said, referring to Trumps recent guilty verdict in his New York criminal hush money trial. According to the Bulwark, Trump has even acknowledged that Marco has the residency problem. But there are workarounds for Rubio. The senator could declare residency in Washington, D.C., given that he stays in the city when the Senate is in session. Some experts point out that Rubio could theoretically establish residency in another state with lax residence requirements, like South Dakota, where someone needs only to obtain a South Dakota mailing address and spend at least one day in the state. Rubio is not the only Floridian that has been floated to be Trumps running mate. Florida Reps. Byron Donalds (R) and Maria Salazar (R) have also been listed as potential contenders. And there are other Republicans being considered alongside Rubio, such as his colleagues Sens. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and JD Vance (R-Ohio), along with North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum. However, Republican strategists and insiders say Rubios experience and high profile puts him toward the top. Republicans point to Rubios experience serving in local, state and federal government, as well as his experience serving as chair and vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee. The Florida senator could also have the ability to appeal to Hispanic and Latino voters in key swing states like Nevada and Arizona, given his own background. Hes going to have an appeal to constituencies in some of these swing states that will decide the presidency, said Justin Sayfie, a Florida-based Republican strategist. One other constituency Rubio has the ability to appeal to is Trumps critics within the Republican Party who voted for former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley over Trump in the 2024 GOP primary. Haley backed Rubio in 2016 during his run against Trump, but Rubio backed Trump over Haley in 2024. Even though she dropped out of the race in March, Haley has been able to win over significant amounts of the GOP primary vote in subsequent states. In battleground Pennsylvania, Haley notably won more than 16 percent of the vote. Meanwhile, in Arizona, another critical swing state, Haley won 19 percent of the vote. And despite a very public feud with Trump during the 2016 presidential race in which Trump dubbed Rubio Little Marco and Rubio said Trump had small hands, the Florida senator has since embraced Trump while still maintaining his appeal to more moderate Republicans. He is somebody who the Never Trumpers trust, said one Republican strategist speaking on anonymity. Those Haley folks, they would trust Marco Rubio. Copyright 2024 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. Donald Trumps campaign on Saturday launched a coalition group targeting Black voters as the former president campaigned in Detroit in an effort to win over a segment of the electorate that has long overwhelmingly backed Democrats. Trump held a community roundtable at the predominantly Black 180 Church in Detroit, where he was joined by two Black Republicans Florida Rep. Byron Donalds and former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson who were part of the launch of the Black Americans for Trump group. Donalds and Carson are among several candidates said to be under consideration to be Trumps running mate. The former president praised Donalds on Saturday as an incredible guy. I noticed he happened to be on the list of potential vice presidents. Would anybody like to see him as vice president? Trump asked the crowd. He later added that he thinks Donalds would be a good one, too. Hes on a list, by the way. I dont know if hes going to make it. But hes on a list of a few people, right? Not too many people, Trump said. Trumps attempts to court Black voters come as polls show that Black men are more open to supporting the Republican nominee in this years election than they have historically been. A New York Times/Siena College survey of battleground states released last month found Trump winning more than 20% of Black voters in a two-way matchup with Biden, which would amount to a historic high if it translates to votes in November. Trump won roughly 1 in 10 Black voters nationally in 2020, according to multiple estimates, including 12% in CNNs exit poll. While President Joe Biden is likely to win Black voters by a large margin, the siphoning away of even a modicum of support by Trump could tilt the outcome in several battleground states including Michigan, Georgia and Pennsylvania. Guests pray at the close of a roundtable discussion with community leaders and former President Donald Trump at the 180 Church in Detroit on June 15, 2024. - Scott Olson/Getty Images Trump has long criticized cities with sizable Black populations. In 2019, he referred to a predominantly Black congressional district in Baltimore as a disgusting, rat and rodent infested mess. In a closed-door meeting with House Republicans this week in Washington, he reportedly described Milwaukee where the GOP will hold its convention in August as horrible. (The Trump campaign said the former president was talking about how terrible crime and voter fraud are in Wisconsins largest city.) In 2016, Trump said Democrats had long failed Black voters and asked for their votes, famously saying: What the hell do you have to lose? Trump has pushed back on accusations of racism, telling Semafor in a recent interview that he has so many Black friends who would not support him if they believed he was racist a comment the Biden campaign highlighted Saturday in its response to Trumps Black coalition launch. Donald Trump thinks the fact that he has many Black friends excuses an entire lifetime of denigrating and disrespecting Black Americans, but Black voters know better and Trumps eleventh hour attempt at Black outreach isnt fooling anyone, Jasmine Harris, the Biden campaigns director of Black media, said in a statement. Trump on Saturday also cited Bidens role as a US senator in crafting the 1994 crime bill, falsely accusing his opponent of making the same remark Trump once chided Hillary Clinton for making. Biden wrote the devastating 1994 crime bill, talking about super predators. That was Biden. You know, he walks around now talking about the Black vote. Hes the king of the super predators, Trump said during the roundtable discussion. As CNN has previously noted, Biden did not publicly deploy or endorse the phrase super predators. Biden did warn in a 1993 speech of predators on our streets who were beyond the pale in support of the crime bill. But he used the phrase super predators only to reject the theory arguing in a 1997 speech that the vast majority of youth involved with the criminal justice system were not violent and not the so-called super predators. Trump wrote in a 2000 book that he supported tougher sentencing and street policing and warned of wolf packs of young criminals roaming the streets and he cited a since-discredited statistical analysis that was linked to the super predator crime theory. As he has before, Trump claimed Saturday that hes done more for the Black population than any American president since Abraham Lincoln, while arguing that Biden had done nothing for the Black community and was all talk. Trump later spoke at a convention hosted by Turning Point Action in Detroit. Before the former president took the stage at the conservative gathering, Carson touted his onetime bosss ability to engage with Black communities. President Trump is not your typical politician, Carson said. He doesnt run around with his finger in the air seeing which way the wind is blowing. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com DETROIT In a span of two hours Saturday, Donald Trump walked onto stages twice in this battleground state once as pyrotechnics flashed around him before some 8,000 MAGA loyalists, and earlier, in a predominately Black church where he is still laboring to make gains. For Trump, who is trying to rally base voters while also cutting into President Joe Bidens support among people of color, the appearances at two different ends of the city and with two starkly different demographics illustrated the ground Trump still has to make up here. Unlike with his base at the mostly white Turning Point Action conference inside a downtown convention center, Trumps reception at the church in a low-income neighborhood, while mostly warm, was at times reserved or, in one case, worse. A lone heckler seated in the back, wearing a medical mask beneath her nose, spoke back to Trump throughout his remarks about how he would not address Covid, shouting at one point for him to drink some bleach. And some of Trumps harshest rhetoric on illegal immigration including that Black people should repel what he called an invasion of your jobs drew only tepid applause, though the crowd rose to its feet as he bashed radical left wing gender ideology, among other topics that resonated. This is a nice church, by the way. Very nice, Trump said after arriving at 180 Church on the west side of Detroit. The afternoon sun beamed into the sanctuary through panels of stained glass, the cracks in some of which were patched with pieces of tape. Trumps campaign that afternoon had announced a Black Americans for Trump initiative to coincide with the upcoming Juneteenth holiday, sharing endorsement messages from prominent Black politicians, entertainers, athletes and faith leaders. Among those included in Trumps new Black voter coalition was former Democratic Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, who served time in prison for felony fraud and racketeering convictions, and whose sentence Trump commuted before leaving office. And inside the sweltering church, a Black Republican activist, Valerie Parker, offered Trump a welcome: Thank you, Mr. President, for coming to the hood. But Trump lost badly in heavily-Democratic Detroit in 2020, and his play for Black voters here prompted rebukes from Democratic politicians and other faith leaders in Michigan. The Biden campaign on Saturday released a comment from longtime Detroit pastor James Perkins, blasting Trump for having the nerve to waltz into our city and act like he wants to understand the struggles Black Detroiters face, but the reality is he doesnt care. Every time Trump opens his mouth to talk to Black folks, he demonizes us, insults us, and makes empty promises hell never keep, Perkins said. At the church roundtable, Trump called Biden the worst president for Black people. Looking around the room, sandwiched between several of Detroits Black community leaders at tablecloth-draped folding table, he vowed that he would come back for Sunday service someday. The inroads Trump makes in Detroit could be critical in a battleground that is likely to be decided at the margins. And he is starting from behind here. Wayne County, home to heavily-Democratic Detroit, went solidly to Biden in 2020 who won the county by 38 points. In Detroit itself, with a majority Black population, Biden carried 94 percent of the vote. Trump and his campaign, however, are seizing on gains theyve made with voters of color in the years since or at least on a loss of support Biden has experienced with them. And even marginal improvements for Trump in the Detroit area could help propel him in a state he won in 2016, before losing four years later. Polling by the Wall Street Journal in April found that in seven swing states, 30 percent of Black men were definitely or probably going to vote for Trump, which would amount to a significant increase from 12 percent of Black male voters who backed Trump nationwide in 2020. Similar polling numbers have raised alarms among Democratic Party leaders. The presidents reelection campaign invested seven figures last month into Black media, while Biden has held a number of events specifically targeting Black voters, including speaking recently to the NAACP in Detroit. The churchs senior pastor, the Rev. Lorenzo Sewell, said he was not taking a position on either candidate in the election. He has spoken positively about Biden in the past, but told the Detroit Free Press he was encouraged that the Trump campaign had reached out about holding the event. During the event, Sewell criticized Biden for having merely gone to a NAACP meeting, and not visiting the hood. It was a far different and for Trump, more familiar scene on Saturday evening at Turning Point Actions Peoples Convention downtown, a multi-day event held in the same convention center where Wayne County election officials were met by protesters in November 2020 as they counted absentee ballots. That year, chaos broke out as partisan activists from both sides showed up to monitor the counting, with Trump supporters chanting stop the count! throughout the process. During his keynote address at Turning Point, Trump addressed his supporters for an hour and 20 minutes, railing against dishwashers and shower heads designed to use less water and the military using electric tanks, all while riling up the crowd against Biden. He said Biden, who is 81, should take a cognitive test like I did. But then Trump, who turned 78 on Friday, flubbed the name of Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas), his former physician, calling him Doc Ronny Johnson. Doc Ronny Johnson, Trump said. Does everyone know Ronny Johnson, congressman from Texas? He was the White House doctor, and he said I was the healthiest president, he feels, in history. Trump claimed, without explaining how, that if elected he would make Washington, D.C., safe from crime, and that he will have the Ukraine war settled and stop the death. And after the Biden administration at the G7 in Italy this week extended long-term security guarantees to Ukraine, Trump ripped into Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, calling him maybe the greatest salesman of any politician thats ever lived. He just left four days ago with $60 billion, and he gets home, and he announces that he needs another $60 billion, Trump said. It never ends. The crowd cheered when Trump said, I will have that settled prior to taking the White House as president-elect. Listen to this full episode of The New Abnormal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and Stitcher. Donald Trump has been caught downplaying the threat of climate change, insisting that sea levels will only rise one eighth of an inch over the next 400 years. That basically means you will have a little more beach front property, he said. I really think nuclear weapons, which I think are the single biggest threat, not global warming. [Biden] goes, its the greatest existential threat to our countryglobal warming. In the meantime, you get these maniacs with nuclear weapons that can do damage, which I wont even talk to you about. Its the greatest. There has never been anything like it. The power of weaponry today, it will be obliteration. The New Abnormal team was quick to call bullshit on his bogus climate claims. By the way, its 10 to 12 inches in the next 30 years, The New Abnormals co-host Andy Levy said. Thats from the NOAAs website, and is I think the generally agreed upon figure, not an eighth or a quarter of an inch over 400 years. 10 to 12 inches over the next 30 years, which is truly catastrophic. Hes just stupid. So he lives in Florida, right? The place that has massive four and five category grade hurricanes on a regular basis, fellow co-host Danielle Moodie said. Subscribe to The New Abnormal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Overcast. The erosion of the beaches because of those types of storms and the fact that no one wants to provide homeowners insurance in those places because of the threat of climate change, which isnt a threat, its actually here, Moodie said. Hes talking about a quarter of an inch and 400 years. Who brought that science to him? They probably went to the same university as the doctors that told us that he was only 200 pounds. Plus! Author Alan Gratz, who wrote the childrens book Ban This Book, talks to Andy Levy about a campaign by Moms for Liberty and Ron DeSantis employees to take that title literally and ban his book. Listen to this full episode of The New Abnormal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and Stitcher. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. The pastor of one of the countrys largest churchesand who Donald Trump once named as a spiritual adviserhas admitted to inappropriate sexual behavior with a woman who says he sexually abused her when she was just 12 years old. On Friday, Cindy Clemishire told The Wartburg Watch, a religious watchdog blog, that Robert Morris, the pastor of Texas Gateway Church, asked her to come into his room when he stayed with her family for Christmas in 1982. She was 12 and he was 20 at the time. She said Morris molested her and then ordered her not to say anything about his behavior because it will ruin everything. The abuse continued for years before Clemishire confided in a close friend, prompting Morris wife to find out and Morris to step down from the ministry, according to the report. He eventually returned to the church and founded Gateway Church in 2000, turning it into one of the countrys largest megachurches with an estimated weekly attendance of 100,000, according to the church. He serves as its senior pastor, prompting Trump to name him to a spiritual advisory board in 2016. After Clemishire came forward, Morris acknowledged the claims in a statement to The Christian Post, admitting he engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior with a young lady, refusing to acknowledge Clemishires age at the time. It was kissing and petting and not intercourse, but it was wrong, he said. He claimed that, with the blessing of the girls father and church elders, he returned to ministry two years after the abuse was reported. I asked their forgiveness, and they graciously forgave me, Morris said. Then-President Donald Trump is flanked by Pastor Robert Morris and Gateway Church Bishop Harry Jackson during a roundtable at Gateway Church in June 2020. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst Elders at Gateway Church also told The Christian Post that Morris disclosed a moral failure and had since been absolved. He has not been criminally charged, but Texas statute of limitations does not cover sexual offenses committed against a child. Pastor Robert has been open and forthright about a moral failure he had over 35 years ago when he was in his twenties and prior to him starting Gateway Church. He has shared publicly from the pulpit the proper biblical steps he took in his lengthy restoration process, they said, according to the Post. Still, the church has worked to shield Morris from public view. He did not lead the churchs Saturday services, according to the Dallas Morning News, and the church has declined to grant any further interviews or release more statements. Clemishire told the Dallas Morning News that her family never condoned Morris return to the ministry, despite Morris claim to the contrary. We dont believe anyone thats done anything like this should be an overseer to anyone in any industry, but especially in the church, Clemishire said. As for whether she found Morris public apology to be earnest, Clemishire struck it down. I dont think that its repentant when someone calls a 12-year-old a young lady and tries to just dismiss what happened as just some heavy petting, Clemishire said. I dont believe thats repentance. Theres no child on earth that any person should ever do that to. Its just unacceptable. Theres zero excuse. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. By air, by land and by lake, supporters and opponents of Donald Trump flocked to metro Detroit on Saturday to get their message out. A "Make America Great Again" Boat Parade, organized to coincide with the former presidents 78th birthday, which was Friday, flooded Lake St. Clair with red, white and blue through the afternoon. What appeared to be a few hundred boats, decked out in American flags and "Trump 2024" banners, sailed along the shoreline from Nine Mile Tower toward Hart Plaza. For supporters of the parade, the days theme was clear: community unity. Were celebrating President Trump, Trumps birthday, Fathers day, unity in the community, said Rob Cortis, who mans a repurposed ambulance with an attached trailer with Trump Unity spelled out in massive letters. He calls it, appropriately, the Trump Unity Bridge. As he spoke, a speaker on the vehicle blasted Barry Manilows "Copacabana." We want to put America first, we want to put the working man first and put the people first, said Cortis. A series of boats set out from Nine Mile Tower in Lake St. Clair as part of the MAGA Boat Parade, organized to celebrate the 78th birthday of Donald Trump, on Saturday, June 15, 2024. The boat parade was scheduled to end in the Detroit River near Hart Plaza in downtown Detroit around 4 p.m. At the same time, Trump spoke at a roundtable at a Detroit church. At 6 p.m., Trump was at Huntington Place making the keynote speech for The People's Convention. Turning Point Action, a conservative nonprofit, hosted Trump as keynote speaker at gathering. The three-day event touted a roster of big name republicans, including Donald Trump Jr., U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and Trumps former Chief of Staff, Steve Bannon. I think hes reaching out, said Mark Miller, who set up to watch the days festivities with his family from a park along the water. Michigan has always been close, but Detroit has always been not for Trump. Im impressed that hes here. Debbie Lambert, another parader, has been a supporter since Trumps 2016 run. She hopes his visit to Michigan will help other people in her state see everything thats going on, that people open their eyes to really be awake, she said. She thinks Trumps recent criminal conviction in New York is an effort to keep voters from casting ballots for who they want. Weve been to many rallies, she said. Its like-minded people supporting Trump. In tandem with the waterbound, the group Bikers for Trump headed up a road route for the parade. A school of motorcycles sporting MAGA flags and moving 20 miles per hour were followed by the Trump unity bridge and a dozen or so cars. That group drove down the shore and pulled off to regroup at Beaumont Hospital in Grosse Pointe. Later, a smaller fleet circled Hart Plaza in parallel to the flotilla. At the intersection, cars honked in support. Others lowered their windows and shouted to express disdain. A few protesters gathered to represent an independent movement of Detroiters against Trump, not tied to any political party, said Mark Airgood, one of the demonstrators. There is no way Detroit welcomes Trump, he said. We know that the vast majority of Detroiters stand with us, against Trump and against the racism he spreads. Several different groups of The Peoples Convention attendees lingered nearby to observe the protesters as they marched in circles next to the Joe Louis "The Fist" monument, shouting into mega-horns and touting signs. Perry Everson, a young Detroiter, stood by the crowd with a Trump sign. Hed come out to show his support for the parade. Hes hoping to see more Black voters for Trump in the coming election, but respects that there are alternative views. I support everyone, everyone has their own opinion, he said. A similar dynamic played out in the air: Small planes criss-crossed over the lake with banners in tow. One read Trump 2024. Another, paid for by the Democratic National Committee, read TRUMPS A CROOK DONT LET EM SINK UR BOAT. A few others two advertising a gun shop and another a brand of cannabis took advantage of the crowds for publicity. A small group of supporters waited for the boats to pass by Hart Plaza at 4 p.m., their designated arrival time. A few vessels sporting American flags trickled in. Cortis said the boats arrived ahead of schedule and turned back near the Renaissance Center. I was born here, said Cortis. And Im proud to have Trump as one of my guests in Detroit, Michigan. Very proud. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: MAGA Boat Parade in metro Detroit brings out Donald Trump supporters Donald Trump talked openly about executing people while he was president, a former White House aide has claimed. Alyssa Farah Griffin, director of strategic communications at the White House from April-December 2020, made the claim on Mediaites Press Club podcast on June 14. According to the former aide, Trump had called for the execution of a staffer who leaked a story, among others. Griffin said that Trump made the comments about the staffer during an Oval Office where she and former Attorney General Bill Barr were present. Griffin said: [CNN host] Kaitlan Collins, to her credit, interviewed Bill Barr and asked about an anecdote that I had shared about a meeting he and I were both in the Oval Office where Trump straight up said a staffer who leaked a story should be executed. And Bill Barr kind of danced [around] it and said I dont recall that specific instance, but there were others where we talked about executing people. How do you rationalize that is a person fit in sound judgment to be president of the United States? The Independent has contacted Trumps campaign for comment. Griffin has frequently voiced her opposition to a second Trump term since leaving the White House as her boss was in the full throes of attempting to overturn the 2020 election results. In the aftermath of the January 6 attack, she would call on him to resign. Trump has used increasingly dehumanising language about his political opponents. At a rally in Ohio ahead of the states Senate primary in March, he told his supporters that Democrats were not people in some cases. In some cases, theyre not people, he told a cheering crowd in Dayton. In April, Barr told CNN that he didnt recall Trump demanding a political opponents execution but admitted that such statements were not out of character for the ex-president. I actually dont remember him saying executing but I wouldnt dispute it, you know, said Barr. The president would lose his temper and say things like that. I doubt he wouldve actually carried it out. Alyssa Farah Griffin, former White House director of strategic communications, joins Mediaites Press Club podcast on June 14, 2024 (YouTube: Mediaite) I dont think the threat is there. The thing that I worry about president Trump is not that hes going to become an autocrat and do those kinds of things. Having worked for him and seen him in action, I dont think he would actually go and kill political rivals and things like that. The ex-president has used increasingly dehumanising language about his political opponents in recent years, in particular since launching his 2024 campaign for the president. At a rally in Ohio ahead of the states Senate primary in March, he told his supporters that Democrats were not people in some cases. In some cases, theyre not people, he told a cheering crowd in Dayton. Griffin previously served as press secretary for the Department of Defense under Trump and in former vice president Mike Pences office from 2017-2019. Since leaving the White House, she has joined CNN as a political contributor and become a co-host on The View. She also testified before the bipartisan House committee which investigated the January 6 attack. Earlier this year, she claimed in an interview that Trumps mental capacities are slipping, an allegation that Republicans frequently level at Joe Biden. "I have said this before, he is not as sharp as he was in 2016 and not even as sharp as he was in 2020, she said. For some reason, that doesnt necessarily come across to voters. Editor's note: The previous headline of this news article said that Donald Trump threatened to cut off aid to Ukraine prior to taking the White House as president-elect. Since Trump didn't explicitly threaten to cut off aid but vaguely said he would "have it settled," the headline was updated for accuracy. Former U.S. President and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump voiced strong criticism of American aid to Ukraine at a campaign rally in Detroit on June 15. Speaking at the Turning Point USA event, Trump claimed he would "have that (U.S. aid to Ukraine) settled prior to taking the White House as president-elect." Trump described President Volodymyr Zelensky as "the best salesman" for securing substantial financial support from the U.S. "I think Zelensky is maybe the greatest salesman of any politician that's ever lived. Every time he comes to our country, he walks away with $60 billion," Trump remarked. "Now, here's the beauty. He just left four days ago with $60 billion, and he gets home and he announces he needs another $60 billion. It never ends," Trump claimed. "I will have that settled prior to take the White House as president-elect." Trump's statement contained inaccuracies about U.S. aid to Ukraine, as a foreign aid bill containing close to $61 billion for Ukraine was signed by U.S. President Joe Biden back in late April Trump previously stated that he would withhold defense assistance to Ukraine if he won the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Trump has also claimed Russia would not have launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 had he won a second term in office. Read also: Its not a pretty picture: What a second Trump presidency could mean for Ukraine Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Trump threatens to cut off further aid to Ukraine "prior to taking White House as president-elect" At a campaign rally, former US president Donald Trump criticised the extent of support for Ukraine, distorting the facts, and said that if elected president, he would immediately "have that settled". Source: Trump at a campaign rally in Detroit organised by the Turning Point USA initiative, parts of which emerged on Twitter, as reported by European Pravda Details: In his speech, Trump criticised aid to Ukraine, whose requests "never end". "I think Zelenskyy is maybe the greatest salesman of any politician that's ever lived. Every time he comes to our country, he walks away with $60 billion," Trump said. Trump went on to say that he "likes [Ukrainian President Volodymyr] Zelenskyy" because of what he did during the controversy that led to the first attempt to impeach Trump, and then repeated the first point again. "He [Zelenskyy] just left, four days ago, with $60 billion. And he gets home and announces that he needs another $60 billion. And it never ends, it never ends. I will have that settled prior to taking the White House as president-elect. I will have that settled," Donald Trump said. For reference: Zelenskyy was last in the US in December 2023, not "four days ago", and the US$61 billion in funding to support Ukraine was agreed upon only once as part of a broader national security funding bill that was delayed for months in Congress due to disputes over the southern border. Background: Trump supported the version of the bill that was eventually passed and expressed support for House Speaker Mike Johnson. Last year, Trump said he could stop the Russo-Ukrainian war "in 24 hours". In a recent interview, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Trump risks "becoming a loser" if he implements a "peace plan" to force Ukraine to make concessions to the aggressor. Support UP or become our patron! Trumps veepstakes intensify as former rival rises to the top of the pile Trumps veepstakes intensify as former rival rises to the top of the pile Donald Trump may be on the verge of setting aside another grudge within the Republican Party and elevating a former rival to be his running mate in 2024. The former president is reportedly considering three names as his current top choices to be the GOPs vice presidential nominee as he gears up for a rematch with President Joe Biden this fall. With his last vice president, Mike Pence, refusing to endorse him, Trumps list of potential choices has shrunk to include only Republicans who the former president is sure will serve as a loyal yes-man in a hypothetical second administration. And one of the three is a longtime sparring partner: his former 2016 primary opponent, Florida Senator Marco Rubio. The senator, famously dubbed Lil Marco by then-candidate Trump, bowed out of the race after a crushing defeat in his home state eight years ago. Trump has spoken to confidantes and advisers repeatedly in recent weeks about his latest top choices, according to The Washington Post, and earlier in June joined the conservative outlet Newsmax for an interview in which he mentioned Rubio specifically. Governor Burgum from North Dakota has been incredible. Marco Rubio has been great. J.D. Vance has been great. Weve had so many great people out there Ben Carson, Trump said. Burgum and Vance, the governor of North Dakota and senator from Ohio respectively, are thought to be the other two names at the top of his list. Rubios inclusion is notable in part due to his reversal on his view of Trump, the man. In 2016, he repeatedly attacked his opponents character and even made one crude remark which appeared to reference Trumps manhood. Have you seen his hands? he said in 2016. [Y]ou know what they say about men with small hands? Trump, in return, insulted Rubio (as well as his other GOP opponents) mercilessly. Marco Rubio is seen on Capitol Hill. The Florida senator is thought to be near the top of Donald Trumps shortlist for VP (Getty Images) Trump has yet to schedule a formal announcement of his running mate. The Post has reported that Trump may even wait until the week of the GOP convention in July to make his pick. Carson, too, ran for the GOP nomination in 2016, and Burgum ran against Trump earlier this year. But neither man took any sort of antagonistic tone towards the ex-president, and have instead become some of his most vocal allies. Burgum said in 2023 that he would not serve as Trumps vice president if asked, making his appearance on the ex-presidents shortlist one that would present an awkward about-face for him. Rubio, who has become a vocal supporter of Trump since his 2016 defeat, has taken the opposite position as Burgum. He has said that he would be honored to accept an offer to be Trumps vice president in a second term. Anybody who would be offered the chance to serve their country as vice president should consider that an honor, the senator told NBC News in March, while stressing that he had not been lobbying for himself within Trumpworld. Donald Trump speaks at a Turning Point USA conference on June 15, 2024 (Getty Images) The Biden campaign has indicated that they view the state of Florida, where Democrats have suffered resounding defeats in recent election cycles, as winnable or at the very least worth contesting in 2024. The president and his team have made abortion rights a central issue of Bidens re-election bid as they seek to press Trump on his home turf. But the addition of Rubio to Trumps ticket could be a backstop against those efforts. I happen to think that hes the candidate the Biden campaign probably fears the most, Florida-based Republican strategist Justin Sayfie told The Hill of Rubios potential inclusion on the Trump 2024 ticket. Of all the people that President Trump can pick to be his running mate, I think that the Biden campaign probably would not like to see Marco Rubio on the ticket. Nearly every hopeful for Donald Trumps vice presidential slot has found some way to audition publicly, whether by appearing on cable news shows or flanking their potential boss during his criminal trial. Few, however, have begun answering questions like theyre already interviewing for the top gig. Meet the Press guest moderator Peter Alexander asked Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) whether he would be ready to serve on day one as commander in chief if necessary. Instead of refusing to entertain the idea of Trump not being president, or offering a simple yes, Donalds launched into a list of his bonafides, including touting his intelligence. I think that I would have an ability to step in. Im actually pretty intelligent, Donalds said. I can sift through issues really, really well. Its about judgment. Its about logic streams. Its about how you make decisions at the end of the day. Donalds then also commended the role of the people who would help him make those decisions, noting the job requires people who are very qualified to be around to help you do that job and do whats in the best interest of the American people. Do I believe in myself? One-hundred percent I do, Donalds said. So, you know, well see what President Trump decides. Im going to support whatever he does. Donalds is one of multiple vice-presidential contenders who appeared on Sundays talk show circuit, which saw the likes of Sens. Tim Scott (R-SC), Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AK), North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, and Ben Carson tout Trumps record. Cotton, however, took a more measured approach when asked by CNN whether he would accept the job if Trump offered it. If the president asked me to serve in any capacity, I would, of course, entertain it, Cotton said. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. (This June 14 story has been corrected to fix the son's age to 16, not 17, in paragraph 1) By Nate Raymond BOSTON (Reuters) - U.S. authorities on Friday arrested a Turkish author and her 16-year-old son wanted by Turkey on charges he was involved in a fatal car crash in Istanbul then fled the country with the help of his mother. Turkish novelist and poet Eylem Tok and her son, Timur Cihantimur, were arrested pursuant to an extradition request from Turkey as they were about to tour an expensive private school in Boston, according to court papers. Their arrests were announced on the social media platform X by Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc, who said they were "captured in the United States in line with our extradition request." According to prosecutors, the teenager was driving a Porsche on the night of March 1 when, while speeding around a corner, he crashed into a group of people on all-terrain vehicles. One person, Oguz Murat Aci, died and four others were injured. Prosecutors said the teenager immediately fled the scene after saying something like "my life is over." He was picked up by the family's driver, and within three or four hours Tok had bought one-way plane tickets for herself and her son from Istanbul to Cairo, Egypt, according to court papers. Authorities said they continued to the United States, landing in New York on March 2. Turkish law enforcement had as of May believed they were in Miami and that they may have attempted to secure fraudulent passports to travel to Cuba, according to court papers. Turkey is seeking Cihantimur's extradition so he could be prosecuted for causing reckless killing and injury, while Tok, 44, is wanted on the charge of protecting an offender. U.S. Magistrate Judge Donald Cabell scheduled a Tuesday hearing at Boston's John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse to consider whether to keep them detained pending their extradition, after prosecutors in court papers argued the pair had the resources to flee given the chance. They noted that Tok's ex-husband is a well-known plastic surgeon and said that at the time of her arrest, Tok was carrying $5,000 in cash and that the mother and son were about to tour a private school where annual tuition costs $46,000. Brendan Kelley, a lawyer for Tok, argued she should be released, saying that under Turkish law her alleged offense carries no penalty if committed by a parent, potentially making it ineligible for extradition under a U.S.-Turkey treaty. "She's being detained in custody for something that might not even be extraditable," he said. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston and Tuvan Gumrukcu in Ankara; Writing by Burcu Karakas; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Daniel Wallis) Turner says US is at highest level of a possible terrorist threat House Intelligence Committee Chair Mike Turner (R-Ohio) said the United States has hit its highest level of a possible terrorist threat. CBSs Margaret Brennan asked Turner on Face the Nation about the recent arrests of several people who had alleged ties to the Islamic State. He said that he could not confirm the details of the arrests when asked Sunday if there was an active terror plot. But whats important about these reports and what were seeing, especially in conjunction with Director Wrays public statements, that we are at the highest level of a possible terrorist threat, that the administrations policies have absolutely directly related to threats to Americans, Turner said, referring to FBI Director Christopher Wray. He said these threats are no longer speculative and not longer hypothetical. We have actual administration officials stepping forward, and certainly our committee and our committee members have concurred on the intelligence that were seeing. That as a result of the administrations policies allowing people to cross the border unvetted, we have terrorists that are actively working inside the United States that are a threat to Americans, he added. In comments to a Senate committee earlier this month, Wray said the U.S. has seen threats from foreign terrorists rise to a whole nother level after October 7, according to his prepared remarks. Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, Wray has emphasized that the agency is working around the clock to disrupt potential terrorist attacks. Copyright 2024 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. ATHENS, Ohio (WCMH) Two men face a combined 40 years in prison after being sentenced in the largest drug case in Athens County history. Jeremiah Deundra Fuller, 26, of Detroit, and Javahri Emanuel Portis, 26, of Athens, were each given up to 20 years in prison on Thursday; ten of those years are mandatory. The men changed their pleas to guilty on 28 charges including engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, trafficking in a fentanyl-related compound, possession of a fentanyl-related compound, trafficking in cocaine, possession of cocaine, and having a weapon under disability. Man named as suspect in double fatal shooting at downtown Columbus nightclub According to Athens County prosecutor Keller J. Blackburn, the countys sheriffs office began investigating the men in 2023, which turned up nine known drug sales totaling more than four ounces of fentanyl and two ounces of methamphetamine, which Blackburn said was being sold for distribution in Athens, Fairfield, Meigs, and Morgan counties. Both Fuller and Portis were arrested in August 2023, which is when deputies allegedly found two ounces of fentanyl and one ounce of cocaine in the mens possession. During a sentencing hearing last week, Fuller and Portis both expressed remorse for their actions and apologized to their families and the community. Both said once they complete their sentences, they intend to help people seeking drug and/or alcohol use or mental health treatment. Copyright 2024 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. U.S. Marshals offering $5K reward for info on DeSoto County escaped inmate MEMPHIS, Tenn. The U.S. Marshals Service is now offering a reward for information on an inmate who escaped from a DeSoto County, Mississippi, courthouse. Saturday, the U.S. Marshals announced it is offering a $5,000 reward for information regarding the whereabouts of Joshua James Zimmerman. Zimmerman escaped from the DeSoto County courthouse in Hernando shortly before 8 a.m. Friday. Manhunt underway after inmate escapes from courthouse in DeSoto County, MS Zimmerman had been charged with attempted murder and armed robbery after Southaven Police arrested him on September 29. The U.S. Marshals say he is also wanted in connection with a murder in Houston, Texas. Friday evening, the DeSoto County Sheriffs Office said Zimmerman was believed to have left the immediate area. The U.S. Marshals say Zimmerman may have shaved his beard since his escape. Zimmerman is considered armed and dangerous. The U.S. Marshals say he has ties to Memphis and Waterbury, Connecticut. Anyone with information is asked to call the U.S. Marshals Service at 1-800-336-0102 and leave an anonymous tip. Copyright 2024 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 WREG.com. A 7.62X39mm round sits next a a 30-round magazine and an AK-47 with a bump stock installed at Good Guys Gun and Range in Orem, Utah, on Feb. 21, 2018. The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday struck down a 2018 rule to ban bump stocks, which allow semiautomatic rifles to fire at a rapid rate similar to fully automatic guns. (Photo by George Frey/Getty Images) A 7.62X39mm round sits next a a 30-round magazine and an AK-47 with a bump stock installed at Good Guys Gun and Range in Orem, Utah, on Feb. 21, 2018. The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday struck down a 2018 rule to ban bump stocks, which allow semiautomatic rifles to fire at a rapid rate similar to fully automatic guns. (Photo by George Frey/Getty Images) WASHINGTON The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday struck down a rule enacted following a 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas that defined a semiautomatic rifle equipped with a bump stock attachment as a machine gun, which is generally prohibited under federal law. The opinion, written by Justice Clarence Thomas, reduces the executive branchs already-limited ability to address gun violence. Thomas, a strong defender of Second Amendment gun rights, wrote that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives exceeded its statutory authority in prohibiting the sale and possession of bump stocks, which he said differed importantly from machine guns. Nothing changes when a semiautomatic rifle is equipped with a bump stock, Thomas wrote. Between every shot, the shooter must release pressure from the trigger and allow it to reset before reengaging the trigger for another shot. The case, Garland v. Cargill, was a 6-3 decision that broke along the courts established ideological lines. Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the senior member of the courts liberal wing, wrote the dissent, and argued that the decision puts bump stocks back in civilian hands. When I see a bird that walks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, I call that bird a duck, she wrote. A bump-stock-equipped semiautomatic rifle fires automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger. Because I, like Congress, call that a machinegun, I respectfully dissent. Gun safety setback The White House slammed the decision. Todays decision strikes down an important gun safety regulation, President Joe Biden said in a statement. Americans should not have to live in fear of this mass devastation. Biden called on Congress to ban bump stocks and assault weapons, but any gun-related legislation is likely to be stalled with Republicans controlling the House and Democrats holding only a slim majority in the Senate. Bump stocks have played a devastating role in many of the horrific mass shootings in our country, but sadly its no surprise to see the Supreme Court roll back this necessary public safety rule as they push their out of touch extreme agenda, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement. Trump-era rule This case stems from a regulation set during the Trump administration, following the mass shooting in Las Vegas. A gunman used rifles outfitted with bump stocks to fire into a crowd at a music festival, killing 58 people that night and two more who died of their injuries later, and injuring more than 500. The next year, the ATF issued the rule that concluded bump stocks are illegal machine guns. Anyone who owned or possessed a bump stock was required to either destroy the material or turn it in to the agency to avoid criminal penalties. Bump stocks have played a devastating role in many of the horrific mass shootings in our country, but sadly its no surprise to see the Supreme Court roll back this necessary public safety rule as they push their out of touch extreme agenda. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer Michael Cargill, a gun shop owner in Austin, Texas, surrendered two bump stocks to ATF and then challenged the rule in federal court. A U.S. district court dismissed his case, but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit agreed with Cargill that a 1986 laws definition of a machine gun does not apply to bump stocks because the rifles equipped with the attachments dont shoot multiple bullets automatically, or by a single function of the trigger. That law defined a machine gun as any weapon which shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily restored to shoot, automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger. The Biden administration appealed the 5th Circuits decision to the Supreme Court. High court arguments In oral arguments, the Biden administration defended the Trump-era rule and said that bump stocks allow semiautomatic rifles to fire automatically with a single pull of the trigger. Attorneys for Cargill argued that bump stocks are used by repeatedly pulling the trigger, rather than firing automatically with a single pull. In her dissent, Sotomayor said the decision will limit the federal governments efforts to keep machineguns from gunmen like the Las Vegas shooter. Thomas also wrote a major gun decision in 2022 that invalidated a New York law against carrying a firearm in public without showing a special need for protection. The court decided the case on 14th Amendment grounds, but it also expanded Second Amendment rights. Because of that 2022 decision, another gun related case is before the court this session that tests a federal law that prevents the possession of firearms by a person who is subject to a domestic violence protective order. A decision is expected this month. The post U.S. Supreme Court overturns ban on bump stocks used in Las Vegas mass shooting appeared first on Tennessee Lookout. The School of Biological Sciences will now be called the Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times) UC Irvine will rename its biological sciences school after Orange County biotech pioneer Charlie Dunlop, who recently made a $50-million donation to the school. The university said the money will be used for an endowment fund that will usher in a new era of discovery, bolstering academics and research programs within the school. Charlie Dunlops dedication to this vision and his deep generosity will help UC Irvine set a standard that other biology programs in the U.S. can follow, Chancellor Howard Gillman said in a statement. The School of Biological Sciences will now be called the Charlie Dunlop School of Biological Sciences. Dunlop, a UC San Diego graduate, founded Ambry Genetics in 1999. He grew the company from its small office above a Harley-Davidson motorcycle shop into a leading genetics testing firm with 700 employees. In 2017, the Aliso Viejo-based company was bought by a Japanese manufacturer in a deal valued at up to $1 billion. Dunlop's company made headlines for making the genetic data from the people it tested publicly available with the idea that researchers could use it to study genes linked to certain diseases. Dunlop said at the time that his experience with prostate cancer fueled his decision to make anonymized genetic information public. Dunlop said his company recruited heavily from UC Irvine and credited the school for teaching much of his workforce. It would have been impossible to build a business like Ambry without UC Irvine, he said in a statement. The School of Biological Sciences had previously been named after faculty member Francisco J. Ayala, a famed geneticist who gave the school $ 10 millio n hed earned from his highly profitable vineyards. Ayala's name was dropped from the school in 2018 after a university investigation found he sexually harassed multiple faculty members and graduate students. At the time, the donation was the largest ever from a faculty member. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his Palauan counterpart Surangel Whipps Jr. in Switzerland. Photo: Ukrainian Presidents Office President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with his Palauan counterpart, Surangel Whipps Jr, in Switzerland, marking the first high-level contact between the two countries and the beginning of their diplomatic relations. Source: Zelenskyy on Facebook Details: In the presence of the two presidents, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and Eunice Akiwo, Director of the Palau Bureau of Domestic Affairs, signed a Joint Communique on establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries. Zelenskyy thanked Palau for supporting Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty and invited it to join the implementation of the Environmental Security Clause of Ukraines Peace Formula. Zelenskyy mentioned the environmental threats posed by the Russian occupation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Quote from Zelenskyy: "It is very important that you found the opportunity to attend the Peace Summit. I thank Palau for its clear stance in support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The issues discussed at the Summit are important not only for Europe but also for the whole world." Support UP or become our patron! Volodymyr Zelensky during the peace summit in Switzerland - ALESSANDRO DELLA VALLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images Volodymyr Zelensky has said that he would be open to peace talks tomorrow with Russia if it pulled its troops out of his country. Russia can start the negotiations with us tomorrow, not waiting for anything, if they pull out from our legal territories, the Ukrainian leader said. His message came at the end of a diplomatic summit in Switzerland, which saw 80 countries jointly calling for the territorial integrity of Ukraine to be the basis for any peace agreement to end Russias two-year war. Earlier on Sunday, however, Russia claimed to capture another village, and the Kremlin spokesman said that Kyiv should reflect on Vladimir Putins demand for Kyivs effective surrender as a basis for peace talks. The current dynamic of the situation at the front shows us clearly that its continuing to worsen for the Ukrainians. Its probable that a politician who puts the interests of his country above his own and those of his masters would reflect on such a proposal, said Dmitry Peskov. 05:33 PM BST Thats all for today Thank you for following our live blog coverage. On Sunday 16 June, Volodymyr Zelensky said that he would be open to peace talks tomorrow with Russia if it pulled its troops out of his country. His message came at the end of a diplomatic summit in Switzerland, which saw 80 countries jointly calling for the territorial integrity of Ukraine to be the basis for any peace agreement to end Russias two-year war. However, he also said that Russia was not ready to discuss a just and lasting peace. Other key developments from the day were: Ukraine should reflect on Vladimir Putins call for Kyiv to withdraw its troops from the east and south of the country in order to open peace talks, as its military situation is worsening, the Kremlin said. Russian forces took control of the village of Zahirne in Ukraines Zaporizhzhia region, the Russias defence ministry said, continuing its progress on the front line. US military ammunition resupplies have reached front line Ukrainian units but not yet in large enough quantities to reverse Russian momentum, a senior Ukrainian commander said. Saudi Arabia, India, South Africa, Thailand, Indonesia, Mexico and the United Arab Emirates were among countries participating at a summit on peace for Ukraine that did not sign a final communique. A follow-up summit to this weekends talks in Switzerland aimed at paving the way for peace in Ukraine is conceivable before the US presidential election in November, said Ignazio Cassis, the Swiss foreign minister. Qatar helped to mediate the return from Russia of 30 or more Ukrainian children to their families, according to Jake Sullivan, the White House national security adviser. A Russian journalist was killed in a drone attack in eastern Ukraine, his news organisation said, days after the death of another correspondent near the front line. Norway said it will provide 1.1 billion kroner ($103 million) to Ukraine to help repair its energy infrastructure and secure the countrys electricity supply before next winter. The crew of the Ukrainian-owned and Polish-operated M/V Verbena abandoned ship after being attacked by Yemeni Houthis. 04:54 PM BST Zelensky posts video of final speech from peace summit I thank all participants of the first Peace Summit for taking the first steps towards peace together. pic.twitter.com/9WFIhjKKF4 Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) June 16, 2024 04:40 PM BST Canada plans meeting to tackle human cost of Ukraine war Canada plans to host a gathering of foreign ministers in the coming months to advance work on the human cost of the war in Ukraine, said Justin Trudeau, the Canadian prime minister. Canada will also provide Ukraine with 52.4 million Canadian dollars ($38.1 million) in various aid, the government announced. 04:24 PM BST British MoD releases footage of Ukrainian recruits training Find out about the training Ukrainian recruits are undertaking as they prepare for war in our latest documentary. Britain x Ukraine III | British trained troops head back to the Ukrainian frontlines. Catch 'Return to War' on MOD YouTube now: https://t.co/KlowskTCUg pic.twitter.com/JQJeqeTvJq Ministry of Defence (@DefenceHQ) June 16, 2024 04:06 PM BST Putin piles pressure on Ukraine as Russian troops capture more ground Ukraine should reflect on Vladimir Putins call for Kyiv to withdraw its troops from the east and south of the country in order to open peace talks, as its military situation is worsening, the Kremlin said Sunday. The current dynamic of the situation at the front shows us clearly that its continuing to worsen for the Ukrainians. Its probable that a politician who puts the interests of his country above his own and those of his masters would reflect on such a proposal, said Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesman. The statement came as Russia claimed to capture another village, Zahirne, in southern Ukraine. Servicemen of 24th Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces fire a 120-mm mortar towards Russian troops - UKRAINIAN ARMED FORCES Meanwhile, a senior Ukrainian commander said that US military ammunition resupplies have finally reached front line Ukrainian units but not yet in large enough quantities to reverse Russian momentum. Lieutenant General Ivan Havrylyuk, first deputy defence minister, said that most of the equipment and ammunition pledged by the US in April was still in transit. It takes time to load ships that must then cross the Atlantic, he told the Associated Press, adding that artillery shells had arrived. But we are already seeing the results. 04:02 PM BST Another Ukraine summit possible before US election, Swiss minister says A follow-up summit to this weekends talks in Switzerland aimed at paving the way for peace in Ukraine is conceivable before the US presidential election in November, said Ignazio Cassis, the Swiss foreign minister. Where the next Ukraine conference could be held was unclear at the conclusion of the summit of world leaders at the Buergenstock resort in central Switzerland. 03:35 PM BST Zelensky says China should communicate its peace proposals to Ukraine directly Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine speaks during the Ukrainian closing press conference - ALESSANDRO DELLA VALLE/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday that China should communicate its peace proposals on ending the war with Russia to Ukraine directly, instead of doing so via media outlets. The Ukrainian leader made the comment at a news conference in Switzerland after an international summit to build consensus on how to end the war. 03:25 PM BST Zelensky says Western aid not enough to win war Volodymyr Zelensky said that the current level of Western military aid being sent to his country is not enough to ensure Kyiv wins the war against Russia. There is aid. There are serious packages. Is it enough to win? No. Is it late? Yes, Mr Zelensky told reporters. 02:34 PM BST Zelensky says Russia is not ready for a just peace Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia was not ready to discuss a just and lasting peace. Russia does not want peace, that is a fact, Mr Zelensky told a press conference at the end of a major diplomatic summit in Switzerland. Russia and their leadership are not ready for a just peace, thats a fact, he added. 02:12 PM BST Path towards peace in Ukraine will require patience and determination, says EU A Swiss summit over the weekend has brought peace closer to Ukraine but real peace will not be achieved in one step, and the path there will require patience and determination, Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission Chief, said on Sunday. We know that peace in Ukraine will not be achieved in one step, it will be a journey, she said after the talks. It was not a peace negotiation because (Russias president Vladimir) Putin is not serious about ending the war, hes insisting on capitulation, hes insisting on ceding Ukrainian territory even territory that today is not occupied. 01:57 PM BST US weapons finally arrive on front line US military ammunition resupplies have reached front line Ukrainian units but not yet in large enough quantities to reverse Russian momentum, a senior Ukrainian commander has said. Lieutenant General Ivan Havrylyuk, first deputy defence minister, said that most of the equipment and ammunition pledged by the US in April was still in transit. It takes time to load ships that must then cross the Atlantic, he told the Associated Press, adding that artillery shells had arrived. But we are already seeing the results. Gen. Havrylyuk said that the Russian artillery shell advantage had fallen to five-to-one from seven-to-one and that this gap will steadily shrink. The war in Ukraine has turned into a war of attrition, with artillery shell volumes playing a major role. Russia is estimated to be sustaining more than 1,000 casualties a day as it tries to push its material advantage before more US equipment strengthens Ukraines defences. 01:43 PM BST Eighty countries call for territorial integrity of Ukraine Eighty countries have jointly called for the territorial integrity of Ukraine to be the basis for any peace agreement to end Russias war, though some key developing nations at a Swiss conference did not join in. The joint communique capped a two-day conference at the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland marked by the absence of Russia, which was not invited, but that many attendees hoped could join in on a roadmap to peace. The final document said the UN Charter and respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty can and will serve as a basis for achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. 01:22 PM BST Saudi Arabia, India, South Africa opt out of Ukraine declaration Saudi Arabia, India, South Africa, Thailand, Indonesia, Mexico and the United Arab Emirates were among countries participating at a summit on peace for Ukraine that did not sign a final communique, the Swiss government said on Sunday. Switzerland, which hosted the summit, said over 90 countries took part in the talks, and the vast majority of them signed up to the communique, according to a list which the Swiss organizers posted at the close of proceedings. Brazil, which was listed as an observer on the list of attendees, also did not feature as a signatory. 12:58 PM BST Zelensky hopes for quick results after Swiss peace conference The support of Western and other leaders at a Swiss summit on peace for Ukraine demonstrates that the rule of international law can be restored,Volodymyr Zelenskiy said after the two-day meeting in Buergenstock. I hope that we can achieve results as soon as possible, he told the plenary. Well prove to everyone in the world that the UN Charter can be restored to full effectiveness. 12:21 PM BST Swiss right-wing leader calls Ukraine summit an embarrassment A leading Swiss right-wing nationalist described the Ukraine peace summit held in his country as an embarrassment. The right-wing Swiss Peoples Party, the biggest group in the lower house of parliament, says neutrality is an integral part of Switzerlands prosperity, and it has initiated a referendum to embed the principle in the constitution. Leading figures in the party have argued Switzerland should not have hosted this weekends summit without Russia, and Nils Fiechter, chief of the SVPs youth wing, delivered a damning verdict on the talks to Russian broadcaster RT. The conference will achieve nothing, Mr Fiechter told RT on the eve of the talks, in comments picked up by Swiss media on Sunday. The whole thing is an absolute farce and an embarrassment for our country. 11:54 AM BST LGBT soldiers march in Ukraine Several hundred LGBT Ukrainian servicemen and their supporters marched in central Kyiv Sunday to demand more rights and highlight their service to their country. The servicemembers many wearing rainbow and unicorn patches on their uniforms called on the government to grant them official partnership rights. They described the event as a pride march but it did not have the celebratory atmosphere of peacetime events and took place in the rain and under a heavy police guard amid threats from counterprotesters. Photos of LGBT soldiers killed in action amid Russia's invasion are held during Kyiv pride - SERGEY DOLZHENKO/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock This year marked the first pride event in Ukraine since Russia's large-scale invasion in February 2022 - Nikoletta Stoyanova/Getty Images The role of LGBT members in the military has been credited with shifting public attitudes toward same-sex partnerships in the socially conservative country. We are ordinary people who are fighting on an equal footing with everyone else, but deprived of the rights that other people have, Dmitriy Pavlov, an army soldier who used a cane to walk, told The Associated Press. 11:45 AM BST Russia takes control of Zahirne village Russian forces have taken control of the village of Zahirne in Ukraines Zaporizhzhia region, the Russias defence ministry has said, continuing its progress on the front line. Units of the Eastern forces have liberated the settlement of Zagrine in the Zaporizhzhia region and occupied more favourable positions, the Russian defence ministry said in its daily report. The report could not be immediately verified. 11:44 AM BST Kremlin says Kyiv should reflect on troop withdrawal Ukraine should reflect on Vladimir Putins call for Kyiv to withdraw its troops from the east and south of the country in order to open peace talks, as its military situation is worsening, the Kremlin said Sunday. The current dynamic of the situation at the front shows us clearly that its continuing to worsen for the Ukrainians. Its probable that a politician who puts the interests of his country above his own and those of his masters would reflect on such a proposal, said Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesman. 11:22 AM BST Putin not ruling out talks with Ukraine Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, is not ruling out talks with Ukraine, but guarantees will be needed to ensure the credibility of any negotiations, Russian news agencies cited Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, as saying on Sunday. 11:20 AM BST Russian photographer killed in Ukrainian drone attack A Russian journalist has been killed in a drone attack in eastern Ukraine, his news organisation said Sunday, days after the death of another correspondent near the front line. Our correspondent Nikita Tsitsagi was killed during an attack by Ukrainian army drones, News.Ru posted on Telegram. It said the attack happened around the Saint-Nicolas monastery near the town of Vuhledar, a small coal mining town which has been the scene of fierce fighting for the past three months, since Russia launched its spring offensive. Russian journalist Nikita Tsitsagi On Thursday, a journalist for Russian state television was killed and another wounded in a Ukrainian drone strike in Golmivsky, a Russian-controlled village in the Donetsk region. Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, said earlier this month that at least 30 of the countrys journalists had been killed since the start of the conflict in Ukraine. There was no immediate comment from Ukraine. 10:50 AM BST Norway gives $103mn to Ukraine to secure electricity Norway has said it will provide 1.1 billion kroner ($103 million) to Ukraine to help repair its energy infrastructure and secure the countrys electricity supply before next winter. Russia is carrying out massive, systematic attacks to paralyse the power grid, but Ukrainians are working day and night to maintain essential electricity supplies for the population, Jonas Gahr Store, the prime minister, said in a statement. According to government estimates, more than 50 per cent of Ukraines power production capacity has been destroyed. Norway has pledged 75 billion kroner in military and civilian aid to Ukraine for the five-year period 2023-2027 - Urs Flueeler/Keystone via AP Norway said it had already been decided that 120 million kroner would go toward repairs in the Kharkiv area, which has been hit particularly hard by Russian attacks recently. Solar panels will be installed at seven maternity units and operating theatres in the Kharkiv area, Mr Store said. 10:36 AM BST Zelensky thanks guests for attending summit A united world is a world of peace, a world that knows how to do the right thing. I thank everyone who worked for this day every leader, all the teams and advisors of the leaders, all the countries. Our unity here proves that the very idea of international law remains alive and pic.twitter.com/SXOR0KlPRN Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) June 16, 2024 10:28 AM BST Who will sign the peace summit declaration? It remains to be seen how many countries will back a final joint declaration from the peace summit. Karl Nehammer, the Austrian Chancellor, has sought to temper hopes somewhat. Just to manage expectations, please: The crucial take-away is that weve all come here, that were talking, that many different nations and continents are talking to each other ... This is the essence of this conference, he said. The final summit declaration labels Russias invasion as a war, calls for Ukraines control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and its Azov Sea ports to be restored, and demands that Ukraines territorial integrity is respected. 10:23 AM BST Kyivs positions considered in final communique Kyivs positions have been considered in the final communique for a summit of world leaders convened to pursue peace in Ukraines war with Russia, Dmytro Kuleba, the Ukrainian foreign minister, said on Sunday. He told reporters at the Buergenstock resort in central Switzerland that the text was complete and balanced. He also said no alternative peace plans had been discussed at the two-day event. 10:12 AM BST Hostage takers at Russian detention centre killed and guards freed Russian special forces have stormed the detention centre in Rostov, killing several hostage takers and freeing the two guards who had been held at knife-point by prisoners with links to Islamic State, Russian media reported. Intense automatic gunfire could be heard in footage published on Russian telegram channels. The criminals were eliminated, Russias Federal Penitentiary Service said in a statement quoted by the Interfax news agency. The employees who were being held hostage were released. They are uninjured, the prison service said. 10:01 AM BST In pictures: Ukraines peace summit Volodymyr Zelensky delivers a speech during the plenary session of the peace summit - URS FLUEELER / POOL / AFP Some of the world leaders who have gathered in Switzerland this weekened - MICHAEL BUHOLZER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images Volodymyr Zelensky awards the Order of Freedom of Ukraine Mette Frederiksen, the to prime minister of Denmark - ALESSANDRO DELLA VALLE/Pool via REUTERS 09:52 AM BST Staff on Ukrainian-owned ship evacuated after Houthi attack The crew of the Ukrainian-owned and Polish-operated M/V Verbena have abandoned ship after being attacked by Yemeni Houthis, US Central Command reports. The vessel was struck by two separate missile strikes on 13 June. On June 15 the crew sent out a distress call indicating they were abandoning the ship due to an ongoing fire and their inability to control it. The Anna Meta vessel responded to provide assistance, picked up the sailors and transported them to safety. This continued malign and reckless behavior by the Iranian-backed Houthis threatens regional stability and endangers the lives of mariners across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, the Central Command report said. 09:39 AM BST Inmates take staff hostage at Russian detention centre Six detainees, some with links to Islamic State, took guards hostage at a pre-trial detention centre in Russias southern region of Rostov and demanded free passage in negotiations with the authorities, local media has reported. The men, who include some already convicted of terrorism offences, knocked out the bars of a window in their cell and entered a guard room where they took at least two prison officers hostage, the Baza Telegram channel said. State media said that some of the prisoners were accused of terrorism offences including affiliation with the Islamic State militant group, which claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on a Moscow concert hall in March. 09:29 AM BST In pictures: The world leaders at the Ukraine peace summit An official photograph of the Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland - Simon Walker / No 10 Downing Street 09:24 AM BST Qatar helped mediate return of 30 Ukrainian children Jake Sullivan, the White House national security adviser, has told reporters that Qatar had helped to mediate the return from Russia of 30 or more Ukrainian children to their families. Its going to take international pressure. Its going to take a spotlight from the international community and not just from the voices from the United States or Europe but from unusual voices, as well, to say what Russia has done here is morally reprehensible and must be reversed, he said. Kyiv says about 20,000 children have been taken to Russia or Russian-occupied territory without the consent of family or guardians since the war began. Moscow rejects this, saying it has protected vulnerable children from the war zone. 09:18 AM BST Ukraines peace summit demands Global leaders will use the second day of Ukraines major summit in Switzerland to pursue a consensus on condemning Russias invasion of Ukraine and underscoring concerns about the wars human cost. A draft of the final summit declaration seen by Reuters refers to Russias invasion as a war a label Moscow rejects and calls for Ukraines control over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant and its Azov Sea ports to be restored. World leaders at the event include Kamala Harris, the US vice-president, Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, and Emmanuel Macron, the French president. Many Western leaders have already voiced forceful condemnation of the invasion. Pedro Sanchez, the Spanish prime minister, said: One thing is clear in this conflict: there is an aggressor, which is Putin, and there is a victim, which is the Ukrainian people. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Ukraine summit declaration unlikely to be signed by all participants Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (R) and Swiss Federal President Viola Amherd give a press conference during a Summit on Peace in Ukraine at the luxury Burgenstock resort. -/Ukraine Presidency/dpa Not all participants at the Ukraine peace summit in Switzerland are expected to sign the final declaration, although more because of the wording than an actual lack of support, according to Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer. Diplomatic subtleties in the writing aside, the basic common position would not be affected, Nehammer said on Sunday on the sidelines of the event at the Burgenstock mountain hotel resort near Lucerne. "That's why I'm not so worried if not everyone signs now," said the chancellor. The question of the scope of a follow-up conference was also still difficult to answer. Before Russia also takes a seat at the negotiating table, another conference in a different format is conceivable, Nehammer added. "You really have to see it as a process," he said. The two-day conference of 92 states and eight international organizations was due to end in the afternoon, when the final declaration was also to be published. According to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, the conference as such brought significant progress. Kuleba said that all countries that were not present were also aware of the impetus provided by the meeting. Overall, the process that has been initiated is very welcome, he said: "We are on the right track." Kuleba again stressed the need to support Ukraine militarily with the highest quality weapons possible. The stronger Ukraine is, the more willing Moscow will be to negotiate peace, according to him. Press conferences were planned at the end of the conference, including with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The aim of the event was to initiate a peace process in which Russia would also be involved in the long term. Officials from Moscow were not invited on this occasion and did not express a wish to attend. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gives a press conference with Swiss Federal President Viola Amherd during a Summit on Peace in Ukraine at the luxury Burgenstock resort. -/Ukraine Presidency/dpa President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Kyiv has started negotiations with a number of countries that have expressed interest in holding the second Peace Summit. Source: Zelenskyy said this following the first Peace Summit in Switzerland, European Pravda reports Details: He said that "every step on the way to a just peace" attracted the attention of certain groups of Summit participants, as well as countries "that have not yet joined but are interested in peace". Quote: "We already have countries that have expressed their interest in holding the second Peace Summit, and we have started negotiations with them," Zelenskyy said, without naming the list of such countries. The president also said that the participating states agreed to continue working together on the points of the Peace Formula, in particular on the level of advisers and ministers of the participating states, as well as special meetings. Quote: "Three challenges were analysed in detail at the first Peace Summit: nuclear security, food security and the release of our prisoners of war, as well as thousands and thousands of children abducted by the Russian Federation. And now, after the Summit, we have proposed and agreed to continue our joint work at the technical level," Zelenskyy said. Background: In a joint communique, the participants of the Peace Summit underlined their determination to refrain from threatening or using force against any state's territorial integrity or political independence, as well as the principles of sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity that all states, including Ukraine, live up to. The final declaration of the Global Peace Summit, held in Switzerland, was signed by 80 countries and four organisations. On the eve of the event, Switzerland rejected the final document of the Peace Summit, which could have had undesirable consequences for Ukraine the decision's text was subsequently changed. Support UP or become our patron! Key developments on June 16: 78 countries, 4 European institutions sign peace summit ' s joint communique US announces $1.5 billion in aid for Ukraine, including support for energy infrastructure At least 70 drones used in attack on Russia ' s Morozovsk airbase, Budanov confirms Russia suffered 4,000 casualties in a month of fighting in Kharkiv offensive, Ukraine says Zelensky: Russia launches 3,500 missiles a month on civilian targets, infrastructure Seventy-eight countries, including Ukraine, and four European institutions signed the final joint communique of the Switzerland peace summit on June 16, according to a Kyiv Independent reporter on the ground. The countries notably absent from the list of signatories include India, Armenia, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Indonesia, Bahrain, Colombia, South Africa, Thailand, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates. Representatives of around 100 countries and organizations gathered at the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland on June 15-16 to discuss a possible way toward peace and other key concerns related to Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine. Russia was not invited to attend. Brazil, present as an observer in the list of 92 confirmed participant countries shared by the Swiss Foreign Ministry on June 14, has also not signed the communique. The organizations that signed the document are the Council of Europe, the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the European Council. Read also: Explainer: What is the global peace summit in Switzerland, and what does Ukraine hope to achieve? The communique called to return the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant under full control of Ukraine, ensure uninterrupted manufacturing and supply of food products in Ukraine, secure full access to sea ports in the Black and Azov Seas, release all prisoners of war, and return all deported Ukrainian children, among other things. The document also declared any threat or use of nuclear weapons in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine inadmissible and attacks on ships and civilian ports unacceptable. "We believe that reaching peace requires the involvement of and dialogue between all parties. We, therefore, decided to undertake concrete steps in the future in the above-mentioned areas with further engagement of the representatives of all parties," adds the text. "The United Nations Charter, including the principles of respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states, can and will serve as a basis in achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine." Countries that have not attended the summit will be able to sign the communique later, Ukraine's Presidential Office head, Andriy Yermak , said on national television on June 15. In a final statement following the summit, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the signatories would work in groups on the issues mentioned in the communique as the next step. He added that when an action plan is ready to implement each point declared in the document, the second peace summit could take place. "We don't have time for long-term work. Moving toward peace means moving quickly. Preparation will take months, not years." Yermak previously said on the sidelines of the summit that Kyiv hoped to formulate a new joint peace plan based on Zelensky's 10-point peace formula but was open to all opinions from other countries. This plan could then be presented to Russia during a second summit, Yermak added. The peace formula includes Russia's full withdrawal from Ukraine and prosecution of war crimes, among other steps. Read also: Opinion: 8 lessons from Russias war in Ukraine US announces $1.5 billion in aid for Ukraine, including support for energy infrastructure The U.S. will provide Ukraine with $1.5 billion in aid to support the country's energy infrastructure, address urgent humanitarian needs, and bolster civilian security, including the protection of the border, Vice President Kamala Harris said on June 15. In recent months, Russia has intensified its attacks against Ukraine's critical infrastructure in a renewed assault against the country's energy grid. As a result of the attacks on energy infrastructure, Ukraine began implementing rolling shutdowns on May 15, but they have dramatically increased in recent days. Harris made the announcement as she joined Ukraine's global peace summit in Switzerland. The package, which is jointly funded by the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), will include $500 million in energy assistance, as well as the redirection of $324 million in previously announced funding toward emergency energy needs in Ukraine. "This funding will repair energy infrastructure damaged in the war, expand power generation, encourage private sector investment, and protect energy infrastructure," the statement on the White House's website read. The assistance also includes $379 million in humanitarian assistance from the U.S. government and USAID to address the needs of refugees, internally displaced persons, and conflict-affected communities. The State Department further aims to provide an additional $300 million for the lifesaving equipment of Ukrainian border guards and law enforcement, allowing them to operate on the front lines. Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, the United States has devoted more than $3.2 billion in humanitarian assistance funding and nearly $1.5 billion to help the recovery of the energy sector. Read also: Opinion: Will the renewed US support for Ukraine be enough? At least 70 drones used in attack on Russia's Morozovsk airbase, Budanov confirms The Morozovsk airfield, located in Russia's Rostov Oblast, was attacked by at least 70 drones on June 13, the War Zone media outlet said on June 14, citing Ukraine's military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov. Rostov Oblast Governor Vasily Golubev said the previous day that Russian air defense units faced a "mass attack" of drones, which caused a fire and disruptions to the local power supply. Russia's Defense Ministry then said that 70 drones had been shot down over the oblast. Budanov said that he was "waiting for information" about the extent of the damage caused at the airfield, which satellite imagery has confirmed hosts Su-34 fighter jets. The War Zone republished satellite imagery from Planet Labs, which showed both jets at the airfield before the attack and some subsequent evidence of damage caused. Russian Telegram channels conceded that the attack on the airbase had occurred, but some claimed that all the drones had been downed, while others claimed that some had struck the airbase and possibly killed as many as six pilots. Subscribe to newsletter War Notes Subscribe The claims could not be independently verified, and Budanov did not comment on possible casualties. It was not the first reported attack on the Morozovsk airbase, which is located some 180 kilometers (111 miles) from the Ukrainian border. Sources confirmed to the Kyiv Independent that drones had struck the airbase in April in a joint operation carried out by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Ukrainian military. At least six military aircraft were destroyed, and another eight were damaged, according to the source. Furthermore, about 20 Russian soldiers were reportedly killed or wounded. The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify the information. When asked if Ukraine planned to attack the airbase again, Budanov said "yes." Read also: Russias Su-57 hype vs. reality Russia suffered 4,000 casualties in a month of fighting in Kharkiv offensive, Ukraine says Russian forces suffered around 4,000 troops killed or injured during their offensive in northern Kharkiv Oblast between May 10 and June 10, Ukraine's Khortytsia group of forces said on June 14. Russia launched the new campaign on May 10, but it has effectively bogged down in just about two weeks, with Ukrainian forces counterattacking near the border town of Vovchansk. The Ukrainian Armed Forces further damaged or destroyed 52 Russian tanks, 59 armored vehicles, 165 artillery systems, six units of air defense equipment, 425 bunkers and shelters, and 37 ammunition warehouses in a month of fighting, the statement read. The losses do not include casualties Russian forces suffered in the Kupiansk sector in Kharkiv Oblast's northeast. European Pravda reported on June 13 that according to its undisclosed NATO source, Russian losses in the offensive have been "astronomical." The source estimated that "Russia likely suffered losses of almost 1,000 people a day in May," potentially indicating even higher numbers than those presented by the Khortytsia group. President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview published on May 25 that Russia's losses during the offensive were eight times higher than those suffered by Ukraine's Armed Forces. The figures could not be independently verified. Read also: Russias move on Kharkiv has bogged down. But was it a failure? Zelensky: Russia launches 3,500 missiles a month on civilian targets, infrastructure Russia fires around 3,500 missiles a month on Ukrainian civilian targets and infrastructure, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky, Italian TV channel Sky TG24 reported on June 14. Zelensky referred to the KAB missiles, Russian precision-guided weapons used to strike front-line settlements. During an interview with the TV channel, Zelensky said that the missiles are only used on civilian targets to force citizens to flee cities and villages in preparation for Russian occupation. "The same thing was done by (Adolf) Hitler. It's actually the same manual," he said. He stressed that Russia lies when claiming to only hit military targets. Zelensky also noted that Russia wanted to occupy Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, but failed as Ukraine's military stabilized the situation. Russia opened up a new offensive in northern Kharkiv Oblast on May 10, but Ukraine prevented Russian troops from advancing past the first line of defense. Russia has relentlessly targeted Kharkiv with glide bombs, amping up the attacks in early May. However, attacks have reduced after Washington late last month approved for Ukraine to use American weapons to hit targets inside Russia. Following the lift of the ban, Ukrainian forces struck missile launch positions in Russia. During the interview, Zelensky thanked U.S. President Joe Biden for continued support after Kyiv and Washington signed an unprecedented bilateral security agreement during the G7 summit in Italy on June 13. Zelensky said the deal, "clearly states that America supports Ukraine's efforts to win this war." He described the agreement as a "bridge" to Ukraine's future NATO membership. The text states that the U.S. "commits to support Ukraine in developing a modern, NATO-interoperable force that can credibly deter and, if necessary, defend against future aggression," including developing Ukraine's air and missile defense, cybersecurity, and maritime capabilities. The U.S. also commits to working toward procurement of squadrons of modern fighter aircraft, "including, but not limited to, F-16s," according to the text. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian forces have mounted 18 attempts to break through Ukrainian defensive lines on the Pokrovsk front in Donetsk Oblast since the beginning of the day. Ukraine's General Staff has assessed the situation as "tense". Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 10:00 on 16 June Details: Ukrainian and Russian forces have clashed 41 times since the beginning of the day. On the Kharkiv front, the Russians attacked Ukrainian units near the town of Vovchansk, but to no avail. On the Lyman front, a Russian assault also failed. Ukrainian forces have lost no positions. The Russians are active on the Siversk front. Five combat engagements have taken place there since the beginning of the day. Ukrainian defenders repelled one Russian attack near the settlements of Rozdolivka and Verkhnokamianske. Russian forces remain active near Rozdolivka, with three more combat engagements currently ongoing. On the Pokrovsk front, Russian troops have made 18 attempts to break through Ukrainian defences near Novooleksandrivka, Yevhenivka, Sokil, and Umanske since the beginning of the day. Ukrainian forces have repelled nine assaults, and the same number of attacks are in progress. The situation is tense. Ukrainian soldiers are taking measures to stabilise the situation and prevent the Russians from advancing deeper into Ukraine's territory. On the Kurakhove front, Ukrainian defenders repelled a Russian attack near the village of Paraskoviivka, and one more combat engagement is ongoing near the settlement of Krasnohorivka. Ukraine's defence forces are in control of the situation. Russian troops have made no progress. On the Vremivka front, seven Russian attempts to approach Ukrainian positions near the settlements of Vodiane and Urozhaine have failed. Ukrainian forces have lost no positions. On the Orikhiv front, two Russian assaults near the settlements of Mala Tokmachka and Robotyne failed. Support UP or become our patron! Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday predicted history being made at the Swiss-hosted conference that aims to plot the first steps toward peace in Ukraine even though experts and critics don't expect any major breakthroughs because Russia isn't attending. The presidents of Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Kenya and Somalia joined dozens of Western heads of state, other senior government leaders and high-level envoys at the meeting, in the hopes that Russia could join in one day. In a brief statement to reporters alongside Swiss President Viola Amherd at the outset of the summit, Zelenskyy cast the gathering as a success, saying: We have succeeded in bringing back to the world the idea that joint efforts can stop war and establish a just peace. I believe that we will witness history being made here at the summit, he said. Swiss officials hosting the conference said more than 50 heads of state and government would attend the gathering at the Burgenstock resort overlooking Lake Lucerne. Some 100 delegations, including European bodies and the United Nations, were also expected. Who would and wouldn't show up was a point of intrigue about a meeting that critics said would be pointless without the presence of Russia, which invaded Ukraine in February 2022. Although his country didn't attend, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday took the rare step of clearly laying out his conditions for ending the war. But his proposals didnt include any new demands, and Kyiv blasted them as manipulative and absurd. Turkey and Saudi Arabia sent their foreign ministers to the meeting, while key developing countries such as Brazil only an observer at the event India and South Africa were represented by lower-level officials. China, which backs Russia, joined scores of countries that sat out the conference. Beijing has said any peace process would require the participation of Russia and Ukraine, and has floated its own ideas for peace. Last month, China and Brazil agreed to six common understandings on a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis, asking other countries to endorse them and play a role in promoting peace talks. The six points include an agreement to support an international peace conference held at a proper time that is recognized by both Russia and Ukraine, with equal participation of all parties as well as fair discussion of all peace plans. Zelenskyy led a diplomatic push to draw participants to the Swiss summit. Russian troops who control vast swaths of eastern and southern Ukraine